A Pirate Princess Page 18

  Reality hit Cori the moment she saw the island. Spaniards were bustling around speaking to Burke in broken English. Novia and Guillermo were unloading the few belongings they owned. Each had large smiles on their faces, “Burke?” Cori asked in sudden anguish.

  “Yes, my beauty?” He replied, coming to her side.

  “Is this Cuba?” She bit her lip to keep from crying.

  “Yes, this is your mother’s home! I have someone you should meet. Follow me,” he urged.

  Cori walked behind Burke to a group of older individuals who sat on the beach, taking in the action. One man with graying hair stood up when he saw the pair approaching. He was handsome, and looked more like Cori than her own father did. “Governor Ricardo, this is Corisanda Aleene St. Aubin, your granddaughter.”

  Cori felt her knees buckle, and if not for Burke’s strong grasp she would have fallen. “Oh my, you’re so beautiful. You look just like your mother, my sweet Amada!” He said with a tear rolling down his face.

  She reached out a hand to shake his, but he pulled her in for a gentle hug. “I don’t know what to say,” Cori shakily stated. “Aunt Novia and Uncle Guillermo told me you were most likely dead! They said that you were struck with Yellow Fever when it hit Cuba. How is it possible that you’re alive and well?”

  Cori’s grandfather smiled, “I did have the fever, indeed. I was sick for weeks but I kept holding on. Finally, beating all of the odds, I recovered! It was a miracle. I’m so glad that I lived through it just so I could meet you now!”

  “If only my mother could be here to see you. I understand that she loved you dearly,” Cori replied, fighting back tears.

  “Ah, I feel like my heart has been returned to me for the first time in eighteen years, since Amada left! I’m so sorry you never knew her,” he whispered. Burke had been the one to break the news of his daughter’s death less than an hour before. The man waited daily for The Beloved Loss to return with news of his daughter but it never came, until that day.

  “I am too,” she whispered. “Did Burke tell you what happened to her?”

  “Yes, dear child. He did. Your father was wrong to blame you and if Captain Belcourt would let him off the ship I would chastise him properly! Then I would hug the boy, he loved your mother so much,” Ricardo said mournfully.

  Cori just sniffed back tears and held her grandfather’s hand. Burke smoothed Cori’s hair with his hand and patted Ricardo on the back, “Sir, I trust that Cori is safe with you for a few minutes. I must help Guillermo and Novia get settled in and start unloading the merchandise we’re trading!”

  “Yes, Captain Belcourt. Corisanda and I have a lot to catch up on!” He chuckled as Burke walked away.

  “We’re trading with you?” Cori asked in surprise.

  Ricardo nodded animatedly, “Yes! We do not trade with bad people on this island, and those were the only ones around until now. Captain Belcourt does not normally trade with Cuba but says that if we are interested in a trade agreement that he would be willing to make Cuba part of his business route. I certainly hope we can, because you could come with him and I would be able to see you!”

  “Oh, that would be wonderful! I could visit you, Aunt Novia and Uncle Guillermo!” Then, remembering Odelia, Cori added “Assuming Burke and I are able to remain in contact once we reach France.”

  Ricardo smiled, knowingly. “Dear girl, I know this is none of my business. However, I must tell you that I am a decent judge of character. It’s obvious to me that Captain Belcourt is a marvelous man, you would be quite wise to marry him!”

  “Oh,” Cori blushed. “Burke is very wonderful, indeed. But there’s already a woman who plans to make him hers.”

  “Yes, he told me about his situation. He says you’re prettier, sweeter, smarter, and much more suited for him though! That must count for something,” Ricardo advised.

  Cori shook her head solemnly, watching Burke work from a distance away. “It’s out of Burke’s hands though. Besides, how do you know Burke is such an upstanding man? He’s not much different than all the other traders in this area, is he?”

  “Goodness, yes! He is much better. All we have around this area are pirates and buccaneers! There’s one thing you need to always remember about a good man, Corisanda. He has strong hands, good hands, capable hands. Even if something might seem out of his hands, or out of reach, you should not underestimate his grasp. You understand what I’m saying?” The aging governor questioned.

  “You’re saying that Burke might find a way out of the marriage with Odelia, if he tries. And if he does, I should marry him?” Cori questioned, understanding his view.

  “If you love him you should. Do you love him?”

  “I… Well… Yes, I do. But he doesn’t know that.”

  “You should tell him. I think if Captain Belcourt knows you return his adoration then he would do anything it took to be your husband,” Ricardo instructed.

  “I’ll consider it,” Cori giggled.

  When the work was finished and Governor Ricardo and Captain Burke Landis Belcourt reached a trading agreement, the family and friends relaxed on the beautiful sandy beach of Guantanamo, Cuba. Ricardo explained that his own home was in Cuba’s Capitol, Havana. He was in Guantanamo for a few days visiting his brother’s family. Cori was introduced to her cousin, Rosa, who was only a few months younger than herself. Rosa and Cori looked like twins, with the same dark brown hair, deep brown eyes, long legs, and slender body. The main difference was that Rosa was darker skinned, having a Spanish mother and father, instead of a Spanish mother and French father like Cori.

  Rosa and Cori became fast friends and inseparable throughout the day. “You are quite blessed,” Rosa squealed in delight. “The man who stares at you constantly is so very handsome! It’s obvious Captain Belcourt worships you, Corisanda!”

  “Thank you, Rosa. He’s a wonderful man. You know, he has a cousin on this journey. Would you like to meet Acel?” Cori suggested, playing matchmaker.

  “Oh, of course!” Rosa agreed with a twinkle in her eye.

  At dinner that evening, Acel informed Burke that the ship was in tip-top shape, ready to leave the following morning. Rosa immediately caught Acel’s eye, making him almost forget what he came to say, “Acel, this is my cousin, Rosa.”

  “Beauty must run in your family, Mademoiselle Corisanda.” Acel complimented as he kissed Rosa’s hand.

  With a silent agreement to let the new acquaintances get to know each other better, Burke asked Cori for a walk around the beach with him.

  When the pair was out of earshot, Cori giggled in glee. “Did you see the way they were looking at each other, Burke?”

  “Yes, I think they make a fine couple!” He laughed.

  “Where has Lady Odelia been all day?” Cori asked.

  Burke rolled his eyes, “Karoly says that Odelia refuses to leave the ship. I was pleased to hear that, though.”

  Cori smiled, “Yes, she wouldn’t fit in well here with her blond hair.”

  Burke held Cori’s hand in his and they walked together down the beach. “Cuba’s views are breathtaking.”

  “Yes, they are, including the one I’m viewing now.” He smiled playfully as he stared at her, jabbing her gently with his elbow. “I knew you must be the product of an exceptionally beautiful place.”

  “Thank you, Burke. My grandfather seems to think you’re an awfully special man,” Cori added.

  “He knows my feelings for his granddaughter.”

  Cori blushed, “Yes. He mentioned that.”

  Burke’s blue eyes met Cori’s brown ones momentarily, “Cori, I know you care about me. You were so gentle and kind when I was hurt. Tell me your feelings; am I wasting my time fighting for you?”

  Cori did not know exactly what to say, but she took a deep breath. “I’m just afraid, Burke. I don’t know what to expect. I don’t want to be hurt when Odelia marries you and I’m left alone. There’s not much more loss I can handle,” she explained. “Besides, I know
you say you care for me too. But how do I know you truly do? Odelia thinks you love her, as well.”

  “I do not love Odelia. I don’t even like Odelia! Cori, whether you want to believe it or not, I love you. I love you with all of my heart, and I would do anything for you. Saying it is not enough, I will prove it to you. Just wait,” he whispered. Burke let go of Cori’s hand and left her standing. He rushed to the ship, trusting Cori to make it back alone. After much thought, it finally struck Burke what he could do to prove his love for Cori and pacify all of her fears. Burke knew what he had to do and a plan was forming in his mind.

  Late into the night a pair of quiet, tip-toeing feet cracked open one of the large storage rooms. There was only one prisoner in the room, Marin St. Aubin. Marin met eyes with the quiet culprit sneaking in. “What can I do for you, Burke?” Marin asked.

  “It’s not about what you can do for me, Sir. It’s about what I can do for Cori,” Burke said as he untied Marin’s feet and arms.

  Marin looked at Burke in confusion, “What’s going on?”

  “I’m releasing you. Cori said you’re bitter against all Cubans so this may not be much better for you than prison. However, it shall be better for Cori. She loves you and doesn’t want to see you punished,” Burke replied.

  “She loves me?” He asked solemnly.

  “Yes, I don’t know why, but she does. She wants to be close to you one day and for her sake I hope that’s possible. I am keeping my eyes on you though, Marin. No more pirating! Make yourself a home in Cuba and leave the thievery to someone else. Understand?”

  Marin nodded his head in hope, “If you ever see me sailing the ocean, it will only be to check on my daughter. I love her too, Burke. Are you going to marry her?”

  “If she shall let me,” Burke answered honestly.

  “You have my blessing. Goodbye,” Marin replied as he hurried away from The Heart of Calais. He paused, staring at The Beloved Loss for a long moment. Taking a deep breath and feeling the sting of a warm tear falling down his cheek, he hurried into the village.

  Cori cried for hours after saying goodbye to her newfound family, as well as Novia and Guillermo. She slept on the boat, knowing that when she awoke they would be sailing toward France. The day had been bittersweet. Meeting her relatives and easily loving each one gave her a sense of family for the first time in her life, but telling them goodbye was almost impossible. Cori considered staying in Cuba, making it her permanent home. For some reason, the prospect of marrying Burke gave her enough hope that she couldn’t stay behind.

  When Cori did wake up the next morning it was not quiet and lonely as she expected. Instead, it was to the sound of flares exploding behind The Beloved Loss. She raced onto the deck to see what the commotion was all about. The Heart of Calais was summoning them to stop. It must be an emergency! Cori thought in extreme panic.

  “What’s going on?” Burke asked calmly as The Heart of Calais pulled next to The Beloved Loss.

  “Burke!” Acel screeched, “One of our prisoners is missing! Captain Marin is gone! He’s no longer in the storage room! Someone must have helped him escape in Cuba. We must go back!”

  Cori’s face turned white and she felt as if she was going to faint. “Acel,” Burke mumbled, “Come across so we can speak… in private.”

  “But we have no time to waste!” Acel argued.

  Burke glanced at Cori again, “Just come over here. Please.”

  Acel climbed across and Burke led him to the other side of the ship, a distance away from Cori. They spoke for several moments in what seemed like a heated argument. They both kept glancing at Cori, worrying her worse. Finally, Acel crossed back to The Heart of Calais without a word to her. She waited for the ships to turn around and make a speedy trail back to Cuba, but they continued in the same direction toward France. Finally, Cori could stand no more. She marched toward the helm to ask Burke what was going on.

  “Captain Belcourt!” Cori demanded in an authoritative tone. “What happened? How did my father escape? Why are we not turning around?”

  “Ah, Cori. Well, it’s nothing really. No worries,” Burke dismissed.

  “What do you mean no worries?” She asked angrily.

  Burke chuckled at her charisma, “I mean just what I said! No worries. It’s true that your father is no longer a prisoner of mine. He’s free somewhere in Cuba. We’re going to France. We still have Sharlene, Falco, Klaas, and Zeeman to bring to the King.”

  Cori stared in silence for a few moments, trying to understand what had happened. “You’re going to let my father get away, after he arrested you? Are you not concerned about how he escaped? Do you think someone let him go, like Yvet or Laron? Whoever released my father could release Falco tonight!”

  “First of all, the King will not miss him. As long as the mission was successful and your father has been stopped from pirating then I did a good job. I could tell the King that Marin died in the battle if it came to it. Secondly, I don’t think anyone will let Falco out. Don’t worry,” Burke shrugged casually.

  “My father arrested you, worked you, and locked you in a room with me for days! Why are you not angry? Why do you not want him killed?” She demanded, stomping her right foot.

  Laughing heartily, Burke waved her anger aside, “We all make mistakes. I’m sure that he’s a good man underneath all of that. Besides, what harm can he do? He’s jobless, crewless, and stranded on an island where there are no boats! My ship will be the only one they trade with or that commonly visits. I suppose it’s possible that a passerby might stop at the island but it rarely happens. In France, most captains refuse to sail toward Cuba due to the danger. I know one man from Ireland who does, but his boat is so small and old that most pirates don’t find it worthy to even bother him! Regardless, most likely Marin will be stuck there.”

  Cori didn’t know whether to smile or cry. She was relieved that her father had escaped and wouldn’t have to suffer in prison. She was elated that with his free status their paths may one day cross again, and when it did he wouldn’t be in charge of her. Marin being in Cuba helped, because Cori hoped to travel there with Burke, Odelia willing! “Alright, I guess.” She mumbled in confusion.

  “Now, are those all of your questions, my beauty?” Burke asked.

  “Yes. Wait, no it isn’t! Why do you plan to release Yvet and Laron?” Cori probed.

  The captain smiled again from the helm of The Beloved Loss, “Yvet and Laron helped me a lot when I was a prisoner of your father’s ship. They also surrendered quite easily when I attacked them. Yvet was part of the French Navy as your father was and he never wanted to go into the life of pirating. He just felt like he had to stick by Marin’s side, out of a sense of responsibility. By the way, how much do you know about Laron’s life before joining The Beloved Loss?”

  “I don’t know, nothing I guess!” Cori dismissed, not seeing the point behind Burke’s explanation. “All I know about Laron is that he loves women, all women! He cannot keep his hands off of anyone who glances at him. The only times Laron has ever been in trouble with my father is when we would get to an island or a country and he would just disappear! They would give him a time to be back and he would miss it. My father would have to go looking for him and drag him back from a brothel!”

  Burke sat down, pulling her down next to him on the deck. “Well, let me tell you something about him. Laron was very poor. He worked hard for an income to support his family and they were still barely able to eat. He had a young wife, and although they were impoverished they were crazy about each other. Do you know what happened, Cori?”

  Suddenly curious, Cori replied “No. I don’t.”

  “A thief broke into their home one night while Laron was away working. He killed Laron’s wife and took everything they had been working for. He was only twenty years old when his wife died. People tried to blame him for her death, saying that if he was home to protect her it wouldn’t have happened. Others said that it was him who did it. Heartbroken, lonely
, guilt ridden, with a ruined reputation, Laron joined your father’s pirate crew. I believe his fascination with women is a defense mechanism to hide his pain for his late wife,” Burke reasoned.

  A tear slid from Cori’s eye, “Burke, he has been on my father’s ship for seven or eight years now and I never knew any of that! How did you find out?”

  “When I was healing from Falco’s attack, after the battle with your father, I went to the storage room to speak to the prisoners. I pulled Laron and Yvet aside separately and asked them to give me their history. Both did. After making sure that neither was wanted for other crimes or bad behavior, I told them both that they would be released once we reach France. They don’t deserve prison, Cori.” Burke finished.

  “Thank you for being so kind. My grandfather was right about you, you’re different than most!” Cori lovingly alleged.

  “Your opinion of me is the only one that counts,” he whispered.

  “Let me leave you to your work, Burke. Dance after dinner?” She asked flirtatiously.

  “I shall think of nothing else. You have made my day,” he huskily replied. Cori winked teasingly and floated away, happy and in love. The Count of Calais felt his heart beat quicken in his chest and he sighed dreamily as he watched the woman who held his captivation drift away.

  FOURTEEN

  After the trip to Cuba, Burke and Cori spent every free moment together. They were the only two passengers aboard The Beloved Loss. Burke sailed the ship during the day, Cori cooked and cleaned. When she was not busy, he taught her to sail. When he was not busy, she taught him to clean. They danced every evening after dinner, and stayed up late into the night talking about everything under the sun.

  Burke told her about his family in France. Since Burke considered his title a mute point, he purposely left out that information. For some reason, he felt though he just wasn’t ready for her to know. So many women in Burke’s life had been more interested in his title and wealth than him as a man. He just found it easier to talk to Cori as a captain… rather than a Count. Cori enlightened Burke about Falco’s engagement request, her many failed escapes from The Beloved Loss, and Sharlene’s hatred. One evening, Cori asked Burke how much longer it would be until they arrived in France.