Cheeky Actress

Perhaps it was Lilly's concern for her dearly beloved Captain that made her think irrationally. She was, of course, prone to emotional out-busts, but that's what made her so convincing on stage...or so her Patron Darnly had told her. She took a deep breath as the 'young man' turned away from her and took another gulp of his ale. At that moment, Lilly felt odd for confronting a complete stranger with her outburst of emotion. All the while, Dr. Reiley was trying to coax her back to the table with an offer of another goblet of wine or tankard of ale. Lilly was about to head back to the table when she looked at the pale narrow skin of the boy's jaw line. Something wasn't right. She thought to herself. The boy had to at least be one and twenty and yet...not a stitch of facial hair. She narrowed her eyes at the boy. "Young man?" She whispered back at the boy who wanted just to be left alone. "Tell me, what is a boy such as yourself doing here in Port Royal while you should still be clinging to your mother’s teat?”

The late afternoon sun was beginning to set when Mistress Lilly and Dr. Reiley made their way back to Port Royal. Upon the persuasion of the good doctor, they decided to go to The Shipp tavern. People from all stations soon drifted from the streets and harbors into the taverns. This ritual was something of a reoccurrence that every man and woman in Port Royal became a custom to. The good doctor held the door as Mistress Lilly entered the room. As she looked about, she saw faces she remembered from the dock, and there were a few from the crew of the Resurrection and the Archangel that she had recalled. She felt a bit more at ease with such surroundings. The doctor quickly took a table near the window and summoned a bar maid to tend to their thirst. “Do you think he’s safe?” Lilly said looking over her tankard of ale. Now the doctor could lie a good tale if he had too. He had done it a dozen times in the past to save his own neck, but this time her felt very strange looking into the eyes of this bewitching creature and telling her tales or falsehoods. “I pray that he is Mistress. We can only hope that he has not been prone to fits of fainting or fallen off his horse somewhere. I can only image that if he did take the dose of med…” “What do you mean, fits?” Lilly said looking very concerned with the Doctor. “What fits? I don’t recall him having any fits when this had occurred in the past.” The doctor suddenly felt the crowd’s eyes upon them. Mistress Lilly’s loud tone had drawn attention to them, once again. Most of the crowd took notice, including a very young looking boyish-man child standing at the bar trying to drink in piece. The young boy eyed the distressed Lilly and rolled his eyes. Lilly noticed the eye rolling from the boy. It was then she looked back at the doctor. “Why didn’t you tell me of this earlier? He could be dead or floating in the sea somewhere!” Reiley tried to calm the Mistress down with soft hushes and calm words. It was then Mistress McKinney quickly stood from the table and walked to the bar. “And YOU!” She said tapping the young boy upon the shoulder. “You should know that eavesdropping it just plain rude…and keep your opinions to yourself!” It was then the young boy turned and spoke his opinion to Lilly.

After an hour's travel, Mistress Lilly and Dr. Reiley found themselves making inquires at one the island largest plantations. Unfortunately, the overseer had no news to tell them. He had been tending his fields all day and saw no one fitting the description of Captain Sterling. Both the Mistress and the Doctor thanked him for his time and they headed back to Port Royal. Lilly sat sulking on the other side of the carriage as the doctor pondered what to do next. “Hungry?” He asked as his voice broke the constant sound of the horses hoof beat on the mud soaked road. “Yes, I do feel a bit peckish.” “Good, said Reiley. “I know of a tavern were we can get a hot meal and good ale.”

Star gazing

Moonbeams

Red Rose, Dearie...

Cabbie

As Lilly pulled back from the good Doctor she fixed her skits and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. With a hard intense look, she met with him directly eye to eye. "Dr. Reiley, perhaps we should not force our alliances, but in truth, it appears to me that we are 'cut from the same cloth'. In any event, we do need to work together to obtain what we greatly need. I pray you will forgive me for my fit of insanity and I shall for give you for yours." She smiled wickedly at him as only she could do.

base

Original Sin

Tryst

The carriage ride about the port city was uneventful to say the least. Mistress Lilly and Dr. Reiley had stopped at the logical places where Captain Sterling may have had business to tend to or found a friendly face to assist him in his time of need...but to no avail, there was no sign of him anywhere. By Dr. Reiley's suggestion, both he and Mistress Lilly decided to make there way out towards the plantation fields and higher regions of the island, just in case the good Captain had decided to venture further than the City of Port Royal. Mistress Lilly sat resting next to the good doctor in the carriage. The day grew older and she found herself looking out the window to the rain soaked fields, all the time twisting her handkerchief in her hand. "Not to fret, Mistress. We will find him soon enough." She passed her glance back over at the doctor and said nothing. As she glanced over at the good doctor, she realized that she was in need of allies in this strange land and she needed as many as she could. The love of her life needed to be found and placed back in his own bed to recover from his malady. She had to secure her investment and she was not likely to risk loosing the opportunity to secure such a thing. Lilly pulled the vizard from her face and smiled sweetly at Dr. Reiley. "You are so kind to help me find Captain Sterling. Such as good soul and you have taken such good care of him where I cannot." She moved closer to the doctor's side. "...And when we do find our beloved Captain," She said putting her hand upon his upper thigh. "I would be most grateful to you. Perhaps, I can let you know how grateful?" And with that she kissed him full upon the mouth.

Cheeky!

It wasn't until Dr. Reiley mentioned the Captain's state of mind that Mistress Lilly realized how grave the situation truly was. She suddenly turned to the good doctor and pleaded for his help. "He's Gone...we must find him!" "Who's Gone?!" Muttered Symms as he closely inspected the coat for any wear or injury done to it during the tussle. Lilly turned and sighed with disbelief. "Fool! I was talking about Captain Sterling!" Symms quickly stopped stroking the coat's fibers with the back of his hand and looked at Mistress Lilly in shock. "When did he leave? How did he leave? He can't manage without me...I'm his dogs body?!" She quickly took to the doctor's side and grabbed his coat sleeve. "Please help me. He left in a fit of anger this morning. He is not well and consumed the rest of the medicine you gave him in one swallow." Dr. Reiley's eyes widened. "He's sure to be feeling the affects of such a disastrous dose by now. Did he say where he was going?" Lilly shook her head no. "All I know is that he dressed for riding." "Very well." Said the good doctor. "Symms, make haste...be sure you hide the Captain's small fortune. Mistress McKinney and I will look for him about the town. If he returns in our absence, make sure that you keep him to his room and we hope to return by four of the clock." With a nod, Symms agreed and Dr. Reiley took Mistress Lilly's arm. She smiled gratefully and quickly gathered up her gloves and vizard. As she stepped out the back door of the inn it began to rain again. "Dash!" She said as she quickly placed her vizard upon her face. "It looks like it will be a wonderful day!"

In a deep feeling of dread, panic began to set inward. Lilly paced the hardwood floor again wringing her hands in mental turmoil as she thought over what she had done to her beloved Captain in her head. “What have I done? I was only trying to help…” She muttered to herself. She stopped suddenly to look out the inn’s window hoping to see any sign of her sweet Captain returning. He had only been gone for ¾ of an hour, but it felt like days. She continued to pace the floor of the room. Soon the reality of her deed started to set in. If she had agreed upon a poor arrangement, surely the Captain would not make his fortune. This being said, she would not be able to marry him and bring their son to them. A churning in her stomach began to make her sick. Lord Darnly’s image flashed into her mind. “Oh God no…I could never go back to that man.” Muttering to herself on the verge of tears. Once again, she felt trapped by her actions. It was the Empress that thought Darnly's and Lilly's pairing was a lucrative match. When Darnly and Lilly began to acquaint themselves in time, she realized that some business transactions should never be made; even with the best of intensions. Lilly let out a sigh. “Thank God I wrote that letter to the Empress about Lord…” A cold thought stuck Lilly. It was as if her heart has stopped beating. “The letter? Where is my letter to the Empress?!” Soon her head began to pound and her heart began to beat faster. She quickly began to open up every box, every book, every drawer and cupboard to find the letter she had written to the Empress. She had seen Sterling hold it in his very hand that night she was assaulted by Symms and the chamber pot. “Where in God’s name is it?!” She said shouting at herself. It was no use. There was no sign of the letter anywhere. She was fit to be tied. “I must find the Captain. I must!” She knew that he was the last to have the letter...and yet, her concern with the letter was mixed with her concerns for his well being. Again, her words controlled her actions. She did not concern herself as of the moment with the very threat that the Captain had placed upon her. His voice still rang in her ears..."You are not to leave without my permission!" She knew that if she stayed in the room she would be putting them both in harms way…thus, she needed to disobey her lover and try to make right what she had done. In a heated fury she dressed herself in her plain blue Mantua and collected upon her head a dark handkerchief. Collecting her gloves and vizard, she silently stole away down the back stairway towards the kitchen. It was there she heard the voices of Dr. Reiley and Symms. “Good,” She thought to herself, “I will be able to ask for help in finding Captain Sterling.” As Lilly entered the kitchen she noticed a sizable pouch of coin upon the table. “What’s this?” She said looking at the two boys. “Good Fortune, Mistress!” Said Dr. Reiley with a smile. She turned towards Symms and noticed the Captain’s best coat was still in tact lying next to the money. It hadn’t been delivered to the Silversmith’s as of yet. “The Captain’s coat?” She asked pointing to it upon the table. “Symms, you must not deliver the Captain’s coat to the Silversmiths. I will not have it stripped of its’ buttons and trim. It means far too much to him. It’s the coat he wore when I first met him….” Symms eyes widened. Surely he would never disobey the Captain’s direct order. Symms may have disagreed with the Captain from time to time, but he would never disobey him. “But Mistress, I must do what he be askin of me! I cannot be disobeying his word.” Lilly quickly picked up the coat and held it tightly in her arms. “Now don’t be the fool, Symms…he was knighted in this very coat, how could you let him destroy such a cherished item as this?” Symms quickly grabbed part of the coat and struggled with the Mistress to retake it back into him possession. “Please Mistress…just give it here. I don’t be wantin him to be cross nor do I be wantin him to get upset. Ye be knowin how poorly of health he be!” A tug-of-war ensued between the two. All the while Dr. Reiley trying to calm them down.

Tentatively, Lilly broke the seal and unfolded the parchment. Laying it upon the small desk in the corner she swiftly scrutinized the letter. It has come to our knowledge, that there are documents of marine subject, statutes and liabilities that are of interest to you. If this be the case, return answer with the bearer. Simple and to the point! So like she had imagined Sir Henry to be. Lilly felt herself radiate with elation. Without a doubt, this was just what her lover had been so impatiently awaiting. She reached for the quill and dipped it into the dark ink. For the briefest of seconds, she felt herself curious as to why Andrew March had not brought the much anticipated news himself. Conceivably, with all matters now settled, he had chosen to spend the day with his wife exploring Port Royal. She quickly brought the pen to bare upon the page before her. In her happiness she hastily scrawled I am indeed most interested in obtaining the proper letters of Marque and I am most obliged for your consideration to intercede on my behalf. The ague has laid me low for a few days so all that you can do for me is truly and most respectfully esteemed. I am indebted to you. Your most humble servant, JC Sterling Captain, Archangel Lilly blotted the epistle and resealed it with Sterling's own seal. She went to the door and was in luck to find the chambermaid bustling about in the hall. "Here girl, bring this down to the tall, dark gentleman in the bar. You just insist that his beverage is adhered to Captain Sterling's receipt and there will be a coin or two for you for your troubles." The girl took the note, curtseyed and left on her errand, as Lilly closed the bedroom door and crawled back into bed beside her lover. "You will indeed be most pleasantly surprised when you awake," she whispered and kissed his shoulder. "Sir Henry is most happy to take the affair of your letters personally in hand."

Lilly pulled herself upward from the captain’s side when she heard footsteps approaching their room. She looked down briefly at her lover and decided it best to let him sleep, so she left the bed quickly, pulled her chemise back into its proper place and then drew his banyan on about her shoulders. Gathering up the far too long and billowy robe she closed it about herself as best she could… after all they were not expecting Symms back until later that evening. Lilly smiled wickedly to herself… surely all hell would break loose then. She opened the door before their visitor was able to knock and was presented with a letter for the captain. “Captain Sterling is resting. He has not been well as of late,” Lilly said. She had half expected to find Skittles and Andrew March, not the man who now graced their doorway. She glanced back over her shoulder at the figure still asleep in the bed. The curtains no longer drawn in the hopes that a breeze would be forth coming through the open windows, it was quiet evident to the stranger that the captain was indeed as the lady claimed. His gaze traveled from the interior of the room and slowly moved over the actress. Lilly felt herself correct her posture and her pose to something more befitting a unexpected visit from one of her more noble suitors and yet, she could not help but feel somewhat uncomfortable in the man’s focus and pulled the banyan close around her throat. “Do you wish to wait for a reply?” She asked. “If so perhaps you would be so kind as to await a response down below and have a drink upon the captain for your patience?”

Lilly looked up at him and she found the pain in his expression far too much for her to bare. She slumped meekly in his grip and, lowering her face from him, she whispered "His name is Christian John McKinney. I have taken your names and switched them around. Now will you leave me be regarding him?" She tried to pull away from him then but was taken aback as he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. "Thank you," he whispered. She looked up at him and was somewhat relieved to see a small smile on his face. Still she did not expect his second kiss, another just as tender and thoughtful as his first and then yet another. She smoothed her hands along his cheeks, finally cupping his face in her hands. She thought of pushing him away but found she couldn't. She closed her eyes as she pulled him closer and opened her mouth to his. As she felt his hands move down over her body, she detached herself from his touch. It was a trick she had learned in order to tolerate the coupling with others, one which she always found hard to accomplish with Sterling. As she felt him lower the edge of her chemise, baring her breast, she lost her ability to separate herself from his caresses. Oh it would be so easy to stay with this man, she thought. And yet she knew there was more than just creature comforts that she would be forced to sacrifice if she let herself give into his desires to wed her. She allowed him to move her to the bed and sighed pleasantly as he took her. Oh why wasn't life as easy to handle as making love to this man, she wondered.

I promise Lady B....

After her bath, Lilly decided that a nap was in order. She had been up all night and finally the lack of sleep was catching up with her. But sleep, even though she needed it, did not come easily to her. After only a few hours, Lilly awoke with a start. She quickly looked down at the sleeping Captain then let out a soft sigh. She knew that she had another bad dream, yet the feeling of dread still remained with her. She slowly crawled out of bed not to wake her sleeping Captain and went to her trunk. Kneeling next to the trunk she took out the key which she kept in a well safe well-hidden place from prying eyes, she opened the trunk. As she tossed aside her linens and such, down at the bottom of the trunk she pushed back a loose board revealing a small wooden box. She cradled it close to her as she opened it. There inside the box wrapped neatly in a piece of white linen was a lock of blonde hair from her little boy. She stroked it ever so lightly with her finger as she began to cry. She cherished it with all her heart for it was the only thing of his she brought with her to Port Royal. “I must do something…anything to bring you to me safely.” She said to herself in a low whisper. “I love you so much.” And with that she began to pray.

Two slaves from the inn dragged a cooper’s half barrel up the back stairs to Captain Sterling’s room. As the two men placed it in the middle of the room another slave-maid took to filling it with hot water. Bucket after bucket, they were quick and dutiful in finishing their jobs, and then left quickly after the tub was filled. It was then Mistress Mitchem’s voice could be heard in the hallway, perhaps instructing her man-servant from the Three Crowns to deliver Lilly's trunk to the Captain’s room. “There… this room here.” She said pointing to the door on the left. It was then the door swung open as two men lifted it into the room. “Oh good…I see that my trunk is finally here!” Lilly said as she finished her last mouthful of food. The Captain mean while took to reading and finishing his meal. As the men placed the trunk down against the far wall, Lilly ran to it. Both Mistress Mitchem curtsied and the two men bowed as they exited the room. Lilly quickly slipped off her right shoe and shook it. The key to the chest dropped to the floor. “Oh, good day trunk…did thee miss me?” She said chatting to herself in conversation until she opened it. The Captain just rolled his eyes and continued to read. As she pulled several items from the chest, the Captain stopped to look at what a mess she was making of the room. “I have great plans for myself here in Port Royal, Captain.” She said looking back at him holding up a clean shift and a pair of silk stockings. “I wish to open up a theater!” The Captain pulled his book from his good eye. “Port Royal has a theater Mistress and it has been open for at least five years past.” She looked at him with surprise. “Well then, I shall have to see about performing on its’ stage, won’t I? Or better yet, perhaps they could do with some proper competition!” With that she tossed off her other shoe then sat at the table to take off her silk stockings. “I have been longing to get back to performing. Ye know I am only truly happy when I am performing!” “In or out of bed?” The Captain muttered to himself. “Sorry?”Lilly said as she looked over her shoulder unlacing her stays. “Pray, Captain. I wish to make enough money so I can send for the baby boy and never have to worry about being poor or …” She didn’t realize what she was saying until it was too late. “Oh Dear One.” She whispered, now standing completely naked in front of her paramour. “I did not mean to say such things to hurt you or even imply that you…” The Captain just sat on the edge of the bed and raised his right hand. The room grew silent. She stepped lightly into the cooper’s barrel and gathered up the soap and muslin rag. “I never intended that you would feel the need to repay me Lilly.” The Captain said lightly. "I had only wished that... that you could feel for me the way that I feel for ye. Tis why I have pressed my suit on ye as I have. Surely marriage to me would be better than having to find coin out on the streets in the off season?"

Hello and greetings Red Bess, I live 'tween' the Beer City of Milwaukee and the "Great Frozen Bay". I, too, plan to venture up to the Tall Ship event in Green Bay this weekend (Sunday...I am hoping). Perhaps we will be lucky and meet up with each other....though, the crowds may make that a bit difficult. The city of Green Bay offers a lot in dining, shopping, SPORTS, and other family activities. I am sure that you will find something to your liking. And by the way, I would whisper low and soft about that Viking issue. The locals are just mad about their Football team...alas, I've lived here for over 10 years and still don't understand the 'pull' the Packers Fans have with their team.

Jib, Lady B., Red Bess and All, Looks like my crew will be at the 'Faire' August 19th, though...I am not sure any of us will go as 1580s pirates. Next weekend Green Bay offers the Tour of Tall Ships *(yes, Lady B. 'tis the same as the one headed for Chicago, IL). If any one plans to attend the Saturday of August 19th, please do chime in and let me know....would be grand to me any of you here upon the board!

Lilly looked up at the Captain. Even in his exhausted state he could still manage to look fearsome and hold himself with much dignity. Even after his threat, Mistress Lilly could still feel her heart flutter quickly within her breast. Though, she did not know if she was alarmed by his threat or felt herself stir with deep emotion for his concern for her. She knew that he still cared for her and yet, she could not let herself care as deeply for him…not just yet. With tearful eyes, Mistress Lilly looked up at the Captain. “As you wish, Captain, I shall tend to my being and send for my things from the Three Crowns, but am I to become your prisoner here in Port Royal?” The words hung there just as thick as the morning heat. The saw his body stiffen once again. Her words were strong and to the point. “No, you are not my prisoner, Mistress. How could I ever capture you?” It was then she could hear the tone of melancholy in his words. “John?” She whispered softly to him. “If thee must know, I would recover at a quicker pace knowing that ye were here with me and well taken care of.” She felt herself smile for a moment. “But you can hardly take care of yourself, Captain.” He nodded in agreement. “Yes, that is why I sent Symms to the blacksmith shoppe to tend to my coat.” “Silversmith, Captain?” She asked. “Yes, I plan to have them to take the silver from it so I can pay off my expenses until the Archangel is ready to set sail again.” Lilly’s eyes widen. “But that was the coat you were knighted in…” “Yes, I know.” He said with a smile. Lilly felt the air grow still around her. She fished the two gold coins from her pocket. “I cannot think of staying with you without paying for my keep.” And with that she placed her two last coins on the table. The Captain looked up at her with some surprise. “I shall be back from my bath within an hour Captain. I shall see to the Mistress Mitchem take care of my arrangements to my lodgings.” With that she curtsied low and left the room.

Lilly let the doctor tend to her injured wrist, all the while glancing back at the Captain as he took his breakfast meal in silence. It was then Mistress Lilly turned to the Captain and looked at him with a steady gaze. "Come now...you wish to speak your mind to me...I can tell." He looked down at the food he was currently pushing around his plate. "Can ye now?" he muttered. "Yes I can," she said..."You are clenching your jaw! I perfer it when you do that when you are about to..." "ENOUGH!" Sterling shouted at her. "There," Lilly said, her tone brave although she honestly did not feel so. How easy it was to perform for him, she thought. He was too honest to tell the difference most of the time. She continued. "I rather you commence with the shouting and get it overwith. I have had a dreadful night and wish it to be completely over with. This includes my verbal bashing from you!" The Captain wiped his mouth and placed the napkin down upon his lap. "Doctor, if you are finished tending to Mistress McKinney, I would like a word alone...if I may? Mayhaps you would be so kind as to take that black coat down to Mr. Symms and see him on his way. Go easy on the old sod, as he means well in his twisted sort of way. And please ask him to run ye by the inn where March and Hazzards be staying. After you've returned Dr. Easterly's equipment of course. I think Owen would press charges if he were to find his things missing." The good green eye focused on Reiley. "Aye, I know the Owen Easterly well enough. Tended to my mother when she passed. I also know well enough he is not of the character to have the patience to deal with assistants." For a moment, Reiley paled, but Sterling carried on, lowering his voice a bit. "Ye saved my life sir, I would be amiss ifin I did not return ye the same opportunity. Lay low for a few days if ye can and see to obtaining yer own medical supplies. The 'Angel will cover yer costs. Mr. Hazzards shall make the rounds with ye and watch yer back especially since ye have now been under the employ of the Archangel for nigh on three months. A case of mistaken identity I would think...there are papers currently with Mr. March. See that he installs ye in our lists and back date the day of hire." For a moment, the wind knocked from his lungs, Reiley could only nod his head. When he felt able to speak, the Captain had already returned to his meal and he could tell the words that had just passed would suddenly be "forgotten" if he ever brought them back to mind again. The good doctor looked back at Mistress Lilly and whispered, "Don't fret him, Mistress. He is only looking out for your well being. Surely, it would not be in your best interest to listen to him." She forced a smile upon her lips as the good doctor bowed, gathered up the Captain's good dress coat and left the room.