Emerald stared at her, confused. She didn’t know.
“Perhaps I can speak to Karlton about having you sent to Massachusetts for schooling. At least you’d be away from the gossip. When things have calmed down, I’ll see what can be done about arranging a marriage for you. Perhaps with a colonial.” She studied her carefully, and Emerald found herself flushing, thinking she knew what Geneva was wondering.
“You are not pregnant? If you are, you will tell me now.”
“I did not marry Jamie,” she said breathlessly and lifted her head a little higher.
“I did not ask you that.”
Emerald lifted her chin. “Then I would not be with child, madam.”
Geneva watched her.
In the silence Emerald heard the French clock ticking. She did not lower her gaze.
Geneva sighed, satisfied. “Thank God. Then I will be able to gain you a respectable husband in due time. There is no more to be said on the matter. We’ll talk again in a day or two. In the meantime, I’ll have a room prepared for you for the night.”
Emerald was surprised that she was willing to aid her, having thought the worst. Obviously Geneva did not know that her cousin Karlton was being detained by the High Admiralty—or that Baret Buckington had dueled Levasseur on Tortuga and vowed to marry Emerald!
Emerald walked slowly toward her cousin until she stood in the lantern light closer to the chair. She could see the careworn lines in the once flawless face and the look of unhappiness in her eyes that could not be covered by her dignity. Emerald knelt beside her, her gaze anxiously searching Geneva’s.
“I think you do not understand the entire story, madam. Or what has recently happened here in Port Royal. I fear it is not good news, and what I have to say will shock you.”
Geneva was watching her, heedful. “Can anything shock me?”
Emerald hastened to cover the awkwardness by saying quietly, “Zunsia told me of your illness, and naturally his lordship would wish to keep back from you anything to cause alarm.”
A cynical smile formed on Geneva’s mouth. “I’m certain that would be his reason for silence. He has proven a thoughtful husband and is overly concerned about me.”
Emerald thought she detected slight irony in her voice, and wondered, but Geneva went on casually enough.
“If you have news I’m not aware of, then I wish to know what it is at once. I am not so ill that I cannot deal with it. I only wonder that Lavender has said nothing to me.”
“I am sure, madam, it’s because she cares too much for you to worry you now,” said Emerald stiffly, for she didn’t believe her own words. “There is much to explain. Where shall I begin?”
“You can start at the beginning. And I would like a cup of that tea first, if you’d pour.”
Minutes later, while Geneva drank from her cup and watched her, Emerald paced the lush rug and told her cousin everything that had happened, including her abduction from the wharf at Baret’s orders. Once or twice she glanced at her, expecting to see shock and was surprised to see only a calm expression and alert interest. She told of the death of Jamie and the pirate Sloane, and how Baret had entered Maracaibo to locate Lucca, the one man who could bear witness to the innocence of his father. And then Geneva interrupted her tale for the first time.
“And Baret continues to think Royce may be alive?”
“He is certain of it. He believes that—” She stopped, catching herself from mentioning Felix in her haste to explain. She must never forget that Felix Buckington was now Geneva’s husband. It must be left to Baret to tell Geneva of his involvement, if it proved true.
“Yes? Go on,” Geneva said.
“Lucca is dead, but Captain Buckington believes he knows where his father is being held and that he can free him on the next expedition with Henry Morgan.”
Geneva leaned forward, anxious. “Who else in the family knows of this beside you and your father?”
Emerald looked down at her. Did Geneva herself wonder about Felix? Could she have rethought Lady Sophie’s warnings?
Emerald felt a tightening of her spine, and she glanced toward the closed door. Had she heard quiet footsteps? Evidently Geneva had not heard anything, for she pressed for more information.
“No one else knows,” said Emerald.
“It is best they do not.”
Emerald felt the moment pass in uncertainty as they looked at each other.
“After you arrived at Tortuga, what happened? Were you reconciled with your mother’s family there?”
“No, I saw no one,” she said hesitantly. She must tell her about the duel …
“How did you arrive here? I was under the impression from Lavender that you and the girl Minette arrived on a hired schooner.”
Emerald stiffened. It was like Lavender to imply the worst. “I came safely aboard the Madeleine. The vessel is anchored now in the bay. I was to go to England for schooling, but the war has put an end to that.”
“England?” She looked surprised but went on. “Then Karlton is in Port Royal? Does he know you came to see me?”
Emerald knelt beside her, her anguish revealed. “No, madam, they’ve arrested him for piracy! He’s innocent, I know he is! And if you could convince Lord Felix of this, my father would soon be released!”
“Karlton’s been arrested?” breathed Geneva. “When?”
“This morning, soon after we docked. He came ashore to arrange my passage to England and to call on Governor Modyford. He was held for questioning, then indefinitely detained. Now the Admiralty is insisting he was involved with Viscount Royce Buckington several years ago in taking the Spanish galleon the Prince Philip.”
Geneva stood, pale and angry, but her voice was restrained. “Karlton had nothing to do with the Prince Philip. Governor Modyford knows that. So does Felix.”
Emerald got up too. But Father was involved, she thought uneasily. She could not bring herself to admit this now.
“Felix will return late tonight, but I shall speak with him first thing in the morning. Karlton must be released at once. Imagine the scandal of this! First Royce and now Karlton, and with the earl at Foxemoore—he will be furious over this. Whatever could Felix have had in mind?”
Yes, what did he have in mind?
“Then you’ll do something to help my father?”
“Of course, Emerald. Karlton is my cousin, and I’m very fond of him even if we do not see eye-to-eye on some important matters. So that is why you came. And I thought it had to do with your running away. Emerald,” she said kindly, “I’ve misjudged you, I think. The tale of your running off with the indentured servant isn’t as dreadful as Lavender seems to think. She too will be pleased to learn the truth. I’ll inform her first thing tomorrow.”
“She knows the truth but refuses to accept it,” said Emerald quietly. “I spoke with her this afternoon at my father’s house on Fishers Row.”
“Lavender was there?”
“Yes. She—she knows everything, as does most everyone else, but there are few who will as readily believe me as you. I’m grateful for your trust, madam.”
Geneva smiled crookedly. “You needn’t keep addressing me as ‘madam.’ I’d prefer it if you’d call me Geneva. And what do you mean, Lavender knows everything? There is more?”
Emerald drew in a breath and touched her hair as if to make certain it was in place. “Lavender has heard about a duel on Tortuga, and she is angry with me, although I had nothing to do with it. Lady Sophie already knows, and I suppose you are the only one who doesn’t.”
Geneva’s thoughts seemed to irritate her. “Evidently there are a good many things kept from me. And I shall need to begin doing something about it.” That she was thinking of Felix or Lavender, Emerald could only guess.
“What about this duel?” Geneva asked. “Was it fought over you?”
“Yes,” she said quietly.
Geneva’s brow lifted, and she studied her face until Emerald blushed. “Well, you are a very pretty g
irl. Who fought this scandalous duel over your affections. Do I know them?”
“Baret Buckington and Rafael Levasseur.”
“Baret—” began Geneva and didn’t finish. She sat down again, staring at her as though completely overwhelmed.
Emerald bit her lip and turned quietly away, waiting for the storm to break.
“Well,” said Geneva after a long silence. “I must say this is most interesting. No wonder Lavender is upset. She informed me just this afternoon that she does not love Grayford and wants to break their betrothal as soon as the earl returns to England. The war has interfered with that, and I see we’ve a pretty mess of affairs on our hands.”
Emerald remained silent, her back turned. “I am certain Lavender won’t be the only one who will wish to annul a betrothal. Captain Buckington had thought Lavender already married to Lord Grayford when he agreed to marry me. He will naturally wish to change his mind when he learns the truth.”
“When he … agreed to marry you.”
“Yes,” Emerald said quietly, feeling ashamed. “I spent a month aboard his ship. The crew of the Regale was informed that he bought me from Jamie Bradford for twenty thousand pieces of eight.” Her nails dug into her clenched palms. “And—and my father demanded he marry me because he’d ruined my reputation. He demanded the viscount duel him to the death. The viscount refused and agreed to marry me.”
She did not mention Levasseur further. The scandal was embarrassing enough, especially when it appeared that she and her father had forced Baret into an agreement.
What Geneva was thinking, or what her expression might have been, Emerald did not see, for she kept her back turned as the tense silence grew and the clock ticked louder.
“I see,” Geneva said at last.
Emerald didn’t think she did understand everything, but there was little else she could say to ease matters.
“And this betrothal of yours to a blooded viscount, you are willing to hold him to it? You will never be accepted in London. You know that. Regardless of Karlton’s plans.”
“Yes. I understand I’d never be accepted, nor do I wish to be a countess. I am willing for him to break the betrothal, and it’s what Lavender wants and expects. It will be what he wants too, of course. I’ve no mistake of that. That he chose to go along with it to begin with was an error on his part.”
“If Karlton demanded a duel to the death to defend your honor, I can see why Baret may have felt the need to pretend for a time. We both know Karlton is a stubborn man when it comes to his plans. I’m pleased to hear you’ve not let this incident go to your head, Emerald. Many girls in your unique position would deceive themselves into thinking such a marriage could work.”
Emerald felt the pain of her words, made even more sharp because Geneva was being kind and meant no insult. They were spoken as though Emerald would surely understand that she was not suitable to be Baret’s wife.
“Yes,” she said tonelessly. “I understand he was doing it to keep from killing my father.”
“And what did you expect to do about this betrothal once you arrived in Jamaica?”
“I was to go to England for several years for schooling. The viscount wanted it, and so did my father. I, too, wanted to go very badly. All that has changed now,” she said miserably and turned around for the first time. “I’ve no choice but stay in Port Royal. I won’t go back to Foxemoore. I’ll stay with Minette in the lookout house.”
Geneva looked distressed. “If it wasn’t for this odious war! I was to bring Jette to Buckington House to be placed under the tutorage of Sir Cecil Chaderton. Now I suppose we’ll all need return to Foxemoore. Doubtless, I’ll wish to retain Sir Cecil to see to his education there.” She sighed. “More’s the pity, I’ll need to explain your betrothal to the family. I don’t fancy doing so, I can tell you that. Aunt Sophie will swoon when she hears. And Karlton arrested for piracy!”
“You need not tell her of the betrothal,” said Emerald, her voice stiff. “There’s only what happened on Tortuga. A promise to a den of pirates holds no authority in the Harwick or Buckington family. I’ve no ring, and I’m sure his lordship will think up some reason to save face.”
Geneva looked at her thoughtfully, as if she guessed her emotional injury.
“I’m sorry this had to happen to you, Emerald. It was unfair of Karlton and Baret. I’m also certain Baret will do what he can to shield you from further shame. In the meantime you must put all this from your mind. I’ll do what I can to have Karlton released, and I’m sure he’ll want you to return to the bungalow at Foxemoore.”
She couldn’t tell Geneva yet that she would never return to Foxemoore. She could not bear to face the family or live with the knowing looks that would be sure to come her way from both gentry and indentured servant. Somehow she’d live with Minette at the lookout house until her father could send her to England.
“You cannot go back out in that storm. Did you come here alone?”
“No, Zeddie drove me, but I can’t leave Minette by herself at the house. I’ll be all right. Now that I know you’ll do what you can to have my father released, I can endure anything. Good night—and thank you.”
Emerald knew Geneva was watching with a slight frown as she retrieved her parasol, wet cloak, and slippers from the chair. She crossed the room and opened the door to leave, again thinking she heard stealthy footsteps.
But there was no sign of anyone’s having been in the hall when Emerald stepped out. Not even Zunsia was there. Emerald closed the door behind her and was about to leave by way of the front door when she heard a whisper behind her. Turning toward the stairs, she saw Jette crouching behind the banister, holding a lantern.
“Jette!”
Already regal with his birth, he placed a small finger across his lips and motioned her to silence. He came down quietly, watching the parlor door to make certain Geneva did not appear. He was a delightfully handsome boy with dark hair and olive eyes, reminding her with a strange pang of the rogue that was his older brother.
He came up to her breathlessly, his eyes wide. Taking her arm, he tugged at her to follow him. “In here, Emerald, hurry. Shh! They won’t look in here.”
The room was an office, and Emerald had the uneasy feeling that this was the last place in which either of them should take even brief refuge. He shut the door silently and set the lantern down on the desk, his eyes gleaming as brightly as a cat’s.
“You’ll stay, Emerald?” he pleaded, whispering. “I heard her ask you. I don’t like it here. Felix wouldn’t let me bring Timothy and Titus.” His frown told her at once there was already a deep wedge between him and his guardian. “And he said the hound couldn’t come indoors. I don’t like Felix.”
His abrupt honesty reminded her that Jette, even as a child, had not forgotten that he was the grandson of Earl Nigel Buckington.
“I’m sure he has his reasons for not wishing the hound indoors,” she said with a smile.
“No, he doesn’t. He’s mean, that’s all. Doesn’t like any of us, especially me. Oh, Emerald, I’m glad you’re back. Geneva’s been sick. And I’ve been afraid.”
The emotion behind his words was not lost on her, and neither was the genuine glimmer of childish fear in his eyes. She remembered her own suspicions, and her concerns grew. She didn’t wish to alarm him more by saying she agreed with him.
“Oh, I’m sure Felix likes you, Jette. He’s a very busy man, and—like you said—Geneva’s been ill. He’s been worried about her, and his mind taken up with the coming war.”
“Maybe. I still don’t like him. And I don’t like this house either. There’s nothing to do all day but read, and he won’t let me go outside. At Foxemoore I could ride Royal with the twins, and the hound would run with us.”
“Who is Royal?”
“My new horse,” he said proudly. “Geneva got him for me. And she let Timothy and Titus ride a horse with me, double. I heard what he said about my brother, so I don’t like him.”
; Alert, Emerald knelt, searching his face. “What did he say about Baret?” she asked, keeping her voice as calm as possible.
Jette frowned. “He told Sir Jasper Baret would hang.”
Emerald restrained herself from showing any expression. She wondered just how Felix had meant those words to the odious Sir Jasper: that Baret’s present life would inevitably lead to his arrest for piracy, or that Jasper himself would see to his death? That Jasper had come to the town house was odd.
“You heard them? Sir Jasper was here?”
“He doesn’t come much, ‘cause I heard Felix get mad at him once. He came once soon after we got here. That’s when I heard Felix say Baret would hang.”
She squeezed his shoulders. “Don’t worry about Baret. He’s wise enough to avoid any traps.”
“Emerald? I haven’t told anybody about Baret looking for our father. I’ve kept it a secret like you told me. Timothy and Titus too.”
“You must be sure to do so.”
“Where’s Baret now? Do you know?”
“He’s safe,” she assured him.
He looked hopeful. “You’re coming to Foxemoore? Maybe I’ll go back too. The war made it so I don’t have to go to Buckington House. I’m glad Holland is fighting us. Maybe they’ll take Jamaica! Geneva said Baret’s mother was from Holland! Are you going to help Sir Cecil with my schooling?”
She had not heard footsteps, but the door opened abruptly. Jette whirled from her grasp. Emerald turned, trying to shield her dismay over being caught uninvited in a private office chamber.
13
THE SURPRISING SCHEME OF EARL NIGEL BUCKINGTON
From beneath a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a gem-sprinkled ostrich feather, Earl Nigel Buckington looked down upon his grandson Jette. The earl’s wealth of silvery hair was drawn back from his tanned face, making a striking contrast with his dark eyes, reflecting as cool and hard as gems in the lantern light. They swerved to rivet upon Emerald. Under that regal, withering stare she felt herself wilting like a plucked flower in the noon sun.
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