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Elizabeth's Grand Escape

By: lizziebeth



 This is a work of fiction, any similarities to persons living or dead is completely coincidental. I hope that you don't think this story is too long and drawn out, I like stories that take you some place in the end, and getting there is half the fun. This is far removed from what I have done so far, I hope not too far, but I love this romantic era. Enjoy!

Elizabeth Buckingham could not imagine her life coming to this, as she set sail to a land she knew nothing about. But this was her only choice or else spend the rest of her life with a man that she could never love and be a prisoner in her own home. 

At 24 Elizabeth was the only daughter of Charles Buckingham, she was a beautiful figure of a woman with her long dark hair, and deep green eyes and he was determined to see her married before he died. Every suitor that had come to call on her she would turn him down after he proposed marriage. Her father had now taken steps to ensure that she would marry or else forfeit her inheritance upon his death.

Elizabeth could not abide her fathers choice in husband for her, Lyle Kenworthy was a despicable man, she had met him when he had come to the house to meet with her father. Her father had asked him to stay for tea, and he was more than happy to. Happy to sit across from her and leer at her, he made her feel completely uncomfortable. His dark hair and dark eyes made him look all the more sinister. 

That evening her father had told her that he had made an agreement with Mr. Kenworthy for her hand in marriage, that he would become the chief purchasing agent for her fathers shipping company upon her marriage to him.

"You have no right to give consent for me to marry anyone," she said angrily as she paced back and forth in front of the fire place.

"I have every right, if I leave it up to you, you will never marry and my business will be sold and its profits given away. I will not have it I tell you, I will not," as he pounded his desk.

"You can not mean for me to wed so unhappily father, I do not wish to marry Lyle Kenworthy, nor do I wish to marry any man. I just simply cannot," she shot back at her father as she sat in the high back chair.

"Elizabeth, be reasonable. You cannot possibly go on as you are without the care and protection of a husband. I will not be around much longer I fear, and I am determined to see you married before I die. If it has to be to Lyle Kenworthy then so be it. But you will marry him."

"I will not marry him father and you cannot make me, I don't love him."

"It's not a matter of love anymore my dear, for years I let you pick and choose your suitors, but to no avail. You turned down each one when he became too serious and proposed marriage. You are 24 my dear and most young women at your age have been married for years and have several children running about."

"Most women my age are innocent women who think that falling in love and being the happy wife, serving as hostess at endless parties is all there is to life. But not for me father, I don't want to be some kind of lady wife who only thinks of her husband first. I have my own mind and I want to be able to use it."

"What is it that you think you would use it for?"

"I would use it to run the company, father. I know I could do it, I watched you for years, I have always loved going to the office with you when I was younger, I loved being around the ships, wondering where they were going and what exciting things lay in their future as they sailed from the harbor. So you see father, when you die I will be able to run it. It won't be sold it will carry on as it has for all these years."

"No, I won't have it. You're a woman and women do not run companies, they marry and raise children. That is what you will do as well. It has already been settled. You will marry Mr. Kenworthy, and if you do not, you will be sent to the convent, the company sold and the money given to distant relatives and you'll never see a cent of it."

Her father stomped across the floor grabbed her by the arms, looking her deep in the eyes. He loved his daughter, he truly did but he would not have all that he worked for go to complete strangers purely because she refused to marry. She would marry and live well, he made sure of that in the contract that he signed with Kenworthy. She would never want for anything, and he would rest knowing that fact.

Elizabeth stared at her father in fear as he held her arms, she could not believe this was the same man that laughed with her when she was young when she pretended to be a sailor on one of the ships. Laughed when she said she wanted to become a sailor and sail the seas in search of new and exciting places to visit. She softened a bit when she saw in his eyes the tears that he would not allow to flow. He released her then and she hugged her father.

Elizabeth returned to her bed chamber, and laid upon the bed sobbing, she would have to marry that vile man, or go to a convent and become a nun. That was something she just could not do. She could not see herself, locked away with no freedom, a prisoner. 

Etta her ladies maid knocked silently at the chamber door, "Miss, your father wishes you to join him for dinner."

"Etta please inform my father that I am feeling a bit under the weather and I wish to stay within my chamber for the evening but I thank him for asking after me."

"Yes mi-lady," she curtsied and left the room.

Elizabeth walked to the large windows drew the drapes, darkening the room. She turned down the lamp so only the glow from the fireplace filled the room. Sitting down in the lounger beside the fire, she thought of her situation. How could she get out of this? She had no good answers, all the things that came to mind led to losing everything including her freedom, she couldn't do that.   The next morning Elizabeth walked into the dining room, her father was already there drinking his morning coffee before heading to the office.

"Good morning my dear, did you sleep well?"

"Good morning father, yes thank you."

"I have Mrs. Williams coming this morning to help you with the wedding plans; the wedding will be in one month. Mr. Kenworthy will be calling for you this afternoon at 3, please be ready. You will be going to see the vicar and making the arrangement for the ceremony."

"But father a month is hardly enough time to plan a proper wedding."

"It can be done and it will be done, you and Mr. Kenworthy will be married in one months time Elizabeth, and I'll not have any more complaints or arguments about it. Now, I must be heading to the office, I will be showing your husband the ropes of running such a large company," he walked to her gave her a peck on the forehead and left the room.

Elizabeth could hardly believe that this was happening to her, as Etta came in and placed her meal before her. "No thank you Etta, I don't believe I could eat anything just now." 

"As you wish mi-lady, might I give you my warmest congratulations on your coming marriage to Mr. Kenworthy."

"You may not, I wish no congratulations on this farce of a wedding, it's not a happy anything, it's my fathers doing, not mine. I'll thank you to keep your happy words about this wedding to yourself is that clear Etta."

Her head hung low, "Yes Miss, I did not mean to cause you any discomfort. I will remember."

Grabbing Etta's hand, "I'm sorry Etta I did not mean to take my anger of this wedding business on you, your more than just a maid to me you're my friend. It's alright Etta, things will work out, I hope.

As the hour grew closer to 3 when Mr. Kenworthy was to arrive to call for her, Elizabeth's fear grew as well. She had never been with a man before and she feared being so near to this one. She was unsettled by his presence she did not understand why, yet.

Promptly at 3 Mr. Kenworthy arrived. Etta showed him to the parlor and rushed to Elizabeth's chamber.

"Mi-lady Mr. Kenworthy is in the parlor waiting for you."

"Thank you Etta, would you please fetch my long coat I fill it should be a chilly ride."

"Yes Miss, here you go."

Walking down the great staircase in the main hall, Elizabeth's heart raced wildly, wanting to turn around quickly and hide in her room. But she knew she couldn't do that. Walking with her head held high she walked into the parlor. She would make the best of this situation. She would make him suffer as she was suffering, he would never touch her in the ways that men touch women; she had made her mind up to that last evening as sleep would not come. He would never touch her.

"Hello Elizabeth Darling, you look positively beautiful this morning," as he took her hand and raised it to his lips.

"Mr. Kenworthy," she said as dipped in a slight curtsy. 

"My dear, please call me Lyle. We are to be married you know, endearments are allowed."

"As it would seem Mr. Kenworthy, it may be that we will be married, but merry it shall not be. Do not assume that since my father's arrangements for this marriage includes endearments of any kind from me."

Lyle Kenworthy could not believe his good fortune to be marrying Elizabeth Buckingham, all the gentlemen about had tried to marry her but she refused them all. Now, she was to become his wife. Be that as it may, he was more delighted to get his hands on her fathers shipping company. 

It was the largest in Cornwall, and Lyle was sure that meant lots of money. But he had no idea until he had met with her father this morning and he had gone over the books, and other pertinent information with him. The business was in good standing and making large profits, especially with the long voyages to the colonies. 

Lyle was taken aback by her comments but he refused to let it darken his mood, his mood was light and gay, he could hardly wait for this marriage to begin, and he could get a closer look at her without these bothersome clothes.

"Shall we get this over with; I would like to return home for a rest before father returns."

"As you wish my dear, shall we go," he held his arm out to her, she reluctantly took it and they headed out to the waiting carriage.

She could feel his eyes on her the whole ride the vicars, she could not wait to be away from him. She could not fathom being married to this man for the rest of her life; she didn't know how she was going to do it. 

As they arrived at the church, he held his hand out to help her from the carriage. Walking into the church she felt a chill run through her, perhaps a sense of foreboding as to what was to come.

As her wedding day approached Elizabeth's fears continued to plague her even in sleep, she knew now there was no way out of this. Her father refused speak anymore about stopping the wedding.

The night before the wedding she sat before the fire in her room, at once there was a quiet knock at the door. Etta her maid walked in carrying a tea try. Setting it beside her Etta poured Elizabeth a cup, and turned to take her leave.

"Etta, please wait. Stay and have a cup with me, and talk for a while."

"As you wish mi-lady, as she sat down in the chair near her, picking up a cup and pouring herself some tea.

"Etta, after the wedding tomorrow my life will never be the same again. All the dreams of freedom and adventure will be gone. Replaced with endless parties, and chatter with other married women in parlors, I fear I shall never be happy ever again."

"No, your right Miss, it won't be the same again. But perhaps new dreams will be made. Right I wish your grand mother was here to help you know what to do."

"If my mother were here she would not have allowed my father to do what he did, I would be allowed to make my own decisions in my own time. But your right, I wish she were here too. She loved my father so much, and when she died I think most of him died with her. Now I think he longs to settle matters so that he can join her. But it is I who suffers from his grief for her, me whom he puts in this situation."

"You'll be a married lady tomorrow, with new dreams with your husband, and perhaps children someday."

"No Etta, there will be no children, not if I have something to say about it. I shall never allow him to touch me in that manner. I have heard stories of what happens between men and women, and I will not be a part of it."

"Surely Miss, you know that it was just talk."

"I remember when I was a young girl talking with my friends after parties about what it would be like to be married and start a family. We all giggled and laughed to be talking about such things, but none of us knew for real what happens. But after one such party a friend of mine, Ellen who had been married for only months, sat down with me for tea one day. She looked different than she had before she married Thomas; she wasn't the same at all. I asked her about it and she told me. She said it was horrible, painful and disgusting. She said if she had known prior to the marriage she would not have ever married. She said she couldn't abide his sweating, moaning body hovering over hers, that when he touched her she felt ill."   This so plagued Elizabeth that every time she was courted and things began to get serious that he should propose she would refuse to see him ever again. Thus keeping her virtue safe. "So you see Etta, I will not allow that to happen to me, I do not wish to change, and be someone other than who I am."

"I understand mi-lady, but it isn't always that way mi-lady. If you are truly in love with your man, he can make you happy in and out of your bed," she said with a giggle.

"Etta, what would you know of such things?"

"I am but a maid but I am a woman as well. There are ways for a man to please a woman and make her happy, to make her body tingle all over and long for his touches. If your love is so powerful, you will ache for his touches as much as he aches for yours."

"Etta, such talk," she laughed as moved to sit closer to Etta.

"Well I know that won't happen between Mr. Kenworthy and me, I don't love him and never will. That is why he will be sleeping in his chamber and I shall remain safely locked within mine."

"Are you sure that's wise Miss, his being a new husband he will not take kindly to being shut out of his wife's bed."

"He will have to learn to live with disappointments where that is concerned."

Etta left it at that, but she feared for her mistress she knew the anger of a man who didn't get what he wanted, when he wanted it. She sat with her mistress drinking tea for the rest of the evening.

The day of the wedding Elizabeth woke and hoped that it had all been a dream until she looked across the room and saw her wedding dress, her heart sunk and she knew it was real.

The wedding was a traditional English wedding lasting for hours; Elizabeth thought it would never end. At the reception dinner she sat solemnly at the side of her new husband, whilst everyone else in the room laughed and made merry she wished to be up locked safely away in her chamber, alone.

Finally the evening drew to a close the guests began leaving and her father insisted that she and her new husband take their leave and ascend to their chamber. Not wanting to make a scene in front of the few remaining guests, she took the hand that Mr. Kenworthy was offering, and walked to the top of the stairs.

When they were at the top of the stairs she made her move to go to her chamber, Mr. Kenworthy stopped her. 

"Where do you think you are going my dear, our chamber is this way."

"I am not going to lie with you in your chamber, now or ever, I will be the happy doting wife in public, but in this house don't expect the same treatment when no one is about."

"I told you last evening Elizabeth that your idea of how this marriage was going to be, was not going to happen, I will not allow you to bring disgrace to me or your father. You will be my wife in all ways my dear, and you will bare me an heir, and your father a grandchild before his death. It is part of the contract that we signed before this marriage and it will happen and there is nothing you can or will do about it."

He roughly pulled Elizabeth by the arms toward his chamber, she resisted but he won out and she found herself locked in his chamber unable to avoid being alone with him.

"Elizabeth, ready yourself for bed."

"I'll not; I told you I shall not lie with you."

He walked angrily towards her grabbing her upper arms roughly, "Yes you will my dear, so either you ready yourself for bed or I shall do it for you, it is your choice?"

Fear surged through Elizabeth she had no idea what to do next to avoid what she was sure would happen next. He released her roughly and she landed on the floor with her skirts twisted around her.

He made a step towards her she raised her hand to him, "Alright, I will do it."

Rising she walked to the dressing room, Etta was there waiting to help her undress. "Oh Miss, I heard what happened are you alright?"

"Yes Etta I am fine, but I am so frightened what am I to do, I don't want to be with him. I fear there is nothing I can do to stop this."

"Mi-lady I fear for your safety, he has already nearly hit you what is to stop him from doing worse."

"I know Etta that is my greatest fear as well, but what can I do. If only I were able to get away from here somehow."

"This is true mi-lady, but if you were to leave I fear he would but follow you and that would make things worse."

"How much worse could it be than to be tied to that vile man for the rest of my life, to be used by him in what ever manner he so wished just because he is my husband. I should have never agreed to this hideous marriage. No Etta, that is the worst thing that could happen, getting away from him would be a blessing, but how?"

"If only we could stall him for a few days, perhaps we could come up with a way to get you safely away from him. I have it, tell him it's your monthly cycle time I am sure he would not want to carry on at a time like that, and that would give us a few days at the most to come up with something."

"Etta, you're wonderful I would have never thought of that. Do you think that it will work?"

"I believe so mi-lady, most men don't wish to have relations with a woman during that time. Leave the plans to me, I shall get in touch with one of my cousins and see what can be done to get you away from here. But for now, try not to anger him and keep well away from him."

Leaving the dressing room in her night clothes, she faced Mr. Kenworthy with her hands buried in her gown hoping for the best as she told him the story of being on her cycle, it was a blessing when he relented and allowed her the time she needed to make the necessary plans to be away from here and him. 

Days later alone in her chamber Elizabeth stowed away a few precious items in a leather satchel in hopes that Etta was able to devise a plan to get her away from here. In it she placed some of her mother's jewelry, clothing, her silver hair brush and mirror, and some money that she had been saving. That afternoon when Etta came with her tea, she brought with her news that her cousin had found a way to get her away.

"Mi-lady it is a risky endeavor, my cousin has secured you passage on a ship bound for the America's."

"The America's," she said with fear and excitement in her voice.

"This is a hard voyage mi-lady if you don't wish to make this journey we will find some other way to get you away."

"Etta it will be hard, but I think it's what I have to do. When?"

"My cousin will be waiting outside the back gate at midnight tonight, from here he will take us to London and we will board the ship there."

"Us, you're coming with me?"

"Of course mi-lady I can't have you traveling alone, this way you'll have someone with you and it will be less frightening. Also, I will be able to join my family in the America's and you shall have friends and family there as well."


Elizabeth's Grand Escape Ch. 02



Sorry it took so long to continue this story, I had several inquiries as to when I would finish it. Now with things settled in my personal life I can finish this story, I hope it meets with your approval, for those of you this is your first read, read part 1. Thank you for all the input I have received on all my stories I really do appreciate it.

*

As midnight arrived Elizabeth felt as if her heart would leap from her chest as hard as it was pounding. Etta had not yet arrived at the meeting place out side the castle. At once there was a noise behind her, she hid in fright but was relieved when she saw the familiar outline of Etta walking from the darkness.

"Mi-lady, are you here," she said in a hushed shout.

Elizabeth walked from the behind the bush, "Yes Etta here."

"Mi-lady all is arranged, my cousin Theodore is waiting down the road with a carriage, he will take us to London, and there we will board a ship sailing to the America's."

"The America's Etta, so far, is it wise?"

"Of course Mi-lady, they will never look for us there; they would not think that we have left the country."

"Your right of course Etta, I am just afraid. How long will it take us to reach the America's and where will we go when we get there?"

"We will land in Virginia, I have a cousin who left for Virginia several years ago, we will go to him, and I believe he will help us. We of course will no longer live as we do here Mi-lady; you need to make sure that this is truly what you want."

Elizabeth look towards the castle of her father, she turned to Etta shook her head yes and they began to walk through the woods to meet the carriage. They arrived and the carriage was waiting as expected, Etta greeted her cousin with a kiss on the cheek, and he ushered us into the carriage.

London

Arriving in London very early that morning, the carriage stopped at the dock near a large ship called the Anne Marie, they alighted from the carriage. Elizabeth looked at the large ship with trepidation in her eyes. But she knew she had to do this she had no choice now after what Lyle had done to her. She had yet to tell Etta of what had happened to her after she had left her, she feared that if she spoke aloud what had happened to her she would fall apart and not be able to aid in their escape from them. (Meaning her father and Lyle)

She and Etta waited for her cousin Theodore to return, he had gone aboard the ship moments ago to secure our passage, and give an amply believable story for our hasty retreat from England.

At that moment he came into view, walked down the plank to the dock. He walked to where we stood; he greeted us with a smile which made her feel better.

"All is well Mi-lady, as far as the captain knows you are a widow traveling to America to start over and leave memories behind. I told him that your family was trying to make you wed your husband's brother so that they could keep the family business. That as far as you were concerned that they could have it but without your marrying again. So you had decided that you would leave England and not return."

"And he believed you?"

"Yes Mi-lady, he was very sympathetic to your plight."

"Good, I thank you for all of your help. Here take this," and she handed him a gold coin.

"No Mi-lady I couldn't."

"Please Theodore, for all that you have done and will do. No one must know where Etta and I have gone."

"I am your servant Mi-lady," he said with a deep bow as he headed to get their things from the carriage and have it taken to there cabin on the ship.

Elizabeth walked to the ship with Etta at her side behind Theodore as he carried there meager belongings to their cabin. Stepping on to the ship that would take them to a new life Elizabeth could not believe how horribly scared but yet sure that this was the right decision.

As they entered the cabin it was sparsely furnished but had two beds and for now that is all that mattered to them. As Theodore placed their belongings on the beds he thanked the deck hand for his help in finding their way. . He stood still near the door for a short moment to make sure that no one was listening at the door. He then turned his attention to the two women. "Mi-lady are you quite sure that you both will be alright going alone on this journey?" 

"Yes Theodore, thank you for worrying about us, but think all will be well once we are away from here."

"Thank you Theodore for all of your help, I would not have been able to do this without your help," Etta said as she hugged her cousin tightly about the neck.

"Before I should forget, I did not give the captain your real names I thought it best to not let anyone know whom you really were, so I had to make up and name quickly. Mi-lady I told him your name was Beth Williams and Etta yours is Millie. I hope they meet with your approval?"

"Beth, I like that. Thank you Theodore, I believe they will work out quite well. What do you think Millie?"

"Well mi-lady Beth, I think it will take some getting used to but I believe you are correct cousin, it is best that we not let anyone know our true identities."

Theodore went to the door, "It is time for me to go, safe journey to you both and GOD speed."

Alone in the cabin the two set about putting things away for the long journey, GOD only knew what lay in store for them on this trip and in the new world. They heard lots of commotion on the deck and knew that they were readying to sail, they heard the captain's voice shouting orders to his men and the first officer passing them along. Moments later they felt the ship begin to pitch from side to side and knew they were under way. They walked up the stairs to the deck not wanting to miss seeing England for the last time; sadly they stood at each others side as they watched their home disappear from view.

Tears rolled from Elizabeth's eyes as she worried about what laid in store for them, would they be able to make alone. She felt sure as long as her trusted friend was by her side she would be able to withstand any thing. 

Day 3

On day three of the voyage, Etta became very ill from the rolling of the seas. Elizabeth seemed to be able withstand it's pitching and rolling. In a big role reversal she now was taking care of her. 

In the evenings Elizabeth would walk to the upper deck to get some fresh are after taking care of Etta all day. Elizabeth loved the feel of the sea breeze whipping through her hair which she let down in the evenings, she wrapped her cloak tightly about her as the winds were chilling this evening. She stood at the railing looking out to the moonlit waters below; the occasional spray of water hitting her face was indeed refreshing.

As she stood there for awhile Mr. Phips came to stand beside her, "Good Evening Mrs. Williams, the weathers getting a little rough you should really go back below decks, it's not safe for you here, and we are coming into some bad weather."

"Thank you Mr. Phips, I assure you am fine, I thank you for thinking of me."

"Tis nothing Mrs., it's my job to insure the well being of our passengers. How is your friend feeling, the rolling from the storm will surely cause her more misery?"

"At the moment she is fine, I feel you are quite correct that her misery will surely be just be beginning. It's my hope that the storm will not last for too long. I just want a few moments more in the cool fresh air."

"Alright Mrs. as you wish, but have a care if the winds should pick up anymore."

"I will, thank you," she said as he tipped his hat and began to walk towards the bow of the ship.

The ship pitched to and fro horribly all through the night, poor Etta was up half the night her face hung over the chamber pot. It hard to believe that she had anything left to bring up since she hadn't had anything to eat other than the tea that Mr. Phips brought to them.

In the morning of the 4th day the storm seemed to have blown it's self out, fierce winds still remained and the ship cut quickly through the water. Etta felt much better as well, although she was extremely pale from her ordeal. 

There was a knock at the door she knew it must be Mr. Phips with their morning tea and cakes, she went to the door opening it to him. It was indeed Mr. Phips but he didn't have a tray with him, he hastily walked into the room.

"Good morning Mrs. Williams, we are being followed by a ship of unknown origin, the captain has asked that all passengers remain in their cabins until it is determined what their intentions are. There are marauders here abouts and they attack ships steal their cargos and other valuables. Please stay here inside where you both will be safe, I will keep you informed as to what is happening."

"Thank you Mr. Phips, we will be fine here."

As Mr. Phips left she turned to Etta, how could they be fine. They were alone in the middle of the ocean no family nor friends about and their ship that was to be taking them to a new life was about to come under siege. How much worse could it be, she thought it might have been better if they had stayed at Charwood Hall. 

Above decks the men were scurrying about try to rig more sail to add speed, the captain was sure that they would come under fire but was making at least a good effort to try and save his cargo and passengers. 

The more time that passed Elizabeth and Etta began to feel more relief sure that if there hadn't been an attack by now they sure must have gotten away. Just then there was a loud boom from not too far away and then a splash. They had missed, but that was just the first volley. Then they heard the rush of running feet on the deck and with that an answer to their first shot. The cannons from the deck shot loudly as they returned fire towards the approaching ship. Again they heard a splash, their hearts sunk as they knew it had missed. Again the following ship fired, this time the ship lurched roughly, the two fell to the floor. 

"Oh Mi-lady, she's been hit," she said as she huddled closely to Elizabeth.

"Yes I believe your right, don't worry I believe the Captain and his crew with do their best to keep us from harm."

"I hope your right mi-lady; I heard tell of what pirates do to their women captives."

"Don't be worry Etta I doubt it will come to that, it may not even be pirates."

The walls of the ship vibrated from the return fire, the men were obviously giving it a valiant effort to keep from being boarded. Elizabeth prayed that they would be successful, but knew it might be unreasonable to think that they could get away now after being struck several times now by cannon balls.

As she thought this she set in motion hiding her stash of jewels that she had taken, Etta quickly sewed the pouch into the lining of Elizabeth skirt. 

"What will happen to us mi-lady?"

"I don't know Etta, but what ever may happen keep to our story is that understood. You are Millie, and I am Beth don't forget it."

"Of course, I shall not forget, but what will happen to us?"

"I don't know, perhaps they will steal all that they need and we will be left to continue our voyage."

Just then they noticed that the noise on the deck had quieted. Elizabeth began to walk toward the door. Just then there was a hard knocking upon it.

"Open this door now," was said from the other side.

Elizabeth apprehensively walked to the door moved the bolt and opened the door. As the door opened she came face to face with the most beautiful pair of blue eyes she had ever seen on a man. She stumbled backward as he burst into the room, brushing by her. She stood there staring at his broad back and shoulders, really she should feel ashamed of herself for thinking these thoughts of someone who was in a sense her captor. But she could not for some reason help herself, his obviously long blonde hair was tied at the back of his neck with a piece of brown leather, his black breeches did little to hid muscular legs, his white linen shirt was open to the waist and a red sash was tied about it. Elizabeth thought to herself, this is not how she had envisioned a pirate looking. 

Just then his voice brought her back to reality, "Who may I ask are you and what is the purpose of your journey?"

"I sir am Beth Williams, widow of John who passed only weeks ago and this is my maid and friend Millie. We are travelling to Virginia to make a new start to life after my husband's death. Who may I ask are you and what are your intentions, regarding us and our ship?"

"I madam am the Captain of the Sea Serpent, my name is Jaime White. I am sorry for the loss of your husband, as for this ship. This ship and all on it now belong to me and my crew. Now, if you will excuse me I must inspect the rest of the ship so that we can make way with out much more delay."

"Underway, where are we going I must arrive in Virginia as planned?"

"Yes we sail for my island, there we will unload the cargo place it aboard another ship and send it off to be sold. The passengers as well as crew, if they so wish will be dispersed to other vessels to be returned to England."

"England, I cannot return to England, I must get to Virginia," Elizabeth could not hide the alarm in her voice at the prospect of having to return to England.

"Not to worry you can always board another ship sailing to Virginia, can you not?"

"I'm sorry you just don't understand."

"Explain it to me and I might."

"I'll not explain anything to you."

"As you wish my dear," he said as he walked to the door.

After he left Elizabeth broke into tears, Etta wrapped her arms about her, "It will be alright mi-lady, and we will find another way. I'm sure of it."

That evening there was a knock on the door, as Etta answered it a man entered the room, "The Captain begs you pardon, which of you be Mrs. Williams?"

Elizabeth took a step forward, "I am Mrs. Williams."

"Come with me, the Captain wishes a word with you."

Etta rushed to her side, "It's alright, I shall return soon."

She was escorted to the Captain's cabin, the man opened the door and she walked inside. The cabin was dimly lit, she could hardly see across the room. But she could tell that they had gone through the room searching for anything of value as things were thrown about the room and tousled. 

His voice startled her, "Welcome Mrs. Williams, I thought perhaps you won't mind joining me for dinner. Please sit," he said as he held a chair for her at the table laden with an array of different foods and wine. 

"Did I have much of a choice considering that I am your prisoner?"

"Prisoner, that is such a harsh word don't you think?"

"Well Mr. White considering the situation, until you let us go we are your prisoners. I felt it only wise to comply with your orders."

Jaime smiled to himself, "Jaime please."

"Mr. White I think it unwise to become too familiar with my abductor don't you think?"

"I'm sorry you think of it that way, I thought perhaps you would like to join me for a fine meal and some company during this trying time. I know I upset you with the prospect of returning you back to England, so I thought perhaps you could tell me why it is that you do not want to return?"

Elizabeth felt uneasy in this mans presence, her attraction for him made her confused. She should not be feeling this way about any man, after what she went through only a few short weeks ago. She was ensure of his motives and more unsure of herself and her reactions to him.

"Why I do not wish to return to England is my business Mr. White, I do not wish to speak of it."

"As you wish, I thought perhaps I could help you in some way," he said as he poured wine into her glass.

Jaime knew his could potentially be a bad idea to be attracted to a woman whom for one was his prisoner and two a new widow, but he found he could not help himself. He knew it would not be easy to win her trust, he was sure. He wondered about her rush to be in Virginia and her fear of returning to England. 

The Island

In the morning there was a buzz of activity happening on the deck. Jaime rose from the desk and walked towards the door. Walking down the corridor he passed her door, before he knew what he was doing he had knocked.

She opened the door to him, "Would you ladies wish to get some fresh air, we are coming into the port of my island."

"I think that would be lovely," she said as she turned back to Etta.

"Come Millie it would do you some good to get some fresh air."

"As you wish mi-lady," she said as she grabbed a shawl draped over the back of high backed chair. 

They followed him up the stairway that led to the deck, arriving on deck the men taking in sails. Walking to the rail she could already she the outline of the island growing nearer. It looked so beautiful with long leaved trees, white sands, and the water it was so blue. So blue, just like his eyes. She looked up just then to see them looking down at her with a smile on his face.

He called orders to the men, the men rushed to obey. 

He smiled down at her, "It's beautiful isn't it?"

"It is that, what is its name?"

"They call it Mayaquana, it's a basically deserted island in the islands of the Bahamas. There is a small village there, but otherwise there is no one else on island. I hire them to help with the loading and unloading of ships, I pay them in food, fabrics, crop seeds and anything else that they could use. It really is a fantastic arrangement. The group of islands is used by most pirates or privateers as a port of call and a place to sell their wares. I have called Maya my home for many years, and I have a house there on a inlet near the shoals."

"How long will it be before you send us back to England?"

"I am not sure, are you that eager to leave my company Mrs. Williams?"

"Mr. White it is not as if we are traveling companions and we haven't been expecting to part company."

He walked away just then as a deck hand came to tell him they were ready to drop anchor. As he did a flurry of activity began to happen on deck and on shore, boats from the shore began to row out to the ship. Colored men and women adorned in beads, colorful fabrics and not much else. 

"Mrs. Williams if you please return to your cabin and gather your things together, I will send a hand to help you if you need it, then after the cargo has been taken off the ship we will go to the island."

She began to protest, but a hand on her arm begging her to follow him stopped her. Jaime left them and returned to his duties.

A few hours later she and Etta along with their small amount of luggage were helped into a small boat, the men rowed the boat fluidly through the current towards the beach.

Standing on the beach as they neared was Jaime; in her mind she had no problems using his given name. Her heart pounded harder at the site of him with out his linen shirt, his skin glistening with sweat from hard work, his breeches rolled to the knees, and his boots cast aside his bare muscular legs showing. She couldn't take her eyes off of him, even though she knew she must.

The boat landed on the sand, he came to the boat lifted her from the boat and carried her to the sand, placing her on her feet on the white sand. He walked over to the men near the water gave them orders, and returned to them.

"Follow me," he said as he picked up the satchels.

We followed him through the trees; a small path had been cut to make walking much easier. As we topped a small hill, we could see in the distance a small house made of bamboo, thatch for a roof, a small walk around porch added to the charm of this hut. To the left of the house was another path that leads to a village, to the right a path leads to a waterfall with a large pool of water beneath it. Elizabeth could not believe the beauty that was surrounding her, she had seen nothing like it. 

Arriving at the house, walking into the door they could see it wasn't lavish as he had said, but it was well done. It was basically one room, a cook stove and make shift wash basin in one corner, a sitting area to the other side, a large table and chairs in the center of the room. Two curtains on the other side of the room were obviously bedrooms. 




Elizabeth's Grand Escape Ch. 02



"Welcome to my home," he said as he sat the bags down on the floor.

"It's quite lovely."

"Thank you, as I said it is not lavish. But it does quite nicely on a rainy night. You and your maid will be in the room on the right, mine is on the left."

Just then a small man came bounding through the door, "Mr. Jaime, Mr. Jaime, welcome home."

"Thank you Asheem. Asheem this is Mrs. Williams and her maid Millie. They will be staying with us for a short while."

"Welcome missy, I take your bags."

The man took their bags to their room, and then returned as they had sat down in the sitting area. The couches and chairs lavish in their burgundy materials. 

"Do we have something refreshing to drink Asheem?"

"Of course Mr. Jaime," the man said as he crossed the room.

Jaime ushered the women out onto the porch to the wooden chairs, they sat down as they did Elizabeth stood at the rail and looked out over the beauty of the landscape before her. It was truly a beautiful place, if she had not been brought here under these conditions she would be pleased to remain here forever. From the house she could easily see the ocean and beach. She could see the inlet where the ship was docked and the men busily unloading their stolen wares.

Asheem walked onto the porch with a tray, sitting it on the table he offered them each a tall glass, inside was sweetly soured lemon drink. It was fabulous and she sat on the wood chairs and relaxed to enjoy this new drink.

"What will happen to us now Captain?"

"Please, I asked you to call me Jaime. I believe you and your maid will be comfortable here for a while don't you think. The weather here is most enjoyable, it can become quite warm some days, but there is the waterfall to cool off in."

"You haven't answered my question," she said loudly.

"Please there is no reason to become upset, I must keep you here for now. The others will be taken to other islands for now then they as well as you will be able to continue your voyage. Just be patient, this beautiful scenery will be quite relaxing and it may help you with your recent loss. You both may move about freely but you will be watched, as you can tell the only way off the island is by boat, the under toe is deadly and there sharks in the water. I hope you will both enjoy your stay here."

"I hardly think so Captain, but I am sure we have no other choice but to wait until you allow us to leave."

Jaime knew it was time for him to leave, he excused himself and he walked down the path that lead back to the ship. It may be harder than he thought to change her feelings towards him.

"Mi-lady what will we do now," Etta said as she joined Elizabeth at the rail.

"I am not sure Etta, I mean Millie. We must be careful lest his man hear us. We will go along for now we have no other choice."

"It is quite beautiful here isn't it?"

"Yes, it sure is."

Elizabeth meant more than just the island, she was having strange feelings towards their captor, she was trying hard not to but she believed if they didn't get off of this island soon, they never would.

The next morning good to his word they were allowed to come and go as they pleased, they walked along the white sands of the beach, picking up sea shells along the shore. The beautiful long leaf trees covered most of the island; coconuts from the tops fell to the ground. The flowers along the trails were the most colorful and fragrant she had ever seen.

They found themselves at the waterfall, the water crashing on the rocks below, creating a shower of spray, the cool waters landed in the small pool that drained into the inlet.

The two lifted up their long skirts and removed their shoes and waded into the cool waters. Elizabeth felt at ease here, she did not know why. Even though she and Etta were in a precariously dangerous situation, she still felt she was safer here being safely away from what had happened to her in England, her father and most of all Lyle she was sure the bulk of it. The coolness of the waters on her feet had a most calming effect on her.

Returning to the hut still in their bare feet they found a small feast waiting on them on the porch, Asheem had prepared an evening fare of spit roasted chicken, potatoes, fresh baked bread, corn that was still on the cob and more of that delightful lemon drink. As they made their way to their chairs Jaime came out of the house and joined them.

"Did you ladies enjoy the waterfall; it's very refreshing isn't it?"

"It is very refreshing as well as beautiful; the water was so cool as it is quite warm here isn't it?"

"It is quite warm here; I expect you ladies are particularly warm in all those layer of fabric. Here on the island the women wear sarongs, it's a light weight material wrapped around their bodies. It's definitely less confining than," he caught his self as he noticed her eyebrow rising he knew he should get off of this topic. "I apologize Mrs. Williams I was merely stating some facts about the people of the island."

"I appreciate that the island women have no problems running about in a state of undress, but I assure you as a proper lady I am quite cool in my confining attire as you so eloquently tried to put it."

Jaime wanted to get off the subject quickly so he handed Millie the tray with the chicken on it. He hoped that she would sometime get past her lividness towards him the longer she stayed here with him.

Early the next morning Jaime heard the sound of running feet across the wood plank floor, he rose from the bed threw on his breeches and ran quickly to the porch in time to see Elizabeth on her knees vomiting into the tall grass. He approached her quietly, standing behind her.

"Are you alright?" he said with concern in his voice.

Startled by the sound of his voice behind her, she jumped to her feet while covering her mouth with a kerchief. "I am fine thank you captain."

"Well you don't look fine," he stepped forward placing his hand on her forehead to check to see if she had a temperature. 

She pushed his hand aside, "I assure you captain, I am quite well it must have been something I ate that didn't agree with me."

"Perhaps, but I will have Dr. Majors come and check you out to make sure. The change in lifestyle could be a factor but there are fevers out there that could make you very ill. I would just feel better if we made sure."

"If you insist but I am fine."

"I do insist."

She walked past him then and walked back into the hut. He made his way down the path to the ship at the moor. Even for the early hour there were many men lounging about on deck. The men stood as he boarded, "Where is Dr. Majors?"

"He is below Captain."

"Thank you, Pete would you have Mr. Beasly come to my cabin."

"Aye sir."

A knock on the door and Dr. Majors and Mr. Beasly walked in to the captains quarters. "Dr. Majors I want you to go to the house and check on Mrs. Williams she was ill this morning, I told her I would feel better knowing it was nothing to worry about."

"Aye sir, did she have a fever?"

"No not that I felt."

"I will get my bag and go now."

"Thank you."

"You wished to see me Captain."

"Yes, Dale I want you to take the Sea Serpent and deliver the goods to Whiting, and let the rest of the passengers off to find new passage to their destination. I know Whiting will have questions as to why I did not deliver them myself tell him nothing other than I have another business venture that needed my attention at the moment and that I will see him on my next visit."

"Aye sir, what if the passengers make waves with the officials about their voyage being deferred?"

"Whiting will handle the officials; we pay them enough in money and goods that we have no worries."

"As you wish Captain, we will make sail with the evening tide."

"Oh and Dale, should any of the passengers ask about Mrs. Williams and her maid, tell them she is ill at the moment but will be continuing her voyage as soon as she is well enough."

"As you wish sir, it will be done."

"I know I can count on you Dale. You and the men can take a weeks leave ashore, but make them be wary of trouble just incase someone comes looking for that ship. When you and the men return we will work on changing the identity of that ship, and I believe instead of selling her I think we need a second ship in our ventures, the Sea Serpent is becoming too well known. I also think that she would do well with you as her Captain."

"Thank you sir, I appreciate your confidence in me."

"It's well deserved Dale," he said as he stepped forward and told his friend hand in a firm hand shake.

Jaime then gathered some books and other things from the cabin that he thought he might need over the next week. He thought Beth would love to read some of the novels that he had on hand.

At the house the doctor examined Elizabeth standing over her checking her pulse, feeling for any sign of a fever.

"Really doctor I am fine, it must have been something that I ate last evening that didn't agree with me."

"I am just being thorough the Captain would not be pleased if something were to happen to you under my care. Mrs. Williams I know this may be a sensitive subject, but for my diagnoses I must ask you when was your last woman's cycle?"

"Really doctor I am sure that has nothing to do with this," but as she thought about it, she could not readily remember having had a cycle since back at Charwood.

The pale look on her face caused the doctor to call for her maid. 

"Get some cool water for your lady quickly."

"It has been some time ago hasn't it?"

"Yes."

"I want you have your maid help you to undress to your shift I need to make more thorough examination."

He left the room as Etta entered with the water.

When the doctor returned she was covered by a light blanket.

"I want Millie to stay in the room if you don't mind doctor."

"Of course," he said as he neared the bed.

"If you could please place the blanket over your lower extremities and raise your shift please."

Elizabeth complied her face looking at Etta at the side of the bed. She felt the doctor's hands on her abdomen pushing gently on her stomach. 

"Mrs. Williams, I must touch your breasts I assure you it is a part of the exam."

She shook her head to let him know it was alright and he proceeded to touch them, touching first one then the other. 

"Are the tender in anyway?"

"Yes, they feel a bit sore. You don't really think that I may be with child do you?"

"Yes, Mrs. Williams that is exactly my diagnoses. You are with child from all signs that are present. How long ago was your last cycle?"

"I believe it was several weeks before my husband death, I believe less than two months ago perhaps."

She could not tell him the real truth, that she was brutally raped by her husband and that he was not dead. She felt Etta's hand on hers; she had not even told Etta what had happened before they left Charwood. She felt ashamed even though the child was conceived in marriage, but in hate and brutality. She became upset the more she thought about the fact that she was carrying the child of a brutal and vile man, one she would rather see dead. She curled up into a ball on the bed and began sobbing; the doctor took this as his sign to leave and went to report his findings to the captain.

On his way back to the ship to report to the captain, he made note that for a woman who just buried her husband and just found out she is carrying his child she was none to happy with the blessed event to come.

"Out with it doctor how is she," Jaime said as he sat behind his desk in his quarters.

"With child Captain."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, as far as she can remember she is possibly two months gone."

"Anything else doctor?"

"Well, for a woman who just lost her husband and found out she is now carrying his child she was not pleased with the announcement. She began crying immediately. I don't think she is at all pleased about becoming a mother."

"Could that be a normal response, with the situation she is in right now?"

"It might be possible, but I don't think so Captain. She became very pale and withdrawn with the sudden news. I think there is more going on with the lady than she is saying."

"Thank you doctor, do you think she is healthy otherwise."

"Yes, she is quite healthy. She will need good foods, fluids and not a lot of stress. But other than that I think she will give birth to a healthy child none the less."

"I will make sure it is taken care of doctor. The ship is setting sail for White's Landing; will everything be alright until your return?"

"Worry not Captain, we have a long while until anything happens."

After the doctor left Jaime had time to think before heading back down to the hut to face Beth, knowing she was now carrying another man's child dead or not put a new twist in his pursuit of her. How can he now continue in his efforts to win her over? He would wait and see how she fairs when the child is born, perhaps with his help during the time until its birth they might become closer. If he can convince her to stay here with him that is, being she is adamant about getting to Virginia for what he reason he didn't know yet, but he hoped that she would open up to him.

When he returned to the hut he was met by Millie stating that Beth had walked off earlier and had yet to return, she said that she had walked off in the direction of the beach.

As Jaime approached the beach he could see her standing high above the crashing surf on the large boulder that jetted out from the shore. The wind was blowing hard against her skirts, her long dark hair let loose from its tight knot. Her beauty captivated him at that moment, he knew he was having feelings for her that by rights he had no right to. Considering he had all but kidnapped her, and intended to keep it that way until she began to feel as he did. At that moment he saw her falter, he feared that she might fall, he broke into a dead run towards her.

He slowly came up behind her not wanting to startle her and cause her to fall, it was at that moment he could hear her, she was crying; no mournfully sobbing. He reached out to take hold of her before he made his presence known so that she would not fall.

Feeling hands take a hold of her arms Beth abruptly turned to find Jaime holding onto her, she saw concern filling his face as he pulled her into his arms. Clutching her there for what had seemed a long time but was actually only seconds.

Jaime looked lovingly into Beth's tear reddened eyes, "What is it Beth, what is wrong and how can I help you?"

Beth stood away from him looking out on the endless looking ocean, "There nothing that can be done now and there is nothing you or anyone can do about it."

"What upsets you so is this how a woman with child usually acts? Not knowing many women who are in your condition I am not sure how it should affect you to know if it is a proper response."

"I should have guessed that the doctor would have told you, what gives him the right to tell anyone about my personal business."

"You are my personal business; I wish you would accept that fact."

"I will never accept the fact that you wish to keep me here as your prisoner, if I wanted to be treated this way I would have gladly stayed at Charwood in far more lavish means that this dilapidated hut you expect me to live in."

After she said it she wished she could take it back, she did not want him knowing anymore than what he already did. 

"What did you mean by that? What is Charwood?"

She did not answer but moved to the back of the boulder and began to climb down, he reached out for her to help her down but she refused to take his hand. 

That evening at the dinner table all was quiet no one uttered so much as a word but ate their meal, Beth merely scooted her food about the plate not really eating much.

Beth wished there was some way that she could tell Jaime all that had happened to her, her feelings for him were coming apparent even to her. But how could she have anything to do with a pirate, a rogue, someone who is so sweet, tender and so well meaning. No, she admonished herself you cannot have any feelings for him, not now, not ever. Not with Lyle's child growing inside you. She was grateful that Etta had not asked questions at least not yet; she didn't know how she was going to tell her friend, what had happened to her while she was away making plans for their escape.

Jaime tossed the idea around in his head about approaching her and asking her what she had meant by her comments but he thought it was best to leave it alone, at least for now. Soon he would approach her and convince her all would be alright and that it was safe to trust him.

Jaime was busy each day down at the moor's working to refit the stolen vessel, renaming it The Serpent's Tail. His work helped him keep his mind off of Beth and what she could be hiding. 

Etta worried about Elizabeth she refused to eat, she refused to talk about it, she only sat in the chair beside the window in their room. Her blank expression on her face told her all she needed to know, that that vile Lyle Kenworthy had defiled her poor lady. Now she was carrying the child of a man who would do nothing but abuse her should he find her and heaven help the poor innocent child caught in the middle. 

At that moment in London

Charles Buckingham stood at the desk of the dock manager while Lyle Kenworthy paced the floor shouting furiously at the man, "what do you mean you have no records of her sailing from this port. This is the only port close enough that she could have left from. Check them yet again!"

The little round man behind the desk searched through the log book on his desk, "I assure you sirs there is no Elizabeth Buckingham on any records in this book sailing from this port. I am sorry if you have reason to believe she had but my records are quite complete I can tell you. There is no record of her and her maid having sailed from here."

"Perhaps we should go Lyle, if there is no record she could still be close by. We should concentrate our efforts on the coaches."

"No Charles, I believe I was correct she would leave the country. Check your book again; perhaps she sailed under an assumed name. Check all entries of any women traveling only with their maids or siblings?"

The man looked through several pages, "alright there was a woman and her sister, set sail four months ago Martha and Sarah Wiles bound for the Indies. There was also a woman and maid set sail three months ago for Virginia, Beth Williams and Millie Chambers."

"That's them!"

"Are you sure Lyle?"

"Yes, I am positive!" 

"That is indeed unfortunate sir."

"Why do you say that?"

"That particular ship was set upon by pirates, the communiqués we received said that the White Serpent had taken the ship, when he takes a ship he steals all that is valuable and kills everyone and sends the ship to its grave. I am indeed sorry if your family was aboard that ship."

"Are you sure you have no further information about this ship?"

"I have told you all that I know sir, if I should receive any more information I can let you know as soon as I should find something."

"Be sure that you do, I will be in contact with you as often as possible."

With that Charles and Lyle left the office, walking to the carriage Charles turned to Lyle, "do you think that she is dead?"

"Right now it is hard to know, if this was in fact her and pirates did take the ship it does not look good. I will send my man on the next available ship and have him check all ports searching for information not only regarding Elizabeth but this Beth as well. I am certain that she would disguise herself so that she would not be found."

"I just don't understand why she would run away like this, you still have not answered my questions about what happened that would make her do something like this?"




Elizabeth's Grand Escape Ch. 02



"I told you all was well, but you said yourself she did not wish to marry, perhaps that is why she ran away."

"Yes perhaps, but she would have done this before the marriage not after?"

"Charles I will do all that I can to find her, be sure of that," he knew he would stop at nothing to bring her back to face him, before he killed her. 

The carriage pulled away and he turned to find Bales standing beside his carriage, "I want you on the next ship sailing for every port between here and Virginia. I want you to find out all the information you can about Elizabeth, or this Beth Williams you can find. Also check into information on the White Serpent, if he did take the Anne Marie what happened to the passengers."

"Aye sir, I will do all that I can to find out everything I can and send you reports as readily as I can."

"Be sure that you do Bales, I want this woman found alive if possible."

"It will be done."

Handing Bales a pouch, "this should be enough for your expenses if you should require more send word. Find all the information you need from the dock manager, he has the names and can get you on a ship as soon as possible." 

"Aye sir."

Jaime knew that he should move Beth and Millie inland to the main house with Beth in her condition, she should have all the comforts of a real home at this time. He would send Asheem to ready the house for their arrival in the next few days.

He returned to the hut to tell Beth of his decision and was met by Millie, "What is it Millie is she not well?"

"She worries me sir, she will not eat or sleep she only sits looking out the window. I fear she will make herself ill if she persists in this way."

"When did this all start Millie?"

"It started when she returned from the beach a few days ago."

"After the doctor told her of her condition?"

"Yes."

"I see. Do you think she is not happy about having her husband's child? Or perhaps she is just sad that he will not see his child?"

"Let us hope he does not!"

"What ever do you mean, I thought he was dead?"

Etta turned away she knew she had given them away by allowing her anger to get the best of her. 

"Millie! I want the truth and I want it now, I know you and Beth are keeping a secret from me, if it will help her you must tell me and you must tell me now is this understood!"

"But I can't sir, if she finds out that I told you she would be very angry at me, she would not forgive me this."

"I insist I will make sure she knows that I forced you to tell me."

Millie walked to the door of the room looked inside Beth had her head propped against the chair she knew she was at last sleeping. She walked past Jaime and went to the settee and sat down, Jaime sat down beside her.

"I guess to begin with, my name isn't Millie, its Etta. My lady's name is Elizabeth Buckingham, sorry Kenworthy. She is indeed married to Lyle Kenworthy, he is a vile and despicable man. Her father Sir Charles Buckingham, forced her to marry him because he feared she would never marry and he would have no one to look after his businesses after his death other than Elizabeth. It is my belief that her father made a deal for his daughter with him in affect sold her to him."

"That is unconscionable for a man to sell his own daughter."

"I fear that is not all that is wrong, I know my lady she would never have slept with her husband willingly. On her wedding night we planned our escape from him, I believe while I was gone to make arrangements for our escape that he raped my lady."

Jaime stood the anger apparent on his face.

"I knew something was wrong when I returned but we had no time to speak of it for we had to be gone from there quickly."

"You had no way of knowing Millie, I mean Etta. Look, I came here to tell you that I am going to move you and Beth to the main house inland. I think you and she would be more comfortable there. Now with this happening I do believe that it would be best to have the doctor on hand just incase something should happen."

"I think that would be best, when do we leave?"

"With this news I believe we will leave this afternoon after I go to the ship and retrieve the doctor, please have your things and hers ready to go I will bring a wagon."

"Yes sir, we shall be ready she sleeps right now."

"That is good she needs to rest."

As the time came to leave for the main house Beth had yet to awaken the doctor believed her to be so exhausted that she would probably sleep well into the next day or so, so they padded the wagon well with a mattress from one of the beds covered it with blankets, they placed her in the wagon. The trip to the house was not really a long one; they needed only to go the valley behind the waterfall. As they rounded the trail the house came into view, though not elaborate by any means the two story log cabin type home was indeed beautiful. It had a wonderful balcony over the front that overlooked the large lake which obviously fed the waterfall.

The inside was most definitely a ships captains' home. The lavish furnishings looked as if they had been taken from directly from aboard a ship. Jaime carried Beth up the grand staircase to the main bedroom placed her on the bed and left Etta to help her.

In the drawing room Jaime and the doctor sat drinking a glass of port when Etta again joined them, "She is still sleeping, and she only stirred momentarily when I put her in her night clothes."

"I believe Captain she will sleep more than likely into tomorrow, but I shall keep a close on eye on her have no fear." "I have the utmost confidence in you Dr. Major's, thank you for all your help."

"Thank you sir."

That night as Beth lie sleeping in his bed, Jaime sat on the side of the bed watching her. She looked so beautiful with her dark hair sprawled across the pillow. He wished he could take all the bad from her mind, and replace it with all thoughts of things good and happy. Hopefully some thoughts of himself as well, he could not fathom his feelings so deeply for this woman for whom he had just met. He loved her spirit, and feistiness. His hatred ran deep for the man who had hurt her so badly, he knew what he would do should this man cross his path for the wrongs he had done to his lady.

The next morning Etta crept quietly into the room, Jaime was sleeping in the chair next to the bed and Beth was still sleeping as soundly as she had been the night before. She thought she had been quiet enough but saw that Jaime stirred from his sleep.

Waking Jaime looked to the bed that Beth slept in and saw that she was still not yet awake, he then saw Etta quietly padding across the floor towards him. 

"I'm awake."

"Has she awakened at all?"

"No, and that has me worried."

"The doctor did not seem worried at all when I talked to him; he said that he had came in to check on her very early this morning while you were still sleeping. He said that she was just in a very deep sleep and to give her time that she would awaken on her own when she was rested."

"She has much on her mind to cause her such exhaustion; she will be fine I am certain of it."

"You have feelings for her don't you Captain?" 

"Etta, I have such feelings that even I cannot understand where they come from. But then that she is still married leaves a problem don't it?"

"Aye that it does."

There was nothing that any of them could do but to wait and allow her to rest and awaken on her own. She slept all that day and into the night, again Jaime watched over her from his chair. When she finally began to stir Jaime was sound asleep and did not hear her. Beth looked over at the chair as Jaime slept so peacefully, she wished she had met him long ago, before her father had forced her into a marriage that she did not want, with a man who would hurt her in such a fashion that she could not stand to be near anyone, least of all Jaime. It hurt her to think that he would some day find out what had happened to her, the shame she already felt would be unbearable should he find out. She lay on her side watching him sleep, his long hair free from its leather strap flowing over his shoulders. His features soft with his sleeping rest, she thought of how nice it would be should he be lying beside her. His body near to hers, their arms wrapped about each other with love and caring tenderness. She had only known pain, fear and hatred thanks to Lyle, but she knew with Jaime it would have been gentle, loving and wonderful. 

As the day broke the sun filtered through the drapes Jaime awoke to the feeling that he was being watched, his eyes slowly opened and saw her beautiful green eyes staring back at him.

"Ah, you're awake."

"It would seem so. Where am I?"

"We moved you to the main house while you slept."

"We?"

"The doctor, Etta and I."

The use of Etta's real name set fear throughout her whole body; it must have shown on her face for Jaime rose and walked to the bed.

"What is it, what's wrong?"

"She told you didn't she?"

"I forced it out of her; she had no choice but to answer to me truthfully."

Jaime felt his hatred rise when he saw the sadness the fell across the features of his lady, his love. He longed to take her in his arms and hold her to show her how love could be, how it should be.

"Where is she?"

"Downstairs with the doctor, I will get her if you need her."

"No, I am fine."

"Please do not be angry with her Beth, she felt it only for the best to tell me."

"My name is Elizabeth, not Beth."

"I know, but you'll always be Beth to me."

The tenderness in his voice was like metal daggers in her chest, she could not bear to hear his kind words when she was unworthy of them. She could no longer look him in the eye, because he knew what had happened to her.

"Would you ask Etta to bring me some tea please?"

"Of course."

When he left the room nothing could stop the torrent of tears that erupted from her soul. She no longer felt free and happy, the ugly, unclean fear had returned to her. She could no longer think of a life free from the things that Lyle had done to her, this child would be an everyday reminder of him and the vile things he had made her endure. She could no longer dream of a happy life with Jaime, for he knew what had happened to her. She no longer innocent in his eyes.

Etta came in with the tray of tea and bread, sitting on the side table she could tell that her lady had been crying.

"I am deeply sorry Mi-lady; I had no choice but to tell him. You slept so long, we feared for your health."

"I understand, truly I do."

Etta poured her some tea, handed her the cup, "Thank you, if you don't mind I would prefer to be alone."

"Yes, Mi-lady."

Elizabeth remained closed in the room, she ate a moderate lunch and dinner in her room. As evening approached Jaime knocked upon the door.

"Come in."

Pushing the door open, Jaime observed her sitting before the large open French doors that led onto the balcony that looked out over the lake.

"Are you well this evening, we had hoped you would join us for dinner downstairs?"

"I am well thank you for your concern."

"Isn't the view beautiful from here?"

"Yes, it is. Your home is quite beautiful too, you can tell a ships captain lives here."

"Yes indeed. There is a reason for that, this house is primarily built and furnished from the ships I have bested at sea. The wood planks, beams, rails, masts and hulls all used to build it."

"Ingenious way to hide your prize."

"I thought so."

He smiled when he saw the slight way she tried to hide her smile.

"The sun is setting, would you like to go for a walk by the lake?"

"Thank you no; I would like to just sit here for a few moments more before I go to bed."

"Alright, I will say goodnight then."

"Goodnight and Thank you for everything."

"It is always a pleasure to serve you my lady."

The night broke over the lake, the moonlight bathing everything in its silvery glow. Elizabeth finally rose from the chair that she had been sitting in for nearly the whole day. She had given it all good thought, she could not carry on this way. She could not look at Jaime with his knowing what had happened to her, she could not and did not wish to look upon the child of that monster who had left her now with no other choice. Elizabeth took the letter that she had written for Etta and placed it on the bed pillow. Along with it she placed the pouch of jewels that she had taken from her father's office. She hoped Etta would find the peace and happiness she could not.

The grass on her bare feet was wet she felt no need to wear shoes or even clothes for that matter, she walked along with just her chemise and pantaloons. Heading for the waterfall, and freedom from her shame and disgust.

Before heading to bed Etta went to look in on Elizabeth and found her bed empty, upon the pillow laid a letter and the pouch of jewels. She opened the letter, her face changed from a puzzled expression to a look of horror and fear. She ran from the room and quickly to Jaime's.

Jaime looked up from the fire as Etta burst into the room, "What is it? What's wrong?

"It's my lady sir, I believe she about to do something horrible," she said as she handed Jaime the letter she was holding.

He read:

Dearest Etta, You have long been my one true friend; it pains me to have to leave you in this way. But I can no longer go on feeling as I do, the pain of having the one man I have come to love knowing what a horrible thing was done to me, it's evidence would be showing soon and I could not bear to look on the poor innocent child's face knowing that I hated it so. I have no other options, I love you my dearest friend and I hope that one day you will forgive me. Please take the jewels, ask Jaime to take you to Virginia to your family I am feel certain he would do that one last thing for me, use them and have a good life. Tell Jaime, I don't know what to tell him Etta. I in this short time that I have come to know him, though his captive I have come to love him. He is kind and loving on the inside a side I fear he rarely shows. In the short time we knew each other I do believe he was starting to have feelings for me, though I am not sure of such things having never been in love, but I feel certain he might have had some feelings for me. Do not let him blame himself for anything that has happened to me, I do not blame him or anyone else for what has happened to me, except for my father and Lyle. You may show Jaime this letter, in this perhaps he will understand and forgive me too. I love you all so very much, Elizabeth

"Where would she go?"

"I do not know," Etta said sobbing.

Jaime ran down the stairs and out of the house, running to the lake he feared perhaps she would try to drown herself. No sign of her there, he headed for the falls. As he approached the edge of the rocks he saw her standing poised at the edge of the falls. He did not want to frighten her so he slowly crept upon her from behind, it was not soon enough for she turned to see him walking towards her.

Elizabeth turned to look one last time and saw Jaime fast approaching her to stop her. No! She could not allow him to stop her. She quickly turned, and lifting her foot from the rock stepped off the edge.

Jaime's screams were of anguish as he saw her step off the edge and begin to fall. He ran to the rocks to see her body falling through the air, to hit the waters below, he had no way of know if she survived the fall, he feared the worst. Running down the secret path that led to the cave that went through the falls and came out at the bottom of the falls, tears streamed down his face as he reached the bottom of the caves. 

He searched the water and banks for signs of Elizabeth, and then he saw her. Face down in the water not far from where he was standing, he jumped into the water swimming quickly to her. As he reached her he rolled her over to look into her lifeless face, he willed himself to pull her to the edge and carry her from the water. Laying her on the ground, he pushed on her stomach to force the water from her lungs. He had seen it done many times for men who had gone overboard. Nothing happened, he placed his lips on hers breathing into her mouth, willing her to breathe. He did not have any idea how long he had been doing this when the doctor and Etta arrived, horrified at the scene before them.

"Jaime lad, it's of no use. She is gone."

Etta crouched beside her lady holding her hand, sobbing uncontrollably, "Why, why would she do such a thing?"

"She felt she had no other choice, she could not live with her pain," the doctor said as he placed a hand on Jaime's shoulder.

Jaime had taken her limp body into his arms, holding her tightly to him, when he suddenly felt some movement in her chest, "Doctor, she's breathing."

The doctor quickly kneeled beside her taking her hand in his and touching her wrist, indeed there was a heart beat drumming through her veins. A hand placed at her stomach revealed it was rising. Impossible, he looked up from where she had fallen; it had to be some kind of a miracle for her to have survived such a fall.

"Quickly, we must get her out of these wet things and into a warm bed before she catches her death of cold."

Happily Jaime carried her back to the hut it was the closest place he could take her. Laying her on the bed, he left the room to allow Etta and the doctor to take care of her. He paced the floor outside the room frantically, the thought of losing her pained him so deeply it struck him strange to know he could come to love someone so deeply that he could feel her pain.

The doctor and Etta removed her wet things, finding that she was bleeding, "she's lost the baby hasn't she doctor?"

"Yes I believe she has, let's get her cleaned up so I can examine her more closely."

"Do you think she will live?"

"Right now Etta I am unsure all we can do is hope and pray."

A Message arrives in London

A courier arrived at the offices of Lyle Kenworthy with a message from the man he sent on the trail of the missing Elizabeth Buckingham Kenworthy. The message a short one but very clear.

Mr. Kenworthy, I believe I have found the trail of your missing wife. The ship she set sail on vanished after being attacked by pirates. The manifest itself does not list your lady by name, but shows a lady and her maid sailing alone. I do believe it to be your lady and her maid. The passengers from the attacked vessel were set ashore, except for the lady and her maid. They were taken by the pirate captain to an undisclosed location, but I feel sure by the time you can arrive here I will know more. Come to the Eleuthera Harbour Islands, Spanish Wells. Jack Bales

Lyle immediately summoned his coach, he set out to Charwood Hall to speak to Charles Buckingham to acquire the funds for the trip to the Islands. 

Lyle was lead into the study by Benjamin, Charles looked up from his desk to find Lyle sitting down before him.

"What is it Kenworthy?"

"My man I sent to look for Elizabeth believes he has found her."

"Are you sure it's her?"

"He believes so."

"And with this belief you want to what?"

"I want enough funds to acquire a vessel to take me to where she may be."

"I see, and where is it that this fellow has found her."

"A small island near the America's called Eleuthera Harbour Islands. At a port called Spanish Wells."

"He is absolute in his findings?"

"He said by the time I arrive he would have more information for me."

"Then we must set sail immediately."

"We?"

"Yes we, if my daughter is alive, I want to be there to comfort her after her perilous adventure."

"It will be a long journey are sure you are up to such a voyage?"

"I will have it no other way."

"I will go and make the arrangements and meet you at the docks."

When Charles arrived at the docks in London he found the Lyle had indeed found passage for them, he practically had to purchase the vessel. In no time they were on their way to find Elizabeth.




Elizabeth's Grand Escape



"Oh Etta, I can't tell you how wonderful you are, you have been a constant blessing to me. I thank GOD that I have your friendship and support for what lies ahead. A new life, can you imagine?"

"Yes Miss, a new life for us both. What provisions have you stowed away?"

"I have not taken too many things, just small personal things of my mother's that I would like to keep, some clothing but not that much so we can travel lightly, and I have mine and some of my mother's jewelry and I went to father's office yesterday on the pretense of bringing him lunch, and while there he was called to the dock and I was able to go through his desk and found a large sum of money. I took most of it; it should be enough to keep us for a while at least. We won't live well, but we should be fine I should think."

"Mi-lady are you absolutely sure that this is what you want to do, we can still go to your father and tell him how your new husband has already treated you and perhaps he will help you?"

"Etta, I fear all my father would do is to tell me to please my husband and get on with being his wife. My father, the only thing he cares is that his precious shipping company will be run one day by an heir, the heir he didn't get from my mother. I think he has always hated the fact that I wasn't the son that he wanted, and when my mother died he lost all hopes of having one."

"He could have remarried and had more children, why didn't he?"

"By the time my mother died, he was getting older and the young women were not as taken with him as they once were. I think that's why he became so impatient with me to marry and have children, and frustrated when it wasn't going as he planned. Hence, his marrying me off to Mr. Kenworthy no matter that is was not what I wanted; it was going to get him what he wanted."

Hugging Etta quickly, "Now, be off with you get some rest we have a long journey ahead of us."

"Right you are Miss, I will call for you just before midnight, be ready."

"I shall, and Etta; thank you for all that you have done for me."

"It's nothing mi-lady, I would do anything for you; you know that."

Standing at the window moments before midnight Elizabeth felt a sudden sense of sadness at leaving as she was but knew it was the right thing if she were to live happily instead of in fear or pain.

She thought then she would not tell Etta of what happened in this very room hours earlier when Mr. Kenworthy arrived at her door and announced that she'd had enough time to be over her cycle and he was ready to have his wedding night. 

The bruises on her body and face she would put off on a last ride on Rolly, her favorite horse whom became skittish at the sight of some animal and promptly threw her off, as was the story she gave her father when he came to bid her goodnight.

Stomping across the room he had roughly taken her by the arms and lowered his mouth to hers, but she refused to allow him to kiss her, which promptly made him angry, and he slapped her hard across the face sending her to the floor in a puddle of tears.

Lyle thought to himself, he had let this matter go on long enough, he intended to lie with his precious wife, one way or another.

"I said, I was done with your foolishness and I will have you now Elizabeth, you are my wife, and you shall act accordingly. Now, get up and come to me."

"I shall not, when my father finds out about this it is you who will be in pain, not I."

"Your father understands a mans rights as a husband, it is you who will have to learn, be it the easy way or the hard way Elizabeth it is all up to you. Now, which shall it be?"

"I shall never come to you willingly."

With her statement and anger filling his eyes he stole to her side pulling her roughly towards the bed, she tried with out success to free her self from him. He threw her roughly onto the bed; he began ripping at her dressing gown, tearing it from her body. 

She fought against him, kicking and clawing at his flesh, but he would not be stopped. As her silky flesh was exposed to his eyes, he pulled quickly at his own clothes removing them, when she saw his engorged member; she tried to rise from the bed. He raised his hand quickly and slapped her, causing her fall back onto the bed.

Quickly his body was on top of hers, his mouth at her throat, seeking her mouth, he kissed her roughly causing her mouth to open, ample opportunity for his tongue to find its way into hers.

His hands pawed at her flesh, she could not believe that he would do this to her, his mouth lowered to her breasts, she kept trying to hit him, but he held her wrists tightly. 

Then it happened, she felt his hard member at the entrance of her mound, she tried closing her legs tightly but he placed his knee between them and forced them apart. She began crying fiercely, but it had no effect on him, as he sank his member deep within her, tearing her virginity from her, she screamed but he placed his hand over her mouth, she then stopped her efforts to get away she had no choice but to wait for him to finish his violation of her.

Her friend had been right about the disgust she felt of his moaning, grunting and sweating body upon hers. He did not seem to care that she did not respond to his bodies movement within hers, all that he cared about was his pleasure.

When he finally collapsed after releasing himself deep within her, he rolled off her gasping for breath, looking over at her lying there just looking up at the ceiling, he rose from the bed gathered up his clothes headed towards the door.

"Elizabeth, it didn't have to be like that. I hope from now on you will realize that when I come to you."

With that he left the room, leaving Elizabeth in a pool of his sweat and semen. Elizabeth rose from the bed, walking as if she were on her way to the castle tower, she reached the water pitcher and began to clean all evidence of him from her body. As her pale skin turned red with the scrubbing she was giving it, she began to break down, crying softly at first then to more frantic sobs. She then dressed quickly, waiting for the time to tick quickly towards midnight, and her freedom.

To be continued…..