Oatcakes and Courage Read Online Free Page A

have no problem. Master Orr will look after you.” The captain hailed a squat, muscular man and beckoned him over. “Take these two to Master Orr. And then get back here on the double. We have a ship to load. Move smartly, man!”
    The squat little man stumbled ahead of Anne and Ian on the round, fist-sized stones toward a makeshift table of boards. Without a word, the little fellow turned and trotted back to the master. A beefy man, presumably the mate, sat behind the table. Many sheaves of papers, held down with several of the beach stones, were spread before him.
    Master Spiers was a man who was comfortable with his position of authority, and wore it matter-of-factly, like a well-made coat on a chill day. Master James Orr held his power out where it could not be missed, like an over-polished button held right under your nose. He glanced haughtily up at Ian as he approached.
    â€œI’m Ian MacLeod.”
    The mate said nothing, but raised an eyebrow as if to say, “So?”
    â€œI arranged for my passage on the Hector with Mr. Ross.”
    â€œI see,” Master James Orr said. He looked down at the papers before him. After a lengthy pause he said, “Yes, Ian MacLeod. Here you are. We will be boarding the longboats for the ship tomorrow at high tide. Some other passengers are camping just off the beach, in those trees over yonder. A few have found places to billet in the village…”
    Ian interrupted, “I need to arrange passage for my… wife.”
    Master James Orr’s eyebrows disappeared under the brim of his tricorn hat. He glanced at Anne for the first time since they had stepped before him. “This was not arranged with Mr. Ross?”
    Ian shook his head. “Well, no. You see, I was not married then.” Ian swallowed.
    â€œThis does present a problem,” the mate declared.
    Anne said softly, but firmly, “Master Spiers said that you could make the arrangements for us. We have already spoken to him.”
    Master Orr glared at Anne for a moment, but when she did not shrink before his gaze, he shifted uncomfortably. His eyes flicked down the beach to where the captain was bawlingorders. He looked back at Ian and Anne. “Yes, well, I’m sure something can be worked out.”
    â€œWhat is the fare?” Anne asked, still in that soft, business-like voice.
    Master Orr cleared his throat. “Well, full passage is three pounds ten shillings.”
    Ian’s eyes widened as Anne modestly turned her back to them and reached into her bodice. She pulled out the tiny, embroidered bag. Tugging open the drawstrings, she tipped the contents onto her palm – three shiny coins. Anne set them on the table in front of the mate.
    Master Orr opened and closed his mouth twice before he could say, “Yes, well, that seems to be all in order. I’ll add your name to the list, Mrs. MacLeod. Er… Your given and family names…?”
    â€œAnne Grant.”
    â€œAnne Grant. So. That takes care of that. Shall I put the… ah…. Will this go toward your passage as well, Mr. MacLeod?”
    â€œNay!” Ian said sharply, making the mate and Anne jump. Then he cleared his throat and said quietly, “Nay. I would appreciate it if you would give my… wife what is owing her, please.”
    The mate scowled but said officiously, “Yes, all right. As you wish. As I said, we begin to board first thing tomorrow morning, and sail with the tide.”
    The mate retrieved Anne’s change from a pouch at his waist. She slipped the coins into the embroidered bag and tucked it back into her bodice. Ian took up their bags and steered Anne by an elbow down the beach. Then he stopped and turned her to look at him.
    â€œWhere did you ever get that money?” he asked anxiously.
    â€œMother gave it to me, before she died.” Anne’s chin lifted defiantly.
    â€œI would have signed a promissory note, Anne,” Ian murmured.