A Pirate's Ransom (7 page)

Lady Catherine

The next morning I was eager to get up on deck to see Edmund. I donned my light blue gown as Mary said no man could resist me in it because it matched my eyes. Excitement jumped in my stomach as I rushed up the passageway and out into the sunshine to find the Captain, but he was not there. After talking to Mister Smith, I learned that during the night we had dropped anchor close to an uncharted island and that Edmund and a few of the men had taken a launch and gone to explore.

A profound sense of sadness flooded me, and I dragged myself to the galley to get something to eat. Sitting there among the crew, I was told more of the Captain’s plan. Should the island prove to be uninhabited and of no danger, a day ashore would be our reward. Delight jumped in my stomach, and I thought my heart would burst with glee. I could not say how long I had been aboard ship, but the thought of going ashore made me giddy.

The sweet aroma of rich soil, lush greenery and wild tropical flowers drifted toward me as the launch neared the beach. It was nearly noon by the time all the small boats had reached the shore. When the craft I was in approached the island, Edmund waded out into the water and lifted me into his arms.

“Fear not, Milady, I shall see you safely and dryly to shore.”

A giggle bubbled out of me, and I buried my face against his chest. When we reached the shore, he allowed my body to slide down the front of his and he held me there for the briefest of moments. My heart fluttered as I looked up into his clear green eyes, which danced with amusement. Others moved around us, yet they melted from my sight.

To my amazement, he knelt before me. “Allow me to help you remove your shoes, Milady.”
He’s so strong, yet with me he’s so gentle.

It was then I noticed he was barefooted and his dark trousers were rolled up to the knee. His warm fingers lingered upon my ankles as he removed my slippers and then tossed them upon the beach. The sand beneath my feet reminded me of my island home and a feeling of joy filled my heart.

Standing, he took my hand in his and said, “Come, Catherine, there is something I wish to show you.”

Holding onto his hand, I allowed him to lead me up the beach to where some trees and shrubs provided a small area of privacy. Leading me into the shade, he reached under a bush and produced a colorful bouquet of exotic island flowers he had tied with a dark ribbon.

“Oh, Edmund, they are beautiful.” The fragrance of the wild blooms smelled sweeter than any perfume.

“Not nearly as beautiful as you, Milady,” he said, drawing me into his embrace.

The sounds of activity we had left behind us seemed to vanish. I looked up into his deep green eyes and he held me close to him. “I wish to memorize everything about you, Catherine.”

“Why, when you see me daily?”

He remained silent, and when I rested my head against his heart, he sighed deeply.

“Edmund, there is something I wish to tell you.”

“What is it?” He drew away from me and gazed deeply into my eyes. Concern etched upon his brow.

“As you know when you took me from the ship that day, I was bound for London to be married to the Duke of Devonshire.”

Something flashed behind his eyes for a brief moment but was quickly gone. “Yes, I am aware of that.”

“But what you may not be aware of is that my father arranged the marriage, and it is one I was not anxious to enter into. Having never met his Grace, I was given to understand that he is an elderly gentleman.”

“Yes, I believe the Duke of Devonshire is quite on in years.”

“What I want to tell you is ... well ... I prayed something would happen to prevent me from ever reaching England and from being forced into a loveless marriage to an elderly man I had never met.”

He chuckled, and fearing his rebuke I rushed on.

“However, I did not wish for pirates. I had seen pirates once when they came to our island.”

“I am deeply wounded to find I am not the first pirate you have encountered.”

“Yes, actually you are. I managed to escape those who attacked our island.”

“How did you accomplish that?”

“I took the children from the orphanage and we hid in the empty tomb behind the parish church, so we were unharmed. The outcome was not so pleasant for some.”

“That was a very brave thing to do, Catherine. I feel it safe to say I do not know any other woman who possesses your courage.”

“Thank you, Captain, but you must realize that when I prayed for something to happen to prevent me from reaching England, I never asked to be captured by fearsome pirates. Do you think less of me?”

He laughed. “Think less of you, no.”

“What amuses you then?”

“I have been called many things in my life, Milady, but never an answer to someone’s prayers.”

He placed a soft kiss upon my forehead. “Come, we should get back to the landing sight. This is an island of plenty, and we are to lunch here on the beach.”

A great smile spread across my face.

“This pleases you, Milady?”

“Yes, very much.”

“I thought it might. Come, I have a few more surprises in store for you.”

Holding my hand, he drew me beside him and we walked hand-in-hand back toward the others.

The pirates had outdone themselves. Wild game birds roasted over open fires, and I nearly drooled when the aroma drifted to me. Vast plates of fruits and wild vegetables were laid out, and Cook drew roasted potatoes from the fire. Deep red wine accompanied our meal, and we took our fill of it all.

“I do not believe I have ever eaten so much food or taken so much wine.” I leaned against Edmund as we padded barefoot along the beach. The sounds of fiddle music and the laughter of the group we left behind drifted to us across the sand.

“Do you miss your home on the Island, Catherine?”

“No, not really, but I do miss the children.”

His eyebrow rose. “Children?”

I couldn’t help but giggle. “Oh, not my children, the island children.” He looked relieved.

“I taught them to speak English and to read. As I mentioned, there is an orphanage on the island and I visited it frequently. The children there loved to hear me read. They have nothing, yet it takes so little to make them smile. I wish I could have done more to help them. Reading to them was a small thing, but it made them so happy.”

“You love children, don’t you?”

“Yes. I hope to have some of my own one day.” A frown creased my brow at the thought of my uncertain future.

“I have known many women of privileged birth and none of them speak so passionately and lovingly about children. In fact, for the most part, they view them as an inconvenience and simply ignore them.”

I laughed. “I believe you have found I’m not like most women.”

“Aye, you will garner no argument from me on that point.”

“And what of you, Captain Drake? Do you dream of settling down one day and having a brood of children?”

“Aye, I hope to settle down one day, but I don’t know about having a brood of children. I would be happy with a few.”

“Do you have any brothers or sisters?” he asked.

“No, my mother died of consumption when I was a child. What of you? Do you have any siblings, perhaps a brother who is also a pirate?”

His expression grew dark for a moment. “No, no one.”

I sensed a change in his mood so I did not query him further. We walked hand-in-hand in silence along the beach for a few moments, enjoying the sound of the surf and the feeling of the sand upon our feet.

“Are you happy, Catherine?”

“More than I have ever been.”

“I have something I wish to give you. Another surprise,” he said, drawing me along toward some large rocks at the water’s edge. Lifting me into his arms, he carried me through the shallow pool of water where the tide lapped against the stones. Being held in his strong arms gave me a feeling of security I never experienced before. A warm sensation filled my heart and I rested my head against his shoulder. He held me closely as he waded through the water. The sound of the thundering waves was surpassed by the thundering of my heart. He sat me upon one of the large rocks and climbed up beside me.

“Why is it you do not fear me? It puzzles me that you never did.”

“I did on the first day, but I would never let you see that. From the moment you came into my life, you protected me and make me feel safe, despite the fact that you are a fearsome pirate. You are courageous and unlike any man I have ever known, but still, there must be something that you fear, Captain.”

“Aye, I fear not being able to save those that I love.”

He grew pensive so I did not press him for details and I couldn’t help but feel he was not accustomed to sharing his feelings and especially not his fears.
Unable to save those he loves
, I wonder who it was he had loved and lost and why this strong man felt responsible for not being able to save them.

Questions burned on my lips and when I was about to voice them, the waves crashed against the rocks with a great thundering sound and sent sea spray high up into the air. I jumped in surprise.

“The sea is a powerful mistress,” he said.

“One I would imagine it would be difficult to pull away from.”

He did not reply, but after a moment he asked, “Are you ready for your next surprise, Milady?”

“Yes.” I couldn’t keep the giggle of excitement from my voice.

“Close your eyes then and do not open them until I tell you to,” he instructed. “Now put out your hand.”

I did as he asked and was rewarded with the feeling of something rough, cold, and wet resting in the palm of my hand.

I must have frowned because a chuckle came from deep in his chest.

“What is it?”

“Open your eyes and see.”

There in the palm of my hand sat an odd-shaped shell that had been pried opened.

“What is it?” I asked again.

“That, my dear, is an oyster.”

“An oyster?”

“Yes, some believe them to be a culinary delight and quite the aphrodisiac, but if you look there you will see its hidden treasure.”

I peered closely to find a beautiful pearl.

“Oh my! Is that a pearl?”

“Yes.”

“Why Edmund, it’s beautiful.”

“It is, and it’s yours.”

“Oh, Edmund.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him to me.

“We shall have it placed in a mounting and perhaps string it on your bracelet with the ruby heart.”

“Thank you, Edmund. You dote upon me fiercely.”

“Captain ... might I have a word?” Smith called from the shore.

“That man certainly could do to work on his timing.” Edmund scowled.

“It’s all right. We probably should rejoin the others.”

He hopped off the rocks into the shallow pool and again lifted me into his arms, cradling me there like a child. For a long moment, we stared into each other’s eyes.

“This day has been for you, Catherine,” he whispered.

Warmth filled my heart and something unfamiliar ... feelings I could not name, feelings for this handsome pirate captain. “Thank you, Edmund. It has been the most pleasant day I have known.”

He waded back to shore and gently set my feet upon the sand.

“I will hurry along and find Mary,” I said, not quite sure of how to excuse myself gracefully and afford the men a measure of privacy.

“Me Lady,” Smith greeted with a nod of his head.

I smiled my acknowledgment to him, but as I retreated to allow them a moment, I was surprised when I overheard Smith admonishing Edmund. I didn’t want to listen, but I couldn’t help myself and slowed my pace.

“Need I remind ye o’ the prize ... and that prize ain’t The Countess,” Mister Smith said.

“Smith, you forget your place.”

“Beggin’ yer pardon, Captain, n’ with all due respect, aside from the ransom, need I remind ye o’ the mission?”

“No, Mister Smith, you need not remind me of my duties,” Edmund growled at his Quartermaster.

“Ye fancy the Countess, that be plain to see, but Captain, ye must cast aside yer desires, not only for the good o’ the mission, but for the good o’ the Countess as well.”

I heard Edmund’s frustrated breath. “You are right, of course, Mister Smith. I shall endeavor to keep my distance from her.”

Icy fear washed over me, as if someone had doused me with a bucket of cold water. The prize? Was that all I meant to him, a means to a ransom? I felt foolish, and more than that ashamed for allowing myself to be lulled into believing he had any feelings for me. With tears stinging my eyes, I picked up my skirts and scurried toward the group sitting around the fire.

After that I rarely saw Edmund and when I did, his demeanor was cool and guarded, his gaze dark and foreboding. A constant knot had settled in my stomach and I lost all signs of my appetite. No longer wishing to spend time on deck, I took to spending all my time in my cabin. One day as I sat reading, a timid knock sounded upon the door.

“Enter,” I called out, expecting it to be Mary. But much to my surprise Tobias Smith appeared, hat in hand, fingering the brim nervously.

“Beggin’ yer pardon, me Lady, might I come in?”

“Certainly, Mister Smith. Has something happened?”

“Aye, somethin’ happened all right, but that not be why I be here.”

“What is it then?”

“I came to fetch the maps.”

“Oh, yes, the maps.” I followed his gaze to the desk, where the drawings lay scattered.

“Aye.”

“Take them, take them all. Honestly, I would be happy to be rid of the clutter.”

The wiry man scurried about gathering up only those that he needed and quickly made his way back to the door.

“For the life o’ me, I don’t know who be in a darker mood of late, ye or the Captain,” he said under his breath.

“Will that be all, Mister Smith?”

“Nay, Miss.”

“Yes, what is it then?”

“Well, me Lady, it be the crew.”

“The crew? What is wrong with the crew?”

The quartermaster shifted his slight weight from one foot to the other.

“What is it, Mister Smith?” I snapped.

“They be missin’ yer presence.”

Despite myself, I felt my heart soar and my lips twitch upward.
Someone on this godforsaken journey actually missed me
.

“We, that would be the crew, and me as well, we be a wonderin’ if perhaps ye might find it in yer heart to agree to come and have yer evenin’ meal with us?”

Despite my resolve to stay as far away from the black-hearted Edmund Drake as I possibly could, being limited to the confines of a ship, my heart softened at the request of the wiry little man who had grown to be my friend.

“I suppose that could be arranged.”

A broad smile lit up his face. “Thank ye, me Lady.”

“Please notify Mary of the change in plans if you would be so kind.”

“Aye, me Lady, and thank ye.”

After that night, everything seemed to be back to normal, except for the way things stood between Edmund and me. He did not take his meals in the galley, and Mister Beckett stood fast at the wheel. Captain Drake remained nowhere to be seen.

One day while walking along deck arm-in-arm with Mary I broached the subject.

“Mary?”

“Aye, Miss.”

“You seem to be spending a good deal of time with Mister Smith lately.”

“Aye, Miss, but if that displeases ye ...”

“No. No, not at all.” I smiled. “I was just wondering if perhaps you and he ever talked ... well ... about the Captain.”

I couldn’t bring myself to look at her and I cast my gaze toward the deck.

“Aye, Miss. Sometimes. Truth be known, Tobias is at his wits end, he is.”

“Why so?”

Leaning her head closer to mine, she whispered, “The Captain has been sharin’ quarters with Tobias and frankly, Miss, Captain Drake has been in a right foul mood of late. Tobias has taken to sleepin’ in a hammock strung up here on the deck.”

“Has Tobias mentioned anything to you about getting us off the ship? Have they had any word that the Duke would pay the ransom?”

“I ain’t broached the subject with Tobias.”

“Has he mentioned anything to you about ... a mission?”

“Mission? Nay, Miss, not a word.”

When we reached the prow of the ship and turned to make our way back to our cabin, I was surprised to see Captain Drake at the wheel. Butterflies danced in my stomach and my heart leapt to my throat when his eyes met mine and lingered there. But when he dragged his gaze away from mine and looked out to the sea, my heart sank into a sea of disappointment and it must have been written all over my face, for my timid maid placed her hand upon my arm and said, “I’m so sorry, Miss.”

“Sorry? Whatever for?” I managed to say in a hoarse whisper, trying to hold back the stinging tears threatening to spill from my eyes.

“I know ye fancy each other.”

“Don’t be silly, Mary. I mean nothing more to him than means to a ransom.”

Later that day, I asked Smith to bring water for a bath. The tension in my neck had developed into a nagging headache, and I longed to relax in the warm water. Mary found my bath salts, poured some into the tub, and the fragrance of jasmine swirled through the cabin.

“Thank you, Mary, you may leave. I wish to be alone to relax, and I believe I can manage a bath on my own.”

“Are ye certain ye won’t be needin’ me, Miss?”

“Yes, I’m certain. You could use some time to yourself as well, I’m sure.”

“Thank ye, Miss.”

After she left the room, I shed the heavy gown and stepped into the tub. The scented water swirled around me, its heat seeping into me and the tension and headache slowly slipped away. As my body relaxed, my mind relaxed as well. Not having slept well for days was taking its toll and the warmth of the relaxing bath quickly lulled me to sleep and I felt my head tip back and rest upon the rim of the tub.

Again Edmund haunted my dreams with his hooded green eyes. Heat spread through me as his full lips caressed mine and his warm hands cupped my face.

“Umm, Edmund,” I whispered.

“You are truly lovely, Catherine.”

The heat of a yearning I had never known before rushed over me and throbbed in the center of my womanhood, even in the dream.

“The mere sight of you renders me helpless. Although I have tried, I can stay away from you no longer,” he said and lowered his lips again to mine.

My lips parted slightly to allow his tongue to explore the depths of my mouth. Half lifting myself from the water, I wound my damp arms around his neck and pulled away the ribbon holding his hair back. This dream feels so real, I thought as he gently cupped my breast. His kiss burned with urgency and his breathing grew quick and raspy. I moaned with desire as he gently rolled his fingers over my taunt nipple.

“Catherine, my love. I want you,” he whispered as he drew me to him, lifting my wet, naked body from the water.

“Never stop kissing me, Edmund,” I murmured, eager for the dream to continue. But nothing happened. He was not kissing me, but holding me close to him, cradling me as if I were a child, naked in his arms, while bath water ran off me soaking his clothes. Confusion swirled in my sleep-numbed mind.

As my senses drew me from my dream, I was filled with sadness at the thought of being pulled from his arms, but even in my semi-awake state, the warmth of his embrace still surrounded me. My eyes slowly fluttered open to look up into Edmund’s deep green eyes as he lowered his lips to capture mine.