Fortune's Flames

by Janelle Taylor

  “You’re not hinting that Jared’s involved, are you?”

  Mary squirmed in her chair and didn’t meet Maren’s gaze. “Mister Jared’s been coming here for years and he seems so nice, but…”

  “But what?” Maren probed uneasily.

  “Please don’t be angry with me, but I’m not sure you can trust him. How do we know he isn’t the one helping Eric James? What better way to throw the suspicion off of himself than by courting you and speaking against your cousin? He’s asked you to marry him. If you do, he would own all of Lady Luck if…you had a real accident.”

  “How can you say and think such things, Mary?”

  “Don’t you find it odd that he’s never around when you’re in danger? And don’t you think it’s impossible for a stranger to strike at the right moment every time? Maybe I’m just scared for you and thinking crazy.”

  “Jared was here when the step was loosened and the squirrels got inside,” Maren reminded the woman.

  “I know, and he has his own keys. Perhaps the other accidents took place while he was gone to keep us from looking in his direction. Where does he go? What does he do? And can he prove it?”

  “My father trusted Jared, and so do I,” Maren asserted worriedly.

  “Mr. Cameron also trusted Eric James, and so did you.”

  “They’re nothing alike, Mary. I wish you didn’t feel this way. I love Jared, and I trust him.”

  “I’m sorry, Miss Maren. I won’t mention this again.”

  Maren returned to her room, depressed. She did trust Jared—her husband—and she was saddened to learn that others did not. Her joy in Lady Luck was being stolen away. Maybe she shouldn’t try to hang on to a place that presented her with so many problems: treacherous employees, mistrustful help, vicious gossip, no social life, imprisoning days, dangerous accidents…. Someone wanted Lady Luck badly. Maybe she should sell out and leave, move to Savannah with Jared and leave this misery behind her. She would tell Jared what she was thinking when he returned.

  Jared came home Thursday morning, and he became furious when he learned of the latest attack on his wife. After Maren told him how she now felt about the gambling establishment, he became thoughtful. He stalked around the room like a caged beast as he deliberated the matter, and finally he returned to the sofa to sit beside Maren.

  “I don’t know what to do,” he confessed bitterly. “If we hang on here, I’m placing you in danger every day, whether I’m here or gone. If we sell out, we’re admitting defeat and somebody will get away with this mischief.” He inhaled deeply. “I can’t leave you in danger and I’ll have to sail soon. Would you be willing to move to Savannah and let Dan run the place until we decide what to do?”

  “What about your family? Would they mind?”

  Jared frowned. “I guess it’s about time I tell you a few things about my family. My father, Benjamin Morgan, built Shady Rest near Savannah. We raised rice and sea island cotton as our main crops. My mother, Anna, died when I was thirteen, and my father couldn’t seem to get over her death. I guess that was partly why I avoided love and marriage; I didn’t want to endure the anguish he’d known at Mama’s death. When I was sixteen, Papa married a woman only seven years older than I was—Willa Barns, a beautiful widow who only cared about herself. But I’ll tell you more about her later.”

  Jared shifted to relax before continuing. “My brother, Jeremy, and I worked the plantation with Papa for a while, but Willa wanted things run her way and we were quarreling all the time. So Jeremy and I decided to leave. We told Papa it was to give them privacy, but we didn’t like Willa or the way she treated him. She had her hooks into him good, so it was futile to take a stand against her. She’s one of the reasons I gave women a hard time; I feared they were like her. You proved they aren’t,” he said tenderly.

  “Jeremy and I traveled together for several years, but when we took separate paths, Jeremy returned home. He stayed there for a year, but things hadn’t changed so he left again. He was taken, by the British, from the Chesapeake in the summer of 1807 and was hanged on the Leopard, a British ship, for refusing to yield to impressment. That’s one of the reasons I became a blockade runner and an American agent.

  “My father was a good man, Maren, a special one. He was a hero in the war for independence, so he was proud of his sons’ resistance of the British. For years, Papa had allowed us to sail with our exports, so we both knew the sea and ships from top to bottom. And you might say we had been introduced to adventure and worldly temptations. Papa and I met Cameron James on a business trip to New Orleans, and he and your father became good friends. That was before Willa got ahold of Papa. Jeremy and I fought in the Barbary War for President Jefferson, but I quickly lost interest in killing pirates. Since I didn’t want to return home, I joined the Lewis & Clark Expedition. I was wounded in the Sioux territory and lived with the Indians while I was healing. They taught me plenty about nature and honed my skills. That’s where I got the name Hawk; the chief called me Soaring Hawk. He also gave me the idea for my ship’s name by saying I could slip through the early mist without leaving a trace or getting damp.”

  Jared chuckled as he reminisced on those exciting days. “When the expedition came back through the Sioux territory, I returned to St. Louis with it in 1806. I was twenty by then. I spent time working on a riverboat and trapping outside of town, and I fought river pirates and Indians; but that life grew tiresome. I finally headed this way, worked on the docks and did a lot of gambling. There seemed to be a flame burning in me. I had to challenge danger, to seek excitement and my fortune. I let Papa convince me that I should get my own ship and handle his exports. Lordy, I came to love the sea and that kind of experience. And as you know, my fetching wife, it was such business that brought me to New Orleans when we first met.”

  Jared suddenly became distressed over the facts he was about to reveal to Maren. “When I learned about Jeremy’s death and war seemed imminent, I returned home for a while. Papa was real sick and he needed me. After his death, I hung around to take care of things for my stepmother and the children. My father had two by her: a girl named Catharine who’s twelve, and a boy named Steven who’s eight. But the war heated up pretty fast, so I went back to sea. I made a name for myself and my ship quickly, and the President asked me to become an American agent. Then I met you…again.”

  “You don’t like your stepmother, do you?” Maren asked.

  “Never have and never will,” Jared admitted. “I understand that Papa was lonely and miserable after Mama died; he was only forty-two. But Willa made life worse for him. I know she tormented him into an early grave. She’s a real bitch, Maren, but a deceptively charming one. That’s why I hate to subject you to her. She’s greedy, and selfish, and wicked. She had affairs while they were married, and there’s no telling how she’s behaving now.” He looked into her eyes as he said, “So you’ll understand why Jeremy and I left Papa at her mercy, I’ll tell you why we really went away. Willa had a big sexual appetite, and she tried to seduce me and my brother many times. We couldn’t break Papa’s heart by telling him his wife was pursuing his teenage sons, but if he caught her with another man, it wasn’t going to be one of us. Every time I go home, she goes after me again, even though she knows how much I detest her, and I’m sure she did the same with Jeremy on his last visit. I worry about her effect on Cathy and Steven, but there’s nothing I can do about that. Can you see why I hated to reveal such wicked things about my family, and why I hate to leave you there with Willa?”

  “What if she won’t allow me to stay there?” Maren asked.

  “It’s my home, so she can’t refuse my wife a place to live. You see, Papa willed the place to me just before he died. Willa Barns Morgan can live there only as long as I permit it, which I do because of Cathy and Steven. Once they’re grown and gone, so is Willa, but despite how bad she is, I can’t toss out my father’s children.”

  “I understand, Jared. You’re a wonderful man to take care of them.
”

  “I don’t let Willa handle anything there. I have a trusted overseer take care of the plantation for me. If we’re lucky, maybe she’s remarried and moved out; then we’d have it all to ourselves.”

  “When did you last see her?”

  “I almost did before I came here. I stopped by to check on the children and the plantation, and to pick up my deed to Lady Luck. She was still there, but she was seeing a man. She was away with him when I got home, so I missed her, luckily. Cathy and Steven are good children, Maren; you’ll like them. From what I understand, Willa spends little time with them, and they’re being raised by a wonderful black woman.” He smiled broadly and hinted, “When Willa hears I’m still alive and will be returning home soon, maybe she’ll trick her new lover into marrying her and be gone before our arrival. Nothing would suit me better.”

  “Does she know about Lady Luck?”

  “Nope Papa kept it a secret from everyone. If anything happened to me during the war, you were to be sole owner. Do you think you can endure my stepmother while I’m at sea?”

  She snuggled into his arms. “I can do anything to please you. Will she be told we’re married?”

  “Let’s decide that later. I don’t want to make any rash decisions.”

  “Whatever you say, love.”

  “Aren’t we being cooperative today?” he teased, then kissed her.

  “I’m hoping it will pay off later,” she replied seductively.

  “Rest assured it will, my lusty siren.”

  “When will we leave for Savannah? I’ll need to pack.”

  “If Eric isn’t back by August first, we’ll sail then. Don’t tell anyone we’re going. I don’t want our foe to become desperate enough to slay us before we depart.”

  Maren considered telling Jared of Mary’s distrust, and probably Dan’s since those two were so close, but she decided not to hurt him. “Do you think Lady Luck will be safe while we’re gone?”

  “The only important thing is your safety, Mrs. Morgan. If we can’t settle our problems with Eric before we leave, then we’ll worry about them later. I don’t want anybody to know where I’m taking you. That way you’ll be safe in Savannah. If possible, I don’t even want anyone to learn you’ve left the city with me. Just before we sail, I’ll circulate a story about you going upriver to visit friends. That way, if this persistent foe looks for you while I’m gone, he’ll never find you.”

  Maren hugged Jared. “I’ll be safe, so stop worrying. While you’re gone, I’ll give Willa lessons in manners and morals.”

  Jared looked serious. “Don’t let her get to you, Maren. Remember that’s our home, not hers.”

  “Our home,” she echoed. “Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”

  “Yes, my love, it does. I can’t wait for this war to end so we can get on with our life together.”

  Two peaceful days passed, and an enjoyable Sunday was underway when a visitor came to call: Peter Thomas…

  Chapter Fourteen

  Thomas informed Jared Morgan that Eric James was a spy, and he added, “You’ll need to sail immediately to thwart him. I’ll be going with—” When Maren came to see who was at the front door, Peter was astonished to find her with his contact. He fell silent and stared at the dark-haired beauty. Then his inquisitive gaze went to Jared.

  Jared chuckled heartily before he invited Peter into the kitchen, where the two men sat down at the table and Jared explained matters to the sandy-haired American agent, who was pleased to discover the truth about Maren. She was preparing hot tea and pastries, and Peter’s hazel eyes lingered on her as Jared briefly discussed Maren’s troubles and his missions, for he already knew James Slade was actually Eric James. Peter was intrigued as he listened to Jared’s tale of Eric’s curious voyage to London, after which he’d carried a gold shipment to Jamaica. Then, Jared outlined Eric’s treachery to Maren, told of his own secret partnership with her, of the progress of his missions, and of Maren’s lack of involvement in Eric’s traitorousness.

  Despite Jared’s revelations about Maren, Peter then said, “I think we should go somewhere else to talk privately, sir.” His tone and expression implied that his report about Eric James was damaging.

  Jared responded confidently. “There’s no need, Peter; we can speak freely before her. I trust Maren with my life and honor.”

  As Peter glanced at Maren, he caught the look that passed between her and Jared. “I can see that you do, Captain Hawk. But perhaps you should hear what I have to say first, then you can decide what to tell Miss James and how to do it kindly.”

  During Peter’s reply, Maren poured their tea and set pastries on the table. “I’ll leave you two alone, Jared,” she offered politely, for she knew her husband would tell her everything later.

  But Jared wanted to prove to his wife that he trusted her implicitly, that she was a vital part of his life. Since she would be leaving with him, no villain could get to her and force her to expose crucial secrets. “I prefer her to stay, Peter, unless you object.”

  “I take it you two have become close, Captain Hawk, and I will do as you say. I am only concerned about how part of this news will affect Miss James. Do you still have that ruby necklace Eric gave you on the ship?” he abruptly asked Maren.

  “Yes, it’s at the bank in Jared’s box. Why?”

  “We have to get it before we sail tomorrow. Your cousin will be heading to France soon to pick up another gold shipment, and Josephine’s necklace is the recognition signal. Eric’s on his way here to pick it up. He had to put in at Savannah before heading to Jamaica to drop off some cargo, so I jumped ship and caught another heading this way. But he got a head start on me while I was stranded ashore, so we don’t have much time. If I’ve calculated his schedule correctly and he hasn’t confronted any trouble, he’ll arrive before this week ends. I’ve taken many chances to spy on him, but it was worth it.”

  “Empress Josephine’s necklace?” Maren asked, incredulous.

  “The same, Miss Maren. It was specially made for her, so it will be easily recognized. When Eric hands that necklace over to Napoleon’s contact in Marseilles, he’ll be given gold on the assumption that it will help us fight our mutual enemy, the British. But your cousin’s a sly devil. He has the Americans believing he’s doing special tasks for them, the British are convinced he’s using their gold to bribe people, and the French think he’s taking money to America to help defeat Britain so that later we’ll help put Napoleon back into power. But Eric is pocketing all the money and jewels, hiding them at his plantation in Jamaica. He wants to make certain his cache is safe until this war is over. The French gold waiting in Marseilles is to be picked up by the person who presents the empress’s necklace.”

  “That’s why Eric gave it to me, to conceal it and protect it!”

  “He used you, love, but we’ll make him pay. We’ll take the gold right out from under his nose by claiming it first.”

  “There’s bad news too, especially for you, Miss Maren,” Peter said. “When Eric went to Baltimore, it was to kill his brother Murray, which he did. He then sold that branch of the firm, and went to Jamaica to take everything of value to his plantation. I’m sorry to tell you that so badly.”

  Maren was stunned. “He killed his own brother? Are you sure?”

  “I witnessed it myself, but I couldn’t do anything. If I had exposed myself, I would be dead and America would not have this information.”

  Maren looked at Jared, and murmured, “You said he was crazy and dangerous. If he would slay Murray, he would kill me too.”

  “You’re coming with us, Maren,” Jared declared, and when Peter started to protest, he silenced him by saying, “I can’t leave her here, and there’s no time to take her to my home in Savannah or to find her a safe place to hide. She’s my wife, Peter, but it’s a secret. I didn’t want anyone to know because somone might try to use her against me.”

  “Your wife?” Peter echoed.

  Jared told Thomas of the secre
t wedding, and then said, “As soon as the bank opens in the morning, I’ll get the necklace and put my papers in the box for safekeeping. I have evidence that Eric stole Maren’s inheritance and I want to protectit. Peter, you can go to my ship to alert my crew to be ready to sail at second tide tomorrow. Tell Kip and Jacob Tarver to hurry over here and get Maren and her things.” Jared turned to his wife. “You’d best pack, love. If we can get you out of here before Mary and Dan return, I can tell everyone I’ve sent you upriver to stay with friends. That way, no one will know you’re leaving with us. I’ll stay here tonight and speak with Dan before I visit the bank and join you.”

  They talked a while longer; then Peter left for the Sea Mist while Maren and Jared hurriedly packed. When Jared finished, he joined his wife. The pair embraced and kissed, and exchanged words of encouragement and caution. There wasn’t enough time to make love, but they had a lifetime before them. As they discussed Peter’s revelations, Maren cried softly over Murray’s death and Eric’s evil, and Jared comforted her.

  When Kerry Osgood and Jacob Tarver arrived, Maren was compelled to leave Jared and go with them to the ship. She begged her husband to be careful and hugged him tightly, not caring about his men’s watchful eyes. Jared then helped to load her belongings and his into the carriage; he didn’t want to be carrying anything when he slipped out of town and traveled down the Bayou Bienvenue to Lake Borgne, then rowed out to his ship. He promised Maren and Kip he’d be aboard before noon on Monday, July twenty-fifth.

  At Jared’s behest Maren had disguised herself as a sailor, so no one noticed her departure, and Kip took every precaution to make certain they were not followed. It was not long before she was helped aboard Jared’s ship and shown to his quarters, and she was delighted to learn that the crew had been told about their captain’s marriage. She hadn’t wanted them to think her wicked for sharing Jared’s cabin.

  Upon boarding the Sea Mist, she had been introduced to some of Jared’s crew: Davy Douglas, the steersman; Patrick “Patty” Brennan, the cook and doctor; and Harry Epps, and Simon Carter. She had already met Jacob Tarver, ex-seaman and now Jared’s cabin man. As she was shown to Jared’s cabin, Maren had noted that the ship was being readied to sail.