Capt. Sterling

They had traveled only a few streets along before the mount Sterling had taken over had already fallen far behind. Brilliant, he thought sourly as the others continued on ahead, lost in conversation amongst themselves, Meagan the only one to occasionally glance behind to see if he was keeping up. Sterling merely shook his head and rummaged in his pocket searching for his pouch of tobacco. Encountering his shed stockings first, he drew them forth, swung one leg up over the horse’s bowed neck and as the creature clip-clopped along at its steady but deathly slow pace, the captain proceeded to redress himself, a task that was far too easy thanks to his lack luster mount. He presented a slightly better picture then as he decided to turn about and make yet one more exchange at the stables. For the moment it felt good to be on his own again, for as far as he could tell, he was at last free from the ever watchful eyes of some member or another of Le Cour's clan. Not that he was not thankful for their help, but being coddled to death was not the way he had ever envisioned his passing. He gave the old horse an encouraging squeeze and it broke into a trot for all of three steps before it slowed once more to its steady trudging. Sterling rolled his eyes and quickly dismounted, leading the animal seemed far more quicker than anything else and far less embarrassing. The stable owner could only smirk as Meagan’s ride was lead back in and spirited chestnut from previous jaunt about the countryside was brought out to be saddled instead. “He’s not had a run about in several days,” the owner explained as chestnut refused to stand still for tacking. "As a matter of fact, ye were the last one to ride him I believe." “All the better,” Sterling said, finally a grin returning to his face. An extra coin was turned over and assistance this time was thought required. As leg up was attempted, the captain tried to mount a creature that would not consider standing his ground long enough but pivoted instead, in tiny circles encompassing rider and groom. “Belay that!” Sterling finally barked, not at horse but at useless groom. “And stand aside,” he added as far rein was rapidly shortened, toe brought to stirrup and body was sent upward of its own strength. Right leg smoothed over creature’s back and Sterling cautiously brought weight downward onto thighs before gently lowering seat onto saddle. Chestnut paused a moment, long enough for rider to grab a hold of good beaver hat, then rocked back onto haunches before launching itself forward and galloping from stable yard. With broad smile, Sterling ran the animal along the dockside, where the ground was packed hard from the constant passage of foot, wagon and carriage over the years. There, mud was of little concern and due to the storm, the normal day's routine had come to standstill. Only piles of rubbish, scattered about, put up any kind of deterrence, but these were easily skirted or leapt over. The Chestnut was indeed a remarkable jumper, so much so that when an empty sedan chair presented itself on its way to pick up a lady who had just disembarked from a merchant ship, it too was taken in stride.

Reading yer passage was my pleasure!

Welcome aboard Lady Cunningham... well done!

& All wallets from the V&A. The top leather wallet is is dated 1705. The bottom leather wallet is from the late 17th century. The green wallet is from 1748. Both leather wallets are believed to have been made in Turkey...

Sterling looked up at Aurore and could only nod in reply. He turned back to Meagan. "Thou didst hear our mistress, did thee not? Boarders away then!" he said as he made sure the transfer was carefully concluded. Neglecting stockings, he slipped bare feet back into buckled shoes and walked Meagan's horse over to a pile of debris, which he climbed, in order to mount without any human assistance other than his own. Once in the saddle, he fell in behind the others. He felt no inclination to encourage the beast to keep up, after all the idea had been to obtain something with which Meagan would be comfortable. So he allowed the creature to plod along at its own pace. He now concluded it would take forever to reach their destination and although he tried to smile as the young girl peeked back at him, he now found it utterly impossible. Mayhaps Lilly McKinney had been right. Aurore certainly was beginning to make him feel as old as Lilly had made him sound...

Sterling's expression immediately fell. He lowered his eyes a moment before he dared look the child in the face again. "Tis sorry I am," he began in a whisper. "But I am afeared that if something went amiss I could not protect thee with my arm and back as it tis of the moment. It is best that I walk along side thee. When I am better I shall take thee riding, I promise. For now, I must confess I am a wicked servant and I ask that thee would forgive me for letting thee down even when thee did ask so prettily."

Sounds like the lad is turning out just fine...keep up the good work!!

I love the rolled up sleeve as well, talk about meaning business... The Dutch boathand has a sash about his waist as well... easier to make out in the large print I have at hand... would love to know what he has tucked in it... his pipe is tucked in his hat... I found the placement of the pockets in the breeches rather interesting...

Sterling submitted to her bidding and moved closer to the child. He glanced up at her, his good eye fixed on her face. "Aye Little Mistress, what do ye wish of me?" he asked.

Sterling halted and looked back at the girl. "And what would thee prefer, Little Mistress?" he asked. "For the walk would do me good. Surely I put in more distance pacing mine quarterdeck in a morning's watch then twill encounter to the house, but thy wish is my command. I shall be a good servant and do as ye desire."

Geeze Rats, another member of the crewe, Lynn's husband plays one... I'm sure he would love to help you out...

Sterling continued on, debating the length of time the walk would require and whether or not he should remove and carry his shoes and stockings. Both would be destroyed once he left the questionable comfort of cobbled streets and although walking in heeled shoes was something he had grown accustomed to, it was not something he preferred for long hikes. But then neither was the prospect of having one's toes tread upon accidently by a rather large horse a welcomed notion either. He would take his chances and he bent down to remove garters, and garments, rolled what he could and banished them to pockets as shoes were grasped in bad hand. He moved on, Meagan and mount trudging along patiently behind him. The coldness of puddles on slick stones was barely noticed as heavily scarred feet and legs, waded through the muck and mire of late storm. The mud might actually feel well enough and he welcomed the time when port town would turn to grassy fields and dirt roads. "We shall be home soon enough," he remarked a loud and wondered for whose comfort he had said it this time.

Well enough, he thought. Once again his question had gone unanswered. He felt quite transparent. Might as well be back in Algiers he thought to himself. He moved forward, slight tug on lead brought Meagan's horse into step along side. "Does thee know the way?" he asked the child as they exited the stables. "I have only traveled it twice, but I think I shall manage, but just in case," he added giving her one more smile. He walked on, knowing whom ever had been chosen to shadow them would soon catch up.

Does pneumonia count?

"As ye wish," Sterling replied. He did not desire to explain he was already armed, it was easier to do as he was told and except the guard that was placed over him. He forced himself to look up at Meagan and smile, then wink. "We shall be home soon enough," he said, then lowered his eyes. "How much longer must we wait?" he asked quietly.

Sterling lowered his arms, then quietly made his way over to the stable caretaker yet again. Carriage and horse were quickly exchanged for two mounts, one especially of the most docile nature. As coin passed hands, Sterling beckoned for Meagan to come to him and he helped her onto the quieter of the two creatures. A leather lead was attached to bit for him to hold as he promised he would walk besides the young child. He waited for Aurore to mount the second animal.

"In 1703, Christoph Weigle of Nuremberg published the Neu-eroffnete Welt-Galleria, a collection of 100 custome plates etched by the Dutch artist Caspar Luyken (1672-1708). Luyken, the son of noted engraver and poet Jan Luyken, had arrived in Germany in 1699 to work with Weigle on a number of illustrated books....." "The present volume, Gallery of Late-Seventeenth-Century Costume, is a republication of the 100 costume plates from the Neu-eroffnete Welt-Galleria." From Dover books... There is an English Admiral as well, might you be interested in Luyken's version?

"No Chere, I will not do so. Tis not his fault, tis mine," Sterling said, his tone sounding as tired as he now looked. "I have caused more damage than the storm it seems. I wish to go home, " he whispered. "But will do as ye ask me."

Sterling looked at her, his gaze softening as a weariness overtook his visage. He held out his arms to her and took a step closer to her. "I continue to make a muddle out of everything," he whispered.

by Dutch artist Caspar Luyken

Sterling stood still a moment, her words settling and taking their place amongst his thoughts. "I understand. What's done is done," he said quietly. "Tell me what ye wish to do. Surely the others are worried about ye." He looked at Childermass and gave a slight nod of his head. "Tis all right," he sighed, then looked to Aurore. "Come to me Chere."

"Ye didn't?" Sterling continued. He looked down at the barrier Childermass placed before him and turned about once more, pacing back and forth but not daring to cross the line that had been erected by the other man. "Then what do ye call it when I asked for consent to marry you and ye did not tell me there was another I needed to speak with? If there is an elder, Sabastian has no right to give ye away to me. Tis wrong and ye know it! My God Chere, how will I ever find a place in yer family now?"

Truly sorry I am for your great loss. You are in our prayers..

Sterling remained standing as unexpected news floated in response to his query. He had not expected it to come from her so that when he tried to comprehend what was being told him, he looked instead to Seth Childermass. The captain’s expression changed rapidly as his thoughts were battered about, from confusion to surprise to a hurt that took even the old soldier aback. Sterling collected himself, then, finally turned to face Aurore, truly not knowing what to think. At first he could not say anything, he was like one that had not heard but his form betrayed him. He stood stiffly, at his full height, looking down at his wife, his arms slowly coming about no longer to nurse a bad wound nor to cross defiantly before him but as if to hug his own person for a bit of comfort. His good eye fixed on hers and a coldness shot through him forcing him to close his arms about him all the more tightly. His gaze never left hers as his face slowly lost its colour as he spoke. “Ye lied to me,” he stated, slowly, quietly. And then as hurt piled upon disappointment, he turned abruptly away from her as his anger forced him to distance himself. He stormed the length of the stable, whirled about and made his way back, his voice now raised and undeniably laced with the anguish he felt. “Ye damn well lied to me. Ye and Sabastian… lied…” As he closed the distance between them, Childermass threw his own arm across the captain’s chest, keeping Sterling at a place that would protect both he and his wife from any possible regretful actions.