Buccaneer Read Online Free Page A

long standing. I need no invitation.’
    The servant quailed before the testy edge to his visitor’s voice. ‘Sir Henry’s guests have already arrived and they are in the main reception room. If you would wish to refresh yourself before meeting them, please follow me.’
    Hector had been standing with the captain’s coat over his arm. It was evident that he was thought to be some sort of attendant and was not included in the invitation into the house. ‘I’ll be introducing my companion to Sir Henry,’ Coxon announced firmly.
    The servant’s glance took in Hector’s workaday costume. ‘Then if you’ll allow, I’ll have him given something more suitable to wear. Sir Henry’s gathering includes many of the most important men on the island, and their ladies.’
    They followed the man to a side entrance of the main building. Tethered in front of its long sheltered porch were a dozen or more horses, and off to one side stood a couple of light, two-wheeled open carriages.
    The servant showed Coxon into a side room, telling him that water and towels would be brought. Then he led Hector to the rear of the building and into the servants’ quarters.
    ‘I took you for an indentured man like myself,’ he apologised.
    ‘What’s that?’
    The servant, evidently an under-steward, had opened a cupboard and was sorting through some clothing. He found a pair of breeches and turned to face Hector.
    ‘Indentured?’ he said, sounding surprised. ‘It means pledged to serve your master in return for the cost of your passage out from England and your upkeep while you’re here.’
    ‘For how long?’
    ‘I signed for ten years, and still have seven years left. Here, try these breeches on. They are about the right size.’
    As Hector pulled on the garment, the under-steward managed to find a short waistcoat and a clean lawn shirt with a frilled neck and wristbands. ‘Here, put these on too,’ he said, ‘and this broad leather belt. It’ll hide any gaps. And here’s a pair of shoes that should fit, and stockings too.’ He stood back and looked Hector over. ‘Not bad,’ he commented.
    ‘Whom do these clothes belong to?’ Hector asked.
    ‘A young fellow came out here from England a couple of years back. Was intending to become an overseer, but he caught a flux and died.’ The servant gathered up Hector’s old clothes and tossed them into a corner. ‘Forgot to ask your name,’ he said.
    ‘Lynch, Hector Lynch.’
    ‘No relation to Sir Thomas are you?’
    Hector decided it was wiser to be vague. ‘Not as far as I am aware.’
    ‘Just as well. Sir Henry can’t abide Sir Thomas . . . or his family for that matter.’
    Hector saw his chance to learn more. ‘Does Sir Thomas have a large family?’
    ‘Big enough. Most of them live down near Port Royal. That’s where they have their other properties.’ He paused, and his next words came as a shock. ‘But this being so near Christmas, Sir Henry has invited a few of them this evening. They came by carriage, a full day’s journey. And one of them is quite a beauty.’
    Hector could think of no escape as he was led back to where Coxon was waiting. The buccaneer captain had cleaned himself up and put on his wig. He looked more of a gentleman and less of a brigand. Taking Hector by the elbow, he led him aside and whispered harshly. ‘Once we step into that room, you are to hold your tongue until I’ve found out Sir Henry’s temper.’
    The under-steward brought them before a pair of tall double doors. A buzz of conversation could be heard coming from the other side, and the strains of music, a couple of violins and a virginal by the sounds. As the servant was about to pull open both doors, Coxon stopped him. ‘I can manage that myself,’ he said. The buccaneer captain eased open one door and quietly stepped inside, pulling Hector behind him.
    The room was thronged with guests. They were mostly men, but there was also a scattering of women, many using fans to lessen