Richard slammed the door to her room behind him. "All right, Elspeth. What is your little game?"
"I assure you, sir, I am playing no game." She was proud her voice hardly wavered at all.
"Did you go to meet your lover?"
"I have no lover."
In an instant his thick fingers closed around her throat, but didn't tighten. Yet.
"I believe that, but I am not so stupid as that country judge you charmed so easily. You know this Garcia. Why did you lie in court, Elspeth?" He gave her a shake.
"I don't know Captain Garcia, Richard." Elspeth raised her eyes to meet his.
His eyes, so dark, were like Hal's, yet so different. She could not remember ever seeing warmth in them, nor joy, nor contentment. Richard was a vicious animal, not a man at all. There was no soul behind those eyes. He might kill her, savage her, but he was not governed by reason.
"Is that how he got your pearls? Did you pay him to do something for you? Perhaps to kill your husband? Is that why you disappeared? To lure me out on the road where he could dispose of me and blame it on a highwayman?"
The charges, so unexpected, rendered her silent for a moment.
"No, I never even thought of having you killed."
Not until she'd denied the charge, did she realize how easily she could have had Hal do the deed right there on the road that night. Would he have done it?
Kill Richard March? Yes, she knew with complete certainty, he would have done it. And enjoyed it.
Richard laughed. "My kitten has hidden claws." He tightened his fingers around her throat. "What do I have to do to make you a good wife?"
Elspeth held his gaze. "I see now, sir, we have miscommunicated. I have tried to be a good wife."
Her calm words and level gaze seemed to unnerve him. His fingers loosened and she twisted away, putting the table between them. His eyes, full of uncertainty for once, wavered from hers, and she took courage.
"I would have laid my heart at your feet, sir, in exchange for one teaspoon of tenderness. You accuse me of evading my duty to you, but when have I ever refused your attentions, no matter how hurtful or vile? You say I hamper you in our bed, yet I am a virgin and know nothing of the ways of men with women."
His smile was cruel. "You are no virgin, Elspeth."
"No, I suppose I would not pass an examination, thanks to your riding crop." She knew reminding him of how he'd bereted her maidenhead would not help her case, but she was beyond caring. "I have made my decision, Richard, I will not return to you. Your child will never be Earl Greymere."
He lunged for her, his face a mask of unreasoning fury.
Elspeth bolted for the door and jerked it open, stopping in mid-step at the unexpected sight. Her champion stood in the hallway, his hand raised, as though to knock. Richard stopped short at the interruption.
"What the hell do you want?" he roared.
"My lady!" Hal said, "I realized we had not been properly introduced and I hastened here to rectify this oversight." He made a fine leg and swept himself low before her. "Miguel Eduardo Paulo Francisco Garcia, at your service." He peered past her to her husband. "Is this an inconvenient time?"
"Very inconvenient," Richard answered for her. "Get the hell out."
Hal looked into her eyes, and as though he could pass his words directly into her mind without the use of breath or lips, she heard him.
Give me the word, my lady and I will rid you of this inconvenience.
Elspeth smiled. He was still her champion. He returned her smile, his face lighting and making her feel there was nothing they two could not survive together. And all she had to do was say, Kill him for me, Hal, and he would do it. He was probably even clever enough to make sure he wouldn't be caught for the crime.
How foolish. Of course, he would be caught. And hanged.
The idea of Hal Merritt dying on her behalf had brought her out of her safe haven at Greymere. She could not allow him to suffer any further for her.
"My lady," Hal said, "shall I remove this man from your presence?"
Richard charged up, shoving Elspeth aside. Hal's fist flew by her head in a blur. Richard fell on his back and a flash of light reflected off the knife Hal suddenly had in his hand as he straddled Richard's body, pressing the blade into Richard's neck. Richard's eyes went wide. Was he afraid? Elspeth was ashamed at the satisfaction she derived from the possibility.
"Do not touch the lady again, March." Hal's voice was a low growl.
"She is my wife." Richard choked on the word as Hal's knife bit deeper into his flesh. A thin line of red glistened the edge of the blade.
"She does not crave your company. It is not gentlemanly to remain where one is not wanted." Hal stood and took a handful of Richard's collar, dragging the larger man to the window. "So, out you go."
Elspeth gasped at how easily Hal shoved Richard out the window. A yell of surprise and fear broke through the air. She ran to the window and peered out. Richard lay sprawled in a watering trough at the back of the inn, sputtering and spitting water.
"Oh, dear," she muttered, amused in spite of knowing this indignity would only feed Richard's rage.
"Do not think we are done, Elspeth." Richard scrambled out of the trough. "And you, sir, you, too, I shall see you again, I promise."
Hal straightened. "I fear, my lady, I have only made things worse."
"Perhaps." She smiled. "However, it was worth it."
His eyes were serious. "Worth you being injured? No." He headed toward the door, but stopped short of the doorway. "My lady, allow me to see you safely home."
"That is not necessary. You are anxious to put to sea."
He shook his head. "Our departure is no longer an urgent matter, thanks to your generosity." He smiled. "Please. It would be my pleasure."
Elspeth felt a glow of happiness. Perhaps farewells could be delayed. In spite of her good sense telling her only misfortune could come of it, she smiled and nodded.
"Your company back to Greymere would be most welcome, Mr. Merritt." She cut him a look. "Or should I say, Captain Garcia."
His grin warmed her through. "As you will, my lady. Garcia is but my nom de guerre."
"War name? What war are you fighting, sir?"
"The war of the market place, of course." He went to the door and opened it. "When will you return to Greymere?"
"Tomorrow, I suppose. There is no need to hurry home tonight."
Hal grinned. "Then perhaps I might have the pleasure of my lady's presence at supper?"
Her silly heart tripped at his words and her cheeks burned.
"I think it would not be wise for me to go out."
His grin faded and she felt the loss of warmth as when the sun disappears behind a cloud.
"But," she hurried on, "I would enjoy your company for supper here with me and my stepfather."
Only after the words had left her mouth did she wonder at Alex's reaction to the offer made on his behalf.
Hal's face said he had indeed thought of it.
"I would be honored. Shall we say seven?"
"Yes."
Too late to withdraw the invitation now. In fact, Elspeth realized she had less interest in Alex's reaction than in spending an evening across the table from this man, this pirate.
Hal raised her hand, turning it over and pressing his lips-firm, warm, moist-against her palm. She gasped as a tingle crept up her arm and down her spine, bubbling in her blood, like champagne, intoxicating and refreshing. When he released her hand and backed out the door, she almost called him back. He pulled the door closed behind him and she was alone, her senses still singing with the music he had freed in her.
Chapter Ten
Hal strolled back to the docks feeling on top of the world. Not only had he escaped the noose, he'd had the satisfaction of punching Richard March in the face and dumping him into a watering trough. That all paled, however, in the glow of the prospect of seeing Elspeth again.
He had to check on the state of re-prov
isioning Spring Moon and preparation for the voyage back to the Western Hemisphere. Then he would go to the barber and make himself fit for dining with the charming Lady Greymere. He didn't relish sharing her company with her stepfather but that was better for her. At least the man seemed to care for her and would protect her from gossip and ugly insinuations her husband might throw at her.
His pace slowed as he approached the end of the block of buildings lining the muddy street. Dovey Lovelace's pawn shop sat dark, its door closed. Foreboding quivered along his nerves, steeling him for the attack he felt certain of. Around the corner, a sudden movement caught his eye. He stopped short of the edge of the boardwalk and waited.
"So, Captain, you escaped the noose?"
The whispered voice was unmistakable. The strong scent of lilac verified the dread knifing through Hal's brain. His eyes swept around, seeking signs of his old friends Jones and Bertie.
"I was innocent," he replied.
The man in black chuckled. "Innocent is not a word I would associate with you."
Hal allowed himself a smile. "No, I suppose not."
He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms across his chest, slipping his fingers inside his jacket to touch the hilt of the small knife he had there. He schooled his expression to one of unconcern.
"I suppose you want your money back?"
The man in black shook his head. "We have a deal."
"The deal is off."
The man seized Hal's collar. Hal whipped out his knife.
"Ah, I find you better prepared this time," the man said and released his hold. "Why the sudden queasiness? Wouldn't be you'd fallen under the beautiful lady's spell? Her husband says she's a witch, you know."
"The man is a fool. I shall kill him and take care of your problem that way."
The man grinned, skeletal in the dim light. "And marry the lady yourself and get your own heir to Greymere? No, no, that won't do. Perhaps another method of ridding Greymere of the countess can be found, though?"
He'd been halfway convinced the man in black was actually the Countess' heir presumptive, no matter the man's protestations the heir didn't wish to be Earl. These words made him more certain he was looking at Elspeth's heir.
"Let me think things over. I may come up with a more amusing plan than simply killing Elspeth."
Hal breathed a sigh of relief and pushed himself away from the wall.
"I take it we are finished for now?"
"Yes. For now."
Hal thought the voice held humor.
"Then I wish you good night." He bowed, sweeping his arm expansively toward the dark figure hiding in the shadows.
When he raised his head, the man in black was gone.
Hal frowned. His father's tales of faeries and sprites haunting the heather of Scotland came to mind. Yet, he'd felt the ice of a blade held to his neck by this man. No, the man in black was as real as Hal himself. He strained his eyes to look in to the darkness of the alley, but he could see no sign of a retreating form.
Shaking off the eeriness of the encounter, he proceeded to the Spring Moon, but not without a few backward glances.
* * * *
Elspeth dabbed a tiny touch of fragrance at her neck. "Patsy, where is the fichu I sent you for?"
"Here, milady."
Behind her, Patsy laid the delicate material around Elspeth's neck, draping it over her shoulders. Elspeth tucked the fichu into the neckline of her gown, then examined herself in the small glass on the vanity.
"How do I look, Patsy?"
Patsy walked around her lady.
"You are beautiful."
Standing on her tiptoes, Patsy pulled the curls dangling by Elspeth's face, arranging them into a more pleasing style. Pulling tresses from both sides, she twisted the hair around her finger, then pulled gently. In the mirror, Elspeth saw the curls lovingly caress her cheek.
"Oh," she whispered, "Patsy, that's nice."
Patsy preened under Elspeth's appreciation.
"I don't believe I've ever seen you glow so, milady, not even on your wedding day. Not that you had much to glow about, for sure." Patsy tossed an impudent wink at Elspeth as she began to pick up discarded hose and packing paper from the floor of the small bedroom. "Is your savage coming?"
"Patsy! He isn't my savage."
Yet, she couldn't hold onto the serious reprimand she knew she should level at her maid. Patsy was more a friend than a maid.
"Yes, Mr. Merritt is coming. But, Patsy, remember, we must protect his identity and refer to him as Captain Garcia."
"Yes, milady."
"Have you seen my stepfather since we came from court?"
"I have not seen him, milady. To tell the truth, I was not paying much attention to Mr. Alex. I was too worried about your husband and what he planned to do to you." Patsy raised the tiny cross she wore on a chain around her neck and kissed it. "Thank the good Lord, Mr. Merr-, I mean, Mr. Garcia was here to watch over you."
"Yes. He did arrive fortuitously, didn't he?" she asked, as a suspicion coalesced in her mind. She followed her maid's movements around the room. "How did Mr. Merritt happen to come up here?"
"I believe he used the stairs, milady."
"Patsy. Did you bring Mr. Merritt up here? Did you think I needed protection?"
Patsy stopped pretending and turned to face her mistress.
"Yes, I did. And I didn't think you needed protection from that raving lunatic, I knew it. So, I went to get the one person who would protect you from him." Patsy drew herself up to her full five-foot height and stared up at Elspeth as though challenging her. "So, dismiss me if you will, milady, but I will not say I'm sorry for bringing your savage to you."
Elspeth closed the distance between them and wrapped Patsy in her arms.
"I could never manage without you, as you well know, imp. Thank you, Patsy, for watching over me."
Patsy waved away Elspeth's words and dabbed her eyes with the tail of her apron.
"And why wouldn't I be looking out for you? Been with you since we was both in nappies. Now, I'll be about my duties, if you please."
"By all means, do," Elspeth said fondly.
She entered the front room of the tiny suite and perched nervously on the settee to wait. A knock at the door made her leap to her feet, heart tripping over itself again.
Patsy opened the door. "Come in, sir," she said.
Anticipating Hal Merritt, Elspeth felt her face fall as Alex entered the room. She sat back down in disappointment.
"Hello, my dear. I see Richard decided to go home."
"Actually, Mr. Merritt tossed him out the window."
"What?" Alex frowned. "What a stupid thing to do. That will only antagonize Richard the more and he will take his wrath out on you."
"He can only do that if I am within his sphere. I shall make it my business never to set foot under his roof again."
Alex sat beside her and took her hand. "You are truly settled on a divorce?"
"Yes."
"I wonder if you know how this is likely to affect your future?" he asked.
She shrugged. "I shall be a pariah among society. But my current position is untenable. I can't go back to him, Alex. You understand, don't you?"
"Yes, my dear, I understand." Alex patted her hand. "As you said so wisely before, I love him, but I see what he is."
Elspeth felt sorry, seeing his guilt for urging her to marry Richard weighing him down so. "Now, sir, as your Countess, I will make an order."
He looked up at her, his eyes twinkling. She was glad he could be joked from his sadness.
"Yes, my lady Countess?"
Elspeth smiled. "I command you, sir, to forget this business and concentrate on enjoying a fine country supper with me in the private dining room of this establishment."
Alex rose and bowed low over her hand. "As you command, my lady." His raised her hand, turning her standing into a production. "Only good food, good wine, and good conversation this evening." He led her out
the door of her suite of rooms and down the stairs.
* * * *
Hal arrived as the seventh peel of the bell in Lancaster's church struck. Right on time, too. Down the stairs came his Countess, her graceful descent making her seem an angel floating down God's own staircase. He walked forward, never removing his eyes from her.
"Mr., ah, Garcia, I believe?" Elspeth removed her hand from Alex March's arm and came toward Hal. Was she beaming at seeing him? Could he hope for her to be as smitten as he already was?
She offered her hand. He tried to appear nonchalant at touching her again, yet when he felt her hand on his, his heart tightened, binding him to her. He didn't want to escape. He bowed over her gloved hand and inhaled the scent of her perfume.
"My lady," he whispered.
The sound of a throat clearing shook Hal from his adoration. He straightened and made his best effort to be cordial to Alex March.
"Sir," he said, bowing correctly.
"Captain Garcia, I trust you have recovered from your trial?"
The words were in Spanish-in the cultured Barcelona accent-and Hal knew March was attempting to embarrass him, to show him up as a liar. He didn't need to look far for a motive. March Shipping was owned equally by both brothers. How little faith he must have in my intelligence, Hal thought before answering.
"Si, Senor. Estoy bien recuperado. Muchas gracias." To Hal's great satisfaction, March's mouth hung open in stupefaction. "Do you, too, mi Contessa, also speak my language?"
Elspeth regarded him with a look of intense interest.
"No, I must admit I do not. Alex, however, conducts much of March Shipping's business in Spain." She turned to Alex, her charming dimpled smile much in evidence. "You should share your stories with Mr. Garcia, Alex."
March scowled. "Indeed, my dear."
"Come, Alex, don't be cross." She linked her arms with both men and compelled them forward to the private dining room.
* * * *
Elspeth accepted her stepfather's assistance in taking her seat at the intimate dining table, reveling in the dissatisfaction on Hal Merritt's face. Her womanly intuition told her he was impatient with Alex's presence. Of course, that could be because of the animosity the men shared for each other. But she clung to her intuition. In her sheltered life, this was the first time a man had treated her as a woman who might be desired for herself.
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