Despite his request, Anne had retired to her room and stayed there. Teach had been forced to share a tense supper with Patience, Lord Hervey, and his father.
“Remind me, if I’m ever in trouble, your father would be a handy one to have in a pinch,” John said.
Teach had told him the outcome of the inquiry.
“Yes, well, my father might have cleared up that problem, but he’s the reason for another, even greater problem. He and Lord Hervey set the date for the wedding. In two weeks, they say I am to wed, the day after the launch of the Deliverance.”
John studied Teach’s expression, a sympathetic look in his eyes. “You fancy her, don’t you?” John said. “This Anne you’ve mentioned. The one who tossed the bucket on me.”
Teach trusted his friend well enough to tell him the truth. “Lord help me, but I do.”
“I could tell. You haven’t stopped talking about her since you arrived.”
Teach took another sip from the bottle.
“And yet your father expects you to marry a fancy peacock with a pea brain.”
Perhaps Teach had been a bit harsh in his criticism of Patience, but she offered little in comparison to Anne. “I can’t do it, John. I can’t go through with it,” Teach muttered. “My father has already lived his life. Mine has just begun, and yet he would sentence me to death, for my every breath shall be stifled if I am forced to spend the rest of my days with that girl.”
It was John’s turn to take a sip from the bottle. “Have you told your father you don’t want to marry Patience?”
“Yes.”
“And what did he say?”
Teach scowled, his anger stirring at the memory. “He said it wasn’t my decision to make.”
John gave a low whistle. “What other options do you have?”
Teach held up the bottle.
“Sorry, mate, but that won’t solve anything.”
Taking a large swig, Teach shrugged. “Perhaps not, but it can make me forget for a while.”
“What does Anne have to say about any of this?”
“What can she say? She’s living in my father’s house, as his guest. How can she go against his wishes?”
“Does she love you?”
“I know she does.”
“Well, then. You’re your father’s son. Let’s see you do something about it.”
CHAPTER 28
Anne
The next morning Anne opened the door to the dining room, only to discover that Mr. Drummond and Teach were both already seated. Neither of them spoke, which was why she had assumed the room was empty. The house was silent, except for the occasional noise coming from the direction of the kitchen.
She stopped, cursing herself for not ordering another tray to be sent up to her room. So far she’d done a fair job of avoiding the other members of the household, but she knew it couldn’t last forever.
Teach looked up and saw her, his mouth tightening. Tension thickened the air. She should have gone for a walk in the gardens instead.
“Good morning, Anne,” Drummond said, motioning her in. “I wished to speak with you. Come, join us.”
Nodding in Drummond’s direction, she walked to the buffet and took a plate. Bypassing the poached eggs and the crisp fried bacon, she took only a handful of blackberries and a hot scone, not sure if she could even stomach that much. She had not slept well, and her insides were tied in knots.
“Bring me some juice, would you?” Drummond asked, his question intended for her.
Anne bristled at his words, as Teach pushed back his chair. “Father, she’s no longer a maid. I will get it for you.”
“Nonsense. The other maids are busy. You don’t mind, do you, Anne?”
He would never have asked Miss Patience to fetch him a glass.
After a moment’s hesitation Anne set her own plate down, tempted to walk out of the room altogether. But she intended to ask for the three thousand pounds, and so she remained, reaching for the pitcher at the same time that Teach did. His fingers covered hers.
I’m sorry, his gaze seemed to say.
Anne picked up her plate once more as Teach poured the juice. Once they were seated, she looked at Drummond, her hands clasped in her lap. “Yes?” she asked, wondering what he could possibly wish to discuss.
“I would like you to go to the party with Edward tomorrow night,” Drummond said.
It was the last thing she’d expected to hear. “I had not intended to attend—”
“Nevertheless, you shall go. You are of age.”
Alarmed, Anne glanced in Teach’s direction, but his expression was masked. She turned back to Drummond, determined to plead her case. “Please, sir. I prefer to stay home—”
He shook his head. “No. I’ve already given it much thought. At the party we will announce that you are coming out.”
“But I don’t want—”
“Father, you cannot announce Anne’s coming out at the same time that you declare an engagement. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”
Anger flared in Drummond’s eyes. “How else will she find herself a husband? You can’t expect her to stay here for the rest of her days. That would not be appropriate.”
Anne barely managed to keep her own anger in check. “I have no intention of staying here. When I choose a husband, I would like it to be when I’m ready. I’m not ready now. And I have no desire for it to be announced this week.”
“Nonsense. You are . . . lovely.” Anne noticed his hesitation. Miss Patience was clearly Drummond’s ideal of beauty. “And your father has left you not without means. Edward is to marry a baron’s daughter, and your association with him will be advantageous.”
She braced herself against the ache caused by his words.
“You cannot make me,” she said, no longer caring about holding her tongue. All she could think about was the agony of having to watch Teach swear his allegiance to Patience publicly.
“Father, it’s too soon,” Teach said, his voice louder.
“Your mother was seventeen when I married her,” Drummond said, shooting his son a silencing glare, before turning once more on Anne. “When do you turn seventeen?”
It took her a moment to answer. “I . . . In two months’ time.”
“There, you see. This is for her own good.”
“And if no one will have me?”
Drummond didn’t meet her gaze when he answered. “Once I attach a handsome dowry to your head, someone will speak for you. Tell her, Edward. Tell her she’ll make a fine match.”
Teach looked Anne straight in the eyes as he spoke. “The man who wins Anne’s heart will recognize in her the answer to his dreams.”
The color was high on Teach’s cheeks, but his father didn’t pay attention. He merely waved his fork at Anne after taking a bite of his eggs. “There, you see. Edward believes you will not have a problem.”
Anne felt trapped, caught between the two men who appeared to hold the happiness of her future in their hands. It was time to take control of her own fate.
An icy calm overcame her, and she sat back. “All right. I’ll go.”
Drummond smiled, clearly pleased, but Teach was motionless.
“But I would like the money my father left me to be transferred to an account with my name.”
A muscle worked in Teach’s jaw, but Drummond nodded. “Of course. When you turn eighteen—”
Anne was sure they could hear the pounding of her heart. “No, not when I turn eighteen. I would like the money now.”
“But that’s not possible,” Drummond said.
“Then I request that you make it possible. I will attend the party. All that I ask in return is that you do this for me.” It wasn’t as if he needed the money. She did.
Drummond studied her, clearly surprised by her boldness.
&nb
sp; For the first time since entering the house, Anne was not afraid of Richard Drummond. She had nothing left to lose. “I’d like to at least know that I can purchase a small cottage somewhere, sir. I have no desire to inconvenience you any further.”
“All right,” Drummond said, after another moment of silence. “Given your past experience, I can understand why you make such a demand. I will contact my solicitor to have the funds transferred to an account in your name. You will have access to it. I will not stand in your way.”
“But, Father—” Teach began, but Drummond held up his hand.
“No, Edward. The girl is right. It’s the least I can do, to help her on her way.”
Anne gave a small nod, her pent-up breath threatening to explode. “Thank you, sir. Now, if you will excuse me, I find I’m not as hungry as I first thought,” she said, coming to her feet.
Drummond waved her away. “Yes, you may go.” Teach looked as if to follow suit, clearly intent on chasing after her, but Drummond wasn’t finished. “I ask that you stay, Edward,” he said. “We still have things to discuss.”
Anne shot Drummond a grateful look, aware of the blaze burning in Teach’s eyes. Now was a good time to make her escape.
As she closed the door behind her, Anne could still feel the heat of Teach’s gaze on her back.
Two hours later he found her in the library.
Teach entered, and then used his foot to close the door behind him. Anne stood abruptly, the book in her hands dropping to the floor. If she’d wished to avoid him, she could have gone into town, or retired to her room, but she had decided it was time to stop running.
“Why did you do it?” he demanded.
Anne thrust out her small chin. “You know why.”
A swallow rippled visibly down his throat, and he ran a hand through his already disheveled hair. This was a new version of Teach, one she’d never seen before. He reminded her of a caged animal, and it pained her to think she was partly responsible for it.
“How can you stand there so calmly?” he asked, his voice rough.
If he only knew. Her head ached. She’d spent the past two hours trying to convince herself that leaving was the best for everyone concerned, even Teach, although he couldn’t see it at the moment.
Now that her funds were secured, she hoped to find a place where she belonged. She would see firsthand the places her mother had told her about in the West Indies. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time.
But without Teach at her side, her plans felt somehow empty and hollow, as if she would leave a piece of herself behind.
“My father and Lord Hervey have gone to toast my father’s acceptance into the aristocracy. Strangely enough, they didn’t ask me to join them.”
“I know.” She’d heard them leave.
“And my future bride has gone to pick up her dress for William’s ball this weekend.” There was no disguising the bitterness in his voice.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Are you?”
“Of course. I don’t wish to see you suffer. I like to think of you as my friend.”
Teach moved forward, and then was standing so close to Anne, she could feel his body heat, even though they were not touching. “We’re more than just friends. You know that.”
She shook her head, her eyes fixed on the floor. “I’m afraid we shall never be more than friends as long as I’m frightened.”
“You once told me I didn’t frighten you.”
“Perhaps it’s not you I’m afraid of.”
Teach reached out and caressed her cheek with his finger.
“Please,” she whispered, her breath catching in her throat.
“Whether you acknowledge it or not, Anne, we belong together. We could be on opposite sides of the world, but you would still be mine, as I am yours.”
Anne closed her eyes. Deep down she knew he was right. Fighting for composure, she moved toward the desk and began gathering the papers scattered across its surface. They were her father’s, the ones Mr. Cogswell had given her.
Teach bent and retrieved the book from the floor, then came to stand by her side. “You’re not the only one who can run away, you know. If you truly wish to leave England, I will accompany you. It’s far too dangerous to travel by yourself.”
Clutching the papers in her hands, she glared at him. “You think I’m running away?”
“Aye, I do. You’re afraid to trust someone. But you have the means to be independent, and I have no desire to hold you back. If you truly wish to find your mother’s family, I will help you search for them.”
Struggling against the pull of his words, Anne looked once more at the desk and the papers on it. Everything he said was true. It would be hazardous for her to travel alone. Even if she secured a lady’s maid, they would be on a ship for several months. The uncertainty of the weather alone was enough to give her pause.
And once she reached her destination, who knew what kind of circumstances she would find herself in? Even if Mr. Cogswell was in a position to help her, he didn’t have time to send a message to any contact before she left. It would be a relief to know she didn’t have to undertake this daunting task alone.
But the most important reason for her to agree with him was that she could not think of anyone else she’d rather have by her side.
“Let me come with you,” he said, his voice soft. Urgent. “Please.”
Anne sighed. “All right,” she said, looking up. “If that is what you truly wish.”
Teach’s eyes glowed with triumph, and he slid his arms around her. He bent his head to kiss her, but she stopped him, her fingers on his lips.
“But we will wait until after the ball to leave. I do not want your father to go back on his word. Once my money is secure, then we will go.”
“Agreed.”
“And you will not kiss me until that time.”
Teach drew back, his eyes wide. “What?”
Anne pushed at his chest. “Technically, you are still betrothed to another.”
“Yes, but—”
“Those are my conditions.” She felt a small sense of victory at the flash of irritation in Teach’s eyes, glad that she was able to unsettle him as well.
“All right. We will wait until after the ball tomorrow night. But I will secure our passage on a ship.”
“Shouldn’t we wait until the Deliverance sets sail?”
“Why?”
Guilt caused her voice to be sharp. “Because you are your father’s only son. It’s bad enough that you’re leaving him. I would hate for our departure to ruin his moment of glory.”
“The Deliverance sets sail in twelve days, Anne. I have no intention of waiting that long.”
CHAPTER 29
Anne
Anne drew in a deep breath, wishing Sara hadn’t pulled the stays so tight in her ivory gown. Now that Anne didn’t work her fingers to the bone every day, her shape had softened. She had curves in places that before had been sharp angles. She waited dutifully as the maid pinned the last pearl clip into her hair, the design matching the pearl choker around her neck. Her hands were slick with perspiration.
“You look beautiful, Miss Anne,” Sara whispered, taking a step back to look at the girl before her. “Don’t pay attention to what anyone else says about you. You’re a lady, no doubt about it.”
Anne had confided some of her fears to Sara about the upcoming ball. There would be no way to stem the tide of gossip and speculation her appearance would create, but in order to gain her inheritance, Anne was willing to face the vultures.
Turning toward the looking glass, Anne’s eyes widened in surprise. Her skin glowed against the creamy fabric, while her hair hung in luxurious black curls that Sara had painstakingly set and pinned. The combination was mesmerizing, and Anne couldn’t help the surge of pleas
ure that ran through her, as she involuntarily wondered what Teach would say.
She’d not seen him since they’d agreed to leave together. There had been several raised voices and slamming doors from the Herveys. No doubt the conflict had to do with Anne’s presence in the house.
She’d kept to her room, reading over her father’s papers and writing a list of things she would take with her when she left. It still seemed unreal to her.
Giving herself a slight shake, Anne turned. “Thank you for your help, Sara. I shall miss you while you’re gone.” She was glad Sara had agreed to spend some time with her mother. She was leaving tonight, and John would escort her home, since Sara lived in an unsavory part of Bristol.
Anne had no wish to say good-bye, for she’d grown genuinely fond of Sara.
Following the maid out the door, Anne heard the sound of voices in the entryway below them.
“I still don’t understand why she has to come,” Patience hissed.
“What does it matter?” Lord Hervey replied. “They simply wish to announce her coming out.”
The baroness, who had arrived the evening before, spoke up. “I knew this would happen. If you want your daughter’s evening to be ruined—”
Teach’s terse voice interrupted her. “Nobody’s evening will be ruined.”
“It will be if your father doesn’t return soon,” Lady Hervey said sharply. “His obsession with that ship is disturbing. You’d think he cares more for it than for his own son.”
“My father regrets being called away, but it’s early yet. He will still be able to make the ball later in the evening. We will not announce the wedding date until he is present.”
A sad smile touched Anne’s lips as she descended the stairs. Teach would fight this wedding until the bitter end. “Good evening,” she murmured. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”
The four individuals in the entryway turned to look. Both Patience and Lady Hervey glared at Anne. Lord Hervey’s mouth dropped open. Teach stared openly, looking splendid in a crisp white shirt and black coat with breeches. The yearning in his eyes reached across the space between them.
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