by Jewel Adams
“It is called a gaol, Corin.”
Jacob’s announcement did little to ease Corin’s concerns. Mr. Trent insisted on giving them five hundred pounds to ‘seal the deal’ before they left. “We need a new tactic for the meeting tomorrow, Jacob. Please give me half the money.”
He reluctantly passed her the notes. “Why don’t I like this, Corin?”
Walking on so they didn’t draw attention, she whispered up to Jacob. “I’m only going to buy some clothes, and I need you to secure a coach for tomorrow, an impressive one.”
“With livery, no doubt?”
Corin hid her humor over his sarcasm. “It wouldn’t hurt.” Before he could lash her with the argument beginning to color his ruggedly handsome features, she headed for the first dressmaker’s shop. “I’ll meet you where we decided.”
He scalded her in silent warning beneath his dark brows that drew together in a fierce scowl. Jacob didn’t like their present location. Corin was already aware that they were no longer in the affluent part of Savannah. “I’ll meet you back here in two hours and no arguments.”
Nodding, she accepted his order without argument and stepped into the shop, holding her breath as Jacob finally won the battle with his indecision, and slowly, tight-lipped he moved away from the door.
Sighing, when he finally turned away and left her, Corin turned and surveyed the quaint, empty shop, deciding it would serve her purposes well.
Corin could feel the lady’s sharp blue eyes moving all over her. The shop owner was too much of an expert to be fooled by any disguise. There was little decision left to Corin.
“Ahh, sir, may I help you?”
A tall, rather wispy woman stood before Corin. Pulling the hat from her head, a regal display of ebony curls fell about Corin’s caped shoulders. As she’d hoped, the woman’s lips twitched at the corners in a conspiratorial smile.
“Shall we go to the back, miss?”
“Janice, Janice Wells.”
“Well, Miss Wells, I’m Rose Wales… welcome to my shop. Would you like tea?”
“Yes please.” The room was filled with yards of beautiful material, but even Corin’s untrained eyes could see Miss Wales wasn’t doing a booming business. Corin felt ashamed at her own expectant relief at the discovery but consoled herself knowing she’d soon be changing Rose Wales’ rather limp trade.
Taking the cup she passed, Corin waited for Rose to begin. Those blue eyes were alive with curiosity, but somehow Corin felt Rose wasn’t the prying type.
“Now, what can I do for you?”
“I hope everything.”
A slow bright smile came over the full cameo lips of the woman, making her face take on the look of a pixie. Corin’s own returning smile soon left them both laughing in the most mischievous manner.
~ * ~
“Come by at ten, and it will be ready.”
“Rose, if it is too much…”
“Heavens no, I’ll get my sister over to help. Now, don’t fret, I’ve got so many sisters, we’ll have your gowns ready in no time. Besides, these designs will set those women on their toes.”
“And I will be sure and direct them right back here.”
A tightening came over Corin’s heart at the hopeful look in Rose’s gaze. “They will love them. Now, I must go.”
“Yes, I’ll have everything ready for you.”
Hugging her new acquaintance was unusual for Corin… it surprised her more than Rose, but Corin decided Rose was special. The two hundred pounds she placed in the lady’s hands would only be the start of a new happening in the shop.
Taking the designs from Alicia’s dress designer, Corin added and changed the gowns enough to be unique but still stay within the proper styling. With Rose’s expertise, Corin’s new wardrobe would be ravishingly elegant without the offending display of cleavage she detested. In fact, Corin felt proud of the mystique she added to the styles. The high collars and v-necklines were sophisticated and utterly feminine, certain to draw attention to the widowed heiress, Janice Wells.
Jacob’s mood seemed to have darkened to a thunderous squall by the time she joined him. Neither said a word as they headed out of town and began the long walk back to the cove where the Raven waited.
It took several patient attempts from Corin before Jacob would listen to what she’d decided. Convincing him that her plan was the only safe way to go about the deed felt like climbing Mount Everest.
Well after dark, they finally made it back to the Raven. Jacob’s temper turned into a full-blown gale with Corin’s own adding a hefty tail wind.
“Ah lass, how did it go?”
“A mule would be more reasonable than that man!”
“Stubborn wench! Any man in his right mind would prefer a stint on a whaler to stepping about her shadow.”
Dan stood with his mouth open as Jacob nearly plowed through Caleb and Jess. All any saw or heard from Corin was the resounding slam of her cabin door.
Having no daughters to compare to, Dan said silent thanks to the saints for their blessing, deciding his life had been comparably calm up till then.
Chapter Nineteen
The Flaws of Enchantment
“No!”
“Now son, she has a point.”
Corin wrapped her arms about herself when Jacob’s glare left her and advanced on his poor father. “She is a derelict waiting to crash on the rocks. I forbid her.”
“Forbid!” All her good intentions to let Dan mediate their disagreement fled. “Why, you strutting…”
Only Caleb’s quick hold about her waist and Dan’s words kept her from him.
“Now lass, calm down, and you, Jacob, back off and shut up! You two keep this up and the whole town will be out here to see what all the ruckus is about.”
Both the battling duos’ brows rose over Dan’s next words. “What we need is a compromise.” He held up his hand to Corin’s open mouth. “Hush! Jacob, you too.” Satisfied after staring at them, he continued, “You two seem to have forgotten Brian, have ye?”
Corin’s gaze dropped at the reprimand.
“Nay, I thought not. It seems to me, Corin has a legitimate concern over what might be waiting for you both at the governor’s. I think she should go in alone as this heiress, Janice Wells.”
Jacob walked up to face his father. “And, if it is a trap?”
“Then we will all be there to get her out.”
Keeping the victory out of her eyes proved difficult. Jacob’s arguments were sincere; they were Corin’s own against her plan. But if Mr. Trent were setting a trap, she didn’t want Jacob involved. Besides, for once Corin counted on her sex as an advantage.
~ * ~
Nervous fingers danced over the upraised collar of stiff silk before they moved down the smooth tailored deep vee neckline. The dark violet of the dress highlighted the color in Corin’s alert gaze. Rose out did herself to whip together this sophisticated dress for Corin’s introduction. Silk above crisp cotton brought together by a delicate blend of dark purple in the tatted lace. A wide swath of the heavy lace draped from her elbows beneath the gossamer puffed sleeves.
The hat settled against the side of her head proved a stunning addition. The wide felt brim and violet plume reminded Corin of New York’s fifth avenue socialites. Her confidence ran high; the ensemble felt perfect. Unfortunately, inside she felt like a jumble of nerves.
The open carriage pulled to a stop in front of the large mansion. She took a deep breath to steady the tremors racing down her legs. Jess climbed down from the driver’s box with an exaggerated formality, giving her a devilish wink before extending his hand to help her down. Taking the directions of his pointed stares, she quickly located Dan, Caleb and the dark brooding silence of Jacob about the busy street outside the governor’s gates. Corin prayed there’d be no reason for them to intervene.
Delaying her steps, she waited for Jess to knock on the door and announce her presence. A staunch, white-wigged, red-coated butler answered the gran
d door.
“Mistress Wells to see the governor. You will announce her, please.”
The man bowed stiffly to her and indicated for Corin to follow him into the vast entry hall. When she played with the cords of her satin bag, the emerald felt heavy. She kept herself from pacing while the man went to announce her arrival.
As she waited in the room off the entrance hall, the raised timbre of angry voices came from across the hall, drawing Corin nearer the open door. Standing by the bookcase, she took a small volume of poems down, straining to hear what all the excitement was about. Through the ajar door across the hall, she could see three figures.
“Governor, no ship appeared other than a small schooner.”
“Then somehow the man was warned. I want you to take out your fleet and track him down. I want the Dragon’s head, understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
The sudden jerk that opened the door sent Corin further back into the room. Turning she clutched the book for control, breathlessly, “Rogan…”
So, he did discover Diamond’s ruse?
“Don’t fail me this time, Captain.” The governor’s parting order brought back Corin’s trouble thoughts.
Bursting into the study, James’ temper immediately cooled over the surprising vision by the window. The misty blue temptress captured all his heightened senses. His gaze feasted on her profile against the lace curtains. She shined with color and texture and he felt she would feel like creamed ermine with mink curls that could catch sunlight. James was so taken by her exquisite features he seemed incapable of moving as she turned to face him. Angelic softness captured the most exotic golden eyes he’d ever had the pleasure of staring into.
Using considerable effort, he spanned the distance to her. “Madame?”
“Wells, Mrs. Janice Wells, Governor Whitney.”
She caught his slight frown. Yes, but he covered the slip over her status admirably. Corin felt proud of her own performance that hid her turmoil.
When he finally released her hand, the silence preyed on her nerves, making her speak out to stop his all-too-thorough scrutiny. “I’m sorry if I interrupted you. I hope it wasn’t important?”
“Important?” Catching himself, “Oh, the captain, no, just some unfinished business.”
Taking a steadying breath, Corin knew she must chance finding out more. “I couldn’t help but hear you mention the Dragon. Isn’t he a pirate?”
“Yes, but there is no need for alarm, madame. He is far from our shores by now.”
“I’m relieved, sir, but might a danger exist out on the sea?”
Corin moved casually back to the window.
“That would depend on where a person might be sailing.”
She smiled sweetly at the man’s obvious question. “Forgive me, Governor. I am standing here speaking of pirates, and I’ve not even announced why I have sought an audience with your Excellency.”
Giving her a slight bow. “Whatever the reason, madam, having your company is worth any interruption.” He walked toward her. “I could think of nothing more pleasurable than your company for tea if you’d be gracious enough to accept.”
She should tell him about Mr. Trent, but something held her back. “I’d be honored, sir.”
Taking her hand, he slowly kissed the back. “If you will excuse me for just a moment. I will have Janson bring in the tea.”
Nodding politely to his request, Corin held her composure as he started to leave. He stopped at the door. “Please…” His gaze fell to the book she’d forgotten she still held. “Feel free to enjoy my library further.”
She felt the heat rushing into her cheeks, cursing silently over the way his dark brown eyes lit in humor with her before he exited the room.
She scolded herself for letting him affect her so strongly. Governor Whitney certainly proved more than she expected to find. Totally British, he could have stepped right out of the king’s court with that powdered wig and silk brocade frocked coat with its gold braiding. The dark blue satin pants and white silk stockings emphasized his virile build. He wasn’t a man to take lightly.
Shaking off the thought, she began questioning her own actions as the emerald weighted bag slapped her arm when she reached to put the book back on the shelf. Clutching the reason for being there, Corin wanted to kick herself. Maybe she should call him back. She would have when the man stepped back into the hall with Mr. Trent in tow, but his next words made her throat go dry.
“Calm down, Trent. We’ll find the man and relieve him of his burden. I wouldn’t be surprised if he contacts you and soon. After all, you do have the rest of his cash for the two stones. Just act natural and set up another meeting; try to get him to bring in all he has. It would be easier to finish this unsavory bloke as soon as possible.”
“But what if he suspects?”
“Now why would he? You are paying him for the two small gems; he has no reason to doubt your intention concerning the others.”
“I want one of your men…”
“Now Ben, that would be a foolish act and it could tip our hand. Set the meeting. I’ll handle it from there.”
“I don’t like it. What if he is legitimate?”
“You said yourself neither he nor his small companion appeared to be gentlemen of importance. I’m sure they are thieves and the gems won’t be circulated here. My cousin Stearns will handle their disposal.”
Oh God. Corin didn’t dare stay and listen to anymore as they moved down the hall to the back of the house. She took a seat on the settee and tried to school her emotions. Her fears were just; Jacob would never have left here…alive? Moaning, she silently repeated the name the governor mentioned, Stearns? Could it be the same man? Ill feelings concerning the man’s reason for wanting the Dragon flooded over Corin. She couldn’t shake the conviction that the governor and his cousin were all associated with Diamond. The truth paled her.
To her dismay, the man rejoined her before she could hide her emotions.
“Madam?” Moving quickly to her side. “Are you ill?”
“No… Please, I’m sorry.” Damn it, Corin, think of something. “It is just, it still hurts sometimes. I am afraid I haven’t gotten over my husband’s passing.”
Whatever flashed across his face disappeared too quickly for Corin to decipher, but the shiver running over her was enough to set off all her warnings.
“Your husband is gone?”
Nodding, she accepted the handkerchief he passed her and made a show of dabbing at her eyes. She needed time to think, but his closeness defeated her. Concentrating on playing the rich heiress was all she could make herself commit to.
“Dear lady, I am sorry. How long has it been since…?”
Corin was so flustered by her predicament she didn’t notice that the tea service arrived.
“Here, madam, it will help steady your nerves. Grief is hard to deal with, and yours is understandably too fresh not to have its effects.”
Corin wasn’t prepared for the brandy-laced tea. Choking as it burned down her throat, allowed him to touch her in concern. “I’m all right, thank you. I’m afraid I don’t take spirits.”
“I should have warned you.”
Shaking her head to dismiss any more of his concern, she said, “I feel much better, thank you.”
The man seemed to relax, sitting back in his chair. If only he’d stop staring at her. Heavens, Corin felt naked before those intrusive eyes. He reminded her of a hawk, making her feel like the scared rabbit she nearly was.
“Better?”
Setting the cup down, she forced herself to meet his waiting gaze. “Yes, I am now.”
“Mrs. Wells, can you tell me why you needed to see me?” She was a lovely woman, so much so James struggled with the question, wanting to keep her here, not send her away. Damn! Just remaining in the chair and not moving back to her side was killing him. But he hadn’t missed her skittishness over his touch. Mrs. Wells needed to be handled slowly and with great care. The prospect sen
t James’ thoughts racing.
“Advice.” God, she sounded as vulnerable as she felt at the moment. The rise of his sharp brow made her rush on. “My hus… Isaac always told me that if I ever needed answers to start at the top.”
James managed to hide his mirth over how innocent she sounded. He didn’t think Mrs. Wells knew much of the world, beyond her husband’s influence. How she ended up sitting in his parlor intrigued him further. “Where are you from, Mrs. Wells?”
“From?” Biting her lip, she hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
“Yes, where did you live with Mr. Wells?”
“Holland, well Isaac was from there. I am from Massachusetts, the Boston area… before I married.”
“But you came to Savannah, alone?”
“I left Boston a long time ago; there is no reason for me to go back there.” He was leading this and Corin kept digging herself a nice, deep hole. She really needed to get back on track. “Governor, my past is irrelevant.”
“Of course, please forgive me, do go on.”
She just couldn’t take his all-encompassing gaze any longer. She rose and began to pace. Waitressing made thinking on her feet a necessity. Right then, all she wanted was to run, but Brian’s and Rogan’s welfare held her in this room. “What I hoped you could help me with is some information.” Turning back, she confronted his unreadable gaze. “I need some advice on obtaining land…for a plantation.”
“For yourself?”
“Of course.”
His amusement over her answer confused her. Without thinking, her defenses reacted. “Is there something wrong, Governor?”
God, she was a contradiction, from helpless to defiant in a blink. It made his manhood tighten. “There are not any women plantation owners in my colony, madame.”
Awareness struck her. “That won’t change, sir.”
“Then I am at a loss, madam?”
“Hattie, not Savannah, is where I want to purchase land, Governor. I counted on your knowledge extending beyond these colonies. I’m sorry if I abused your hospitality.”
Corin wasn’t sure how she felt when he moved to prevent her from leaving. Her ploy worked, but she suddenly wished it hadn’t.