The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (20 page)

“Things haven’t been so bad, but you’d best believe I’ll be glad to return to Four Oaks,” Adam admitted.

Derek looked around. “I’m well impressed with your wealth, Your Lordship.” He gave him a mock bow.

“Oh, shut up and sit down.” Adam poured his friend some scotch, which had long been Derek’s drink. “I’ve known you well enough, old friend, to realize my title doesn’t impress you one bit. If it had, I wouldn’t have had such a hard time persuading you to let me on board your ship those many years ago.”

Seeing Derek sitting across from him, Adam noticed he hadn’t changed much in the last year, except for a little more gray at his temples. He was a good-looking man with a gentle nature.

Adam thought back to the first time he laid eyes on Derek. The man had been standing at the wheel of the ship with the sea breeze blowing his russet-brown hair. Adam had been a young man set upon seeing the world; however, he hadn’t had any sailing experience. He could remember that day as if it were yesterday. Derek had stared down at the then-young Adam. “What makes you think I should take the time to teach a dandy like you how to sail, son?”

Adam had informed him that he wasn’t a dandy, and if Derek would like to see his skills, he’d be most happy to demonstrate them.

Derek had seemed to like Adam’s spunk, and for some reason unknown to both, he had taken him on board his ship.

In many ways Derek had been a father to Adam, and had taken him under his wing and taught him everything he needed to know about the sea. Derek was a man of great wisdom who Adam respected above all people.

“Tell me what has been happening at home,” Adam said. “Have you seen Elizabeth?”

Derek Winters looked at Adam before he spoke. “I couldn’t be prouder of you if you were my own flesh and blood. I remember the first time I saw the arrogant young lad you were.” He chuckled. “You were brought down a measure on your first sea trip, as I recall. I can still see you hanging over the side of the ship, retching your guts.” His cheeks turned red with laughter.

“Elizabeth sends you her best and wants you to hurry home,” he continued. “She said to tell you please don’t marry Colette. She doesn’t want her for a sister-in-law; said you could find somebody much more suitable in New Orleans.”

Adam smiled, thinking of Elizabeth. “Well, my sister has always spoken her mind. I wonder where she got the idea I was going to marry Colette. I have a feeling Annie is in this somewhere.”

“Who?” Derek inquired.

“Annie. You met her when you arrived.”

“Aye, I met her. I must say she’s all spit and fire. Wasn’t too sure she was going to let you know I was here.” Derek smiled. “You know, she’s a right nice-looking woman. Is she married?”

“No, as a matter of fact, she isn’t, but I’m not sure you could handle her. You might see gray in Annie’s hair, but she
is
a spitfire. Both men laughed together, and began catching up on old times.

Annie and Jewel had been busy all morning filling baskets with fruit and baked goods for the people of St. Ives when Annie mentioned Adam’s visitor.

“Who do you suppose it was?” Jewel asked.

“I dinna know. ’Tis a fact I’ve not seen him before. Dressed strangely, too. He was a fine-lookin’ mon, but I dinna think he comes from round here.”

“Well, it must be someone Adam knows, because he’s still visiting,” Jewel said as she tied her final ribbon. “There, that’s the last basket. I’ll go tell Adam they’re ready, and while I’m in there I will see who your mysterious visitor is.”

Seeing the drawing room door open, she paused to look at the stranger before she entered. The man seemed different from Jonathan and Adam just by the clothes he wore, but he was good-looking, just as Annie had said. His bronzed and weathered skin resembled Adam’s, but the fine lines around his eyes told her he liked to laugh, whereas Adam controlled his emotions.

The stranger glanced up when she entered. Upon seeing her, he stood. “This is Colette?” Derek asked.

Adam swung around. “She’s a far cry from Colette,” he answered, taking Jewel’s arm and escorting her to the seat beside Derek. “Derek, I’d like you to meet Jewel.”

Derek bowed. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“The pleasure is mine. Are you Adam’s first mate?”

“Aye. I see he’s mentioned me.”

“Yes, he has.” Jewel stared at him a moment before taking her seat. She saw in his eyes the same thing she saw in Annie’s—trust.

“I now know why Adam looks so well,” Derek hastened to comment. “With a lovely young lady such as yourself beside me, I’d stay in England longer, too.”

“Such flattery, sir, but I assure you I’m not the reason.” Jewel smiled before asking Adam, “Who is Colette?”

“A lady some people think I am going to marry.”

The woman he was going to marry.

Jewel started to say something, but clamped her mouth shut while she watched him. His attention drifted back to Derek, and he spoke to him. She heard little of what they said, her mind lingering on Adam’s statement to her. When Adam had come home, he hadn’t acted like someone who would be getting married soon, but then they had been busy decorating, and she hadn’t given him a chance. He had kissed her, but not until she had pointed to the mistletoe. Had he been waiting for the right time to tell her?

She was glad now she hadn’t given her heart away. She would bloody well be protecting it from him in the future! She had thought he might care for her just a little, but what was merely friendship to him,
she
had mistaken for more.

“Jewel, are the baskets finished?” Adam’s question brought her back into the conversation.

“Hmm?” She lifted her gaze to stare into his searching eyes, realizing belatedly that he’d spoken to her.

“Have you and Annie finished with the baskets for St. Ives?”

“Yes.” She blushed. “That is what I came to tell you. Will we still take them to St. Ives today?” She stood, prepared to leave, needing to put some distance between them.

“Of course. We’ll take Annie and Derek to help us.” Adam paused. “Once, you told me you’d like to see my ship. Derek has docked her in the harbor there, so I’ll be able to take you aboard.” Adam walked with her out into the hallway. “By the way, I have some things to discuss with Derek, so I’ll spend the night on board the
Wind Jammer.
But”—his smile broadened—“I’ll be home in time for the party.”

Jewel didn’t bother to comment. At the moment she didn’t care about the party. She felt numb inside. He would leave her. Even though she’d known all along his intention was to go back to Four Oaks, she still wasn’t prepared. She just nodded and said, “I’ll have the carriage packed with the baskets. We’ll be ready shortly.”

After she left, Derek said, “I need to satisfy my curiosity, son. I’ve never in all my travels seen a creature so lovely. Who is she, and where did you find her? And why is she staying with you?”

“Down, boy.” Adam’s eyes took on a faraway look. “Yes.” He rubbed his chin before saying, “She is beautiful, isn’t she? Would you believe I found her washed up on the beach?” He smiled at Derek’s surprise, then went on to explain just how he had come across Jewel.

“That’s some story, lad. Will you be taking her home with us?” Derek asked.

“No.”

“Then, my friend, you’re damned crazy, if you don’t mind me telling you.”

“That’s what I like about you, Derek. You never mince words.” Adam smiled.

The conversation in the carriage was light and jovial on the way to St. Ives. Jewel noticed that Derek and Annie were getting along extremely well. Now that she thought of it, Derek reminded her a lot of Annie, who was smiling at some remark he’d just made. She appeared bubbly and much younger than Jewel had seen her lately. Adam joined in the conversation, too, but to Jewel he seemed quieter than usual. Probably thinking of that woman, she thought as her chest tightened. These feelings were new to her, but she couldn’t possibly be jealous of someone she’d never met.

Around noon they arrived in the festive little village, and the coachman slowed the horses. Greenery decorated each house, and boxwood wreaths tied with scarlet bows adorned the doors. Children’s laughter filled the air as they played in the streets and built snowmen. The joyous sound helped to brighten Jewel’s spirits.

The sleigh stopped, and the coachman hurried to open the door. Annie and Derek climbed out first. Adam helped Jewel down from the carriage, holding her a little longer than necessary. His mouth hovered inches above her own, and he was only inches from her lips. She held her breath with anticipation. Just when she thought he would kiss her, he turned and grabbed a couple of baskets. Damn man! Why did he affect her so? Loving him would be much too easy.

Adam turned to the others. “I suggest we split up in pairs to distribute the baskets,” he said. Jewel started toward Annie, but Adam, seeing her intent, quickly grabbed her elbow and took her with him. “The first place we’re going to stop is Cyril’s house. Do you remember him?”

“Of course I do. He was the man with the eel,” she replied casually.

“Cyril’s wife just had a baby, and I thought you might like to see them.”

“That will be nice, but Adam, these people don’t know me. Will they mind my intrusion?”

As they climbed the steps, it struck Adam just how different Jewel was from any of the women he’d known. In the carriage she’d seemed remote, and he could feel her withdrawing. She actually cared about everyone she met, and she wanted very much to be accepted, whereas he’d never cared what anyone thought
.

They reached Cyril’s front door before Adam answered her. He looked down into her inquiring eyes, thinking how pretty she was. He certainly would like to kiss her now, but he had promised to behave, and from now on he would do just that. Since Derek had arrived with the
Wind Jammer,
Adam’s departure was eminent. He couldn’t get attached to her for any reason. Yet his next words contradicted his thoughts, as they always seemed to when he was with her.

“No, they won’t mind. The villagers know you’re a guest in my house. You belong to me.” He shrugged his shoulders. “That makes you accepted.”

“I do not
belong
to you! I am not chattel, Adam,” Jewel uttered.

He arched a brow, taken aback by her vehemence. She most certainly
did
belong to him. After all, he’d found her and nursed her back to health. He had a good mind to show her just how much she was his! Her inner spirit was something he hadn’t captured, and though there was something vulnerable about her, he sensed a strength she kept well hidden. He gazed into the eyes of an angel. She reminded him of a fresh flower he desperately wanted to hold, yet he had to be careful not to crush the bloom. “Have you any idea?” he murmured.

But before he could put his thoughts into action, Cyril answered the door.

“Yer Grace, ’tis good to see ya, and I am glad ya brought Lady Jewel,” Cyril said, greeting them. “Please come in out of the snow.”

“Merry Christmas,” Jewel said, handing the basket of goodies to Cyril.

Cyril’s wife, Mary, appeared from the back of the house with the newborn infant in her arms. “It’s a pleasure to see you,” she called, smiling her welcome.

As they stood talking, one of the younger children rushed through the door. “James has been hurt! Come quick!”

Mary shoved the baby toward Jewel, then ran out the door to see what had happened to her other child. Cyril and Adam followed her.

Jewel slipped off her coat and placed the babe on her shoulder. He nuzzled her neck, completely content to let a stranger hold him.

She walked over to the window and looked out on the scene below. It appeared James had cut his leg in a sledding accident. Jewel was surprised at how Adam took charge, ripping the child’s pants leg and examining the cut. She supposed he had taken care of such things when he was aboard ship.

The baby started to fret. She rubbed her hand up and down his back, talking in a soothing voice. Glancing back out the window, she saw and felt Adam’s hot gaze. Even from this distance, she could see the darkness of his eyes.

Moving away from his view, Jewel went back, sat down in a rocking chair, and began humming a lullaby to the child she cradled in her arms. The warmth of the baby’s hand as he gripped her finger made her wonder if she herself would someday be a mother. Somehow the thought appealed to her. She smiled to herself.

A noise caused her to look up. Adam stood watching her from the doorway. “What’s the matter?” she asked, wondering at his frown.

Adam entered the child’s bedroom, and his gaze rested on the bewitching creature before him. Jewel seemed completely at ease with a child in her arms, and for just a moment, he wondered what she’d look like if that were
his
child. He shook the crazy notion completely out of his head. Why did his thoughts constantly venture in this direction when he was around her? There was something about her that he had never found before. And he was willing to lose it all—to lose Jewel? He shook the thought aside angrily.

“Are you ready to go?” His voice sounded strange to his ears as he struggled with his emotions.