Chapter 3

Elizabeth leaned against the rail on the deck of the intolerably crowded ship and tugged the oversized hood of her fur lined, thick red lamb’s wool cloak closer around her face. Its softness provided a touch of comfort to her poor suffering head that felt like it had been struck by a massive blunt object. Her stomach fared no better. It was so incredibly twisted from the incessant tossing of the unkind sea it was impossible to hold anything in it. In fact, she emptied it to such an extent she feared the actual stomach lining was next to rise. At times, when she leaned against the rail and silently begged the waters for mercy, she was certain she heard the waters laughing wickedly at her misery.

Not wanting to raise eyebrows or suspicion, the doctor purchased tickets for their passage as uncle and niece. Realizing she would be required to walk out of her home without luggage, he commissioned a new wardrobe and toiletries to be made ready in time for their voyage. Although the cut of her clothing was slightly plain in comparison to the dresses hanging in her wardrobe back home, they were made of the finest satins, silks, wools, velvets, and brocades available and they fit her exceptionally well. Elizabeth felt she sacrificed little, for which she thanked the good doctor profusely.

Dr. Jameson maintained his identity of a nobleman turned physician, explaining to Elizabeth the importance of immediately laying the foundation of his relationship with the good people of the new world. Since the overly crowded ship was taking all of its passengers there, they were technically already in the company of their new neighbors. Hence sparked Elizabeth’s first question about her wisdom in making such a trip, for her fellow passengers seemed an unsavory lot indeed.

Elizabeth kept her thoughts and feelings to herself and focused on the freedom that awaited her in her new life and her deep appreciation that her father’s once good friend and colleague, who was now her guardian. She found it a great boon to be traveling with a doctor. It was handy to be able to easily seek his ministrations on behalf of her unruly stomach and equally miserable head.

Even with the vivid imagination Elizabeth possessed, she could never have fathomed how long and grueling the voyage would be. For reasons unexplained to her, the ship navigated south and stopped in several ports down the coastline before going out to the open sea. Because of this, their trip was extended from that of an anticipated six-week voyage to an overwhelming two-and-a-half-month test of endurance. She directed her concern to the good doctor on various occasions and was always met with the same pat on her hand and nod of his head, with nary an explanation to be heard. She deduced that he knew just as little as she on the matter.

It was rumored the ship took on a small group of African slaves, but Elizabeth saw no sign of them. Therefore, she considered it rumor only.

When the word finally came that land was sited, she jumped and applauded in an elated child-like manner. She endured just about all she could of her fellow passengers. The incessant odor of unwashed bodies and their unsuitable talk that was common amongst her fellow passengers, along with the constant torture of her overly taxed stomach from the rocking and rolling of their vessel had her nerves shattered and her body exhausted. If relief did not come soon, she was certain she would either go mad or, at the very least, vomit herself into nothingness.

Although faring far better than Elizabeth, Sally was equally happy to hear they would soon be on dry land. She’d never acted as a waiting maid.  Having to tend to a perpetually vomiting aristocrat was a challenging way to start.  What made it worse was that she also experienced a few days of sickness before she acquired her sea legs. Her duties were those of a house maid since she was of age to be employed. When Elizabeth presented herself at the Jameson residence unattended, lack of a lady’s maid needed to be rectified before they could begin their journey.

It was John who suggested that Sally accompany them and tend to Elizabeth’s needs. Since the two women were close in age, he felt Sally could also serve as companion for his brother’s new ward. Elizabeth’s uncle instilled within her the belief that familiarity breeds contempt and, therefore, she should never befriend a member of the wait staff. She decided that, since she was starting a new life, perhaps she should start it with new ways. Thus, she made no mention of the impropriety of a house maid turned waiting maid acting as her traveling companion.

Sally had never been on a ship and did not find the idea enthralling. She was equally uncertain about leaving her homeland for the notoriously primitive and barbarous colonies. After all, it was not that long ago that the colonies were warring against England for their freedom. Would they really be receptive to the arrival of more faithful subjects of the crown? It was the promise of being promoted to waiting maid and the wages that came with it -not to mention never having to scrub a single floor ever again- that outweighed her fears and prompted her to agree to their scheme.

A comely girl of common origin, Sally possessed intelligence far superior to those of her class and up-bringing. It was not long before she learned what was expected of her and accomplished her duties to the extent that everyone, including herself, was hard pressed to remember that she had been a lowly housemaid not long ago.

“Ar’ ya doin’ alright, Lady Elizabeth?” asked the seedy looking captain as he slid up next to Elizabeth and looked out onto the brilliant blue, sun-kissed waters. “I understand ya ‘ave been feelin’ a bit poorly for the majority o’ the trip.”

“Yes captain. I am sorry to say that I have,” Elizabeth replied politely.

Elizabeth slid her hand over her tender stomach absent mindedly. She was acutely aware of the captain’s improper nearness as well as how boldly his eyes follow her hand as it slid to her stomach. Had the deck been less crowded, she would have questioned such impropriety. Although uncertain of the customs of the sea, in English society his actions would be considered a blatant display of disrespect for a lady of her stature. But then, as far as the captain was concerned, she was not the wife of a future duke. She was the niece and ward of a nobleman turned physician. Even so, under normal circumstances, such close proximity between strangers would not be acceptable; no matter what level of society a person held. Then, these were anything but normal circumstances.

“I was looking for the land. They said ‘twas near, Captain Kline,” she said in an effort to each the uncomfortable feeling that welled within her.  “I cannot see it. Did I hear incorrectly?”

Elizabeth held her breath while she awaited his response. Oh please have land be near.

“Ya heard right, miss. We shall be touchin’ shores soon ‘nough,” the captain chuckled.

“That is just wonderful.” Elizabeth’ said with obvious relief. “I wonder why I do not see anything,” she stated softly as she craned her head to look hard over the expanse of waters.

She saw only a dark mass off in the distance which looked rather formidable, like it would swallow them up when they finally did approach it.

“Do ya see that dark mass way off yonder?” the captain pointed in the same direction that Elizabeth was looking. “’Tis the land we ar’ aimin’ for. It don’t look like much now. Bu’, as we grow closer yu’ll be able ta make out a thing or two.”

“My goodness, your men have good eyes to have been able to spot such a faraway thing before it even grew large enough to see,” she exclaimed.

Elizabeth was amazed. She had searched the waters from all angles for the better part of the morning for any sign of land. It only just appeared a few moments before the captain joined her. Yet, his crew announced it at first light.

“Ah, milady, we ‘ave special equipment ta ‘elp us with ar’ navigation an’ search. Come... allow me ta give ya a look,” the captain said with a smile that was warm and friendly.

Had Elizabeth been a little wiser to the ways of the world, she would have realized the captain’s smile was a little too warm and far too friendly.

Although taken aback by her first encounter with the captain’s seedy looks and unrefined mannerisms, the doctor and Elizabeth were included amongst the honored guests at his dinner table for the duration of the trip. The doctor developed a liking to the captain despite his obvious lack of propriety and seedy appearance. If her guardian trusted the captain, then so did she.

Feeling comfortable and safe in his presence, Elizabeth placed her hand on the arm he offered and allowed him to escort her across the weathered deck.  The forged their way through the packed sea of passengers and up to the captain’s deck just above his cabin. The aromatic smell of leather and wood seasoned by the salty sea air was thick as they entered the small open room at the helm of the ship. She welcomed their rich, exotic scents after moving through a crowded mass of bodies devoid of perfume and in dire need a bath.

A rather grizzly looking first mate gripped an oversized wheel fastidiously while he steered the ship steadily toward their destination. Although polished and well cared for, the thick wheel showed signs of wear from years of service to the captain and his crew.

“Over ‘ere, milady,” the captain cooed, as he urged Elizabeth toward the large telescope that was positioned on a sturdy looking stand. He caressed the highly polished brass tube, lovingly, “Ar’ ya familiar with the telescope, milady?”

“Why, no captain. I have heard of them, but I have not come upon the opportunity to inspect one,” Elizabeth responded with rising curiosity.

“Well ya ‘ave that opportunity now. Come closer an’ take a look.” The captain’s voice was salacious as he motioned for Elizabeth to move forward. “Just take a look through ‘ere an’ tell me wha’ ya see.”

Elizabeth giggled with delight while she stepped up to the telescope. Forgetting all pomp and circumstance, she gasped in awe as she peered through the telescope at the jagged land mass that seemed so distant to the naked eye, yet so close through this looking glass. Not only could she see it clearly, but she was easily able to capture the people bustling about in busy activity on the harbor docks.

Elizabeth was so engrossed in her new found ability to view the people long before they were aware of her that she did not catch the captain’s exchange of looks and nods with his first mate. Nor did she realize her circumstance when the first mate secured the wheel and left them alone.

Upon hearing the captain clear his throat in an exaggerated manner, Elizabeth pulled her head away from the telescope and turned. The man was standing shockingly close, making it difficult to turn without crushing her body against him.  The faint, foul scent of his unwashed body blended with the stench of his cheap cologne assaulted her sensitivities. She could feel his hard muscles rub against her as she forced herself to face him.

Looking around quickly, she saw no sign of the first mate. Alarmed, she pushed the flat of her hands hard against his chest in an effort to move him far enough way to let her pass. All her strength was not sufficient to budge him even a fraction of an inch. He chuckled at his captive’s feeble attempt for freedom before crushing his lips to hers.

The world spun out of control as Elizabeth did her best to fight off the captain’s pugnacious attack. What was happening? She should have known better than to allow herself to be escorted to one of the most private and off limits location of the ship. The only place more private would have been the captain’s cabin, just below. She had only herself to blame for what was happening now. She could kick herself!

Elizabeth was supposed to be napping.  Dr. Jameson feared for her safety on a ship that was overrun with common people traveling to the new land in hopes of escaping heaven knows what.  The constant watching between him and Sally proved stifling. In order to access a small reprieve, Elizabeth begged off for a nap. When sleep would not come, she decided to take some air.

Her companions would not be looking for her for at least another hour, if not longer. Even if they were looking for her, would they think to look here? She sincerely doubted it. How foolish she was to step away from her protectors and believe no harm could come to her on a ship such as this. She would have expected an assault of this nature more from one of the dodgy looking crew members or even some of the unsavory looking passengers, rather than the captain of the vessel. Where was his honor? Where was his integrity?

She cursed herself for wearing such a costume of undress. The lack of a pannier created a much easier access for his coarse, sea splintered hands that wandered at will. The hip and backside pads that swept the fashion world and become quite popular were now being replaced by simpler, high waist gowns that flowed and draped a woman’s body, similar to that of a Grecian goddess. Sally released her stays in preparation for her fabled napping. Once her maid left the cabin it was impossible for her to do them up again. Grateful that her breasts were of a manageable size and structure without the stays, she’d selected a gray lamb’s wool gown and a matching cape lined with green satin to conceal her improper, unconfined bosom. As long as no one touched her, the absence of a properly laced corset would not be noticed.

Sadly, someone was touching her - and in a manner that only a husband should do. She was powerless to do anything about it.

She felt weak from the shock of this unexpected turn of events, as well as exhausted from several months of daily vomiting. Even with the exertion of as much strength as she possessed to waylay the assault on her person, it was not long before Elizabeth was overtaken by it all.  Unable to cope with the chain of events, she swooned.

Seizing the opportunity, the captain whisked her petite, feather-light form into his arms and made haste to a more private location by way of a secluded stairway that led to his cabin below. The burly man tossed her limp body onto his damp, dank bed. Even in her foggy state, Elizabeth’s senses were alerted to the mold that made its home deep within the thick horsehair and cotton batting mattress. It was obvious he had not aired and sun dried his bedding to protect it from the constant dampness of the sea in quite some time, if ever.

The captain harbored no qualms about raping a woman who was not even fully conscious and quickly went about his business. Realizing what was happening through the fog that coated her reality, Elizabeth pulled on the puny bit of strength left within her and kicked wildly.

Rather than deter her assailant, this only proved to arouse the captain’s vile intentions to greater heights. No matter how hard Elizabeth tried to prevent it, the inevitable was about to happen. She was going to be raped by the captain of the very same vessel that was intended to provide her with the opportunity of a new life of freedom and safety.

The sound of fabric tearing echoed as she felt her bodice being pulled away from her easily accessible breasts. Within seconds the captain’s hot lips encircled her tender rose tipped flesh. She was not sure which hurt more, the harshness of his ill-kept, wiry, and abundant facial hair or the severity of his intense suckling. She pulled at his greasy, coarse curls with all her might, hoping to deter his enthusiasm and bring him back to reason.

“Captain, please!” was all she could get past her lips before his foul tasting mouth smothered hers, forcing the remnants of her sentence back into the recesses of her throat.

The cool, moist air assaulted her flesh as his calloused hands raised her skirt, allowing him access to her most private area. Her mind spun on what to do. This was a nightmare of the worst kind. It just could not be happening to her. Any moment now, she would be waking up from the nap she was supposed to be taking and realize this was all a nightmare inspired by her stomach’s poor countenance.

When the captain’s lips finally released her own bruised ones, all she could do was gasp for air.   Before she was able to stabilize her breathing, his body came crushing down upon her slight frame. The painful impact of his manhood as it slammed unceremoniously into her velvety, unprepared depths validated she was not dreaming. This nightmare was real.

The smell of his sweaty, unwashed flesh was poorly masked by heavy cologne. Her tender stomach lurched into a torrent of protest. She could not imagine there could be anything left to release, but the urge persisted anyway. Her mouth burned from the foul tobacco residue he shared while he forced his thick tongue past her clenched teeth. Her stomach moaned and rocked with the motion of his body as he continued to assault her for his own pleasure.

Elizabeth realized her battle was lost and resigned herself to laying limp beneath him while she prayed he would find release quickly. Since she found absolutely no pleasure in what was occurring, staying stiff as a board was incredibly easy. She focused her mind on other things to help take her away from the reality of her nightmare. Bile rose in her throat from the after taste of his repulsive kisses. She remembered how fresh and clean Stephen smelled when he came to her at night. His kisses tasted sweet, like the brandy he partook of prior to coming to her. His strong hands looked weathered, but were actually smooth and well-manicured. They were certainly not hands that would cut flesh with their multitude of harsh calluses. His face -his oh so handsome face- although tanned and thickened from the sun, was clean shaven and smooth against her flesh. Her senses were actually heightened when she was with Stephen. His flesh was so different than what assaulted her now. She felt certain her skin was being sanded away, bit by bit.

Although she had lain with only one man, the captain’s sudden groan as his body’s full weight fell upon her did not sound like the groan of a man reaching his peak of passion. This fact was made certain when she felt the warmth of his blood as it trickled across her bare breast. The sticky fluid was even more sickening than his foul scent and horrendous actions. Her screams were muffled by his almost unfathomable weight.

Gathering up every ounce of strength she possessed, Elizabeth positioned her hands against his chest and heaved his limp weight with all of her might. The captain’s shocked eyes stared directly at her. She somehow managed to lift his body a few inches above her in order to get a better idea of what was happening. Seeing the pool of blood that was transferring from his back to her bosom made her almost delirious with fright. It also gave her the strength she needed to muster up one more powerful push and heave his body to relieve herself of his oppressive weight. The continual blood curdling screams she knew in the recesses of her mind were coming from her own lips, only magnified the situation. Sitting up and gasping for air, she struggled to quiet her screaming and control her breathing.

Looking around, she stared in disbelief. There, still as a statue, stood Sally. Elizabeth was horrified as she looked from Sally’ blank face to the bloody knife she still gripped.

“What have you done?” Elizabeth gasped, as she jumped as far away from the captain’s still body as she could. “Sally, what have you done?”

“He was... He...,” Sally stuttered.

The young lady’s maid was frozen from the shock of her own actions.

Hearing the thunder of boots clambering in their direction, Elizabeth struggled to wipe the captain’s blood off her bosom with a piece of his rank bedding and adjust her clothing, as best she could to its original state.

“Help me... hurry!”  she demanded.

Elizabeth’s tone of voice spurred Sally out of her frozen state and into action. She dropped the knife on the nearly thread bare carpet and rushed to Elizabeth’s aid. They barely finished making her presentable before the ship’s first mate flew into the room; followed by a few members of the crew.

“Bloody ‘ell, what ‘ave ya done?” The first mate roared as he ran to inspect his captain’s condition. “Did ya kill ‘im?”

The first mate ordered his men to hold the women while he carefully positioned the captain on the bed and inspected the wound from Sally’s knife. The fact that the captain was engaged in the act of taking his pleasures was obvious. The first mate looked long and hard at both women while their wrists were being bound in preparation of removing them from the room. Judging by the disarray of the lady and the look of defiance on her maid’s face, he had a pretty good idea what occurred.

“It looks like ‘e’ll live, but ‘e’ll be one angry ‘ound ta be ‘round for some time, of tha’ I am certain.” The first mate directed his words to Elizabeth and Sally. “Ya do know tha’ the cap’n is king of ‘is ship, don’t ya? Ya do realize the consequences of your actions. I ‘ope.”

Elizabeth could not guess what those consequences might be, but she was positive the first mate would inform her of them soon enough.

“’Twas me that did the stabbing’,” Sally blurted.

“Hush!” Elizabeth snapped.

The first mate looked from Sally to Elizabeth and then back again.

“Don’t matter who done it,” he said directly to Sally. “Ya ar’ the servant of milady.” His focus switched to Elizabeth, “So, milady be responsible for wha’ ya done just as if ya done it yourself!”

The crowd at the door was growing in size, making Elizabeth painfully aware of the implications her appearance presented.

“May I go to my room and freshen up?” she asked in a slightly haughty manner. When the first mate simply smirked at her, she grudgingly added, “Please?”

“You’ll ‘ave a new room from now on, milady,” the first mate said with a snarl before turning to his men and adding, “Take ‘em both below to the ‘old and keep ‘em there ‘til I tell ya different.”

If Elizabeth thought that no greater degradation could have been bestowed upon her than the recent rape by one of the filthiest bodies she ever encountered, she was wrong. The sneers and comment of the crew and a few fellow passengers as she was pushed and shoved through them, with her hair in total disarray and her torn clothing askew, felt like humbling spears being tossed at her from all directions. Her humiliation from the gasps made by the few notable passengers as they stared at her unkempt appearance and listened to the explanation of what happened and where she was being taken was unbearable. She would never be accepted in society after this. She was certain of it. Her only saving grace was that she was not using her true identity on this voyage.

As a few members of the crew roughly shoved the two women into the small cell that would be their prison, mindless of the lewd grabbing and shoving in intimate places the crowd witnessed, she gave thanks for Dr. Jameson’s foresight in her using an assumed identity. While she was at it she gave thanks for Sally stabbing the captain before he was able to reach his peak. The thought of a possible pregnancy resulting from the touch of such a vile beast was too horrid to even fathom.

The doctor! When he discovered what happened, surely he would make arrangements to free them. The good doctor would also see to it that the captain received his dues for the injustice he bestowed upon her person. She held on to the that that it would not be long before she would be rescued from this horrid place, which lacked fresh air and assaulted her senses with the stench of urine and rot.

“I am so sorry, miss. I was not thinking. I only meant to help,” Sally whispered.

Traumatized and too exhausted for words, Elizabeth cuddled up to Sally and leaned her head in the young woman’s lap.

Sally placed her hand sympathetically on Elizabeth’s bare head and pushed a stray raven curl from her face while she looked around them.  It was incredibly dark. Little by little Sally grew accustomed to the pitch black enough to make out a few shapes and develop a sense of depth perception. When she did, she found herself staring back at a group of eyes belonging to the darky slaves picked up at the last port and unmercifully crammed in and chained to the opposite side of the hold.