Authors: Lynn Collum
The Captain (17 page)
His reverie was interrupted by the soft murmur of voices coming from down the hall. At first he paid no heed to the conversation, continuing to watch Jacinda as she playfully gathered roses with young Ben. But as the footsteps drew nearer, the speakers' words became distinct.
“I tell you, I think she's an imposter, my dear.”
Drew recognized Mrs. Devere's rather nasal voice.
“Don't be ridiculous, Mother. You have been reading too many of those silly novels. No one goes about trying to impersonate someone else.” Prudence Tyne sounded impatient, as if she'd heard her mother's lament before.
“Do
you
think she looks anything like the colorless child we remember? You were scarcely more than a child yourself when she left, but I do assure you, the Jacinda Blanchett I remember was as plain as a fence post, not to mention frail and sickly. Why, this woman is ...”
you
think she looks anything like the colorless child we remember? You were scarcely more than a child yourself when she left, but I do assure you, the Jacinda Blanchett I remember was as plain as a fence post, not to mention frail and sickly. Why, this woman is ...”
“Beautiful.” The word was almost a taunt.
Mrs. Devere made a discordant sound in her throat. “If you like that sort of pushing type. Why she was positively rude to you that first day. I can tell you that her mother would turn in her grave if she thought her daughter's conduct soâ”
“Perhaps I deserved it, Mama. It wasn't my place to be telling her who she can and cannot bring to her home. Honestly, Ben is a charming scamp once one gets to know him.”
Drew found himself liking Mrs. Tyne, despite her tendency to flirt. He'd picked up enough from Miss Markham and the servants to know that Prudence's marriage hadn't been a happy one. Despite her mother's standoffishness, Prudence had been, if not friendly, at least polite to Jacinda.
There was a moment of silence, as if the conversation had taken a turn Mrs. Devere didn't like. She brought it back round to Jacinda. “The point is, she looks as if she's never been sick a day in her life. Although, I often thought that Millicent did the child more harm than good with her infernal cosseting.”
“But, Mama, she is Jacinda, I see it in her eyes and she still has that tiny mole that Giles used to tease her about. How can you doubt her?”
The older woman harrumphed. “Well, maybe she is, but I'm not fool enough to think she and Captain Morrow are married.”
“Really?” There was a hint of hope in Mrs. Tyne's voice. “Why?”
“Use your head, Prudence. He comes here looking for news of her when he first arrives in the neighborhood then returns within a week married to a woman he hardly knows. 'Tis unbelievable, betrothal papers or no. There was no need for such a rush. And Martha told my maid she was certain they don't, well ... spend the nights together. It's a ruse, I tell you.”
Drew detested the smug certainty in the woman's voice. Even more, he hated that she was right and that she'd seen through their ploy.
“You cannot know that means anything. They are strangers. Perhaps they are taking matters slowly.”
“I have a woman's intuition, dear. They remain so formal and prickly. There's not the least bit of intimacy between them. They are not married, I'd wager my life on it.”
“They are newlyweds still learning how to deal with one another. Besides, I well know from my own experience there are many reason for odd behaviors in wedded couples.” She was quiet for a moment, then asked, “What would they gain by such a pretense?”
The strolling pair was drawing near to where Drew sat, unseen, in the alcove. He debated revealing himself to them, then thought there was no need. It was to his advantage that he could hear the unsolicited comments. He could only hope they didn't see him as they passed, for it would be difficult to explain why he hadn't shown himself.
Mrs. Devere sighed, “If you weren't forever looking at the captain like a silly green girl, it would be obvious. The marriage is for protection. As her husband, the captain would inherit if someone were to ... well, do away with Jacinda. If everyone thinks they are married, then there is little reason to harm her.”
To Drew's relief the two ladies walked past the alcove without a backward glance. They continued their leisurely pace toward the main drawing room. As they disappeared from sight, he heard Prudence say. “But that assumes money was the motive for the attack.”
“ 'Tis my belief that Mr. Wilkins had it all wrong about her fortune being the reason. Why, Jacob Blanchett was the worst kind of profligate both before and after his marriage. More likely it was some woman he wronged who hired those men to do him in. I truly believe the old saying âHell hath no fury like a woman scorned' is true. I doubt Jacinda is still in danger after so many years. Still, I should not have allowed my daughter to return with the murderer still at large.”
“It's rather unfortunate she has no mother or father to advise her, is it not?”
“In truth, the child is all alone if not for us.” The sound of a door opening and closing told Drew that the ladies had entered the room they were bound for.
He rose and looked out at Jacinda. Softly he said, “You have it wrong, madam, Jacinda is not alone.”
Drew headed straight to the rose garden where the duo greeted him. He offered to hold the basket, suggesting the lad go to the stables and have a groom saddle a horse. Drew promised he would be down for a lesson after he finished helping Jacinda with the roses.
Ben didn't need a second invitation. He thrust the basket at Drew, called a cheery good-bye to Jacinda, and disappeared down the path. Silence fell over the couple.
Uncertain where to begin, Drew at last turned to the mundane. “This is a pleasant garden.” His gaze swept the area. To his surprise, he caught sight of Mrs. Devere and Prudence who had them under observation from the Gold Drawing Room. There was no better time than now to dispel any doubts about a marriage. He put the basket down on the nearby bench and stepped up to Jacinda. “How are you feeling this morning, my dear?”
“Quite well, thank you. I did assure you yesterday's incident was nothing.” She smiled at him.
The watching ladies would grow bored and leave unless he took action. So without another word, he slid an arm round Jacinda's waist. The smile vanished and her eyes widened. “W-what are you doing, sir?” Her gaze remained riveted on his face but her voice was breathy, expectant.
He playfully took her chin and kissed her lightly on the mouth. She blinked up at him, uncertainty in her hazel eyes but no fear.
“Enjoying a husband's privilege.”
A frown touched her brow. “Do not think you can take advantageâ”
“My dear wife, do not ruin the show for your relatives. They have serious doubts as to our marriage.” She attempted to turn her head and look at the manor. He tightened his hold on her chin. Then his mouth closed over hers. At first she was stiff and unyielding to his touch. He lifted his head and smiled. “My dear, I won't hurt you, I promise. Kissing can be quite pleasant if you only give it a try.” There was some emotion in her eyes he couldn't define, then a glint of anger flashed. Her hand slid up behind his neck and she drew his mouth to her. This time her lips parted beneath his. The stiffness fell away from them. He pulled her yielding body to him. Unexpectedly a fire ignited deep inside Drew. The kiss deepened from show to real. He didn't care that there was someone observing them, he only cared about the woman in his arms. She was beautiful, desirable, and he wanted her.
“Captain Drew!” Ben shouted.
Drew suddenly wanted to throttle the lad behind the hedge.
“I'm saddled and ready.”
Drew released Jacinda and she looked up at him. To his utter dismay, unshed tears were pooled in her eyes. “The show is over, sir.” Without another word she grabbed her bonnet and the basket and hurried toward the house.
Drew stared after her. What had just happened? Ben's head appeared round the end of the hedges. “Captain, are you not ready?” The lad scanned the garden. “Is Jacinda safely inside?”
Drew looked from the manor to the lad eagerly waiting, but he couldn't leave her so upset. “I shall be with you shortly. I must have a word with Jacinda.” He needed a moment to evaluate what had just happened. He'd come out to convince Mrs. Devere and Mrs. Tyne of a marriage that didn't truly exist, but somewhere during his kiss with Jacinda, he'd realized he didn't want this to be a mere play. He wanted her to be his wife. He had fallen in love with Jacinda Blanchett.
Jacinda's anger fell away as soon as she entered the cool darkness of the rear hallway. She stood a moment with her back to the door hoping to gather her wits before she faced her family. It took a moment for her to realize she was really mad at herself. Deep down inside, she'd wanted Andrew Morrow to take her in his arms and kiss her. A true, soul-baring kiss, not one for some spectacle to convince her family. Her heart ached to think the kiss had meant nothing to him but was merely a means to a goal. Worse, she'd let her anger get the better of her and kissed him like a wanton.
She put the basket on a table along with her hat, then paused to look at herself in the mirror. Her color was heightened but there was no other signs of the turmoil in her breast. What did he think of her now? She tamped down her emotions and promised herself not to wear her heart on her sleeve. When this was over she would send him on his way with her thanks. She wouldn't force him to honor their parents' wishes.
She blinked back tears and when she was more herself she retrieved the basket and set out for the kitchen to arrange the roses she'd gathered. She'd gone scarcely half the length of the long hall when Giles Devere materialized from nowhere in the rear hall as if he had been waiting for her.
“Cousin Jacinda, I have been wanting a word alone with you.”
She was in no mood for whatever he had to say, still too shaken by the events in the garden. “Pray, forgive me, cousin, I am rather busy and cannotâ”
A determined set transformed his round face. He reached out and grabbed her sleeve as she moved to go around. “Forgive me, cousin, but I cannot delay my request, it's most urgent. Might I trouble you for an advance on my next quarters' allowance? I've written to Mr. Wilkins but he's failed to respond so I've decided to throw myself on your mercy. Debt of honor and all.”
Her gaze went to his face. In a moment of clarity, she saw the same weakness that had been said to have plagued his late father. She was well familiar with gamesters who frequented the tenements of London when a roll of the dice had left them penniless. There could be little doubt that Giles was such a one. “Cousin, you must deal with Mr. Wilkins. I fear I cannot help you for I am not yet in control of my fortune.”
His mouth twisted into an ugly gash as his hand gripped at her arm. “Don't you understand. I cannot continue to game with these men if I don't pay. I know there is a strong box for estate expenses and I mustâ”
“Unhand my wife, sir.”
Giles released her arm and stepped back as the captain came striding up the hall. “Morrow! IâI didn't hear you approach.”
Jacinda was torn. A part of her was glad Drew had arrived at just that moment, yet a part of her couldn't face him after the humiliating incident in the garden.
“If your pockets are to let, Mr. Devere, you will please discuss such matters with me in the future and not harass my wife.”
Giles eyed the captain warily then a cunning look came into his face. “As you wish, sir.” His gaze moved back to Jacinda and, fool that he was, he did little to hide his malice. “Did I mention that I have greetings from Lady Bancroft for you? But then, you would remember her only as Miss Amberly. The earl is practically at death's door so she is most anxious to renew her acquaintance with you, her true love, I believe.”
Jacinda's heart twisted. So the squire's daughter wanted to renew old ties. She glanced at the captain's face but it was an unreadable mask. Did he still harbor feelings for his first love? A throbbing started at the back of Jacinda's eyes and she suddenly realized she needed to go to her room. “Forgive me, but I have had too much sun and fear my head aches.”
The captain took the basket of roses and shoved them at Giles. “Deliver these to the housekeeper then await me in the library. Jacinda, allow me to escort you to your room.”
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