Bandera was thoughtful for a moment. "I wish Maman were here. She would know what was best to do."
"Bandera, listen to me, Sebastian is using you. Wake up and see for yourself."
Confusion registered in Bandera's eyes. "I don't know. I need to think."
"Bandera, you have to send Oralee to me. I need to get a message to Judah."
A smile spread over her sister's face. "Sebastian told me you would suggest something like that. It isn't me who is the fool, but you, Liberty. You think Judah is so wonderful. Do you know why he married you?"
"I don't delude myself into thinking he is dying of love for me, Bandera. We both know that Judah loves you."
Bandera's eyes narrowed. It was Liberty who was the simpleton. Bandera had seen the admiration and love in Judah's eyes when he'd looked at her sister. Jealousy burned in her heart, taking precedence over every other feeling.. Finally she knew how to bring her sister tumbling off her pedestal. She was tired of feeling inferior to Liberty.
"I know why Judah married you, Liberty. It was the only way he could get his hands on Bend of the River. I happen to know that Monsieur Gustave told Judah the only way he could inherit his fortune was by marrying you. It seems the old man has always fancied you. Anyway he told Judah if he married me he would be cut out of his will."
Liberty didn't believe Bandera for a moment, but the words stung all the same. "That is just another lie spun by Sebastian. Judah does not care about Bend of the River."
"Sebastian wasn't the one who told me about Monsieur Gustave's stipulations, Liberty, because he doesn't know about it. I didn't tell him, fearing he might try to marry you himself, so he could have Bend of the River. I heard this from Judah himself. If you don't believe me, ask his grandfather. For that matter, the next time you see Judah, ask him . . . unless you are afraid to hear the truth."
Something in Bandera's eyes made Liberty believe her. No, she cried silently. Do not let this be true! She tried to smile, but did not succeed. "I cannot believe that, Bandera. Judah would never marry a woman for—"
"You admitted yourself that he didn't love you. Why else do you suppose he married you?"
Liberty had believed Judah had married her because he thought he had ruined her. Now she wasn't so sure. Doubt and pain walked hand in hand through her mind. "I won't listen to you. Sebastian has poisoned your mind, and you are beginning to think like he does."
At that moment Bandera's eyes fell on the white velvet gown that had been carefully draped over the foot of the bed. "What is this?" she asked, picking up the lovely garment and holding it up to her. "Where did you get this?"
"It is a Christmas gift from Judah," Liberty answered, only half attending to her sister. Her mind was in a turmoil. She was a prisoner in her own home, and she had just learned something very disturbing about her husband. Liberty didn't know where to turn for help. She had already decided, that if she wasn't released tomorrow, she would climb out the window tomorrow night.
Bandera smiled. "Since you cannot come downstairs and enjoy the lovely Christmas dinner with us, I think I will just borrow this gown from you."
"Do as you wish," Liberty said dully. "But I doubt it will fit you."
"It has a wide hem, and Oralee can let it out. Cheer up, little sister. You wouldn't like dining with us tonight anyway. You see, we are entertaining some of our newfound English friends. There will be two doctors, and a captain." Laughter trilled from her throat. "It's amusing when you think about it. The British will be dining on the food Judah sent to you. Do you think he would be angry if he knew he was furnishing the enemy with Christmas dinner?"
"Just leave," Liberty said, bending down and picking up the shoes that Judah had sent to her to wear with the dress, and tossing them at Bandera. "You may as well have the complete outfit. I hope your friends choke on their dinner."
"My, my, but we are vicious. Maman would not approve you know."
"Maman never approved of anything I did, Bandera. I was always a disappointment to her."
A smile played on Bandera's lips. "I know. I made sure that she saw only the worst of you. I could make her believe anything I wanted to. You wouldn't believe the things I made up about you. She was horrified that she had given birth to such a rebellious child." Bandera's eyes grew cold. "Papa always saw through my little schemes. He wasn't as easy to fool as Maman was."
Liberty felt the life drain out of her. She had the feeling no one cared what happened to her. "Please leave, Bandera. I no longer want to talk to you."
"It's too bad we could never be friends, Liberty. But you always thought you were superior to me —you who had the father with the aristocratic French blood, while my father was from a poor Spanish family."
Liberty sat down on a chair and stared at Bandera as if seeing her for the first time. "We could never have been friends, but it wasn't because of my father. You and I are worlds apart. There was a time when you had it all, Bandera—beauty and popularity. You could have married anyone you wanted. Look how low you have sunk by marrying Sebastian. I pity you."
"Save your pity for yourself, Liberty. You are the one who is going to need it." Bandera left and slammed the door behind her.
Liberty threw herself on the bed and lost herself in tears of misery. What was going to happen to her? What was she going to do?"
The Christmas dinner Bandera had brought her remained uneaten because Liberty cried herself to sleep.
Judah looked at his first mate and his eyes narrowed with fury. "Are you sure, Philippe? Could there be no mistake?"
"I saw it with my own eyes, Captain. Me and Rojo were just pulling away from the pier at Briar Oaks, and we saw a large floating barge coming out of the mist. We rowed around the bend and watched them go ashore at Briar Oaks. There were about fifty of them, counting the walking wounded and those that were carried on a litter. I stayed long enough to find out they were setting up a hospital there."
"Did you see Liberty?"
"No, Captain, but I believe I saw a man who fit your cousin Sebastian's description. He was laughing and acting like he was great friends with the British."
"Damn." Judah clenched his fists. "I should never have allowed Liberty to go back there. I should have insisted that she go to Bend of the River and stay with my mother."
"Judging from the brief encounter I had with your wife on the Winged Victory, I'd say she has a mind of her own,- Captain."
"Yes, she is the most stubborn, hot-tempered . . . kindhearted, adorable woman I have ever come up against."
Philippe threw up his hands. "Save me from men who are in love. I never thought to see the day you would give up the free and easy life to concentrate on one woman, Captain. I know several ladies who will not be too happy about that turn of events."
Judah fixed his first mate with a disagreeable glance. "I have no time for your little jests, Philippe. I have to know what is going on at Briar Oaks."
"I don't see how you are going to do that. The place is crawling with the enemy and is a veritable fortress, with guards posted about fifty yards apart."
Philippe was surprised to see the smile on his captain's face. "I know someone who can get past the guards and they wouldn't dare challenge her," Judah said. "No one would dare challenge Zippora."
"Are you referring to that old woman you told me about, the one with the yellow eyes?" Philippe asked.
"Yes. I believe you and I will just pay a little visit to her this afternoon."
"Are you sure you can find her place? You said it was deep in the swamps."
Judah laughed and clapped his friend on the back. "I have a map Liberty drew for me." He sobered, and his jaw came together in a stubborn line.
"No one had better touch Liberty. If they do, they will answer to me."
20
A strange noise caught Liberty's attention, and moving to the window, she pushed the draperies aside. At first she was too stunned to feel rage. It appeared that one of the British soldiers was in the magnolia tree outsi
de her window, and he was cutting off the branches!
Liberty pushed open the window, and called down to him. "Who gave you permission to cut my tree? I insist that you stop this instant."
The young soldier smiled at the pretty young woman. "I'm sorry, madam. I am just following orders."
"Who gave the order for my tree to be butchered?"
He smiled sheepishly. "I am sorry, madam. I was told, that if you asked, I was to say that your sister informed the colonel that you have often used this tree to leave your bedroom. The colonel ordered it trimmed back so you couldn't reach it."
Liberty was so angry that she could not find her voice, but anyway she realized nothing would be gained by arguing with the man. He was only carrying out orders. It was Bandera who drew her anger. How could her own sister betray her?
Liberty watched as the big overhanging branch that grew next to her window splintered and fell to the ground. She couldn't understand why the British officer would want to keep her a prisoner in her room.
There had been only the sound of intermittent gunfire all day, and Liberty did not know what was happening. For all she knew, the war might have been lost.
A knock on the door caused Liberty to start. "Come in," she called out, hoping it would be Oralee, because she yearned for a familiar face. Instead, when the door was pushed open, she saw the young soldier who had been sawing the limbs off her tree.
"Begging your pardon, Mrs. Slaughter, but Colonel Newman would like to see you downstairs right away."
"If he wants to see me, let him come to me," Liberty said, raising her chin haughtily. She was not in the least happy about being summoned in her own home.
The young man smiled at her, and his eyes looked kindly into hers. "Ma'am, if you wouldn't mind a suggestion, you should do as Colonel Newman says. He's in a position to make things a lot easier for you ... or more difficult, if you know what I mean."
Liberty picked up her shawl and pulled it around her shoulders. She would very much like to keep her pride and demand that the colonel come to her, but the truth of the matter was, at this point, she would do almost anything to get out of this room. "It would seem I have little choice. Lead the way," she said.
As they descended the stairs, Liberty asked, "What news of the war, Monsieur?"
"I don't believe I'll be giving away any secrets if I tell you it's a stand-off, Mrs. Slaughter."
At least that is something, she thought. The war has not been won, but it isn't lost either.
Colonel Graham Newman was a man in his early thirties, and already he was a seasoned veteran, having served in two campaigns — one in France, and now here in this godforsaken country, called America. Nothing had prepared him for the kind of war the Americans waged; they called it Indian warfare. The Americans could strike anywhere and anytime, leaving their enemies confused and bleeding, and they disappeared as quickly as they had come. They seemed to do their best fighting at night, a fact the British had been forced to adjust to.
He shuffled the papers on his desk and leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment, trying not to think about the loneliness that weighed on his shoulders. He had been away from England too long, and he yearned for his home. Soon it would be spring, and the roses in his mother's garden would be in full bloom.
Aside from the many problems which had plagued Colonel Newman, there was the lady of the house to deal with. If her sister and her brother-in-law were to be believed, the lady had two heads and breathed fire. If the lady was indeed the wife of Judah Slaughter, the notorious pirate who had preyed on British shipping and British naval vessels, it was a stroke of luck that she had fallen into his hands.
The Admiralty would give much to get their hands on Judah Slaughter. He was responsible for the sinking of the Royal George, the capture of the Freemont, and the seizure of Admiral Sills and his crew. Word had come from headquarters that Colonel Newman was to use the lady, in any way he felt necessary, to obtain Admiral Sills's freedom.
Newman's eyes dimmed. It was distasteful to him to use a woman. But he was a professional soldier, and he would do what he must to help win this war. He could always hope the woman was a simpleton so he could easily maneuver her to his best advantage. Perhaps he could induce her to write a frantic note that might bring her husband to her rescue. Newman would like nothing better than to catch Captain Judah Slaughter in a trap. The man that captured the notorious captain would gain great recognition.
The door was pushed open, and Colonel Newman caught a flurry of pink and a flash of golden hair. He sat up straight, as a lovely young woman advanced toward him, anger burning in her glorious, blue eyes. He was stunned as he waited for the beautiful vision to speak, wondering if she was real or if he had conjured her up out of his loneliness.
"I assume I am addressing Colonel Newman," Liberty said, raising her chin and glaring at him even as she wondered why he was staring at her so strangely.
Her French accent was as lovely as she was. If this was the lady of the house, she did not fit her relatives' descriptions. She was barely more than a child. Perhaps there was some mistake.
He stood and bowed to her politely. "I am Colonel Graham Newman, at your service, Mrs. Slaughter."
"I am surprised you know my name, Colonel. I had thought myself all but forgotten by the intruders who occupy my home."
"You will excuse me, ma'am, but I arrived late last night. I did not learn about your detention until that time." He smiled, thinking to win her confidence with kindness. "As you can see, I made you my first order of the day."
"That is not quite true, Colonel. Your first order of the day was to cut the branches off my magnolia tree. I demand to know the reason you think you can come into my home and treat it as if it were your own?"
He was enchanted by the way her eyes changed color when she became incensed. "Alas, Mrs. Slaughter, war makes warlords of us all. I like the idea of forcefully using your house no less than you do. No one as lovely as you should be forced to remain in her room. We would all enjoy your company at dinner tonight."
Liberty was not appeased. The colonel had pretty manners, but she was not one to be won over by charm. "I do not desire to dine with you. May I assume I am still free to choose with whom I dine?"
"Indeed, the choice is yours, but I would hope you would reconsider. It will all be quite proper, if that is your concern. Your sister and her husband will be dining with me as well."
She looked at him through veiled silky lashes. "That is just another reason for me to decline. I have no wish to be at the same table with Bandera and Sebastian."
"But I assumed that your sister—"
"Do not assume anything where my sister is concerned, Monsieur. However, I have no intention of discussing my private family matters with you."
He seated himself at the desk and waved her to a chair. Liberty ignored his gesture, choosing to stand instead. "If you do not wish to dine with me, what can I do for you?"
"You can vacate my house."
"Aside from that?"
"You could always remove the guard from in front of my door."
He smiled. "After seeing you, I believe I will leave him there for your own protection. You are far too lovely to be left unguarded with so many men in the house."
"Is that meant to be amusing?"
The smile left his lips, and he leaned forward, thinking the direct approach was the best way to proceed. "Tell me about your husband, Mrs. Slaughter."
"I would be glad to, Colonel. My husband is an American, who, like thousands of his countrymen, resents your trespassing on land that does not belong to you."
Instead of being angry, Colonel Newman was further intrigued. "You French, in Louisiana, must be more than confused as to what country you belong to since it has changed hands so many times."
"We belong to ourselves, and we have the right to choose who will represent us." Her eyes flashed like blue ice. "I would like to stand here chatting with you, Colonel, but I have better things to do with
my time."
"Such as returning to your room?"
"Is that an ultimatum?"
"That depends. If I allow you free access to the house and grounds, will you give me your word that you will not try to send word to your husband?" Colonel Newman thought he was being very clever. He wanted Judah Slaughter to find out his wife was being held against her will. But it must be handled in such a way that Captain Slaughter wouldn't suspect a trap. After seeing the lovely Liberty, Colonel Newman had very little doubt that Slaughter would come for his wife if he thought she was being detained.
Liberty was quiet for a moment as she pondered his words. If she told him she would not try to see Judah, would he let her out of her room? No, she could not lie to gain her freedom. She would do everything in her power to try to get in touch with Judah.
"I am sorry, Colonel. I cannot promise you that. I will do everything in my power to contact my husband."
"You see my problem then?"
"If that is all you have to say, I wish to return to my room. I have no desire to talk to you any longer."
Liberty had already started across the room when he called out to her. "Wait. I have another matter to discuss with you. I have been pestered all morning by some strange women who says her name is Zippora. She refuses to leave until she sees you. I am told she has camped on the front steps and hasn't budged since early this morning. Your brother-in-law informs me that she is some kind of a witch, but I doubt that. Would you like to see her?"
Liberty spun around. "Oui, I would like very much to see her, Colonel. Zippora is a good friend of mine."
"An odd friendship," he mumbled under his breath. Standing up, he flashed her a smile. "If you will agree to see the woman in my presence, I will allow her to come in."
"I would much rather see Zippora alone in my room. I am not accustomed to having my conversations overheard by a complete stranger."
Moontide Embrace (Historical Romance) Page 32