The Pirate Prince (23 page)

“And I shall make sure he keeps his word,” Lady Bridgeton added.

Bramston stroked his chin. “Are you sincere about giving up piracy?”

“Absolutely. My reason for becoming a pirate is no longer valid. I have avenged my brothers’ deaths many times over.”

“Where do you intend to live?”

“If Willow agrees, we can split our time between my country estate in Kent and my townhouse in London. My finances are in excellent order, I can keep Willow in the manner to which she is accustomed.”

“What do you think, Monique?” Bramston asked his wife.

“The earl must love Willow a great deal, to give up his former life and settle in England, Robert.”

“I love Willow with all my heart. You cannot keep us apart. She carries my child—one I want very much.”

“Might I say something?” the reverend interrupted.

“Of course, Reverend, have your say,” Bramston allowed.

“Apparently, your daughter carries Lord Newcastle’s child, would it not be expedient to encourage their marriage?”

“I am not so sure,” Bramston objected. “I want my daughter to be happy, and I am not convinced Newcastle is the right man for her.”

“No man but Dariq can make me happy, Papa,” Willow asserted. “I am going to marry him with or without your approval.”

Monique cleared her throat. “Of course your papa approves,
ma petite
. Is that not so, Robert?”

Bramston stared at Dariq in silent contemplation before deigning to speak. “It seems you have won over the women in the family, Newcastle. Though I still harbor doubts, you have my consent to wed my daughter.”

The reverend dug in his pocket for his Bible. “Shall we begin?”

“The wedding can wait until Willow changes into something more appropriate,” Monique said.

“My son has waited this long,” Lady Bridgeton replied in agreement. “I am sure he won’t mind waiting a while longer.”

Dariq groaned but did not contradict his mother.

One hour and fifteen minutes later, wearing a sea-green silk gown that matched her eyes, Willow walked down the stairs to join Dariq. Her golden curls had been fashioned in a becoming style atop her head and crowned by her mother’s wedding veil, held in place by a diamond tiara that had belonged to her grandmother.

Dariq saw an angel walking toward him. She looked even more beautiful than she had the first time they’d crossed paths. On that fateful day, she had been ready to do battle with him, her green eyes spitting fire and defiance.

His thoughts scattered when she reached him, love shining in her expressive eyes. Soon this angelic spitfire would be his to love, cherish and protect the rest of his life.

A brief but moving ceremony united them in holy wedlock. Had anyone asked Bramston at that moment,
even he would have agreed that his daughter and the pirate prince belonged together.

Bramston’s staff, despite the short notice, had prepared a festive meal to celebrate the nuptials. As soon as possible after the meal, the happy couple took leave of Willow’s family. Hugging her parents hard, Willow left her father’s home with the man she had promised to love, honor and obey until death parted them.

Mustafa was on hand to greet them at Dariq’s townhouse. His welcoming smile cheered Willow. She had missed his large, comforting presence. After introducing the servants to their new mistress, Lady Ellen excused herself and retired to her own apartment.

“I will show you around the townhouse tomorrow,” Dariq said. “I cannot wait to have you to myself.” Sweeping her into his arms, he took the stairs two at a time, arriving in the master suite breathless.

Willow laughed when she saw that the bed had been turned down and the bedchamber was decorated with a profusion of flowers against a background of soft candlelight. “You were pretty sure of yourself, weren’t you?”

“Perhaps I was a bit optimistic. Turn around so I can unfasten your gown. You look exhausted. Perhaps you should go straight to bed.”

Willow smiled at him over her shoulder. “I will go to bed if you join me. This is our wedding night.”

Dariq turned her around, peeled the gown from her and lifted her out of the billowing folds. His gaze fell to her stomach; the bulge appeared more pronounced without benefit of clothing.

“I want to make love to you more than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life,” Dariq murmured, “but I don’t want to do anything to harm you or our child.”

“Making love will make me extremely happy, and I’m
sure our child won’t object,” Willow teased. “Making love is still permissible, if my girth doesn’t disgust you. Mama told me some men are squeamish about touching their wives when they are increasing.”

Dariq pulled her into his arms and caressed her lovingly. “How could you disgust me when ’tis my child growing inside you? Touching you, loving you, is a pleasure I will never grow tired of.”

He carried her to his bed and laid her down. Without taking his eyes from her, he tore off his clothing and joined her. As he made love to her with aching tenderness, kissing her, caressing her, arousing her, pleasuring her, Willow knew their love would survive any adversity fate placed in their path.

Their new acquaintances would know Dariq as an earl, but in her heart he would always be her dearly beloved pirate prince.

Epilogue

Three Months Later

Little Lord Phillip Robert Bridgeton was born on a cool spring day without complications at Bridgeton Manor in Kent. He was perfect in every way, especially to his doting parents. Among those eagerly awaiting the birth at Dariq’s country estate were Mustafa, Lord Bramston, his wife Monique, and Lady Ellen Bridgeton.

A few days later, the
Lady Willow
sailed to Lipsi to inform those who knew and loved Dariq and Willow of the birth of Prince Dariq’s son and heir, the future Earl of Newcastle.

About the Author

Connie Mason is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of more than fifty historical romances. Her tales of passion and adventure are set in exotic as well as American locales. Connie was named Story Teller of the Year by
Romantic Times
and was also awarded The Career Achievement award in the Western category by
Romantic Times
.

When Connie was featured on a segment of the CBS news show
48 Hours
, the television production devoted an entire program to the romance novel industry.

In addition to writing and traveling, Connie enjoys telling anyone who will listen about her three children and nine grandchildren, and sharing memories of her years living abroad in Europe and Asia as the wife of a career serviceman. In her spare time she enjoys reading, dancing, playing bridge and freshwater fishing. Connie makes her home in Tarpon Springs, Florida. More about Connie can be found on her website:
http://www.conniemason.com/