Liberty was bent over the paper, making notations, when Judah came up behind her and planted a kiss on her neck. She turned to him and a happy smile lit her eyes. "I did not expect you home so soon."
"1 have been thinking about you all day, Liberty. I came home to see if you were also thinking about me, and I find you busy, not missing me in the least."
"I always miss you when you are away."
Judah stood before her, not as the sea captain but as lord of the manor, a plantation owner. He had so many different sides to his personality, and Liberty was fascinated by them all. His golden hair was slightly windblown, and he wore a white shirt, tan trousers, and brown English riding boots. When his sun-browned hand covered hers she melted against him.
He smiled down at her and thought how adorable she looked with an ink smudge on her cheek. "Are you putting my house in order, Mistress Slaughter?"
"I am attempting it. I do hope you will like what 1 am doing."
He saw the uncertainty in her eyes. "If you are satisfied with it, I know I will like it," he assured her.
"Do you not think we should talk over the details so you can tell me if there is something you don't like?"
"No, the house is your domain. I leave it all in your capable hands. 1 have something else on my mind."
Liberty smiled up at him in amazement. "It is the middle of the day!"
His laughter was warm as he gathered her close. "No, that is not what I had in mind at the moment." He arched an eyebrow at her. "However, it might not be such a bad idea." A devilish glow lit his turquoise eyes, and a smile played on his lips.
Liberty's face flamed red, and she buried it against his chest. But Judah lifted her face and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. "How would you like to go exploring with me today?"
"I would love it. When can we leave?"
"You go upstairs and get into your riding habit, and I will have Hayman prepare us a basket of food." Staring into her seemingly bottomless eyes, Judah resisted the urge to take her upstairs to their bedroom. "Hurry, Madame Slaughter, you are wasting time, and keeping the horses waiting."
As Liberty's horse followed Judah's down the steep rocky trail, she had a magnificent view of the countryside. The bluest sky she had ever seen hung above an equally blue sea, and puffy white clouds floated lazily overhead. While below a bower of wildflowers marked the landscape with vivid colors as if an artist's hand had painted them there. The air was crisp and clean, scented with the mixed aroma of hibiscus and wild orchids, but Liberty could see fields laid out in orderly furrows, a testament to man's intrusion on nature's world. This touch took something away from the wild beauty and serenity of this island paradise.
Judah had reached the bottom of the incline, and was waiting for Liberty to join him. When her horse drew even with his, she caught her breath at the beauty that met her eyes. They were in a cove, surrounded by the high rock formations that cut it off from the rest of the world. The only access to it the way they had come, or by sea. A lovely lagoon shimmered in the sunlight, and wild orchids grew everywhere, their scent dominating the air.
Her eyes were shining as she gazed at her husband. "Oh, Judah, this is the most perfect place on earth. I can almost imagine that we are the only two people left on earth. Who owns this land?"
Judah found joy in viewing life through his wife's eyes. She had such a zest for living, she found beauty where it was overlooked by others. Judah could remember the heavy feeling of loneliness he had experienced the first time he had come upon this grotto. Now, with Liberty beside him, it felt like a paradise.
"This land belongs to you, Liberty. I give it to you as a wedding gift." Her eyes danced with joy as her delighted laughter mingled with the gentle sea breeze.
Before Judah could dismount and help Liberty from her horse, she had slid off the animal's back and was running toward the lagoon. Raising her arms to the sky, Liberty appeared to embrace the day. Judah came up behind her and slid his arms about her waist, loving her with all his heart.
"I am delighted to see joy on your face, Liberty," he murmured. "The little girl I first met had such sad eyes. I always wanted to be the one to bring you happiness."
Liberty looked up at him, her eyes softened by his words. "I never knew you felt that way, Judah. I thought you viewed me as a troublesome child."
He swung her around and rested his arms on her shoulders. "Someday I will tell you how I really felt about you. Are you happy, little one?"
Joy sparked in her blue eyes. "Oh, oui, Judah. I have never been this happy before. I belong to someone, and someone belongs to me."
Judah's heart ached at her admission. As he rested his chin on the top of her head, he closed her eyes. Could this mean she was beginning to love him? He took her chin and raised her head so she had to meet his eyes. "I am finding out it takes very little to make you happy, little one. Would that it will always be this easy to bring joy to your heart."
She could have told him that having him near her was all the joy she needed at the moment. Instead she asked. "How many women can boast that they were given a beautiful paradise for a wedding present?"
For one wild, breathtaking moment, they stood staring into each other's eyes, and Liberty was lost in depths of turquoise blue! He was pulling her to him, tugging at her heart, demanding that she yield. Judah found himself wishing Liberty would give herself to him completely. He knew when he held her in his arms at night she always held some part of herself back. Suspended in time, two tortured souls reached out to each other.
Just when Liberty thought she could not stand it any longer, Judah smiled at her. A wisp of hair blew across her face, and he tucked it behind her ear before he grasped her shoulders and brought her up on tiptoe. "If we are alone here, perhaps we should take full advantage of the situation," Judah suggested in a deep voice.
When his lips settled on Liberty's, she was lost. As he lifted her in his arms and carried her behind a clump of flowering bushes, she shivered with delight. Gently he laid her down on the soft green grass, while his eyes caressed her face.
"Judah, suppose someone were to come upon us?" she asked, although more aware of the look in his eyes than the threat of any would-be intruder.
His smile was rakish. "No one will come here," he assured her, while his hands moved up her leg, pushing her skirt to her waist. "You are so warm and alive," he said, pressing his mouth against the pulse beat in her throat. When his hands moved between her legs, his touch was sweet and gentle.
When he moved over her, she felt that an eternity passed before he slipped into her quivering warmth. Liberty stared into his face, trying to guess what he was thinking and feeling, but his long sweeping lashes covered the glow in his eyes. Still, she could see by his expression that he was moved by their coming together, and she knew the trembling of his body came from touching her.
As he moved forward inside her, his eyes opened, and she caught a glimpse of such intense longing it almost took her breath away. "Liberty..." he whispered in an agonized voice.
Liberty did not know what he might have said, because his lips covered hers in a burning kiss. He touched her hair and then his hand slid down to rest against her arched neck.
A fire ignited within their bodies, its flames leaping higher and higher, until they were both consumed by a passion swept so strong neither of them could stop it. Amid lovely wild orchids, that resembled brightly colored butterflies, Judah took Liberty to his body, and she surrendered to him completely.
Liberty stared into the passion-laced eyes of her husband, and had to close her eyes against the bright glow she saw there. She hugged him to her, knowing there was a part of him that reached out to her. They never spoke of love, but their eyes spoke of wild, unbridled desire . . . and then fulfillment.
Liberty's head was against Judah's shoulder as her heartbeat returned to normal. Glancing at his face, she saw his eyes were closed. At that moment, she wished she knew what he was thinking, but as always, his mind was cl
osed to her.
She suddenly felt that none of this was real and that she had been living in a fool's paradise, trying to forget the real world that beckoned to her. This paradise did not really belong to her—Briar Oaks belonged to her.
"What is the matter?" Judah inquired, catching the troubled look in her eyes.
"I was just thinking about Briar Oaks," she admitted. "I am going to have to go back soon, Judah. You must know I have to."
He rolled to his feet and helped her stand. She could not read his thoughts, but she heard his deep intake of breath. "As soon as I fulfill a promise I made, I will take you back, Liberty. When the time comes, you will not have to face Sebastian alone. I will be beside you." He smiled and took her hand. "How would you like to go for a swim in the lagoon?"
"But-"
"No buts, little one. You can swim, can't you?"
"Oui, of course."
Liberty pulled back from him as he gave her a devilish smile. "Do you come peaceably, or do I carry you?"
"Judah, no!"
His laughter filled the air as he lifted her over his shoulder and ran toward the lagoon. She tried to wriggle out of his arms when she saw that he was going to jump in the water, but was unsuccessful. Cool water closed over her head as Judah slipped her around and molded her to his body. Then his mouth closed over hers in a burning kiss that carried them both to the surface. Liberty became a part of the earth and sky, as Judah deepened the kiss.
Liberty felt him lift her onto the bank, and he hovered over her, his golden hair dripping water in her face and a slight smile on his lips. "The next time I ask you to go for a swim with me, I suggest you listen."
She giggled and rolled away from him. "You have ruined my riding habit."
"It does not matter, I will buy you dozens of riding habits. I will shower you with gowns and jewels that will make you the envy of every woman who sees you."
She extended her hand to him. "Your wedding ring and the ring Zippora gave me are all the jewels I will ever need."
He stood, and pulled her to her feet. "I have a jewel in you, little one. I don't know when I have spent a day I enjoyed more than this one."
Liberty agreed with him; this had been a perfect day. Nonetheless, she was in a more sober mood as, while their clothing dried, she and Judah ate the picnic lunch Hayman had prepared for them. Later, as they rode along the beach, the incoming tide moving in and out as their horses kicked up a spray of sparkling white sand, the laughter returned to her eyes and her spirits soared. For a while Judah and Liberty were two young people without a care in the world, and Judah became even more enchanted with his beautiful little wife.
They remained in their paradise when the moon rose over the ocean, casting its silvery light against the moon tide. It was a day Liberty would never forget; a day that had shown her yet, another of Judah's many faces. On this day she had met Judah the carefree lover, and she thought she loved him the most.
Just when Liberty thought her heart would burst from all the happiness she had experienced that day, Judah lifted her from her horse and carried her back to their secret cove. On a bed of orchids, his wonderful hands worked magic on her body, and again they scaled the heights of ecstasy.
"The end to a perfect day," he whispered in her ear. "You have taught me how to have fun and to really see the beauty of life, Liberty. That is something I have rarely had time for."
She brushed a fragrant orchid against his lips, realizing the great responsibilities that had weighed heavily on his shoulders. She wished she could always make him laugh as he had today. But Judah was a man driven by some hidden need, and he would never find complete happiness until he had resolved whatever was preying on his mind.
As they rode back to the house, a bright moon lighting their way, Liberty was still under the influence of their many hours together. There were stars in her eyes as Judah lifted her from her horse, holding her longer, and closer to his body, than was necessary.
"I had fun today, Liberty," he said, finally setting her on her feet.
"It was the nicest day I have ever had," she told him, her eyes shining earnestly.
Judah was about to say something more, when Philippe spoke to him from the shadows of the front gallery. "I have been waiting for you, Captain. We have problems with the Winged Victory, and I thought you would want to know." The first mate turned to Liberty and smiled at her. "Begging your pardon, Madame."
She smiled at him. "How are you, Philippe? I don't get to see much of you anymore."
"I am just fine, Madame. I have been kept busy modifying the Winged Victory. We are going to need all the speed we can get out of her for the task that lies ahead."
Judah took Liberty's arm and led her toward the front door. "I will just see that Liberty is settled in for the night, then I'll join you, Philippe."
When they were inside the house, Judah looked at Liberty apologetically. "I am sorry this came up. Don't look for me tonight."
She hid her disappointment. "What did Philippe mean, that you needed speed for the task ahead of you? What task?"
"Liberty, I told you that General Jackson asked me to do something for him. This is unofficial, and I cannot really talk about it, but there is a pirate by the name of Abdul Ismar who is causing no end of grief to American shipping. His latest venture was to capture an American naval captain —Blackburn—his wife, and two daughters. I will be making an attempt to rescue them. I hope you will understand that I have been wanting to meet Abdul Ismar for a very long time. He is the man who killed my father."
"Oui, I do understand, Judah." Her eyes searched his. "I can see that you have to go after the man."
"Abdul Ismar is the worst of the Barbary pirates, Liberty. I am told that he sells women into . . . slavery. I fear for Captain Blackburn's wife and daughters if they are not rescued."
Liberty shuddered. "This will be very dangerous for you, will it not?"
His eyes danced as if he mocked the thought of danger. "I once told you that I live a charmed life."
"I do not suppose you will allow me to go with you?"
Judah frowned. "No, that would be impossible." Without another word, he turned to the door. "If I don't return tomorrow, do not be distressed. Time is getting short, and I will stay with the Winged Victory until she is ready."
Liberty didn't move for some time after Judah had gone. Then with a heavy sigh, she walked down the hallway and up the stairs to her room. She would always cherish the hours they had spent together that day. She shivered, thinking it might be the last time they would laugh as they had, for she feared for Judah, knowing he would have no thought of his own safety when he came up against the man who murdered his father.
She didn't bother lighting the candle as she removed her clothing and slipped into her nightgown. And in the dark, she stood at the window watching the activity aboard the Winged Victory and dreading the moment when the ship would be ready to sail.
Liberty remembered what her father had once told her, that every man must at some time in his life stand up for what he believed in, or walk the path of cowardice. Judah was a strong man with many convictions. He would always face bravely whatever came his way. Liberty knew he was afraid of no man, and that frightened her very much. She could not love him if he were less than he was, but at times she did wish he was just a simple planter.
She breathed in the fragrant night air. "Rest easy, my love," she whispered. "I pray that one day soon you will find peace and contentment."
24
Liberty had spent the last week working on the house. She tried to keep busy so she wouldn't feel lonely and restless, but there were days when she missed Briar Oaks, though she tried not to speculate on what was happening at home.
She lovingly selected materials and furnishings that would make this house a home of which Judah could be proud. And she had selected china, crystal, and silver-even the pots and pans for the kitchen, as well as the household linens, the rugs, and the draperies. Some of the furniture wou
ld be made on the island, but most of it had to be ordered directly from France. Liberty was finding out that Judah was a very wealthy man, and that he wanted only quality furnishings in his island home.
As Liberty came in from the garden where she had been supervising the planting, she could hear a bird singing in the wild-orchid tree at the front of the house.
Hayman, the cinnamon-skinned houseboy, bowed to her. "Perhaps Ma'dame would like for me to bring her something cool to drink. You could sit in the shade of the gallery; there is a slight breeze stirring today," he suggested.
"Oui, that would be nice, Hayman. I would also like you to contact a local carpenter and ask him to attend me tomorrow. I want him to build shelves in the upstairs hallway. Also inform him that I would like the bookshelves in the library to be made of the finest mahogany."
"I will do as you say, Ma'dame. I have put Mam'zelle Pierce in the only other bedroom with a bed; is that satisfactory with you?"
"I was not aware that we had a guest. Who is Mam'zelle Pierce?" Liberty asked, thinking the woman might be the wife of one of the Judah's men.
"I do not know, Ma'dame. She told me she was an old friend from Boston and was expected."
Liberty smiled, thinking this might be a friend of Gabrielle's. "Extend my invitation to Mam'zelle Pierce, and tell her I would be honored if she would join me on the gallery for refreshments."
Liberty wandered outside and stood gazing at the lush green countryside. Since the house was set high on the mountain, she could see for miles in every direction. To the east she could see men working in the fields, and just below, the Winged Victory was riding at anchor, her white billowing sails kissing the clear blue sky.
"It will not work, whoever you are." The feminine voice came from the doorway. "There has never been a house big enough to support two mistresses."
Liberty turned, expecting to see a woman the age of Judah's mother. The smile left her face when she saw a beauty no more than ten years her senior. The woman wore a pale blue gown that complimented her rosy complexion. She was tall and slender, and her movements were graceful. Her heart-shaped face and the dimple in her chin added to her beauty.
Moontide Embrace (Historical Romance) Page 37