Moore's Island

Her mother was dying and no amount of crying or pleading could change the fact. Valerie sat by her mother’s bed, holding her frail hand in her own, willing her young strength into the woman. Carolyn, Valerie’s mother had been sick with a lung disease for the past three months. Coughs racked her body. Her depleted reserves couldn’t hold out much longer. The nurse came in and told Valerie that her father wanted to speak to her in the library.

Valerie descended the wide staircase, one hand lightly on the polished railing. She entered the library quietly and closed the large, heavy door. The room was large and three walls were covered in books from floor to ceiling. A fire burned brightly in the stone fireplace. She could hear the snaps and pops of the wood as it burned. Approaching the large oak desk where her father sat reading his newspaper. “You wanted to see me, Papa?” she inquired.

“Yes, Valerie, sit down. There is something I wish to discuss with you,” her father replied.

She chose a large, overstuffed chair by the fireplace. Curling her legs beneath her, she waited anxiously. Vincent filled his pipe then came out from behind the desk to stand behind her chair for a moment. Valerie turned to gaze into her father’s eyes and saw the pain and love warring within them.

“Honey, you understand what is happening to your mother, don’t you?” he asked quietly. Valerie nodded solemnly. “ The nurse tells me that she won’t last much longer.”

Valerie’s eyes filled with tears but kept quiet, absorbing the information. She didn’t want to lose her mother but she also didn’t want to upset her father any more than he already was. Tears slipped down her young face and she bit back a sob.

Vincent lit his pipe from the fire blazing before him. “She has all but given up and now she just wants the pain to end. She doesn’t want you to see her suffer anymore. Your mother has asked me to send you away. She is afraid you might catch the disease.”

Valerie jumped from the chair in protest but Vincent held out his hand before she could speak. “I’ve told her that I couldn’t possibly send you away. We will see this through as a family.”

“Oh, papa,” Valerie sobbed,” what are we going to do? What can we do for mama?”

“The nurse I hired says we can only make her comfortable and wait. I wish that all the money I’ve made could buy her more time or a cure but it doesn’t work that way.”

The nurse tapped gently on the library door. “Sir, your wife is asking for you. She says both of you must come.”

They left the library and went up the stairs together. Valerie grasped her father’s hand in hers and squeezed gently. Vincent drew her into the room and to Carolyn’s bedside. Valerie sat down and looked at her mother with tear-filled eyes.

Carolyn reached out feebly. She started coughing roughly and blood coated her lips. Valerie wiped the blood away with a soft rag.

“Child”, Carolyn whispered. “You must be strong for your father. He will need you to be there for him after I’m gone.”

“I will be, mama,” she whispered back. Exhaustion was quickly taking over as Carolyn reached for her husband.

“Vincent, you must get away from here after I’m gone. I don’t want you to be miserable in this house, expecting me around every corner. Take one of those ships you’re so fond of and find you an island. I’ve heard there are plenty of them south of here. Promise me, Vincent.”
She heard his promise as her last breath left her stricken body. Father and daughter waited in silence for the next breath but it never came. The grief building in them was palpable when the nurse looked in the room. She knew there was nothing more she could do here and grieved in her own way for her first lost patient. She closed the door silently and went downstairs to her quarters to pack.
The funeral was held a few days later at the church. Many of Carolyn’s friends came to pay their respects and brought their husbands with them.

The weeks passed, as Vincent made ready to fulfill his promise to his wife. He had been in the shipping business for many years and knew where to get the best prices for the supplies he thought they might need. He had several long conversations with some of the captains of the ships he owned. He had asked about islands along the trade routes and to whom they belonged.

Vincent came home one evening and gave his daughter a journal with a leather binding. It came with a pen and inkbottle all wrapped up in a pretty package. He told her that he was trying to buy an island and that she could use the journal for her thoughts or plans in her preparations for the move. Valerie was excited about having an adventure instead of just hearing stories. She didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity. The next morning Valerie approached her father in his study. Maps covered all available space and Vincent was going over the paperwork for the island he had finally chosen.

“Papa,” Valerie said as she gazed at the cluttered room. “What will the island be like?”

“The reports I have received form several captains say that it is uninhabited. No smoke has ever been seen coming from it or from any of the nearby islands. Most of what I heard has been scuttlebutt. Nobody knows much about it really. I’m hoping to find a captain willing to take us there soon,” Vincent replied.

“Cook says it is folly to go to an island without escorts. Her brother is a seaman and he says that some islands are haunted.” Valerie shuddered.

“Honey, don’t you believe such nonsense. That island hasn’t even been explored yet from what I’ve heard,” Vincent said adamantly. “Now, have you figured out what you want to take with you? Remember space is limited.”

“I have a list in my journal. Do you want me to go and get it?” she asked.

“No, come see me later and we will compare notes all right?” he replied.” Right now I have an appointment with a few more captains. I want to find just the right one to take us. I will need to see his crew, inspect the ship, and a few other duties down by the docks. I should be back by suppertime.”

Vincent gazed at his daughter and saw his own excitement mirrored in her eyes. He gathered his papers together and with a smile for his daughter strode down the hallway and out the front door. The carriage was waiting for him. He gave quick instructions to his driver and climbed aboard. The clip clopping of the horse’s hooves on the cobblestones broke the silence of the city. A newsboy was selling papers on a street corner as the carriage passed. It had rained the night before and small puddles reflected the sunlight coming from the horizon. The driver stopped the carriage a short distance from the docks. Vincent got out and surveyed the scene before him. Men were unloading the ships and shouting back and forth. It was a noisy place even this early in the morning. Vincent wove his way through the throng of men to locate the next captain he was to interview. He was bumped and jostled by the sailors until he reached the dock he wanted. As he approached the gangway he was halted by a rough voice.

“Hey, you!” A massive sailor stepped up to Vincent and looked at his fine clothing with a sneer. “Where do you think you’re going?” The man was close to seven feet tall with broad shoulders and a barrel chest. Muscles bulged from years of work. His torso was bare except for a leather apron that hung loosely to his knees. He looked like he hadn’t shaved in quite some time. His shock of bright red hair stood out all over his head. He flexed his massive hands.

“I am Mister Moore and I happen to own this ship. Captain Bench is expecting me aboard. Now, if you will move aside, sir.”

The captain came on deck and spotted Vincent and the sailor seemingly in deep conversation. He hailed the men and Vincent went aboard.

“Do you know the sailor who stopped me? Vincent inquired.

“Aye, sir,” the captain said regretfully. “That man has sailed with almost every ship in this harbor. He was the best seaman I have ever known. Unfortunately, his weakness keeps him from sailing now. Everyone calls him ‘Red’ but there are the odd few who dare to call him yellow behind his back. His ship got caught in a freak storm one day, demolished the whole ship and he was the only one to survive. When he was picked up from an island south of here he was a raving lunatic. Now he just haunts the docks looking for his lost crewmates. He is so sure that they will return. He won’t set sail again until they come back.”

“That’s a sad story, to be sure. Is there no help for the poor man, then?” Vincent asked.

“Nobody will have him and he is too big to control. There is a kid that kind of takes care of him. Makes sure he eats and finds clothes for him to wear. The kid is an orphan I think but they do alright,” the captain replied. He led Vincent down to the cabin, motioned him to a chair and they got down to business. After some time, Vincent went to the bank for more paperwork on the island he had chosen. He arrived home hours later and went looking for Valerie. He found her in the garden collecting herbs to dry.

“Honey, it seems that we will be heading for the island in about two weeks.” He said quietly.

“Papa, really!” she exclaimed. She jumped up scattering the herbs and wrapped her father in a big hug. He patted her back affectionately and led her inside. They went into the dining room and sat down to the meal. Between bites he told her of his day, warning her of the large sailor. Valerie felt sorry for the man but promised to stay away from him. The meal was soon over and Vincent informed the cook that he and Valerie would have tea and cakes in the library. He sent his daughter upstairs to retrieve her journal and proceeded to the library to light a fire. The cook entered first with a tray and set it on the table between the chairs in front of the fireplace.

“I want to call a meeting of all the help tomorrow. Please let them know since you’re always the first one here in the mornings,” Vincent told the cook.

“Yes, sir. As soon as I finish the dishes I’ll be on my way unless there is anything else you would have of me.”

“No, thank you. Have a good evening,” he replied. Valerie came in as the cook was leaving and sat down in her favorite chair. Silence filled the room as she waited expectantly for her father to initiate the conversation. She sipped her tea and nibbled a small cake delicately. Vincent was staring into the firs, one hand resting on the mantle, lost in thought.

A loud popping from the fire brought him back to the present. He turned from the fire and strode over to Valerie, one hand held out for her journal. She remained silent while he read the lists she had compiled. They included furniture she wanted to take, vegetables she wanted to plant and animals she thought they would need. She seemed to be very thorough. Vincent had made similar lists as to supplies he thought they would need. He retrieved his notes from the desk then sat down in the chair opposite Valerie. He compared the two lists carefully.

“We won’t be able to take much of the furniture but we can break down the loom and put it into a box, if you like. The rest of the furniture is too heavy to take but I’m sure we will make do with what we can make once we’re there. Some of the smaller pieces will go with us. The captain I hired today had a few suggestions to make us comfortable once we get there. I also hired his crew to help build the house and to break ground for the garden. He said that as soon as the house is framed he would send out some crewmen in either direction to scout around to make sure its safe enough for us to stay. There are basic things he said we would need. Tools are one thing. Another is plenty of rope. Animals are fine but not too many in case we get blown off course. We have to have feed for the animals too. There should be lots of grazing. The captain has sailed the closest to our island but hasn’t landed there. It seems that most of it is surrounded by a lot of rocks under the water. I’m going tomorrow to see about getting some animals from a local farmer.

“Papa, may I go with you tomorrow? I would like to see the animals.” Valerie said hopefully.

Vincent thought about it for a minute. “That’s a good idea. Maybe you can pick out a puppy to be trained to handle the animals. Be ready to leave at first light. It will take some time to get there.” He sent her upstairs to her room to get some sleep with a gentle pat on her shoulder.

The cook found him the next morning asleep in his chair by the fireplace. She shook his shoulder to wake him. “ Sir, if you please, wake up. Almost everyone is here. I told them you wanted to meet with everybody in the parlor.”

“I’ll be there in ten minutes,” Vincent said as he rose painfully from his chair. He went upstairs to wash and made sure Valerie was up and dressed.

Back in the parlor, the hired help had assembled, quickly finding seats for the impromptu meeting. Whispered gossip was flourishing when the cook joined them and it upset her greatly. “I won’t have anyone saying bad things about Mister Vincent!” she admonished brandishing her wooden spoon. “He has been good to all of us. You’ll know in short order what’s on his mind.” She sat down in a huff just as Vincent came into the room. They all came to their feet respectfully but he motioned them all to sit back down.

“As you have already heard Valerie and I will be moving to an island I am purchasing. Now, before you all panic, let me assure you that I have made some arrangements for your continued employment. If you have any questions or concerns about your placement come see me later. Most of you will stay on until we leave.” Vincent paced the floor. He had some envelopes in his hands and kept looking at them.

“Mister Franks, Mister Fain has need of a groomsman of your expertise. He would like you to report as soon as you can.” As he was leaving the room Vincent handed him an envelope. Inside were a months pay and a letter of recommendation.

Vincent looked to his left at the two maids on the settee. “Mrs. Brown, you will be going to the Dresslers place up on the hill. Miss Laughton will join you there when my daughter and I leave.” He walked over to Mrs. Brown as the woman stood to leave and handed her an envelope similar to Mr. Franks’. With tears in her eyes she dropped a polite curtsy and left the room.” Miss Laughton, you will be helping my daughter pack. Cook, you will be going to the Cantrells. Their last cook was run over by a carriage that had run out of control down by the marketplace. I’m told you knew of her?”

“Yes, sir. She was new to the area and didn’t know her way around yet. I was sorry to hear of her accident. She had two babes at home and my oldest daughter took them in until she could find them a family.” Vincent then cleared his throat and turned to the butler. “Mr. Graham, you have been with me the longest and have served me faithfully for the past twenty- two years. I have arranged for you to be employed by the Duke himself. If you serve him as well as you have me, your three sons might also find employment there when they come of age. I want to warn you, though, that you will be on a one-month trial period in which you, or he, may end your employment at any time. If, however you complete the trial period on a positive note your employment will be for life or until such time as you are unable to perform your duties. The Duke has assured me that should you be a lifelong employee you and your family will want for nothing”

“Sir, as always I shall do my best. I would be happy to serve wherever you send me. I wish you and your daughter a wonderful trip,” the butler replied with dignity.

“Have I left anyone out, then?” Vincent inquired.
From the corner of the room a voice was heard. “If you please, sir.” It was the gardener, Mr. Jacobs. “I’ve been instructing your daughter these past few weeks. She told me about the island shortly after she heard about it. I’ve been showing her what plants she could grow and how to care for them. She is an adept student and the cook has been showing her how to prepare them. We thought it would be a pleasant surprise for you sir.”

“Indeed it is, Jacobs. I thank you for taking on such a task. It is my hope that she has learned well for this trip will not be easy on her,” Vincent said thoughtfully.

“I have also informed her of edible plants that may be found on your island. Who will be taking over your residence while you are away, if I may be so bold, sir?”

“ Well, now, that is something that I haven’t settled yet,” Vincent answered.

“May I suggest a solution, sir?” Jacobs said shyly. “Have you thought about keeping someone on to tend the house and gardens? They could collect any correspondence you receive and forward it to you on the island on the next ship heading your way. That way you could also request supplies should they be needed.”

“Excellent suggestion. Would you and your wife be willing to take such a placement, as I haven’t found an alternative for you? I can have my banker set things up so that you still receive your pay as well as money for any emergency supplies that we need. You and your wife may use the guest quarters.” Jacobs accepted with grace. “Now, if that is everyone, I have a trip to the countryside to see to.” The driver left to get the carriage ready as Valerie stepped into the room.

“My dear, are you ready to go? Vincent asked as he turned to his daughter. She answered affirmatively and he held out his hand. They left the room as Vincent tucked her small hand into his elbow. They walked out the wide front door, down the stone steps and got into the carriage seating themselves on opposite sides. The carriage door was closed and they rode through the city in silence both lost in their own thoughts. The air was cooler once they got out of the city. The gentle breeze wafted through the open windows ruffling the lace on Valerie’s collar.

She breathed deeply of the fresh air smelling the honeysuckle growing beside the road. She watched out the windows at the rolling hills as they went by quickly. Children were playing in front of an old house that looked like a strong wind would topple it any minute. She could hear dogs barking in the distance. Soon they stopped in front of a small, ragged farmhouse. A dilapidated barn was nearby. Valerie waited in the carriage while her father greeted a man who had come out of the barn. They shook hands and walked into the barn. Within minutes Vincent came back out and asked Valerie to come into the barn. She was led to a small enclosure in a darkened corner where gentle whimpers could be heard. Once her eyes adjusted to the gloom she could see five small puppies. Their mother sat nearby. She was a black and white border collie and four of the puppies looked just like her. The fifth puppy, a male, was a solid gray color with a white star on his chest. He sat alone in a corner of the box and looked so lonely that Valerie’s heart went out to him.

“That one, Papa. That is the one I want.” Valerie exclaimed pointing at the gray pup.

“Now, lass,” the farmer said. “That one won’t be any good for sheep. His color is all wrong.”

“It doesn’t matter. I want that puppy,” Valerie insisted. Vincent spoke up quickly. “Sir, if my daughter wants that pup then that is what she will get. I will ask you to train him and in six months ship him to me. I will have my man come and get him when its time. Now, let’s go see to the animals you have for sale, shall we?”

As the men left Valerie stepped into the enclosure and sat down in the hay that covered the floor. The four black and white puppies were whining and wiggling for attention. They climbed over Valerie’s legs. She picked up each one in turn to cuddle with it. Then she turned to the gray pup. He was watching her steadily. He looked so dignified sitting by himself, ears forward to catch any sound she might make. His nose was twitching trying to identify this intruder. She held out a hand in his direction but the only thing about him that moved was his nose. She inched closer and he started trembling as if in great fear of her. As her outstretched hand came in contact with his fur he seemed to relax. She gazed into his soul- filled eyes for what seemed an eternity and the bond between them was formed. They were meant for each other. Valerie whispered to the pup. “I’ll name you Star.” Star put a paw on Valerie’s knee and whined.
Meanwhile, the two men had ambled over to the pens to look at the stock the farmer had for sale. Vincent ticked off what animals he was looking for and the farmer started to protest about how it was almost all of his stock. He hushed quickly when Vincent quoted a price for the animals and enough feed for the trip. It was more money than he had seen in his whole life. This man buying his stock seemed to be the generous sort and the farmer figured he would do well to keep him happy.
The men returned to the barn as Valerie was leaving the puppies enclosure; face aglow with the thought of her new friend. The driver had been watering the horses at the trough on one side of the barn when all three emerged. Father and daughter got into the carriage after Vincent shook hands with the farmer, closing the deal. He called for the driver to take them home, settled back into the seat and closed his eyes. Valerie spent the trip home dreaming of the adventures she and Star would have together.

Upon arriving home the two went their separate ways. Vincent sent his driver to buy the trunks and have them delivered. He then retired to his study. Valerie went in search of the gardener to continue her study of tropical plant life. She found him sitting at a table in the garden writing furiously. He had put together a book of sorts about tropical plants and had included hand drawn pictures to help her identify plants she would find. She knew that at some point their survival might depend on what she had learned from the quiet man. She asked a great many questions about the different plants as to size, flowers and bushes. Nearly exhausting the gardeners knowledge she finally went inside. In the foyer she saw that many trunks had been delivered for the trip. Miss Laughton was passing through to the kitchen but stopped when she saw Valerie.

“Miss, are you ready to begin the packing? She asked.

“Oh, no,” Valerie replied. “We will start in the morning. I want a good nights sleep before tackling that job.” She headed up to her room to study the book the gardener had given her.

The next day dawned cool and rainy. Valerie had slept late and the maid was already packing the trunks with Valerie’s lightest dresses and petticoats. Vincent and the butler were in Vincent’s room packing when Valerie stopped by on her way to breakfast. The butler had just closed one of the trunks that would go into storage and was fastening the large buckles.

“Good morning, Papa,” she said lightly.

“Honey, be sure to bring plenty of your sunbonnets. Oh, by the way, a dressmaker will be here later to fit you for trousers.”

“Trousers!” she exclaimed. “ What ever for?”

“There will be times when they will come in handy. Don’t worry, no one will see you in them but the forest on the island may be quite rough walking through. They will keep you covered and let you roam easier than your dresses. They won’t get caught on bushes nor will they rip as easily. I also found a shoemaker willing to try making you a pair of moccasins like the Indians in the new world wear on their feet. Now get some breakfast and get to packing.”

“Yes, Papa”, she said dejectedly. Her father’s word was final in all things and she knew it but that didn’t mean she would have to wear the trousers. After a breakfast of porridge and fruit she turned to the daunting task of packing.
The days went by quickly and most of the trunks were filled to capacity. Several men showed up one day to load the trunks onto a wagon to take to the docks. They were large, burly men with calloused hands and rough voices. They loaded the wagons and drove off with Vincent trailing them in the carriage. He told Valerie as he was getting into the carriage that he had to go once more to the bank and finalize the papers for the island and that he might be late for supper. Valerie went back inside the house and wandered from room to room remembering her mother at different tasks. She could see her mother working at the loom that was now on its way to the ship. Memories flooded Valerie’s mind and she felt sad at leaving the house she grew up in. She could picture her mother in each room doing different tasks. Going into her room she could remember her mother singing her to sleep and she lay down on her bed and cried herself to sleep.

The next morning found Valerie with puffy eyes and an ache in her heart. Her sadness was replaced slowly by excitement. Today was the day! She got dressed and went downstairs to find her father in full swing of organizing the final preparations for the trip. Orders were issued tersely and breakfast was a hurried affair. They needed to hurry to set sail with the tide. Things went smoothly and soon the two were aboard the ship. Valerie met the captain and the crew and they were on their way.