Authors: Janelle Taylor
“There, there, Alex. Don’t worry, child. I have the perfect solution,” he comforted the girl who was unknowingly in love with Spencer Farrington. “You rest while I make a call on someone. I’ll be back shortly.” Spence was in for the shock of his life!
As he closed the door, he could hear Alex weeping as if her tender and ravaged heart was broken. When he discovered Spencer had already left the hotel, he immediately headed for the dock, only to discover Spencer had sailed at dawn. Furious and desperate, he called on their mutual and influential friend Madison for his assistance. After a private discussion, they came up with a daring plan.
Madison stood before his window watching Henry Cowling’s solemn departure. Reflecting upon a conversation between himself and Spencer months ago, he grimaced in sympathy for both Spencer and Alex.
The winning had neither been painless nor light. Yet, he could only presume Spencer had deep feelings for this English girl; else, he would never have kept her as his captive mistress for weeks on end. Astute, he knew that portentous petticoat and this English girl were somehow connected.
Why had Spencer deceived him, and what innocent role had this girl played in his moody silence? He shook his head sadly. So much anguish for a harmless mistake! What would Spencer feel and think when he eventually discovered that coded message was actually being passed between two of his cohorts, patriotic men whose loyalties rested with the Americans, one still unknown to him? Would Lady Alexandria ever forgive him for an error which cost her so much? Was it right to wed them by proxy? Yes, an innocent child made it so! Knowing Spencer Farrington so well, Madison felt he would accept their hasty actions. Spencer was an honorable man who would accept his responsibilities to Alex and his child.
Suddenly, irrepressible chuckles claimed the powerful man. Surely this was a union designed by the fates. Before this day was passed, Spencer would be legally bound to the very girl he had avoided like the plague, the very girl he had chosen himself! How would that proud and valiant man feel when he learned his wife and his dream-girl were the same woman?
Henry returned to the hotel and told Alex to get bathed and dressed. Without asking questions, she did
so reluctantly, then joined him in the other room. She sat down, her head hung in shame and dejection.
“Everything’s settled, Alex. You’ll be married within the hour to a good friend of mine,” he cheerfully informed the distraught girl.
“Married? To whom? How?” she stammered, dreading to believe the fates had entrapped her in a desperate snare of her own making, helplessly caught in a web of her own lies to Joshua…
“You probably don’t know this, but your father and Sir William Farrington were arranging a marriage between you and Spencer, his grandson. But like you, Spencer doesn’t wish to marry or settle down. Yet, he must to please his grandfather and avoid disinheritance. I spoke with him before he left on business and he’s agreed to marry you by proxy. He left his seal with me. It’s all arranged. I have a trusted man waiting to stand in for him. Then, there’s a ship heading for England later today. I’ll put you on it. The English are waging a bitter war to the North. They’re also heading this way from the South, and they’re about to blockade the entire coastline. I need to get you out of here while I can. Three ships will be travelling together for safety.”
Astounded, she debated, “Spencer Farrington agreed to marry me? Does he know about the baby?”
“Yes,” he continued his desperate lies, knowing he would explain everything to Spencer when he next saw him. In light of these circumstances, what could he say or do? Nothing, the irresponsible rogue! He
would leave it up to Spencer to reveal the entire truth to Alex; damnit, he owed her that much and more! “He’ll claim the baby as his. We’ll date the license for two months past.”
“But I’ve never met Spencer. How will I explain my lack of knowledge about my own husband?” she reasoned.
“You aren’t the only one who’s seen or met that dauntless pirate, Alex. In my secret dealings with privateers, I have also met him. But I dared tell no one about him for fear of implicating myself. If only you’d told me about Steele upon your return. Zounds, girl! I saw him just yesterday. If I had known the truth then…” He halted, knowing it was too late to recall it.
“Strange as it sounds, Steele and Spencer are enough alike in appearance and character to be brothers. Just describe Steele to anyone who questions you and they’ll never guess the truth. Plus, I’ll fill you in on his life and work here. I know his comings and goings, so you’ll have accurate facts to relate to Will and your father. So you see, if the baby favors his father, it won’t matter at all. Spencer’s troubles are solved and so are yours. If either of you desires a divorce later, the other must agree.”
“From what I’ve heard about Spencer Farrington, this generosity is hard to believe. Will it be legal?”
“Of course, child; it’s done all the time when the groom can’t make the wedding for one reason or another. All that is required is his signature and his
seal. I have both. Time is short, so let’s be off.”
Her head was spinning with this curious whirl of events. Before it cleared, she was on a ship heading home: Lady Alexandria Hampton Farrington! Travelling under a letter of protection signed by President Madison himself and another by Lord Spencer Farrington, Alex was secure from danger from either side! Still, she pondered Spencer’s motives. She suddenly recalled the conversation between Lucy and Cassandra. She smiled in ironic amusement as she stared at the gold band upon her finger; Lucy had been correct. He had married a highborn, wealthy, and attractive lady!
Alex’s problems were solved and perhaps his were too. If only she had met him just once, this ruse wouldn’t be so difficult. Her father was in for the shock of his life when she returned home not only wed and pregnant, but by the man with whom he was so craftily arranging such feats! Well, it was done. Joshua was out of her life for good. A marriage in name only and for convenience was the answer for her since Joshua would be there between them.
During the three week voyage, Alex’s morning sickness vanished and her figure gradually expanded. She would need to order new dresses the moment after her arrival. If the American doctor was correct, the baby was due sometime in April, nine months after the alleged date upon her marriage license, a year after their first meeting.
Upon her arrival, Alex ordered a carriage to take her
home. When Daxley opened the door to find her standing there, he shouted in surprise and pleasure. At the mention of her name, her father came rushing from his library. He couldn’t believe his eyes, which were watering with joy.
“Alex!” he joined in the merriment. “How did you get here? We’re at war with America. Did Henry come with you?” his questions tumbled one over the other.
Elated to be home, she wept in joy and relief. At last, her wonderful and tormenting experiences were over. She hugged her father tightly, who instantly noticed her protruding stomach. He leaned back and stared at her, at a loss. “What’s this?” he asked, patting her tummy.
She grinned and calmly stated, “Your first grandchild, naturally. Uncle Henry thought we would be safer here, so he sent us home. The President himself sent along an official letter of protection. We had a small fleet of three ships for safety. Oh, Papa, so much has happened,” she rushed on excitedly, forgetting to mention any husband to her alarmed father.
“I can see that for myself, Alex. Is there some logical explanation for this condition?” he demanded, his tone stern and shaky.
She burst into laughter. “Perhaps this will explain everything,” she hinted, handing him the rolled parchment secured by a blue ribbon.
He accepted it, then read it after removing the confining ribbon. His eyes widened in astonishment. “You and Spencer Farrington were married in July?”
he asked incredulously.
“July fifteenth, to be exact, Papa. You did say I could marry some worthy American if I found one,” she impishly reminded him, playing this necessary role with skill and relief. “He’s absolutely magnificent, Papa. Eyes as blue as rich sapphires…hair of shiny sable…so proud and strong and handsome… I’ve never met any man like Spence,” she murmured dreamily as she assumed a bride of nearly four months would do.
While she had his undivided attention, she went on romantically, “Have you ever met him, Papa? He could charm candy from a baby. He’s tall and has the broadest shoulders. He…”
He cut her off, “Where is this matchless son-in-law, pray tell?”
“Oh! I forgot to tell you,” she shrieked, then laughed. “Spence was away on business when the opportunity came to leave. He left orders for Uncle Henry to put me on the first safe ship. He’s to join us as soon as possible. Spence and Uncle Henry were afraid for me and the baby; things are terrible in some places. I hope it doesn’t take long for him to join me; I miss him already,” she pouted convincingly.
“Was it safe for you to travel in this condition?” he asked like a worried father.
She smiled. “The baby isn’t due until mid-April, Papa. I’m perfectly fine. Spence wouldn’t have permitted me to travel if it weren’t safe.”
He abruptly began to laugh, the side-splitting kind.
She gaped at him. “Papa? Are you all right?” she. teased.
“Surely this match was meant to be, Alex. Will and I just signed the agreement for an alliance between you and Spencer,” he mirthfully confessed.
“Papa!” she scolded him. “What if I had married someone else? You shouldn’t have done that without speaking with me first.”
“What difference does it make now? You two are already married. Very married,” he added, patting her tummy again.
“Charles Hampton,” she chided, “you are a lecherous old man!”
“But an ecstatically happy one. Let’s hope and pray Spence makes it home by Christmas,” he ventured, hugging her affectionately.
Christmas came, with no Spencer. St. Valentine’s Day passed and still there was no Spencer. The rebirth of spring came with her lush greens, colorful wildflowers, heavy rains, and gusty winds: still no Spencer arrived nor was there any word from him. Naturally Alex understood these things, but neither Charles nor Will did. They worried over his safety during the continual war. Countless British ships of varying sizes and types had been sunk. Violent conflicts had occurred in several locations.
Afraid of an accident during the snows and rains, Will called on Alex at the Hampton Manor rather than risking her visits to Farrington Estates. They had become close friends, sharing many happy and serene
afternoons and dinners. They had taken walks together and conversed for hours. She had played the piano for him and entertained him with the stories supplied by her thoughtful and cautious uncle.
Will came to love and respect Alex as his own daughter. He marveled at the growth of his greatgrandchild as it vividly proclaimed its presence. He prayed Spencer would arrive before its birth. It saddened him to think of his beloved grandson separated from his lovely and devoted wife for such a long time. He was beaming with pride and love, delighted with Spencer’s choice of a bride. He couldn’t wait to congratulate him.
In her condition, Alex was given an excuse to decline most social invitations. She spent hours exercising like the doctor suggested to assist an easier birth and to retain her health and looks. Yet, each day which drew the baby’s birth closer, fear increased within her. Her fear was enmeshed with sadness and strain. Not for one day had she forgotten Joshua. Each time his child moved, she would caress her stomach and think of him.
During that second week of April, Alex was plagued by a dull backache and irregular pains. Suddenly she comprehended what was happening. Panicked, she alerted her father to her first signs of labor. To everyone’s relief, only six hours later, a small son was born to Lady Alexandria Hampton Farrington. The doctor attributed her excellent condition and the baby’s tiny size to the uncomplicated and hasty
birthing of the child. Still dazed after the ordeal and her exertions, when asked what his name would be, she smiled happily and stated, “Joshua Stephen,” before she fell into deep slumber.
She was awakened to the crying of her son as he demanded his dinner. She gently and anxiously accepted him from the genial and competent nurse hired by her father. Almost reluctantly afraid to handle the tiny and squirming bundle of squalling life, Martha had to gently coax the apprehensive new mother. Alex flushed as she listened to the older woman’s instructions on how to feed the baby. Her embarrassment faded swiftly as she gazed into the small pink face with a head of dark hair. He sucked greedily at his mother’s milk-laden breasts and she laughed at the tickling sensation.
“My son,” she whispered in amazement. “Oh, Joshua,” she sadly murmured, referring to his father instead of to her baby as the elderly nurse presumed. Alex clutched him tightly to her and sang softly to him as he nursed. When he was done, Martha placed him in the cradle near her.
Her heart full of love and pride, she watched him for a time. Would it be over now? Had her forbidden and mysterious love come full circle? It had been a year ago this very month when she had first met her dashing pirate. They had shared a union as serene as a tranquil ocean and as violent as a storm at sea. She had lost him; yet, she would always have a part of him in their son. The love and the ache would be there for a long time, perhaps forever. Yet, his son would bring
her the love and joy which his father had cruelly denied her. In a tragic way, Joshua was the real loser; he would never see or know his own son. Time, that was what she needed…
She snuggled into her pillow and slept peacefully, knowing April would always be special and difficult for her.
“Every tongue brings in a several tale,
Every tale condemns me for a villain.”
—
Richard II,
William Shakespeare
“Don’t be silly, Will,” Alex teased the elderly gentleman. “He isn’t going to break. He’s six weeks old. Here, hold your great-grandson for a moment while I get his bath ready,” she encouraged, giggling at his look of fear, recalling how she had felt the same way that first time Martha had offered him to her.
“Such a tiny bundle. Spence’ll be sorry he missed his birth. Have you heard from him yet, Alex?” he asked sadly.
“Not yet, Will, but I’m sure he’s fine. Nothing and no one could harm him or keep him away too much longer,” she comforted the man who was growing weaker every day. She sincerely hoped Spencer would make it home to visit before it was too late. She also prayed her uncle had related all the necessary details of the wedding to match their stories. Besides, she was looking forward to meeting this elusive and mysterious man who had stolen and abused so many hearts.
The groom finally came to assist the old gentleman home. Alex walked to his carriage to say goodbye. “If you’re feeling up to it, Will, join us for dinner
tomorrow night. We’ll put our heads together and see if we can come up with some way to reach my errant husband,” she playfully stated to bring a smile to his face.
“How could I refuse an invitation like that? Did Spence tell you what to name the baby?” he asked from the blue.
She smiled and shook her head. “We really never discussed it; time was short,” she answered truthfully, winking at him.
“Then he’s in for a pleasant surprise,” he remarked, not commenting further. If he had, the truth might have come to light, much to Alex’s shock and pleasure. Will waved as he was driven away.
Guilt flooded Alex at her blatant ruse. How would Spencer behave when he finally came home? How should she behave? Everyone would expect them to act like starstruck lovers reunited after a terrible separation of months; could they carry it off? Would such a romantic ruse have any effect upon him, upon her? She couldn’t guess until she met him.
Alex returned to her room. The baby was sleeping soundly. She watched him for a time. He would doubtlessly favor his father. She hoped her uncle was right when he said Spencer had sable hair and blue eyes, for Joshua’s son certainly did. If Spencer would come home just once and meet her, she could decide what course of action to take. She couldn’t keep making excuses for his absence forever. He had agreed to this mock marriage; the least he could do was make
an appearance! If he wanted a divorce, she would gladly grant it. He had helped her out of a terrible situation. Perhaps he wouldn’t wish one until after his grandfather’s death. At least she had earned Spencer a greater measure of love, happiness, and respect in the old man’s heart. Still, this ruse couldn’t continue much longer without some help from him.
Seeing the wondrous product of her love for Joshua, Alex felt drawn to the spot of their first meeting. She hadn’t gone there since that fated day. She yanked off her clothes and pulled on a riding habit. She told the horrified nurse she was going for a ride. She calmed the woman by promising only to allow the horse to walk.
True to her word, Alex assumed a leisure and safe pace. Since the baby was six weeks old, surely her body was healed. She revelled in the warm May air, suddenly realizing tomorrow would be June first!
How swiftly and eventfully time had passed since her meeting by the pond with Stephen. This time last year, she had just arrived in America. Now, she was safely home and had a six-week-old son by a man who would no doubt haunt her forever. She weaved her way through the overgrown path into a world set apart from reality. She looked around; it was like truly coming home at last.
She walked to the pond and sat down upon the grassy bank. Too cool to take a swim and risk a cold, she dangled her feet in the sensuous water. Her palms pressed to the ground behind her, she leaned back and
closed her eyes. The sun was warm and relaxing; sweet fragrances filled her nostrils; the birds sang as if for her enjoyment alone. She withdrew her feet and stretched out by the pond, trailing her fingers in the water. She dreamily closed her eyes once more to allow her senses to extract the intangible beauty and uniqueness of nature. In this dreamy setting, her mind began to drift…
“I don’t believe it,” came the mellow sound of that never-to-be-forgotten voice.
Her eyes flew open; she stared up at the vital man towering over her. It couldn’t be! As if frozen, she could neither speak nor move. He knelt down beside Alex, her gaze never leaving his arresting face and mesmerizing aura. Was there no place she could ever hide from him? Did she even want him out of her life forever? Her heart and body became instant traitors to her. Her pulse raced and her body enflamed.
“I’m sure we’re thinking the same question, so I’ll answer first. I just arrived.” His eyes noticeably slipped to her flat stomach. A scowl lined his impressive features. “Did you lose the baby, or am I a proud father by now?” he asked coldly.
She paled and trembled. She was sorely tempted to lie, but felt she couldn’t carry it off under his piercing stare. “I have a son,” she whispered, stressing the first word.
“I beg to disagree, love, but we have a son. Where is he?” he demanded, furiously noting the gold circle upon her left hand. “Who’s the lucky man?” he
contemptuously snarled.
She suddenly moved as if to jump up and dash for safety. He grabbed her by the waist and sent her none too gently to the ground, flat on her back with her wrists pinned above her head. Lying upon her to prevent any further struggle, his grasp tightened upon her wrists. She cried out in pain.
“You’re hurting me, Josh!”
‘No more than you hurt me, woman! Where’s my son? How dare you prevent me from having him!” he shouted at the defenseless girl.
“Did you think I would just lie there waiting for you to return with your American friends or some trunk to stuff me in until you could imprison me upon your ship again? My God, Stephen, what about our child?”
He looked at her in a strange manner. “You stupid fool! I went to get a man to marry us. I was going to leave you at my home until I could return!” he stormed at her.
Her look of shock couldn’t be fake. “You were going to marry me?”
“Absolutely! You were carrying my first child. And…damnit, Angel! I love you and need you. A day hasn’t passed I didn’t think about you.”
“You love me? I don’t believe you! You’ve never even hinted at any strong feelings for me, except for carnal desire!” she resisted him.
“It’s clear your fiery passions have been sated more than mine! How could you marry another man? How could you let him touch you?” he thundered his
jealousy and rage.
“But he hasn’t touched me. And he never will! No man has but you, Josh,” she instantly argued.
“You expect me to believe a man could live with you without touching you? Don’t take me for a fool, Angel!” he snarled harshly at her deception.
“I swear it, Josh! The man I wed needed a wife for business reasons, and you know why I needed a husband! We made a bargain: marriage in name only until one or the other wanted freedom. I’ve never been in his room or he in mine. Nothing has happened between us. How could it when I was carrying your child? I love you, Josh. I have since that first day here.”
They stared at each other, weighing and absorbing these facts. “I should have told you my plans before I left the hotel. I was coming back to marry you, love.”
Tears brimmed in her green eyes and flowed into her tawny hair. “I didn’t know, Josh. I never even suspected such an incredible thing. I didn’t have any reason to trust you. I had to think about the baby. It’s like the fates are battling over our destinies. One is frantically and cruelly trying to keep us apart; another is struggling to throw us together. It isn’t fair, Stephen,” she cried out in anguish, weeping and trembling.
He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. “Don’t worry, love; we’ll figure something out,” he offered her solace with words and caresses.
“You mean you still want us?” she fearfully asked.
He smiled tenderly. “Both of you and as soon as possible.”
She hugged him fiercely. “I was afraid I’d never see you again. What will we do if my husband changes his mind and refuses me a divorce?”
“I’ll kill him first!”
“You can’t! You’re in enough danger as Joshua Steele without adding murder to your list of infamy. I’ll talk with him. If he refuses to comply with our bargain, I’ll take the baby and leave. You should see him, Josh. He’s beautiful. He has your eyes and hair. When he gets older, he’ll look just like you. He coos and holds your finger tightly. He’s the most wonderful gift in the whole world. I didn’t know it was possible to feel so much love and pride. Sometimes I think my heart will burst with them.”
He watched the softened lights which glowed in her eyes. “Motherhood becomes you, love. I didn’t think it possible for you to grow more radiant and beautiful, but you have.” He kissed her deeply and Alex hungrily responded.
“Let’s go see him now. You can come with me this minute,” he eagerly stated.
“I can’t. The minute anyone lays eyes on you, the truth will be as clear as this pond. I told you; he looks just like you. Are you forgetting the power of a man’s pride? To see you standing there with me would only inspire him to fight us. Please let me handle it my way,” she pleaded. She would discuss Spencer’s obvious disinterest and desertion with her father. She
would make him help her get a divorce, then she would leave with her true love.
“I want to see our son,” he stubbornly insisted.
She pondered these intertwined problems. She brightened. “I’ll bring Josh here to see you at midday tomorrow.”
“Josh?” he echoed.
She laughed in blissful elation. “I’m a wicked woman, Stephen. I named our son Joshua Stephen. Of course you can change his name after we’re married if you prefer another one,” she jested.
He smiled broadly. “How did you plan to forget me after naming our son after me?” he merrily hinted.
“How could I possibly forget you when your son is steadily becoming your spitten image? Anyway, I was half asleep when they asked me, and I gave the first and most appropriate answer,” she happily retorted.
“No need to change his name. I like your choices very much. Joshua was special to me long ago and Stephen is my name.”
“Stephen what?” she boldly inquired.
“I’ll tell you the moment I gaze into the face of my son,” he teased. “Deal?”
“Anything you say, my love,” she dreamily agreed.. A worried look chased her smile and glow away.
“What’s wrong, love?” he asked.
“When we go to America, would you give up the sea and stay home with us? I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you again. It’s so dangerous, Stephen. You could be killed, or captured, or wounded. Please give
up Steele. We could live in a grass shack for all I care. I only want you safe and near.”
He caressed her cheek. “Those are precisely my plans, love. I have a family to think about now. I promise to be around to watch him grow up and you grow out with our next child.”
“Another child?” she echoed in wonder.
“‘It isn’t uncommon for a baby to follow such abundant acts of passion,’” he quoted her words from the day at the hotel in Washington. “I don’t plan a celibate life like your present husband has followed.”
She giggled. “I know I’m still rather green in such matters, Captain Steele, but I think he has some problem which prevents anything between us. I would kill him if he tried to touch me,” she vowed seriously.
“You’re right, love; I think I have some lucky lodestar guiding me. We always seem to find each other again. Maybe it’s the goddess of the black mist. She certainly seems to favor me at sea.”
“You will be here tomorrow, won’t you?” he asked anxiously. “If you’re not, I’ll search heaven, earth, and hell until I find you,” he playfully threatened.
“Nothing and no one can ever keep us apart again, Stephen. I’ll be here. If he refuses an agreeable divorce, I’ll bring the baby and never look back.”
“Who is this ‘he’ you keep referring to?” he questioned.
“I’ll tell you everything tomorrow, my love. I don’t want you tempted to come and sneak a look at our son. It could spoil everything, and we’re too close to our
life together. Please, do as I ask this time.”
“For once, I trust you implicitly.”
“I love you so much, Stephen.”
His mouth closed upon hers and his hand sought her breast. His mouth seared hers. God, how she wanted and needed him. As his hand slipped under her skirt and sought another place of agonizing need, she writhed in urgent desire to possess him instantly and desperately.
In frustration and anguish, she cried out and thrashed upon the grass. She opened her eyes, her body damp and taut with the emotions tormenting it. She looked around in confusion. Where was Stephen? She turned over and wept bitterly, the beautiful and all-too-real dream vanished. She cried for a long time.
“Why do you torture me this way, Stephen? That’s how it should be! That’s how it should be,” she wretchedly moaned.
Her breasts ached with the fullness of milk. It was past Josh’s feeding time. She slowly pushed herself up to a sitting position. She struggled to pull herself together before returning home. Somehow and some way, she had to dispel his magical touch…
Alex rode home at that same slow pace, the stepping of her beloved horse bringing discomfort to her breasts each time he put his hooves down. She dismounted with the assistance of a groom and hurried inside. The nurse was beside herself with worry and annoyance.
“I was about to send someone to search for you,
Lady Farrington. The baby has been crying for nearly half an hour. I feared some harm had befallen you,” she ranted on and on.
Tempted to demand she shut up, Alex fiercely resisted that needed release. She had the right to worry and scold her. “I’m sorry, Martha. When I halted to rest, I fell asleep. I dared not rush back, so I came as quickly as I could. It won’t happen again,” she promised like an errant child, the realistic dream still tormenting her.