Adam stood, pulling her up with him. “I don’t know what I ever did without you, sweetheart.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.
They looked at each other for a moment, neither saying a word. They didn’t have to. Adam reluctantly put her away from him. “I could use your help on deck with the wounded,” he said, already turning to leave.
“I’m coming.”
When they reached the deck, Jewel noticed the fog hadn’t improved. The sight of the wounds reminded her of her mishap with Lee. The thought of all the men dying made her stomach queasy, but now she could do something, and wasted little time before she started helping bandage and clean up the wounded crew members. The damage to the ship had to be repaired and, thank goodness, the men were soon patched up and ready to work. That is, all but one. Adam could be a stubborn man.
There had been several casualties, but Jewel hadn’t asked Adam who they were. The pirates’ bodies had already been removed from the deck. She saw a white canvas draped across a body, and went over to see who the victim was.
“No, Jewel!”
Adam’s warning came too late. Pulling the sheet back, she screamed. Hot tears burned her eyes, cascading down her cheeks. “No! Not Charlie!” He had always been so nice to her.
She felt someone touch her shoulder, and turned to find Adam beside her. She buried her head against his chest. “Charlie was such a good man,” she sobbed.
“I know, sweetheart.” Adam rubbed his hand up and down her back, trying to soothe her. “Those bloodthirsty pirates never give a damn who they kill! All they’re interested in is money.”
She stiffened at the mention of pirates. What would he do if he knew he held one in his arms? Would his love turn to hate? She wanted to cry even harder, but didn’t.
“What’s the matter?” he asked. He hugged her closer, then tilted her head up so he could see her expression.
“Nothing. Adam . . .” She looked up at him. “Do you believe all pirates are the same?”
“Yes, damn it! Look around you. The bloodthirsty pirates have killed some of my men.” His angry voice told her what she had wanted to know. “But do not worry, sweetheart. You’re safe.”
Jewel shut her eyes for an instant. He would never understand when she told him. She felt Adam stumble against her, and she glanced quickly at his face. His coloring was a pasty white from loss of blood.
“Adam, we must take care of your arm.”
“Not yet. We have to bury Charlie and the rest first.”
Jewel wanted to argue, but figured it would do no good.
The men wrapped the bodies in sailcloth and stood poised at the rail while Adam spoke compassionate words. Jewel thought of her bodyguard, Ben. He’d died trying to save her life, and yet she hadn’t been able to give him a decent burial. Tears started to fall freely from her eyes.
The sailors lifted the planks. She watched the frothing sea swallow the white bundles. Her stomach knotted and her heart twisted painfully because she’d never forgive herself for endangering her crew.
She watched the men as they stood by the railing, each seeming lost in his own thoughts. Slowly, they moved away from the side, going back to the work that needed to be done.
Jewel walked over to where Adam stood. He was slightly slumped as if he, too, carried the burden of war. “Now I’m going to take care of you. No arguments!”
Supporting his weight with her body, she helped him to their cabin. Once he was seated on the bunk, she skillfully stripped off his shirt and started to work. First, she gently sponged off the dried blood and cleaned his wound with water. It was a clean cut through the fatty flesh of his arm, and she didn’t think it would cause him any trouble. Perhaps a little discomfort for a few days, but he’d be fine. Thank God.
Once she’d finished, she felt Adam’s feverish eyes on her. His intense stare made her uncomfortable.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, wondering if she’d misjudged the severity of his injury. “Are you in pain?”
“Yes, but the pain is not in my arm.” He smiled lazily.
“How can you possibly think of that when . . . when you’re hurt?”
“Sweetheart, when you’re near me that’s all I think about.” Adam reached out, brushing the curve of her throat with his fingertips. “Make me forget, Jewel. Just make me forget.” With his good arm, he pulled her down onto the bed beside him. The lines of his mouth gentled as he looked at her. Pulling her close, he draped his arm across her and fell into an exhausted sleep.
Jewel curled up beside him. His breathing indicated he was sleeping peacefully, and his warm body invited her to snuggle closer. Closing her eyes, she was thankful the day was over.
The next few weeks were tranquil, with no sign of pirates. One morning Jewel awoke to find Adam had already left their bed. That itself was not unusual, but this morning something felt different. She sat up in bed, stretching. Getting out from under the covers, she moved over to the metal washbasin and splashed water on her face. Staring down at the water in the bowl, she noticed it wasn’t swaying. The ship wasn’t moving.
Running over to the porthole, she looked out onto a bustling dock.
They had landed!
Footsteps sounded in the hallway, and she turned. Adam stood in the open doorway. “I was wondering if you were going to sleep through our homecoming.”
Jewel moved toward him. “I can’t believe we’re finally here.”
“We’re in New Orleans, madam. My coach will take us to Four Oaks, so pack your things. You’ll be going to your new home.” He gave her a morning kiss.
“Is Annie packing?”
“Yes. She’ll stay at the main house for a while,” Adam explained. “Derek has a small home on my plantation, but it’s in need of repairs. They’ll reside at Four Oaks until the renovations can be made.”
“Oh.” At least not everyone would be unfamiliar.
After he left, Jewel dressed, choosing a burgundy wool gown that fit snugly at the waist and flared at the hips. The long sleeves would keep her warm and the dress was extremely comfortable for traveling. She brushed her hair until it shone with raven highlights. Her cheeks had taken on the same color as the dress.
Bundled up in her silver cape and hat, she went topside to join Adam by the rail.
“Welcome to New Orleans,” Adam said in greeting.
Jewel studied the levee and wharves, noticing the bustle of activity. Dockworkers, both white and black, worked at unloading the ships. She glanced to her left. As far as she could see, huge sailing vessels rested at anchor, displaying flags of many different countries.
“This place is vast. And there are so many ships.” Jewel pointed to one of the piers. “Are those bales of cotton over there?” The sounds of men grunting and groaning as they carried heavy crates off the ship floated in the air.
Adam’s eyes followed the direction in which she pointed. “That’s right. I’d say there are twenty thousand bales at the very least. That’s what we grow at Four Oaks. And look, there’s a load of tobacco coming in.” Adam pointed to a ship just rounding the bend of the river.
Jewel turned and watched the ship’s sails. “Tell me something about the city. It appears low. When I look over at those buildings, they seem lower than the Mississippi.” Jewel had never been to New Orleans. Her uncles used to come frequently, but she had never been allowed to leave the island.
“You’re very observant. In fact, the city is ten feet below the Gulf of Mexico. The earthen levees protect it on all sides from flood. The biggest problems they have are drainage and sanitation. You might say this city sits on top of the water, and if you dig down six feet, you’ll surely find water; they even have to bury their dead above ground in tombs.”
“Really?” Jewel frowned at the thought of coffins floating in water.
“That’s the bad side. But the good side is the beauty of the city, and the many cultures that are found here. Besides Americans, there are Spanish, French, and Cajun. I think you’ll like it
here.”
Jewel knew she’d like New Orleans if it was anything like her uncles said. “Where is Four Oaks?”
“About an hour’s ride from here, and I believe it’s about time to head that way. Why don’t you go and get Annie? Our baggage is already on the carriage.”
“What about Derek?” she asked.
“He will look after unloading the ship; then he’ll take the Wind Jammer upriver to my private landing. He should join us at Four Oaks in a few days.”
Jewel found Annie, and after saying good-bye to the crew they headed down the plank. She saw Andy trying to keep up with Duke at the bottom. Laughing, she took the dog’s rope, then gave the boy a hug. “I won’t say farewell, because I expect to see you when you visit Four Oaks.”
Andy smiled. “Yes, mum, just as soon as I can.”
Carriages of various sizes awaited their passengers. Jewel and Adam walked over to a huge black traveling chaise where a set of steps had been lowered. Jewel had to smile. If they had been in England, the duke’s crest would have been boldly displayed. Evidently, Adam really did leave that aristocratic life behind when he came to America.
Putting Duke in the vehicle, Jewel prepared to climb in herself as another carriage pulled up. Several people turned to look at the gilded coach. It must be carrying someone important, Jewel thought.
The door opened, and a tall, serious-looking gentleman stepped out. “Adam Trent.” The man threw up his hand, gaining Adam’s attention. “I heard you were coming home.” The portly gentleman moved toward them. “You’ve stayed away much too long.”
“Governor Claiborne, it’s good to see you. I trust you’ve gotten New Orleans under control,” Adam answered with a smile.
Claiborne shook his head. “It’s been tough, old friend, but I’m still working on it.”
Adam had made a point of making the acquaintance of the first American governor of Louisiana.
“After you’re settled in, I’d like to talk to you,” the governor stated.
“We are headed to Four Oaks now. Perhaps in a few days we can meet.”
“Wonderful. And once again, welcome home. Good day, Adam. Ma’am.” He tipped his hat to Jewel.
“Charles,” Adam said, stopping the governor, realizing he had not introduced Jewel.
“Yes?” Governor Claiborne turned back.
“I’d like to introduce you to my wife.”
Surprise showed on the governor’s face before he broke into a wide grin. “A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Trent. I’ve always said Adam had excellent taste.”
“Thank you.” Jewel blushed. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” When they were settled, Jewel asked, “The governor has a strange accent. Where is he from?”
“He was a Virginian.”
“Then why did he choose Louisiana?”
“I’m not sure. Perhaps he wanted a challenge. Early in his political career, Claiborne realized that his task as governor of Louisiana would be a difficult one. Slowly but surely, he assembled some sort of order out of the chaos he found when he first came to New Orleans.”
Annie and Jewel peered out the carriage windows as they left the docks. Horse-drawn wagons carried crates of merchandise to several large warehouses lining the streets. The area around the warehouses was filled with bars, bordellos, and boardinghouses that catered to boatmen. Jewel noticed some rough-looking creatures outside one bar. People walking down the street seemed to be going out of their way to avoid them.
“Who are those people?” Jewel pointed.
Adam glanced out the window. “They’re Kaintocks from Kentucky, and you would do well to stay clear of them. They’re vermin, and can be dangerous when drunk—which is usually the case. But even sober, they are despicable. Never trust a Kaintock, and don’t come in this area unless I’m with you. Understood?”
Jewel agreed, and continued to stare out the window. They drove past the Vieux Carre, which was formed by the river, the Esplanade, the ruined old wall on Rampart Street, and the Faubourg Ste. Marie. Once they were away from the docks, the scenery changed completely. The tree-lined streets and the houses were magnificent. All the houses had either wrought-iron balconies or porticoes and projected an air of grace and elegance.
Once out of the city, Jewel noticed the lovely countryside and the barren trees covered in gray moss. Finally, after an hour or so, their carriage turned into a long drive.
A row of live oaks lined both sides of the road, and at the end of the drive Jewel caught her first glance of Four Oaks.
Breathtaking was the only word to describe the massive house. The white mansion stood surrounded by four huge oak trees covered in Spanish moss. The house was not as big as Briercliff, but the slight difference didn’t take away from the grandeur of Four Oaks. “It’s magnificent, Adam,” Jewel remarked, her voice filled with astonishment.
Eight Corinthian pillars graced the front of the house. Wisteria vines draped the two end pillars. Of course, it being winter, the vines lacked foliage, but in the spring beautiful lilac grape-shaped flowers would add grace and fragrance to the beautiful house.
As soon as the carriage stopped, Jewel saw a lovely young woman, who she assumed was Elizabeth, come flying down the front steps, evidently anxious to see her brother. The woman reached the carriage just as the door swung open and Adam climbed out. Elizabeth practically knocked him down as she threw herself in his arms and placed a kiss on his cheek.
“Adam, I’ve missed you so much!” She hugged her brother. Duke bounced out of the carriage, impatient to be on the ground again. He ran around Elizabeth, barking and wagging his tail. She giggled and bent down to rub his head. “I see you have acquired a pet.”
Adam laughed. “That’s not all I’ve acquired.”
Jewel sat in the shadows of the carriage, so Elizabeth hadn’t seen her or Annie. She watched the woman in Adam’s arms. When she saw them standing side by side, there was no mistaking they were brother and sister. Elizabeth had a delicate and fragile face with Adam’s features. Her dainty feet peeked out from under voluminous skirts. She was almost the same height as Adam, maybe three inches shorter, but still she appeared much taller than Jewel. Her long, shiny brown hair was tied back with blue ribbons.
“What do you mean, Adam?” Elizabeth asked at her twin brother’s strange remark.
“I’ve brought some people to see you.” He opened the door of the carriage and winked at Jewel. Motioning for Annie, he helped her down.
Squeals of delight erupted from Elizabeth. “Annie! I thought never to see you again!” Elizabeth cried and hugged her old nanny. “What finally made you decide to come?”
“ ’Tis the apple of me eye. Ye’ve not changed a bit.” Annie held Elizabeth at arm’s length, looking her over. “Perhaps a wee bit too thin, but I’ll be takin’ care of that. As tae the reason I be cornin’, ’tis to be a chaperone tae yer brother’s wife.”
“Wife!” Elizabeth’s eyes widened before she whirled on Adam.
Chapter Twenty-two
“Wife?” Elizabeth said again, then added, “Oh, my God, it’s not Colette?”
Laughter burst from Adam’s lips. “Sis, you’ve never been one to mince words. What if I tell you you’ve probably hurt her feelings?” he teased.
“That lady’s hide is as thick as leather,” Elizabeth said in a lower voice.
Jewel watched the scene outside the coach door. Yes, she definitely was going to like her new sister-in-law.
Adam moved back to the carriage. “Come, sweetheart, and meet your shy sister-in-law.”
Jewel stepped down and moved toward Elizabeth, then curtsied, “I hope you approve.”
Elizabeth embraced her, hugging her tightly. “Of course I do. I knew Adam had better sense than to marry that witch.” An arched eyebrow showed her humorous surprise. “You’re so beautiful.” She smiled impishly. “Whatever made you look at my brother?”
Jewel winked at Elizabeth. “I’m not sure.” She injected a mock-serious note into her voice. �
�It must have been his sparkling personality.”
Arm and arm, the two new friends walked up the front steps together. Jewel was ready to start her new life at Four Oaks.
Spring had finally arrived at Four Oaks. A warm, gentle breeze fluttered in through the open French doors on the west wing, carrying the fragrance of wisteria vines that covered the veranda leading from the sitting room. Jewel leaned her head against the chair back, closed her eyes, and breathed in the wonderful damp smells of Four Oaks. She could picture the walkway where Elizabeth had planted a rainbow of pansies.
She opened her eyes and looked around her. The Southern plantation itself had a charming elegance, especially the foyer, which was graced with a double winding staircase.
Jewel was enjoying her new residence, but being so close to her uncles made her homesick. She could remember when she used to beg her uncles to take her to New Orleans— anything to get off the island—but they had always refused, saying it would be much too dangerous.
They’d taken great care to hide her when visitors came to the island. She recalled asking them if they were ashamed of her. Jean had become upset that she would think such a thing. And then he’d explained that she was their Achilles heel. If someone kidnapped her, her uncles would give everything they owned to get her back.
She wondered what her uncles would say when they found out she’d married. She sighed at that thought. It would take a lot of explaining on both sides.
She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with the scent of gardenias. Soon the roses would be blooming, adding their heady mixture of scents. It was evident that Elizabeth liked to work in the garden, because she’d planted flowers in every nook and cranny. Old, cracked red clay pots burst with color. Her vivacious personality was like a ray of sunshine to Jewel. One couldn’t help but love Elizabeth.
In her short time at Four Oaks, Jewel had enjoyed getting to know her sister-in-law. Annie said she felt as if she had two daughters now, and sometimes wasn’t quite sure which one could get into the most trouble.
The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) Page 24