Captain Vane's Daughter, page 4
I stopped walking and faced him. “Perhaps you’d be so kind as to introduce me to the lady so I can ask her myself how she raised a son who won’t leave a woman in peace when it’s been requested.”
“She’s still in England, but I’ll be glad to aid you in posting a letter to her. Of course, it’ll take months to get a response. I predict, by then, that you’ll be so in love with me that it wouldn’t matter if I were a pirate who routinely cut the ears off my enemies.”
Benedict snorted again.
“Come on, Ben, we better move faster if we don’t want to get completely bogged down in the merde that is piling up here.”
When I stepped away, the two men followed. I was glad to see the cemetery come into view at last. Truth be known, being close to Mr. Leo Mountbank was disconcerting at best. I knew he wasn’t going to leave Benedict and me when we arrived at our destination, but since I’d have something else to focus on besides him, I thought I might have a better chance of holding on to my sanity.
Happy to have them behind me for the moment, I took a deep breath and tried to settle myself. Why this man I’d just met affected me so was a mystery to me. I wished I’d had a chance to mull that over last night, but the brawl in the street made me nervous. My mind couldn’t settle long enough to delve into the ways he made me uncomfortable. And now today, he was everywhere at once, leaving my brain awhirl.
As soon as I arrived at the gate to the cemetery, I tugged it open and made my way directly to the grave I’d seen the night before. Kneeling in front of it, I was dismayed to recall I’d forgotten the bucket of water Benedict and I had planned to ask the hotel to let us use.
Realizing Benedict was behind me, I glanced up. “We didn’t get the water and rags.” Turning my face to Leo, I added, “It’s your fault for distracting us.”
“So, I’m a distraction?” The man had the audacity to wink. “Glad to hear it. After all, it’s a short step from distracted to admired to loved.”
Shaking my head at his arrogance, I ignored the comment. “If you want to be remotely in my good graces, you could return to your brother’s home and bring us some warm water to clean this tombstone.”
“I can tell you what it says,” Leo said.
“That’s not the point. It needs tending to.” My knees were creaking so I stood. “If you don’t want to get me some water, I’ll go myself.”
“I’m going, I’m going.” He turned and strolled the way we’d gone the evening before, toward the house.
When he was out of earshot, I looked at Benedict. “That man is impossible.”
“You best be careful there, Miss Lydia.”
Knowing he was right, I still asked the question, “Why would you say such a thing?”
“I can tell he’s not going to stop his pursuit of you and I can also tell—no matter how much you try to deny it—you like him and his flirtin’ ways.”
Not able to deny it, I stayed mum, but for the first time in my nineteen years on this earth, I also understood how my mother had let herself forget her Christian upbringing and let a man lead her astray.
Leo
I walked away on my errand to fetch water for the fair Lydia. She was even more alluring in the full light of day. The way the sun shone on the top of her head and picked up the gold strands in among the blonde made me wonder exactly how golden she was elsewhere.
How I was allowing the chit to get me to be at her beck and call was a mystery to me. I guess I’d been more bored than I realized. In the normal course of things, I’d have already seduced her and been done. One of the things my brother always seemed to do that I didn’t was allow the females to get too close.
He liked to have relationships with them until they broke his heart and I liked to have my way with them—in a beautiful and wonderful way—but then move on to the next one. There was no need to get tied in knots with one. That way led to domesticity. Something I hated.
Odd that two brothers only a year apart would have the opposite view of how men and women should coexist.
Arriving at the kitchen door, I called out, “Bess, I’m here and need a favor.”
She came from the direction of the parlor wiping her hands on a piece of linen. “You’se always needin’ somehin.’ What now?”
“Some water in a bucket and a cloth.”
Clutching her chest, she looked up at the ceiling. “Call me home now, Lord. Sounds like Master Leonardo be wantin’ to do some labor. Must be the end o’ times.”
“Very humorous, Bess.” I couldn’t help laughing at her dramatics. She could have been on the London stage with the way she carried on.
After much muttering to herself with a chuckle or two interspersed with the words I could make out, like foolish, man and annoying, Bess gave me what I needed and I was finally on my way with the supplies requested by Lydia. Bess was right about one thing. It was an idiotic thing I was doing here. Thank God none of my men were around to see me brought down to this level. To be reduced to carrying water for a woman I wanted to bed. The shame of it almost made me spill the precious liquid. I had no doubt the blonde, blue-eyed wench would order my immediate return to old Bess if I dropped even one ounce of the water. After all, part of what intrigued me about Miss Lydia Vane was her ability to be a strict taskmaster. That boded well for a powerful love-making session.
I made quick work of returning to her side, all the while thinking about how I could separate her from the watchdog, Benedict.
Sure that her companion was one of those souls who'd be the voice in a lady's ear about propriety and the need for her to fight her temptations, I needed him sent on some errand.
The lady was definitely tempted by me—it was in the glow of her skin and the light in her eyes. I could tell these things. After all, I'd always been popular with the girls. Even when I was at Eton.
That institution popping in my head almost made me trip over a root growing out from a tree and under the nearest grave. I never thought about those days. Never.
"Are you all right?" Lydia asked. She reached for the bucket as I inelegantly staggered toward her.
So much for being suave. I could see the mirth lurking behind her eyes.
"Fine, fine. I'm fine." I steadied myself and passed her the cloth Bess gave me. "Do you want me to assist you?"
"No we don't want to mess up your finery." She eyed me up and down.
Is it wishful thinking or did her gaze linger below my waist? It surely seemed that way.
I might be a ladies man, but I never take anything for granted. I just wish the large man looming over us would go away. I could then have the delectable Lydia right where I wanted her. In my arms. Those lips must taste of humid summer nights with the scent of the mysterious night-blooming Cereus flower wafting overhead.
Biting back the groan that threatened to escape, I said, "What are you hoping to accomplish by cleaning the tombstone?"
"I want to read the epitaph and check the dates. I'm curious if this is Charles Vane the pirate or some other Charles Vane."
"Why would you think it's not the pirate?" I couldn't help but ask. It seemed odd she'd imagine there were two Captain Vanes.
"We didn't think a pirate would be buried in a Christian cemetery. Hallowed ground," Benedict said.
"Why not?" I shook my head, befuddled.
"Since he was executed for criminal activity." Lydia scrubbed at the words covered in dried mud.
"This whole island was once a haven for pirates. There's quite a few who are buried on this land."
"So you're sure this is the Captain Vane hanged here who people say was left on the gibbet for days after his death?" Lydia asked.
Thinking at last of a way to get her alone, I pretended to think about it for a moment and even rubbed my chin as if concentrating. Finally, I said, "I wasn't here when he was buried, but you know, there's an old man I know who bought a sugar plantation a few years ago. I've heard he sailed with Vane. I could take you out there."
I thought she might actually clap as she smacked her hands together in glee. "Yes. That would be wonderful. How far is it?"
"This place you talkin’ ’bout? It has slaves?" Benedict asked.
Ahh. Yes. He was taking in the bait I'd placed in the trap. "Sorry to say they do. I hear the old tar treats them well, but he does own them." I didn't want it to appear I was too eager for the man to stay behind, but I was praying harder than Tobias prayed on Sunday morning that Benedict would choose not to come along. That he wouldn’t be able to bear seeing the slaves.
I had it in my mind Lydia's companion had been a slave and wouldn't want to be anywhere near a plantation.
By the look on his face, I was sure I was correct. He seemed shaken as he grabbed hold of the top of the closest tombstone. If he weren't so dark-skinned, I'd bet both Lydia and I would see him go pale.
Not really intending to upset the chap as much as I had, I placed my hand near his—without touching him—and added, "Sorry to cause you distress. I thought you knew we had sugar plantations here. It's shipped out as well as used in rum production. The slaves are part of the world here."
Lydia stood. Hands on hips, she addressed me. "We are aware of the despicable use of slave labor and we both denounce it. What's wrong with paying a fair wage for a day's work?"
I threw up my hands to stop her onslaught. "You mistake me, madam. I did not mean I condone the practice. After all, I come from a civilized world. England."
"I've heard some uncivilized behavior occurs there as well."
"My dear Miss Vane, I'm afraid that's a world-wide condition. As long as man—and might I add—women, occupy this orb, there will be injustices."
"Now you're a philosopher?" she asked.
"No. Merely a speaker of truth."
"Miss Lydia, I don’ think it be a good idea for you to go out there. You can't be trusting no pirate." The man Benedict had found his voice, but I was sure he wouldn't talk her out of going. She wanted it too bad.
Surprised when she glared at me, I involuntarily took a step back. "What?"
"Why should we believe you? What kind of pirate would own a slave? Don't they believe in freedom and the ability to sail where one wants and take what one desires? How does that belief survive the ownership of a fellow human being?"
"You think I'm lying?"
She nodded once. Curtly. "I do."
Kneeling back down, she returned to her task.
I stared at her for a long moment. I couldn't believe she thought I'd deceive her in such a way.
Then I realized what she must be thinking. She was a shrewd one indeed. I chuckled as I realized she knew part—the best part—of my plan was to get her alone. That she thought I needed to lie to attain that goal was the only thing that hurt.
Glancing up from her task, she asked, "What?"
"Touché, my dear."
"I have no idea what you're going on about." The flush in her cheeks told me what I wanted to know. She was thinking exactly what I was.
"Never mind. What you should do when you return to your inn is ask anyone who lives on this island if they know Nathaniel LeBlanc. If they do, ask what he did before the governor cracked down on piracy and what he does now. Ask them if he has slaves. When you find out I'm telling you the truth, I'll meet you and your man with my wagon. Tomorrow morning at six a.m. It'll take half the day to get there so bring extra clothing."
At the same time she gasped and said, "I'll not spend the night with you," her man said, "I ain't going to no plantation."
Satisfied that she'd meet me on the morning and that she'd be alone, I took my leave and walked away to the sound of them whispering urgently to each other. The last thing I heard as I went through the gate was the cloth rasping against the tombstone as Lydia scraped at it with renewed vigor. If she wasn't careful, she'd wipe all the words off.
Chapter Four
Lydia
Early the next morning, after an extensive argument with Benedict about my plans, I prepared my smallest valise for the trek out to the pirate's plantation. I was a bit bemused to learn Leo was right about the former seafarer having ownership of slaves. It didn't make sense to me, but it was true. And I'd also gotten verification that this same man served under Captain Vane near the end of the captain’s life. What choice did I have? I had to talk to the man.
Benedict knocked on the adjoining doorframe and stepped in as I closed my bag.
He held out the gun. "Take this. I can't bear sending you off with that rapscallion unprotected."
Knowing exactly how difficult this was for him, I gave him a gentle smile. "I know. And I also understand why you can't come along."
The anguish on his face was palpable. "Maybe I can face it."
I took the firearm. "This is all I need. Of course, since you taught me to use it by shooting off the starboard bow, I'm not sure exactly how accurate my aim will be if I need it. Hitting waves in the sea and sitting targets has to be easier than hitting a man." I shuddered at the very thought of having to do anything of the sort, but tried to hide my fear from Benedict. I’d never force him to go with me to a place I knew would cause him angst.
"Like tol' ya, aim for the chest. If it kicks back, the barrel will go up and hit the throat or head. Best chance you got if'n ya need it."
"I'll remember." I opened the bag to slide it in.
"No. Won't do ya no good there. Sit on the chair." Benedict pointed in the corner near the dresser.
I sat in the straight-back chair and watched as he lifted the end of my skirts and secured the gun in the side of my boot. "Clever."
"Got you a knife, too. Hide it where you can reach it easy." He pulled a wicked-looking curved knife from behind him and handed it to me. "Sleep with that under your pillow."
"Do you think I'm really going to need all this?"
Benedict settled my foot back to the floor before responding. "You surely know this Mountbank man is only taking you out there to that evil place in order to try to bed you."
"While I have no doubt he's attracted to me, I really don't think he's going to try to attack me." I neglected to mention my own attraction for the man and hoped my face wasn’t red as I thought about him.
"Best be ready in case." Benedict rose. "I'm going to follow along for a while to keep an eye on him, but will be turning back before you reach the plantation."
I didn't want to worry Ben further, but I imagined if Leo Mountbank was planning to try to seduce me, he wouldn't be so crass as to do so in the middle of the day in a wagon. In my mind, I saw him as someone who'd woo a lady in the dark with candles lit to enhance the mood. I didn't imagine he'd ever had a problem getting a woman to come to him in that manner. He was such a handsome one and very suave. And most assuredly experienced in the arts of seduction.
He'd learn I wasn't easily conquered. I hadn't survived my life so far by being easily taken advantage of. I could resist those sparkling brown eyes. Yes, I could.
Benedict followed me out of the room and down the stairs. At the front door, he said, "You be careful. I'll follow like I said and wait at a good stopping place until you come back."
"Please don't spend the night outdoors. I couldn't bear to think about you being out there under who knows what kind of danger. I'll be fine. After all, I'll be in a nice bed. Or I hope so."
"The more I think about it, the more I'm sure I need to set aside my own feelings and go with you."
I stepped up on tip-toe to kiss him on the cheek. "No. I can't and won't allow it. You'll see. I'll be back tomorrow safe and sound."
"I hope so." He hugged me.
"Ahem."
I turned to find Leo standing behind me.
"The more I see the two of you together, the more I wonder exactly what your relationship is."
Benedict kept one arm around my waist. "Keep wondering. Maybe that way you'll give Miss Lydia here the proper respect and keep your hands off her."
"I've never placed hands on her and you impugn my integrity to even suggest it." Leo seemed angry, but he still had a twinkle in his eye. Like he knew he was going to do so no matter what Benedict said.
"Let's see you keep it that way for today and tomorrow," Benedict said.
"What about tonight? May I put my hands on her then?" Leo laughed.
"Stop. Both of you. We need to go. There's no need to bait each other." This was all I needed. The two of them trying to prove who was the bigger man. There was no time to waste on that.
"The lady has spoken." Leo bowed. "I, for one, am going to obey her." He picked up my valise and went out the door.
“I promise I’ll be back tomorrow and all will be well.” I gave Benedict’s hand a squeeze and stepped outside myself.
Leo waited beside a long wagon with two tan-colored horses harnessed to the front. They were sturdy-looking animals.
The wagon had a buckboard seat and hay filled the storage area.
Pointing at the hay, I couldn’t resist asking, “Is this where you think we’ll be sleeping tonight?”
“Didn’t I just tell your man I was going to be on my best behavior? Why would you ask me such a thing?” He winked. “Unless you were thinking it would be a nice place to have a tryst.”
“Of course not, but it seems an odd thing to take with us on a plantation visit.”
“Not really. This place isn’t like a lot of settled areas. There’s a lot of land between here and our destination. The horses may need to eat.” Leo held his hand out to me to assist me to board. “I even packed us a basket of food so we won’t arrive hungry.”
“You packed us some food?” I quirked my brows.
“I worked hard.” He climbed up beside me.
Tilting my head, I looked at him with disbelief.
“You don’t know how hard it is to talk Bess into doing favors. You’re going to find she’s quite a good cook.”
“I think I can imagine how hard she can be. She’s a tiny lady, but I can tell she’s got a lot of spirit.”
Leo clicked the reins against the horses and they moved ahead. “She does and her daughter does as well. You haven’t met her yet and I must confess, I’m afraid of the two of you together.”
