"Morning, ma'am," James greeted her cheerfully.
Season gave the cabin boy an answering smile. "Where are we?"
"This is an uncharted island where we often put in for fresh water and to make needed repairs. The storm damaged the Andromeda's mast last night, and it has to be replaced today."
"Will I be allowed to go ashore, James?" Season asked hopefully. She had often read books about the tropics, but she'd never dreamed she would see them for herself. Looking toward shore, she could see that the palm trees ran the length of the island. Seeing pictures of them in a book isn't the same as seeing them in person, she thought. There seemed to be miles and miles of white sandy beach, which she would like very much to explore.
"Me and Briggs remained aboard waiting for you to wake up, ma'am. The captain said we was to allow you to sleep as long as possible and then bring you ashore," James told her excitedly.
"Are there any cannibals or unfriendly natives living on the island?" Season wanted to know.
"No, ma'am, the island is too small and rocky to be inhabited. There ain't nothing but bird life and sea turtles that live there."
"Wait until I change my clothing," Season called as she hurried below. Season quickly slipped into a pink and white candy-striped gown, and twisted her long hair into a knot at the nape of her neck. She frowned at her pink satin slippers, wishing she had a more sensible pair of shoes but knowing these would have to do.
When she reached the deck, she found Briggs and James waiting for her. At Briggs's direction, Season climbed down the rope ladder and into the waiting longboat.
As they approached the island, Season could feel her excitement mounting. How good it felt to be alive! She could hardly wait to feel solid ground beneath her feet.
As the boat touched shore, Briggs climbed into the water and held his arms out to Season. When he saw her hesitate, he smiled. "You wouldn't want to ruin your pretty slippers now, would you, my lady? If you will allow it, I will carry you to shore."
Season nodded and allowed him to lift her into his arms. When he placed her on the sandy beach, her legs felt stiff and she had trouble keeping her balance. Turning around in a circle, she tried to drink in all the beauty of the island. She was sure she had never seen such a blue sky, nor water such a deep aqua color. The palm trees swayed in the gentle trade wind, and the warm sun seemed to kiss her cheeks.
Many of the ship's crew were on the beach mending sails, while others were cutting timber to replace the splintered mast. Off to the left, Season could see two men building an open campfire. Everything seemed so tranquil after last night's storm.
"It's nice ain't it, ma'am," James said, coming up behind Season.
"Perhaps one must experience a near scrape with death to be able to fully appreciate life, James," she said thoughtfully. Season reached down, picked up a handful of white sand, and allowed it to sift through her fingers. "It's just so good to be alive," she whispered.
By now feeling was returning to Season's legs and she wanted to see everything. "Come on, James, let us go exploring!" she cried excitedly as she gathered up the skirt of her gown and ran down the beach. She dodged in and out among the palm trees that grew near the water's edge where the waves lapped the shore.
She was unaware she was being watched by a man who stood on a rise some twenty paces away. He couldn't help thinking how childlike and carefree Season appeared at that moment. He watched as she and James headed for a cove where they would be hidden from the ship's crew.
Season picked up the skirt of her gown and tucked it about her waist. She then removed her sand-filled slippers and tossed them aside. When she grasped James's hand, they both ran laughingly toward the sea.
The man who watched them pulled his leather helm over his head and then made his way down the slope to where his men were working on the mast.
The wind had loosened Season's hair, so she had removed the pins and allowed it to blow free. She was now gathering seashells and piling them on the beach. James showed her how she could hold the larger shells to her ear and hear the sound of the sea.
Finally, as evening began to fall, she sat down, her back braced against a palm tree. Her bare feet peeped from beneath her gown as she closed her eyes and listened to the soothing sound of the waves lapping at the shore. Season couldn't remember a day in her life when she had enjoyed herself more.
She did not hear the soft footsteps that approached her from behind, and she was unaware that the captain motioned for James to leave.
"I would give a golden doubloon to know what you are thinking, my lady," the raspy voice said.
Season opened her eyes and smiled. "My thoughts have never before brought such a high price."
The Raven eased himself down beside her, removed a coin from his pocket, and tossed it into her lap. "I have paid the price; now you must tell me your thoughts, my lady."
She laughed and picked up the Spanish coin. "You will find you have paid too much, sir. I was merely wishing I could sleep on the beach tonight. I have never before slept beneath the open sky. It would be a great adventure, would it not?"
"Your wish is my command, my lady. I see no reason why you cannot sleep on the beach."
"Are you saying that I may sleep here tonight?" she asked excitedly.
"Indeed I am. If it is your pleasure, I cannot find it in my heart to deny you so simple a request."
"It will not be dangerous, will it?" she asked, wondering why the captain had given in so easily.
"I shall be your watchdog and protector," he said in a deep voice.
"But who will protect me from you, Captain?" she asked, hating how breathless her voice sounded.
"Who will protect me from you, my lady," he countered.
"I have changed my mind," she said. The Raven was sitting much too close for her peace of mind. His proximity recalled the intimacy they had shared. "I don't really want to sleep on the beach."
For the first time, Season noticed that James was nowhere in sight; she and the captain were alone! She started to scramble to her feet, intending to leave, but The Raven reached out and placed a restraining hand on her arm.
"Abide with me for a moment, my lady. I have brought you a feast such as you have never tasted."
Season watched The Raven with frightened eyes. "What is it?" Season asked, wishing James would quickly return. She noticed for the first time that the captain held something wrapped in palm leaves.
He placed one of the palm leaves on Season's lap, and when she lifted the edge of the leaf, she was greeted by the most delicious aroma.
"This is fish baked the way it was intended to be prepared. The ship's cook, Digger, wrapped it in palm leaves, then covered it with hot coals, allowing it to bake until tender."
Season had forgotten how hungry she was, and her mouth watered at the scent of this delicacy. She picked up a flaky piece of fish and popped it into her mouth. "Mmm, this is wonderful," she declared.
"You are in for another treat, my lady. Have you ever tasted the milk of a coconut?"
"No, but I have read about it in a book."
He chuckled. "It would seem you have read about almost everything in a book. Reading is not the same as experiencing," he said, reaching into a bag and withdrawing a round brownish object. Season watched with interest as he punctured the coconut with his knife and then handed it to her.
"Drink from the hole," he instructed.
Season gave him a doubtful glance. At first she took a small sip, but finding the taste sweet and pleasant, she drank deeply.
The Raven laughed as coconut milk dripped down Season's chin. Reaching out, he wiped the milk away with his finger. "After you have eaten the fish, I will introduce you to the meat of the coconut," he said, and Season could hear the smile in his voice.
Season was surprised to find herself feeling comfortable in his company. She had no fear of him at the moment because he was being pleasant and charming. Taking another bite of the fish, she noticed the captain wasn't e
ating.
"Are you not hungry, Captain?" she asked, holding a generous slice of fish out to him.
"As much as I would like to dine with you, this helm makes it quite impossible."
She smiled up at him impishly. "You could always take it off," she suggested.
"Alas, my lady, I must decline—that is not possible."
The Raven noticed she had eaten all the fish, so he broke open a coconut and handed her the tender white meat. Season took a bite and found she liked the meat even better than the milk.
After she had eaten her fill, Season stood up and walked down to the water's edge to wash her hands in the salty brine. "How long do we stay on this island?" Season called to the captain who still sat under the palm tree, watching her.
"If all goes well, we should put to sea sometime tomorrow evening."
"Was the Andromeda badly damaged by the storm?" she inquired.
"Less so than I feared."
"The storm was very frightening," she said, returning to him and sitting down once more.
The Raven watched her green eyes as she stared out to sea, and he knew she had never had more appeal for him. "Yes, but you and the Andromeda both fared well, my lady," he declared in his deep raspy voice.
The Raven reached out, intending to touch a golden curl that nestled against Season's cheek, but when he saw her pull away, he dropped his hand to his side.
Season looked at the setting sun. It appeared to be dropping into the sea as its magnificent dying embers painted the sky a brilliant red. It seemed the sea was afire.
She turned her head to look at the captain, but he was staring out to sea and seemed unaware of her. This gave her the chance to study him up close. His long, boot-clad legs were stretched out in front of him, and his white shirt was unlaced at the throat, revealing the black curly hair on his chest. His sun-browned hand rested lightly on his thigh. Season felt a tightening in her throat. It was as if he were pulling her toward him, yet he hadn't even touched her.
Raising her head, she found he was watching her.
"You are so lovely," he said in a soft voice. "I have seen you with your hair powdered, but I prefer it as it now is. It is much too beautiful to hide under artificial color. Never powder it again," he told her.
"I don't like ... I usually don't.. ."
She flinched as he reached out and took a golden tress between his thumb and finger, caressing it softly.
"I am in danger, my lady—grave danger," he murmured in a soft voice.
Why is it, Season wondered, when he says, my lady, it sounds as if he is calling her, his lady?
"How, and from whom, are you in danger, Captain?" she asked breathlessly.
His hand drifted from her hair to her chin. "The how is you, and the whom is you, my lady," he whispered.
"I don’t . . . think ... I would never—"
"Shh," he whispered, as he placed a finger over her lips. "You are safe enough from me, for I cannot kiss you with this helm on, and I cannot remove it just now."
Season felt a slow-moving fire course through her body, and she tried to think of something to say that would take her mind off the dark captain.
"You said you saw me with my hair powdered. Were you at the ball when I met Edmund?" she asked, hurriedly changing the subject.
He laughed deeply. "You are always full of questions, but if you must know, yes, I saw you at the ball."
Season's green eyes sparkled. "Did I talk to you that night?" she wanted to know.
"I do not think you paid the slightest attention to me that night, my lady. But I, like every other man at the ball, was overcome by your beauty," he said in a voice full of amusement.
"I was never introduced to you, or I would have remembered," she said, trying not to listen to the compliment he had just paid her.
"I believe you are fishing, my lady," he replied good-naturedly. "Would you have me tell you all my secrets?"
Season noticed that it was almost completely dark. There were thousands of stars twinkling in the ebony skies, but she saw that there would be no moon to lighten the dark tonight. She stood up and dusted the sand from her gown.
"Should we not be getting back to the ship?" she asked in an uneasy voice.
He chuckled as he stood to his full height. "No. I promised you could sleep on the beach tonight. Whenever possible, I try to keep my word."
"I hope you don't think I was suggesting that I should sleep here with . . . you!" she said in a horrified voice.
"That is a tempting offer, my lady. You know of course that you have put me out of my cabin. I have been forced to sleep in Briggs's cabin."
"It was not my fault, Captain. If you have been inconvenienced you should place the blame on yourself," she retorted, tossing her golden mane.
Season could almost feel his infectious good humor when he laughed. "Never has the world known anyone like you, my lady. You are not only lovely enough to cause a man to lose his heart, but you are intelligent and witty as well."
Season could think of no reply to his compliment. She felt her heart thumping in her breast and knew she was pleased by his observation. Never before had a man admired her for her intelligence.
"I will send James to you, my lady. He will see to all the necessary comforts."
Season watched The Raven disappear into the darkened shadows, wishing she hadn't been so hasty in her appeal to be allowed to sleep on the beach. He had said he was sending James to her, but it was such a dark night. Would it be safe to sleep on the beach with only a boy as her protector? Already Season could hear strange sounds coming from some unknown birds deep within the island.
She had enjoyed herself today. Even the dark master of the Andromeda had been pleasant, and she hadn't felt like his captive. But now that it was dark, wouldn't it be better to return to the ship?
"Ma'am, it's me, James," the young cabin boy called out. He was carrying a torch to light his way, and Season could see that he was also bringing what appeared to be mesh hammocks.
Season began to lose some of her apprehension as she watched James string the beds between palm trees. She had never slept in a hammock before. Laughingly, she sat down in one, then swung her feet up, lay back, and closed her eyes.
"This is wonderful. Do you sleep this way on board ship, James?" She loved the way the hammock swung back and forth with the breeze.
"Yes, ma'am, most of the crew does."
"It is a very pleasant feeling, but do you not become ill from the swaying motion of the ship?"
"You get used to it. Briggs says it's like being rocked to sleep every night.
Season rested her arms behind her head and smiled. The stars seemed so near she felt that she could reach up and pluck them from the sky. She glanced over at James, but couldn't make out his face in the moonless night.
"I believe I could spend my life, here, James. Just think about being able to sleep beneath the stars every night."
"Not very practical, my lady," said the deep raspy voice of The Raven. Season had not heard his approach, and she now strained her eyes, trying to make out his form; but he was no more than a shadow.
"One would soon tire of a diet of fish and coconut milk," he told her, placing his hands on either side of her hammock to stop its swaying motion.
"James, are you there," she called out, feeling fear in the very depths of her being.
"James has returned to the ship, my lady."
"Why ... are you here?" she whispered.
"You did not think I would allow a boy to protect my most valuable cargo, did you? If you will remember, I said I would be your watchdog tonight."
"I…thought James would be occupying the other hammock."
"You thought wrong."
"I don't want you to come near me," she said, her voice laced with fear.
"You are assuming I would want to come near you, my lady. It was not my wish to sleep on the beach," he reminded her in an amused voice.
"I didn't mean to imply ... I was merely—"<
br />
"Never mind," he said, moving to the other hammock and lying in it.
Season lay there for a long time, too confused to move. She listened to the lonesome sound of the night birds and was overcome by a feeling of loneliness.
"I have been meaning to speak to you about the other night, my lady," The Raven interrupted her thoughts.
"Do you mean the night of the storm?"
"No. You know very well the night to which I refer. I owe you an apology. It has never been my habit to force my attentions on an unwilling woman. You have the distinction of being the only one who wasn't willing to come to me. You have my word it will not happen again. So you see there is nothing for you to fear tonight."
She turned her face in his direction. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"I had hoped it would." ,
"If you are feeling guilty, it is no more than you deserve," Season said, grateful that it was too dark for him to see her face. "I have never harmed you, and I will never know why you felt it necessary to harm me."
The Raven was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke his voice was no more than a raspy whisper. "I think, my lady, I was also harmed by you."
"I don't understand," she said in a confused voice. "I have done nothing to you."
Season felt rather than heard him stand and move to her side. She was startled when he reached out of the darkness to take her hand, and she pulled away from him.
"The night is much too nice to be spent in serious conversation, my lady. Do you know how to swim?"
"Of course, but I would never swim in the presence of a man."
She drew in her breath when he lifted her out of the hammock and carried her toward the waves that lapped at the shore.
"It is a dark night, my lady. I can see you no more than you can see me."
Season bravely reached up her hand and felt his face. The Raven wore no mask to hide his identity!
He knew she was confused, and he laughed.
"The dark night will be my only disguise tonight. It will also protect your modesty. I would suggest you remove your gown if you don't want it ruined."
Velvet Chains (Historical Romance) Page 14