Chapter 29

29

SEPTEMBER 1, 1727 BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

I awoke on the Ocean Curse with dread. My heart was so sad, I could hardly lift my head off the pillow. I didn't want today to come. I didn't want to face whatever God had ordained for Marcus. I prayed, once again, that a miracle would happen. I admired Marcus for his honor and conviction—yet I wished there was another way.

His cot was empty, and he was not in the cabin. My heart beat so hard, I felt like I couldn't breathe. I pushed aside the covers, needing to see him. To be certain he was still with me.

It was dark outside, but a slice of light on the eastern horizon told me it was morning. I could see the dark outlines of other ships in the harbor, but I didn't have a view of Boston.

A small, unfamiliar chest on the table caught my eye.

Gently, I lifted the curved lid and my breath stilled.

Inside was a beautiful burgundy gown, with all the trimmings. Stockings, undergarments, petticoats, panniers, shoes, and a hat.

I slowly lifted the skirt out of the chest, marveling at the beautiful silk creation. Where had it come from? I could only assume it was for me, but how had Marcus found it?

I didn't waste any time discarding my old clothes and binding. The gown was exquisite and had a cream-colored stomacher with burgundy flowers and green leaves embroidered in silk thread. There was a matching lace tucker to be worn around the neck and chest, and the ruffled cuff of my shift peeked out from the ends of the elbow-length sleeves, adding a bit of elegance.

Even with the gift of this gown, the heaviness of today was like a bucket of water, dousing the flames of happiness. I tried not to cry as I styled my hair. There was no mirror to see my reflection, but it had to be a vast improvement from what it had been.

The sun had just crested the horizon when I stepped out of Marcus's cabin. Timothy had told me that ever since Ned left, the whispers about a Jonah had died away. Even though the crew would realize I was a woman, there was little they could do about it now. My presence—or my real identity—would come as a shock, but none of it mattered since I would be leaving the ship, most likely forever.

The storm had passed in the night, and the salty sea air felt fresh and clean.

Every deckhand on the ship stopped their early morning chores to stare at me. Some even removed their hats when my gaze met theirs.

I walked down the steps from the poop deck to the quarterdeck and found Hawk standing guard outside the outer room.

His mouth slipped open at my arrival, and he smiled. "You look lovely, Miss Caroline."

"Thank you, Hawk. Do you know where Marcus found this gown?"

"He sent Timothy on a mission into town overnight." Hawk's eyes glowed with happiness. "Said he woke up the proprietor, but paid her so nicely, she didn't mind."

"I'll need to thank Timothy and Marcus."

Hawk nodded toward the crew staring at me on the main deck. "I've got some explaining to do."

"Do you mind?"

"Not at all." He laughed. "Are you hungry? I'll have someone bring you breakfast."

"I couldn't eat a bite." My stomach was in such turmoil, I wasn't sure I'd ever be hungry again. "Where is Marcus?"

"He's putting his things in order. The launch is getting ready to take us into Boston."

"I know Marcus said that you'll take me to Salem today." I swallowed, hoping Hawk wasn't upset about the request. "But I want to stay in Boston to speak to Governor Dummer on Marcus's behalf."

He tilted his head and said, "I don't know about that. Marcus might not like it."

"I know he won't, but I cannot leave him."

"You'll have to speak to him about it." He opened the door to the outer room, and I entered without him.

The door to the captain's cabin opened at the same moment, and Marcus appeared in the doorway.

Our gazes locked, and I felt the connection in every inch of my body.

"You look bonnie, Caroline," he said, his tired gaze revealing the depths of his attraction to me.

"Thank you for the gown." I touched the fabric and shook my head. "'Tis too fine."

He only smiled as he closed the door to the cabin and met me in the middle of the outer room, drawing me into his embrace and holding me tight.

"Please don't go," I whispered as I laid my cheek on his chest. "I can't bear to part with you."

Marcus didn't say anything for a moment, but when he pulled back, I saw everything in his eyes. "I love you too much to run away from my responsibilities. I have been praying, Caroline, and I know this is the right thing to do. God has forgiven me—but I still must make amends for my transgressions."

"You're stronger than me."

He shook his head, his weary gaze caressing my face. "Nay. You're the strongest and bravest person I've ever known. I admire you just as much as I love you."

His words were bittersweet, filled with love yet laced with the regret of his life before he met me.

"'Tis time we were away," he said as he pulled a small pouch of coins out of his pocket. "But before we go, I want you to have this."

I took the heavy bag and frowned. "What is it?"

"I long to care for you, but if this is all I can provide, it gives me a small sense of comfort. Please take it."

I slipped the bag of coins into the pocket of my gown where it sat deep within the folds of my petticoat.

The door to the cabin opened again, and two men hauled Edward out. His hands were tied behind his back, and he wore a scowl on his bearded face. When he saw me, the scowl disappeared and shock replaced it—but not for long.

"Take him to the launch," Marcus said to the men. "And watch him closely."

Edward fought against his captors and cast a slew of harsh words toward everyone in the room—me included—until he was out on the quarterdeck.

Timothy left the captain's cabin last, and his ruddy complexion deepened as he saw me. He shook his head. "They told me I had to get a dress, but they didn't tell me who it was for. Carl! You're a girl?"

Despite the heartache, I smiled. "You asked me why I kept to myself on the Adventurer . This is why."

"You're our Jonah," he said with a chuckle. "I never guessed."

I shrugged. "I wasn't the only one, but that's a story for a different time."

Soon, we were boarding the launch. Edward, Hawk, Timothy, Marcus, Dr. Hartville, who was being released, and a few other pirates that Marcus had chosen for their loyalty to him.

When we reached the long pier, Marcus turned to me as if he was going to say goodbye, and I shook my head. "I'm coming with you to speak to Governor Dummer."

"Nay. 'Tis not wise."

"Why?" I stared at him, ready to go to battle with him if necessary. "I can speak on your behalf."

"Caro—"

"I'm coming, Marcus." I wouldn't give him the opportunity to debate with me.

He sighed and then said his farewell to Dr. Hartville after giving him some coins for his troubles.

"I'm sorry Edward kept you captive all this time," Marcus said to him.

"I wish I could have cured his ailments," the good doctor replied, "but the mind can be the hardest thing to heal if someone isn't willing."

As the doctor left, Marcus said goodbye to the men who had rowed the launch.

"Hawk and I will see that Edward is delivered to the governor," Marcus told the men. "The rest of you may leave."

"What about the Ocean Curse ?" Timothy asked Marcus.

Marcus turned to Hawk and said, "'Tis yours. You earned it. Just be fair to the men."

Hawk lifted his chin, his brown eyes filled with emotion, and said, "I'll take care of it until you return."

With a shake of his head, Marcus said, "I will never return to pirating, my friend."

"Then we'll become merchants," Hawk said, sounding confident.

"I'm casting my lot with you," Timothy said to Marcus. "No matter what happens."

Marcus put his hand on Timothy's shoulder and nodded. "Thank you."

So it was Marcus, Hawk, and Timothy who led Edward Zale down State Street and left to Marlborough Street where the governor's mansion sat. The impressive structure was four stories tall with ornate dormers on the roof and a large cupola with a massive weather vane.

People watched us pass, but no one stopped to inquire.

My heart was beating hard as we climbed the steps of the mansion and Marcus knocked on the front door.

I was standing so close to him that when his hand found mine in the folds of my skirt, I almost started to weep. It felt like we were on our way to his execution—and for all intents and purposes, we were.

The door opened, and a man answered. He looked at each of us and frowned. "May I help you?"

Marcus quickly told him who he and Edward were, and he asked to speak to the governor, to turn them in.

The man's eyes opened wide, and he quickly ushered us into the residence, which also acted as the governor's office. A beautiful staircase sat in the center of the foyer, but the man directed us into a waiting room to the right.

"I'll return with the governor shortly."

Hawk and Timothy forced Edward to sit while they stood over him.

I waited near the fireplace with Marcus, who, despite his resolve, looked grim.

It didn't take long for Governor Dummer to enter. At his side were two soldiers, their hands ready on the hilts of their swords.

The governor wore a curly gray wig and a black suit of clothes. He stepped into the room as if he didn't believe the man who had summoned him, but when he saw each of us, his surprise was evident.

"Governor Dummer?" Marcus asked.

"Aye, and who are you?"

Marcus stepped forward and said, "My name is Maxwell MacDougal, but for the past fifteen years, I've been living as Marcus Zale, on the Ocean Curse . I'm handing myself over to you today, and I've brought Captain Edward Zale as my prisoner."

The governor stared at Edward, his eyes opening wide. "Edward Zale?"

Edward only scowled at him.

A look of joy passed over Governor Dummer's face as he said, "Edward Zale is the last of the pirates that we've been seeking these past ten years." He turned back to Marcus. "You know there's a reward for his capture, don't you?"

Marcus frowned and shook his head.

"Aye. 'Tis a handsome reward, I must say."

"But I'm turning myself in, as well," Marcus said, his chest rising and falling with the effort to confess. "I can't accept a reward if I'm to be tried alongside him."

Governor Dummer started to laugh, so it was my turn to frown. Why would he be mirthful at a time like this?

"Sir," Governor Dummer said to Marcus, putting his hand on Marcus's shoulder, "I don't care if you have been the most notorious of them all. You've brought me Captain Edward Zale, a coup that will please His Majesty the King. He has only just ascended to the throne, and I've been looking for a gift to delight him. Presenting him with the last mayor of the Pirate Republic will be just the thing."

"I don't understand your meaning," Marcus said.

"I mean that it is in my power to pardon you—and I am," Governor Dummer said. "As long as you promise not to return to pirating, then you are a free man, and you may keep your ship and all your plunder, with a handsome reward coming your way, as well. Tell your men that they are also free," he continued. "But if I hear that anyone from your ship has returned to pirating, they will not get a second chance. The king desires this mess with the pirates to be over for good, as do I. I'm choosing to be lenient to all, except to this one." He walked over to Edward. "Edward Zale has already received the King's Pardon once, and that is all he gets. Mr. Zale will be tried as a pirate, and I intend to see that he hangs." He called for his secretary to summon the gaoler while the soldiers took Edward into their custody.

Marcus seemed stunned and stepped forward, no doubt to question the governor, but I captured his hand and smiled, pulling him back.

"You're free, Maxwell."

"But I do not deserve it."

My smile could not be dimmed. "None of us deserves forgiveness. Just as Christ pardoned our transgressions, though we were not worthy, the governor has pardoned yours."

His brown eyes searched mine, as if seeking truth. When he found it, he grinned and wrapped me in his embrace.

"You're free," I whispered. "Marcus Zale no longer exists. From this day on, you get to choose who you want to be and how you want to live."

When I pulled back, I found tears in Maxwell's eyes, and before he kissed me, he said, "I want you, Caroline."

It was midafternoon as Maxwell and I pulled into Isaac and Hope Abbott's property in Salem Village, a little community about five miles north of Salem Towne. He had rented a carriage soon after we had left the governor's mansion, and though we'd spent the entire drive marveling at the governor's pardon, our anxiety about what would happen tomorrow on my birthday was foremost in our minds.

Hawk and Timothy had returned to the Ocean Curse , which now belonged to Maxwell, per the governor's orders, to share the news of the pardon with all the men. Those who chose to stay would become employed by Maxwell, who planned to become a merchantman, and those who chose to leave were warned not to return to their pirating ways. Timothy promised me he would go home to visit with his father and siblings once the ship was secure, and Hawk assured us that he would keep an eye on things until Maxwell returned.

But all Maxwell could focus on was getting me to Salem Village.

The Abbotts' home was beautiful. It was a classic saltbox house with a slanted roof and no eaves. The clapboard siding was painted a brick red, and the trim around the doors and windows matched. A large barn and several outbuildings spoke of prosperity, as did the cattle in the nearby field, the pigs in a pen, and the chickens running loose in the yard.

I sat beside Maxwell, my hand in his. "I'm still in shock," I told him. "I had expected today to go much differently. I had dreaded God's plan, but now I realize how foolish I had been."

"Aye." He lifted my hand to kiss the back. "I'm still trying to understand it myself." He nodded at the house. "I pray Hope Abbott has more good news for us."

Even if Hope had answers, it might be that I had no choice. That my life would end here tomorrow. The thought terrified me. But I would choose to trust God's plan for me, as well.

An older man appeared from the barn, squinting into the afternoon sunlight as he wiped his hands on a handkerchief and walked toward us.

"Good day," he said. "How may I help you?"

Maxwell stepped out of the carriage and came around to help me down.

My gown was cumbersome, but I didn't mind. Not after months of dressing as a man.

"Are you Goodman Abbott?" I asked him, trying not to feel so nervous.

"Yes." He looked from me to Maxwell and back again. "And who are you, may I ask?"

I licked my dry lips and said, "My name is Caroline Reed. My mother was Anne Reed, and her mother was Rachel Howlett. I believe—"

"Rachel's granddaughter?" he interrupted me, his face revealing his shock.

"Aye. And this is Maxwell MacDougal. We've come to speak to your wife. Is she at home?"

I held my breath, afraid that Hope was not there, or that she had died, or that she wouldn't want to speak to me.

"Come," Goodman Abbott said with a grin. "My wife will be very pleased to meet you."

We followed him into his home, admiring the interior. The house was decorated with beautiful furniture, lovely paintings, and thick carpets.

"Won't you have a seat?" Goodman Abbott asked as he led us into a parlor with wainscoting and built-in shelves next to the fireplace. "My wife is preserving vegetables today, but she'll be much happier visiting with you."

Maxwell and I sat together on a settee.

Goodman Abbott disappeared, and I took a deep, steadying breath, trying not to fidget with my new gown.

Maxwell laid his hand over mine. "You needn't worry, Caroline. God has gone before you as He went before me."

I instantly felt calm as the truth of his words sank deep into my soul.

A moment later, Goodman Abbott returned with a woman who looked to be in her early sixties. Her gray hair was still thick, and her brown eyes sparkled with life. Even at her age, she appeared to be healthy and active.

And she looked vaguely familiar.

She wiped her hands on her apron and rushed into the room. "Are you Caroline?"

I stood and nodded, and in the next second, I was held in her tight embrace.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as Hope wept. Any worry that she wouldn't want me vanished.

When she let me go, she held me at arm's length. "I have so many questions for you—and I'm certain you have questions for me."

"Are you Hope?" I asked, though I was almost certain she was.

Hope laughed and nodded. "Yes, forgive me. And this is my husband, Isaac."

"This is Maxwell," I said, still trying to get used to calling him by his real name.

"Your husband?" Hope asked as she smiled at Maxwell.

He put his arm around my waist and shook his head. "Not yet," he told Hope. "But very soon."

"'Tis a long story," I told Hope. "But I have so many other things I want to ask you."

"Please, sit. One of our girls will bring a tea tray in momentarily." Hope and Isaac took the seats across from us as we sat on the settee again.

"My first question," I said as I clung to Maxwell for support, "is what do you know of Rachel? Was she—" I couldn't bring myself to say it, but I had no choice. It was the reason I'd come. "Was she a witch?"

"No." Hope shook her head, fierce determination in her brown eyes. "There were no witches in Salem Village—not then and not now. It was—" She paused and sighed. "It was a tragedy from beginning to end. Rachel was accused of being a witch by my stepmother, Susannah, but that is also a long story. Rachel was raised as a Quaker, though she was living in Salem Towne with Josias Reed."

"I know all about their relationship," I confessed to Hope.

"It was partially due to their relationship that Rachel was convicted of witchcraft." Hope clasped her hands on her lap, sadness in her voice. "I was with Rachel in the gaol when she gave birth to your mother and then died. She asked me to care for your mother, but I had no way to help since I was also being held on the accusation of witchcraft. Josias took your mother, and we never heard from her again." Hope studied me closely. "But I've always wondered—and I hope I'm not speaking out of turn—" She glanced at Maxwell, but then back at me. "Your mother had a birthmark on her chest..."

"Aye," I said. "The same as me."

She blinked several times and then leaned forward and said, "The birthmark means you're a time-crosser, too. Only those who have it cross time. What other time do you occupy, Caroline?"

More tears gathered in my eyes as I said, "Are you a time-crosser, as well?"

"Yes, though I made my final decision many years ago." She took Isaac's hand, and they smiled at one another.

"Your final decision?" I frowned. "What does that mean?"

"You don't know?"

"I know nothing about time-crossing." I said the term carefully, having never heard it before. "Until just a few months ago, I believed I was the only person in the world who had this burden. But then I found my mother's letter and realized she did, too."

"'Tis what we feared," Hope said. "That your mother wouldn't have a guide. We prayed she would."

"She knows nothing," I told her. "She died here on her twenty-first birthday and is now living in 1927." There was so much to tell Hope about my mother, but it would have to wait. "That's one of the reasons I'm here. Why did she die on her twenty-first birthday?" I gripped Maxwell's hand, as if I could keep him with me always. "Will I die tomorrow, on my birthday?"

"Your twenty-first birthday is tomorrow?" Hope asked, her eyes wide.

"Aye. Am I going to die here?"

"'Tis your choice," Hope said. "Whichever life you want to keep, you need to stay awake past midnight on the night of your twenty-first birthday. But that means you'll lose the other forever. 'Tis the worst part of this gift—choosing one and forfeiting the other."

I stared at her, both elated and heartbroken. "If I want to stay here, I must stay awake past midnight on my birthday? But if I do, I won't wake up in 1927?"

"No." Hope shook her head. "Tomorrow will be your last day there."

"What will happen to my body there?"

"It will die."

In all my worrying about losing 1727, I hadn't contemplated losing 1927. My parents, my brothers, Ruth and the children. Irene—and Lewis. I would have to say goodbye to all of them?

"I'm sorry you didn't know before now," Hope said, "but I'm thankful God brought you here in time, so you could choose the life you want."

"But I want both lives." As the words came out of my mouth, I realized how strange they sounded. Just a few months ago, I'd been praying that God would free me from this burden, and now He would. So why didn't it feel like freedom?

Maxwell squeezed my hand and brought my whirling thoughts to a standstill. I loved him, with all my heart, and knew that I couldn't leave him. God had worked so many miracles for us to be together. And as much as I'd miss my life in 1927, it was nothing compared to how devastated I'd be if I lost Maxwell.

"There is so much to tell you," Hope said. "I would love if you'd stay for supper, if not for the night."

I had many questions for her, as well. And so much to think about.

"And I long to hear about 1927," Hope said. "My twin sister lives there. Her name is Grace. She chose to stay with her husband, Lucas."

I frowned, remembering those names. "Lucas and Grace Voland?"

Hope's mouth parted at the name. "Yes, how do you know her?"

"Grace Voland is a time-crosser?"

"Yes."

"I met her in Washington, DC, when Charles Lindbergh returned after his flight over the Atlantic Ocean."

"Someone finally made it over the ocean?" Hope asked with a grin. "I was the first woman to fly an aeroplane over the English Chanel in 1912. I wondered how long it would take to get over the ocean."

"You're that Hope?"

She grinned. "I am!"

Now it made sense why she looked familiar. Her identical twin sister was Grace Voland.

Hope's face was shining. "Oh, but it feels good to meet someone who understands!"

"Grace has two daughters—"

"I know." Hope smiled at her husband. "Lydia and Kathryn."

"You know her daughter's names? But how?"

Hope laughed. "I have much to tell you. And though I've already said a lot that is hard to understand, there is one thing that I don't even understand. You see, Grace and I are identical twin sisters. Both our mother from this path and the one in the future were time-crossers, which is probably why there are two of us. But even more miraculous is that we both gave birth to the same daughter. Lydia was born to me and Isaac in 1694, but she was also born to Grace and Lucas in 1914. From the moment she could talk, she told me all about Grace's life in Washington, DC."

"You share the same daughter?" I could hardly believe it. "When I met Grace and Lydia, I had no idea. What about Grace's other daughter, Kathryn?"

"She is also a time-crosser, but she had a different second family. I believe she was born in England in the 1860s."

I put my hand up to my head. "There's just so much to take in."

"If you think this is a lot," Isaac said with a laugh, "wait until you meet the rest of the Howlett family. There are dozens of time-crossers. I can't keep track."

"Dozens of them?" I asked Hope, feeling surprised at each turn. I had gone from thinking I was the only one to learning there were dozens of others.

She patted my hand. "One thing at a time, dear. For now, we'll get you fed, and then I'll tell you all about them. If you choose to stay here after your birthday, there will be plenty of time to meet everyone."

My head was spinning, and Maxwell was sitting next to me, not saying a word. As much as I wanted to speak to Hope, I had more important things to discuss with Maxwell.

"May we have a moment alone?" I asked our hosts.

"Of course." Hope stood. "I'll see to that tea tray. Join us in the dining room when you're ready."

She and Isaac left the parlor, and I turned to Maxwell.

"You see?" he said with a sad smile on his face. "I told you that God had gone before you. Your family is not cursed by witchcraft but blessed with a gift from God."

"But I must say goodbye to my other family tomorrow."

He still held my hand as hope brightened his smile. "Does that mean you know which life you're going to choose?"

"Aye," I said, incredulous. "I love you, Maxwell. I cannot imagine leaving you."

The grin he gave me was like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. It was full of the promise of more tomorrows. "Then today is truly the best day of my life." He placed his hands on my cheeks. "I love hearing you say my name, Caroline. It would honor me if you'd take it to be your own."

"Mistress Maxwell MacDougal?"

"Aye."

I kissed Maxwell there in Hope's parlor, reveling in his love.

I'd found the answers that I was seeking, and they were better than I had even imagined.

Yet, there would be great pain in my life after tomorrow. A pain that had already begun to twist my heart.