Pirate's Conquest

by Mary Martin

  gardens at Eaton Hall the following week. >

  And just as soon as she was certain there would not be an innocent child made to suffer, she would see to the annulment. She might then take her evidence to the authorities and tell them where a pirate ship could be located. She hadn't had time to read the entire diary as yet, but there was reference in the first pages to his activities, and his life in England. She hadn't wished to read any more. Somehow, she felt closer to him with each page. That was something she could not handle. A series of shudders ran through her upon envisioning that bronzed, lean frame swinging from a British yardarm.

  "Damn you, Rayne Morgan," she gasped despair­ingly. "But I don't think I could bear that—even though it would serve you right."

  Confused and upset, yet ever thoughtful, her fingers found their way to the gold chain bearing the likeness of the scorpion that she kept carefully hidden beneath silken undergarments.

  Strange, she wondered, that he hadn't mentioned the diary or the necklace having disappeared. Perhaps he did not think she would have taken it? Perhaps the thief was always the last to realize when he had been taken himself? An enticing dimple appeared in her cheek as she smiled ever so secretively.

  "Something old, something new, something bor­rowed . .."

  With little enough time for the wedding, Starlin was at least spared having to endure a large, formal engagement ball. There was an intimate dinner given in

  their honor by Rayne's good friends at their London townhouse. She had managed to smile and converse graciously with those in attendance. There were looks of envy from many of the women when they saw the diamond and amethyst ring that Rayne had given her to officially seal their engagement.

  The ring was made of a large teardrop diamond nestled amidst a cluster of purple stones. It was saved from being ostentatious by the smoky violet stones.

  "I was at the jeweler's and when I saw those stones I knew instantly that I wanted them for you," Rayne had said, his mouth twisted up at one corner in a mocking half-smile as he'd slipped it on her finger before they'd departed for the dinner.

  She stared down at the ring. "Are you ever going to tell me why you are really marrying me?"

  "I've already explained it all to you."

  "Do you expect me to believe that nonsense about marrying me to save my honor?"

  "I did not lie to you."

  "No, only leave out what you do not wish for me to know," she returned sarcastically, her gaze meeting his.

  His voice had turned harsh. "I do not like to think I will be spending the rest of my life facing the condemnation in your eyes each time you look at me."

  "You know I never wished to marry a man who did not love me. I cannot be expected to change my feelings."

  Something hard and cynical gleamed in his jade eyes. They penetrated her forced reserve. "Am I to be condemned for accepang the invitation that I saw in your eyes?" The slant of his chiseled mouth warned her what was coming next, but it still cut deeply. "If it will make you feel any better, I have cursed myself a thousand times over for that one foolish night, but, you see, I was bewitched by a lovely, desirable woman that night. I was blinded by my need."

  "With luck, there will be no need for us to stay married for very long," she spat furiously.

  "Aye," he'd snarled darkly, "with luck, madam, you will be married and free of me before the summer's end. And with even a bit more good fortune, your Lord Courtland will not object to accepting my leavings."

  The fires guttered in her eyes and a flash of pain she could not hide flickered, then was quickly veiled by long lashes. He yanked her roughly into his arms, the very idea of her longing to be free infuriating him.

  They stared at each other: loving, hating, condemn­ing, their damnable pride coming between them.

  "Of one thing I am most certain, my beautiful Ice Princess. I have never come close to possessing your heart, and shall not even try, for it lies within a barrier of cold, cold ice that not even the most loving of men will ever melt."

  She didn't realize that she'd been holding her breath, a part of her fervently hoping that he would not say anything more that would drive those lancelike words any further into her.

  "You will vastly regret what you have said to me this day," she hissed.

  He reached out and drew a finger across her lips, his caustic tone defying his gentle touch. "Don't allow vengeance to become your willing master, my love, for it will only serve to enslave you."

  He was striding away from her before she had time to respond. She felt like screaming at the walls. It was not the first time that he'd left her feeling in such a way.

  "What do you want, Susan?' Rayne inquired coldly. He had just departed his club and climbed into his carriage. Lady Ellendale was waiting for him.

  "After seeing you the other evening, I realized how much I've missed you, darling." Susan pouted prettily. "Life has been so dull without you."

  "Oh really," Rayne drawled. "From what I've heard, you're busier than you've ever been."

  She stiffened in indignation, but was careful to mask her anger. "I must keep busy. If I don't, sad memories overwhelm me."

  Rayne's jade eyes danced with amusement. "I had no idea the duke had passed on."

  "The duke is fine, and you know it," Susan snapped, losing her self-control. "I was referring to the wonder­ful memories that you and I once shared. I can't forget the times we shared ... the love I thought was ours."

  "A few lusty tumbles is hardly love," Rayne stated coldly, looking directly into her eyes. "There was never any love lost between us." .

  Susan's eyes grew round and tearful. "Oh, how can you be so cruel? I truly imagined that you would marry me one day. Just as soon as the duke passed on, that is." She dabbed at her tears with a lace handkerchief.

  "You never believed any such thing," Rayne snorted. "You've left a legion of scorned lovers behind you, without once looking back. You're only miffed that I left you first."

  Susan's manner changed abruptly. Her face con­torted. "And for that little Cambridge miss! Well, I won't stand by and let you humiliate me this way."

  Rayne grabbed her arm. She winced from his biting hold.

  "Starlin Cambridge is going to be my wife, and she is more woman than you could ever hope to be."

  "And just what will she think when she hears of my ... little problem?" Susan said with a tight smile.

  "What are you talking about?"

  "I'm carrying a child—yours, to be exact."

  "You'd like for me to believe that," Rayne count­ered, his voice perfectly controlled.

  "The duke can't father children. And I am preg­nant."

  Rayne's face became grim. "How many months have you been with child?"

  Susan's face flushed scarlet. "Such a question to ask a lady."

  "It's a reasonable question, and you are no lady. Now, tell me damn it!"

  "About... two months." Susan looked away from him out of the window.

  "Are you certain?"

  "Yes!" she snapped, turning to stare up at him. "And

  I'd like to know what you intend to do about it?'

  Rayne swore softly.

  "I have thought of... another way," Susan said calmly.

  "What are you planning?"

  "I can go away, have the baby, and then return as if nothing happened."

  "What about the child?' Rayne asked incredulously.

  "There is a family I know in the next county who will take it," she replied with seeming indifference.

  Rayne's eyes were cold. "I won't allow that"

  Susan's eyes flared. "Then you'd better break your engagement, darling, for I don't intend to face the duke's wrath alone. I won't hesitate to go to your Starlin and tell her the truth."

  A dark look shone in his eyes. "If you know what's good for you, you won't open your mouth." He studied her tense features. "I'll have to think this through."

  "Very well," Susan agreed. "But don't keep me waiting long. Time
is my enemy "now. Only your support can see me through this, and keep me from talking to Starlin." She opened the carriage door and disappeared into the night, leaving Rayne to ponder the unexpected, and unwelcome, turn of events.

  The household was in a constant state of disruption with plans for Rayne and Starlin's wedding. Miss Eggie and the staff were all in a dither preparing the house for the ceremony and reception afterward. Several hun­dred people of the aristocracy had been invited. The earl left all of the arrangements to Miss Eggie and Starlin, and had taken to riding every day with Rayne to escape the hubbub. The two men appeared to get on | famously. Their newfound relationship irritated Starlin.

  On one particularly sunny morning, several days after her betrothal to Morgan, Starlin stood at the windows in the music room observing her grandfather striding over the lawns in the direction of the stable. She knew he was going to meet Rayne and experienced an odd little twinge. Even though she hated Morgan, he still was the only man who could make her heart skip a beat just by entering a room.

  "Damn him" she sighed. "He no more wishes this union between us than I do, yet he will cling to stubborn pride and meet his obligation, and make the both of us miserable."

  With a forlorn sigh, she sat down at the pianoforte. Unconsciously, her fingers began playing the haunting tune she remembered from the music box. Awake or asleep, it was always with her.

  She did not know how long he had been standing there, listening, watching her. She had been so involved in the emotional piece that his voice startled her.

  "You never cease to surprise me, Princess. I would have thought you'd never wish to hear that melody again."

  Her fingers froze on the ivory keys, then dropped self-consciously to her lap.

  "Don't stop on my account. I rather like that song myself."

  She turned around slowly and was not fooled for one minute by the calm, unassuming look in those expressive eyes. Lounging negligently against the doorway, blocking any means of passing him, he stood studying her, arms crossed over his broad chest.

  "Grandfather has already left for the stables," she offered evenly, "I suppose he thought you were detained elsewhere this morning." She plucked ner­vously at the threads of her velvet skirt.

  "I know exactly where the earl is. I came to tell you to stop avoiding me. This is no way for two people who are betrothed to act."

  Her eyes hot fire. "I detest the thought of marrying you. And I refuse to act happy about it, or to spend any more time with you than is necessary."

  His eyes roamed insolently over her. "It seems I'm marrying a child as well as a woman."

  Furious, she jumped up from the piano stool. "I will not allow you to manipulate me further, Morgan! If you insist on marrying me, I will make your life miserable."

  "You are a brat, you know," he stated slowly, moving toward her, purpose in each step, drawing her wary eyes to watch him closely. "But at least when you act like this I know how to treat you."

  "Don't come near me." Starlin pierced him with a withering glare.

  He kept coming.

  Damn the man! she thought, trying to calm her racing heart. Why did he have to look so handsome, so virile, and be such a villain? She dropped her eyes to keep him from guessing her thoughts. It was then his hand snaked out and yanked her to him. He sat on the piano stool and jerked her across his lap. Her mouth fell open in surprise as the first hard smack was delivered to her bottom. Even through her voluminous skirt it hurt. She began to struggle, her skirt and

  It was precisely then that Starlin realized how dangerous he was to her. It seemed no power on earth could keep them apart, or eliminate the desire that constantly drew them together. Yet she felt sure they were charted on a disastrous course. Sooner or later, ! one of them was bound to destroy the other.

  All of London soon had news of the betrothal of Starhn Cambridge to Lord Rayne Morgan. Over the next few days they began a social whirl. One night, Rayne informed her that they were going to Her Majesty's Theatre in the Haymarket to hear the incomparable singing of Jenny Lind. It was an Italian opera, one that Starlin had longed to attend for some time. She remembered having mentioned this before one of her friends in Rayne's presence. Had he secured the costly tickets to please her? Starlin could not contain her excitement at the prospect of an evening of fine music. If nothing else, she and Rayne did share a love of music and dance. As she stood patiently waiting for Mindy to finish fastening her gold satin gown she wondered if Queen Victoria and the prince would be in attendance.

  Rayne and Starlin arrived just before the curtain and were shown to the Morgans' private box situated but a stone's throw from the royal box. The hall was packed with over two thousand people in anticipation of seeing the queen and hearing the famous singer.

  When Queen Victoria and her husband arrived, the hall grew perfectly still. Starlin, who admired the queen very much, was surprised when Victoria's eyes met hers and she smiled at Starlin as if she were attempting to assure her in some way.

  Paula, who was sitting in the box next to Starling leaned over and murmured, "The queen has heard of your forthcoming marriage. I understand that she has given you her unofficial blessing."

  Starlin's pulse quickened. "She is aware of the circumstances?'

  "She is wise, Starlin, and is not disapproving. After all, her own marriage is an arranged one. And yet, it is said she adores her husband."

  Starlin was still looking in the queen's direction when the curtain rose and the entertainment began.

  It was during the intermission, when they were sipping champagne and conversing with several well-wishers who had dropped by their box, that Starlin became aware of rude tittering in the box behind theirs. It was the Dowager Courtland's voice.

  "He's only marrying her because he is bound by honor to do so, you know. I understand from my son that he is still wild for his mistress."

  Starlin looked down at her hands which were clenched in her lap. The circumstances of their marriage were well known, it seemed. As was Rayne's continued affair with Susan Ellendale. Why did the thought of his holding that woman in his arms make her feel like scratching his eyes out. She was startled from her brooding reverie by Rayne's drawling voice near her ear. "Dammit, keep your chin up. You've nothing to be ashamed of."

  She stared at him with bitter regret. "Is it true what she said?'

  "You're staring at me as if you believe that it is."

  "Is it?' she ground out tersely.

  "By the look in your eyes, I'd say that no matter what I say, you're going to believe what you want."

  "I don't appreciate being made a fool of over your mistress," Starlin said in a cold, suppressed fury.

  "Do I detect a note of jealousy in your voice?"

  Starlin's cheeks turned pink. "I will not stay here another minute with you. I want to leave."

  "No" came the biting reply. "I will not allow those biddies to have the pleasure of seeing you flee. Stay put, and show all of them your fine spirit."

  "Why should you care one way or the other?"

  "Because we're in this together," he said flatly, "until the bitter end. Now stay where you are."

  Starlin was forced to endure the rest of the evening feeling like a wild thing caught in a trap.

  Starlin and Rayne were included in every prominent social gathering. After three days of activities, Rayne was weary of parties and formal dinners and looking forward to sharing a private dinner with Starlin that evening. Somehow he had to manage a way to retrieve the diary that she'd taken. He didn't think she could have read the entire thing, or she would hate him even more than she already did.

  Settling deeper into the plush cushions of his carriage, Rayne considered his plans. He was on his way to pick up Starlin, anticipating taking her to one of London's most popular supper clubs. It was the first time they'd been alone in several days. He was doing his utmost to ease the tension between them. But while Starlin's body yielded to his touch, he knew her response was purely reflexiv
e. She still remained as

  stubbornly self-possessed as ever.

  Suddenly, his driver's voice brought his thoughts back to the present.

  "There is a coach up ahead that is broken down, milord. Should I offer assistance?"

  Even though they were on a particularly lonely stretch of road frequented by highwaymen, Rayne told George to stop. When his man didn't return after a few minutes, he stepped out of the vehicle. The world appeared to explode around him. Fists came from everywhere, beating him, pummeling his facejind driving into his body. Rayne did his best to defend himself, but he guessed there were a dozen men surrounding him. The fight was brutal, but Rayne would not fall easily. His eye swelled shut and his mouth tasted like blood, but still he remained standing. It took them a long time to beat him down.

  A blurred face hovered over him and said in a jeering voice, "This is a pre-wedding present from your fiancee, Morgan. She thought it well deserved."

  The pleasant evening was shattered. Starlin heard the sound of voices in the foyer and hurried from the parlor to see what had happened. She found the butler trying to restrain an angry Rayne Morgan from seeking her out. Starlin was shocked by his appear­ance. His face was battered and covered with dried blood.

  "What happened?" she demanded.

  Rayne tore free of Bridges.

  "As if you have to ask," he snarled.

  From behind Rayne, George's eyes met Starlin's wide ones. "We stopped to investigate a carriage on the side of the road," he explained. "Men came out of nowhere. They jumped us. We didn't have a chance."

  Starlin choked on a sob as she stared at Rayne. "Why would anyone do this?' She glanced up at George's bruised face and saw the answer there in his eyes. She swore in a very unladylike fashion under her breath, but her features remained perfectly controlled. She knew there was no sense in trying to explain her innocence. Someone had tried very hard to make it appear that she was behind the attack.

  Rayne swayed on his feet. "Madam ..." he slurred, shaking his head to clear it. "I only came here to tell you that your men didn't frighten me, you deceitful jade." He wiped at the blood streaming in his eyes, never even aware when he slumped over in Starlin's arms. Immediately, George took him from her.