Authors: Connie Mason
Before Morgan could shake himself free, they had reached the dais. He executed a bow, and the queen gave him a brilliant smile.
“We are most pleased with you, Sir Scott. As We are with all our brave men and their admirals. You are the first to return Tell us what transpired.”
Finding no way to escape gracefully, Morgan spent the next hour relating details of the battles fought and file armada’s route of escape, which would take them around Scotland and Ireland.
“The Spanish won’t have an easy time of it,” Elizabeth predicted. “They are likely to encounter dangerous weather this time of year in northern waters and along the Irish coast.”
The queen’s prediction proved all too true. It was later reported that countless ships had piled up on the rocky Irish shores with few survivors.
“We have received reports that our losses were minor compared to those of the enemy. We have brave men like you to thank. We will think of an appropriate reward,” Elizabeth said grandly.
I desire no reward,” Morgan said, “except the freedom to claim my wife and retire to my estate.”
Elizabeth scowled her displeasure, and the room grew unnaturally quiet. Morgan felt a chilling premonition and fought the urge to find Luca and flee London in all haste. He waited for Elizabeth to speak and instinctively knew he wasn’t going to like what he heard.
“We fear that is the one thing We cannot grant you. Your wife no longer resides at court.”
Morgan gasped in outrage and disbelief. “You sent Luca away?”
“Nay, We aid not send her away. She disappeared a day or two after you sailed to join the fleet. No one knows exactly when she left, only that she is no longer with us.”
“Is this how you keep your promises?” Morgan lashed out “You said you would protect Luca. What have you done to her?”
“We have done nothing!” the queen said indignantly. She was unaccustomed to being addressed in so disrespectful a manner, and her temper flared dangerously. “We suggest you hold your tongue and remember to whom you are speaking.”
“Morgan, please,” Lady Jane urged, “say no more. You are incurring the queen’s ire and that is not wise.”
Morgan shook free of Jane’s clinging grip, his expression hard and resentful. “Where is my wife? you and your ladies made her life a living Hell, and your courtiers considered her fair game for their vile attentions.”
Elizabeth rose majestically from her chair, her rage daunting. “You go too far, Sir Scott! We do not know where your wife went and had no hand in her disappearance. We intended to fulfill our promise to you. After her disappearance was noted We sent a messenger to Scott Hall to inquire after her. But she was not there. It is our opinion that she has returned to Spain.”
“Alone?” Morgan scoffed. “Luca had no money; she knew no one in London to ask for help. How could she have gone to Spain?”
“The priests,” Elizabeth said with haughty disdain. “The Jesuits left the day after you sailed. Though no one can verify it, We believe your wife accompanied them. ‘Tis for the best.”
Morgan’s hands clenched into fists, wanting to hit someone or something. “I will go to Spain immediately and bring her back. Luca would not leave without good reason.”
Morgan blamed himself as much as Elizabeth for Luca’s disappearance but couldn’t hide the fierce resentment he felt for the English court Everyone in the Presence Chamber had heard him insult the queen, and they waited expectantly for Elizabeth to exact retribution
“Nay, you will not leave England!” the queen declared, stamping her foot to give emphasis to her words. “The Spanish woman is where she belongs. Look to Lady Jane for solace, she will be a wife worthy of your name. We have taken the liberty of asking the bishop to prepare annulment papers. They await your signature.”
Morgan exhaled slowly. “And if I refuse?”
“Your properties will be confiscated and you will be imprisoned in the Tower until you regain your senses. Is that your wish?”
“It appears my wishes are of no consequence in this matter.”
”’Tis in your best interest, Sir Scott You know We were never pleased with your marriage. Not only were you forced to take a wife totally unsuitable to your station but the marriage was performed by a Papist priest, reason enough for annulment Lady Jane brings with her enormous wealth and numerous estates. ‘Tis our fondest wish that our beloved hero wed the Lady Jane. You have much to lose by denying our request and everything to gain by accepting it, the least of which is a lovely wife who is smitten with you.” Her words sounded suspiciously like a threat, and Morgan did not take kindly to threats.
After delivering her ultimatum, the queen sank gracefully into her chair, waiting complacently for Morgan to submit to her wishes. She would not accept refusal; she never did.
“Is that Your Majesty’s last word?”
“Aye, ‘tis my final word on the subject”
“Then I have no choice,” Morgan ceded graciously. It was quite a feat keeping his temper on an even keel while inside he seethed with resentment and rage, but somehow he managed. The queen might guess but would never know the cost to his pride.
“Oh, Morgan, you won’t regret it,” Lady Jane squealed delightedly. Morgan gave her a wintry smile. “I knew you would make the right decision, that’s why I went ahead with the plans for our wedding. We will be married one week from today with the entire court in attendance. We can spend our honeymoon at my remote estate in Cornwall. I’ve already sent word to have it prepared for our visit.”
“You’ve thought of everything,” Morgan observed coolly.
“You have made a wise choice. Sir Scott,” the queen said, more than pleased with Morgan’s capitulation. Few of her subjects were so foolish as to thwart her wishes.
“So be it,” Morgan said, eager to escape the queen and Lady Jane. “If you will excuse me, Your Majesty, there is much I must do before the wedding. I still have a damaged ship and wounded men to attend. I must send word to Scott Hall and acquire a proper wardrobe to honor my bride.”
Elizabeth gave an imperious wave of her hand. “You are excused, Sir Scott. Weeks at sea with our victorious fleet must have left you exhausted.”
Morgan withdrew with as much grace as he could muster. He had no idea Lady Jane was following until he sensed her at his side. “I really am exhausted, Jane,” he repeated for her benefit ‘Tomorrow would be a better time to discuss plans.”
“I don’t want to talk.” Her voice held a sultry note of promise. “There is no reason for restraint now. Our wedding needs only the ceremony to make it legal. Your wife has deserted you, and I already feel like your wife. Make love to me, Morgan.”
Morgan gritted his teeth in frustration. Damn Bess and damn Jane for pushing him into something he did not want He still had a week and he intended to make good use of it before…
“Not now,” Morgan hedged. “I’ll come to your chamber tonight I’ll be of mile use to you if I fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow. I’m filthy and in need of a bath. Please excuse me.”
Jane pouted prettily. “I’ll help you with your bath. Who knows what will happen once you are refreshed.”
“I know. I intend to take a long nap.”
“Morgan, I’m beginning to think you’re trying to avoid making love to me.” Her voice took on a hard edge. “All I need to do is suggest to Queen Bess that you intend to back out of the marriage and she will promptly seize all your holdings and lock you in the Tower until you come around.”
“Ah, Jane, I believe you would enjoy that” Morgan said softly, too softly, sending a shiver racing down Jane’s elegant back. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her hard, roughly, transferring all his anger to the harsh possession of her mouth. Jane shuddered, welcoming his brutal kiss with ravening hunger.
“Morgan, oh, Morgan, yes, I like you this way.” She moaned mindlessly against his mouth, breathless with anticipation. “I don’t care how rough you get.”
A sound of disgust gurgled deep in Morgan’s throat. Jane’s mouth was wet and slack beneath his. He suspected that he could take her on the floor, in the corridor, and she wouldn’t protest But he didn’t want her, not now, not ever. Luca was the only woman he wanted, and he’d have her if he could get rid of Jane without forfeiting his life. Time was of the essence. He had but a week to get his affairs in order, and it was going to be damn difficult with Jane panting after him. How in the Hell was he going to keep her satisfied without actually bedding her?
“Tonight,” Morgan whispered against her mouth. Giving her breast a teasing caress that promised long hours of bliss, he turned and strode briskly away.
“Morgan…” Jane stamped her foot angrily, her body still thrumming with unrequited desire. “Damn that man,” she muttered beneath her breath If he didn’t fulfill his promise this time, there would be Hell to pay. Her family was a powerful force in England. She’d personally see that Morgan Scott was rendered penniless if he disappointed her. By the time she finished with him he’d have nothing, not even his ship, which he seemed to value so greatly. Spinning on her heel, she returned to the Presence Chamber.
A short time later Morgan slipped out a side entrance, hailed a passing hack and arrived at Billingsgate a short time later. Crawford was waiting for him aboard the
Avenger.
“That didn’t take long, Morgan.” His eyes gleamed with mirth. “I assumed you’d spend more time with Luca, knowing how anxious you were to see her.”
“Luca is gone,” Morgan said tersely.
“Gone! Where in the Devil has she gone?”
“My guess is Spain. I’m assuming she accompanied a group or Jesuit priests who returned to Spain shortly after we sailed.”
“You know that for a fact?”
Morgan’s expression altered subtly, conveying his uncertainty. “No. No one saw her leave, but It’s the only lead I have. Bess already ascertained she’s not at Scott Hall. There’s nowhere else she could go. She had no one to turn to at court but the Jesuits—everyone else ignored her, and I was too busy or too stubborn to be much of a husband to her. I’m going after her to beg her forgiveness.”
“When?”
“How badly is the ship damaged?”
“Not badly. Our own carpenters can repair the rudder and riggings, and our sailmakers can mend torn canvas with no problem. Shouldn’t take over two weeks.”
Morgan sent him a bleak look. “I don’t have two weeks. Everything has to be done in six days or less.”
“Six days! You expect miracles, Morgan”
“Aye, can you do it?”
“What happens if it can’t be done?”
“I’ll either be forced to marry Lady Jane or lose all my possessions to the crown and spend the rest of my days in the Tower. I’ll be destitute, Stan. I won’t even have a ship to take me back to Andros.”
“Not exactly destitute, my friend. Have you forgotten the plunder hidden on Andros?”
“I’ve not forgotten, but it’s insubstantial compared to what’s in the bank in London”
“What are your plans?” Crawford asked, sensing another adventure.
“We’re going to Spain,” Morgan confided, “but first…” In a low voice he outlined his plan to Crawford.
Crawford listened intently, nodding eagerly as Morgan’s plan unfolded. “It could work, but what if Luca isn’t willing? What if she wants nothing to do with you? And your plans concerning Lady Jane are risky at best This obvious she intends to have you in her bed before the ceremony. And last but not least, there is the queen to contend with. If you pull this off, she’ll likely never forgive you. You’ll be arrested and imprisoned.”
“I’ve considered everything, Stan, and it’s paltry compared to a life without Luca. All the riches in the world are worthless without Luca to share them with me.”
“Those are strong words from a man who can’t abide Spaniards. The little nun got under your skin, didn’t she?”
“Aye,” Morgan admitted, “more than you’ll ever know. Otherwise I’d do my duty to me queen no matter how distasteful. But now I’ll rot in the Tower before becoming the queen’s pawn and signing those damn annulment papers. But I need your help.”
Crawford chuckled. “What you’re asking of me is a little unorthodox.”
“Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you have no stomach for it…”
“It isn’t that” Crawford contended, still grinning. “The lady is bound to know the difference.”
“Not if you use the darkness to your advantage. We are enough alike in looks and build to raise no suspicion. Just make damn certain you perform adequately. I want no doubts about my virility. I do have a reputation to uphold.”
Crawford gave a shout of laughter. “As arrogant as ever, I see. Don’t worry, my friend, I’ll raise my mast high in salute to the lady. We have shared women many times throughout the years, but This is the first and last time I’ll be doing it in your name.”
“Start the men on the repairs, Stan There is much to be done before we hoist sail. I’ll see you later tonight in my chamber at Whitehall.”
Morgan left, going directly from the
Avenger
to his solicitor’s office. Morgan had engaged Sylvester Thornhill shortly after returning to England as a young man, following his escape from slavery. Thornhill had proven his worm time and again during the years Morgan sailed the high seas in search of Spanish plunder. He was trustworthy, discreet, and above all, competent to handle all aspects of Morgan’s business. And Morgan trusted Thornhill to divulge nothing that went on within the confines of his office.