Violette had not expected that Scarlett would move on with life so soon and it troubled her even more that they had to abandon that new born baby in the streets. This was Tortuga and everyone was only concerned with his or her own self to worry about anyone. No one had that enough sense of responsibility and should anyone offer you an arm of friendship or care, it definitely would be for their own selfish desires. Take a look at Violette herself, her mistress had offered her bread and a roof for her own selfish desires. This was exactly how it was on this port.
The next day out of worry and curiosity on what had become of the infant, Violette had taken that way and looked in that direction. She did not see either baby or basket and this caused her to worry greatly. But still, she felt shocked and surprised.
She had been expecting to see the basket bearing a nearly rotting infant but now, seeing neither of that, it was obvious that someone had taken the infant. She could not begin asking around of course, lest it be traced back to 'SCARLETT'S BAY' which was the name that had been given to their harlem or rather, brothel. She could only pray that whoever it be that had taken her, makes a young lady of her.
No one knew as she was not ready to let it show that the memory of what she had done that night haunted her even in her dreams. But then, Scarlett needed to be strong as this was one sacrifice she had to make for the sake of her selfish desires. Some nights after, she had gone there at nightfall wearing a veil to demand the whereabouts of any of the babies she had left along that area. No one had any information for her and lest she be recognized, she did not push further with those questions.
But then every night when she retired, she would lay down facing the ceiling as tears drenched her pillow. The memory was painful and a fresh wound in her heart. She however moved on as the months turned into years.
About six years later, Violette had gone into the street one evening to fetch some pills from the doctor only to meet him drunk and naked with the wife of the street preacher. Violette managed to hold back the laughter looming in her throat as she slowly and quietly shut the doors of his stall. The ironies that encompassed the very existence of the port were rather too much for anyone to understand.
For just a few days ago, the same woman had referred to her as a whore without redemption. Violette decided to take the opportunity to stroll, she was just coming by an alley when a little boy ran past her and fell. She could hear his pursuers approaching with such anger. Violette looked upon the injured boy and saw that the piece of bread which might have been the cause of his troubles was stained in the mud. She needed to save him somehow. An idea flashed across her mind.
"Do not move and do not stare, boy." She said and with that, she raised the dress and stood over him. Covering him beneath her, it was the only way. As soon as she straightened up, the pursers came into sight bearing clubs and whip.
"Where will he be that sickly scallywag?" The dirty pirate with a hat said. He most definitely was the leader. The child underneath held her legs.
She was right after all, he was their leader and seeing the lady in the flowing gown and boobs nearly popping out of their confinement as they had been stressed by either her attempt to shackle them down, or, probably an attempt to bring them clearer into view. The man was bemused and stood over to her. Violette nearly threw up from the stench he bore, she wondered when it was the last time he had a real bath. That was not all, as he opened the trenches of his mouth, the lass was ready to faint.
"By god, what is it that brings a lady fair to these parts?" He asked her as he walked around her, admiring her and probably estimating what price he might sell her off to the merchants.
Violette stood straight with her face stern as she knew and understood what he was doing. The child beneath her was trembling greatly and if she did nothing about it, he might actually be found out. An idea popped up in her mind and she decided it would be her favorite card in the situation. Her mistress was well known and her name has been on the lips of far too many.
"Madame Scarlett sent me on an errand to these parts sir." She said, adding the mocking air of feigned respect.
Her trick worked well after all as he paused in front of her. The name sure did ring a bell; Violette snickered and returned the stern look. He immediately remembered the reason why they were on chase earlier and asked her if she had seen a boy.
"A boy?" Violette asked
"Aye, a boy. Little thieving thing he is, about seven or eight. You see anyone thus, covered in mud?" he asked.
Another irony Violette thought of taking a quick look at him and his men, the mud sure did make their bed nest. She could feel the fear of the little one as his grip on her legs tightened. Violette told him that she had come across a boy with bread in hand and had pointed towards the way she opted for. He thanked her eagerly and ran along with his men.
How cruel men had become, she thought as she watched them running with their weapons. For a little child, they had brought all this, she shook her head sadly. She was glad she had come across the child.
"You may come out now." She said, lifting her dress a little. He crept out and stood before her as dirty as he had been.
He thanked her gratefully and then looked sadly at the now dirty and mud stained bread in his hand. Violette felt for him, she remembered days when she had been like this after she had missed time for their departure. She had gotten lost and her father must have looked everywhere for her before departing. She asked the little one to follow her and he looked at her expectantly and with hope. Something about him seemed to warm her heart and she did not yet know what that was but certainly it was positive emotions.
She asked the little one to come with her and led him to the local bread store where she bought him a whole loaf and saw his eyes brighten up. She offered him the entire loaf and it was to him probably the greatest gift of all. He took it and quickly tucked it in his dirty coat and held it with his arms lest it be thought that he stole it from someone. He then looked upon the good natured lady and thanked her very much for her gesture.
Violette smiled and asked him of his name; he looked at her for some time as though contemplating whether or not to tell her, making up his little mind thanks to her earlier kindness, he spoke up.
"Jean, Madame," He said to her.
The name struck a chord in her mind and before she could ask him further he was on his way to cornering an alley, Violette screamed after him.
"Should you have need for a job Jean, I stay at Scarlett's bay. Violette!!!"
He heard her obviously and turned to wave at her happily. She returned it with a wave and a smile. His name reminded her about her mistress's dead child some five years back.
Jean had never been met with such kindness before and for today; she was done with pickpocketing. Earlier that morning, her mother had been so deep asleep and would not wake up. So, little Jean decided to be a good lass and make ready what she would eat.
There was a leftover bun from the previous night that she kept beside her and a cup of water before she set out. She was going to return with enough bread and probably her mother would be awake by then. She had caught sight of the bread leftover by the sailors and decided to make away with it. Scanning carefully, she grabbed it but unfortunately, someone saw and raised the alarm. Well, that became how she found herself running until she happened upon the fairy that had not only saved her life but also bought her a full loaf.
Jean excitedly went to their rickety home and announced her presence. There was no answer. The little one turned and found that her mother was still in bed, what a deep sleeper she must have become today, she thought.
The breakfast of buns was still there, untouched and her mother was still on bed in her covers. Jean decided to try waking her up again, she jumped on what served as bed to them and started tapping on poor Marina; no answer still. Jean got tired and upset, probably the woman was angry with her for leaving so early, the little girl decided to lay by her side sobbing.
There was no reply and there she laid by her side until she dozed off. She must have slept for hours when she woke up rather hungry, something was beginning to smell. She looked behind her on the bed, her mother was still laying on the bed in the very same position. Jean perceived trouble and decided to get a third party involved.