A Pirate's Ransom (14 page)

Lady Catherine

News spread like wild fire that the ship carrying the men who had vanquished the notorious Blackbeard had arrived and the heroes were on their way. Butterflies leapt in my stomach and my hands shook, making it difficult to tie the ribbons of my green velvet bonnet. The clothes gifted to me by the Marquis were rich and exquisite. The green velvet cloak and matching bonnet were among them and I was delighted to have an occasion to don such elegant garments.

“Hurry, Mary, or we shall be late,” I called.

“What be the ‘urry? Tobias ain’t even brung the carriage about yet.”

“I heard the heroes are to be greeted by an emissary of the King, and that is something I simply must see.”

“Aye, I’m sure it be the emissary ye be so anxious to lay yer eyes upon,” she muttered under her breath. “Besides that, won’t ye be goin’ with the Duke to the ball tonight?”

“Yes,” I answered, suddenly deflated.

“You won’t be foolin’ me none, Miss. I know it be
him
ye be longin’ to see.”

I lowered my gaze, and Mary placed her hand gently upon my arm.

“It’s all right, Miss. I know ye love him.”

“Is it that obvious, Mary?”

“Aye.”

“Does Mister Smith know?”

“Aye.”

“Well, let us hope no one else takes notice,” I said as I pulled my gloves on.

I stood as close to the platform as I could get. The huge crowd pressed forward, with everyone struggling to get a glimpse of the heroes. The cheer that rose from the crowd was deafening when the royal carriage approached. Footmen dressed in bright red jackets opened the door and assisted the King’s emissary as he descended. Every head bowed, and I fell into a deep courtesy when he approached. I had never seen any dignitaries of the Crown before and upon seeing him, I became overtaken with an emotion I did not expect nor could I explain. It took all my strength not to cry, and I cast my eyes to the ground as he walked past. But when I raised my head my breath caught in my throat as I found myself starring into Edmund’s deep green eyes. The cheering of the crowd became background noise to the rushing of my blood thundering in my ears. The people standing around me seemed to vanish away. I stumbled as I tried to rise from my courtesy, and his strong hands grabbed me and saw me firmly to my feet. The hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips and his eyes darkened with that same look he’d worn the day he held me wet and naked in his arms. “Catherine,” he whispered hoarsely.

But before I could even blink, he was pushed along by the mob and pressed to move on.

“Edmund,” I whispered after him. The mere utterance of his name burned like his kiss upon my lips.

Pushing my way through the crowd, I rushed blindly back to the carriage, Tobias and Mary following closely upon my heels.

“Wot be wrong, Miss? Where ye be headed?” Mary called to me over the crowd.

“Away from here. Tobias, please take me back to the house.”

His eyes shot to Mary, who nodded. “Aye, me Lady. If that be yer wish.”

As the carriage pulled away from the celebration, I buried my face in my hands and sobbed. Mary held me in her arms like a mother held her child and allowed me to drain my sorrows.

Later that afternoon, Mary came to my rooms to assist me in getting ready for the formal celebration at Court. When she entered, she found the drapes drawn and me huddled deep under the covers soundly sleeping.

“Miss,” she said softly, shaking my shoulder. “Miss, it be time to wake, time to prepare yourself for the ceremony.”

“Mary, please send word to the Duke that I am indisposed and shan’t accompany him tonight.”

“Be ye ailin’?”

“Yes, please tell his Grace that I suffer from a fierce headache and have retired to my bed.”

“Heartache be more the like of it,” she muttered under her breath, while making her way out of the room.

I rolled over and buried my face into the pillows. I couldn’t bear the thought of seeing
him
.
How could I stand there before the aristocrats of London, on the arm of the frail, old Duke, in front of Edmund? What would Edmund think?
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I said aloud, “the thought of you never enters the mind of that arrogant poppycock.”
What you really should do is put on your most beautiful gown, hold your head up high, and go to that celebration. Let that son of a jackal see what he has given up.
Then the words of the Contessa ran through my mind,
You’ve got to make a man hungry. He’s not going to eat, if he’s not hungry
.

“Mary,” I yelled.

“Aye, Miss,” she cried, hurrying back into my room.

“Have you dispatched the messenger to the Duke yet?”

“Nay, Miss, I was about to do just that when ye summoned me.”

“I have changed my mind. Please, come in here and help me ready myself and let us select the most attractive and flattering gown in the cabinet, that green one. Tonight, I intend to turn some heads.”

Edmund Drake, by the end of this night, you will not be hungry; you will be starving!

“Miss, calm yer nerves. Ye be sure to wear a path in the carpet with your pacin’. Don’t be frettin’. Ye look like a vision.”

“Thank you, Mary. Tonight is important.”

“Aye, Miss, I know ... he’ll be there, the Captain, I mean.”

“Yes, he will. Mary, I want to thank you for not passing judgment.”

“Miss, who am I to judge ye? Besides, yer in love with him.”

“Oh Mary, he’s unlike any man I have ever known. He’s brave and strong, yet when he’s with me, he’s gentle and kind. He protected me and risked his life to rescue me from the clutches of Blackbeard. And although he had many an opportunity, he never took advantage of me or forced himself upon me. He was a gentleman and treated me with respect. Yes, Mary, I do ... I do love him.”

“Then ye be doin’ the right thing.”

I smiled. “I hope you’re right.”

The dark coach with the Duke of Devonshire’s crest upon the side pulled up before the house at the exact hour he had indicated. It was all I could do not to rush out the door and scream at the footman to hurry. Forcing myself to sit calmly in the drawing room, I waited until I was summoned by James, who announced that the Duke’s valet had arrived.

Rising slowly from my seat, I swept from the drawing room in a tide of deep green silk which swirled around my legs like the tide. The beautiful gown was designed like none I had ever seen. The rich material crossed over my breasts from either side and swept around my body then gathered at the back, just above my bottom. The skirt was not full and only required that I wear only half the amount of petticoats beneath it. The fabric clung to my hips and gave a slim line to my figure. Mary said the maid told her the seamstress who delivered it said it was all the rage in Paris, but I felt sinful, even scandalous wearing it. It was daring and provocative, and simply perfect for the plan I had in mind for Captain Drake.

With Mary’s help, I donned my green velvet cloak and allowed the valet to escort me to the waiting coach. After seating me across from the ancient Duke, he hopped up into his seat, and the coach pulled away from the stately home and headed toward the celebration.

“You look ravishing this evening, my dear,” the Duke said.

“Thank you, Your Grace. It is my most fervent wish not to be an embarrassment to you.”

“You, an embarrassment? Never. That would not be possible. Why, every man there will be envious.”

“You flatter me, Your Grace.”

“I speak the truth. I have never seen a more stunning beauty in all my days and I know many a younger man would desire to be named as your future husband.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“Tonight, I shall introduce you to the emissary of the King and some of the Grand Dames of Court, and we shall announce the date we intend to wed.”

“Your Grace, although I will be delighted to be introduced to your friends, perhaps we should postpone the announcement of our nuptials.”

“Postpone the announcement, but why, my dear?”

“Tonight is not about us, but rather about those brave men who have finally brought a notorious enemy of the Crown to justice.”

“How unselfish of you, my dear. You shall truly make a wonderful Duchess.”

A stab of guilt shot through me. I was being anything but unselfish. In reality I couldn’t bear the thought of Edmund hearing the announcement. Words of denial to my unselfishness sprang to my lips, but I could not bring myself to voice them.

The coach pulled up before the entrance of the great hall. My hands shook as the valet handed me down from my seat, and my stomach tightened as if I were about to be sick. Standing aside, I watched the valet lift the old Duke from the coach, heavy blanket and all, and after placing him into his wheelchair, push him up the walk toward the door. I followed silently behind. Even the valet was dressed in a fine navy blue uniform tonight.

When we reached the door, the valet gave our invitation to the man at the entrance who took our cloaks and we took our place in a long line of people waiting to be announced. I scanned the room eagerly to see what the other women were wearing. I had to admit, no one had on a more beautiful gown than the lovely green one the Duke’s son had gifted to me. I noticed the Duke wore a stark white shirt with an expertly tied cravat. His navy blue coat boasted his crest on the lapel pocket and he wore a heavy golden ring upon his left hand, which also bore his ducal crest.

“Rockford, there is no need for me to wait in this line. Move me to the front,” the Duke instructed his attendant. Then facing me, the Duke said, “One of the many benefits of my title.” I forced a grin.

The valet pushed the Duke’s chair to the front of the long line. The Duke took my hand in his. “You look lovely, my dear, but why do you fidget so? Smile. Once we are announced, every eye will fall upon you, and you are sure to capture many a man’s heart this night.”

There was only one man’s heart I was interested in capturing
. I felt the Duke’s touch upon my wrist as he fingered the silver bracelet. But before he could comment, they announced our arrival.

“His Grace, Wentworth Simmons, The Duke of Devonshire, escorting The Lady Catherine Nettleton.” We proceeded into the room, the Duke being pushed in his chair by his valet and me walking nervously by his side. A hush fell over the crowd and every eye turned toward us. I couldn’t help but notice the heads of some of the women coming together, whispering behind gloved hands. As we passed, I overheard one say, “She’s young enough to be his granddaughter. Shameless.” Gossips, I thought, and felt the heat rise to my cheeks in spite of my attempt to maintain a cool resolve.

The Duke directed the valet to wheel him toward the set of French doors that opened out onto a veranda. I stood beside him wringing my hands, feeling very much out of place and not knowing quite what to do. Soft strains of music played, and I forced myself to concentrate on hearing it above the hum of voices in conversation, which grew louder in anticipation of the arrival of the guests of honor. The hum reminded me of the horrible evening of Blackbeard’s auction, and I compelled myself to squelch those memories.

Finally, the heroes’ names were announced, and I held my breath, my eyes riveted on the entrance. The Governor of the Colony of Virginia entered first, accompanied by his wife, a plain and mousy-looking woman with pale skin and dark beady eyes. Following him were the two men who were instrumental in the capture of the notorious Blackbeard, Robert Maynard and Edmund Drake.

I felt my jaw drop open when they were introduced as Lieutenants in the Royal Navy. My heart pounded rapidly against my breast and I felt slightly lightheaded. Edmund was not a pirate after all. His eloquent manners and speech suddenly made sense. But why pretend to be a pirate?

Both men were dressed in the navy blue formal uniform of their rank and around their necks a medal hung on a thick pale blue ribbon. At first I did not realize I was staring with my mouth gaping open, until Rockford nudged me and I clamped my jaw closed, clenching my teeth.
What else do I not know about you? What other secrets do you have, Edmund Drake?

Robert and Edmund stopped at the foot of the stairs, where people starting gathering and formed a receiving line.

“Come my dear, allow me to introduce you to Edmund.” The valet pushed the Duke’s wheel chair forward ahead of the throng, and I followed silently, not quite knowing how this would play out. We approached Edmund and my stomach turned into a ball of knots. I thought for certain I would be ill. The Duke introduced me to the governor and his mouse of a wife, Anne, and then to Lieutenant Maynard, whose eyes smiled brightly as he took in my appearance. Finally I reached Edmund.

I felt hot and cold at the same time. The knot in my stomach moved up to my throat and thought I would vomit. My palms were sweaty and I felt lightheaded. The sounds of the room seemed to melt away and all I could see was Edmund’s handsome face, his smile, his green eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Who is this lovely vision you have managed to ensnare, Your Grace?” Edmund asked.

“This beautiful woman is Lady Catherine Nettleton, Countess of Dorset, soon to be the Duchess of Devonshire. Catherine, my dear, this is-”

“I am Edmund Drake, Milady, and it is truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He took my trembling hand and brought my fingers to his lips. Our eyes met as he placed a soft kiss upon my fingertips and my knees got weak. My heart thundered and I feared the entire room would hear it. The memory of his touch and his kiss brought a pool of deep desire to my lower regions and my breath quickened with it. I forced myself to focus on controlling my rapid breathing lest my heaving bosom draw attention. The sound of my blood rushing in my ears made me dizzy and I feared I would swoon from it.

Finding my voice, I managed, “Thank you, Lieutenant Drake, for ridding us of a truly dangerous pirate and making our waters safe once again. I believe I read you have been chasing the blackguard around the waters of the Caribbean for a few years.”

“Yes, that is true, Milady. I did chase him and although I did not deliver the fatal blow, my crew was instrumental in positioning him and allowing for his capture and ultimate death.”

I was overcome with a sadness I didn’t quiet expect at the thought of Blackbeard’s death. I could hardly believe the fierce and vibrant man was no longer alive. And what had happened to the Contessa, the dear, dear Contessa?

“Perhaps you would allow me to tell you of my adventures sometime.” The timbre of Edmund’s deep voice sounded like music to my ears and drew me out of my sorrow.

“Perhaps.”

“I promise you will be quite entertained with tales of my crew climbing rigging and dancing their jigs upon the deck of my ship.”

Heat swamped my body and pooled between my legs as memories of Edmund aboard the
The Lady Victoria
bombarded me.
Was his mention of climbing rigging and dancing on deck designed by him to seek an effect?
I dared not utter a sound lest he realize then that he had succeeded.

“At the very least, perhaps you will honor me with a dance this night?”

“Perhaps,” I whispered, hoping the Duke hadn’t noticed the breathless quality of my voice. From Edmund’s darkening gaze, I knew he’d heard the lingering need so apparent to my ears.

His intense gaze held mine and I felt weak when his fingers slid to my wrist, certain he would feel my pulse race at his touch. “What a lovely and unique bracelet. Dare I say its beauty pales in comparison to yours?”

“You flatter me, Lieutenant. How kind of you to notice. It was a gift given to me a long time ago.”

“And yet you wear it still. It must be dear to you.”

“Yes, it is. Now if you would kindly excuse us, I fear those behind us grow impatient,” I said, easing my fingers from his grasp.

“I look forward to having the opportunity to speak with you later, Milady.”

I don’t know how I managed to walk away from him since I could hardly feel my legs.

“Edmund seems quite taken with you, my dear.”

Fear prickled across my scalp. I dare not let my true feeling show lest I endanger both Edmund and me.
The Duke may be wheelchair bound, but ...
I swallowed and pasted a fake smile across my lips.

“I doubt he has any interest in me, Your Grace,” I replied. I feared revealing my true feelings to the Duke. Men like Edmund Drake would not think of me as more than someone to pass idle time with until called off to his next adventure.

The Duke grinned. “Is that what you think? Why, any man would find you attractive and most interesting, I assure you, and I would imagine Edmund would not be immune to your charm and beauty.”

“Thank you, Your Grace. You do flatter me.”

The music began and he said, “I’m afraid I cannot dance with you, my dear. However, if you should be invited to dance, and I am certain you will be, please feel free to accept any invitation you wish. I want you to enjoy the ball.”

I smiled, but fully intended to stand beside him the remainder of the evening. A role I would fill until he, or I, passed from this world. My chest constricted at the thought and I found it difficult to draw a breath.

I spotted Edmund striding toward the musicians. After having a brief conversation, he turned and headed directly toward me as the strain of a familiar tune began to play. My heart skipped several beats and my breath caught. They were playing the waltz we danced to that night aboard
The Lady Victoria
.

My eyes never wavered as I watched him approach me. He inclined his head toward the Duke, who indicated his permission by giving a short nod.

“Countess, would you honor me with the pleasure of this dance?”

I glanced at the Duke, whose smile crinkled the edges of his kind, knowing eyes. “Go on, my dear. Enjoy.”

Edmund took my hand and drew me out onto the dance floor and into his embrace. Memories of our dance on deck that night swirled through my mind. I trembled in his arms, but I could not help it.

“You look ravishing this evening, Milady,” he whispered as he drew me closer. His words glided on heated breath around my ear. I longed to lean into his hard chest, to feel the heat of him molding me to him. I knew every eye in the room was on me, watching, waiting for me to slip up and betray the Duke. I knew what the gossips would have to say. They were already whispering behind their fans and gloved hands. I didn’t know if I could control my yearning to be in Edmund’s arms, but I knew I had to try.

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” I said with a heavy emphasis upon his rank.

He chuckled. “I’m sorry I could not tell you of my purpose.”

“What else do I not know about you?” I could hardly think. All I wanted was to be closer to him, but I dare not press my body against him in such a public forum. His arm tightened around me ever so slightly, but in that one movement, I knew he too wanted more. My fingers trembled in his warm hand and I ached with a deep need.

“It would take me years to tell you, perhaps the remainder of my days, yet I would gladly take the time should you allow it.” His green eyes darkened as he gazed down into mine. I instantly recalled that look of longing in his stare.