by Bree Wolf
“Mummy, I’m tired.”
Gazing down at her six-year-old daughter, Alexandra smiled and gently brushed a hand over the girl’s cheek. “Would you like to return to the house?”
Violet nodded, her dark blue eyes as stormy as the sea despite the gentle smile that tugged at her lips.
Alexandra knelt, then drew her little girl into a hug. “Then go with Miss Peachum,” she said, glancing over her daughter’s shoulder at the stout governess that had been with them since the day Violet had been born.
Miss Peachum nodded, then held out her hand to her charge. “Let’s give your mother a moment alone.”
Violet stepped back, her lively blue eyes gazing into Alexandra’s. “Will you come and kiss me goodnight?”
Smiling, Alexandra nodded. “Of course, I will. You have my word.”
Watching her daughter walk back toward the house, her little hand resting securely in that of their devoted governess, Alexandra sighed with a hint of relief. As much as she loved her little girl, these moments when she wandered the hills and cliffs to the east of Silcox Manor after supper had become precious to her. They took her mind away, carried it across the waves and into the sky, chasing away the dreariness that was her life.
Only today, the ease she usually felt would not come. Not in its entirety.
Inhaling a deep breath of the stormy air, tasting a hint of salt on her tongue, Alexandra proceeded toward the cliff, which seemed to reach out into the sea, its rock walls falling toward the roaring waves, their sound akin to a monster awakening from its sleep. Strangely enough, the violence nature sometimes possessed, the power with which it moved the waters and flung it against the rock-hard land, always eased Alexandra’s nerves. A soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and she felt an invisible hand guiding her onward, urging her toward the water’s edge.
Carefully picking her way down the side of the hill and around the cliff top above, Alexandra followed her feet as they seemed to know exactly where she needed to go. Again, thunder rumbled in the distance, mere moments before lightening streaked the sky, cutting through the heavy, dark clouds like a gleaming sword. The wind tore at her hair as well as her cloak and skirts, and although Alexandra knew she ought to turn back, a sense of freedom, of adventure, beckoned.
As her feet came to rest on the rocky beach, Alexandra’s gaze travelled to the water’s edge, and longing filled her heart as she imagined the long journey it had undertaken to roll up onto the short stretch of beach to the east of Silcox Manor. If it could speak, what would it tell her of the world, of the places it had seen?
Another clap of thunder shook the earth, and Alexandra gritted her teeth, fighting the voice of reason that urged her to turn back. “I only want to touch it,” she whispered, her gaze fixed on the rolling waves that licked the stony beach. “Only once.”
Determined to touch the turbulent waters and feel their life’s essence on her skin, Alexandra picked her way toward the black stretch of churning water. How odd, that it inspired her so whenever a storm approached. How odd, that the calm, blue sea on a sunny day never held such sway over her.
As her feet carried her onward, Alexandra felt the freezing waters seep through her shoes, chilling her skin. Still, she did not stop until the hem of her dress was soaking wet, the water whirling around her ankles. As her feet began to prick and tingle from the cold, she gathered up her skirts and then reached down to run a hand through the black water, watching the small swirls as though they held the answers to her heart’s desires.
If only they could tell her what to do!
Sighing, she straightened and took a step back, her spirits sinking as she knew she must say her goodbyes and return to the life that felt like a cage. A gilded cage. But a cage nonetheless. A cage that would all too soon capture her daughter as well.
Her eyes wandered to the distant horizon one last time, and then, with a heavy heart, she urged herself to turn back.
Before she could though, strong arms seized her from behind, momentarily lifting her off her feet.
Alexandra screamed.
Chapter Nine − Crossing Paths
Panic spread through Alexandra’s being like wild fire, and a terrified scream tore from her lungs before a hand clamped over her mouth. A voice spoke near her ear, hard and threatening, and she felt the warmth of her captor’s breath against her skin. Still, with the wind howling around her, she could not make out what he said, only that the rhythm of his words sounded foreign to her. From the way he held her, she could tell that he was rather short and stocky, and his breath on her ear sent a shiver of revulsion down her back…not unlike her husband’s.
Then he began to drag her backwards over the beach, heading south, away from Silcox Manor.
Struggling against his hold, Alexandra could only think of the promise she had given her little girl. Would she be able to keep it? Would she return home that night to kiss her daughter goodnight? What did this man want with her? And where had he come from?
“Merde!” he cursed as she managed to kick him in the shin.
Alexandra froze. A Frenchman! Why would a Frenchman be on a beach in Norfolk? After all, as England and France were at war−again! −few Frenchmen remained.
Tightening his hold on her, her captor mumbled something near her ear before she felt cold steel press against her throat, the edge of the blade nicking her skin.
Inhaling sharply, Alexandra stilled as tears came to her eyes, and she could not shake the thought of never seeing her daughter again. How foolish she had been! To wander outside in such weather! Why could she not have been grateful for the few blessings she had?
As her captor dragged her onward, Alexandra felt the pebbled ground under her feet give way to large rocks as a massive cliff face rose before her like a giant looming in the dark. Water rushed nearby, toward a large opening in the rock, pooling into a small bay in a vaulted cavern, which reminded her of a grand hall in some ancient castle. How had she not known this was here? Still, she had never wandered this far.
Venturing deeper into the cavern, Alexandra shrieked as she lost her footing on the wet rocks and her feet slid toward the water’s edge, the blade at her throat digging into her skin.
Fortunately, her captor held her tightly, his footing surer than she could have hoped, and he pulled her back up onto the narrow path leading deeper into the cavern.
Forcing air into her lungs, Alexandra tried to see in the dimness of the cave. Not too far ahead, she spotted faint lights, not pale and bright like the stars shining overhead, but rather warm and red as though a torch had been lit. Then muffled voices drifted to her ears, the melody of their speech reminding her of the man who still held her clutched in his arms.
As they ventured deeper into the cavern, Alexandra could make out the ragged shape of something large hiding in the darkness. Its edges seemed to move with the lapping water as though it was dancing on the waves.
Then her captor called out, and moments later, the lights came closer, illuminating the path between them and…
Alexandra froze when she found the outline of a three-masted ship looming before her. Men carrying torches moved on deck, and two came walking down the gangplank toward them, nodding to her captor and eyeing her with undeniable interest. A hint of suspicion rested in their eyes, and yet, they exchanged a few brisk remarks, followed by a bellow of laughter. Clearly, they did not think her a threat!
Of course, she could not fault them for drawing that conclusion.
Numb with fear, Alexandra felt herself pushed toward the gangplank, her captor’s arms not loosening their hold on her as he dragged her up toward the ship, calling for the captain in a loud, booming voice that echoed off the walls. Still, the storm’s deafening roar almost drowned him out.
Finding herself the centre of attention, Alexandra did not know where to look as the sailors on deck watched her with the same interest as the two who had met them on their way up to the ship. Averting her gaze, Alexandra found herself starin
g at the wooden planks below her feet, running from left to right, forming the ship’s main deck. What would they do with her?
Again, her captor’s voice rang out. “Capitaine Duret!”
Barely a moment later, the hatch flew open and a tall, dark man stepped out onto the deck.
And then it happened.
The moment she had dreamed of ever since her mother had told her her first fairy tale.
Staring at the dark stranger, Alexandra scarcely had time to note the knee-high boots, the dark breeches and crisp, white shirt, peeking out from underneath a midnight black vest and tailcoat before her eyes met his…and the air was yanked from her lungs.
Indeed, this was not the spark she had hoped for all her life, nor was it a small tingling of excitement that ran through Alexandra’s veins. No, it was a wildfire that burst to life within a second, consuming her whole.
Her knees gave way, and she felt her captor tighten his hold on her, as her head spun, and her heart ached with an acuteness she had never known before.
Could this be? Was her heart capable of these overwhelming emotions after all? Again, her brother’s voice echoed in her ear as he had pleaded with her on her wedding day seven long years ago. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. Your other half might still be out there somewhere. Perhaps he is simply…delayed.
Capitaine Duret! Who was this man? And why had he such power over her? Could he truly be her other half? The man she had hoped to find but given up on when her brother’s happiness had been at stake. Still staring, Alexandra could not deny that he, too, seemed shaken to his core. Had he felt it, too? The surge of emotions as though lightning had struck?
It had to be true, for he looked as though someone had punched him in the stomach. As he stepped toward them, his dark gaze held hers as though an invisible bond connected them. The muscles in his jaw clenched to the point of breaking, and he seemed utterly shaken.
However, then he swallowed and cleared his throat, forcing his eyes away from hers, and met her captor’s gaze. A few brisk words flew from his lips, and in the next moment, Alexandra felt herself fall toward the deck as her captor’s arms released her.
A gasp escaped her lips as she braced herself for impact, her knees still unable to hold her, her arms hanging almost useless by her sides.
Still, there was no pain.
The moment her captor released his hold on her, Captain Duret stepped forward, his strong arms catching her as she sank toward the deck. Pulling her up, he held her tightly against him, his gaze never quite meeting hers as she looked up at him in utter shock. Again, a flurry of words flew from his mouth, sharp and commanding as his dark gaze swept over his crew.
In an instant, all eyes turned from them as the men busied themselves with tasks that needed tending. Steadily, as though the ship was not swaying on rolling waves, the men hurried across the deck, climbed the rigging and began lowering the ship’s large sail to the deck, a substantial rip running down its middle.
Watching the commotion with rapt attention, Alexandra inhaled a sharp breath when Capitaine Duret’s hand closed over hers, pulling her arm through the crook of his. He glanced down at her, but quickly directed his gaze back toward the stern of the ship before she could even be certain of the life-altering astonishment she had glimpsed in them. Then he guided her toward the hatch through which he had appeared only moments earlier, his feet moving with the same steadiness as his sailors did.
Climbing down a short ladder and moving down the companionway, Alexandra found herself in what appeared to be the captain’s cabin. Three large windows opened to the back of the ship, showing nothing but blackness. A cot was attached to the side of the wall, and several trunks stood along the other. In the middle of the room was a large table, maps and all kinds of nautical equipment spread out over its smooth surface.
Staggering a few steps into the room, Alexandra closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling her heart hammering wildly in her chest. Behind her, she could feel Captain Duret’s silent presence, and a shiver went down her back.
With tense muscles−to keep on her feet despite the swaying of the ship−Alexandra turned to face her captor. Her eyes found his in an instant, and her heart jumped as though it wished to propel her into his arms.
Silent like a stone column, he stood before her, his dark gaze gliding over her face, a touch of confusion creasing his forehead as he watched her with utter bewilderment. With squared shoulders, arms linked behind his back, he took a step toward her, his gaze never leaving hers.
Alexandra swallowed, overwhelmed by the sheer presence of this man. Glancing around the room, she took a hesitant step back. “W-why are you here?” she stammered, terrified to meet his eyes, and yet, unable not to at the same time. Had she been wrong? What if her heart was deceiving her? What if this man was nothing but a lawless scoundrel? “What are you going to do with me?”
For the length of a heartbeat, his eyes flared to life, and in that moment, Alexandra feared−or hoped? −that he would seize her. Still, he remained as still as before, inhaling a slow breath before he finally spoke. “I might ask you the same, madame,” he said, a soft French lilt to his words.
“I…I live here,” she stammered, her mind slow to provide an answer as she watched his measured approach. “I went for a walk when one of your men seized me.”
His eyes narrowed as he came to stand an arm’s length away from her. “In this weather?”
Lifting her chin, Alexandra held his gaze. “I like the sea during a storm,” she answered him, a touch of defiance in her voice. “Nevertheless, I will have y-you know that I am not accountable to you regarding my reasons to be out in s-such weather. They’re mine, and mine alone.”
The hint of an amused smile came to his lips, and his gaze slid over her once more as though hoping to find answers she refused to give. Then his dark eyes returned to hers, and before Alexandra knew what was happening, his right hand came forward, catching a lock of her blond tresses between his fingers.
A soft gasp escaped her lips as she stared back at him, unable to move.
“You’re dressed like a lady,” he observed, his gaze holding her pinned to the spot. “What is your name?”
“Alexandra.” Her given name flew from her lips before she could clamp them shut, wondering why she had felt compelled to reveal it. Then she cleared her throat and forced a certain arrogance back into her eyes. After all, she was a lady. “I’m Lady Silcox,” she informed him, ignoring the amused curl that had come to his lips at her faux pas. “My husband is Viscount Silcox, and I’m certain he will pay for my safe return.”
Captain Duret’s gaze narrowed, a daring gleam coming to it as he leaned closer. “You’re certain? I admit I find that an odd choice of words for a woman who is, in fact, certain, non?”
Taken aback at his challenge, Alexandra squared her shoulders, running a hand through her loose hair, and thus pulling her lock out from between his fingers. “I am indeed, Captain Duret. He will pay to have me returned to him.” Still, deep down, Alexandra could only hope that was true. Or did she not? What was the alternative?
“Your husband,” Captain Duret continued, his gaze ever watchful, “is he a good man? Does his heart beat for you? And yours for him?”
Shocked by the boldness of his words, Alexandra could not mask the truth, her lips thinning as she clenched her jaw, unable to answer, unable to lie. Even if she did, he would know, would he not? Judging from the way his gaze seemed to study her face, he would not be fooled by a half-hearted lie.
“I see,” he mumbled, and a touch of outrage came to his gaze on her behalf as though an insult to her would be to him as well.
Startled to find herself leaning toward him, Alexandra jerked her shoulders back, momentarily averting her gaze as she ran her hands over her dress, trying her best to smooth the wrinkles her capture had brought forth. “W-why are you here?” she asked once more, slowly lifting her gaze to his. “After all, you could not have known I would be walkin
g on the beach. To collect ransom for me could not have been your motivation.”
“It was not.”
Her eyes held his, daring him to answer, to reveal something about himself. “Who are you?”
“My name is Antoine Duret.”
Rolling her eyes, Alexandra stepped toward him, feeling suddenly empowered by the reversal of their roles. “You are very well aware, sir, that that is not what I meant.”
“So, you do not care for my name?” he teased, his fingers reaching out for another stray curl of hers.
“Of course, I do, but−” Clamping her lips shut, Alexandra felt herself turn red at the triumphant gleam in his eyes. “Still, I wish to know what brought you to this beach.”
Captain Duret’s dark gaze shifted to the windows behind her. “The storm.”
“I see. But you’re French.”
“Very observant of you, madame.”
Annoyed, Alexandra lifted her hands to her sides, glaring at the elusive man before her. “What I meant was, what are you doing in these waters?” A part of her wondered if it was wise to question him so aggressively. However, deep down, Alexandra could not believe that this man was a threat to her.
To her virtue.
Her marriage vows.
Her heart.
Certainly!
But not to her life.
At her question, all humour left his eyes and they met hers with a hint of nervous anticipation as though her reaction to his answer was important to him. “We were lying in wait for English merchant vessels.”
Alexandra’s eyes widened. “You’re a privateer?”
He inclined his head to her. “I am. Does that frighten you?”
“No.” The word left her lips before she even had a chance to think it through.
At her answer, a shock wave seemed to go through him, and his jaw tensed as though he could barely hold back the emotions that so evidently played over his face. His gaze rested on hers with such an intensity, such longing, it sent Alexandra’s heart into an uproar, hammering so wildly as though it wished to break free.