Voyage Home

by icevuk2634

12 Dec 2016 581 readers Score 9.2 (37 votes) PDF Mobi ePub Txt


Callum was in the kitchen sipping coffee as he sat at the table. He had had a very restless night. Dreams of his younger self with Atch and that fateful day between them so long ago at Sheflands kept coming to him over and over. Something about it haunted him. It wasn’t so much the heartbreak, the two of them ending their friendship, Callum losing his love, there was something else to it, and Callum could not put his finger on it. He looked up as Dustin came in through the back door.

“Have you seen Shill this morning?” Dustin asked. Callum shook his head.

“No, I have not. He isn’t in the stable?” Callum asked.

“No. All of his things are gone as well, his walking stick.” Dustin said.

“Perhaps he’s at Harbroughs with Thomas and Christian?” Callum asked.

“Perhaps.” Dustin said as he went to the stove, Martha poured a cup of coffee and handed it to him, “Thank you.” Dustin said to her with a smile.

“I wonder if they are up yet. I wanted to speak with Thomas and see how he is feeling before our trip tomorrow.” Callum said getting up from the table.

“Shall I go with you?” Dustin asked.

“If you’d like.” Callum said with a smile, “After you finish your coffee.”

“What if Shill is gone?” Martha asked turning from the stove.

“I don’t know.” Callum said softly.

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Christian answered the knock at the back door. He opened it and saw Callum and Dustin standing there on the gravel.

“Good morning.” Christian said, “Please, come in.” They stepped into the kitchen, Christian closing the door behind them.

“Have you seen Shill, Christian?” Callum asked.

“Why, no, I have not. Is he gone?” Christian asked.

“Apparently.” Callum whispered.

“All of his things are missing out of the stable.” Dustin said.

“Why would he leave, especially after last night?” Christian asked.

“I’m not certain.” Callum said, “How is Thomas this morning?” Callum asked to try and change the subject.

“He is his old self once again, but he is a bit of a complainer even more so now.” Christian said and rolled his eyes. Callum and Dustin chuckled a bit, “Would you care to come upstairs and see him? Perhaps you can get him to shut up, Quintan.”

“Oh, far be it from me to interfere between the two of you.” Callum said with a smirk.

“Really, and since when?” Christian asked and raised an eyebrow, “Shall I push you along at knife point then?” Dustin and Callum laughed out loud, “Because if you don’t try, I may end up killing him.” Christian said as he started to walk toward the doorway on the other side of the kitchen, Callum and Dustin looked at each other for a moment and then followed. They all started up the stairs, Christian first. Callum looked up and could see the bedroom door was open. They could hear Thomas’ voice coming from inside the room.

“Thomas,” Christian called out as he looked over his shoulder at Callum and Dustin as they walked along the landing toward the door, “are you decent?”

“What the bloody hell does it matter if I’m decent or not?” Thomas could be heard but not seen as of yet. Callum and Dustin looked at each other and smiled, “This room is such a mess, clothes everywhere. I can’t find…”

“Your shoes?” Christian asked as he stood inside the doorway, his arms folded over his chest, Callum and Dustin flanked him, looking in. Thomas was in his baggy underclothes, standing at the window, he looked up from his searching through the items all strewn across the floor, “We have guests.” Christian said.

“Good morning.” Callum said with more than a smirk. Thomas looked to be in quite a state in his baggy underclothes. It was very amusing to both Callum and Dustin, making them smile wide.

“Your shoes are under the bed, on your side.” Christian said as he pointed a finger. Thomas rolled his eyes, moving in that direction, looking at Callum, Dustin, and Christian.

“Morning.” Thomas said flatly, turning his head and looking under the bed. He saw his shoes and reached down and grunted from the pull on his stitches. He stood and put a hand over them and grimaced.

“I have told you to be careful, more than once.” Christian said, “You’re doing too much.”

“Well, I need to get dressed, don’t I?” Thomas asked flashing his eyes.

“I don’t know, do you?” Christian asked, “You have someplace that you have to go?”

“No.” Thomas said and sounded rather like Henry with a little boy tone.

“Then why get dressed? You should be resting.” Christian asked.

“He’s dressed, and up and about.” Thomas pointed toward Callum.

“Yes, but my wounds are not like yours, are they?” Callum asked. He stepped around Christian and came into the room, looking at the mess all over the floor, clothing strewn everywhere, “Have you had some kind of dressing party in here, or did your bureau drawers explode?” Callum asked, “Who do all these clothes belong to?”

“Him.” Christian said flatly, “He went on a tangent, pulling everything out to get ready for our trip to London.”

“I see.” Callum said. He looked over at Christian and Dustin, Dustin was doing his best to try and not laugh out loud, “There are other ways to do that, Thomas.” Callum said as he looked back at Thomas.

“Oh, keep quiet you.” Thomas said, bending at his knees and picking up his shoes, “What are you doing here by the way?”

“Well, we came over to see how you were feeling. I am rather glad we did actually, if just to keep Christian from sending up a signaling flare to call for help.” Callum said and Thomas went wide eyed and dropped open his mouth.

“I beg your pardon?” Thomas asked Callum. Christian and Dustin chuckled at the door.

“We’re going downstairs.” Christian said, “Quintan, my sword is in the corner there, if you need it.”

“What do you mean, Christian?” Thomas asked watching Christian and Dustin walking away from the doorway.

“Thomas,…” Callum started to say, trying to drag Thomas’ attention back toward him, “would you care for some help in getting dressed?”

“I need no help, thank you…sir.” Thomas said and huffed a bit. He bent at the knees and picked up his pants from the floor under the edge of the bed. Callum only smiled.

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“Well, if he’s gone then, what do you think he is going to do?” Christian asked Callum. They had all gathered in the parlor after Thomas had gotten dressed.

“I am not sure, Christian, to be honest.” Callum said as he held a coffee cup in his hand, “This is quite excellent, by the way, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Christian said with a smile and bowed his head slightly.

“I really never knew him, Quintan, Shill that is.” Thomas said, “What type of man is he?”

“Shill Norris is a man that I have always been able to trust, since I was very young. He was like a father to me, as was Captain Powers. I was quite blessed actually to have them both to instruct me. Shill is actually a nickname, as you know, short for shilling. It was given to him because he was promised a shilling, as a bet, every time he put his cannon shot where it was asked of him.” Callum smiled at the memory of it, “His real name is Percy, but he said to me once that he could not abide that, that Shill was more fitting, so Shill it was.” Callum smiled and shook his head, “I have never seen a finer gunner as him. I doubt that there ever will be another like him in the service of His Majesty. What kind of man is he? Honorable, trustworthy.” Callum said softly, “I have placed my life in his hands many a time, and he has seen me through unharmed.” Callum said and then looked down, “I would die for him, if necessary.”

“I had no idea.” Thomas said softly. Callum lifted his head and looked at his friend with a smile.

“No, of course not. He,…the accident, happened before you came aboard, both you and Dustin. I actually told Shill yesterday afternoon when I came around from the flashing, how much I had actually missed him, with having him close to me. He was always a comfort to me, an inner strength that I could pull from simply because he was near.” Callum said and smiled wider, “Captain Powers had actually remarked after the accident, to me on the Quarterdeck, that if Shill did not recover, his loss would be deeply felt as he was the best Master at Arms that the Captain had ever had. Captain Powers said even further that he considered Shill a close friend to him. I must admit that, at the time, it was a bit shocking to hear that, a command officer being a friend to a crewman. That set me to thinking.” Callum said.

“Thinking what?” Dustin asked as he stood next to Christian. Callum looked at him.

“Thinking that there should not be class distinction between officers and their crew, no nose being turned up simply because one wears a tunic, the other wears only a cotton shirt. A person, a man, should be held by his own merit, his ability, his heart, which truly defines us all, wouldn’t you agree?” Callum asked as he looked at Dustin, “I mean, just because one is in command, which requires respect and obedience to orders given, does not make that man above anyone else simply because of status or rank. It should be because of his ability. His ability to command, to make decisions in the face of great odds against him. If he is unswerving in those decisions, then complete respect must and should be given to him, but not simply because he wears a tunic, and possibly paid for his being there with either money or some other kind of influence.” Callum said. All of them were silent as they looked at him.

“You truly believe that.” Thomas said as he stood beside Callum.

“Yes, I do. And I’ll tell you something else I believe, the unfair use of punishment against the common sailor is, I feel, an unjust practice. A man should not be flogged for simply voicing his opinion. Now, conversely, if he is citing rebellion openly, yes, then he must be silenced, stopped. Otherwise, anarchy would reign.”

“Quintan, you’re a Reformist.” Thomas said, with almost shock on his face.

“No, my friend, I am a realist.” Callum smiled at him, “There is a difference, Thomas. You see, I think and feel that if you lead by example, others will follow. If your example is great enough, they will follow you through death’s doorway itself and not hesitate.”

“That’s how you do it.” Thomas said quietly, “That’s how you accomplish what it is that you do, each and every time. No wonder they follow you almost blindly.”

“I beg to differ.” Dustin said as he came forward and stopped in front of Callum, getting between he and Thomas, “There is something else that you have failed to mention.” Dustin said and Callum gave him a look of question, “Love,…love and respect. They would all die for you, Quintan, as I would, the officers and crew of Dover, because of love and respect for you, and only you. Speaking as the common sailor, it is love for your Captain, respect for him, knowing that he will see you through any and all difficulty. That love carries respect, and that respect deserves love, in the highest.” Dustin said and had the most intense look in his eyes over it. Callum smiled briefly.

“Thank you.” Callum said above a whisper.

“It’s from the heart.” Dustin said, “I meant every word of it.”

“Well, very philosophic, to say the least.” Christian said, “I had no idea that life aboard ship was like that. In the Marines, we band together, yes, however, when the officer gives an order, it is to be responded to and not questioned but simply carried out.

“I agree.” Callum said as he stared at Dustin with soft eyes, “However, that order had better be the right one.”

“Here, here.” Christian said, holding up his coffee cup and then giving a slight smile, “So, not to change the subject, but, Quintan, do you think we should go after Shill and find him?”

“No, Christian, I do not.” Callum said, he smiled at Dustin warmly, putting a hand on the young muscled shoulder, then looked at Christian, “I think that when the time comes, Shill will find us, and if I know him as well as I do, it will be at the right time, and when needed most.”

“Then…what should we do in the mean time?” Thomas asked.

“Pack for our trip, of course.” Callum said, “I think three or four days’ worth of clothes will suffice in this. Where is Darin, by the way?”

“He went into the village. He said he needed to assist Callista and her mother in the livery before Owen and his father return from their freight run.” Christian said.

“I see. He seems to be becoming quite the newest family addition to the Muirs.” Callum said with a smile. He slid his hand over Dustin’s shoulder, sliding it down his back, pulling him into Callum’s right side in a half hug. Callum kissed Dustin’s cheek tenderly. Dustin smiled warmly and rested against Callum.

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They went through the gate into the pasture together, Callum and Dustin on their way back to the Cross. Dustin looked over at the new barn. He saw Bockman walk out of the large doorway with one of his workers, Dustin broke away from Callum and headed in their direction. Callum stopped, letting Dustin walk away. He felt for a moment that he should not interfere as Dustin had taken the lead in this project of the barn and its construction. Dustin walked up to Bockman, each giving nods toward one another and started a conversation, Dustin pointed toward the open roof, Bockman was nodding as he looked in that direction as well. Callum started walking toward the three of them, rethinking that he might have to involve himself.

“Yes, I do see your point, Mr. Perkins, however, you must understand that…” Bockman was saying but stopped as he saw Callum there out of the corner of his eye, “Captain, it is good to see you, sir.”

“Mr. Bockman, a pleasure as always.” Callum said taking the outstretched hand of Bockman and giving it a firm grasp. They let go of each other, “Is there a problem, gentlemen?”

“I was trying to explain to Mr. Perkins, Captain, that in order to construct the roof the way the he wishes, it will require additional timbering.” Bockman said.

“I seem to remember hearing part of that conversation a while back, Mr. Bockman upon my return home, I thought that issue had been resolved.” Callum said. He could see the look on Dustin’s face out of the corner of his eye, one of anger that was growing, “Mr. Bockman, if you wouldn’t mind, and far be it from me to speak for Mr. Perkins, but, if he has given you instruction, then I would say to follow it. If it is a matter of material, I know for a fact that Wayne will simply have it brought out from the mill. If it is a matter of additional workers, recruit whomever you would need to complete the construction. If it is a matter of cost, which should also not be a problem, as I know you and Mr. Perkins settled, per my instruction, on a price, if that needs to change, then by all means let us have that discussion.”

“Captain, I…” Bockman said but was stopped as Callum held up a hand.

“Mr. Bockman, this is Mr. Perkins’ project. I only wish to see it completed the way he wishes and also the way it was laid out. Now, if it requires more material or more money or both, then let it be so. It is a very simple matter, my good man. I also know from our previous dealings with the renovations to the house, that you have a difficult time in expressing that. Please, do not hold back simply because of that. I, for one, will not hear of it.” Callum said gently but firmly, “Now, if you would, please follow Mr. Perkins instructions, as it is a very simple matter.”

“As you wish, Captain.” Bockman said and bowed his head slightly toward Callum, He looked at Dustin, who was folding his arms over his chest, “Mr. Perkins, I apologize to you, sir. I will have your instructions carried out without further delay.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bockman.” Dustin said, flashing a glance at Callum and then looked back at Bockman, “Will it be done before the rains?”

“If I were to bring on another couple of workman as well, yes, I think it should.” Bockman said.

“Then do what is necessary, Mr. Bockman.” Dustin said, his look of anger was easing a bit.

“If you gentlemen will excuse me, I think you have a few more things to discuss.” Callum said, looking back and forth between Dustin and Bockman, “I’ll go and see about the mare and the colt, Dustin.” Callum said, Dustin gave him a nod only. Callum walked away, he could hear the discussion starting between them.

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Callum was filling the water trough for the mare in the large stall in the stable. He turned to go and get more water when Dustin walked in through the half doors. Callum stopped and pursed his lips for a moment.

“I hope you’re not angry with me.” Callum said.

“Why would I be angry with you?” Dustin asked.

“I had a thought to not interfere, but it seems that I did. I apologize for that.” Callum said. Dustin gave him a brief smile and stepped to the end of the stall, putting his hands on the corner post, shaking his head a bit.

“No, I am not angry with you, merely frustrated with Bockman. I thank you, actually, for what you said. You seem to have lit a fire under him.” Dustin said.

“Oh?” Callum asked.

“Yes. Apparently, his heart is not in it any longer, for the completion of the construction. You, with what you said to him, has made him rethink it, and for that, I thank you.” Dustin said and thought for a moment, he smiled wide, “Another thing that you do. You motivate those around you, something that I do not know how to do, obviously.”

“Ah, you sell yourself short in that, my love.” Callum said as he stepped closer to Dustin.

“What do you mean?” Dustin asked.

“You,” Callum said, setting the pail down, then putting his hands over Dustin’s on the post, “you motivated me to speak. Not to come to your rescue, but to simply assist you. As I said to Bockman, I will not speak for you, but I will speak with you. Your happiness, Dustin, is very important to me. I want you to know that and understand it.”

“I do, Quintan.” Dustin said and smiled. Callum leaned forward and kissed him softly. They looked in each other’s eyes for a long moment, “Are you done here?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I think we should go upstairs and pack.” Dustin said softly.

“Is that all we should do?” Callum asked and flashed his eyes. Dustin chuckled and shook his head.

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“So, you see Henry, we will only be gone for a few days.” Callum said as he looked down at Henry who was sitting on the foot of the bed as they packed. Henry had sad eyes and was having trouble with holding back his tears. Callum and Dustin could see it. They gave each other glances, Callum was feeling heavy hearted seeing the look on the boy’s face. Dustin set the shirt down on the bed he was holding and came around Callum. He knelt on one knee in front of Henry, putting his hands on the little legs and looked into the sad face.

“Henry, do you understand why we must go?” Dustin asked, Henry shook his head as a tear escaped his eye and ran down his cheek, “You remember that man who came here once to the Cross and had supper with us? The friend to Quintan?” Dustin asked, Henry nodded, “You remember who he is?” Dustin asked. Henry nodded and looked up at Callum.

“Arthur, Papa?”

“Yes, Henry, very good. The man I wrote the letter to.” Callum said and gave a brief smile. Henry looked back at Dustin.

“The Duke of Wellington, Henry. He is a very important man. You also know of all of the trouble that we have had here.” Dustin said, Henry nodded, “He needs to know about it. That’s why we are going to go see him in London. We will only be gone for a few days. Darin will be staying here to watch over things with you and Aunt Martha. You like Darin, don’t you?” Dustin asked, Henry nodded and gave a brief smile, “Good. I need you to tend to the mare and the colt while we are gone. Remember, he is yours and is your responsibility.”

“I will.” Henry said with a nod of his head.

“Good.”

“Is there anything that you would like us to bring you back from London?” Callum asked as he placed a stack of shirts in the trunk.

“No, sir.” Henry said softly. Callum looked at him.

“Hmmm, perhaps we can surprise you with something then.” Callum said. Dustin looked up at Callum and then back at Henry. Dustin reached a hand up and wiped away the tear from the soft little cheek.

“Do not be sad, Henry, it won’t be for long, I promise.” Dustin said above a whisper. He had a warm smile on his lips and it seemed to make Henry feel better. Henry nodded, “Now, you run along and see if you can help Aunt Martha, alright?” Henry nodded again. Dustin moved out of the way as the little one got off the bed and went to the door, Callum and Dustin watched him go out, closing the door behind him.

“I must say, you certainly have a way with him.” Callum said as Dustin rose to his feet.

“I understand him, that’s all.” Dustin said as he picked up more folded clothes to place into the trunk.

“You think I don’t.” Callum said without looking at Dustin. Dustin turned and stared.

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.” Callum said, “But, you’re right, I don’t.”

“Quintan,” Dustin said as he put a hand to Callum’s right shoulder, turning him gently, their eyes met, “understand that he and I are…alike, and in so many ways. We both came from living in the streets of Portsmouth, both orphaned, having no one at all, until you came into our lives. He’s afraid is all, afraid as I would be if I were him, thinking that you might be lost to us. You have given him a home, a family, as you have given me. His fear of losing this, of losing you, is what makes him sad. I understand that.”

“You have such insight, Dustin.” Callum said and smiled. He leaned forward and kissed Dustin softly, “It’s one of the things I love most about you.”

“Your generous heart is what I love most about you.” Dustin whispered. They stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed to be an eternity for both of them, “You should go and spend some time with him. It will make him feel better.”

“What of you?” Callum asked.

“I have you beside me, and I believe I always will, whether you are here or not. He, on the other hand, being so young, needs to feel your touch, your presence next to him.” Dustin said, “I can finish this, go, be with him for a bit.”

“Are you sure?” Callum asked. Dustin smiled and nodded.

“Go.” Dustin whispered.

“Alright.” Callum said, “I’ll take him into the village. I think he needs a new book.” Dustin nodded again.

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Callum reined the grey to a halt on the other side of the Square. He climbed down and tied the horse to a post and reached up for Henry, pulling him off the saddle, setting him down. He put a hand on the soft brown curls and smiled.

“You can pick out whatever book you would like as I said. It will give something new to read while we are gone to London. Then when we come back, you can read it to us. Alright?” Callum asked.

“Okay.” Henry said, “What kind of book should I get?” Callum gave it a bit of thought for a moment, scratching his chin, then looked down at Henry.

“I think something with lots of pictures. I like to look at pictures, don’t you?” Callum asked with a smile. Henry smiled back and nodded rapidly, “Good, off with you. I’ll be right behind you.” Callum smiled, Henry turned and took off for the door to the mercantile. Callum looked about the Square, a few people milling about, some do their shopping, others talking, some laughing together. Callum enjoyed what he saw, people happy in their freedom, enjoying life for the most part. That thought gave him more resolve to start this mission to London, to stop Upton. He thought for a moment about it further, if they were not successful, all this might be very different. Callum stepped up on the wooden walk of the mercantile, looking about at the Square still. He went to the door, opening it, hearing the bell ringing over his head. He held the door as two ladies were leaving. He bowed his head slightly, letting them go by, they smiled at him, he closed the door gently after they left.

“Captain, this is a pleasure, sir.” Callum knew the older voice, turning from the door and saw Saunders, the owner of the mercantile standing there.

“Mr. Saunders, good afternoon to you, sir.” Callum said with a smile. They clasped hands.

“And to you, Captain.” Saunders said, “I see your lad is going through more of the books on the shelf.”

“Yes, I promised him a new one. He is not being a bother, is he?” Callum asked.

“No, Captain, he is never a bother. He is always so very polite and asks before he touches anything. He is a very good lad, Captain, you should be proud.” The older man said.

“I am indeed, Mr. Saunders. He is a good lad.” Callum said. Saunders held out his hand to show Callum the way, “Thank you.” Callum said going by the older man and seeing Henry standing in front of the shelf that held all of the books, staring at all of the bindings. Callum walked up behind Henry, putting his fingers on the little shoulders and bending down a bit.

“Which one should I get, Papa?” Henry asked still staring at all of them with wide eyes.

“I’m not sure, Henry. Have you looked at any of them yet?” Callum asked. Henry shook his head.

“No, sir.” He said softly.

“Well, let’s see.” Callum said and reached out for one, taking it off the shelf. He knelt beside Henry and opened it, few pictures and lots of print, “Hmmm, this one seems to be very wordy.” Callum said, closing the book, placing it back on the shelf. He took another, looking at the cover then opening it. He thumbed through a few pages, stopping at seeing pictures now and then, the print was small, “This seems to be about the same way as the first. What do you think?”

“Looks hard.” Henry said. Callum smiled and closed the book.

“I agree.” Callum whispered as he leaned his head closer to Henry. He put the book back on the shelf, “Alright, you pick one this time.” Callum said. Henry stared at the bindings and pursed his lips. He reached out, taking one that was thin off the shelf. He stared at the cover. It had gold around the edges, the letters on the cover were black. Callum looked at it as Henry opened it slowly. The first picture was grainy and seemed to be an etching. It was of a man in old style looking clothes with a sword that hung off his waist, his hand resting on the pommel. Henry turned a few pages as he leaned against Callum, making Callum smile feeling the weight of his son against his side. Callum could smell his hair, how it smelled of both grass and straw, and he could feel the warmth of Henry as well. Callum put his arm around Henry’s back and placed his hand on Henry’s waist, “What is it about?”

“Who was…Drake?” Henry asked.

“Very good, Henry.” Callum smiled, “Sir Francis Drake. He was a very famous sailor from a long time ago.”

“Like you, Papa?” Henry asked as he looked at Callum.

“I could never be like Sir Francis, Henry.” Callum said as he looked at the book, another picture, an etching of ships, “He actually helped to save England. He was a very great man.”

“Can I get this one, Papa?” Henry asked as he closed the book.

“If you’d like, certainly. Do you want to look at the others?” Callum asked.

“No. This one will do.” Henry said as he looked at Callum.

“Alright.” Callum said, “A good choice, my lad.” Callum stood, “Now, let’s take it over to Mr. Saunders and have him tally it for us. Then we need to go over to the livery before we go back home.” Callum said and Henry nodded. They went over to the counter near the door to a smiling Mr. Saunders.

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“Hello, my miss.” Callum said as he was behind Callista inside the livery. Darin Talon was working one of the stalls as was Marlene, Callista’s mother. They all looked up hearing Callum, Callista jumped a bit and turned.

“Quintan, you gave me a start.” Callista said, Callum smiled. Henry saw Muriel, the youngest girl of the family and a couple of years older than Henry. He ran up to her, showing her his new book.

“I apologize.” Callum said, giving a slight bow of his head. He put his hands on her shoulders and leaned down, giving her a kiss on the forehead. She blushed as he pulled back, “As pretty as ever. It’s no wonder Darin is always here. Perhaps I should visit more often myself.” Callum smiled, seeing Marlene and Darin coming toward him. Callista blushed even more as Callum looked at Marlene fully.

“Quintan Callum, are you feeling alright?” Marlene asked, Callum stepping around Callista, putting out his arms and giving her a gentle hug.

“Yes, my dear.” Callum said, kissing her forehead as well, “As well as can be expected.”

“Darin had told us that you had been wounded by those dreadful men at Harbroughs.” Marlene said as she looked up into his face.

“Yes, that is true, however, Dr. Stivers was able to tend to it quickly. I should be alright with a few more days of mending.” Callum said, smiling at her and then looking over at his young officer, “Darin, I see that these pretty ladies have you working very hard.”

“Yes, sir.” Talon said, “I offered my assistance to them while Mr. Muir and Owen were away on their freight run, sir.”

“Understandable and very commendable, Darin. But I think you are motivated by being surrounded by beauty rather than a group of surly sailors.” Callum said.

“Oh, stop you.” Marlene said as she slapped Callum’s chest as he had his arms around her loosely still. Callum chuckled and looked down on her, “How is that aunt of yours? I must get over to see her and soon.”

“She is well, and I am sure sends her regards to you. She did not know I was going to stop by, and will be rather upset when she finds out.” Callum said, Marlene smiled.

“Perhaps she will give you a bit of a caning with that spoon of hers.” Marlene said.

“More than likely.” Callum rolled his eyes a bit and Marlene chuckled herself.

“What brings you by then?” Marlene asked, “And don’t tell me it was to have a look at us, because I know better, you rascal.”

“You crush me, dear lady.” Callum smirked.

“We are a sight, I’m sure, covered in dirt and straw like we are.” Marlene said as Darin moved to stand next to Callista. Callum saw their fingers touch out of the corner of his eye.

“Yes, well, as I’m sure you know, we are to leave for London in the morning. I wanted to see about the carriage. Owen and I had spoken of it before he and Clyde left.” Callum said.

“Yes, Owen mentioned it. I put it on our board as a reminder. They should be returning this afternoon, I would think.” Marlene said.

“Did Owen happen to mention about the care of the stock at Harbroughs as well?” Callum asked.

“Yes, he did. He said that you had told him to bring our stock over to graze them as well during your trip.” Marlene said, “That was very generous of you, Quintan.”

“Think nothing of it. There is plenty for all. I have told him that repeatedly.” Callum said, taking a step back from her.

“Yes, but you know how he is, stubborn like his father.” Marlene said with a bit of a scowl.

“A shared trait. Christian said that we would use some of our stock to pull the carriage for the trip.” Callum said.

“Alright, if you wish.” Marlene said, “The carriage is at your disposal whenever you would like.”

“Thank you, my dear. Now, I am wondering if I may steal Darin from you for a moment in private.” Callum said. Marlene nodded.

“Of course.” She said and looked at Darin and Callista. Callum raised an eyebrow, Darin walked with him over to the large doors of the livery.

“Yes, sir?” Darin asked. Callum looked at him.

“Darin, after we leave, I will ask that you stay at the Cross, Owen will stay at Harbroughs. I am leaving several pistols, loaded and at the ready in the spare room upstairs for you. I ask that you keep a close eye on Martha and Henry. I know this puts a bit of a strain of your courting of Callista, but I have been told that there might be a possibility that there are Guardsmen about in the area. I don’t believe that there will be trouble, but…” Callum said.

“Fear not, sir.” Darin said with a smile, “I would be more than happy to stay and watch over them for you, sir. If Callista is in need of seeing me, which I doubt, would it be alright is she were to call on me?”

“A young lady calling on a young man?” Callum asked, “That would be quite shocking, don’t you think?” Callum smirked.

“I suppose you’re right, sir.” Darin said and was deflated a bit.

“But, if she were to have escort of a chaperone, say her mother, I would not object to it.” Callum winked, “Just don’t be caught in anything compromising.”

“Sir.” Darin said with a shocked look. Callum chuckled and pat Darin on the shoulder leading him back toward the ladies.

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“Owen is at Harbroughs.” Dustin said as he came in the back door seeing Callum in the doorway to the parlor.

“Is he now?” Callum asked.

“Yes. He has the carriage in the drive, along with all the horses.” Dustin said.

“Good. Then we should be able to make an early start of it then.” Callum said, Dustin nodded, “The sooner there, the sooner back.”

“Agreed.” Dustin said.

“I am wondering if you can give me a hand upstairs for a few minutes.” Callum said.

“Of course.”

“We will be back in a few minutes, my dear.” Callum said, letting Dustin go by him.

“Supper should be ready about then.” Martha said and Callum smiled at her. He turned away and went up the stairs. He saw Dustin on the landing at the top. Callum pointed at the spare room door. Dustin opened it and went in, Callum followed.

“What did you need?” Dustin asked as Callum closed the door.

“Darin will stay here while we are gone to safeguard Henry and Martha. I told him that there would be several pistols loaded and at the ready for him, just in case. The rest of them should loaded and placed in the trunk to go with us.” Callum said.

“You are expecting trouble.” Dustin said softly.

“I always expect trouble, you know that. It is better to be prepared than not.” Callum said, “I think there is more than enough powder and extra shot. I want to leave extra for him, just in case.”

“What makes you think there will be trouble?” Dustin asked.

“Considering what has happened so far, and also from what Paupling has said, wouldn’t you think that there might be?” Callum asked.

“Then, should we all go?” Dustin asked.

“I need you.” Callum said, “I need you with me, to stand with me. Thomas is still having issue with his wounds, Christian will come in handy with his courage and tenacity as well, but, with what you demonstrated to me that day with a blade, I need you.”

“Of course.” Dustin said, “But, you think Darin capable of standing off a group of Guardsmen by himself?”

“No, I don’t think it will come to that.” Callum said as he picked up a pistol and handed it to Dustin butt first. Dustin took it from his hand, “I have a feeling they are watching, if they are still here. And if they see us leaving together, they might follow just to see what we’re up to, thereby taking the danger away from Henry and Martha.”

“I hope you’re right.” Dustin said, “So, how many do you wish to leave him?”

“I think six should do. We should take twice that with us.” Callum said as he cocked a pistol to check it, “Then we can take the trunk over to Harbroughs after supper and place it on the carriage hopboard.”

by icevuk2634

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