A Pirate's Ransom by Gerri Brousseau Read Free Book Online Page B

from the Captain’s cabin up to the deck. Each crew member was instructed to bathe and wash their clothes. Shirts and britches hung on the rails and in the rigging drying in the wind as the last of the pirate crew lined up for a bath. Their grumbling was short lived when I arrived. “Gentlemen, it is now a pleasure to stand among you. Who would have ever imagined such handsome men to be hidden beneath all that grime?” I walked between them, straightening a collar here and there, and touching a clean-shaven face.
    Their smiles told me the flattery had hit its mark.
    “What the devil is going on here?” the Captain’s deep voice boomed from behind me.
    Mister Smith was quick to reply.
    “Beggin’ yer pardon, Captain, Sir, but I thought it be fittin’, since we have a Lady aboard, that the men make themselves more presentable. Clean themselves up a bit ... it be only right.”
    His eyes traveled over the clothes hanging in the rigging and along the rails, and he shook his head. Walking to stand before me, he asked, “The crew is wearing their Sunday best, are they? Is this your doing, Countess?”
    “Nay, Captain,” Smith quickly answered, “it be mine.”
    “Would you care for a bath, Captain?” I teased.
    Looking down at me, his eyes danced with amusement. Leaning closer, he whispered so only I could hear, “Is that an invitation, Milady? Would you care to wash my back?”
    My cheeks burned. Part of me wanted to slap him and part of me wanted to watch the trails of warm soapy water run down his strong, naked back.
    That night, as in keeping with my new strategy, I decided Mary and I would take our evening meal with the crew. As we made our way along the dark and narrow passageway to the galley, butterflies danced in my stomach at the prospects of seeing him .
    Laughter and the sounds of conversation and genuine camaraderie emanated from the galley, but as soon as I entered the room, the men’s voices fell silent. My eyes roamed the galley. The dark wooden table seemed to take up the entire room. Lanterns hung from the low ceiling casting their glow about the room. Great platters of food were laid out upon the table. My gaze fell upon the faces of each crew member. Their blank expressions made me self-conscious. I quickly scanned the crowd, looking for Edmund, but he was not present. Struggling to hide my disappointment, I said, “Good evening, gentlemen. Please, please continue with your conversation.”
    Wide-eyed stares accompanied by gaping looks of astonishment made up their reply.
    “Gentlemen, I hope you do not mind if I take my evening meal with you,” I said with the hint of a question.
    “Nay, me Lady,” Tobias Smith answered, jumping up to offer me his seat. Mary sat in the seat beside me to my right.
    “Thank you, Mister Smith. As I approached the galley, it sounded as if you were engaged in lively conversation. Please do not allow me to interrupt.”
    An awkward silence resounded.
    As I filled my plate, I attempted a casual conversation.
    “I would like to thank you gentlemen once again for bathing today.”
    Silence.
    “I truly appreciate your efforts and cooperation.”
    More silence.
    “I thought I would mention that I have discovered some very interesting tomes in the Captain’s cabin, and I wonder if any of you would be interested in hearing me read aloud.”
    Some shook their heads in agreement, but still remained silent.
    “What the devil is this?” His voice boomed over the silence.
    “Good evening, Captain.” I spun toward him and graced him with what I thought to be my most alluring smile.
    “Good evening, Countess,” he replied in a tone which held a tinge of annoyance. A deep frown creased his brow.
    “Would you care to join us?” I asked.
    “No, thank you, Milady. Mister Smith, please see that a plate is brought up to me. I shall be at the wheel.”
    “Aye, Captain,” Smith answered.
    “Are you certain, Captain? There is plenty of room. Here, you may sit next to