You Chapter 7 The Arrival

The trip from Macdonald castle to Edinburgh was a little jolting as the wagon followed along the country road. As the castle fell away the trip offered many sights and sounds. Eventually Edinburg came into view Olivia excitement and apprehension came in waves.

As Edinburgh was the capital of Scotland it was as dizzy as a beehive. People of every shape and color were all about. They finally came to a stop at the dock.

Stepping down from the wagon Olivia’s senses were in overload. The smell of fish and open ocean filled her nostrils. The vision of ruff faced sailors and beautiful ships against the ocean backdrop were all about.

“Come Olivia, I want to introduce you to the captain and show you where we will be sleeping while we are on the ship. “ Brielle turned towards a three masted heavy frigate.

“Yes mamma,.”

Olivia trying her best to be well behaved which wasn’t an easy task at the moment because all of her instincts were saying run, run for your life. This is your absolute last chance.

She quickly followed her aunt down the dock. Prince de Conty was a beautiful ship. Olivia was becoming more and more nervous. She had never left the outskirts of the castle for very long and now she was going to a completely different country. “ Can I do this?” she thought as she froze in her tracks staring at the ship.

Suddenly Brielle was there and put her arm around Olivia’s shoulders reassuringly. “It’s ok I am right here beside you. We will do it together.” Olivia looked at her aunt with tears in her eyes and gave a weak smile then nodded her head.

Hand in hand they made their way up the gang plank. Immediately stepping on to the sturdy wooden deck with the slight rocking of the ship she began to feel a little queasy. “Auntie I think I am going to be sick.” She ran to the railing and through up.

Brielle looked at her chuckling slightly.” Well this won’t do we haven’t even set sail yet.” Shaking her head.

“Are you done?” Brielle said gently to Olivia as she wiped her mouth and her red eyes stared in regret at the handsome dark haired man and similar looking young boy watching her with big grin on their faces.

Brielle waved her over”Come my dear.” Placing her palm on her back and urging her forward ”This is Captain Pierre La Moyne and his nephew Louis La Moyne. Monsieur, my niece Olivia Macdonald.” Olivia gave a slight curtsy as the men bowed.

“It is our pleasure to have you aboard. Madame your things will be taken to your cabin. I also will have the ships surgeon make sure she has something for the sickness. Madame Olivia hopefully you will adjust to your sea legs quickly. If there is anything else you need please let Louis know. “

“Thank you Captain Tartin. I apologize for my unceremonious arrival. I hope to adjust as well. “ she grimaced feeling embarrassed.

“No need to be embarrassed. A many that come aboard have the sickness. Some the whole journey and some just long enough to adjust. The ship’s surgeon has a concoction that will help. Madame Beaumont, you will be in the second mates cabin.”

“Thank you captain. I am sure we will be fine there. Monsieur Louis please lead the way. “

Louis escorted them to their cabin. As they stepped in behind Louis they observed it was a descent sized room with one large bed, desk and one armoire. Their chest we’re sitting against one wall.

“I hope this will suit your needs. As Captain said let me know if you need anything at all. We will be setting sail very soon now that you have boarded. Dinner will be served in the Caption dinning room when you hear the bell ring three times. Enjoy your journey.” He bowed and head out. Glancing back at Olivia with a welcoming smile.

The voyage only took a few days as the ship stopped in a couple of ports along the way. Loading and unloading cargo. Olivia enjoy the activities as she stayed out of the way and observed everything.

She had not been sick again once she gained control of her emotions. Her nerves may have been the contributing factor for her sickness. She Louis became great friends on the voyage and he taught her about the ship. Her curiosity was overpowering. Captain Pierre showed her the basics of how to steer the ship. Brielle had to rain her in because if she hadn’t she would have thrown on some breeches and climbed the rigging.

Brielle saw what her brother was talking about now. Olivia wanted to learn everything and would show you she could do it as good as any boy. Brielle had her work cut out for her.

How to calm her without staunching her drive for knowledge. She would mold Olivia into a beautiful, smart & capable young woman that also knew what humility was.

Finally arriving in port La Havre, France. They made there way off the ship . “Captain, Louis thank you for allowing me to be underfoot and teaching me about your ship.” Olivia bowed to them.

“ You are quite welcome Madame Macdonald. You are always welcome. “ Captain took her by her hand and raised her from her bow.

“ Don’t forget me my beautiful friend. I will write to you of all of our adventures. I will let you know when we are in port. Try not to give Madame Brielle to much trouble. “ Louis winked at her before they departed the ship.

Making their way down the dock there was a black carriage waiting for them. As they approached the footman opened the door and a gentleman stepped out. “Ah my darling how I have missed you !” He said to Brielle as he rushed toward her. As they embraced each other and gave a slight kiss on the cheek. Marquee Beaumont turned his attention to Olivia.

With a deep flourish and smile that could melt any heart “Madame MacDonald I presume?” Taking her little hand kissed it ever so lightly.

Olivia blush a crimson “ Why yes sir I am. “

“ No need to blush my dear. You will get used to the way of such things. Let us get you Ladies home and settled in. We can chat later. “ He took Olivia on one arm and Brielles had with the other as he assisted them into the carriage before getting in himself. The footman shut the door and they were headed to what would now be her home for the foreseeable future.