Subj: Stormy Seas
Date: 3/22/00 1:44:55 PM Central Standard Time
From: Charlene
1764: Collinsport, Province of Maine, Massachusetts Colony.
The gray clouds hung drearily over the vast landscape of Collinsport. The beautiful Naomi Hollings looked out her window in the great Manor House of Collinwood. She had so hoped that the sun would be shining on her wedding day. This province of Maine was so much bleaker than Boston. She hoped she would learn to love this area as much as she did Joshua Collins.
Joshua was always talking about propriety (he was a good ten years older than she), but when they were alone, she could tell how passionately he loved her. No one had ever made her feel as alive or as vibrant as he did. Even when he was talking with her father about how convenient an arranged marriage between the Collins families wealth and the Hollings families political influence, he would look at her from across the room with smoldering passion in his eyes and she could feel her face flush with excitement. For all his talk, this was anything but an "arranged marriage."
She first met Joshua Collins when he was visiting her father, the colonial governor, about some business matter. Naomi didn't understand business, but she understood love. She remembered how dashing Joshua was, how tall and straight, like an oak tree, and how tightly his clothes fit around his fit body. She flushed remembering him. Remembering her feelings.
This was going to be a marriage of love, no matter how ominous the skies outside were.
She turned towards the knock a her door, "Come in." she sang as sweet as a morning bird.
"Naomi dear," began Joshua's sister Abigail "I wished to know if I could assist you in preparing for the wedding?" she asked as her hard eyes surveyed Naomi and the room around them.
" Thank you Abigail. I could use some help with my dress and hair."
"Is this your dress my dear?" Abigail asked as she fingered the ornate dress of heavy white satin. The dress billowed with material. The neckline was daring, it would show some cleavage. Around the sleeves, the hem, and the waist, were pearls.
"Isn't it the most beautiful dress you've ever seen?" Naomi asked. "Father sent for a dressmaker all the way from London to make the dress." Naomi's youthful excitement was overflowing this day.
"Don't you think it is revealing?" Abigale asked.
"Revealing? How?"
"This neckline! It will surely show some of your bosom. I thought my brother was marrying a lady, not a tavern wench!" Abigail spat wheeling around and storming out of the room.
Tears welled in Naomi's eyes as she began to quietly sob. She fell across the bed burying her head in her pillow. Why was Abigail so mean to her. Every time they were together, Abigail would always say something or do something to show Naomi she wasn't wanted in Collinwood.
"I always try to be kind to her, to include her in the wedding. Why doesn't she like me. She acts like I've done something to her, but I don't know what it is." Naomi asked herself aloud.
"Don't cry."
Naomi lifted her head off the pillow an turned to the brown haired three year old who stood beside her bed. She smiled at the little boy.
"Jeremiah, what are you doing here?" she asked as she lifted the child into her lap.
"See pretty dress." he replied with a smile.
"You like my dress don't you?" Naomi asked little Jeremiah.
"I like you." the boy replied throwing his arms around her neck. She laughed. Yes, she would be good for Jeremiah. He never knew his parents, they had been killed in a carriage accident when he was only a year old. Joshua and Abigail were all the family he had ever known. It was obvious how much Joshua loved his much younger brother. Every time Jeremiah came into a room Joshua's eyes would light up with joy. Abigail was another story all together. She didn't show the child much affection. Naomi would change that. This was going to be a house of love.
***********************************************
The first six months of their marriage Naomi was happier than she thought possible. Then, with Christmas barely a week away, Naomi was elated. She felt as if she were floating off the ground. Joshua had started spending more and more time at the shipyards. She understood, he wanted to make the Collins family THE ship builders for the colonies. Naomi naturally missed him when he was away, but she supported what he wanted to do. But this day it seemed that he would never come home. Finally she heard the hoof beats of Joshua's stallion. He was home.
"Naomi!" he called as he entered the house.
She flew into his arms from the drawing room before he could take off his cape.
"Well, what have I done to deserve this?" he asked with a slight chuckle. His eyes took in her radiance. Ye, he thought, she was positively beaming. "Why are you in such a mood?"
"I have something to tell you. Let's go to your study. I do not want any interruptions." she smiled up at him as she took his hand and led him down the hallway. Joshua was enjoying his young wife's mood and allowed her to lead him to the study.
Abigail came out of the doors leading to the dining area of the manor. She had heard their conversation. Oh how she hated Naomi Hollings. Abigail couldn't bear to call her a Collins. She was not serious enough. Too romantic, too pretty. Before he married you, my brother was my confidant. He listened to my opinions but since you've come into our lives you have taken him from me. Taken my position in this house. I was born a Collins. I should be the mistress of this house.
"Oh what are you up to little bird?" Abigail thought aloud, the hatred dripping from her voice. "One day my brother will come to his senses. He will see you for the shallow, mindless creature you are, and I will once again be mistress of this house."
"Well Naomi? What is this about." Joshua asked as he leaned against the front of his desk eyeing his young wife.
" I found out something earlier today. I spoke with Dr. Pruitt."
He jumped straight up at the mention of the doctor. "You're not ill are you?" he said concern showing in his every move.
"I'm perfectly fine Joshua. Better than fine. The doctor said you are going to get your wish."
"My wish?"
"I'm with child my love." she said as she watched the smile form on his face. Joshua Collins didn't show his emotions to many people. She was sure he showed her more than anyone,and a smile like this was rare indeed for his face.
July 1765 brought much joy to the great house. Naomi gave birth to Joshua's son. They christened their newborn Barnabas Joshua Collins.
***********************************************
Three years later:
Naomi sat on aboulder by the beach. Jeremiah and Barnabas were playing nearby. Naomi thought about her life. She was happy she told herself. No, she wasn't as happy as she had been before Barnabas was born. Joshua had truly been hers then. But it seemed that she lost his attention after their son was born. She loved Barnabas dearly and he brought a joy to her life like she had never felt before, but she missed Joshua. She missed being intimate with him, embracing him. Joshua would never admit it, but it seemed to Naomi that she wasn't as desirable in his eyes since giving birth.
Joshua had thrown himself into his work. He had succeeded in making the Collins empire everything he had wanted, but it still was not enough. His constant striving for more and bigger accomplishments in his work left very little time for Naomi. Naomi also knew she had an enemy in the house. Abigale had made her feelings for Naomi clear. Her resentment was obvious, open even, and Joshua tolerated it. Naomi could not understand that.
"How could he let her treat me like that. I'm his wife, not her." she thought as she watched the waves breaking on the shore. She was so deep in thought that she didn't hear the man approaching her from the other end of the beach.
" 'Tis a beautiful day, isn't it lassie." the dark haired man said as he sat down beside her. He was handsome, immensely handsome. His long dark hair fell across his forehead windswept and uncontrollable. He wore dark tight britches and his muscles rippled beneath his billowing white shirt.
" Sir, you startled me" she said as she tried to stand up. He grabbed her arm forcing her back down on the boulder.
"No need to leave here, we haven't gotten acquainted yet." He said with a Scottish brogue.
Naomi felt her face flush as she turned towards the man. She found herself swimming in the deep blue recesses of his eyes.
"I'm Connor Warwick." he said casually, his smile rising to the twinkling in his eyes.
"And I have to go." she said curtly managing to stand this time. "Jeremiah! Barnabas! come here now. We have to get back to the house." she called to the two boys who were playing down the beach. They started to run towards her.
"Oh you live around here do ye?" He said as he reclined back on the boulder. His smile and eyes seemed to be laughing at her, the twinkle in his eyes disturbed her as did the heat rising in her face.
Barnabas and Jeremiah reached Naomi. Barnabas clutched at her skirt peeping around his mother at the man, but Jeremiah headed towards the stranger.
"Well hello there young mate." Connor said to Jeremiah.
"Are you a pirate?" Jeremiah asked.
The handsome man laughed aloud as he reclined on the boulder.
"Some people have called me that. Especially the British. I prefer to think of myself as a simple seaman."
"I hardly think you're simply anything." Naomi said. "Boys, we really must be going."
"These are two fine lads ye have here. Do ye have a husband to go with them?" he asked smiling an irresistible smile.
"I certainly do." She said curtly as she and the boys turned to leave. Her face was flushed aznd it embarrassed her. She was a married woman after all. And he was a rouge, a pirate, certainly not the type of man she would keep company with even if she wasn't married. But there was something about him. He excited her, excited her soul. Madness! This is madness she told herself as she walked back towards Collinwood.
She stopped and turned back, he was still watching her and still smiling that smile that she found so hard to resist.
*********************************************
Two months later:
Naomi sat on the beach watching the waves. She had found herself wandering back to this spot almost daily since her encounter with the handsome Connor Warwick. She sat deep in contradicting thoughts, her mind confusing her more every instant.
Why? why did she come here like this? Was she looking for HIM? Naomi didn't know what was wrong with her. Perhaps if Joshua would pay more attention to her and less to his ships. That's not fair! Not fair to Joshua. He was only trying to provide for her, for their family. But why hasn't he touched me, made love to me. It's been three years since Barnabas was born. Before then we made love constantly, coupling ourselves into one being. We were so happy. Since I've given birth he's changed. It's like he doesn't want me anymore. We've only been together a few times, and then it was rushed more like an obligation than something we did to show our love. It must be me. I mustn't be desirable to him anymore. Perhaps no one could desire me.
"What a sad look on such a beautiful face." said the SCottish voice she last heard two months ago.
"Mister Warwick." she said her voice proving he had startled her.
He moved in and joined her on the boulder. "'Tis a pretty view of the sea ye have her, lass."
"I do enjoy coming here." She said. This time she wasn't as ready to leave as she had been that first time.
"Where are those two lads of yours?" he asked looking down the lonely beach.
"At home." she replied.
"Then we are alone." he said smiling "Now we can get acquainted. You've not told me your name."
"Naomi."
"'Tis a beautiful name. As beautiful as you are, but is there a last name to go with it?"
"There is. But you don't need to know it." she said turning her gaze from him to the waves breaking over the beach sand.
"Naomi will be enough." he said as his hand started to caress her leg. He could feel the tight muscles of her thigh beneath the silk of her dress.
" I told you I have a husband." she said although she didn't move to stop the handsome strangers advances.
"And I told you, or rather your boy, that I've been called a pirate. I'm accustomed to taking things that do not belong to me." he replied as he began to kiss her neck and breathe hot steamy breath near her ear.
She turned to face him, excitement in her eyes. She knew this was wrong, but at the moment it felt so right. She gave in easily. She thought briefly that if Joshua hadn't abandoned her bed she wouldn't be doing this. But soon her thoughts were not on Joshua but on the handsome Connor.
She smelled the Bay Rum scent of him as she felt his body. Her breathing was coming faster and faster. He kissed her. Roughly. This was not the way she and Joshua had made love. His tongue invaded her mouth like pirates boarding a surrounded vessel. His hands were making their way up the inside of her skirts as she found herself clawing at his shirt, pulling it off so she could see his bare chest. She rubbed her hands through the curly black chest hair and he took her in his arms. They sank backwards on the boulder. He straddled her. She didn't know when he had removed his tight britches, but he had. Nothing hampered him. He entered her forcefully causing her to cry out. She had never been loved like this.
They continued on and on for what seemed to Naomi like hours. Finally they lay in each others arms. Neither one spoke. They just listened to the sounds of the waves. Naomi watched the sky above them, she noticed the position of the sun.
"I must go. My husband will be returning soon."
"You could always go with me." he said smiling.
"I can't leave my home, my son. And Joshua would not allow anyone to take his son from him."
"Joshua!"Connor said sitting up, his dark eyes on Naomi, "Is your husband Joshua Collins?"
"Yes! How do you know Joshua?" she asked surprised.
"Let's just say that we've done some business together and leave it at that." he knew how foolish it was for him to be here with Joshua Collins wife. Of all the people in the world, Joshua Colllins. Foolish or not, he hadn't had enough of Naomi, "Can I see you again?"
"We shouldn't." she said as she was dressing.
"We shouldn't have done this, but we did. You enjoyed it as did I. Let me see you again."
"I come to the beach daily." she said surprised at how shameless she had become.
"I'll come when I can." he said and watched as she walked away.
Upon entering the double doors of the manor's main entrance, Naomi was immediately the victim of a verbal attack by Abigail.
"Where exactly have you been all day? The servants had no idea where you were and were loitering about the house without direction."
"I'm sure you gave the servants some direction didn't you Abigail?"
"If I were mistress of this house..."
"You are not its mistress Abigail. And I don't have to answer to you." Naomi said curtly as she headed up the stairs.
"Well! We will see about that Miss Naomi Holdings. We will just see about that."
Two weeks later as Joshua Collins rode his black stallion into the stables and dismounted, he was approached by Abigail.
"Sister? What are you doing here in the stables. Have you gotten over your fear of the horses?" he queried.
"I want to speak with you about that wife of yours."
"Not again Abigail." Joshua replied with a heavy sigh.
"I know she's up to something. She's involved in something wicked."
"Abigail."
"She was gone all day. She goes off every day by herself for hours at a time. She ..."
'ABIGAIL!!!!" he said loudly, "Please stop talking about Naomi. I have heard enough." and he walked towards the manor house leaving his sister alone in the stables.
Two months later:
Naomi waited in the cave by the beach that she and Connor had been using as their hideaway. Connor had been gone for a month and her body ached for him. But she knew he would be back today. Soon they would be together. Her face flushed at the mere thought of his body entering hers.
"Naomi!" he cried out, "Are you here my love."
"Connor! Here, in the cave."
He entered the cave. He was so dashing. His long black tresses fell around his shoulders. He had been out to see and had started growing a beard. The stubble on his face made him all the more attractive and desirable.
"I have something for you." he said as he grabbed her in a passionate kiss.
"Oh I know" she responded, "It's been over a month."
"Besides that you bad girl. Here!" he said handing her a package, "I took those off an English duchess myself. I thought how they'd be wonderful with your eyes.
She opened the small package and her eyes grew wide with awe. She had never before seen such exquisite jewelry. A necklace of emeralds and diamonds fit for a queen and ear bobs to match.
"Connor, this is extraordinary."
"Do ye like it?"
"I love it." she said as she smiled. up at him.
"And I love you Naomi Collins." he said as he picked her up and took her to the makeshift bed where they had lain so many times making love.
Outside of the cave, the tall figure that had been listening and watching turned and walked away. He heard the sounds of their lovemaking as he walked down the beach.
The next night Naomi waited at the cave. She heard movement outside,
"Connor?" She asked happily.
"No Naomi, it is not Connor." Joshua replied.
Naomi felt as if her heart stopped. She stood there frozen in fear as Joshua entered the cave.
"He is not coming tonight, or any other night. Your lover will not return to you." Joshua said icily.
"What have you done with Connor?" she frantically asked.
"I have done nothing to Mister Warwick. I did happen to be in the village when the British took him into custody."
"Custody?" she inquired meekly.
"Yes, he was a pirate you know. A criminal. They British are taking him to Boston. I assume he'll be hanged. That's what they do to pirates my dear."
"Joshua please!" she cried her tears flowing freely down her cheeks.
"Crying for your lovers life, Naomi? How touching. If I still had a heart I might be moved. As it is, I am not moved by your tears, or anyone else's. I realize I haven't been a perfect husband. But I did love you Naomi. More than I ever loved another person. You betrayed me."
"Joshua ..."
"Don't. I don't want to hear your reasons. I don't want to know why. Frankly, I don't even care. Oh, you will continue to be my wife. You are my property after all. I will take you when I want, however infrequent that may be. You'll be watched more closely as well. And I don't think that running a household is good for your nerves, my dear.I think I'll let Abigail do that. She's been wanting to for years. When we leave this cave, you and I will never speak of this incident. Of your shamelessness. I will not think of you as a common whore. You are, after all, my loving wife. And we will never speak of Connor Warwick again, do you understand Naomi. Time to go home dear."
His words were like ice. An icy knife he had plunged in her heart. Oh Connor, she thought helplessly. What have I done. They walked in silence back to Collinwood and entered the double doors together to be greeted by Abigail.
"Abigail, " Joshua began, " my beautiful wife and I have been walking on the beach. Naomi isn't feeling well, are you my dear?" he said turning towards Naomi. Her eyes were empty and her face was pale. "Abigail, you will need to run the house until Naomi is well. I'll tell you when she is well. Now let us go into dinner."
"As you said Joshua, I'm not well. I think I'll go upstairs and lay down. I'm not hungry." Naomi said without emotion as she headed up the stairs.
As she entered her room. the tears began to flow again. She went to her jewelry cabinet and opened the doors retrieving the emerald and diamond necklace. She held it to her heart as she walked towards her bed. There she collapsed sobbing.
She felt her hair being stroked, and she looked up into the black eyes of her little boy.
"Mama sad?" Barnabas asked, his eyes showing worry and pain.
She picked him up, cradling him in her arms and said, "Not anymore darling. You make Mother happy. Do you see this necklace." she said showing the little boy the jewels and watching him shake his head, " let Mother tell you a story of a dashing pirate and his lady love, a story with a happy ending." she began as she wiped her tears away with her free hand and listened to the stormy sea outside the great manor house.
THE END