by Jewel Adams
“Madam, it is I that owes you an apology. Please, sometimes a man forgets himself when faced with such beauty.”
She wasn’t sure if he meant to fluster her, but it worked as she sat heavily back on the settee.
“Now, shall we start over? Why Hattie?”
“Isaac always wanted to settle there.”
“I see. Do you know anyone there?”
She felt the earth closing in on her. “No, I thought maybe you could direct me to the proper contacts.”
“Why would you believe I would know anyone there?”
For the first time, Corin felt he might doubt her true motive. “You are in the position to know the right people. I thought you might be on trading terms with the authorities there.”
Was she honestly so naïve? James shook himself to clear her image, but it didn’t change. No, innocent hope and trust flowed like melted chocolate from those rich, vibrant eyes. For a moment, he remembered his conversation with Trent, but he only spoke of Charles’ last name. The woman couldn’t possibly know who he spoke of, even if she did overhear… could she? The rest of the conversation came back.
The threatening glare that entered his gaze made Corin’s back stiffen in warning.
“Say that I do have connections in Hattie. In what fashion were you planning on purchasing the land, madame?”
Corin deliberately lifted her chin a bit higher. “My financial standing, Governor, is not really your concern, but I assure you, I wouldn’t be wasting either of our time if I couldn’t manage to do as I implied.”
Only a woman sure of her financial standing had that kind of audacity in facing a man of his position. James relaxed a little over his knowledge. It had been a long time since a woman intrigued him, and he had no intention of letting her disappear as quickly as she’d arrived.
“Then I am sure I can be of assistance, madam.”
“Thank you, Governor.”
“Unfortunately, not at the moment. I have another appointment waiting.”
When he rose, Corin had little choice but to accept the hand he offered. As she came to her feet, he placed her captive hand about his arm. His possessive touch sent a chill up her spine.
“You never did tell me if you were planning this undertaking alone?”
She quickly closed her lips over the unthinking retort. She would never accept this aspect of her new life. “If it is concern that carries the question, sir, you may rest easy. My…father is a very capable man.” Corin said a silent prayer that Dan would forgive her for dragging him into this. Jacob couldn’t be at her side, not after what she’d learned.
“Then I extend my invitation to you both to join me tonight. I’m having a dinner party. May I expect the two of you as guests?”
Cornered and caught, she saw no way to avoid their appearance. “We’d be honored, Governor.”
“Seven then. I’ll send a coach. Are you staying at the Town Inn?”
Dare she believe him? “No, actually we are staying at my cousin’s place, but there is no need for you to trouble yourself. Father has already secured a coach.”
He turned to her at the door. Taking her hand to his lips he brushed her fingers. “Madame, I doubt you could ever be any trouble. Tonight won’t come soon enough.”
Keeping her feelings closeted, she gave him her best curtsy before leaving.
~ * ~
“…please forgive me, Dan, I didn’t know what else to do.”
The man just shook his head, staring off at the blue water where the Raven rocked against the anchor chain.
Corin’s hands worked nervously at her waist. She’d told Dan everything during the ride out there after Caleb joined her in the coach outside of town. They had all been furious over what happened, especially Jacob.
Taking a guarded look in his direction—Stars! He could lash her to death with the dark rage in that gaze of his. She couldn’t blame Jacob. What they’d planned for him would make any man see fire, but learning about the suspected connection of the governor and Stearns left everyone in tense silence.
“All right, lass, there’s no way we cannot show up.”
Corin felt herself breathe once again.
“You did the right thing, especially after hearing what you did in there.” His guarded gaze went to Jacob then back to her, telling her of his gratitude. “Their mother always held the same kind of intuition. Never doubted it in her; guess most women have it.”
There was so much to do before the evening. Dan sent Jacob to Trent’s where he would have liked to strangle the man, but Corin knew he’d play his part just as she did.
Jess drove Corin back to Rose’s for final alterations she needed for the gown, then took Dan to find a suit.
~ *~
These men amazed her. They seemed undaunted by the tasks. But then this was their environment. She wondered if she would ever get used to it all. Strange how the doubts plagued her. In Rogan’s company, she felt certain of everything. I miss you so very much.
When Rose’s hand gripped her own, Corin remembered where she was.
“It’s finished.”
Her shaking fingers moved over the shimmering cobalt material. “The color of his eyes.” God, she had to close her own over the drowning despair.
“Come, Janice, have a look, it is beautiful material, and a woman always feels better when she looks lovely.”
Trying to gather her composure, Corin turned at Rose’s urging. The reflection in the full mirror captured her breath. “Oh, my! Are you sure it is all right to let me have it?”
“Now don’t worry, I made it for a friend down in Richmond. She doesn’t know it exists, so she’ll never miss it… besides, the dress is perfect for you.”
It was more than any she’d worn since Grandmere’s purchases. The gown was stunning. Gold threads were woven in the lush blue silk mantua that felt like an open trailing robe over the same rich color in a satin chemise. Full threaded lace sleeves, with scalloped edges of the pagoda style in triple layers. The lace came up to her neck in soft ruffles from beneath the stiff stomacher.
Corin normally loathed the confining contraption they accepted in their dresses. The way it confined her breasts with its strict walls was barbaric. But for this gown, Corin felt like a princess of yore. The innocent swells above the bodice lent an elusive air behind the veil of Flemish lace.
Rose braided Corin’s hair into a crown from side to side. Set before it was a pearled headdress that curved toward her face at the sides like a crown.
Corin astonished fingers rose and moved over it in awe. “It’s beautiful.”
“It was my mother’s… it is a little old fashioned…”
“No, it is perfect for the dress. I’ve never seen anything so absolutely beautiful. I feel like a princess.”
Corin looked at Rose’s reflection in the mirror. A dressmaker’s mother didn’t come by this headdress, but the distant look in the girl’s eyes stopped Corin’s question.
“Thank you, Rose.”
“Nonsense, it is I who owe you. My business will soon pick up with such a fine model.”
“And I will be sure and tell the ladies exactly where to come for their gowns.”
Hearing the coach pulling up, they rushed to get her ready to leave. “Rose, Jacob will be by with the money.”
“Three dresses will be ready by tomorrow, and I’ve picked up the other things we finished last night.”
Corin couldn’t get over what the woman had already accomplished. “How many sisters do you have?”
“Not that many. I had most of these already made up. I may not have many customers, but I can’t stand to do nothing.”
“Well, I don’t think you will have that problem much longer.”
“I’m starting your designs next. They are… well…”
Corin decided to help the girl’s uncomfortable position. “Bold?”
“Different. But Janice, they are fabulous, wherever did you see such creations?”
“No
where close to here. Use your judgment… if you think something is too… you know, just ignore it.”
The girl’s departing laughter told Corin she’d already made changes to the designs. Under her breath, “So much for losing the breastplates.”
~ * ~
“My, my, lass, didn’t think you could do it.”
Dan’s chuckle as he helped her into the carriage matched her own over his transformation. “I’d say we tied… Father.”
“Aye, only you just keep getting lovelier. A shame it is.”
Corin almost didn’t ask. “What?”
“Him, missing seeing you like this. Serves his stubborn soul right, it does.”
Corin turned her face out to the streets they passed.
“There, there, lass, I’m an old fool at best! He’ll be with us soon, you’ll see.”
She placed her hand on his hold on her other arm. “I know… but, will he forgive me?”
Her anxious thoughts had been getting worse during the long day, over Rogan’s reaction to all this. Maybe they were wrong in not waiting for him to help get Brian? But the plaguing worries for his brother made her doubts appear small. Corin knew she was torn between her love for Rogan and the desperate needs of his brother.
Somehow, she must learn tonight if the governor’s Stearns was the same one in Black Diamond’s journal. Corin felt a coldness that had nothing to do with the night air. The answer would also tell her of the man’s connection with her enemy… Black Diamond.
Wherever that bastard was, Corin prayed it wasn’t near her or Rogan. The possibility made her stomach tighten.
The ill feeling only grew worse after they reached the governor’s mansion.
True to his word, there were many guests in attendance for the evening. Dan, feeling Corin’s ill-ease around the curious guests, took them out on to the open veranda, away from the crowd.
“Lass, that man’s coming our way. Are you all right?”
“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” She told herself again the whys for doing this. Miraculously, she fell back into the role of Widow Wells.
“Ah, madam, it’s a pleasure to see you were able to come.” With all formality, he kissed her hand before turning his attention to Dan. “Sir, you must be this lovely lady’s father.”
“And you are Governor Whitney. My daughter informed me of your consent to help in her venture.”
Dan’s heavy seaman’s Irish brogue was all but gone for his fine impressive speech, earning Corin’s astounded gaze. Catching herself, thankfully the governor didn’t see her slip.
The man looked at her quite a while before answering Dan. “Denying your daughter anything would be difficult. But I do have reservations.”
Dan’s sharp glance silenced Corin. “How so, sir?”
“Surely, a man wouldn’t expect his widow to carry on his dream in his absence.”
“Maybe we think along the same lines, Governor.”
Her foot tapped beneath the folds of the elegant dress.
Both men turned at her astonished gasp. Pressing her lips tight, she refused to embellish on the governor’s satisfaction over having her ‘father’ agree with him. And Dan! Oh yes, his agreement was true enough, and she knew perfectly well he’d turned the man’s words around to reflect his own belief about Rogan. Her fiery gaze said as much.
There was no apology in his stern set gaze that was only broken by the governor.
“Madame, may I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?”
Pulling her gaze away from Dan and to the man beside her and his difficulty in hiding his glint of victory, Corin wanted nothing more than to refuse him. Only remembering their reason for being there forced her smile and words. “I’d be delighted, Governor.”
Placing her hand on his offered arm, Corin felt the tense strength beneath the burgundy satin, reinforcing her earlier wariness of the man. Corin needed all her wits about her tonight. Letting Dan upset her was a mistake that wouldn’t be repeated.
“Your father is charming, Mrs. Wells.”
“I’m glad you think so, Governor.”
His soft laughter was impossible to ignore, drawing Corin’s perturbed glance.
“I can see his hands were full in raising you.”
“My father would probably agree, but as you can see, he also taught me to think for myself.”
“No doubt that aspect of your upbringing is his current dilemma.”
Stopping before the chair he held for her, Corin met his gaze with a flicker. “What’s taught can’t easily be taken away.”
Bowing slightly, he returned her smile. “But an astute person, if shown the error of her decision, isn’t fool enough to continue an ill-footed path…” Corin sat slowly into the chair as he leaned forward, whispering in her ear, “no matter how righteous the lady’s motive.”
Silently shaking herself, she realized he couldn’t possibly know how very close his words were to the truth. It was only her own worry over Rogan’s pending fury for what she set in motion that made her think such a thing.
Corin’s evening went downhill. The governor, deciding he found an ally in Dan, took every opportunity to pit her father against her. But Corin wasn’t concerned with Dan’s apparent agreement with the man, even if his wink to her said it was all a ruse, no it was the governor’s motive that bothered Corin. The ill feelings mounted during the dinner, making it impossible for her to eat. While she hoped she was wrong about what she felt from the man beside her, he kept showing her how right she was. If not in the possessive looks he held her in, then in his words.
He was practically staking a claim on her.
Chapter Twenty
Eyes on the Goal
“Lass, there is no other way…” If only she could feel as tranquil as the moonlit waters surrounding the Raven.
“I know, Dan.” But would he understand? Closing her eyes, Corin couldn’t dismiss the enraged image of Rogan from her thoughts that dampened the evening’s success. Hadn’t everything gone better than they could have hoped?
Stearns was Whitney’s own cousin.
“You had best get some rest, lass.”
“I will, Dan, you go on.”
“I won’t leave your side, girl.”
Patting the large hand on her shoulder, Corin said, “I know and it’s only for a couple of weeks.”
When he finally left her, Corin leaned against the mast. Dan was right; refusing the governor’s offer to join him on his ship to Hattie would have been foolish. Corin didn’t doubt that there weren’t any other ships available for the voyage. Even if one might have turned up, she held little doubt that James Whitney would have ensured it left without any passengers.
“Forgive me, Rogan.” While their passage guaranteed an introduction to Brian’s enslaver, the prospect came attached with the crushing acceptance of being the governor’s guest until they sailed.
Pushing off the mast, she slowly paced the quiet deck. The conviction that Whitney and Diamond were linked intensified through dinner. The chance she could be discovered by her enemy proved a threat that Corin kept to herself. Dan and his sons would never have agreed to any of this if they heard what she did. Rogan’s brother’s need was too great. She prayed nothing would stop them from finding him. Take care, my love.
~ * ~
The days hadn’t gone by fast enough for Corin since their arrival at the governor’s mansion.
Dawdling at the mirror, her gaze grew dark over the morning before her. “One more delay, and I’ll scream.” Setting the brush down, her gaze danced back at her in ire over James’ maneuvers to push their sailing back. Even Dan was ready to vent his impatience. To make matters worse, Jess and the others sailed for Hattie two days ago, believing they would be following later this week. “He’s inventive, I’ll give him that.” This time he’d not used the ship’s failings as an excuse. “No…” she sighed heavily, “another crisis that demanded his attention.”
Scowling, Corin would like nothing better than to give
her own excuse and not accompany Whitney today to whatever settlement he must go. If Dan hadn’t been going with them, she’d certainly dream up an excuse. The man was positively incorrigible; he wasn’t even trying to hide his growing attitude concerning her… status.
“God, I wish just once I could tell him exactly who I am.” She smiled over the imagined reaction of how he’d take that news, but without Rogan beside her, there’d be little satisfaction to be gained.
Rogan never left her thoughts or her heart. Remaining there under Whitney’s constant attention was becoming unbearable. As much as Corin wanted them to be on their way to Hattie, the prospect of being on a ship with the man turned her stomach. “It is bad enough in this massive place. God, I can’t seem to get away from him.” Right then, she knew he waited for her downstairs.
Her fingers worked furiously over the length of hair, braiding it into a thick coil. With expert ease, she wound the rope into a large chignon at the back of her head. Taking the large hat, she positioned it to one side… the white plume framed her cheek in an elegant style.
Rose’s completed wardrobe became the only pleasure Corin experienced these last weeks. That Corin made a fashion statement still set the ladies whispering behind their hands. They called her daring, stylish, even outlandish. Laughing softly at her reflection, she mused, “Ah, but they all swamped poor Rose with orders, the dear hypocrites.”
Smoothing down the threaded lace of the exquisite lawn chemise, she tightened the satin ribbons weaved crisscross over her unencumbered bodice. Her fingers worked over the quilted effect to her waist; she gloried in the dismissed stomacher from her day dresses. It too had been taken out of her gowns where Rose could allow its absence. Corin’s dresses held soft flowing lines and sophisticated styles that left her peers gasping in envy, and the men gasping with unwanted admiration.
The memory of Whitney’s reactions made her satin bow crinkle up. Regretfully, Corin’s rebellious display only enhanced the man’s conviction concerning her. The result caused the one thing she tried to avoid. Though she hated admitting it, she played right into his hands. They were known as an ‘unofficial’ item. The word couple lodged in her throat. Corin’s only consolation was knowing she’d never see him again after reaching Hattie and rescuing Brian. “How I wish it were over.”