A Pirate’s Wife Read Free Page A

refused my request.
    How can I sit here and know that he is in pain? I
    must do something.
    I need to find away.
    I am just glad that Rosa-Lee did not witness this
    brutality.
    My heart aches for her and for him. She searched
    for him all day but I simply had no heart to tell her the
    truth. It would break her heart.
    †††
    September 23, 1621
    Finally Alfonso managed to get me to Cisco. When I
    reached him he had a high fever. I brought some ointment
    and tended his wounds. He was delirious, calling out my
    name. I made him as comfortable as I could. For a long
    time I sat next to him and watched as he slept. Several
    times I calmed him down when the fever-induced dreams
    made him want to get out of the bed. The moment I spoke to
    him and told him how much I love him he was peaceful and
    slept. I wanted to stay but Alfonso convinced me it would
    not be wise for the captain to find me there.
    At least I know he will be all right tonight. Alfonso
    promised me he will stay close and let me know if anything
    changes.
    I miss Cisco.
    †††
    September 26, 1621
    Today the sea was stormy. The clouds formed over
    us, dark and menacing. But at least Cisco is better. He had
    his first meal in three days. Alfonso assured me he would
    be all right. I could only see him for short intervals in the
    last few days. Alfonso guarded the door at all times.
    Cisco is strong. I know that. But I cleaned and
    tended the wounds the best I could.
    Soon he will be up. I actually loved this time. I
    could attend to him and touch him often. I know I love him.
    Somehow I will find a way to be with him always.
    But I must admit the weather has me worried. Even
    the captain is not his usual confident self. I really hope the ship will hold up.
    It took a while to get Rosa-Lee to sleep. The motion
    of the ship where more fierce than what we are used to. It
    rolls from side to side, the upper decks swaying into the
    waves. My stomach churns with every motion.
    Oh Lord, keep us safe. Help us to find a way to be
    together.
    1
    December 25, 1623
    It has been two years since our journey of survival
    began in Africa. Two years since I have written anything
    down in my diary, the only book I was able to save on that
    hopeless night of September 29, 1621.
    But before I capture those terrible events, I want to
    pen down my love's reaction to the estate we will be living
    in for the rest of our lives.
    In the end it became possible for us to be together.
    The price was high but we have survived and I know with
    Cisco at my side I can face anything else.
    As a Christmas gift I gave him full ownership of my
    estate. It has been handed down from generation to
    generation of Artiagas . I knew he would be the perfect land owner to continue the legacy my family started, and that my
    inheritance was safe.
    When Rosa-Lee climbed on his lap to give him a big
    wet kiss he smiled down at her and gave her a bear hug.
    The last few days he had been extremely emotional. We
    both felt a deep compassion for him. I feel proud to know
    this man, my husband, Cisco Almaida. When I handed him
    the papers he was shocked. Disbelief shone clear in the
    blue depths of his eyes. He had the same expression when
    we first arrived two days ago.
    He could not believe the large estate or the castle,
    built by my great-great grandfather all those years ago.
    When we arrived Cisco only stared at the estate, the
    manicured gardens and lawns only yellow due to the cold
    weather, and I had to encourage him to step into the castle
    as man of the house. This was more than he ever dreamed
    of. His mind was stunned and dumbfounded at the
    magnitude of the riches he faced.
    I had told him about the place, to prepare him, but I
    knew he would only appreciate it fully when he saw it.
    He stood in the enormous foyer of the castle and
    gaped in awe. The magnificent wooden staircase spiralled
    to the upper levels. The black and white marble tiles
    gleamed in the late sunlight. Fires were already laid