Regency Admirer/The Merry Gentleman/The Gentleman's Demand

by Meg Alexander

  It was long after midnight when Chris came for her. A glance at his troubled face told her that he still had doubts, but she made no comment beyond a cheerful greeting.

  In silence he beckoned her through the open door, and hurried her along the passage.

  “Going somewhere?” a deep voice enquired. Elizabeth looked up to see the hated Mr Wentworth smiling at her in triumph.

  With an inarticulate cry of rage, she tried to slip past him, but he was too quick for her. Her wrist was seized in a vice-like grip, and she was bundled back into the cabin.

  “Steady on, Perry! No need to be so rough, old chap. This was just a joke. We were planning to play a trick on you.” Chris had the grace to look ashamed.

  “I ought to break your neck,” Perry said deliberately. “I warned you, Chris. You may think this just a joke, but madam here does not.”

  “That’s right! Go on at her as usual!” In his anger Chris forgot to be defensive. “How sour you are become! You used to enjoy a joke as much as anyone.”

  “At this moment my sense of humour is a little strained.” Perry spun Elizabeth round and snatched the cloak from her shoulders. “Look at her! Even you must see that she is ready for flight. Perhaps you think it the latest fashion to be wearing several garments?”

  “Take your hands off my future wife, or you will answer to me!”

  “Your future wife? Don’t be such a fool! I think you have forgot Count Cesare di Tavola.”

  “I have not forgot.” Chris was scarlet with anger. “Elizabeth has explained. It was just a youthful infatuation.”

  “So she is now in love with you?”

  “You need not sneer. Rip up at her again, and you may name your friends.”

  “With pleasure!” Perry bowed. His own anger threatened to choke him.

  “Stop it, both of you!” Elizabeth was quick to intervene. “You are behaving like a pair of idiots!”

  “I’d use a stronger word for your own behaviour.” Perry rounded on her. “Well, madam, have you promised to wed his lordship?”

  “No, I haven’t!” Elizabeth could not look at Chris.

  “Oh, my dear, I thought it was settled between us—”

  “No, Chris. Mr Wentworth is right, though it grieves me to say it. I have deceived you.”

  “You mean that you only pretended to be fond of me?” The disconsolate expression on Chris’s face cut her to the heart.

  “That isn’t so,” she told him in a low voice. “I am fond of you, but not in the way that you might wish.”

  “Honesty, at last?” Perry eyed her with undisguised contempt. “Admit it, madam, you will use anyone to gain your ends.”

  “Do you blame me?” Elizabeth was deeply ashamed, but she would not let him see it. “I won’t be taken to England...I won’t!”

  “Go to bed!” Perry ordered. “By the way, I’ll take that bag of gold.”

  “I won’t give it to you.”

  “I think you will, unless you wish me to search you.”

  Chris started forward with a furious word of protest, but Elizabeth stopped him with an upraised hand.

  “Your friend means what he says,” she said in icy tones. “Nothing would give him greater pleasure than to humiliate me, but I won’t allow it. Turn your backs!”

  Both men turned away as she lifted her skirts. Then Perry staggered as the heavy purse struck him on the shoulder.

  “You’ve got your way,” she hissed. “Now get out!”

  “Charming as ever!” Perry drawled. He motioned Chris ahead of him, pausing only to re-lock the door.

  Elizabeth sat down suddenly, a prey to utter despair. Perry had foiled her plans with ease, but worse, far worse, was the knowledge that he now despised her as a heartless creature who had used his friend without compunction.

  She could not blame him. She was deeply ashamed of her own behaviour, which had almost resulted in a duel between the two men. She’d never be able to lift her head again. She had destroyed their friendship without thinking of anyone but herself. Both young men must now regard her with disgust.

  Poor Chris! He had looked so stricken. Elizabeth buried her face in her hands. She had been cruel to encourage him.

  And Perry was still taking him to task. Even through the locked door she could hear his upraised voice as he demanded further explanations.

  “Not here!” Chris said abruptly. “You had best come to my cabin.”

  Once there, he turned to face his companion. “Save your recriminations, Perry. I knew what I was doing.”

  “Did you? More to the point, did you know what Elizabeth was doing? Don’t trouble to answer me. Your face gave you away. Admit it, you were shocked when you knew the truth of it.”

  “I thought she loved me,” Chris said simply. “Believe me, Perry, I didn’t intend to help her to escape. How would she fare alone in a strange country? I wouldn’t expose her to such dangers.”

  “Certainly, I didn’t think you capable of such folly... Damn it, man, she’s played you like a fish on a hook.”

  Chris coloured at that. “It doesn’t matter. I would still protect her with my life. I do love her, you know.”

  “She isn’t worth it.” Perry’s voice was harsh, but he was moved to pity by his friend’s misery. “I don’t mean to rip up at you,” he said more gently. “You didn’t know what she intended...but, if she can, she’ll lead you by the nose.”

  Chris managed a wan smile. “She’s very young. To her it’s just a game. I did believe that she planned to play a trick on you to punish you for being cross with her. I didn’t guess that she meant to leave me.”

  Perry clapped him on the shoulder. “Let it be a lesson to you. You won’t be taken in again by that devious little brat.”

  “I suppose not, but I wish you wouldn’t speak of her like that. I pity her, in spite of all, cooped up in a cabin little bigger than a cupboard.”

  “Like it or not, she’ll stay there until we reach the shores of England. Cheer up! This ain’t the end of the world, you know.”

  Chris hesitated. “Perry, you won’t take it out on her? She don’t see the dangers, so you mustn’t come to points with her.”

  Perry gave up. With a rueful shake of his head he returned to the quarterdeck. There, he found it impossible to concentrate on his duties.

  He’d been expecting the attempt at escape, but not so soon. It had been a close-run thing. Had any other officer been on watch, Elizabeth might have slipped ashore.

  Now he cursed himself for interfering. The chit had been trouble from the start. He should have turned a blind eye, and left her to face the consequences of her foolish act.

  It would be bliss to be rid of her for ever. A high-spirited child? He thought not. When it came to womanly wiles, that little hornet had nothing in the world to learn.

  Yet she’d been honest, and quick to intervene to prevent the inevitable outcome of that serious quarrel with Chris. When her chin went up, he’d known at once that she would tell the truth, exonerating Chris from any blame.

  Pride alone had led her to confess, he thought with scorn. She would make no excuses. He was beginning to believe that she feared nothing and no one.

  Well, he would show her who was master. From now on she would not take a breath without his knowledge. In a few weeks’ time he would hand her over to her English relative.

  His lips twitched at the thought of Miss Mary Grantham’s probable reaction to her charge. Elizabeth was a handful, as that lady would soon discover, but it was no concern of his. With his duty to her father discharged, he could forget her.

  He then remembered how her eyes had flashed when he had challenged her, and the way her delicate colour came and went. Strange, but even at the height of her fury the husky voice had lost nothing of its seductive charm. Another woman might have been screaming like a fishwife.

  Later, he was surprised to find that his watch had passed so quickly. He went below to rouse Chris.

  On the following day he w
as roused by the bustle on the docks. The provisioning of the Artemis was under way, and on the wharf alongside lay dozens of barrels of fresh water and puncheons of rum. Carcasses of pigs and goats were hauled aboard, and a number of smoked hams. Then came casks of flour and beef and butter, and crates of the necessary limes and lemons.

  Most important was the vast quantity of powder and shot in various sizes, together with the matches, wads and priming-irons needed by the gunners.

  Perry dressed quickly. It was clear that Captain Robsart hoped to sail without delay, but there was time to go ashore to make some hasty purchases.

  He tapped at Elizabeth’s door and then unlocked it to find her in a state of déshabillé.

  “I beg your pardon,” he said hastily. “Shall I go away?”

  “What do you want?” Elizabeth asked coldly, as she reached for a dressing-robe.

  “Ma’am, I am going ashore...” Perry was babbling, aware of nothing but the voluptuous beauty of the girl who stood before him. Her lace-trimmed shift served only to emphasise the rounded curves of a creamy bosom, and a waist which was impossibly tiny.

  Like many small-boned women, Elizabeth was not skinny. Clothed, she looked quite fragile, but now, clad only in her chemise, her firm curves were apparent.

  Perry swallowed. “Is there anything you need?”

  “Nothing, I thank you,” came the brief reply. “You cannot offer me fresh air, I think?”

  “No, ma’am. I was thinking of some trifles for your comfort.”

  “Those I shall leave to your discretion, Mr Wentworth. You hold my money. Use it as you think best.”

  Perry longed to strike her, but turned on his heel and left. His offer had been made with the best of intentions. In return, she could only throw the money in his face. The woman was impossible. Was this to be the thanks he got when he offered only civility?

  As he stepped to the ship’s ladder, a midshipman, who had been about to remark on the fineness of the day, took one look at his grim face and thought better of it.

  Perry soon recovered his spirits in the gentle warmth of the winter sun. As he strode through the main street of the port, he was greeted on all sides by officers of his acquaintance. Their banter cheered him, and it was in a more charitable frame of mind that he made his purchases.

  The infuriating Miss Grantham must not be allowed to reduce him to her own level of petty spite. Stepping into a small emporium, he bought a selection of sweetmeats, preserved fruits, and a jar of ginger in syrup. He added ratafia biscuits, and a box of fresh macaroons.

  No gentleman carried his own parcels, so he ordered them to be sent to the ship.

  Then, as he walked on, he spied a tiny chess set in a jeweller’s window. The ivory pieces were intricately carved, and an enquiry confirmed that they were Oriental.

  The set was expensive but, if it kept Elizabeth quiet for an hour or two, the cost would be well worth it. He didn’t haggle, but paid the asking price, smiling ruefully at his strange behaviour. He didn’t even know if she played the game, but she was intelligent and would soon learn.

  He smiled again at the thought of teaching her. That would lead to some battles. It would not do to let her think that he had bought the thing. She’d probably throw it at his head.

  He said as much to Chris.

  “A peace-offering, Perry?” Chris examined the pieces with interest. “It must have cost a fortune. She’s sure to look more kindly on you.”

  “She isn’t to know that it came from me,” Perry said quickly. “You must say that you asked me to look out for some such thing.”

  “I can’t do that. I won’t be thanked for an expensive gift when I haven’t paid for it.”

  “Force yourself! Otherwise, she’ll probably refuse to touch it.”

  “That’s true, but I wish you’d make your peace with her. I don’t mind telling you that all this quarrelling is a bore.”

  “It isn’t of my doing,” Perry pointed out. “Still, I’ll try. Madam may simmer down if she gets a good tossing in the Bay of Biscay.”

  Chris grinned. “You don’t deceive me. You do have some concern for her.” He gestured towards the other purchases. “What’s all this? Briggs left them at your cabin door, so I picked them up. More games, old chap?”

  “No!” Perry replied with dignity. “Providing food has been a problem. These are just some trifles to help out.”

  “Well, now, let’s see. What have we here?” As Chris examined the contents of the boxes he whistled. “Just the things to keep body and soul together, I’m sure! Such luxuries! They must have cost you a month’s pay. Am I to say that these, too, came from me?”

  “If you please.” Perry turned away to hide his embarrassment.

  “But I don’t please,” Chris told him frankly. “However, since you will have it so... My stock with the lady will certainly go up.”

  Perry gave him a significant look. “Just as long as you don’t allow her to persuade you into further folly.”

  “Oh, no, I shan’t do that. I’ve learned my lesson. She don’t care for me, you know. Not in a loverly way, I mean.”

  “Don’t let it worry you. It’s my belief that she don’t care for anyone but this precious Count of hers.”

  “I’m not sure of that,” Chris told him thoughtfully. “She don’t talk about him much. She told me that she had mistaken her feelings for him.”

  “She would, wouldn’t she? Why would she promise to wed you if she still loved this cursed Italian?”

  Chris looked uncomfortable. “She didn’t exactly promise,” he admitted. “I suppose I hoped for it so much that I made myself believe it.”

  Perry’s face cleared. There was not the slightest reason why this piece of news should cheer him, but it did. “I hope you ain’t too disappointed,” he said more gently.

  “I was, but I can understand it. Elizabeth won’t give up without a fight. What would you have done?”

  “I hope never to be brought aboard drugged, and in a basket.” Perry began to laugh. “What would I have done? I don’t know.”

  “Exactly! I doubt if you’d have sat in a locked cabin twiddling your thumbs. You must give her credit for some spirit. I suppose that using me was all she could think of.”

  Perry shook his head. “Too generous by half, old chap! Will you never learn that she ain’t to be trusted? Take her these things. If she thanks you, it’s no more than you deserve. In your position I’d have longed to wring her neck.”

  “I’ve never wanted to do that.” Chris chuckled. “She’s far too lovely...” With a sly look at Perry’s face he went off with the parcels.

  Elizabeth was standing by the port, gazing mournfully at the busy scene on the dockside. She was debating whether or not to call for help.

  Might it not be better to risk the captain’s wrath? Most certainly she would be taken ashore at once, and delivered into the care of some British official.

  Escape might then be just as difficult, but she would be spared the company of the obnoxious Mr Wentworth.

  She opened her mouth to cry out. Then she closed it again, dismissing the notion from her mind. The obstacles might prove too great, she assured herself. Better the devil you know, and Peregrine Wentworth was a devil. He seemed to have an uncanny ability to read her mind, but she would defeat him yet. The urge to crush him outweighed all other considerations.

  She spun round as the key turned in the lock, but it was Chris who came towards her.

  “Good morning,” he said cheerfully. “Here are some things for you. I hope you’ll like them.”

  “Are you heaping coals of fire upon my head?” she murmured in a low voice. She would not meet his eyes.

  “Nothing of the sort! I expect I’d have done the same myself.”

  “No, you wouldn’t. You make me feel ashamed...”

  “Stuff! Forget that nonsense! Ain’t you going to open the parcels?”

  As she made no move, he opened them himself, revealing the charming little c
hess set.

  “Do you play?” he asked.

  Elizabeth shook her head.

  “No matter! I’ll teach you.” He set out the foods upon the sea-chest.

  Elizabeth gazed at him with a stricken face. “I can’t accept these things,” she whispered. “Oh, Chris, I have behaved so badly.”

  “And now you plan to make things worse by spurning my offerings? That’s a blow! I was hoping to help you eat the ginger. I have a passion for it.”

  Elizabeth could not resist his teasing. She gave him a reluctant smile.

  Chris patted her hand. “We are still friends, are we not? Now, look at these ivory pieces! The carving is so intricate... The Chinese have talent for such things, or is it the Japanese? I forget.”

  Elizabeth picked up one of the chessmen. “The workmanship is very fine,” she agreed. Then she looked at him. “Can you forgive me for the way I treated you?”

  “It’s all forgotten,” he assured her.

  “So easily? What of Mr Wentworth. Is he still your friend? I was afraid. You came so close to a duel!”

  “That happens twice a week,” he lied manfully. “It don’t mean a thing. Old Perry is quite over his ill temper. Can’t think what’s come over him. In the usual way he’s full of fun.”

  “I haven’t found him so, but I expect that you understand him.”

  “Not on this voyage, ma’am. Blest if he ain’t been stamping about like a bear with a sore head.”

  “I can’t say that I blame him.” Elizabeth was determined to be fair. “I’m afraid my father put him in a most difficult position, though he was acting with the best of intentions.”

  “Perry knows that. He knows, too, that it ain’t no fault of yours that you are here, but he feels a certain responsibility...”

  “He need not do so,” Elizabeth replied with dignity. “I am well able to take care of myself.”

  “He don’t see it that way. Besides, he can’t understand why you don’t wish to go to England. It’s the finest country in the world, you know.”

  Elizabeth smiled in spite of herself at the young man’s earnest words. “You would think so, naturally, but is it not always cold and grey, even in the summer?”