Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga by Andrea Jones Page A

Mr. Smee, the girl had glimpsed a glassed-in bookcase, and left of the mistress’ couch, starboard within the ship, stood an ornate wardrobe. Next, a sideboard and dining table in the corner; beyond that, and all along the stern, a cushioned recess basked under the windows. A harpsichord, a polished desk covered with maps and navigational instruments, and on the right, portside, an escritoire. Next to the escritoire posed the grandest piece in the place, the bunk, resplendent with silken coverlet, sculpted bedposts and tapestried curtains.
    The room was littered with Oriental carpets and illuminated by the sun, which blazed through mullioned windows to display the tasteful trappings. The light bounced off the sea onto the ceiling, and jumped around in playful pools above. Liza’s attention was drawn to the bunk again, and as her gaze lit on the treasure chest at its foot, all her preconceptions about pirates converged to settle at that point.
    Jill allowed the inspection, intuiting the effect a grounding of awe could have on a young servant. “By all means, acquaint yourself with my quarters, Liza. You will need to know your way around when you begin your duties.”
    Here Liza collected herself and studied the woman. This lady pirate would appear equally at home in a forest. Like some sylvan nymph from a fairy tale, she wore her hair long and loose, with strands of shorter hair overhanging her forehead. Her eyes were the deep, passionate blue of forget-me-nots. And she was impressive for one so petite, so slender. Her bearing, as Liza witnessed on deck during the mayhem yesterday, was regal. Yet her smile, icy when it was useful to be so, was enticing, as if it longed to give and receive kisses. Liza squinted, trying to remember her mother’s smile, but the face in front of her interfered with her memory.
    For jewels, this woman wore only the ruby necklace and two golden rings of filigree piercing her ears. Upon examination, the lady’s unadorned arms seemed too free, as if they wished to bear the burden of bracelets. Now she waited, but before Liza’s curiosity was satisfied, Jill spoke again.
    “My proposal is this. I’m wanting an attendant, to look after my clothing and person. In exchange, you will be amply paid and provided room and board. And the protection of the captain.”
    The girl froze.
    Smee nudged her elbow. “Miss, do you heed?”
    Liza flinched at his touch, but nodded.
    “Apparently, Mr. Smee, our little captive hears, but refuses to speak. We will humor her. There is no need for her to speak in order to serve me. I may even prefer it that way.” Jill scrutinized Liza. “You look to be…” She chose to flatter the girl. “Going on fifteen?”
    Another nod, and Liza felt an unexpected twinge of pleasure. She was going on fourteen.
    “I believe that, like me, you have been brought up in a genteel manner. You know how to behave yourself. If you do so, and if you follow my instructions, you’ll not regret your time here. I don’t expect to keep you forever. When the proper time comes, you will be released. And then, if we agree, you may decide whether you wish to stay on. So you see, I’m not looking for a companion. Nor for a slave.”
    Liza indicated understanding. She wondered if she would be given a choice.
    The lady’s blue eyes were penetrating. “I also believe you are missing your deceased mother.”
    Liza blinked, then looked down and unclasped her empty fingers, spreading them.
    “So I am correct in assuming you haven’t a home to which you may return, other than the ship from which we plucked you?”
    A lethargy overtook the girl. She shook her head. The lady lifted her eyes to Mr. Smee and regarded him for a few moments. Liza heard the man’s breathing quicken. He cleared his throat. The woman’s gaze dropped once again to Liza.
    “The alternative to this service, or the penalty for disobedience, is to be put ashore. We aren’t particular where. I should hope that if you