by Bree Wolf
Ignoring Finn, Garrett shoved the spyglass into Duncan’s hands, and before long, everyone had taken a turn, confused about what they had seen.
A slight chuckle rose from Duncan’s lips as he looked at Garrett. “Of course, I canna be certain, but perhaps yer wife has found…common ground with the captain of the Voile Noire. Women often succeed where men fail.”
Garrett frowned. “What do ye mean by that?”
“Not what ye’re thinking, my friend,” Duncan laughed. “But from what ye told me, yer wife is fairly difficult to silence.”
Unable not to, Garrett smiled. “Aye.”
“Perhaps the captain experienced a similar problem,” Duncan continued, looking over his shoulder at the privateer’s ship. “She didna look afraid, did she? Perhaps being a mother with a young child, she was able to gain his sympathies. Perhaps he’s a father himself.”
Garrett nodded. “But we canna be certain.”
“We canna,” Duncan agreed, his gaze gliding over his ship, lingering on his men’s faces. Then he drew in a deep breath and for a brief moment closed his eyes. His teeth gritted together, and he mumbled something under his breath, which sounded as if he was asking someone’s forgiveness. “Aye, we’ll try. Perhaps he’ll be open to ransoming them back to us. ‘Twill save him the trouble of taking them back to France.”
Garrett sucked in a sharp breath as he watched Duncan bellow orders to approach the privateer with caution. His heart thudded almost painfully in his chest as it was torn between relief and guilt over risking all their lives. He could only hope that all would be well. That they might manage to agree to a ransom. That they might all get out of this alive.
At least, now he knew that his wife and child were unharmed. Garrett could only hope what they were about to do would not put them at risk once more.
Chapter Thirty-Eight – Until We Meet Again
“They’re changing course!”
“They’re heading toward us!”
“Your orders, Capt’n?”
Beside her, Henri tensed, his jaw clenching as he watched the other ship’s approach. “Ready the sails!” he yelled, stepping away from the railing.
Before he could walk away though, Claudia grabbed his arm, holding him back. “Please!” she said, her eyes meeting his. “Please let us go! He came for us. He’s right here. Please!”
The green in his gaze darkened as he looked at her, and she could feel the muscles in his arm tense. “I cannot allow them to approach,” he said, stepping closer. “We cannot be certain with regard to their fighting strength or their intentions. You don’t know this ship, n’est-ce pas? Or its captain?”
Gritting her teeth, Claudia shook her head. She could not lie to him.
“Then, Madam, my hands are tied,” Henri whispered, his voice strong and full of determination. And yet, there was a hint of regret in the way he looked at her. “I have but half a crew, and I cannot risk them or my ship on such a gamble.”
“My husband would never−”
“Your husband might not,” Henri interrupted her attempt to reassure him, “but he is not the ship’s captain, n’est-ce pas? Even if he wants nothing more but to retrieve you, he cannot speak for that ship’s captain. I’m sorry.”
Feeling all hope plummet to the ground, Claudia still could not release her hold on him.
Eyeing her hand on his arm with curiosity, Henri drew her aside. “I promise I will get you and your son back home,” he whispered, the look on his face one of utter commitment, “but not here and now. Not today.” His green eyes looked deep into hers. “But you have my word, Madam.”
“Thank you,” Claudia whispered as her vision became blurry and tears spilled over, running down her cheeks. She barely saw the reassuring smile that curled up his lips, but she felt the warm hand that settled on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Then he stepped away once more.
And once more Claudia held him back.
“I must go, Madam.” There was urgency in his voice, but his tone still spoke of respect and kindness.
“I understand that you cannot wait,” Claudia spoke quickly, blinking back tears as both her hands were currently occupied; one was holding on to Aiden while the other was busy preventing Henri from leaving. “Ready your ship and take your crew to safety.” She took a step closer, noting the hint of confusion that came to his eyes. “But leave us behind.”
His eyes widened.
“In one of those small boats,” Claudia hurried on before he could object. “The sea is calm. We’ll be fine.”
Henri’s jaw tensed. “I cannot leave you and the boy behind on the open sea.”
“Henri, please!” Claudia pleaded. “We’ll be fine. My husband will come and get us. Whatever you think, you must admit that Aiden and I have nothing to fear from that ship. They will not hurt us.”
Watching her, Henri inhaled a slow breath. “Are you so certain you would risk your son’s life?”
Claudia shook her head. “I’m not risking his life,” she stated with conviction in her voice. If only she could make him understand! “I know my husband is on that ship. You yourself said that it was Scottish. Whoever these men are, they are friends of my husband’s. Why else would they have agreed to pursue the merchant vessel? Why else are they out here? They are here for us. I promise you Aiden will be fine.”
For a short moment, Henri looked down at her son and a bit of an exhausted smile came to his lips. Then he met her gaze once again. “Violette, my cousin,” he said, “she does things her own way, and I’ve learnt long ago…to trust her instincts.” He sighed, “It’s not always easy, but I try.”
Relief sneaked into Claudia’s heart. “What are you saying?”
“If this is what you want, then I will not object.”
Relief exploded in Claudia’s heart, and she all but flung herself into his arms. “Thank you,” she gasped, careful not to crush Aiden in her eagerness to show her gratitude. “Thank you so much.” Stepping back, she smiled at him. “You’re a good man, Henri. I know I’ve said so before, but I hope that you’ll hear me one of these times and truly believe so yourself. I have no doubt Lady Juliet agrees with me. Please, I know how it feels to be separated from the one who holds your heart, and the thought that you might never see each other again pains me. Seek her out, Henri. For her own sake as well as yours.”
The smile fell from his lips.
“Beyond the shadow of a doubt, I know that she has never forgotten you.” Leaning forward, she looked into his eyes and smiled. “How could she?”
Henri scoffed, “I’m not the kind of man English ladies dream of, I assure you, Madam. She is better off without me.”
Surprised, Claudia watched him. Never before had the man volunteered a word about the elusive Lady Juliet. “I’m certain that you’re the only one who believes so,” she assured him, seeing only too plainly the longing to do as she had suggested on his face. “Do not assume, Henri. Seek her out and speak to her. You will only ever know what is in her heart if you ask her.” Once more, she placed a hand on his arm. “If you wish, I can deliver a message to her.”
His jaw tensed, and yet, utter temptation flared to life in his eyes. “She has her life, and I have mine. I doubt we will ever cross paths again.”
Sighing, Claudia shook her head. “Do as you please,” she said, a chiding tone in her voice that made him roll his eyes at her. “But I must say I disagree with your decision.”
“You’ve made that very clear, Madam.”
“Still, if you ever change your mind,” Claudia continued, her gaze serious so he would not take this lightly, “then call on me, and I will do what I can to assist you.”
Holding her gaze, Henri nodded, and for once, there was no humour in his eyes. “You’re a fairly unique woman,” he whispered, respect shining in his green eyes. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”
Smiling widely, Claudia blinked her eyes at him. “I completely agree with your assessment, Captain Du
ret. Until we meet again.”
Squeezing her hand, he nodded. “Until we meet again.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine – On the Open Sea
Staring at the privateer, Garrett felt his insides twist painfully when he saw men rushing to ready the sails. “They’ll outrun us!” someone called, and Garrett could have throttled the man for voicing his greatest fear.
As Duncan steered their ship toward the Voile Noire, Garrett once more looked through the spyglass, his gaze drawn to his wife. She was still on the quarter deck with the ship’s captain, their faces turned toward one another. What were they talking about? Garrett wondered, wishing he could hear what was being said.
Watching her move, the way she held herself, her chin raised, and her shoulders squared, Garrett had to agree with Duncan’s assessment. There was nothing fearful in the way she stood there facing the captain. On the contrary, when the man turned away, she reached out and pulled him back.
Sucking in a sharp breath, Garrett was doomed to watch as the captain complied, stepping closer to his wife and child. More words were exchanged before the man reached out and placed a hand on Claudia’s shoulder.
Garrett tensed, and although the smile on his wife’s face eased his fears for her safety, he could not deny that jealousy had found a way into his heart. What had happened between his wife and the privateer’s captain?
A moment later, Claudia flung herself into the man’s arms, and Garrett almost lost his footing.
“Are ye all right?” Finn asked beside him.
Garrett grumbled something under his breath, unable to tear his eyes from his wife as she lay in the captain’s arms. To his utter relief, she quickly pulled back, re-establishing a minimum safe distance between herself and the dark-haired captain.
“What’s happening?” Finn asked, his eyes squinted as he stared at the other ship. “Can ye still see them?”
“Aye,” was all Garrett could say as he watched his wife follow the captain down to the main deck. More words flew from the man’s mouth, but this time they were directed at men of his crew as he pointed to one of the dinghies. Within moments, sailors scrambled to remove the cover. Ropes were fastened to its ends, which ran upward to a pulley system. “What are they doing?” Garrett mumbled, unable to make sense of these new developments.
“What’s happening?” Finn asked again.
“They seem to be readying a dinghy.”
“What? Why?”
“I dunno know.” Keeping his attention fixed on the small boat, Garrett swallowed hard when he watched the dark-haired captain assist his wife into the dinghy. Aiden still lay in her arms, and he could see a smile on her face. What was going on? A moment ago, it seemed as though they were going to make a run for it, and now…
“They’re launching a dinghy!” Duncan called as he appeared beside Garrett, another spyglass in his hands. “What’s happening?”
Shaking his head, Garrett shrugged. Why did people always think he had the answers?
Stunned, they all stood on deck and watched as the dinghy was lowered to the water’s surface. Then the ropes were removed, and the moment the dinghy was unattached, the Voile Noire raised her sails, its large black one billowing in the wind like a dark storm cloud.
Within moments, she made headway, the strong breeze carrying her farther and farther away. Looking up, Garrett found the captain standing at the stern of his ship, his gaze fixed on the small boat as though reluctant to part with it…or the woman inside.
Garrett could not help but wonder why.
“They’re leaving her behind?” Finn exclaimed, a dark frown on his face as he shook his head. “Why would they do that?”
“So, we don’t pursue them,” Ian suggested, a scowl on his face.
Duncan shook his head. “Nah, look how fast she is. Lowering that dinghy took time and gave them no advantage. Either way we would not have been able to catch up with her.”
“Then why?” Ian snapped, his eyes narrowing with suspicion as they always did when he could not make sense of something.
“I suppose only yer wife,” Duncan said as he looked at Garrett, “will be able to give us an answer to that.”
“Whatever the answer, it does not matter right now,” Garrett replied as he hastened down to the main deck. “All that matter is that we’ll get them on board. Fast.” Leaning over the railing, he looked at the small boat, dancing on the soft waves like a leaf on a pond.
So close.
Garrett felt his skin itch with the need to hold them in his arms. His body strained toward them, and he felt his fingernails dig into the railing’s wooden beam.
Soon, his mind whispered, urging him to remain calm.
However, his heart screamed back Soon is not soon enough.
***
Sighing, Claudia watched the privateer sail away, her gaze meeting Henri’s as he stood at the stern of his ship, his face tense as though he feared for her. He had only reluctantly agreed to leave her behind, feeling a sense of duty to ensure her safety. Claudia knew she had been incredibly fortunate that it had been the Voile Noire to come upon them and not another privateer. What would have happened to them if they had been faced with another man? A man unlike Captain Duret? A man without respect and decency? A man without morals and compassion?
No, Claudia did not even want to contemplate such a scenario as the mere thought of it turned her stomach. Indeed, she had been fortunate, and she would never forget the dark-haired captain or the lengths he had gone to in order to assist her.
Grateful beyond words, Claudia smiled up at him, wishing to reassure him and set his mind at ease. She could see the corners of his mouth quirk and knew that he understood. Still, he remained where he was, not allowing the small dinghy out of his sight.
Shaking her head, Claudia wondered about the kind and compassionate captain with the ruthless reputation. She could only hope that one day he would come to see that love was worth fighting for, that it could overcome obstacles and lead to a happy ending.
Hopefully, one day soon.
For if there was ever a man who deserved a happy ending, it was Henri Duret.
Whispering a silent goodbye, Claudia then turned her attention to the other ship, fast approaching with billowing sails. Her eyes scanned the deck as she whispered to Aiden, who lay wide awake in her arms, his little fists waving as though he too felt the excitement of their impending reunion. “See, Aiden, your father is coming for us. I always knew he would. I−”
Her voice broke off when her gaze fell on the one man she could no longer live without.
Tall and strong, Garrett stood on deck, his hands gripping the railing as he leaned forward. The wind pulled on his dark hair, whipping it into his face as his dark green eyes burnt with intensity, their attention focused on her and her alone.
Relief stood in his gaze, and yet, his features were tense, his muscles wound tight like a spring. Even from a distance, Claudia could see the toll the last few weeks had taken on him, and she knew in that moment that he ached for her just as much as she ached for him.
His presence−suddenly so close−washed over her, and she could almost feel him. She felt his gaze meeting hers, travelling over her face, and it was like a caress against her skin. “Claudia!” he called all of a sudden, and the sound of his voice brought back all the many moments they had spent together, arguing, laughing, teasing, kissing.
“Garrett!” Claudia called back, laughter bubbling up in her throat as she waved to him. Her heart danced in her chest as it had never before, and she knew in that moment that she loved him, that she had always loved him. She belonged with him just like he belonged with her.
They were meant to be.
And then Garrett pulled himself up onto the railing and jumped into the churning waves.
Claudia’s mouth dropped open, and for a heart-stopping moment, she thought he was gone. Her heart screamed out in agony, and all warmth drained from her body.
But then his head reappeared, and Claud
ia drew in a shaking breath, feeling her heart hammering in her chest.
Fast strokes carried him closer, his gaze fixed on hers as he swam, crossing the distance between the large vessel at his back and her small dinghy. The sails had come down, and the ship no longer cut through the waves, but was rather floating nearby, men grouped on deck, their attention focused on them.
Claudia barely noticed them.
All she could see was Garrett swimming toward her, and her heart jumped with joy the moment his fingers curled around the side of the boat. His face was dripping wet as he pulled himself out of the water, his green eyes holding hers. Claudia wanted to fling herself into his arms; however, the moment she moved toward him, the boat tilted downward on Garrett’s side and a large splash of water was flung into the boat.
“Stay back!” Garrett called, alarm tensing his features once more. “Stay on the other side.”
Claudia nodded, then scooted back and leaned her weight onto the other side of the boat while holding onto Aiden tightly.
Then Garrett pushed himself upward and swung a leg over. A moment later, he lay in the boat, panting and dripping with water, a large smile on his face.
As he pushed himself into a sitting position, his eyes shining as they looked into hers, Claudia could no longer hold herself back. Lunging herself across the boat, she fell into his arms, barely aware of the wetness that began to soak through her clothes. All she felt were his arms as they came around her, holding her tightly against him, as he mumbled endearments into her ear, his warm breath tickling her skin.
Claudia could have stayed like this for all eternity. However, Aiden seemed to object to being squashed between his two parents as noises of discontent rose from his lips.
Pulling back, Garrett stared down at his son, awe shining in his eyes as they travelled over Aiden’s little face. For a moment, he seemed frozen, unmoving, as his chest rose and fell with each breath. Eagerness stood on his face, and yet, there was something that seemed to hold him back. His hand rose, reaching for his son, but then paused and merely traced the air above Aiden’s little face as though he did not dare touch him.