Home of the White Dolphin - Segment 04

Chapter 16

January 06, 1846 – Office of Artemus Tucker, solicitor

“What the hell do you mean, I’ll have to take them?” Mitchell angrily paced back and forth, refusing to believe Artemus Tucker would do this to him. “Why can’t one of your clerks do this? It’s not my fault you slipped on the ice and broke your leg.” He realized after saying this how callous it made him sound, but he was too furious to apologize.

The elderly man sitting behind the ornate desk didn’t seem to take offense. He waited for Mitchell to calm down before continuing with his instructions. This wait took awhile, but eventually Mitchell stopped complaining, slammed down into the visitor’s chair, glared at the solicitor, and belligerently crossed his arms.

“Mitchell, you know I can’t let two innocent women go unescorted almost 200 miles. All my clerks are much too young to take on this responsibility, so the job falls on your wide and able shoulders.” Artemus leaned back in his chair before adding what he thought would help Mitchell get over his anger. “After fighting storms at sea, Mitchell, a few weeks with these ladies should be no problem at all.”

No problem at all, the man says, Mitchell thought, the idea of spending weeks in Jane Templeton’s company more than he wanted to contemplate. He admitted he felt conflicted about never seeing Elizabeth again. It’s just her body I’ll miss and her eagerness to please me, that’s all.

Artemus was pleased to see Mitchell suddenly smiling. “That’s better, my boy. I knew you’d come around and help me with the Templeton sisters.” He pulled out a desk drawer and handed Mitchell a sheaf of papers. “I wrote a letter of explanation to Miss Templeton’s future husband relating why I’m not the ladies’ escort. There are a few hundred pounds to see you through the journey and a line of credit if you need more.”

He thought for a second before adding, “You’ll find a carriage and an experienced driver waiting on the dock. Bill Atwood knows the route to Derbyshire well and will take care of the change of horses. He can tell you which coach houses to stop at overnight that are clean and safe for his passengers. Really, all you have to do is ride in the carriage and enjoy the women’s company.” Not wanting to give Mitchell more time to complain, Artemus stood and hobbled around his desk, forcing Mitchell to also stand.

“I envy you the trip and the time you’ll have to continue seeing Miss Templeton. Her reputation as a beauty has reached even this side of the ocean. Of course I mean the bride, not the other one. I’ve been told she is exceedingly plain with ugly scars all over her face and body.”

“Elizabeth is not plain at all, Artemus, and has no scars on her body, only one tiny one on her cheek.” With that, Mitchell made his good-byes.

He left Artemus wondering, How’s Mitchell so certain she doesn’t have scars on her body? That must have been an interesting sea voyage.

Chapter 17

January 06, 1846 – On board the White Dolphin

“What do ya mean I’m in charge of the ship for maybe a couple months?” Cripton asked, confused by Mitchell’s command. “Where you going?”

Mitchell gave a big sigh, feeling quite the martyr. “Artemus broke his leg, so he forced me into escorting Miss Templeton to her bridegroom.” He scowled at Cripton when the sailor started laughing. “It’s not funny. That means I’m stuck with that bitch for almost 200 miles, trapped in a carriage having to listen to that voice of hers.”

Cripton tried to control his laughter and failed miserably. He knew what Mitchell meant by Jane’s voice. More than once, he heard her talking to one of the crew while practicing what she thought was a sultry voice. It’s a wonder one of them didn’t bang her ‘til her eyes crossed. He laughed even harder, thinking of Jane getting her comeuppance that way. She might even tempt that kiddie fiddler we had to hire to fill out the crew. It’s plain she only wants Mitchell, and now she’ll have weeks to work on him.

Aloud, Cripton asked, watching Mitchell’s face, “Do you think she’s still a virgin?”

“How the hell do I know? Whether she is or not, that’s her bridegroom’s problem.” Mitchell stopped, a sudden thought crossing his mind. “Have you seen any of the men sniffing around the women? What about the younger one?” Mitchell felt something unfamiliar twist inside him at the idea of sharing Elizabeth with any other man.

“She stays below decks during the day, so the sailors never see her. After dark, all women look alike. If one of them caught her, her scar wouldn’t stop them. Why worry about her since she’s not the bride?” Cripton decided it was time to change the subject when he finally noticed Mitchell’s clenched fists. He quickly got out, “When will you be leaving?”

“As soon as I can get their luggage on the carriage.” Mitchell's anger started to recede, and he was able to finish giving instructions on what Cripton needed to do while he was away. “And don’t forget to stock the ship with enough provisions for our next trip.” He walked away, saying over his shoulder, “I want to make another trading run to the West Indies when I get back.”

Chapter 18

January 06, 1846 – On the dock next to the White Dolphin

“I’d forgotten how much luggage they brought with them,” complained Cripton as he helped Bill Atwood secure one final trunk on top of the large coach. The taciturn driver just grunted, this being his main form of communication.

When Mitchell first caught sight of the driver, he wondered if Artemus was losing his mind. Atwood was a big bear of a man, from his long black hair and beard to his lumbering walk. Bushy eyebrows were thick enough to keep rain out of his eyes, and what teeth he still had were stained brown from the constant wad of chewing tobacco he kept tucked inside his cheek.

Before answering, Mitchell stepped out of the way of a stream of wet tobacco. This was something he’d learned to do after one slimy mess landed on his boots. “I think this is the last of it. Have you seen the ladies yet?” He turned at hearing steps on the gangplank, but saw only young Robbie coming toward them.

“Oh, did I forget to tell you he’s coming with you?” When he spotted Robbie, Cripton stopped to wipe his sweaty forehead.

“Why?” Mitchell frowned at seeing the small satchel in Robbie’s hand. “Don’t you think I’ve got enough trouble without having to watch him?”

Before Cripton could answer, Robbie put the satchel down on the dock and said, “M’lord, I’m to be Miss Templeton’s dresser like I be doing all these weeks.”

“What did you say?” shouted Mitchell. He knew Robbie brought Elizabeth her meals at the start of the sea voyage, but dressing and undressing her was too much. “When did Elizabeth, I mean Miss Templeton, have you do this?”

Robbie shook his head frantically, hearing the anger in Mitchell’s voice. “No, M’lord, not Miss Elizabeth. The other one.”

“Mitchell, don’t yell at the boy.” Cripton decided to speak up before Mitchell did something he’d regret, like boxing the scared youngster’s ears. “Robbie mentioned to me that Jane Templeton caught him one day leaving after he left lunch for her sister.” He watched Mitchell start to calm down and continued, “Elizabeth wasn’t in the room at the time, so Jane needed help to undo the buttons on the back of her dress. After that, she constantly sent word for him to come to the cabin and help her with her clothes and other chores a maid would do.”

“Why wasn’t I told of this?” Mitchell looked from Cripton to Robbie. “I would have put a stop to it.”

“I really don’t mind, M’lord, since I got to be near Miss Elizabeth more. She made me the new duds I’m wearing.” Robbie grinned while showing off the rather large shirt and pants. “She said I was growing fast so she made them bigger.” Seeing Mitchell no longer seemed annoyed at him and wanting to take advantage of his improved mood, Robbie quickly asked, “So, can I come? I ain’t going to be no trouble and can help Mr. Atwood with the horses.”

Half an hour later, the large stagecoach-style carriage pulled by a brace of four horses left the dock. Inside, Mitchell with a delighted Robbie sitting beside him rode facing backwards, while Elizabeth shared the opposite cushioned bench with her sister.

Ahead of them waited a Derbyshire bridegroom and a few unexpected surprises.

Chapter 19

October 31, 2008 – Halloween at Hannah’s Home

The excitement in the orphanage’s entrance room was at a fever pitch, and Walker felt the tension leaving his body. The sound of over a dozen children yelling encouragement at a fan-waving Sophia brought tears of laughter to Walker’s eyes. Over the last few months, the elderly, former exotic dancer became a favorite at Hannah’s Home.

Walker felt a hand on his shoulder and smelled the delicate fragrance of Samantha’s perfume. “She’s sure getting the kids revved up, Sam, isn’t she?” He patted the chair next to him, and Samantha gratefully sat down. She’d tried to avoid the Halloween party, but Edith had asked her to find Walker and bring him back to the mansion. As usual, he turned off his cell phone when he didn’t want business calls disturbing him.

“Walker, you have to get back home right away.” Samantha had to yell this to be heard over the loud noise.

“What’s wrong?”

“Edith didn’t tell me, just said for you to hurry.” Saying this, Samantha got to her feet and left the crowded room as quickly as she could. The sight of all the children once again intensified the feeling of loss that grew stronger every day.

* * *

When they walked into the mansion’s large entrance room, they noticed the desk clerk waving for them to join him.

“What’s up, Keith?” asked Walker when he and Samantha reached the clerk. “Have you seen my mother?”

“Yes, she said to go right up to her rooms. Something about an emergency.” Keith shrugged at seeing Walker’s raised eyebrow. “Sorry, that’s all I know.”

Walker joined Samantha who was already crossing the room to the glass elevator. Getting in, the two rode up past the second floor where all the elderly guests stayed and up to the third floor reserved for staff and family.

When they reached Edith’s apartment, they heard an unfamiliar sound coming from inside. Not bothering to knock, Walker opened the door and went in, closely followed by Samantha. When they walked down the short hallway toward the living room, the sound got louder. Walker put a hand on Samantha’s arm to stop her when he identified the noise.

Chapter 20

January 13, 1846 – Around 20 miles closer to Derbyshire

After a week of being trapped in the carriage with her, both Mitchell and Elizabeth were ready to strangle Jane. Only Robbie escaped her company by sitting up top with Atwood.

“Jane,” said Elizabeth, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice, “please make up your mind. Do you want this curtain open or closed?” She reached for the cord that would pull back the coach window shade, waiting for Jane’s answer.

“It’s so stuffy in here with it closed.” Jane’s petulant answer was the one she’d said at least a dozen times in the last seven days. After ordering Elizabeth to open the window her complaint would be “The dirt coming in is ruining my complexion. Shut the curtain immediately!”

Mitchell tried to ignore Jane, especially when she was not complaining. During those rare times, she insisted on joining him on his side of the coach. One afternoon when Elizabeth was napping only a couple feet away, Jane playfully put her hand on Mitchell’s knee for a brief second to get his attention. The first time she did this, Mitchell thought her hand was there by accident, but not the second time. He didn’t react fast enough, and her hand moved up further, inch by slow inch.

“Jane,” he whispered, trying not to wake Elizabeth, “stop doing that. It’s not seemly. You’re an engaged woman.”

Jane gave him what she considered her most provocative smile. Her hand slid even higher, leaving no doubt in Mitchell’s mind what she wanted from him. “I’m only engaged, Mitchell, not married.” When her fingers found the bulge in his trousers, Mitchell was dumfounded by what he felt, or rather didn’t feel. Usually a woman touching him there would cause instant arousal, making him hard and ready for action.

He gently removed Jane’s hand from his leg. “I think you should go back to your own seat. Your husband expects an untouched bride, and I’m not going to disappoint him.”

“And what if I’m not untouched? Would that make a difference?” Jane remained seated beside him. “I know how men need a woman after being at sea a long time.” She began laughing when she suddenly thought of why he was acting so cold to her. “Oh, I didn’t know. You only grind with men.”

“I do not,” yelled Mitchell, waking up Elizabeth. “Just ask your sister.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Mitchell regretted them.

“Ask me what?” Elizabeth rubbed the sleep from her eyes, confused by the hate-filled, sneering look Jane was giving her.

Continued in next segment

Home of the White Dolphin - Segment 05  (GC) Chapters 21 thru 25 #2091567 by J. A. Buxton