He shook his head. “I’m sorry, Moonwitch, but I’m afraid I’m not free to accept your offer. I have a duty I’m obliged to fulfill.”
His tone suggested such finality that Selena turned her head away. It shouldn’t hurt so much, being told she wasn’t wanted, she thought. But she had done her best to persuade Kyle to accept her proposal. She couldn’t force his consent. There remained only for her to extricate herself from this awkward situation as gracefully as possible.
“Very well then, Captain,” she murmured, gathering the mare’s reins in her gloved hands. “Thank you for your time.”
Before she could turn her horse around, though, Kyle closed the distance between them and grasped the animal’s bridle. When he looked up at her, Selena could see the green flecks in his hazel eyes and the crinkled web of laugh lines at the corners.
Yet he wasn’t anywhere close to laughing now. He searched her face for a long moment, then reached up to gently touch her trembling chin with a long forefinger. “Moonwitch, if I were free… I really think I might be tempted.”
She forced a smile at his gallantry but couldn’t manage to answer. She was grateful when he released her horse’s bridle and stepped back.
Kyle watched her ride away in silence. When she had disappeared, he raked his fingers through his chestnut hair in consternation, thinking of the reason he wasn’t free. His son. A child he wasn’t able to acknowledge. He loved the boy, fiercely.
He had never expected to feel that way about anything but the sea. Two years ago he would never have credited how profoundly he could be affected by a single dimpled grin from one small toddler. Nothing had ever claimed his heart like that before, not even his family. He had revered his parents, and he held his sisters in great affection, yet the bond between a father and son was stronger, deeper....
Kyle shook his head again in frustration. He couldn’t marry Selena Markham. Not at the risk of losing his son. But he was determined not to let her impossible proposal cut up his peace or spoil his last days as a seafaring adventurer. There were too few of them left.
Snatching up his fishing pole, Kyle took two strides toward the swelling waves. Then abruptly, he turned back and hurled his pole down in the sand.
“Oh, hell!” he muttered, wondering how she had managed to make him feel like such a cad for refusing her.
Selena wasn’t sure whether her fierce disappointment was due more to the captain’s rejection or because she would have to deal with Avery and Edith alone, without even the comfort of a reluctant husband by her side. But she knew she needed to reflect on her options before she took any further steps to resolve her future.
It was unfortunate, therefore, that a proprietor of a large sugar plantation was frequently occupied by concerns of the estate. When she returned home, Selena found several problems to engage her attention and prevent her from dwelling on her own situation—chief among them the difficult birth of twins by one of her household servants. After spending the afternoon in the plantation hospital, where she provided support and encouragement rather than medical expertise, she barely had time to bathe and dress for the lieutenant governor’s ball that was to be held that evening.
If she could have refused to attend the ball, she would have done so, for the thought of confronting Avery about his betrayal tied her stomach in knots. But she knew he would demand an explanation if she suddenly came down with a headache or some other feminine ailment, and she preferred to postpone their discussion till she had time to collect herself, or at least until they could be private.
She dallied over her toilette as long as possible, and when she was dressed in a high-waisted gown of ice-blue silk with an overskirt of silver tissue, and the blue-plumed brimless toque bonnet she had purchased in town the day before, she went to join Edith and Avery in the parlor.
Avery was pacing the floor impatiently. He looked distinguished in an elegantly tailored green coat and tall beaver hat, but his immaculate attire reminded Selena of his fastidiousness with Edith the night before, and she found she couldn’t meet his eyes. When he complimented her on her appearance, she did manage to murmur an acknowledgment but she realized immediately that pretending nothing had changed in their relationship would prove a severe strain.
The carriage ride to the lieutenant governor’s home was every bit as miserable as Selena had expected. She was quiet during most of the trip, although she occasionally forced herself to respond to Avery’s comments while she tried not to shrink from his touch. It was a sheer test of breeding. Avery was sitting beside her in the barouche, and periodically he would take her arm or pat her hand as he discoursed on island affairs. Edith sat across from them in the forward seat, observing them with an expression that was at once smug and innocent. Selena was relieved when she could escape the close confines of the carriage and more relieved when Avery had to release her arm in order to progress through the receiving line.
Mounting the stairs, they moved along an open corridor that bisected the house and created a breezeway. Andrew and Elizabeth Thorpe stood to one side before a pair of stately louvered doors.
A planter by birth and avocation, Drew Thorpe was a handsome man with sandy-blond hair and a rakish mustache. His post of lieutenant governor was primarily honorary, since he was required to administer to island affairs only in the absence of the governor. His wife, Beth, was a rosy-cheeked brunette and a particular friend of Selena’s. They were nearly the same age, although Beth had married at eighteen and by now had three children to her credit. Both Drew and Beth greeted Selena with unfeigned pleasure before allowing her to pass on to the drawing room, which was already filled to overflowing by some thirty other couples and the six Negro musicians who comprised the orchestra.
The white-haired governor, Major General George Ramsay, was also present, Selena saw at once. He seemed to take a great deal of space, for in addition to a stalwart figure, he had an intimidating air of command, derived from years of military service.
Avery ushered the ladies before the governor to pay their respects, then procured a glass of sherry for Selena while Edith paused to speak to an acquaintance. He was just remarking on the warmth of the evening when the gay conversation and laughter in the room suddenly lagged.
“I say!” Avery exclaimed rather loudly in the hush. “What the deuce is he doing here?”
Curious, Selena followed his glance to the entrance, where an extremely tall, powerful-looking man attired in elegant evening dress was bowing over Beth’s hand. Selena felt herself flushing. She hadn’t expected Captain Ramsey to be invited, or if he had, to attend. But he seemed to know the Thorpes rather well; Drew was laughing as he vigorously shook the captain’s hand, and Beth was smiling up at her guest in delight.
“He,” Avery continued in a deprecatory tone, “is one of the savages who made such a disgraceful display in town yesterday. A man like that should never be welcomed in polite circles. He does not belong.”
Indeed, he didn’t, Selena thought as she observed the captain. With his great height and sun-bronzed complexion, Kyle Ramsey appeared highly conspicuous, standing there breathing vigor and vitality. He affected the company like a fresh sea wind. Yet for once he was dressed appropriately…for once he was dressed, Selena amended to herself. His curling chestnut hair gleamed a deep burnished brown above a pristine white cravat, while his powerful shoulders filled his coffee-colored coat to perfection. A rugged Viking in gentlemen’s garb, she reflected.
Selena wondered if he might be ill at ease in his formal attire, for the muscular grace she had noticed before seemed subdued by the formfitting coat, ivory brocade waistcoat and tight buff breeches. And once she saw him reach up to tug on his neck cloth as if it might be too confining.
But he must have known how to conduct himself at social functions—or at least how to charm the fairer sex. As soon as he entered the room, he was surrounded by half-a-dozen ladies who obviously knew him and were eager to renew the acquaintance. They were soon joined by several older g
entlemen who no doubt had been pressed by their daughters into begging an introduction.
Captain Ramsey greeted them all with ease and showered on the ladies an attentiveness that couldn’t fail to set their feminine hearts aflutter. When he happened to glance in Selena’s direction, though, she edged back a pace, hoping to avoid his notice. She dreaded the prospect of speaking to the captain, and she dared not even think of their previous intimacy; she very much feared the hot blush that stained her cheeks each time she did would brand her as a wanton. Already the looks being cast her way—some sly, some sympathetic—made her aware that she was an object of gossip.
The small orchestra struck up the first dance then, and even though she was obliged to allow Avery to lead her out, Selena was grateful for the distraction.
After the set, she didn’t lack for partners; she had known nearly every gentleman present for most of her life, and in spite of her engagement, she was a favorite among them. As the evening progressed, however, her spirits sank even lower. Kyle Ramsey never once sought her out. Indeed, it seemed as if he were avoiding her with as much determination as she was avoiding him. His disinterest carried a shaming sting. And even though no one was indelicate enough to mention her scandalous conduct of yesterday afternoon, Selena was quite conscious that it was being discussed.
By midway through the ball, she was fervently wishing the interminable evening would come to an end. Fearing she could no longer keep up the pretense of enjoyment while smiling and carrying on polite conversation, Selena declined the next dance by pleading fatigue. Making her escape, she settled herself in a chair in one corner of the room.
Beth found her there a short while later, half-obscured by a potted palm.
“Selena, dearest, whatever do you mean, hiding yourself away like this? I counted on you to partner my guests. Indeed, what can the gentlemen be thinking of to allow you to become a wallflower? You are always in such great demand. Never mind,” Beth added, taking the seat beside Selena and arranging the pale, jonquil-colored skirts of her gown. “It will allow us to gossip. I haven’t been able to get away all evening. My ball is a success, do you not think? Are you enjoying yourself?”
Seeing Beth’s shining eyes and eager expression, Selena didn’t have the heart to dampen her enthusiasm. “Indeed, I am,” she dissembled. “And yes, your ball is a great success. I don’t doubt it will be considered the event of the season.”
“Do you truly think so? It was such a coup to have Captain Ramsey attend. Drew was able to persuade him, you know. But really, it is in the captain’s best interest. Coming here tonight provides him with the opportunity to establish himself in the governor’s good graces, and after that incident in St. John’s yesterday— Oh, Selena, I heard what happened.”
When Beth’s declaration was accompanied by a sympathetic look, Selena realized her friend was speaking of Kyle Ramsey’s very public kiss. Again she felt color flood her cheeks.
Beth squeezed her gloved fingers. “No one blames you—at least no one except the cats who have nothing better to do than gossip. I daresay every woman here is pea green with envy. Did Avery cut up stiff about it?”
“He…he hasn’t mentioned it,” Selena murmured, reflecting that she would need to be prepared for a scolding from him.
“Well, perhaps he doesn’t know yet. I doubt anyone will be anxious to tell him. So, what was it like, Selena?”
Not following the rapid shift in Beth’s conversation Selena stared at her blankly. “What was what like?”
“To be kissed by a man like that, of course. Come, you can tell me, your bosom friend.”
Selena was extremely uncomfortable with such a question, yet she knew Beth wouldn’t let up until she had given a satisfactory answer. “It was…” She paused, searching for an adequate description for that shattering kiss, yet one that wouldn’t shock Beth. “Overwhelming,” she finished lamely.
Gazing off into space, Beth gave a dreamy sigh. “I can just imagine. Perhaps it’s fortunate that I’m a staid matron with a loving husband and three adorable children. There Captain Ramsey is now, waltzing with Marie. Isn’t he magnificent, with those splendid shoulders and that rugged-looking face?”
“Beth!”
“Oh, pooh! You know I don’t mean any slight to Drew. And don’t tell me you aren’t attracted to the captain, for I won’t believe it!”
Selena followed her gaze to watch Kyle whirling a petite redhead around the floor. He was magnificent, exuding the kind of strength and masculinity that women found extremely appealing. And he looked as if he had perfected the knack of making a woman feel special; he was bending close to Marie, listening attentively and watching her with those gold-flecked hazel eyes. The same eyes that had smoldered so hotly the previous night.
Selena was discomfited by the warm rush of feeling that accompanied the memory. “What is Captain Ramsey doing here?” she said quickly. “On the island, I mean.” It seemed incredible that she should have to ask such an elementary question after the intimacy she had shared with him, but she really had no idea what had brought him to Antigua. He couldn’t be unloading his ship’s cargo, for the Navigation Acts prevented the islands of the British West Indies to engage in trade with the United States.
“He’s simply visiting, I fancy,” Beth replied. “He comes here frequently, though he doesn’t mingle much with society.”
“But I’ve never seen him at a social gathering before tonight.”
“He attended the Brindell’s rout year before last, but you were in mourning for your father, if I remember. And yes, I know some people—” she gave Selena an arch look “—are saying the captain is a savage. But he must have some claim to gentility, or he wouldn’t be accepted by British society. Drew met Captain Ramsey in London years ago and found him rubbing shoulders with the nobility. He’s the intimate friend of a marquess, I understand.”
“I suppose by ‘some people,’ you mean Avery.”
“Just so. He was complaining to Drew earlier this evening about the ‘riffraff’ we had invited here tonight. I declare! Riffraff! But the unattached ladies, at least, are delighted to welcome the captain. And we are promoting international goodwill. Drew says the governor wants to improve relations with the United States.
“Besides, after that unfortunate incident in St. John’s yesterday, something needed to be done. Americans are barely tolerated in Antigua as it is. That’s why when Captain Ramsey called on us today to renew our acquaintance, Drew persuaded him to come to the ball—so he could soothe troubled waters. And now that Captain Ramsey has made his apologies to the governor for the disturbance, everything is famous. Indeed, the governor seemed to like him. I’m so pleased. It would be a shame if the captain were asked to leave the island.”
Beth paused for breath. “I suppose I should attend to my guests. Do go and dance, Selena. You know the gentlemen will be disappointed if you continue to hide yourself away like this.” When Selena murmured some noncommittal reply, Beth rose. But before she moved off, she spoke again. “Oh, I almost forgot. Avery was searching for you a moment ago. Shall I tell him where to find you?”
“Thank you, no,” Selena said quickly. “I need a moment more to myself.”
When Beth had gone, Selena remained in her chair only an instant longer before slipping through the French doors at the rear of the drawing room and onto the spacious gallery that wound around the house. Bright moonlight was filtering between archways of whitewashed brick to accumulate on the floor in silver pools.
Selena had thought the gallery deserted, so she was startled when she caught a flash of white out of the corner of her eye and heard the soft patter of feet. She turned in time to see a small, white-clad figure disappear down the wrought iron stairway that led to the garden. Having a good idea as to the identity of the apparition, she followed.
She found Beth’s eldest child, five-year-old Colin, dressed in a nightshirt and crouched on the third step. With his crop of dark curls and rosy cheeks, he seemed the im
age of his mother, even down to the vivid facial expressions. Seeing the revealing look of guilt on Colin’s cherubic face, Selena found it hard to repress a smile. He quite obviously had been spying on the company, no doubt attracted by the music and gay laughter and dancers in elegant evening dress.
He peered up at Selena as she stood at the head of the stairs. “You won’t tell?” he said anxiously.
Selena shook her head. “Do you think I would be so shabby?” Colin looked visibly relieved. Selena could see the set of his small shoulders relax. “I suppose you were lonely,” she added as she descended a few steps. “It isn’t at all pleasant to be excluded from all the festivities. I’m lonely, too. Perhaps we should keep each other company.”
When Colin promptly nodded, she sat down beside him, heedless of what the dust might do to her expensive gown. From that vantage, she could see much of the garden below. Beth had finally despaired of growing the kind of lawn that abounded in Britain, but her garden was laid out in the English style, with formal paths bordered by lime trees and swaths of native flowers. The delicate tropical fragrances filled the warm night. Selena was about to remark on the garden’s beauty when Colin piped up.
“Did you see the cap’m?” he asked, the eagerness in his young voice unmistakable.
“The captain? Do you mean Captain Ramsey?”
“Yes, him. Papa said the cap’m was to come tonight. I hoped I should be able to see him. Papa says he has a great schooner and he sails over the sea and fights with pirates! That’s what I will do when I am big. I will be a cap’m. I mean to have a giant ship. This giant,” he explained, spreading his short arms out as wide as they would reach. “Papa said he would take me to the harbor and show me the cap’m’s schooner…”
Selena wondered, as Colin’s artless chatter continued, why Captain Ramsey seemed to be the sole topic of conversation this evening. One would think none of the islanders had ever seen a ship’s master before—as if Antigua weren’t the site of the largest naval base in the Caribbean.
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