A Silent Ocean Away (3 page)

A letter from her sister mentioned that Frederic and Colette Duvoisin were seeking a governess for their three young children. Loretta knew the name well. The Duvoisin family owned large stretches of land in Virginia. In fact, her brother-in-law was an overseer to the Duvoisin holdings on the Caribbean island where the family lived. Les Charmantes was a fabled paradise. Although Loretta had never made the journey there herself, her sister’s occasional letters always praised its beauty. Loretta began to believe Les Charmantes was just what Charmaine needed: a new home far away, with children, new acquaintances, and God willing, a future!

Her mind made up, Loretta began her artful maneuvers to win Charmaine over to the idea. “I’ve had a lovely letter from Caroline,” she casually mentioned one evening as they sat in the front parlor. Charmaine’s eyes lifted from her needlepoint, and Loretta continued. “She’s written of the Duvoisin family.”

“Duvoisin family?” Charmaine queried, and because she pronounced the surname incorrectly, Loretta repeated the French name: Doo-
vwah
-zan.

“Apparently, Frederic and Colette Duvoisin need a governess for their twin girls and young son. According to Caroline’s letter, they are considering only young applicants. It would be a wonderful opportunity in such a fine house and serene setting. Something like this only comes along once in a lifetime, if that.” Loretta looked up from her sewing to find Charmaine studying her intently.

“You think
I
should apply?” Charmaine asked, certain Loretta had broached the subject for a very definite reason.

“Yes, I do.”

Joshua cleared his throat. “I don’t think that advisable, my dear.”

“And why not?”
If he says one word to waylay me, he will regret it!

“The Duvoisin men are a wild lot,” he said, despite the look his wife was giving him.

“Charmaine would be caring for three young children.”

“It is not the children who warrant concern,” Joshua rejoined.

Loretta shook her head, dismissing his protestations with, “Now, Joshua, we don’t live in the Middle Ages. Besides, I intend to accompany Charmaine to the island. If we find the position unsuitable, she need not accept it.”

“Island?” Charmaine queried. “But I thought—”

“Les Charmantes,” Loretta explained. “Or just Charmantes as the islanders refer to the main island. I’ve mentioned it before, Charmaine. It is where Caroline, Harold, and Gwendolyn have lived these past ten years. It is also the Duvoisin homestead.”

“Yes, I know where your sister lives, but I thought the position would be here, in Virginia. The island”—she breathed deeply—“it must be very far away.”

“Only as far away as a letter, and Duvoisin vessels are constantly en route between Richmond and the islands. The family is as much involved in shipping as it is in tobacco and sugar.” Loretta paused before continuing. “Of course, it is your decision, my dear, and it needn’t be hastily made. Think on it for a while. Isn’t that right, Joshua?”

“Absolutely,” he mumbled facetiously, cognizant of his wife’s tactics.

Days passed with no mention of the island or the position available there. But Charmaine thought long and hard about traveling to Les Charmantes. Governess of three small children. It was
better than maid or housekeeper. She wouldn’t always have Loretta. Where would she be twenty years hence? This opportunity was before her now, and another might never come her way again. More important, if she moved away, she’d no longer be fearful of her father’s whereabouts.

Loretta seemed to sense when she was ready to capitulate and broached the subject from another angle. “You are an incredible young woman, Charmaine.”

“Incredible, indeed,” Charmaine scoffed.

“I’ll hear none of that,” Loretta scolded. “Your worth is in your heart. The Duvoisin children would benefit from the love brimming there. If you speak as if you are unworthy, you make it so.”

That fervent declaration left an impression. Perhaps Loretta was right. This was an unusual opportunity, and something might be waiting for her there. It couldn’t hurt to visit Les Charmantes and see. Maybe her mother
was
watching over her. She’d leave it in God’s hands.

Within the week, Loretta sent a letter to Caroline informing her sister of their impending visit. By month’s end, Joshua had booked passage for the three of them aboard the
Raven
, one of the Duvoisin cargo vessels, which would be delivering supplies to the island.

On the eve of the journey, Charmaine had worried over her decision. But today, with the sky so blue, the river so calm, and her anticipation riding high, she was caught up in the exuberance of the moment and happy she had favored action over complacency, chosen the new over the old. If Loretta felt she could claim the coveted position of governess to the Duvoisin children, claim it she would. So, she sat beside her mentor in the small cabin and practiced the answers she would give to the questions that might be asked during her upcoming interview.

“That’s fine,” Loretta smiled. “And remember, Charmaine, you don’t have to tell them everything.”

“But what if they ask about my family?”

Loretta patted her hand and said, “My mother, God rest her soul, died a year ago. Unfortunately, my father left us long ago.”

“But is that acceptable? Will they be satisfied?”

“As I told you before, I will see to it they are.”

“All is well!” the robust Joshua Harrington boomed as he fell into the chair his wife had vacated.

Charmaine and Loretta looked up from the small bunk, the skirt they had been mending momentarily forgotten as they considered the man turned boy. It was clear he had enjoyed the last five hours above deck as the vessel forged into the Atlantic.

“Jonah Wilkinson tells me he foresees no difficulties with our crossing, and, my dear wife, you will be glad to hear the good captain believes we will sight the islands in under four days, provided the winds remain with us.”

“That
is
good news,” she replied cheerfully.

“You know, my dear, we can’t really call your affliction seasickness,” he pointed out. “After all, you’ve never actually been—”

“Please, Joshua,” she implored, “let us not speak about it.”

“How thoughtless of me. Would you prefer to hear about our departure?”

“That would be lovely,” she replied enthusiastically, winking at Charmaine.

“I knew it was going to be an exceptional voyage the moment we hoisted sail and started to move,” he began. “And not due to the gusting wind. Luck was with us from the start. Captain Wilkinson had expected to be delayed by Mr. Duvoisin, but a message was delivered stating he would not be boarding the
Raven
to inspect the cargo as planned. Needless to say, that saved precious time. But
the true good fortune lies in the fact that we were not subjected to Mr. Duvoisin’s deplorable comportment and snide comments.”

“Joshua!”

“Now, Loretta, I’ve spoken of the man’s questionable character before. Everyone in Virginia knows: where John Duvoisin travels, ridicule follows. I tell you now, if he were residing on Les Charmantes, I would have grave misgivings in allowing our Charmaine to live there.”

John
…Charmaine thought…
How I despise that name!

Saturday, September 10, 1836

Jonah Wilkinson charted his ship’s passage, pleased with the favorable weather. The
Raven
would make excellent time if she did not encounter the tropical storms that often brewed in these waters in late August and September. But if yesterday’s winds were any indicator, the voyage to Les Charmantes would be uneventful and completed in less than four days’ time. From there, he would steer his ship to New York, then to England, and eventually back to Virginia, completing a four-month-long journey. Although he did not own the decks upon which he trod, Frederic Duvoisin had made him feel as if he alone were master of the
Raven
. For that reason, he’d work for no other.

He was scrutinizing his charts when Charmaine walked over to him. Although he knew every inch of this part of the Atlantic, he found it comforting and oftentimes commanding to pore over the well-worn maps. The rustle of clothing distracted him, and he turned to look at her. They’d been introduced amid the confusion and flurry of their departure, and he hadn’t given her a second thought, until now.

She did not have a stunning face like the rare beauties he’d seen during his travels. It did, however, possess a captivating quality if one cared to look. Well-shaped eyebrows highlighted her
most alluring feature—her large brown eyes, framed to perfection by sooty lashes. Her nose was long and slim and turned up on the end. Her lips were neither thick nor thin, coming to life when she spoke. As Jonah stared down at her, he realized her loveliness would never truly be appreciated as long as her dark locks were subdued in a severe bun. But that was for the best, as was her plain apparel, which detracted from her trim figure. Any overt displays of femininity would unleash the uncouth manners of his wild crew.

“Good afternoon, Captain.” She smiled up at him, making him feel much taller than his five feet seven inches. “I didn’t mean to disturb you, but Mr. Harrington encouraged me to come above deck while he sees to his wife.”

“How is the dear woman?” Jonah inquired, remembering that one of his passengers was not faring so well, even during this calmest of voyages.

“She’s much improved, thank you. The first day was the worst. When she occupies her mind with a distraction, her constitution is the better for it.”

“That’s the way of it with many people, until they get their sea legs. But with you, Miss…?”

“Ryan,” Charmaine supplied.

“Miss Ryan,” he smiled, “you don’t seem the least unsettled by this maiden voyage. I’m correct in assuming this is your first time at sea?”

“Yes, but it’s too beautiful to upset me.” A radiant smile lit the whole of her face. She drew a deep breath, grasped the railing, and looked out at the endless expanse.

“It is breathtaking, is it not?” he asked, turning to the horizon as well, applauding the young woman’s fledgling admiration.

“It makes me realize how small I am in comparison.”

“Just as the waves crashed to shore before our birth,” he
observed in kind, “they will pound the sand after our death. Our passing will make no difference.”

The words displeased her. “You think not?”

“There are those who would disagree. Are you one of them?”

“I’d like to believe everyone makes a difference, if only a small one.”

Jonah marveled over the philosophical statement. She couldn’t be more than eighteen. “Once you’ve reached my age, you may begin to wonder. But that’s neither here nor there. Let me show you my pride and joy.”

He motioned toward the stern, and Charmaine realized he meant the ship. Inclining her head, she indulged him, spending an hour walking the upper decks, learning each by name: forecastle, waist, and quarter. He told her the one-hundred-twenty-five-foot vessel had been commissioned in Britain and had, since her maiden voyage over thirty years ago, traversed the high seas with him as her captain. He pointed out everything, from helm to capstan, describing the manpower required to raise the
Raven
’s great length of chain and heavy anchor. Her masts were square-rigged, raked at a slight angle aft for optimum propulsion. Charmaine shielded her eyes and looked up at the three sky-piercing spars, politely humoring him as he went on with a litany of sails, from flying jib, soaring on the bowsprit and spearheading their journey, to the spanker, which acted with the rudder and forged their course. Unfortunately, he mistook her smile for interest and rambled on with his detailed dissertation.

Joshua joined them, and Charmaine sighed in relief, ready to escape to her own cabin. But the conversation unexpectedly turned to the Duvoisins, piquing her interest, so she hugged the rail instead.

“…very wealthy,” the captain was saying, “ten ships, three islands, thousands of acres, and God knows what other invest
ments. But that fortune comes at a high price. Frederic and his sons have been dealt their share of turmoil, a weighty load I’d not care to carry…”

The greater the wealth, the deeper the pain…
Charmaine thought.

“…There are many who resent their power and covet their money, but those very same men would likely abuse such power and wealth. At least the Duvoisin men come by it honestly, with hard work and acumen.”

Joshua grew circumspect. Over the past two days, Jonah Wilkinson had proven to be a man of integrity, and Joshua had come to respect his opinion. “You speak highly of them,” he commented dubiously.

“I’m not placing Frederic on a pedestal, but he is a fair man, as fair as any I’ve known. It’s a trait he’s passed on to his sons.”

“Even John?” Joshua snorted. “A few words came to mind when we were introduced last year, but ‘fair’ was not one of them.”

Jonah chuckled. “I’m not surprised. John can be decidedly caustic, his tongue as quick as his mind, but more often than not, he
is
fair. His sarcasm is just a shield.”

“A shield?”

“Against the anger, against the guilt,” Jonah replied. “It is rumored he brought on a severe seizure that left his sire crippled. The stroke, or whatever it was, victimized both father and son. Frederic was once a strong and forceful man. Now he never leaves the confines of his estate. John suffers, too. He fled the island three years ago and hasn’t returned. As far as I know, he’s had no contact with his father. He continues to manage all the Virginia and shipping assets out of Richmond, while Frederic relies on his other son, Paul, to run Charmantes. Unfortunately, that has created more problems.”

“How so?” Joshua queried, enthralled.

“The brothers view matters differently. At times, their conflicting ideas pull those in between in opposite directions. There can only be one captain of a ship, lest it founder.”

“So, the two sons struggle for the upper hand.”

“It goes back to childhood rivalry. Paul enjoys a bond with his father that John, the legitimate son, never had.”