The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (31 page)

“Listen. It’s quiet. The battle’s over,” Jewel said.

Both women grew silent, listening intently for any noise that might indicate who had won. An eerie silence met their ears, until Duke ran over to the door and started growling.

Someone was coming. Perhaps whoever it was would keep on going.

The decisive footsteps grew closer.

Too close.

“Shh, Duke! Be quiet,” Jewel whispered in desperation.

The footsteps slowed, then stopped right outside their door. Jewel’s breath caught sharply in her throat. The frantic beating of her heart sounded in her ears while she focused on the turning doorknob.

Once again, Duke started to bark. A cold, sickening dread twisted in her stomach. She wrapped her fingers tightly around the hilt of her knife.

The door slammed back.

And Jewel released her breath with a long sigh of relief.

“Duke, is that any way to greet your master and namesake?” Adam said, bending down to the frisky puppy, who jumped up on his leg, demanding attention. After scratching the dog’s head, Adam straightened with some difficulty and looked across the room. “It’s over, ladies.”

It
was
over.
Relief flooded Jewel, but her eyes filled, giving her a watery image of Adam as she stood. His shirt had numerous tears from near-misses, and black sooty powder spotted its front.

Somehow she covered the distance and threw herself into his arms. He squeezed her tightly. Thank God, he’d survived.

She felt something sticky on her hand. “Adam, let me look at your arm. It’s bleeding badly.”

“It’ll have to wait, luv. There are others worse off than I am.” He gently touched the side of her face, letting her see his appreciation for her concern.

Annie, who had been silent, found her voice, pleading, “Not Derek?”

Adam put an arm around Annie. “No, he’s fine, and is at the helm. We’ve lost precious time today. And men. Why don’t you join Derek,” Adam suggested.

Annie let the breath out that she’d been holding. “What happened to the pirates?”

“We were too much for them. They finally ran. If it hadn’t been for this bloody fog, they’d never have gotten so close.”

While Annie went to check on Derek, Jewel made Adam sit on the bunk so she could wrap something around his arm to absorb the blood. She tore linen strips to make a wide bandage.

“I don’t have time for this.” He frowned, attempting to get up.

Jewel shoved him back down, giving him a stem look. “If we don’t stop the bleeding, you’ll be no good to anyone.” While he sat impatiently, she quickly finished her task. “There. That will control the bleeding until I can clean it up later.”

Adam stood, pulling her up with him. “I don’t know what I ever did without you, sweetheart.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.

They looked at each other for a moment, neither saying a word. They didn’t have to. Adam reluctantly put her away from him. “I could use your help on deck with the wounded,” he said, already turning to leave.

“I’m coming.”

When they reached the deck, Jewel noticed the fog hadn’t improved. The sight of the wounds reminded her of her mishap with Lee. The thought of all the men dying made her stomach queasy, but now she could do something, and wasted little time before she started helping bandage and clean up the wounded crew members. The damage to the ship had to be repaired and, thank goodness, the men were soon patched up and ready to work. That is, all but one. Adam could be a stubborn man.

There had been several casualties, but Jewel hadn’t asked Adam who they were. The pirates’ bodies had already been removed from the deck. She saw a white canvas draped across a body, and went over to see who the victim was.

“No, Jewel!”

Adam’s warning came too late. Pulling the sheet back, she screamed. Hot tears burned her eyes, cascading down her cheeks. “No! Not Charlie!” He had always been so nice to her.

She felt someone touch her shoulder, and turned to find Adam beside her. She buried her head against his chest. “Charlie was such a good man,” she sobbed.

“I know, sweetheart.” Adam rubbed his hand up and down her back, trying to soothe her. “Those bloodthirsty pirates never give a damn who they kill! All they’re interested in is money.”

She stiffened at the mention of pirates. What would he do if he knew he held one in his arms? Would his love turn to hate? She wanted to cry even harder, but didn’t.

“What’s the matter?” he asked. He hugged her closer, then tilted her head up so he could see her expression.

“Nothing. Adam . . .” She looked up at him. “Do you believe all pirates are the same?”

“Yes, damn it! Look around you. The bloodthirsty pirates have killed some of my men.” His angry voice told her what she had wanted to know. “But do not worry, sweetheart. You’re safe.”

Jewel shut her eyes for an instant. He would never understand when she told him. She felt Adam stumble against her, and she glanced quickly at his face. His coloring was a pasty white from loss of blood.

“Adam, we
must
take care of your arm.”

“Not yet. We have to bury Charlie and the rest first.”

Jewel wanted to argue, but figured it would do no good.

The men wrapped the bodies in sailcloth and stood poised at the rail while Adam spoke compassionate words. Jewel thought of her bodyguard, Ben. He’d died trying to save her life, and yet she hadn’t been able to give him a decent burial. Tears started to fall freely from her eyes.

The sailors lifted the planks. She watched the frothing sea swallow the white bundles. Her stomach knotted and her heart twisted painfully because she’d never forgive herself for endangering her crew.

She watched the men as they stood by the railing, each seeming lost in his own thoughts. Slowly, they moved away from the side, going back to the work that needed to be done.

Jewel walked over to where Adam stood. He was slightly slumped as if he, too, carried the burden of war. “Now I’m going to take care of you. No arguments!”

Supporting his weight with her body, she helped him to their cabin. Once he was seated on the bunk, she skillfully stripped off his shirt and started to work. First, she gently sponged off the dried blood and cleaned his wound with water. It was a clean cut through the fatty flesh of his arm, and she didn’t think it would cause him any trouble. Perhaps a little discomfort for a few days, but he’d be fine. Thank God.

Once she’d finished, she felt Adam’s feverish eyes on her. His intense stare made her uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, wondering if she’d misjudged the severity of his injury. “Are you in pain?”

“Yes, but the pain is not in my arm.” He smiled lazily.

“How can you possibly think of
that
when . . . when you’re hurt?”

“Sweetheart, when you’re near me that’s
all
I think about.” Adam reached out, brushing the curve of her throat with his fingertips. “Make me forget, Jewel. Just make me forget.” With his good arm, he pulled her down onto the bed beside him. The lines of his mouth gentled as he looked at her. Pulling her close, he draped his arm across her and fell into an exhausted sleep.

Jewel curled up beside him. His breathing indicated he was sleeping peacefully, and his warm body invited her to snuggle closer. Closing her eyes, she was thankful the day was over.

The next few weeks were tranquil, with no sign of pirates. One morning Jewel awoke to find Adam had already left their bed. That itself was not unusual, but this morning something felt different. She sat up in bed, stretching. Getting out from under the covers, she moved over to the metal washbasin and splashed water on her face. Staring down at the water in the bowl, she noticed it wasn’t swaying. The ship wasn’t moving.

Running over to the porthole, she looked out onto a bustling dock.

They had landed!

Footsteps sounded in the hallway, and she turned. Adam stood in the open doorway. “I was wondering if you were going to sleep through our homecoming.”

Jewel moved toward him. “I can’t believe we’re finally here.”

“We’re in New Orleans, madam. My coach will take us to Four Oaks, so pack your things. You’ll be going to your new home.” He gave her a morning kiss.

“Is Annie packing?”

“Yes. She’ll stay at the main house for a while,” Adam explained. “Derek has a small home on my plantation, but it’s in need of repairs. They’ll reside at Four Oaks until the renovations can be made.”

“Oh.” At least not everyone would be unfamiliar.

After he left, Jewel dressed, choosing a burgundy wool gown that fit snugly at the waist and flared at the hips. The long sleeves would keep her warm and the dress was extremely comfortable for traveling. She brushed her hair until it shone with raven highlights. Her cheeks had taken on the same color as the dress.

Bundled up in her silver cape and hat, she went topside to join Adam by the rail.

“Welcome to New Orleans,” Adam said in greeting.

Jewel studied the levee and wharves, noticing the bustle of activity. Dockworkers, both white and black, worked at unloading the ships. She glanced to her left. As far as she could see, huge sailing vessels rested at anchor, displaying flags of many different countries.

“This place is vast. And there are so many ships.” Jewel pointed to one of the piers. “Are those bales of cotton over there?” The sounds of men grunting and groaning as they carried heavy crates off the ship floated in the air.

Adam’s eyes followed the direction in which she pointed. “That’s right. I’d say there are twenty thousand bales at the very least. That’s what we grow at Four Oaks. And look, there’s a load of tobacco coming in.” Adam pointed to a ship just rounding the bend of the river.

Jewel turned and watched the ship’s sails. “Tell me something about the city. It appears low. When I look over at those buildings, they seem lower than the Mississippi.” Jewel had never been to New Orleans. Her uncles used to come frequently, but she had never been allowed to leave the island.

“You’re very observant. In fact, the city is ten feet below the Gulf of Mexico. The earthen levees protect it on all sides from flood. The biggest problems they have are drainage and sanitation. You might say this city sits on top of the water, and if you dig down six feet, you’ll surely find water; they even have to bury their dead above ground in tombs.”

“Really?” Jewel frowned at the thought of coffins floating in water.

“That’s the bad side. But the good side is the beauty of the city, and the many cultures that are found here. Besides Americans, there are Spanish, French, and Cajun. I think you’ll like it here.”

Jewel knew she’d like New Orleans if it was anything like her uncles said. “Where is Four Oaks?”

“About an hour’s ride from here, and I believe it’s about time to head that way. Why don’t you go and get Annie? Our baggage is already on the carriage.”

“What about Derek?” she asked.

“He will look after unloading the ship; then he’ll take the
Wind Jammer
upriver to my private landing. He should join us at Four Oaks in a few days.”

Jewel found Annie, and after saying good-bye to the crew they headed down the plank. She saw Andy trying to keep up with Duke at the bottom. Laughing, she took the dog’s rope, then gave the boy a hug. “I won’t say farewell, because I expect to see you when you visit Four Oaks.”

Andy smiled. “Yes, mum, just as soon as I can.”

Carriages of various sizes awaited their passengers. Jewel and Adam walked over to a huge black traveling chaise where a set of steps had been lowered. Jewel had to smile. If they had been in England, the duke’s crest would have been boldly displayed. Evidently, Adam really did leave that aristocratic life behind when he came to America.

Putting Duke in the vehicle, Jewel prepared to climb in herself as another carriage pulled up. Several people turned to look at the gilded coach. It must be carrying someone important, Jewel thought.

The door opened, and a tall, serious-looking gentleman stepped out. “Adam Trent.” The man threw up his hand, gaining Adam’s attention. “I heard you were coming home.” The portly gentleman moved toward them. “You’ve stayed away much too long.”

“Governor Claiborne, it’s good to see you. I trust you’ve gotten New Orleans under control,” Adam answered with a smile.

Claiborne shook his head. “It’s been tough, old friend, but I’m still working on it.”

Adam had made a point of making the acquaintance of the first American governor of Louisiana.

“After you’re settled in, I’
d like to talk to you,” the governor stated.

“We are headed to Four Oaks now. Perhaps in a few days we can meet.”

“Wonderful. And once again, welcome home. Good day, Adam. Ma’am.” He tipped his hat to Jewel.

“Charles,” Adam said, stopping the governor, realizing he had not introduced Jewel.

“Yes?” Governor Claiborne turned back.

“I’d like to introduce you to my wife.”