by Lora Thomas
Sorrow filled her eyes. “But you come from wealth. From influence and nobility. Your parents will reject me.”
“If they reject you, then they will have to reject me as well. I do not care what blood flows through your veins. All I care about is you and having you in my life.”
“I cannot allow you to ruin what you love because of me.”
“What I love is you. My parents will accept you.”
“How can you be so certain? Charlotte describes your mother as unreasonable.”
“Mother and Charlotte never have seen eye to eye. They are too much alike, you see. But when Mother meets you, she will love you as I do.” He crossed the room to her. His hand gently cupped her cheek. “You are mine, Maddie. And I do not give up what belongs to me.”
Her hand covered his, moisture beading in her eyes. “Why would you fight for me? You claim to love me, but you do not truly know me. All you know is the brief time we had in Rome.”
That smile pulled his lips—the smile that made her knees grow weak and her insides quiver with excitement. “We have several more weeks before we make berth. During that time, I hope to rectify that. But presently, I have other matters to attend to.”
“Such as?”
“Making love to my wife.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Madelena stood on the bow of the ship, watching the dock come closer. The past three weeks had gone by too quickly. She was enjoying her time with Oliver and his family. She discovered a great friendship with Chessi, just like she had with Mae. She’d even grown to like Charlotte and looked forward to spending more time with her new friends. Even Charlotte's guests were sociable…when their delicate constitutions would allow them to venture forth. The women present were of noble birth and avoided the outdoors. The men spent the majority of time playing cards or reading. But whenever all were together, they seemed pleasant.
Oliver stepped beside Madelena and placed his hands upon the railing. “I am ready to be off this boat.”
Madelena glanced his direction. “You don’t enjoy sailing?”
“Not particularly. I find being on a tiny ship suffocating. I prefer the vast expanse land can give.”
“Tiny ship? The chambers upon this ‘tiny ship’ are larger than most homes.”
“It is still small when compared to land.” He shook his head. “I like my feet upon soil and a tool in my hand.”
Madelena turned her attention back to the city before her. It was not as large as she was accustomed to. In fact, one might call it small compared to Rome, but it was not small. Numerous homes dotted the hills in the distance, and various buildings were scattered about the shore. Smoke could be seen billowing from chimneys. Hundreds of people were bustling about upon the docks, and ships crowded the waters.
“Do you truly think your family will accept me?”
“I do. My sister will accept you without a doubt. My father will as well. Despite his reputation of having a temper, he is a calm-natured man. My mother will huff and puff in her usual fashion, but she will accept you because I have.”
Madelena kept staring at the dock.
“What is it, Maddie?”
“I have been meaning to ask—where will we live? Many families in Rome reside with their in-laws.”
“I have my own home that I share with my brother Owen. I built it myself. It is small but suited my needs. Now that I am bringing home a wife, I suspect I will have to build an addition or two.”
The ship bumped against the docks, causing Madelena to sway. The crew upon the railing tossed over lines, and the dockworkers quickly tied off the boat. She turned and watched Jacob. He seemed ready to get off the ship himself. He had turned over the docking to Mr. Jamison and was waiting at the railing. Jacob reminded her of a caged animal. He was pacing the deck, barking orders like a general commanding his men to move faster. His temper appeared to be high, and several times she could hear his profanity-filled tirade towards his crew. The language he used caused heat to flood Madelena’s cheeks. Never had she heard a gentleman use such language. The crew appeared unfazed by his rant and continued their duties. The instant the ship was tied off, Jacob lowered the gangplank and left.
“He’s excited to see his wife. She is expecting their second child,” Oliver said, watching his brother speed down the pier.
“I knew she was expecting, I just didn’t know when.”
“She was due last week. I suspect Jacob will be greeted by his wife, daughter, and a very healthy baby boy.”
“Why do you say she is having a boy?”
“Look at him. Does that look like a man who would produce a girl? I am surprised that Claude was a girl.” He chuckled. “She certainly does not behave like one. She can climb the rigging better than most.”
“How old is she?”
“Three.”
“Three?!” Madelena repeated. “And they let her climb around on those tall masts?”
Oliver shrugged. “She is being raised a ship. The sea is in her blood. Claude was born in the middle of the Atlantic. Her father is an excellent captain, and her mother was a pirate. If Jules had not been nauseous during this pregnancy, she would be upon The Emerald Jewell now.”
“That is unheard of.”
“We are a unique family. I suspect you will become accustomed to our eccentricities.”
“Ship secure!” a man yelled from the docks.
Oliver looked at Mr. Jamison. George gave the nod.
“We can depart now.”
Madelena looked at Oliver. “Do you think that is wise? I mean, I have yet to figure out how to address your mother. Charlotte was quite descriptive in her description of your mother. She claims that your mother will find some fault in me.”
Oliver stepped forward and pulled Madelena into his arms. Gazing into her brown eyes, he spoke, “Charlotte does not like my mother. However, she adores you and fears that my mother will sway you into not liking her. But do not fret. Mother will love you as I do.” Oliver brushed a wayward strand of her hair from her cheek. “Now come along, Mrs. St. John. I want to get off this bloody boat and take you home.”
Turning, he took her hand and led her to the gangplank. Once upon the wood wharf, Oliver took her hand and placed it upon the crook of his elbow.
“Governor’s Harbour is a delight. Sailors from all over the globe dock here. We have a vast number of business and restaurants and some of the best tailors in the area. I will make arrangements with a seamstress to fashion you some gowns. A few for leisure, a few ballgowns.” A wickedness came to his green eyes. “And a few underthings to entice. Not that you will need them for you are alluring wearing nothing.”
“Oliver!” Madelena protested.
He tossed his head back and laughed. “I do so love your blush. It is quite becoming. Come, wife. It is not far to my home. We will walk, and I will show you around. That is unless you would like to ride.”
“You apparently do not know me as well as I thought you did.”
“I hope to rectify that,” he said, his eyes feasting upon her.
“You cad. Come, before I am forced to find Aunt Charlotte for an escort.”
“Egad! Don’t do that. I have not had you completely to myself since the last night of Carnival.”
Warmth traveled over her at the insinuation. She knew all too well the look in her husband’s eyes. Lust. She could not contain the excitement it caused. She enjoyed their lovemaking. She enjoyed the way he made her feel. She enjoyed the ecstasy and pleasure their lovemaking created.
The couple made their way through the city. Oliver pointed out businesses and shops. She did not take notice. Her mind was on what was to come when they reached Oliver’s home. It was close to the edge of the town and rested atop a small knoll but was surrounded by trees and was not visible from the road.
They made their way up the hill. The instant they were at the top, Oliver stopped in his tracks.
“What the bloody hell?!” he exclaimed, releasing her arm.
Madelena spotted the cause of his stress. A pile of charred lumber sat where apparently his home had stood.
Oliver approached and picked up a blackened piece of wood. His thumb ran over the rough surface.
“What happened?” Madelena pondered.
Oliver shook his head. “I don’t know. A lightning strike, perhaps.”
“It was set,” a voice said.
Madelena looked up and spotted a man coming from behind the outbuilding. He looked so much like Oliver that it was eerie, yet there was a difference. This man’s hair was a brighter shade of red. He appeared more serious in nature than Oliver and was not as broad. The man was being followed by a petite woman, her appearance shrouded by a hooded cape.
“What happened, Owen?” Oliver asked his brother, pain in his voice.
Owen stopped before Oliver, and the resemblance showed again. The two were the same size. Their facial features mirrored the other. From the profile, it was as if one was staring at the same person, yet from two different directions.
“It is a long story, brother.” Owen looked at Madelena. “And it appears we both have a long tale before us.”
“You say it was arson?”
Owen looked at the darkened wood. “Not exactly. It is a long, complicated tale. Let us just say that some of Elena traveling companions did not like her relationship with me and sought to rectify that matter.”
Oliver looked at the woman with Owen. “Your wife?”
Owen’s lip twitched, but he did not answer. “Who is your companion?”
Oliver looked at Madelena and held out his hand. She took it and allowed him to pull her closer. “Owen, I would like you to meet Maddie, my wife. Maddie, this is my brother Owen.”
“Wife?” Owen repeated, his right brow shooting upward.
“Do you all do that thing with your brow?” Madelena asked as she observed the familiar trait.
“We do,” Oliver answered. He addressed Owen. “Yes. My wife. As you said, we both have long tales before us.” A deep breath left Oliver as he studied his destroyed home. “Where have you been staying since our home is now gone?”
“Eli’s.”
“Expect company. Aunt Charlotte traveled with us, along with some of her companions.”
“Aunt Charlotte? Traveled here?”
Oliver nodded. “She traveled with Matthew and Chessi.”
“Matt is back?” Madelena noted excitement in Owen’s voice.
“Yes.”
Owen pressed his lips together as he turned to Elena. “It appears that I will have to find other lodgings until they depart.”
“Why?” Oliver asked, looking between his twin and the woman with him. “What has happened, Owen?”
Owen looked at Oliver. “Your first assumption of who Elena is was correct. She is my wife, but no one is aware. We would like to keep it that way.”
“Why?”
“I was a slave,” the woman finally spoke. “Imagine the hardship it would cause Owen.”
Oliver noticed Owen’s perplexed expression upon Elena’s confession. He turned and looked at Madelena. The emotions in Maddie’s eyes were raw. He knew what she was thinking. Maddie had the same idea that Elena did. Not being accepted.
“If Owen cannot handle the hardship of having a wife who was a slave, then perhaps you should have chosen a different man to be your husband.”
“Oliver,” Madelena protested.
“What? If Owen truly loves Elena and wants her to be his wife, then he should proudly admit it, not cower behind the notion, pretending she is his servant.”
“It is not that simple, Oliver,” Owen growled, his fists tightening at his sides. “There is more going on than you realize. We will let others know about our marriage when the time is right. Presently it is not safe to do so.”
“Why? Are you afraid of a little bit of scandal? We thrive on it, or have you forgotten?”
“Dammit, Oliver! Her life is in danger.”
Oliver’s emotions sobered. “In danger? How?”
Owen looked at Elena and then back at his brother. “I will tell you in good time. Just not yet. Just know that it must remain silent. For now.”
Oliver nodded. “Fine. Just don’t expect Jacob or Matthew to be as accommodating as I am. They will try to beat it out of you.”
“Let them try,” Elena said, stiffening her posture and clenching her fists at her side.
Oliver noticed the defensive stance. A grin crossed his face as he tossed his head back and laughed. “Egad! She is feisty. I think you might have chosen the wrong woman, Owen. You like everything peaceful, and I think your wife has a bit of spirit in her.”
“You have no idea,” Owen answered. “Now then. Until the danger has passed, Elena and I will take residence in Madison’s guest house. I suspect Mother will want to have a lengthy conversation with you, so you and Madelena can stay there.”
Oliver closed his eyes and groaned. “I think I’d prefer to stay in the barn. With Aunt Charlotte here, Mother’s mood will be something to contend with.”
Owen grinned as mischief sparkled in his green eyes. “Why do you think I suggested it?”
“Just for that, and because you are the cause of my home burning to the ground, I fully expect you to have plans drawn up for my new house.”
“Already done, old man. I have the renderings at Eli’s. Stop by once you have settled, and I will show them to you.” Owen turned. “Come on. My carriage is behind the barn. I will take you to Mother’s and then go to Eli’s to retrieve my belongings before our aunt arrives. As much as I would love to stay and visit with Charlotte, I fear she would discover my marriage to Elena. I cannot have that presently.”
The group followed Owen around the barn. The carriage was small, but it would suit their needs. The hill traveling to the St. John mansion was steep. Madelena took in the countryside as they rode. The vibrant colors of the flowers and grasses surprised her. She’d always thought that Rome was beautiful but here? It was a different beauty. Tropical. The heat was surprising as well. The long-sleeved gown she wore would not be suitable for this climate.
The horse quickly climbed the hill to the large home, and a gasp left Madelena. Never had she dreamed such homes existed outside of Rome. The St. John mansion was magnificent. It was a massive, three-story red brick house. The covered porch’s roof was supported by sizeable, white marble columns. The windows of each room ran from floor to ceiling, allowing for the ocean breeze to cool the home during the hot summer months. The large chimney in the back of the house produced enough heat during the winter months to warm the house, if needed. Large oak and palm trees that swayed in the gentle, cooling breeze surrounded the house.
“You grew up here?” Madelena asked.
“I did. We had a large family,” Oliver answered.
“But it is so large.”
“At times, it did not feel that way. With eleven of us present, it can feel a tad overcrowded.”
Owen pulled up on the reins, stopping the horse just to the side of the house. “I will let you off here. I would prefer not to answer to Father presently.”
Oliver climbed down from the carriage and assisted Madelena. “I assume you will tell me later.”
Owen nodded. “Yes. Now, please excuse us. I need to gather my belongings.” With that, Owen flipped the reins over the back of the horse and disappeared.
Madelena followed Oliver around the home. Her heart was hammering in her chest as her mouth went dry from anticipation. From the stories she had heard from Aunt Charlotte, Oliver’s mother was a harpy, a tyrant who would try to dictate every aspect of her life. Madelena was not certain she could handle any more dictators in her life. She had had enough of that with Sandra.
Her dread increased as she climbed the steps. The door opened before they reached the top step. A tall, thin man wearing solid black was standing in the doorway. He looked down his hawk-like nose at them.
“Sir Oliver,” the man replied in a monotone vo
ice, holding open the door and bowing.
“Geoffery,” Oliver acknowledged. As they passed, he roughly patted the older man upon the back, nearly knocking him over.
“So good to have you home, Sir Oliver,” Geoffery replied.
Madelena was surprised by the sarcasm in the servant’s voice.
Oliver gave a cheeky grin. “Did ya miss me, Geoffery?”
“I would have been delighted to say it had been peaceful with you away, but I cannot attest to that. Sir Owen caused quite a commotion.”
“He burnt down my house,” Oliver batted, hoping to find out more from the butler. But he was disappointed by the servant’s answer.
“He did. He has not confessed how, though. I fear we may never fully know the truth other than when he returned from Nassau, he had employed a new servant woman.”
“I see,” Oliver said. He motioned to Madelena. “Geoffery, this is my wife, Maddie. Maddie, this is Geoffery. He may seem harsh, but he is a good man.”
Geoffery turned to face her and bowed. “My lady, you have my deepest condolences. Any woman who willingly married Sir Oliver is destined for madness from his shenanigans.”
Oliver laughed. “Egad, Geoffery. Don’t try to run her off. I just found her.”
“If she has traveled with you from Rome and did not jump ship, then I seriously doubt she would run off now.”
“Are Mother and Father home?”
Geoffery closed his eyes and groaned with displeasure. “To my utter disappointment, they are.”
“What has happened? Do they know Aunt Charlotte is here?”
“Unfortunately. Jacob informed us upon his arrival. I must say, he only told your mother so he could get to see his son.”
Oliver grinned. “I knew it. What is my nephew’s name?”
“Lady Jules has not given him a name yet. She was waiting for Sir Jacob’s return.”
“When was he born?” Madelena asked, hoping to sway Geoffery into accepting her. Oliver said he was a good man, and she could use any and all on her side.
“Late yesterday afternoon. He came kicking and screaming into this world to the tune of his mother’s profanity-filled labor pains. I must say, I never knew a lady knew such language.”