Karen Michelle Nutt (12 page)

Keldon escorted her to the door and waited for her to go down the hall before he turned and walked back into the room. "You wanted to see me?"

"Can we speak freely?” Nicholas nodded toward Samuel who was standing with his arms folded against his chest.

"Aye that we can. Samuel can weel be trusted.” Keldon then motioned for Nicholas to take a seat, while he went to the table to pour a drink for them.

"I have the information you have been waiting for." Nicholas didn’t waste time.

Keldon wasn’t facing Sherborn so he was able to hide his expressions. He hadn’t decided if he could trust this man or not. Sherborn showed up, wanting to join his band of would-be privateers. Until Sherborn proved his worth, he was reluctant to reveal information about his intentions. "And what information do ye have for me?"

"A Spanish frigate loaded with supplies is headed in our vicinity. We could intercept her with ease."

Keldon had finished pouring the drinks and handed one to Nicholas before he answered. "We have to know a wee bit more aboot this frigate and its captain. Did you obtain the information?"

Nicholas smiled. "Of course. The captain is Nathan Cordellos. In his prime, he would have been a worthy opponent, but now he is an old worn out man. The Spanish will not expect anyone to attack them. They have undermanned the ship in hopes of fooling everyone into thinking they’re not carrying anything of value. Since you have only attacked British ships, the Spaniards won’t expect such an assault. It would be like taking candy from a baby and quite profitable, I might add."

Keldon took his pipe out of his pocket and put it in his mouth. He thought about what Sherborn offered him. This would prove Sherborn’s loyalty if he chose to trust his information. He could take all the precautions necessary. Keldon removed the unlit pipe from his mouth. "Will ye be goin’ with us?"

"Wouldn't bloody well miss it, now would I?” Nicholas smiled as he raised his glass in a salute.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Arianna sat in the middle of her bed and braided her hair. She worried about what unsavory deeds Nicholas Sherborn was convincing her husband to do. Whatever the plan may be, it would be a trap. She had to think of a way to stop him.

Keldon would never listen to her; he didn’t trust her. If she admitted to the affair with Nicholas, it would only make matters worse.

Tap, tap, tap.

She lifted her head and listened.

Tap, tap.

She turned toward her window. Her whole body tightened like a bowstring.

Nicholas Sherborn peered in at her, grinning from ear to ear.

The audacity of the man was unnerving. She had no other choice but to let him in before someone discovered him dangling from the ledge.

"What do you think you are doing? How did you get up here?" Arianna said as she helped him inside.

He didn't answer her until he had both feet planted on the hardwood floor. "I climbed up the trellis like I always do. I had to see you."

"You must be crazy."

"Only mad about you.” He reached for her but she ducked and moved out of his way.

"Listen, you have to leave. It's not safe."

"Keldon won't bother you. As we speak, he is discussing the plans to take the frigate."

Arianna put space between her and Nicholas’ roaming hands. To save Keldon, she needed answers. "Is this how you’ll capture him?”

"No.” he sighed. “It's a real shame, I know. I can’t wait until he’s out of our way. I’m as anxious as you are to marry.”

Her stomach churned. She’d promised to marry him. She couldn’t believe it, but why would the man lie? She stared at Nicholas. His light brown hair and charming dimples were appealing, but there was no heart fluttering, no
I-can’t-wait-to-see-you-again
feeling. She felt nothing for him. She couldn’t inform Nicholas of her change of heart, at least not yet. She needed information, so she could insure Keldon’s safety.

She grimaced. Before her accident, she wanted Keldon dead, had planned his demise without a thought.

She touched her fingers to her lips. Both Nicholas and Keldon had kissed her. Nicholas’ caress had infuriated her, but Keldon’s kiss had spilled through to her soul. No matter what happened between her and Keldon in the past, it didn’t matter now. Her heart knew she belonged with him.

She turned her attention back to Nicholas. "If you aren't planning to take him in, what is the plan?"

"Take him in?” Nicholas frowned.

"You know, arrest him," she explained further.

"Oh. Keldon must trust me first. Then the British will step in and justice will be served."

"Are you sure we’re right about Keldon? Maybe he has a good reason for—"

"Pirating," Nicholas finished. "Think of what you’re saying. The man has terrorized every British ship in sight."

"We’re at war with the British. They’ve attacked our ships and they haven't allowed us to trade peaceably. They think they can dictate with whom we can trade. Keldon has confiscated items we need to survive."

"Are you bloody insane? He's not out to help anyone. He's a murdering thief."

Arianna paled. "He’s committed murder?"

"Did you think he asks for the goods and the captains of each ship tip their hats and gladly hand over their cargo without a fight? Keldon Buchanan has murdered without a qualm. The only life he holds sacred is his own."

Arianna blinked. The new information was like a slap in the face. Could what Nicholas just told her be true? Could Keldon really be so despicable? She didn't want to believe it.
Trust the Scotsman.
She couldn't shake the feeling this was important to remember.

"Annabelle, you were the one who came to me with your suspicions. I need to know. Whose side are you on?"

Arianna’s gaze locked with his and she realized Nicholas might say he loved her, but he’d forfeit her life if he thought he couldn’t trust her. Her whole life was a pack of lies. What was one more? She sauntered toward him and batted her eyelashes. "I'm with you, of course. Can you fault me for wanting proof of Keldon’s deeds?"

"If anyone deserved the rope, Keldon Buchanan is our man.” Before Arianna could move out of his reach, Nicholas grabbed her arm and pulled her close. "Give me a little kiss and I'll be on my way."

He didn't wait for her, but satisfied himself before she could object. Then he was at the window, daring his escape. He looked at her one more time with his devilish grin and impish dimples. "You’re beautiful. I wish I had the time to make love to you. But alas, duty calls.” Then he was gone.

Arianna's head spun and it wasn’t from the alcohol she had consumed earlier. Nicholas Sherborn was like a whirlwind. She felt exhausted after each encounter with him. With a heavy heart, she sat down on the bed. She rubbed her temples, feeling a horrendous headache coming on. “You deserve a hangover.”

Maeve knocked before she entered. "Miss Arianna, kin I's ask a favor of you?"

"Sure. You name it."

"Will you reassure Sophie dats you ain't goin' ter sell her. She's been cryin' and dat ain't gud fer de chile she be carryin'."

"I didn't mean to cause any problems, but it seems that is all I do."

"I know you has a gud soul.”

"I’m afraid you’re the only one, who believes that."

CHAPTER TWELVE

Arianna cringed, hearing Sophie’s sobs and knowing she’d been the cause. Oni sat next to Sophie on the floor, rubbing her back and trying to console her. Maeve inhaled deeply and walked over to them. She knelt down in front of Sophie. "Now, now," she soothed. "Miss Arianna be here ter tell you herself, dat she ain't goin' ter sell you."

"It ain't dat," Sophie spit out before she doubled over in pain. A pool of water formed beneath her.

"Lordy," Oni exclaimed. "De chile be comin'."

"Now?” Arianna's eyes widen in alarm.

Sophie screamed as another onslaught of pain gripped her.

"We got ter get you back ter your cabin. Kin you walk?” Maeve asked. Sophie managed a nod between sobs.

“Maybe she should stay here,” Arianna suggested.

“Oh no.” Maeve shook her head. “Don’t worry none. We’ll take gud care of her.” Maeve and Oni lifted Sophie to her feet, each supporting her weight on their shoulders.

"I'll go with you.” Arianna didn’t know if she’d be any help, but she would try.

“No, no. You must stay here,” Maeve told her.

Arianna followed them to the door and watched them carry Sophie away. She caught the worried glances between Oni and Maeve and a cold dread settled on her heart. What weren’t they telling her?

As hours slipped by with no word about Sophie, Arianna wished she knew where they’d taken her. She’d march down there and find out herself.

The house was like a tomb with no one around as if they all deserted her. She settled on waiting for Maeve in the drawing room. She sat at the harpsichord. As she played, the tension ebbed from her body. The music soothed her like nothing else did.

"Dat's so purdy."

Arianna ended the song on the last note and smiled. "Thank you, Sally Mae. Have you been in the house the whole time?"

"No'm. I jest come in."

"Do you happen to know how Sophie is doing? Did she have her baby?"

Sally Mae looked down at her feet, shuffling them back and forth. "No'm, she ain't birthed yet."

A dull ache of foreboding seeped into Arianna’s chest. She’d been right. Something was wrong. She walked over to Sally Mae and gently lifted her chin. "What’s happening? Is Sophie going to be all right?”

Tears glistened in the child’s eyes.

Not good. Not good at all.

"No, Miss Arianna. She ain't fine. The baby won’t come out. I think she's goin' ter die."

Arianna suppressed the panic welling inside of her. She didn’t want to scare the child. "Don't worry about Sophie. She's not going to die. Women have babies all the time."

Sally Mae shook her head. "No, she's goin' ter die. Maeve is prayin' over her now. She made me go."

“Why would Maeve pray unless what Sally Mae claimed was true? She shook her head. Sophie couldn’t die. She was young and healthy, so full of life. "Sally Mae, tell me where Sophie is. I have to see her. Maybe there’s still hope."

"You kin make her well?” The little girl's face lit up.

"I don't know. I need to find out what’s wrong first.”

Sally Mae took Arianna’s hand and led her to a rundown cabin, well hidden behind the large Cypress trees. The door stood open for all the good it did. The air was thick, the heat stifling.

Arianna spotted Oni sitting on the floor rocking back and forth with her eyes closed, humming a chant. Maeve hovered over Sophie, who withered in pain. Her shift was soaked and her skin glistened with sweat.

"What's going on?” Arianna took a step closer to the bed.

Maeve and Oni both stopped their meditation and stared at her. Maeve strode over to her.

"Miss Arianna, you shudn't be here," she whispered.

"Sally Mae told me Sophie was dying," she whispered back.

Maeve’s eyes betrayed the truth before she even spoke. “Dere’s no more ter be done?”

"Why? What's wrong? Why isn’t a doctor here?"

"Dere ain't no doctor dat will helps de likes of us."

Arianna didn’t understand, but she didn’t want to waste time questioning Maeve. "What about the baby?"

"Dat's whut’s de problem. The chile, be turns de wrong way. She kin't deliver."

"There must be something we could do?"

"No Miss Arianna, there ain't nothin' we kin do.” Tears sprung to Maeve’s eyes. She turned away and went back to Sophie.

Arianna couldn't accept Sophie would die. There had to be something. There had to be a way. Then an idea came to her. Without a word, she left the small cabin and ran as back to the main house.

She spotted Samuel leading two horses back to the stables. She looked skyward. “Thank you, Lord.” She ran inside the house, knowing where she’d find Keldon. She burst into the study, the door flying against the wall.

Keldon looked up. Arianna’s bedraggle appearance made him frown. Strands of hair had fallen free from her long braid, and her clothes hung in an askew fashion.

"You have to come with me," she demanded as she approached him. She took the glass of whiskey from his hands and placed it on his desk. She then grabbed the decanter, before she pulled on his arm to follow. He allowed her to lead him out of the house, curious of her urgency. Once they started down the beaten path, he knew where they were heading, but didn’t know why.