Love Me With Fury

by Janelle Taylor

  Stunned by the accusation against his good friend, Henry asked, “Are you saying Joshua Steele is the pirate who kidnapped you and held you prisoner?”

  “Yes, on that infamous ship of his, the Black Mist!”

  Still not convinced of this incredible tale, he pressed, “Are you certain it was Steele? That doesn’t sound like him.”

  “Of course, I’m sure! But he uses the name Stephen sometimes. He always wears that black mask over his handsome face so no one can identify him. But I can! I’m sorry, Uncle Henry, but he found the petticoat when I was trying to discard it. He claimed I was a spy! He threatened to turn me over to the authorities because I wouldn’t decode it or give him yours and Papa’s names. He tried every trick to force the information from me; he was even sweet and charming sometimes. But I didn’t tell him anything! He thinks my name is Angelique DuBois, that’s what I told him.”

  In Henry’s stunned silence and her outpouring of anguish and pain, the whole story came forth: she began with the day at the pond and continued until just the day before. “I must be the wickedest girl alive, Uncle Henry, but I actually fell in love with him. I’ve never met any man like him. Even now, I love him and want him,” she exclaimed, ending her long and painful confession. “I’m as bad as he is,” she concluded.

  “There, there, Alex. Don’t worry, child. I have the perfect solution,” he comforted the girl who was unknowingly in love with Spencer Farrington. “You rest while I make a call on someone. I’ll be back shortly.” Spence was in for the shock of his life!

  As he closed the door, he could hear Alex weeping as if her tender and ravaged heart was broken. When he discovered Spencer had already left the hotel, he immediately headed for the dock, only to discover Spencer had sailed at dawn. Furious and desperate, he called on their mutual and influential friend Madison for his assistance. After a private discussion, they came up with a daring plan.

  Madison stood before his window watching Henry Cowling’s solemn departure. Reflecting upon a conversation between himself and Spencer months ago, he grimaced in sympathy for both Spencer and Alex. The winning had neither been painless nor light. Yet, he could only presume Spencer had deep feelings for this English girl; else, he would never have kept her as his captive mistress for weeks on end. Astute, he knew that portentous petticoat and this English girl were somehow connected.

  Why had Spencer deceived him, and what innocent role had this girl played in his moody silence? He shook his head sadly. So much anguish for a harmless mistake! What would Spencer feel and think when he eventually discovered that coded message was actually being passed between two of his cohorts, patriotic men whose loyalties rested with the Americans, one still unknown to him? Would Lady Alexandria ever forgive him for an error which cost her so much? Was it right to wed them by proxy? Yes, an innocent child made it so! Knowing Spencer Farrington so well, Madison felt he would accept their hasty actions. Spencer was an honorable man who would accept his responsibilities to Alex and his child.

  Suddenly, irrepressible chuckles claimed the powerful man. Surely this was a union designed by the fates. Before this day was passed, Spencer would be legally bound to the very girl he had avoided like the plague, the very girl he had chosen himself! How would that proud and valiant man feel when he learned his wife and his dream-girl were the same woman?

  Henry returned to the hotel and told Alex to get bathed and dressed. Without asking questions, she did so reluctantly, then joined him in the other room. She sat down, her head hung in shame and dejection.

  “Everything’s settled, Alex. You’ll be married within the hour to a good friend of mine,” he cheerfully informed the distraught girl.

  “Married? To whom? How?” she stammered, dreading to believe the fates had entrapped her in a desperate snare of her own making, helplessly caught in a web of her own lies to Joshua…

  “You probably don’t know this, but your father and Sir William Farrington were arranging a marriage between you and Spencer, his grandson. But like you, Spencer doesn’t wish to marry or settle down. Yet, he must to please his grandfather and avoid disinheritance. I spoke with him before he left on business and he’s agreed to marry you by proxy. He left his seal with me. It’s all arranged. I have a trusted man waiting to stand in for him. Then, there’s a ship heading for England later today. I’ll put you on it. The English are waging a bitter war to the North. They’re also heading this way from the South, and they’re about to blockade the entire coastline. I need to get you out of here while I can. Three ships will be travelling together for safety.”

  Astounded, she debated, “Spencer Farrington agreed to marry me? Does he know about the baby?”

  “Yes,” he continued his desperate lies, knowing he would explain everything to Spencer when he next saw him. In light of these circumstances, what could he say or do? Nothing, the irresponsible rogue! He would leave it up to Spencer to reveal the entire truth to Alex; damnit, he owed her that much and more! “He’ll claim the baby as his. We’ll date the license for two months past.”

  “But I’ve never met Spencer. How will I explain my lack of knowledge about my own husband?” she reasoned.

  “You aren’t the only one who’s seen or met that dauntless pirate, Alex. In my secret dealings with privateers, I have also met him. But I dared tell no one about him for fear of implicating myself. If only you’d told me about Steele upon your return. Zounds, girl! I saw him just yesterday. If I had known the truth then…” He halted, knowing it was too late to recall it.

  “Strange as it sounds, Steele and Spencer are enough alike in appearance and character to be brothers. Just describe Steele to anyone who questions you and they’ll never guess the truth. Plus, I’ll fill you in on his life and work here. I know his comings and goings, so you’ll have accurate facts to relate to Will and your father. So you see, if the baby favors his father, it won’t matter at all. Spencer’s troubles are solved and so are yours. If either of you desires a divorce later, the other must agree.”

  “From what I’ve heard about Spencer Farrington, this generosity is hard to believe. Will it be legal?”

  “Of course, child; it’s done all the time when the groom can’t make the wedding for one reason or another. All that is required is his signature and his seal. I have both. Time is short, so let’s be off.”

  Her head was spinning with this curious whirl of events. Before it cleared, she was on a ship heading home: Lady Alexandria Hampton Farrington! Travelling under a letter of protection signed by President Madison himself and another by Lord Spencer Farrington, Alex was secure from danger from either side! Still, she pondered Spencer’s motives. She suddenly recalled the conversation between Lucy and Cassandra. She smiled in ironic amusement as she stared at the gold band upon her finger; Lucy had been correct. He had married a highborn, wealthy, and attractive lady!

  Alex’s problems were solved and perhaps his were too. If only she had met him just once, this ruse wouldn’t be so difficult. Her father was in for the shock of his life when she returned home not only wed and pregnant, but by the man with whom he was so craftily arranging such feats! Well, it was done. Joshua was out of her life for good. A marriage in name only and for convenience was the answer for her since Joshua would be there between them.

  During the three week voyage, Alex’s morning sickness vanished and her figure gradually expanded. She would need to order new dresses the moment after her arrival. If the American doctor was correct, the baby was due sometime in April, nine months after the alleged date upon her marriage license, a year after their first meeting.

  Upon her arrival, Alex ordered a carriage to take her home. When Daxley opened the door to find her standing there, he shouted in surprise and pleasure. At the mention of her name, her father came rushing from his library. He couldn’t believe his eyes, which were watering with joy.

  “Alex!” he joined in the merriment. “How did you get here? We’re at war with America. Did Henry come with you?” his questions
tumbled one over the other.

  Elated to be home, she wept in joy and relief. At last, her wonderful and tormenting experiences were over. She hugged her father tightly, who instantly noticed her protruding stomach. He leaned back and stared at her, at a loss. “What’s this?” he asked, patting her tummy.

  She grinned and calmly stated, “Your first grandchild, naturally. Uncle Henry thought we would be safer here, so he sent us home. The President himself sent along an official letter of protection. We had a small fleet of three ships for safety. Oh, Papa, so much has happened,” she rushed on excitedly, forgetting to mention any husband to her alarmed father.

  “I can see that for myself, Alex. Is there some logical explanation for this condition?” he demanded, his tone stern and shaky.

  She burst into laughter. “Perhaps this will explain everything,” she hinted, handing him the rolled parchment secured by a blue ribbon.

  He accepted it, then read it after removing the confining ribbon. His eyes widened in astonishment. “You and Spencer Farrington were married in July?” he asked incredulously.

  “July fifteenth, to be exact, Papa. You did say I could marry some worthy American if I found one,” she impishly reminded him, playing this necessary role with skill and relief. “He’s absolutely magnificent, Papa. Eyes as blue as rich sapphires…hair of shiny sable…so proud and strong and handsome… I’ve never met any man like Spence,” she murmured dreamily as she assumed a bride of nearly four months would do.

  While she had his undivided attention, she went on romantically, “Have you ever met him, Papa? He could charm candy from a baby. He’s tall and has the broadest shoulders. He…”

  He cut her off, “Where is this matchless son-in-law, pray tell?”

  “Oh! I forgot to tell you,” she shrieked, then laughed. “Spence was away on business when the opportunity came to leave. He left orders for Uncle Henry to put me on the first safe ship. He’s to join us as soon as possible. Spence and Uncle Henry were afraid for me and the baby; things are terrible in some places. I hope it doesn’t take long for him to join me; I miss him already,” she pouted convincingly.

  “Was it safe for you to travel in this condition?” he asked like a worried father.

  She smiled. “The baby isn’t due until mid-April, Papa. I’m perfectly fine. Spence wouldn’t have permitted me to travel if it weren’t safe.”

  He abruptly began to laugh, the side-splitting kind. She gaped at him. “Papa? Are you all right?” she. teased.

  “Surely this match was meant to be, Alex. Will and I just signed the agreement for an alliance between you and Spencer,” he mirthfully confessed.

  “Papa!” she scolded him. “What if I had married someone else? You shouldn’t have done that without speaking with me first.”

  “What difference does it make now? You two are already married. Very married,” he added, patting her tummy again.

  “Charles Hampton,” she chided, “you are a lecherous old man!”

  “But an ecstatically happy one. Let’s hope and pray Spence makes it home by Christmas,” he ventured, hugging her affectionately.

  Christmas came, with no Spencer. St. Valentine’s Day passed and still there was no Spencer. The rebirth of spring came with her lush greens, colorful wildflowers, heavy rains, and gusty winds: still no Spencer arrived nor was there any word from him. Naturally Alex understood these things, but neither Charles nor Will did. They worried over his safety during the continual war. Countless British ships of varying sizes and types had been sunk. Violent conflicts had occurred in several locations.

  Afraid of an accident during the snows and rains, Will called on Alex at the Hampton Manor rather than risking her visits to Farrington Estates. They had become close friends, sharing many happy and serene afternoons and dinners. They had taken walks together and conversed for hours. She had played the piano for him and entertained him with the stories supplied by her thoughtful and cautious uncle.

  Will came to love and respect Alex as his own daughter. He marveled at the growth of his greatgrandchild as it vividly proclaimed its presence. He prayed Spencer would arrive before its birth. It saddened him to think of his beloved grandson separated from his lovely and devoted wife for such a long time. He was beaming with pride and love, delighted with Spencer’s choice of a bride. He couldn’t wait to congratulate him.

  In her condition, Alex was given an excuse to decline most social invitations. She spent hours exercising like the doctor suggested to assist an easier birth and to retain her health and looks. Yet, each day which drew the baby’s birth closer, fear increased within her. Her fear was enmeshed with sadness and strain. Not for one day had she forgotten Joshua. Each time his child moved, she would caress her stomach and think of him.

  During that second week of April, Alex was plagued by a dull backache and irregular pains. Suddenly she comprehended what was happening. Panicked, she alerted her father to her first signs of labor. To everyone’s relief, only six hours later, a small son was born to Lady Alexandria Hampton Farrington. The doctor attributed her excellent condition and the baby’s tiny size to the uncomplicated and hasty birthing of the child. Still dazed after the ordeal and her exertions, when asked what his name would be, she smiled happily and stated, “Joshua Stephen,” before she fell into deep slumber.

  She was awakened to the crying of her son as he demanded his dinner. She gently and anxiously accepted him from the genial and competent nurse hired by her father. Almost reluctantly afraid to handle the tiny and squirming bundle of squalling life, Martha had to gently coax the apprehensive new mother. Alex flushed as she listened to the older woman’s instructions on how to feed the baby. Her embarrassment faded swiftly as she gazed into the small pink face with a head of dark hair. He sucked greedily at his mother’s milk-laden breasts and she laughed at the tickling sensation.

  “My son,” she whispered in amazement. “Oh, Joshua,” she sadly murmured, referring to his father instead of to her baby as the elderly nurse presumed. Alex clutched him tightly to her and sang softly to him as he nursed. When he was done, Martha placed him in the cradle near her.

  Her heart full of love and pride, she watched him for a time. Would it be over now? Had her forbidden and mysterious love come full circle? It had been a year ago this very month when she had first met her dashing pirate. They had shared a union as serene as a tranquil ocean and as violent as a storm at sea. She had lost him; yet, she would always have a part of him in their son. The love and the ache would be there for a long time, perhaps forever. Yet, his son would bring her the love and joy which his father had cruelly denied her. In a tragic way, Joshua was the real loser; he would never see or know his own son. Time, that was what she needed…

  She snuggled into her pillow and slept peacefully, knowing April would always be special and difficult for her.

  XVII

  “Every tongue brings in a several tale,

  Every tale condemns me for a villain.”

  —Richard II, William Shakespeare

  “Don’t be silly, Will,” Alex teased the elderly gentleman. “He isn’t going to break. He’s six weeks old. Here, hold your great-grandson for a moment while I get his bath ready,” she encouraged, giggling at his look of fear, recalling how she had felt the same way that first time Martha had offered him to her.

  “Such a tiny bundle. Spence’ll be sorry he missed his birth. Have you heard from him yet, Alex?” he asked sadly.

  “Not yet, Will, but I’m sure he’s fine. Nothing and no one could harm him or keep him away too much longer,” she comforted the man who was growing weaker every day. She sincerely hoped Spencer would make it home to visit before it was too late. She also prayed her uncle had related all the necessary details of the wedding to match their stories. Besides, she was looking forward to meeting this elusive and mysterious man who had stolen and abused so many hearts.

  The groom finally came to assist the old gentleman home. Alex walked to his carriage to say goodbye. “I
f you’re feeling up to it, Will, join us for dinner tomorrow night. We’ll put our heads together and see if we can come up with some way to reach my errant husband,” she playfully stated to bring a smile to his face.

  “How could I refuse an invitation like that? Did Spence tell you what to name the baby?” he asked from the blue.

  She smiled and shook her head. “We really never discussed it; time was short,” she answered truthfully, winking at him.

  “Then he’s in for a pleasant surprise,” he remarked, not commenting further. If he had, the truth might have come to light, much to Alex’s shock and pleasure. Will waved as he was driven away.

  Guilt flooded Alex at her blatant ruse. How would Spencer behave when he finally came home? How should she behave? Everyone would expect them to act like starstruck lovers reunited after a terrible separation of months; could they carry it off? Would such a romantic ruse have any effect upon him, upon her? She couldn’t guess until she met him.

  Alex returned to her room. The baby was sleeping soundly. She watched him for a time. He would doubtlessly favor his father. She hoped her uncle was right when he said Spencer had sable hair and blue eyes, for Joshua’s son certainly did. If Spencer would come home just once and meet her, she could decide what course of action to take. She couldn’t keep making excuses for his absence forever. He had agreed to this mock marriage; the least he could do was make an appearance! If he wanted a divorce, she would gladly grant it. He had helped her out of a terrible situation. Perhaps he wouldn’t wish one until after his grandfather’s death. At least she had earned Spencer a greater measure of love, happiness, and respect in the old man’s heart. Still, this ruse couldn’t continue much longer without some help from him.

  Seeing the wondrous product of her love for Joshua, Alex felt drawn to the spot of their first meeting. She hadn’t gone there since that fated day. She yanked off her clothes and pulled on a riding habit. She told the horrified nurse she was going for a ride. She calmed the woman by promising only to allow the horse to walk.