The Hush of Night

January 7, 1717

The candle burns dim as I compose these words. My eyes grow weary, my body even more so, but my mind will not allow me to rest. When I do, the dreams come. The dreams I dare not speak of, yet hold so dear to my heart. It is a time when I am free to be as I will, where there is no shame in word or deed, and where Teddy...

I must not think of those things now. My heart knows it is wrong. I am to wed Richard Grey, and yet, the very thought of him touching me the way Teddy does in my slumber makes me wish to weep. He came to call today, as ardent as ever in his pursuit. There is but one merit in a life forever bound to propriety: he vows that as his wife, he will allow me to run North Atlantic Freight as I desire. It is my fondest wish, one my father, bless his loving heart, despises.

I see a bright future. Trade routes we have yet to explore with hungry markets. With the gab about France's protective assertations on purebred brandy, the sugar markets will demand new ports. I yearn to be part of that. To establish myself as an equal and competant ally with my father, and Richard and Teddy's grand venture in partnership. What a sight it would be if my records exceeded mine husband's!

But such hopes would be vain, and I am too well-bred to dream of such. If it should happen it will be because fate desired such. My father would be shamed, and for that alone I do not speak of these dreams to anyone but Richard.

With the merger of the Grey and Cathain fleet into Prescott Shipping, I would be wise to keep mum about my piddly fleet. Richard will be well received, myself as well. I should not wish to damage that reputation.

But alas, if only life could bear the hope of dreams. What a different world this might be. Perhaps I should be lucky enough to know that world. New horizons greet us all, and for those who rely upon the sea for livelihood, tis a grand season of opportunity.

And now, I fear, its time to let slumber collect me. I know that my secrets are safe here, yet still my hand hesitates to compose the words I wish to most. I shake as I confess, 'tis Teddy, the man I have never met yet hear so much about, I cannot wait to see again when I close my eyes and embrace wickedness.

I~A~P

From the Captain's Journal

January 5, 1717

For the first time in three arduous days the lady of the deep dark blue is calm. It has been a long journey this year from Singapore, and my men are suffering.  Two fell off the rigging when a fierce gale whipped them free.  We saved Emery, but I fear Phillippe was swept away.  Seven more are in The Kraken's belly with Stuart, their lungs full of salt and their minds riddled by fever.

It is times like these I do lament the heartier, sturdier men I once knew.  While I can find no true objection to the men in my employ this season, it would seem as if they lack the will to live, unlike those who sailed with The Flying Gang.  Avast! What would the mighty Royce say of this weakened crew?  Nightshade would leave them all upon the nearest port, I am quite certain.  And Drake?  Drake would curse them for the despots they are and trade them to the nearest slaver, should one, let alone two find it impossible to hold fast to the lines amidst a gale.

But this is my course, the one I have willingly chosen.  There is no life for a seaman who cannot abide by the maritime laws or who must live with a pistol tucked beneath his head at night.  The joys were many, but it is a greater future I desire.

Richard has proven there is opportunity in a noble life, though this I have long known.  Just before my departure from London he announced he is to wed India Prescott.  It is a shame I had to miss the engagement celebration.  I should like to meet this lass who has him so besotted.  Though, I confess, I wonder how much of his joy comes from the promise of marriage or the promise of her father's significant power and wealth.

Damnation!  The men are at it once again.  I grow so weary of the constant complaints, the whining that is more akin to woman than my ears can tolerate.

For another day,

~@ Cain

Warning Fair Tresspasser

You be knowin' who we are, mate.  We be knowin' why yer here.

Should you think of touchin' that shiny lil' box there... Let's just say we don't be recommendin' it.

Unless you be willin' to lose yer hand.