He helped Anne with her matching ivory cloak, the color a perfect foil for her skin. His fingers brushed her collarbone as he clasped it for her.
Patience quickly grabbed Teach’s sleeve, pulling him closer to her. As they exited the house, Teach allowed the Herveys to precede him, his eyes skimming Anne from head to toe once more as he helped her into the carriage.
Anne sat next to the baron, as his wife and daughter had taken the other side. She expected Teach to sit between the two women, but their dresses took up too much space. Instead Teach settled himself beside Anne.
It was a tight fit. Miss Patience and her mother glowered at Anne the entire way. Beside her, Anne felt Teach’s thigh pressed against her own, the heat reaching through the layers between them. His nearness stole the breath from her lungs, and she was painfully aware of every move he made. She stared out the window in an attempt to distract her thoughts.
It was no use.
By the time they pulled up in front of the Cardwell estate, Anne was dizzy. Torches lit the stairs leading up to the grand entrance. The house itself was aflame with lights, the windows full of people milling about in the interior.
The baron and his wife exited first, followed by Patience. Clutching the arm Teach offered, Anne lifted her skirts and stepped forward, her heart fluttering wildly in her chest. Her initial reaction to the invitation had been correct. She should have stayed alone at the Drummond house.
Anne hadn’t even accompanied her own father when he’d been entertained elsewhere. Instead she and her mother had stayed at home, content to read or sew by the fire.
This would be her first real social gathering, and she felt ill equipped to manage it.
Patience grabbed Teach’s arm and attempted once more to disengage him from Anne’s side, but Teach held back. “It would be in poor taste to let Anne enter alone. My father is her guardian, and he asked me to look after her tonight.”
“But . . . but,” Patience sputtered. “We are to wed.”
“Your father is waiting,” Teach said.
Patience gave Anne a look of pure venom before joining her parents.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Anne said, although inwardly she was pleased. She was quite sure no one had ever put Patience in her place like that.
“She deserved it. She acts as if we’re already married,” Teach muttered. “Which we never shall be.”
Not daring to think about their secret departure, Anne took in her surroundings, trying not to gape at the luxurious setting. The air was heavy with the scent of hothouse flowers. Inside the grand manor, women floated along in their beautiful dresses. The men all wore breeches and waistcoats, their shirt collars starched and standing at attention.
At the entrance to the ballroom, their names were announced. Teach paused, glancing around until he saw the Duke and Duchess of Cardwell. He advanced, giving Anne a gentle tug when she held back.
“Come along now,” he said briskly. “Let me introduce you to our hosts.”
“I wish you wouldn’t,” she replied beneath her breath.
“Nonsense. It would be rude not to acknowledge their hospitality.”
“But what if William has said something to them about me?”
“What could he have said?” Teach asked.
Anne gave a short laugh, surprised by his obstinacy. “That I used to be a maid in your house.”
“But you’re not anymore.”
She still refused to move. He made it sound so simple.
Looking at the duchess, Anne was intimidated by both her elegance and her beauty. The older woman wore a gray gown covered with the most exquisite lace Anne had ever seen. And her eyes were as hard as the strand of diamonds around her neck.
“Anne, these people are not any better than you. There’s no reason to hide,” Teach whispered.
“I’m not hiding,” she hissed. He had no idea what he was asking.
“Then come with me. Please. I secured your invitation. I’ve known them for years.”
Taking a deep breath, she accompanied Teach as he strode forward. She envied his confidence.
It wasn’t long before they stood in front of the impressive pair.
“Mr. Edward, it’s nice to see you again.”
“Thank you so much for your invitation, Your Grace. Allow me to introduce you to Miss Anne Barrett. Miss Barrett, the Duke and Duchess of Cardwell.”
The duke tipped his white-haired head. “And where are you from, Miss Barrett?”
“I was born here in Bristol, Your Grace.” Although it was the first time she’d ever met a duke, Anne could not help wondering if he always asked his guests where they were from.
The duchess’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”
Anne fingered the pearls at her neck nervously, her face burning beneath the intense scrutiny. Teach had sent the pearls to her room, and Anne had been touched by the gesture.
“She is the daughter of an old family friend, Your Grace,” Teach said.
“Who are these old friends?” the duchess asked archly.
“I’m afraid they are both deceased, Your Grace,” Teach said, no doubt sensing Anne’s unease.
Anne was grateful there were other guests waiting to greet the host and hostess, and Teach led her away. They approached the buffet table, but Anne was too anxious to eat, aware of the many glances that followed her advancement through the room. Nobody said anything, because she was with Edward Drummond, but she could see the disapproval in several faces, curiosity in others.
Anne had never felt so exposed, and firmly gripped Teach’s arm. “I wish to leave.”
“Do not let them win, Anne.”
“Win? Do you think this is a game?” she asked, bristling when she saw William approaching. She did not understand how Teach could be his friend.
“Ah, I see you’ve brought ‘the maid’ for me,” William said, taking Anne’s hand in his and bringing it to his wet mouth.
Anne’s toes curled with disgust. She could not escape his grasp fast enough, and slid her hand behind her back, wiping off on her dress the touch of his lips.
She did not imagine the steely gaze Teach gave his friend. “She is not for you,” he said tightly.
William’s eyebrows rose. “Do I detect a hint of possessiveness in your voice? You can’t keep them all for yourself, old friend. You are as good as married. Leave something for the rest of us.”
Teach stiffened at her side. “I am not yet married, and Anne is my father’s goddaughter. She is therefore off-limits. Unless you would like to take it up with my father.”
William faked a laugh, but Anne could see the resentment in his eyes. “Always so superior, aren’t you, Teach? And yet I am to be a duke and you are simply a merchant. When will you learn to relax a little?”
“When I am sure you mean Anne no harm, Lord Lorimar,” Teach said coldly.
Anne was surprised at the animosity between the two friends. She and Teach were William’s guests, after all, and yet Teach had just insulted his host.
He led her away and joined a small group of people with varying titles. They were courteous, and she didn’t notice any censure in their expressions as Teach introduced her. It was obvious he felt at ease among them, and Anne felt herself relax somewhat.
It didn’t take long for Teach to be caught up in a conversation about the end of the Nine Years War and the treaty between France and the grand alliance of England, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire. The treaty had brought no real resolution to the deeper issue of the balance of power between the warring nations, but at least the fighting had stopped.
Anne listened as they debated what kind of an impact such an event would have on the shipping industry. Of the individuals present, Teach appeared to be the most knowledgeable on the topic. “I cannot predict the future,” he said tersely.
Anne hid a smile, for she had said the same thing to him.
“But I foresee some troubling times ahead,” he continued.
“Why is that?” one man asked.
“With the war over, think of the soldiers and sailors who will no longer be employed. What will they do now that they are no longer fighting for a united cause? You cannot tell me they will be content to return to the fields or attempt to learn a new trade.”
“What do you think they will do, Edward?”
“They will take to the seas, doing what they do best,” Teach said.
“Do you mean they’ll become privateers?”
Teach looked at each man carefully. “Either that—or pirates.”
“Are you concerned about your father’s new ship? Once the Deliverance sets sail, every pirate on the seas will be after it.”
Anne broke away from the group as their discussion continued, keeping to the side of the room so as to avoid the dance floor. A manservant walked by, and she accepted the goblet he offered, savoring her first taste of champagne as she observed the small clusters of landed gentry and wealthy merchants, each intent on their own conversations.
A few men attempted to approach her, but Anne quickly learned that if she turned away, pretending interest in a nearby group, they lost their nerve and left her in peace. Her father had taught her many things, but how to dance was not one of them. The last thing she wanted was to embarrass the Drummonds.
One set of French doors was opened to the balcony, allowing the brisk October air to blow through the crowded hall. Anne slid outside and found an unoccupied bench hidden behind a potted plant. Closing her eyes, she ignored the muted voices coming from the interior of the house, wondering if it was too early in the evening to return to the Drummond household.
The moon overhead was full, giving light to the manicured gardens and casting long shadows across the lawn.
Anne watched the graceful figures dancing inside, their movements smooth and flowing. She wished she could join in the festivities, but knew she would stand out like the interloper she was.
“Your Majesty,” a familiar voice muttered into her ear.
Anne jumped up, nearly dropping the goblet in her hand, and glanced over her shoulder. Teach stood beside her, a sly grin on his face.
“Why do you insist on frightening me?” she demanded, irritated at his smirk.
“Why do you insist on being alone?” he countered, folding his arms across his chest. “Do you not know a solitary woman wandering through the garden unaccompanied will quickly develop a reputation?”
Anne blushed at her own ignorance. “No one was concerned for my welfare when I was a maid and walked to the market alone.”
Her words found their mark, and Teach winced.
“Besides, it was too crowded in there,” she said.
He glanced behind them before raising his eyebrows at her. “What did you expect at a ball?”
Anne smoothed her gown, her fingers reaching automatically for the gold watch in her pocket. She’d had a pocket sewn into every dress. “I certainly would never have agreed to come if I’d known it would be like this,” she said. “I don’t belong here.”
“Of course you do. There are visitors inside from around the world.”
“You don’t understand. You grew up this way. I did not.”
“You forget, I’m just the son of a merchant.”
“Yes, who is invited to balls hosted by a duke.”
Teach made an impatient sound in his throat. “I would much rather spend my time with you than with any of them. Come back inside with me.”
“I don’t know how to dance,” she said.
“I’ll teach you.”
She glared at him. “Do you wish to make a fool of me?”
“No, I simply wish to dance with you. Nothing more. Nothing less. Just a simple dance.”
Looking down, she nodded slowly. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “It’s just . . . I . . .” Her voice trailed off, finding it difficult to put her feelings into words. No matter where she went, she felt out of sorts.
She was unable to prevent the tears shimmering in her blue eyes, and Teach muttered something under his breath. “Why are you always so sad?” he asked.
Noting the tenderness in his features, it was difficult to speak around the lump in her throat. “I’m not.”
“Yes, you are. When we are married, I shall make you smile, every day for the rest of your life.”
She pulled away, wiping her damp cheeks. “Do not speak of such things.”
“Why not? I only speak the truth.”
“Yes, but I asked you not to.”
He gazed at her from head to toe. “No, you asked me not to kiss you. Can I help it if I want to tell the world how I feel about you? You’re my queen.”
“Beneath these trappings I’m still just a simple girl,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Something in Teach’s expression changed, and his eyes flicked to her lips.
Anne’s breath hitched in her throat. “You promised—”
“I lied.” Lifting a strand of her hair from her collarbone, Teach leaned in close.
“Edward, your father has arrived and is looking for you!” A sharp voice cut through the night air, splitting the two apart as effectively as a knife. The potted plant provided just enough shelter that whoever it was did not see the look of frustration crossing Teach’s face, nor Anne’s look of chagrin.
Teach stepped out, hoping to shield Anne from the curious onlooker. “Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”
Footsteps headed in the other direction.
“I don’t want to leave you,” he said, adjusting a curl at her temple.
“I’ll be fine.”
“At least come back inside where it’s warm—”
“Go, Teach. Come and find me after.” In truth, Anne could not bear the thought of hearing Drummond say that the marriage would still take place, for there was no way she would be able to hide her feelings then.
She slid toward the end of the balcony and escaped down into the gardens. Even though the air was brisk, she preferred it to the stuffy interior. She knew it was too cold for anyone else to venture outside as well.
Walking along a path, she followed Teach’s progress through the window as he returned inside, and watched as he was led to what appeared to be a library beside the ballroom. Drummond waited for him there, and the two sat down. Teach listened intently as his father began to speak.
Leaning against a short wall, Anne continued to observe the conversation, knowing she should return inside, but loath to do so. Her stomach was in knots, and her hands clenched the cold stone balustrade.
The sound of approaching footsteps along the gravel path startled her. Instinctively she ducked behind a tree, unwilling to have anyone find her pining after Teach.
Moments later she was glad she had, for William came into view, illuminated by the full moon. His arms were wrapped around a figure dressed in an elegant cloak. The pair stopped beneath the shadow of a nearby tree and embraced. Anne’s insides protested as she listened to them kiss, quietly professing their love for each other. As usual, William was effusive in his admiration.
The girl’s face was obscured in the shadows, but she appeared to enjoy William attention.
“Darling,” he said, his thick lips making slurping sounds against his companion’s unfortunate neck. “How long must I endure your continued courtship with that fool? You know we are destined to be together. Please do not torture me and let him raise my child as his own. Call off the wedding.”
“Yes, well, my father didn’t care enough to break off the engagement. The next time you accuse someone of something, make sure the charges stand.” It was Miss Patience!
Anne gasped, and immediately placed her hands over her
mouth to prevent another sound from escaping. She froze, afraid to move.
Patience was pregnant with William’s child! And William was the one who’d accused Teach of piracy! It hadn’t been Henry after all.
The two lovers were quiet. Had they heard her? Anne’s pulse raced, wanting to confront them, but an inner voice held her back. She would not do it alone, for she did not trust them. They were both as crooked as the day was long. She needed to find Teach first and tell him what she had discovered.
Her heart soared. Surely now Teach would not be forced to marry Patience. And Anne and Teach would not have to leave immediately. If at all.
The couple moved on, but Anne waited until the sound of their footsteps disappeared. Her fingertips and toes were numb, and she slid silently out from her hiding spot. She saw from her vantage point that Teach was still conversing with his father.
Anne had just stepped onto the balcony when a fleshy hand grabbed her wrist. She shrieked as William leered at her.
“I thought it was you!” he snarled, dragging her along behind him.
Fighting desperately against his hold as he attempted to yank her back toward the gardens, Anne looked frantically over her shoulder, trying to catch Teach’s attention. But the balcony was in shadows from the large trees surrounding it. Even in her ivory dress, it would be hard for Teach to see anything while the library was lit from within.
“Let go of me!” Anne yelled, hoping her voice would carry, but the sound of the orchestra in the ballroom drowned her out.
“I’ll not have you running off to tell Teach about us,” he said. “You will keep your mouth shut.”
“If you love Patience, why don’t you marry her yourself?” Anne cried. It didn’t make sense. Upon his father’s death, William would become a duke. Surely he had more to offer a baron than a merchant?
William did not respond, but Anne managed to escape, lifting her skirts and flying back the way she’d come. William tackled her from behind, and Anne fell forward, her head narrowly missing the edge of the balcony stairs.
If she didn’t get away, he might kill her. She searched the ground, looking for something, anything, to throw that would capture Teach’s attention, but there was nothing at hand.
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