The Heart Mender
Title: The Heart Mender (Complete)
Author: Weebob
Fandom: Enterprise
Pairing: Tucker/Reed (A/T'P and M/S provide background support!)
Rating: PG13-ish
Category: Slash
Feedback: Aids the learning process! ([email protected])
Archive: EntSTCommunity, Reed's Armory, BLTS, MEGA, WWOMB, Archer's Enterprise
if you want it - any others, please ask first.
SPOILERS: Nothing in particular. A hotch-potch of canon and fanon!
Summary: An AU, Trip and Malcolm first timer, set in a pretend Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay on a pretend Yorkshire coast! (If you ever get
the chance to visit the REAL Yorkshire coast, jump at it! It's much
more beautiful than my AU version and has a fascinating history.)
DISCLAIMER: I don't own or have any rights to the Star Trek universe,
"Enterprise", or any of its characters they belong to UPN/Paramount.
I am making no money from this story.
Author's note: Dedicated to Zoe Ride for her birthday (and featuring one
of her ancestors?). Its not historical fiction more like hysterical
fiction as I haven't verified or researched anything. But
I felt like a change of setting for the boys and thought the sea air
would do them good!
THE HEART MENDER
Many years ago, in the county of Yorkshire, in England, there lived a wealthy
nobleman, Lord Leicester, who, along with his family, stayed in
a grand mansion, situated on the coast, just outside the town of Whitby.
For Lord Leicester, a retired Naval hero, loved the sea.
Lord Leicester was well known to all in Whitby, for he owned a very successful
boat building business there, but he was not well-liked, as
he was a mean and harsh employer.
The couple had a beautiful daughter, whose hand in marriage was much sought
after by every eligible young man in the county. With her sky blue
eyes, cornfield gold hair and tinkling laugh, she was lovely to behold
and the apple of her father's eye particularly as she shared his
love of all things maritime. Unfortunately, she was also a spoiled
and selfish young woman, whose only desire was to marry a man who
could bring her riches and status.
One day, Lord Leicester learned of a young American who had recently come
to public notice, in his own land and beyond, as a brilliant engineer.
Charles Tucker III was skilled at inventing and building compact
but very powerful engines. It seemed to Lord Leicester that these
engines, if installed in his ships so that they were no longer dependent
on wind power, could be a means of expanding his business and
his income enormously. Therefore, he made haste to invite Mr Tucker
to come to England and discuss a partnership with him although
not necessarily an equal one.
The process of developing his engines had left Tucker virtually impoverished
so the possibility of a partnership in such an established
business was a godsend. Only just scraping together enough
money to pay his passage from America, he duly arrived and was met
on the Whitby quayside by Lord Leicester, his wife and daughter who,
Lady Leicester was quick to note, instantly took a fancy for the newcomer.
She, therefore, ensured that the girl was seated beside Mr Tucker
in the carriage home and at every meal thereafter - for a man of
such ability, appropriately guided by her husband, of course, was sure
to go far.
On a night later that week, after the ladies had retired to bed and Lord
Leicester was closeted in his study, going over his business accounts,
Tucker decided to take up his lordship's offer of the use of
one of his fine geldings and go for a ride down into the town.
The nobleman was offering him a tempting partnership arrangement and hinting
that his daughter's hand would also be Tucker's, should he agree
to throw in his lot with the boat builder. Everything seemed to be
going his way yet, beautiful though the girl was, he was not attracted
to her - nor was he comfortable with the thought of taking her
as his bride.
Unlike his own family, she and her parents lacked warmth and openness.
They seemed to live a life bound by tradition and expectations,
Lord Leicester's seafaring heritage being a source of great
pride to all of them. He couldn't see himself as part of it and needed
time and space to consider his future.
The stable was dimly lit with a single lantern when he arrived but he
could easily see the two, dappled grey, beasts in their stalls, shifting
and snorting a little as he approached. Suddenly, a soft voice
emanating from the darkness made him jump. "May I assist you sir?
Are you here just to see the horses or will you be wishing to ride
out tonight?"
The owner of the voice came forward, lighting a second lantern, and Tucker
saw him for the first time. A man of around his own age, he stood
a few inches shorter and looked somewhat undernourished. Although
clean and neatly presented, his clothes were ragged and his boots
down at heel. He seemed friendly enough, though, and the American
smiled: "You startled me. Are you Lord Leicester's groom?"
The other man shyly dropped his gaze. "He would like to think so."
A little puzzled by the answer but keen to get on with his ride, Tucker
nodded. "Very well,
um
I don't know your name."
"Malcolm, sir."
"Very well, Malcolm, I'd like you to saddle up this fellow here."
The groom frowned. "Sir, may I respectfully suggest you take the other
beast? He's not quite so pretty but his nature is sweeter."
Tucker's pride got the better of him: "Does your master know of your impudence?
I've been riding since childhood and a spirited animal holds
no fear for me. Saddle him."
Even in the dim light, it was clear to see the little smile that played
around Malcolm's full lips: "I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to infer
such a thing. I'll fetch his tack."
Within moments, the horse had been made ready and was led out to the stable
yard. Tucker took the reins. "Will you be here to tend him when
I return?"
More visible now in the full, late summer, moonlight, the groom nodded
up at the engineer. "I sleep in the hayloft above the stable so
yes, I will be here whenever you need me."
His eyes looked pale and were framed by long lashes and shapely brows,
as black as his short, unruly hair, but it was his smile that made
Tucker's breath catch in his throat. Wide and warm, it gave the definite
impression that it would be Malcolm's pleasure to await his return
and do his bidding.
A strange heat coursed through Tucker's body and he quickly put his boot
into the stirrup, anxious to escape this beguiling creature who lived
so humbly in the shadows and awakened such unsettling feelings.
Malcolm waited in the hayloft, burrowed into the bales for warmth, until
he heard the ringing of hooves on the cobbles of the stable yard.
Scrambling down to ground level, he saw the handsome American struggle
to draw the horse to a stuttering halt then swing down from the
saddle, landing lightly beside his prancing mount.
Taking the reins from him, Malcolm tried hard to be appropriately deferential:
"I hadn't expected you back so soon sir. Did you enjoy your
ride?"
Tucker saw that his eyes were dancing with amusement and knew that lying
was a waste of time. "As you very well know, Malcolm, I didn't get
beyond the end of the drive, let alone to the town. This devil will
not be mastered and threw me twice before I managed to turn him for
home. He's impossible to ride."
Reaching up to caress the horse's neck, the groom bashfully averted his
gaze from Tucker's. "I can ride him. Would you like me to take you
to the town? It would please me to serve you thus."
It was late, and the engineer knew he should go back to the mansion soon,
but he could not tear himself away. "Yes, Malcolm. I believe I'd
like that very much."
Soon, they were galloping along at a terrifying pace. Tucker was both
exhilarated and scared witless as he clung to the groom's lean body
in front of him. The big gelding's whole personality had changed when
Malcolm had sprung onto its back: it had become biddable and docile
as he petted its mane and scratched its ears, talking softly to
it all the while. Now, it seemed, their mount was delighting in its
freedom, not in the least perturbed by the weight of two men on its
back.
They returned home by another route, taking their time and enjoying the
sights and smells of the clear, starry night. Malcolm was interested
in Tucker's work and surprisingly knowledgeable about both engineering
and Lord Leicester's business. They found much to discuss on
the way and enjoyed each other's company immensely.
By the time they were dismounting in the stable yard, dawn was breaking
and Tucker knew he had to rush to get into the house before he
was missed but there was something he had to do first.
"Malcolm, thank you. May I come to you again tonight?"
The groom flushed and nodded, suddenly shy, as if the light of day was
not his natural element. "If it pleases you sir. I will be waiting."
Tucker could see now that his eyes were actually a soft, misty grey and
really quite beautiful. "Please, Malcolm, tonight we rode as friends.
Do not call me "sir". My given name is Charles Tucker III but
I'd be pleased if you'd call me Trip, as do my family." At that, he
turned and raced towards the mansion, leaving Malcolm staring after
him for a long time.
It was a fine summer and the moonlit rides became Charles Tucker's salvation
as he felt the net cast by the nobleman tightening around him.
He had not the faintest idea how to avoid betrothal to his daughter
and yet retain the offer of a partnership in the family business,
thus ensuring his much needed financial security. It increasingly
appeared that the man had a controlling nature and no plans
to let him leave without binding him inextricably to the Leicester
family.
Malcolm was a good listener and trustworthy confidante, never forcing his
opinion on his new friend but giving advice when asked. However Tucker
was aghast when, on one such occasion, he suggested it might be
best to walk away from the partnership with Lord Leicester.
"What? Malcolm, I've slaved for years for a chance such as this. I can't
turn my back on it!"
Those moonstone pale eyes gazed sadly up at him "We all have to decide
what's most important, Trip, what we are or what others would have
us be."
Their ride that night took them to the beach, where their high-spirited mount was
pleased to trot through the waves breaking on the shore.
The mildness of the air and the beauty of the moonlight reflecting
on the water raised Tucker's spirits and he slid off the horse
and waded happily, knee-deep, in the foaming shallows. "Come and
join me, Malcolm. Let's have a midnight swim!"
Reaching up, he tugged the groom down beside him and was startled when,
the moment he hit the water, Malcolm jerked away. "Malcolm, what
is it? What's wrong?"
The servant was scrambling back onto the horse, "Its alright, Trip. Its
just that I think we should go home now. I had planned to take you
by a different way and it may be a touch longer. You mustn't be late
back."
Not entirely convinced, Tucker shrugged and got back up behind him, slipping
his arms once more around the narrow waist. "Malcolm, you're trembling.
Are you certain all is well with you?"
The groom laughed lightly "Of course! Now hold on tightly while I give
this nag a gallop."
They were back in record time, albeit by a different route, and having
two hours yet before he needed to return to the house - the engineer
watched as the horse was tended and returned to its stall.
"Malcolm, why don't you tell me the truth? What happened on the
shore? It was as if you'd seen a ghost."
Malcolm shot a nervous smile over his shoulder as he tethered the gelding:
"You must have imagined it, Trip. I'm really quite fine." Nevertheless,
his hands shook as he tied the knot.
Tucker grabbed him by the arm and spun him round to face him. "Don't lie
to me. In the six nights we've ridden out together, I've never seen
you so much as anxious but on the beach you were terrified. Was
it me? What did I do?"
Wrenching himself away, the groom ran for the stairway to the hayloft.
"Goodnight Trip. I'm going to get some sleep and I suggest you
do likewise."
Malcolm had just reached the top of the steps when he was propelled forward
into the bales of fodder then, while still dazed, he was rolled
on his back and his hands were pinned above his head. Tucker sat
astride his hips and glared at him "I thought we were friends, Malcolm.
Friends don't lie to each other."
Below him, the groom tried, unsuccessfully, to wriggle free of the larger
man. "Get OFF me, you great lump! I have nothing to
mmph!"
He was abruptly silenced as the engineer kissed him soundly on the lips.
Blinking up, startled and a little breathless, Malcolm suddenly realised
he liked the feel of the warm, solid body touching his own. From
the moment he'd met the American, he'd known there was a chemistry
of sorts between them - and the attraction had been growing apace
ever since. Now, the very air around them seemed to crackle with
desire.
Tucker moved a little and, involuntarily, Malcolm moaned as his body responded.
"Oh Trip, you are my dear friend, but we must not do this.
Should we be found out
"
The engineer laughed and slid off him, flopping down at his side but allowing
his hand to rest on the groom's thigh. "Then we must not be found
out!"
Slowly, he undid Malcolm's shirt and slipped it off, keeping his gaze locked
with the groom's all the time. He unbuckled his friend's belt and
eased his trousers and undergarments down over his hips, admiring the
lean body that was gradually being revealed to him.
Suddenly fearful that he was forcing himself upon the smaller man, he sat
back on his heels and tried to control his ardour. "Malcolm, please
may I continue?"
Swallowing nervously, Malcolm nodded, worried that he was acting wantonly
but aching now to be touched. Tucker finished stripping him then
removed his own clothing. "Don't be afraid, Malcolm. I shall do nothing
that you forbid. I have grown to love you and would rather die
than do you harm"
Smiling, the groom reached up and stroked his face. "I love you too, Trip.
Do what you will and I will gladly receive you."
At that, the engineer slipped his hand gently between Malcolm's legs and
began to caress him. The smaller man gasped and threw his head back,
eyes squeezed shut, parting his thighs further to give easier access
to the American. Tucker sighed appreciatively: "Oh Malcolm, your
trust is such a beautiful gift and I shall cherish it always."
Tucker was gentle, taking time and trouble with his lover and ensuring
that he was comfortable and in no pain. The soft cries and moans
Malcolm was making, though, convinced him that his ministrations
were more than acceptable and, afterwards, they lay together
in the hay, still joined for a time, and whispering words of mutual
love.
When, at last, they parted, Malcolm kissed Trip goodbye at the stable door
and his heart was warmed. As he set off towards the house, he heard
his name and turned back to gaze at his lover "Trip! The water.
I'm afraid of drowning."
Two nights later, they were returning from their moonlit excursion via
a wooded lane leading to the mansion. Without warning, their mount
reared up, almost throwing his riders. Tucker swore rather coarsely
but Malcolm hushed him and dismounted to calm the horse, listening
intently as he did so.
Suddenly, five ruffians burst out of the undergrowth, brandishing sticks
and knives, and addressed Tucker. "Hand over your valuables, stranger!
A man on a fine beast like this, riding pillion with his groom
and bound for the lair of that viper, Leicester, must be worth a
few gold coins!"
Tucker held out his hands. "My apologies, friend. I ride only by the charity
of my patron. I myself have nothing of value."
One of the men stepped forward and swung at the engineer with his stick,
catching him off balance and knocking him from his mount.
"Liar!
As the gang closed in, Malcolm sprang to defend him, fighting bravely,
giving Tucker time to right himself and join in the fray.
When the gang had been beaten back sufficiently to let them re-mount, Malcolm
rode them away at speed, leaving their attackers dazed and confused.
It was well past daybreak when they arrived home and Tucker took his leave
of his beloved with haste, quickly thanking him for his valour then
sprinting towards the mansion to arrive before his absence was discovered.
The day passed, like those before it, with the engineer snatching a nap
here and there and being courted by his host and hostess, who forced
him into the company of their daughter, Madeline, as often as propriety
would allow. He smiled and made polite conversation but Malcolm's
words haunted him at every turn: "We all have to decide what's
most important, sir. What we are or what others would have us be."
Early in the evening, Tucker excused himself, pleading a headache, and
made his way to the stable yard, troubled in mind and much in need
of a sympathetic listener. Both horses were in their stalls, recently
fed and watered, but Malcolm was nowhere to be seen. He waited
for a time then an icy chill of foreboding enveloped him as his
eyes caught a fresh stain on the floor and recognised it as blood.
"Malcolm! Malcolm where are you?"
There was no reply, but a movement above him in the hayloft had him swiftly
climbing the wooden stairs to the upper floor.
Curled amid the bales of fodder lay the groom, his face deathly pale and
glossy with sweat and a large, dark stain clearly visible on the front
of his white linen shirt.
He blinked up at Tucker then, recognising him, tried to rise "No! Be still,
Malcolm. Let me look at you."
Tucker dropped to his knees and opened the shirt to reveal a makeshift
bandage covering a deep gash in his friend's side "Oh, dear God!
You were hurt in the brawl and I never even thought ... We must get
you to the house and call for a physician. Here, hold on to me."
Immediately, Malcolm began to struggle "No! No, you mustn't. I am not welcome
there and to be seen with me would damage your own reputation."
Tucker swept on regardless. "Hang my reputation! Come on!"
The maid was coming out of the kitchen as the two men stumbled into the
house. Tucker called to her: "Annie! My friend is hurt and needs help.
Does the master have his own physician?"
The girl blanched as she saw Malcolm, barely conscious and being supported
by the American visitor. "Yes sir, but Dr Phlox has gone to confer
with colleagues at the university in York and shan't return for
over a week."
Malcolm gave a soft moan and Tucker hoisted him in his arms, - just as
the drawing room door opened and Lord Leicester walked out, followed
by his wife and daughter. They froze as they saw their guest's
companion, then the older man's face turned scarlet with rage.
"How dare you abuse my hospitality by bringing this worthless creature
into my house? Get him out of here at once and you, girl. Don't
you have work to do?"
Bobbing a demure curtsey, Annie took to her heels and scurried off in the
direction of the kitchen.
The engineer was aware that his mouth was hanging open and he took a moment
to compose himself before speaking "Sir, I apologise if I have offended
you. However, my friend here is badly hurt and I
"
His lordship's daughter, who had remained silent until then, looked aghast
and turned to him. "Father! Did you hear him? They are not merely
strangers but friends! I cannot contemplate marrying a man who would
consort with a coward who tarnishes your good name. We must be rid
of him. Now!"
Furious, her mother stepped forward: "Well said, my girl! It would be best
if you left right away, Mr Tucker. I'll have your belongings, such
as they are, sent on to you when you find new accommodation."
Malcolm was aware enough to realise what was happening and struggled free
of his lover's grasp, swaying as he took a few wobbly steps towards
the indignant noblewoman. "No! You must not cast Mr Tucker aside
because of me. His only desire was to seek help for my injury, finding
me bleeding in the stable. He does not deserve your condemnation!"
The words had barely left him when Malcolm's knees buckled and Tucker darted
forward to prevent him from falling. "Malcolm, my love! Oh, dear
God, help us!"
Lord Leicester needed no further encouragement and stormed to the front
door, throwing it wide on its hinges. "Get out, both of you! You,
Mr Tucker, are a disgrace and I would rather die than dignify you
with my patronage. It would be best if you returned to your homeland,
for I will see to it that you never find work in this county!"
Stunned, the engineer scooped the now unconscious Malcolm into his arms
and stumbled out into the dusk, the heavy oak door slamming behind
him. He was just entering the leafy cover of the driveway when
a soft voice issued from the bushes "Sir! Sir, its me, Annie. Come
aside, if you will."
Stepping towards her, Tucker was surprised to see that she stood with a
tall, gangly youth who was leading a large plough horse on a rein.
"Sir, this is Joss my intended who works on the estate's home
farm. His father's brother is a monk at the abbey over the river
and he believes the order will take you in and tend to Master Malcolm.
Maggie here will carry you both with ease and Joss will bring
her home when you are safe."
The American nodded dumbly at the girl then, with Joss' help, lifted Malcolm
onto the mare's back and got up behind him. "Annie, why are you
both doing this? If Lord Leicester finds out, he may dismiss you from
his service."
The girl was walking beside them as Joss led his beast through the trees
and out onto the lane where it was hidden from the house.
"Master Malcolm has suffered much over many years but he always
was kind to Joss and me when we came here as children. He taught
Joss how to work with carriage horses and drive them, so that he
will be able to get a job elsewhere and we may leave here soon and be
married. Lord Leicester did not approve of our betrothal."
Tucker snorted. "It seems that Lord Leicester does not approve of much.
We are deeply in your debt, Annie, and yours, Joss. May God bless
your marriage. You deserve it."
The porter at the abbey gatehouse welcomed them then ran to fetch Brother
Benedict, who was responsible for running the monks' infirmary.
Malcolm was given a bed in a quiet guest room, adjacent to
the main ward, and the brother busied himself with cleaning and binding
his wound as best he could.
When he was finished, he led the American aside for a moment. "His wound
is deep and infected and I have no means of drawing out the poison.
The brother who made our medicaments was old and died this past
winter. We have been unable to replace him and find ourselves wanting
for medicines. However, there is a herb-wife in the town who has
skill in making remedies for many ills and is also gifted with a healing
touch. It is even rumoured that she can help mend broken hearts!
I will send a messenger to fetch her but I fear she may come too
late."
Devastated, Tucker settled himself on the floor, so that his face was level
with his lover's. "Dearest Malcolm, my brave defender, don't give
up. Stay with me, for my sake if not your own, for I love you and
will be a lost man if you should leave."
Opening eyes bright with fever, Malcolm gazed anxiously at Tucker.
"Oh Trip, forgive me for ruining your life and the future you thought
awaited you here."
Tucker shook his head "My life will never be ruined if I have you at my
side. Lord Leicester will soon forget us and we will make a new life
for ourselves elsewhere."
Malcolm looked increasingly distressed. "He will never forget! The moment
you allied yourself with me you drank from a poisoned chalice.
Oh God, how could I have been so selfish as to fall in love with
you! It will be better for you if I die, then perhaps he will let
go of his hatred."
Gently, the engineer smoothed back his lover's hair. "Hush Malcolm, you
speak as a sick man! You must not talk of dying. How can you know what
he will do?"
The groom reached up a trembling hand and, smiling, gently caressed the
engineer's face "I know, my love, because he is my father."
Running footsteps on the cobbles below the window heralded the return of
the messenger, closely followed by those of Mistress Ride, the healer.
Mistress Ride was a woman who turned heads wherever she went. She was
fair of face, her head haloed with tumbling yellow curls, and had a
figure well blessed with curves that earned her many admiring glances.
Unlike most women of her day, she was self-assured in the company
of the opposite sex and saw through their fawning flattery. She was the town's unofficial apothecary, though those who were superstitious
also believed her to be capable of using magic to cure her
patients ills, and a source of wise counsel to those in need.
Eyes decorously lowered, Brother Benedict ushered the woman into the room
then, at her request, hurried off to fetch hot water, leaving her
alone with the two men.
Still stunned from Malcolm's revelation, Tucker watched as she opened a
cloth bundle she had been carrying and laid an assortment of small implements,
jars and bottles on the table by the window. In another bundle,
within the first, was a large roll of clean linen. She stole a
quick glance at her patient then studied Tucker's worried frown before
addressing him: "I will need you to help, sir. Please remove his
shirt then hold him still while I work."
Doing as she asked, Tucker then knelt by the bed and slipped his arm under
Malcolm's shoulders, grasping him firmly and settling the injured
man's face next to his own. "Be strong, Malcolm. I am unchanged
in my feelings and will love you forever, no matter what the
future holds."
Mistress Ride worked quickly and efficiently, cleaning the wound before
coating a linen pad with a pungent paste of some sort, which she
had first warmed in a bowl over boiling water, and binding it firmly
in place with a bandage. Finally, she poured a measure of thick,
clear liquid into a glass and gently held it to her patient's lips.
"Drink this, Master Malcolm. It will ease your pain and help you
to rest. I have poulticed your wound, and will do so again tomorrow,
but you should sleep now, to aid your healing."
Her potion was effective within moments and, as the groom's grey eyes began
to close, she turned her attention to Tucker kneeling by his lover's
bedside and watching him drift off to sleep. "Sir, you too should
rest. I will watch over him and wake you, should he falter in the
night."
Tucker got to his feet and began to pace. "Madam, you are very kind but
I cannot rest while his life is in danger."
Mistress Ride smiled approvingly and settled herself on a stool near the
bed, tucking her skirts demurely around her. "He is fortunate now to
be so loved, after a lifetime of being despised by his family."
The engineer stopped in his tracks. "How
how do you know this?"
In his sleep, Malcolm murmured something unintelligible and the woman reached
forward to wipe his face with a cool, damp cloth. "You speak openly
to him of your love and his past is no secret. Most of the townsfolk
are employed by his father in some capacity, and have been for
many years. They knew Master Malcolm as a child and heard of his banishment
when Admiral Reed or Lord Leicester, as he became learned
of his fear of the sea and realised his boy would never follow
him into the Royal Navy.
"He was sent, by his father, to study in the Abbey school and learn to
master his feelings, but the fear was too strong to overcome. He was
shy, and small for his age, and the older boys treated him harshly,
so he sought to learn how to defend himself. He became interested
in how others fought too, reading of historical battles and
weapons until the gentle brothers despaired!
"His
tutors discovered, to their dismay, that he has a quick mind and an
aptitude for inventing and building various devices with warlike applications.
It was thought that he might yet satisfy the Admiral by finding
work supplying Naval ordnance, without actually joining the service.
His father would not hear of it though, and was dismissive of
his skill, continuing to berate him for failing to uphold his family's
seafaring tradition.
"At the Abbey, it became apparent that he has some rapport with horses
- so Father Abbot persuaded Lord Leicester to give him work as a
groom, hoping that the rift between them might eventually be mended.
His father is stubborn, though, and will not yield up his anger,
so Master Malcolm has long slaved for a pittance and lived, forgotten,
in a stable because he is unable to do his will."
His pacing temporarily stilled by his curiosity, the American drew up a
stool and sat opposite the herb-wife. "Why did he stay? Surely he could
have found employment beyond Whitby?"
The woman shook her head and fair curls tumbled forward onto her face.
"Oh no, Sir. Lord Leicester's reach is long and his hatred travels
far. In addition, Master Malcolm still yearns for his approval,
condemning himself rather than denouncing his lordship as the
tyrant he undoubtedly is. He holds the key to his own prison."
Throughout that night, Malcolm's fever worsened as Mistress Ride's medicine
fought the infection in his blood. He cried out in his delirium,
seeing monsters and devils from his imagination take on flesh
and pursue him. Tucker sat on the bed, holding him in his arms and
trying to reassure him. "Fear not, Malcolm, my beloved. The things
you see are but imaginings and will fade. I am here and will let
no harm come to you."
In a brief moment of lucidity, the sick man glanced around the room and
his gaze fell upon the herb-wife. She smiled at him and offered a
cup of water. "Here, Master Malcolm. You must drink to replace your sweat
or all my work will be for nought."
Tucker took the cup and helped him to drain it, noticing that the feverish
grey eyes were still fixed upon Mistress Ride. "What's wrong,
my love? This good woman is here to help you."
To his surprise, Malcolm reached out a trembling hand towards her and she
moved forward to take it. When he spoke, his voice was breathy, barely
audible, and strained: "Mistress Ride, you do me great kindness
by tending me, a Reed, after all you and yours have suffered at
my father's hand. I regret I have nothing to offer you in recompense
or payment but my heartfelt sorrow and thanks."
The woman cradled his hand in both of hers: "No payment is needed, nor
is any guilt for your father's wrongdoings. We were children together,
and playmates until he sent you to the Abbey. I know you for
an innocent, kindly soul, Malcolm Reed, and a man of integrity and
truth."
Malcolm smiled and closed his eyes, relieved by her absolution, then his
hand slipped from hers as delirium re-claimed him.
The fever broke with the dawn and Tucker helped Mistress Ride to wash Malcolm's
sweat-drenched body, re-dress his wound and attire him in a linen
nightshirt provided by the monks. He sat in a chair, the now- sleeping groom
cradled in his lap, while Brother Benedict and the herb
wife changed his bedding, then he gently replaced him on the bed and
drew the covers over him.
When he turned, only Mistress Ride remained in the room: "Sir, I must be
going now. My children are still young, and my husband is away seeking
work, so I left them with a neighbour. I will return this evening,
to see how Malcolm does, but you must send for me immediately
if anything seems amiss."
Tucker frowned "Your husband has no living?"
Halfway out of the door, she turned back and smiled. "He was a boat builder
and dared to cross Lord Leicester when he dismissed one of the
other workers for requesting more pay when his second child was born.
Now neither of them can get work in the county. They are both in
Northumberland at present, hoping to get a few months labour on a farm
so they can send home some money."
The American was horrified "But how do you survive?"
"Rich man and poor man alike require my potions. One need pay me, the
other need not. It's a meagre existence, but better times will come.
I have seen it in my dreams."
The following night, Annie and Joss crept down from the mansion, bringing
with them Tucker's sparse luggage and the few belongings Malcolm
had hidden in the hayloft. Nobody had seen fit to enlighten Lord
and Lady Leicester of their son's whereabouts, lest it should bring
ill to those who harboured him, but nor had the couple enquired after
his well-being.
Joss was his usual taciturn self, sitting by the bed and watching Malcolm's
painful breathing as if afraid it might suddenly stop, but Annie
tried to distract the sick man with local gossip: "Oh Malcolm, if
only you'd been there to see the excitement this evening! The American
ship berthed at the quayside as usual but, this time, one of the
voyagers was a man as dark as night and SO handsome that I almost swooned!"
Her story seemed to rouse Joss to speech: "Aye, dark he was but nowt like
as handsome as our own Whitby lads. His travelling companion was worth
a glance though: a grand lady, of great beauty, wearing rich robes
and a cowl of golden cloth."
Annie shot him a sour look before continuing: "And her tirewoman seemed
like she'd stepped out of one of those oriental paintings in your
father's drawing room so delicate looking that I was feared she'd
break. Another man disembarked a good while after them, but they
met up on the quayside then rode away together in a carriage. The
townsfolk are beside themselves with curiosity!"
Joss grinned at Annie "Aye, and that's the pot calling the kettle black!
Come on with you, lass. Malcolm's suffered us long enough and Cook
will be looking for you to set the fire for the morrow." He stood
and took her hand as she said her own farewells. "Goodnight to you
both. God be with you."
Just after 10 o'clock the morning after next, Mistress Ride arrived as
usual but not alone. The engineer, still completely focused on Malcolm,
did not notice the man following a few steps behind her until
he spoke. "Well, well, Trip Tucker. You're a hard man to find. How
did you manage to so grossly offend His Lordship in so short a time
in England?"
Tucker's head shot up: "Jonathan! What are YOU doing here?"
His countryman laughed and hugged him. "I'm looking for you. The Lord and
Lady said you were no longer with them and that they wanted no more
to do with you. It seems you made quite an impression on them! Their
little maid wasn't quite so hostile, however, and gladly told me
where I should look. How fares your friend?"
The engineer gazed fondly at Malcolm, who was still sleeping deeply thanks
to another hefty doze of Mistress Ride's medicine. "Better than
I dared hope, thanks to this good woman." His voice suddenly caught
in his throat: "For a time, I thought I should lose him. But he's
stronger than he looks and has a will of iron."
Mistress Ride had finished unpacking her supplies and politely interrupted:
"Mr Tucker, forgive me, but I need you to hold him upright
again while I tend him."
Tucker smiled at her "Why yes, of course. Jonathan, would you wait outside
for a spell, while we see to him? He is a private soul and somewhat
shy."
As Mistress Ride was leaving, she cheerfully ushered the man back into
the room. Malcolm was awake and sitting up, supported by his lover
and wrapped in a woollen shawl, kindly provided by the healer's mother.
It was obvious from the way Tucker cradled and watched over the
convalescent that he was extremely precious to him and the man's dark
head rested on his shoulder in a way that spoke of trust and intimacy.
The engineer beamed up at his friend "Jonathan, I'm happy to introduce
you to Malcolm Reed, my cherished friend and lover, who saved
my life at risk to his own. Malcolm, this is Jonathan Archer, a dear
friend for over nine years, whose father taught me all I know about
engines."
A little shakily, Malcolm reached up and shook Archer's offered hand.
"Its my pleasure to meet you Jonathan. Please sit down and be easy.
Trip says you came over the ocean looking especially for him. That's
friendship indeed!"
Archer laughed. "Ah, but I have an ulterior motive! Trip, since you and
I last saw each other, I've been attempting to fulfil my lifelong dream
of exploring strange new worlds. Alas, relying on other, not so
adventurous, people to convey me to my destinations has prevented me
from fully achieving that end. I am wealthy as a result of my discoveries
but no nearer to becoming the pioneering explorer I long to be.
"My father also had a dream, and that was to build me a ship which would
enable me to go boldly where no man has gone before speedily and
without being reliant only on the wind for power. He designed an engine
specifically for this purpose but, sadly, he died before it could
be built and tested."
He turned to Tucker: "You were his apprentice, Trip, and there's nobody
else I'd trust to build his engine and help to make me the ship
I desire. I sought you out to ask if you would do this thing for
me and for my father's memory. I will pay you well, so that you and
Malcolm may live out your lives as rich men, by the time the job is
done. What do you say? Will you do it?"
Tucker's eyes were wide in disbelief that his response could be in any
doubt! "Do it? Yes! A thousand times yes!" He turned to his lover
and kissed him on the lips. "Oh Malcolm, you can have the comfort
you have been denied all of your life and need never again do a
thankless task for anyone. Isn't that wonderful?"
Malcolm was smiling up at him but, when he spoke, it was to Archer.
"Jonathan, your offer will save us great hardship but may I ask
you something on behalf of others who have not been so fortunate?
Will you build the ship locally and give work to the people
of Whitby? Lord Leicester has a shipyard here and is known for
the foul treatment of his labourers. If you set up a rival yard, they
would have an alternative to his employment and, when you are done
here, they could run the yard on your behalf - Mistress Ride could
spread the word and find you a workforce in no time! I am certain
it would flourish, because your ships will have engines, whilst
his lordship's will not."
Trip was gazing at him adoringly now. "Malcolm! What a fine notion! Jonathan
will you agree to this? Pay me only enough to keep Malcolm and
myself fed, housed and clothed and use the rest to build up a business.
It would be a fitting memorial to your father."
Laughing at their enthusiasm, Archer stood and strode to the window, from
where he could view the rugged coastline, pounded by the relentless
waves. "I agree! Mr Tucker, Mr Reed, we have a deal. I will
give alms to the brothers for your keep then take you both with me
to our accommodation at the inn at Robin Hood's Bay. There you may
meet my wife, T'pol, and her maid Hoshi both of whom I met on my
journeys - and Hoshi's husband, Travis Mayweather, a talented young
helmsman and navigator who has accompanied me on many a voyage.
I will send a carriage each day to fetch the redoubtable Mistress
Ride, so that she may continue to tend Malcolm and also do some
plotting with us!"
Archer was as good as his word. Initial plans were made around Malcolm's
bed: Mistress Ride mounted a one-woman recruitment campaign,
Trip and Jonathan interviewed skilled shipbuilders and Travis
signed up those who wished to provide unskilled labour. A
shipyard was set up, not far from Robin Hood's Bay, with manufacturing
workshops a little way down the coast, and, before long,
Lord Leicester's workforce had defected en masse to the much better
conditions of Jonathan Archer's employ.
Trip, Archer and Malcolm once he was well enough worked together on
building Henry Archer's engine, Tucker making improvements and modifications
along the way. T'Pol, Travis and Hoshi saw to the administration
of the mammoth project, sourcing supplies and paying the
workers.
Even Joss and Annie resigned from their jobs at the mansion and threw in
their lot with Archer Joss transporting both goods and men between
yard and workshops and Annie being apprenticed to Mistress Ride,
who concentrated her efforts on producing the large quantity of medicines
that would need to be available for the crew on the ship's long
voyage of discovery and teaching the girl the rudiments of caring
for the sick and injured.
Jonathan Archer was extremely impressed at the way Malcolm worked with
Trip, increasing his engineering knowledge as he went along and patiently
finding solutions to problems that had Tucker fuming and ranting!
He was a good influence on the hotheaded engineer and also contributed
an eminently sensible plan to install weaponry that would allow
the ship to defend herself, should the need arise.
Archer was particularly taken with Malcolm's quiet concern for the people
of Whitby and saw to it that legal documentation was drawn up and
finalised so that, when he and his entourage had moved on, the business
would be gifted to, and run by and for the benefit of, the townsfolk
themselves.
Lord Leicester was forced to close his own shipyard, unable to find employees
locally and unwilling to pay well enough to attract some from
further afield. He had to sell his mansion to pay off creditors,
and eventually, he and his family were left living in a small
villa in the town, without servants or transport, having to content
themselves with watching their nemesis from afar and wishing him
ill.
At last, the great day arrived. The ship, now christened "Spirit of Enterprise"
was ready to go and her crew, including the newly married Annie
and Joss, were mostly aboard. The quayside was packed with well
wishers, including Mistress Ride, with her husband and children beside
her.
The day was fine, but the ship would surely not need to hoist her sails
- as there was nary a breeze and the sea waas flat calm.
"Calm", however, would not have described Malcolm that morning. Since
the previous night, he had been sick and shaking with nerves until
Tucker despaired. "My love, don't take on so. Jonathan knows how
you feel and is agreeable to acting as engineer himself if need be.
I'll go down make sure that all is well with the engine and cannons
then return here to you. Have I not promised that, no matter where
you are, there I will be too?"
Prowling their living room like a caged animal, Malcolm turned wide and
frightened eyes upon his lover. "No! I can do this. I WILL do this,
if you are with me. Quickly, let us leave before my resolve deserts
me."
Arriving at the quayside, Malcolm froze, suddenly recognising his parents
and sister among the crowd. "Trip! Oh, Trip, he's come to see
me make a fool of myself. He knows I've never been able to set foot
on a ship!"
Trip continued walking and put a comforting arm around his waist
"Malcolm. He is nothing to you now. Come, let us venture."
Malcolm, however, seemed to have turned to stone. He had glimpsed between
the slats of wood on the gangplank and now stood rigid and ashen
at its base, staring into the deep darkness of the water between
the ship and the quay.
At the top of the gangplank, Travis appeared then ran down towards them
"Trip! Jonathan's found a problem in the engine room. Can you go to
him quickly? We must make haste or we'll miss the tide."
Tucker turned to his lover, not even sure if he was hearing him.
"Wait here, dearest Malcolm. I'll be back for you in a few minutes".
Malcolm remained motionless as the engineer hoisted their baggage and hurried
after the helmsman, only snapping out of his reverie when his father
spoke sharply at his side. "Well, boy, here you are at the foot
of the gangplank. Isn't this when you run away and hide? What makes
you think a snivelling wreck like you can be an explorer when you
couldn't even be an ordinary seaman? Why try to fool yourself? You've
never been good for anything except mucking out the stables!"
On board the ship, Malcolm could see crewmembers rushing around, making
ready for departure. Bells were ringing and orders were being shouted
but, although the engine was now throbbing steadily, there was
still no sign of Trip.
Madeline and Lady Leicester were approaching him too now, and he struggled
to convince himself that he was in control of his rising fear.
Madeline saw it though, and sneered at him as she recognised the
telltale signs of panic etched on his face. "Well, brother, some things
cannot be changed, and it seems your vulgar American has deserted
you now, as he did me beforehand."
She was looking over his shoulder and he turned to follow her gaze, horror-stricken
to see the gangplank being stowed aboard ship and the mooring
ropes being untied as the vessel began to manoeuvre away from the
quay, accompanied by the applause of the crowd.
Malcolm's legs turned to jelly beneath him but a gentle arm steadied him,
just as he saw Trip appear on deck, shouting his name and trying to
get someone to realise that Malcolm had been left behind. He
heard Mistress Ride's voice in his ear: "Listen to me, Malcolm. Fix
your eyes on your beloved and concentrate on my words."
She began reciting what almost seemed like poetry but was in a language
completely unknown to Malcolm. He frowned, wondering how he might
concentrate on what he could not understand, but the cadence of her
voice was soothing and suddenly, as he focused on Trip, he felt a rush
of power and certainty course through his very being. He turned to
her and saw she was smiling "Go now, Malcolm. His heart for you is true
and love conquers all."
He glanced into the black depths of the sea, realising that one of the
mooring ropes was still to be hauled aboard, then turned back to Mistress
Ride. "Farewell and God bless you, Madam. I will remember you
always." With that, he kissed her soundly then to the astonishment
of his family and the cheers of the crowd - launched himself
into the water and grasped the rope.
Breathless with fear for his lover, Tucker somehow managed to get to the
other end and start pulling for all he was worth. Joss and Annie had
seen his predicament and were soon at his side to help as he hauled
a spluttering, shivering Malcolm aboard and enveloped him in a bone-crushing
embrace. "Oh Malcolm. My love, I thought I had lost you forever!
You were magnificent! I'm so proud of you!"
Malcolm looked up at Trip for a moment, then smiled that same warm, wide,
engaging smile which had so enchanted Tucker at their first meeting.
"It was Mistress Ride! She spoke of your love and cast a spell
on me I know it! When I saw you waiting for me, I suddenly felt
invincible!" He stole a quick peek over the side of the ship and
shuddered. "Just don't let me think too much about where I am right
now!"
Both men peered back at the waving, excited crowds on the receding quayside
and finally picked out the healer, with her halo of yellow curls,
and waved back at her, shouting their thanks and blessings until
she, and the land, faded from their sight.
They were far out to sea as darkness fell that night and Malcolm stood
with Trip at the bow of the ship, looking ahead into their future.
He sighed contentedly, leaning back against his lover's warmth
and feeling his arms enfolding him. "These are the voyages of the
`Spirit of Enterprise'. Her ongoing mission: to explore strange new
worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations. To boldly go where
no-one has gone before
"
End.