The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series)

by Jernigan, Brenda

  Jewel didn’t move. She bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling. Tired and drained, she didn’t want to argue anymore. Besides, Adam refused to listen. While he had his back turned, she slipped quietly out the door.

  Hearing the door click, Adam spun around. “Jewel, come here!” he shouted. He set his drink down and started to go after her, but thought better of it, knowing it probably would be better if he calmed down first.

  For the next three days Adam didn’t see Jewel at all. His mood grew blacker. Everyone who crossed his path fell subject to his ill temper.

  On the third night, Derek had had about all he could take from the moody captain. He watched the young buck sitting on his bunk, looking as if he could explode at any moment.

  “Adam, you probably don’t want to hear this, but I’m going to have my say. Do you know what your problem is?”

  “I don’t have a problem,” Adam growled.

  “The hell you don’t! Son, you’re in love, and you’re very much in love, if you ask me. You’ve been acting like a stud locked up in one pen with his filly in another. Now, you can go on making all of us miserable, or you can admit the truth and ask Jewel to marry you.” Derek figured he would hear all kinds of protests, but Adam just sat on his bunk in a state of shock. Hell, the poor man hadn’t even realized he loved the girl, Derek thought with a chuckle.

  Adam stared, not really seeing Derek. Jewel made his blood throb through his veins, and he found he couldn’t think straight because every time he shut his eyes, he could picture her lovely face. She affected him in ways he hadn’t thought possible. Once he learned about her past, he expected his obsession would end, but so far the only thing he knew about her was that she was alone. She seemed helpless, but she wasn’t—not when she could climb those damn ropes so well.

  “So, son, what are you going to do? When you return to Four Oaks, you just can’t keep her. She’s not a pet.”

  Adam knew Derek spoke the truth. How in the hell had he let himself get so involved? Adam wondered. He only wanted to help the girl. Marriage. The strange word tumbled around in his mind. Marriage changed a person. He’d seen it happen many times before.

  “You’re going to give her up?”

  “No!” Adam said, a little louder than he intended. The girl was his. “If I marry her at least I can get rid of you for a roommate.”

  “That’s my boy. I’ll perform the services if you’ll marry Annie and myself, too.”

  “You’re joking.”

  “Nope. I asked her a few days ago.”

  “Congratulations!” Adam stood and slapped Derek on the back. “Now it’s my turn, but first I’ll have to get the lady to speak to me. That might prove difficult.”

  Adam decided to take the watch that night so he could think and let Charlie get some sleep. He knew with his restlessness he probably wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway. Pulling a stocking cap down over his head for extra warmth, he jerked his collar up around his neck as he headed for the bow.

  The wind could be biting at night. Maybe it was just what he needed.

  Jewel tossed and turned, but sleep eluded her. She had been miserable since her fight with Adam. The man was impossible, and damn arrogant, too. Perhaps a walk would help.

  She liked this time of night. It was quiet and peaceful. A new moon rode a sky full of stars that twinkled like diamonds as she took a breath of fresh salt air.

  Beneath a star-studded sky, she walked the deck boards, unable to name her mood. Spotting Charlie at the helm, Jewel decided to go and talk to him. A wistful sigh escaped her. “Good evening, Charlie.”

  Adam froze at the sound of Jewel’s soft voice. At first he thought he’d imagined it; then a slow, lazy smile touched his lips. So she believed he was Charlie.

  “Aye, the moon is full. A lover’s moon,” Adam said, disguising his voice.

  He heard Jewel’s feet scrape as she sat down and leaned against some coiled ropes. “Charlie, have you ever been in love?”

  “Aye.”

  “Is it always so painful?”

  Adam detected the sadness in her voice, and he felt a pang, knowing he’d been the cause. She couldn’t guess the torture she’d put him through. “Are you in love?” he asked softly.

  “Yes. But I’m afraid he doesn’t love me,” she whispered.

  “Come over here.” Adam bent down and lashed the wheel so he could have his hands free. Pulling off his cap, he turned to face Jewel. Her eyes shone soft and bright. He reached out, took her hand, and drew her near to him before she had a chance to run because he’d already seen her fleeting frown at being deceived.

  Cupping the sides of her face, he tilted her chin upwards while he looked deep into her eyes.

  Jewel’s eyes widened, and he hadn’t mistaken the panic as she realized it wasn’t Charlie she had confessed her love to. “Of all the contemptible tricks!” She started to jerk away, but he held her fast.

  “Jewel, I care for you a great deal.” He placed a light kiss on her forehead. “When I scolded you like I did before, it was because I was frightened. I’m not used to feeling that way. I was afraid something would happen to you, and that I could not bear.” He paused and took a breath, “I want to marry you.” He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her tenderly.

  “Are you sure?” Jewel’s voice shook with emotion as tears trickled down her face.

  Wrapping her in his strong arms, he laid his cheek on top of her hair. “It has taken me a long time to realize the truth, but yes, I’m sure. Will you marry me, Jewel?”

  “Adam, you don’t know anything about me. What if something in my past turns up that is bad? Are you sure you’ll still want me?” Jewel murmured into his chest, afraid of all her secrets.

  “Sweetheart, we’ll deal with that when the time comes. Your past can’t be all that bad. I want to marry you, Jewel. I want to keep you in my arms. I want to make love to you, and I don’t want to wait one minute longer . . . but it seems I’m forced to.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “Sweetheart,” he told her, “tomorrow will be your wedding day.”

  Chapter Twenty

  Sunshine streamed in through the porthole, bathing the room in shimmering light and waking Jewel from a blissful sleep. Had last night been real or had she dreamed it?

  She touched her lips and found them still tender, proof that last night hadn’t been a dream. She trembled with excitement, and she couldn’t wait to tell Annie.

  Slipping from her bunk, Jewel moved over to Annie’s bed and shook her. “Wake up I’ve got something to tell you.”

  Annie stretched. “I feel every ounce of my fifty-plus years this morning. Yer up bright and early, lass.” She glanced at Jewel through sleepy eyes. “Why, yer positively glowing this morning. Did Adam ask ye to marry him?”

  “You know . . . how did you know?” Jewel asked, puzzled.

  “Derek be tellin’ me last night. He said the mon had finally come to his senses, and I can see by yer face that ye said yes.”

  Jewel nodded.

  “Well, I guess we’ll be havin’ a double wedding today.” Annie grinned.

  “You’re getting married, too?” Jewel squealed with delight. After Annie confirmed the news, Jewel hugged her. “That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you. Derek is a fine man.”

  Jewel stood and nervously moved to the porthole. “Would you think me silly if I told you I was nervous?” She tugged at the bottom of her lip with her teeth. “Everything has happened so fast. Do you suppose I’m doing the right thing?”

  “Of course ye are, lass. ’Tis only natural tae be jittery. I must be confessin’ I’m a wee bit high-strung, too.” Annie slipped out of bed and stretched.

  “Let’s put this nervous energy to work, and be findin’ something tae wear.”

  “Let’s look through the trunks,” Jewel suggested.

  They spent the morning searching for the right garments. Then the remainder of Jewel’s things were packed and moved to Adam’s cabin. They ha
d not seen the men all morning, but word had been sent that the wedding would take place just before sunset.

  Jewel pondered how Adam would dress. She hadn’t seen him in anything but sailor’s garb since they had been aboard ship. It would be nice if they could have a large, elaborate wedding, but she knew that wasn’t possible.

  Her stomach tightened at the mere thought of her husband-to-be. She wondered if this feeling was love or seasickness. Adam had said he loved her . . . hadn’t he? All day, she had to pinch herself to make sure it wasn’t a dream.

  As the day wore on, Jewel fought down her panic. She wanted to marry Adam, but she wished she’d been brave enough to tell him her memory had returned. Perhaps in a little while she could, but not yet.

  She stood in front of the mirror, pulling on her sea-green dress. She wanted to wear white, but couldn’t find anything appropriate. The gown of heavy satin had a simple cut, and would have to do. It had long, fitted sleeves and a high neck trimmed with beige lace. Her cheeks and mouth were the softest pink. The fire-opals around her neck reflected the green of the material, lending a special glow to her complexion. She sat brushing her hair until it flowed loose and silky about her shoulders.

  “Are ye ready, lass?” Annie asked. She ran a hand over her cream-colored gown, looking very much like a bride.

  Jewel stared at her reflection in the mirror. A slight disappointment crossed her face. “A bride should wear white, not green. I don’t look like a bride, do I?”

  Annie touched her arm. “Lass, ye are beautiful. Adam would want ye even if ye were in rags.”

  “As I recall, that’s the way he found me.”

  Both chuckled and drank a toast to their upcoming marriages. One glass led to another, and soon only a small portion of the wine was left in the bottle.

  A knock at the door brought them back to reality. Charlie stood at the door when Annie opened it. He blushed as he looked at them, then nodded his greeting.

  “Captain said it’s time. I came to escort you both topside.” They followed Charlie to the top deck. Jewel smiled when she saw the crew, all of whom had taken special care with their appearance. Clean-shaven with hair slicked back, they glanced at her, then looked quickly away and shifted their feet nervously. They seemed ready to celebrate their captain’s marriage.

  The sun had just met the horizon, and filled the sky with a blaze of orange. Vibrant flame-colored rays shot out from an orange ball mingled with copper and gold, contrasting with the cobalt blue of the sea. Jewel couldn’t believe such beauty existed. It might not be in a church, but she definitely would have a memorable wedding under God’s sky.

  Nervously, she glanced around for Adam, and found him standing at the helm staring out to sea with Derek. Broad shoulders filled the same evening coat he’d worn at the Christmas party. He turned to Derek, giving her a view of his profile. She had every right to be nervous. After all, she was marrying a man she barely knew. Perhaps she should back out before it was too late. She should tell him she’d regained her memory. She should tell him she wasn’t of his ranking. But he turned. Their eyes met. And she was hopelessly lost. No matter who she really was, she loved him.

  He walked toward her, his steps long and effortless. He took Jewel’s hand. Her cold, icy fingers trembled. He smiled at her, slipping his arm around her waist.

  She felt strangely calm from his closeness, and hoped this was a good sign.

  “You’re beautiful, sweetheart,” he murmured just before they joined Annie and Derek.

  “Derek, are you ready?” Adam asked.

  “Aye.”

  “Let’s begin.”

  They took their places in front of Adam while Jewel observed from the side. Annie couldn’t take her eyes off Derek as she repeated her vows, and he held her hands when he spoke. The service was beautiful, and the love in their eyes unmistakable. Jewel smiled as Derek kissed Annie. It was beautiful . . . love knew no age.

  Derek looked at Adam. “Now, son, it’s your turn.”

  Adam took Jewel’s hand, leading her over to where Annie and Derek had stood. The crew cheered. Adam smiled at his boisterous crew just as one of his men yelled, “It’s about time, Captain.”

  Jewel blushed all the way to her toes. She peeked shyly up at Adam, and her blush deepened. Seeing the warmth of his smile, she felt her heart melt. His dark eyes held emotions she couldn’t read, but his smile warmed her.

  The brief service went by in a flash, and then Derek asked, “Do you take Adam Trent, Duke of St. Ives, to be your lawful wedded husband?”

  “Yes,” she said in a nervous voice that sounded strange. Was that really her voice? Was this really happening?

  She heard the ceremony end. Derek laid a hand on both their heads. “What God hath brought together, let no man tear apart.”

  Adam slid his arm around Jewel’s waist, pulling her to him in a possessive embrace. In a soft voice he murmured for her ears only, “If any man dare come between us, he’ll be a dead man.” He smiled sweetly, but she knew he meant every word.

  Jewel raised an eyebrow in response. “Likewise, any woman, sir.”

  Somewhere from within the group of men a cheer rang out. “You going to stand there all night, Cap’n, or are you going to kiss her?”

  Adam chuckled. “Should we oblige them, my dear?” He cradled her in his arms, but instead of a chaste kiss as she’d expected, he kissed her with a searing kiss meant to brand her for life. Adam raised his head and whispered huskily, “We will continue this tonight, sweetheart.”

  The men shouted their approval. Evidently they were happy that their captain had finally taken a wife.

  The cook had prepared a feast, and had even found a case of champagne. Drinks flowed freely, and a festive mood prevailed as everyone enjoyed the celebration.

  Jewel walked among the men, enjoying their lighthearted mood. Many of them played games and boasted of past feats. She found herself staring across the deck at Adam as he played a game of cards. God, the man was sinfully handsome. No man should look that good. And to think she was now looking at her husband. It gave her gooseflesh. He glanced up. His intense gaze caused her heart to skip a beat.

  Smiling, she turned and went over to where a group of sailors gathered. She just couldn’t stand around and stare at the man.

  As darkness approached, lanterns cast a soft glow over the deck. The weather had blessed them with a mild winter day, and an unusually warm breeze lifted her hair and teased her face.

  Jewel made her way into the crowd so she could see what they were doing. They had fashioned a bull’s-eye on a board about twenty feet away. Wagers were placed on a barrel and then collected by the man with the best score. A sailor named Billy had been the big winner so far. Andy was next to play. He stepped up, placing his wager on the barrel.

  Billy threw his knife first, hitting a mark of forty. Then it was Andy’s turn. He threw his blade and it landed on number thirty. Both men continued back and forth for a total of five throws. Billy’s score was three forties and two thirties. Andy’s was two thirties, two twenties, and a ten.

  Billy tossed back his head, laughing. “I’m the winner and still champion.” He held up the fistful of dollars he had collected off the barrel and continued to boast, daring any man to take his best shot.

  Jewel looked at Andy’s dejected face and felt sorry for him.

  “Come back, Andy, when you grow up a mite,” Billy gloated. “This here’s a man’s game.” Billy’s grin grew broader at the sight of Andy’s red face.

  Jewel looked at Billy scornfully. The man needed to be taken down a notch. “Billy, can I play your game?”

  His mouth dropped open. “You can’t be serious, mum.”

  “Oh, but I am.”

  “This is a man’s game, mum. Captain Trent would have my hide if I let you do anything so dangerous.”

  “There is no danger to it, Billy. You’re only throwing the knives at a target. Surely I’ll be able to hit that board.” She smiled, baiting him
. “Besides, Adam is playing cards. He’s not paying any attention. However, if you are afraid to face a woman, I quite understand.”

  “Well, I don’t know. . . .” Billy hedged. She could tell he didn’t want Captain Trent mad at him.

  “We could make it interesting, if you’d like. I tell you what. I’ll double the money you have in your hand.”

  The lights flickered in Billy’s eyes as greed took over.

  “It’ll be like taking candy from a baby. All right, mum, you have a bet. Would you like to take a couple of throws to warm up?” Billy thought for a moment. “You have thrown a knife before?”

  “Yes, I’ve thrown a little, but if you don’t mind, I would like to use a knife I have in my cabin.”

  “Don’t mind a bit, mum.” He grinned.

  She went to the cabin, quickly found her knife, and returned topside.

  Jewel rejoined the men, who were laughing and carrying on—especially Billy. She couldn’t help but hear his remark that this was going to be the easiest money he’d ever made.

  Billy bowed. “Ladies first.”

  Jewel glanced at the target for only a moment before she sent her knife sailing through the air, hitting the bull’s-eye just to the left. Still, her score was fifty.

  Billy looked at Jewel, surprised. “Just a lucky shot.” The rest of the men grew quiet as he stepped up and threw his knife. His mark was forty.

  Jewel threw again . . . her aim true and dead center.

  Billy muttered to himself about her damned luck as he threw again. “Bull’s-eye—now that’s better.”

  Adam had noticed Jewel leaving, and he wondered what she was up to, but his mind was brought back to the card game when Charlie spoke to him. Adam would play a few more hands, and then call it quits for tonight. But after a while he couldn’t concentrate on the game. He stood, stretching his long legs. After he took some gibes from his card partners, he decided to find Jewel. He had seen her disappear into the group of men throwing knives. “No.” Adam shook his head at the crazy thought. She couldn’t possibly be—