by Dawn Brower
Jack wasn’t sure if he liked that idea or not, but did as she asked. She was older than him, yet she wasn’t. Time travel was so odd. “Alys,” he said. “Is your mother really Evelyn Beckett?”
“She is,” Alys said. “It’s a rather long story. I’m sure you have a lot of questions.”
Any hope Jack had left evaporated with her words. “Did Elizabeth explain what happened to me?”
“She didn’t tell me much except you are Captain Jack Morgan, former pirate.”
He wasn’t sure where to begin. There was so much to say... He didn’t want to admit what he’d done, but there was no avoiding it. He had to own his actions and hope she didn’t hate him for them. She was his family and he wanted to have some kind of relationship with her.
He nodded and blurted, “Evelyn was my half-sister.”
Alys tilted her head and stared at him for several moments with her mouth hanging open. She closed it as suddenly as it had opened. Her silence was unbearable. Why wasn’t she saying something? It took all he had to not start babbling like an idiot.
After what seemed like an infinite amount of time her lips tilted upward and she laughed uproariously. She wiped a tear from her eyes and asked, “On what planet did it make sense to kidnap your own sister?”
It had been a horrible idea. At the time, it had seemed like a good one... He’d hated Evelyn for having their father’s attention. Once he had a chance to know her, he’d admired her. Jack would have protected her with his last breath if given the chance.
“I’m a bastard. We share the same father. I realize that doesn’t excuse my behavior, but I can’t regret my choice. In the end, I have to believe it worked out how it was supposed to. Can you tell me about your life?”
He wanted to know all Alys could tell him. Did she have a good life? Was she happy with Paul? Did she regret her decision to follow her husband through time? That was only the beginning of all the questions he had. But, of all of them, there was only one he really wanted an answer to. Does she hate me for what I did to her?
Alys sat back and folded her hands in her lap. “Paul and Evelyn gave me a chance and life I may not have had. They were my saviors.”
“I don’t understand,” he said. What was she trying to say?
Alys smiled at him warmly. Her lips quirked upward ever so often as if the entire conversation amused her—Jack wasn’t quite sure what to make of the duchess. She was nothing like what he expected. Hell, he wasn’t even sure what he had anticipated discovering about her. This woman was wild, elegant, and highly intelligent. Were those traits reminiscent of the century she’d grown up in?
“I didn’t have the whole story. I always thought her pirate was make-believe. Now it all makes sense. Time traveling is a family affair. If I didn’t already know Regina was happily married, I’d expect her to pop in for a visit.”
“The more you speak, the less it makes sense.” Was she playing games with him? He wouldn’t put it past her. Elizabeth seemed to like to draw things out to make things interesting. She’d unfolded her fount of information during their chess game in a similar manner. Jack wished she would get to the point already. This was the long way around and confusing him even more. So they all time traveled, did they? Except, apparently, for Regina...
“Did Elizabeth explain I’m from the twenty-first century?” She waved her hand. “Never mind that. Here’s my point: nothing is ever as it seems. I’m a highly-trained surgeon with more education than most of the men in that ballroom, yet I chose to stay with James and have a family. I have no regrets.” She smiled warmly. “My parents don’t either. You wanted me to tell you about them?”
“Yes, please.”
About bloody time! He wanted to shout at her but remained calm. Jack didn’t want her to realize how excruciating the exchange was. He’d been about to break down and beg—something he never did.
“They love each other beyond reason. It was the best example I had of what two people should be for each other,” she said. “My mother didn’t believe she could have children. So they adopted me. It wasn’t until I was five that she was able to give birth, and it was so stressful they didn’t try again.”
Had he heard her right? She was adopted? Hope bloomed where it hadn’t been previously, but he had to be sure... Jack’s gaze flew to hers. “Say that again.”
“About their great love story?”
He shook his head. “You’re adopted?”
“Oh, yes.” Alys nodded. “That’s what I meant when I said they saved me. They are the reason I had the opportunity to study medicine, the reason Regina was my sister, and in turn, the reason I ended up in the nineteenth century. It is all connected. I think that’s why you’re here too, having this conversation with me.” Her gaze softened. “Elizabeth thinks you need someone to talk with about time travel. If you ever need to discuss your experiences, I’m here.”
He nodded absentmindedly. This was so—amazing. He had to locate Elizabeth... “One day I may take you up on that offer, but for now I have to find my way back to the ballroom. I promised a few ladies I’d dance with them.”
Alys nodded. “Go. We’ll talk later.”
Jack nodded and practically ran back to the ballroom. Elizabeth wasn’t off limits. Everything Alys had told him was almost too much to take in. He wasn’t sure what to make of it. One day, he’d ask her more questions, but at that moment he had a higher priority. Elizabeth. Should he go to her right away? Did she realize his mistake in assuming they were related? How could she? He hadn’t told her about his connection to Evelyn. He owed her an apology... Hopefully she’d accept it and not make him squirm for too long.
He walked into the ballroom and stopped short. Elizabeth was surrounded by a circle of gentlemen. She was the center, and laughing as if she didn’t have the care in the world. He’d pushed her away over and over again. How could he have been so stupid? Of course he wouldn’t be attracted to someone he was related to. Fate wouldn’t be that cruel, but none of that mattered as he watched her blossom under the flirtations of the other gentleman.
Because he was too late... Elizabeth had more choices than any woman needed. Why would she choose an ex-pirate? He sighed and backed away from the ballroom. What he needed was a plan and time to implement it. He’d come back later and deal with Elizabeth and her flock of suitors.
CHAPTER NINE
Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. Where was he? Her mother had pulled Jack out of the ballroom an hour earlier. She had returned, but Jack was still missing. Had he decided to stay away? She’d been looking forward to their dance together. It was the last one before supper—the next one, actually, and he wasn’t anywhere to be found.
She’d never experienced anything like it... No one pushed her to the side and ignored her. Rejection was entirely new to her. The feeling wasn’t at all pleasant either.
“Is someone missing their dance partner?”
Elizabeth turned to meet Hyacinth’s gaze. Drat. She didn’t like her much, but had to be polite to her. Hyacinth’s uncle was good friends with Elizabeth’s father. She didn’t know what Hyacinth had against her, but the girl had always been hateful. At least toward her; everyone else saw a much pleasanter side of her.
“I couldn’t possibly understand what you mean.” Maybe if she pretended to be ignorant, Hyacinth would leave her be. “I’m waiting to go into supper. I’m positively starving.”
“At least my dance with the duke isn’t until after supper.” She lifted her nose into the air. “I’m sure he won’t snub me. I didn’t practically beg him to dance with me. I overheard you demand he sign your dance card—quite rude of you.”
Elizabeth forced herself not to roll her eyes. No one forced Jack to do anything he didn’t want to do. She also doubted Jack promised to dance with Hyacinth at all. He was supposed to dance with Lady Bianca though... When in the set was he supposed to have claimed a dance? Surely he wouldn’t stand up Lord Clifton’s sister. There had to be a reason he’d approache
d the lady for a dance.
“How is your brother doing these days? Is he attending the house party with you?” Hyacinth’s brother was the Earl of Havenwood. Elizabeth doubted Elijah—it was so hard for her to think of him as Havenwood—was at the party. He was free from mourning the passing of his father and most likely enjoying all that entailed.
“Are you already looking for another suitor?” Hyacinth laughed. “As if my brother would have you. He has better taste than that.”
Elizabeth sighed. There was no helping it. Hyacinth was determined to be a harpy. The question was if she wanted to stoop to her level or not. “I’m not in search of a suitor of any kind.” She smiled congenially. “As you’re well aware, I’m friends with Eli. I’ve no desire to marry.” At least not to him...
“You’re getting rather old,” she replied. “I doubt you’d say that for long. Every one marries at some point. You’re no different than the rest of us.”
Hyacinth was under the impression most people in society were, that she had to marry an eligible gentleman to survive. They didn’t have Alys Kendall, the Duchess of Weston, as a mother. Since the day she was born, an account was set up with her name on it. Upon her twenty-fifth year, if she was still unwed, the money would go to her to spend as she saw fit. She could move to the coast and buy a cottage or continue to stay at Weston never touching the money at all. No one was likely to kick her out. Her mother wanted to make sure she had choices in a world that didn’t give women many. Elizabeth was never more grateful than that moment to have them.
“I’m not you, Hy,” she said. “I don’t need a man to define me.”
Hyacinth lifted her nose upward haughtily. “We’ll see who has the last laugh when you’re miserable and alone,” she said cruelly.
In that regard, Hyacinth might be right. She’d believed for a while that there wasn’t a gentleman out there for her. With a heavy heart and resignation, she’d accepted that fate. Until Jack... Once she glanced his way, everything had changed. She had to convince him they were as inevitable as she already acknowledged.
“If that makes you happy, who am I to judge?” She wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of realizing how much her cruel words hurt. “I’m content with what may or may not lie in my future.” Seriously, where the hell was Jack? The strands of the dance were ending and soon would start up before the dinner waltz. She wished he’d make an appearance. She’d have to replace him with a different partner. If not for Hyacinth, she wouldn’t care, but Elizabeth would be damned before she let her discern she’d been right in any way.
Hyacinth scoffed. “How dare you imply I’d be happy at the misery of others! I’m a lady and wouldn’t ridicule a soul.”
Was she serious? Good God, she was. What the hell did she think she’d been doing the entire time they’d been conversing? Elizabeth was at a loss as to how she should respond to such blatant ridiculousness. There wasn’t a person around who’d be able to make her understand what had transpired. Hyacinth was—there were not any adequate words to describe her. There wasn’t a point in even trying. Instead, she’d find someone else to spend the remaining time with before they went in to eat.
“Pardon me, Lady Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth was almost relieved to be spared the duty of responding to Hyacinth, but managed to suppress a cringe when she realized who’d interrupted. “Lord Redmayne,” she replied. “What may I help you with?”
“Are you here to claim her for the next dance?”
Damn Hyacinth to hell and back! She did not want to dance with the earl. She’d make the blasted girl pay for such treachery. Surely she was aware how much the earl wanted to court her? Did she believe she did them both a favor by encouraging such an action? After all that nonsense about Elizabeth living a lonely existence, she doubted she did it out of kindness. She turned toward Hyacinth and glared. The lady smiled at her with triumph. Definitely was done intentionally.
“Yes,” Lord Redmayne said. “It would be my pleasure to dance with Lady Elizabeth.”
Of course it would. Bloody hell. How was she supposed to turn him down now? She had no choice. Hyacinth had effectively backed her into a corner. “That would be lovely.”
“Replacing me already,” Jack asked. “The dance hasn’t even started.”
Elizabeth spun on her heels and met his gaze. She wasn’t sure if she should slap him for his impertinence or be ecstatic he showed up in time to save her from having to dance with Lord Redmayne.
“Is the next dance yours?” She lifted a brow. “I thought it unfilled on my card.”
“Easy enough to discern,” he replied and snatched it off her wrist.
Why was he so handsome? She really wanted to lift her hand and let her palm meet his high cheekbone. It would probably feel amazing, and undoubtedly would sting too. Would be so worth it to wipe the smugness away...
“Ah yes,” he said and pointed to her card. “It’s clearly here. I wrote my name next to this particular waltz.” He turned toward Lord Redmayne. “Sorry to disappoint you, but the lady’s mine.”
That sounded so territorial, and it sent a shiver of awareness through her entire body. Was he staking a claim? Please let it be true. She’d wanted him since the moment they met and she realized who he was. Later, she’d make sure to disabuse him of the notion he had a right to claim her without her permission. Now though, she was grateful enough to let it slide.
“It’s my mistake,” she said. “I apologize for thinking I had a free slot. Lady Hyacinth can dance with you though. She was exclaiming earlier she didn’t have enough dance partners.”
Perhaps that was evil of her, but Lady Hyacinth had brought it upon herself. She wouldn’t be forced to dance with Lord Redmayne if she’d not tried to do the same to her. Turnabout was fair play as far as Elizabeth was concerned. Why shouldn’t Lady Hyacinth dance with Lord Redmayne?
“Would you be my partner in the next set, Lady Hyacinth?” he asked carefully.
Was he hoping she’d refuse? His expression was placid, but that was how he normally appeared. Elizabeth wasn’t sure if he wanted to dance with Hyacinth or was asking because he’d been forced into the situation. It didn’t matter either way... They had no choice but to dance with each other or be ostracized for their rudeness. Neither one would want to be the subject of gossip.
“Yes of course, my lord.” Hyacinth pasted a smile on her face as she nodded. Lord Redmayne led her to the floor and she glanced back. It was her turn to glare. Elizabeth tried not to laugh and failed.
“I probably should chastise you for laughing at that poor girl’s misfortune.” Jack’s hot breath caressed her ear. His voice was barely above a whisper. “But doing so would be wrong because I find I don’t particularly feel any sympathy for her. Her disaster is my gain. For if Lord Redmayne had been allowed to lead you in the next dance, I’d have been forced to kill him.”
Elizabeth turned toward him and lifted a brow. “And yet you’re wasting time talking instead of leading me out to the floor.”
“Let me rectify my error.” He held his arm out to her. “Far be it from me to deny a lady the pleasure of a dance.”
The waltz was still considered scandalous. Elizabeth had never understood that until Jack placed his hand on hers and started the steps of the dance. They moved in unison. One stroke, another, and their bodies almost close enough to touch. His heat mingled with hers until she warmed unbearably. Her breathing hitched slightly when she glanced up and met his gaze. He’d been staring down at her and she hadn’t realized it until that moment. His eyelids were drooped low and seductive. She’d only thought she could feel his heat before—now it was spreading through her like rapid fire. It was a never-ending inferno of need, but what she wanted she wasn’t exactly sure. What she did understand, without a doubt—only Jack could give it to her.
Jack started speaking, bringing her back to reality. How long had she been lost in thoughts? His words weren’t a profession of undying love or anything near what she’d hope
d for... “I’m not going to recite poetry or revel you with pretty words.” His gaze seared through her. “Promises are not something I give lightly.”
Jack spun her around with graceful expertise. She didn’t understand what he was trying to say to her and feared it was quite important. Her mind was wandering and her need was too great for her to focus. What was she supposed to do?
“Absolutely,” she replied for lack of something better to say. Why did he have such a blasted effect on her? How was a woman to think when she wanted to wrap her arms tight around a certain enticing gentleman and never let go?
His lips tilted upward. “You don’t understand, but in time you will.”
“I don’t need you to tutor me on the finer points in life.” Her irritation with him was growing to new heights. If he was going to spout inane drivel, she had better things to do. That wasn’t what she required of him.
“Oh, but you do, love,” he replied. Wickedness filled his grin and she forced herself to hold a shiver of anticipation in. “At least in one regard.”
“I beg to differ.” She lifted her chin defiantly. “You speak of promises not given lightly, and in the same breath make none. I believe you said you won’t give me poetry or pretty words—perhaps that is the unspoken promise.” Elizabeth leaned closer than the dance allowed and rubbed her thumb over the back of his hand. He clasped onto her hand tighter. “I’m not shy about saying what I want. Tomorrow isn’t promised, and that’s the only guarantee we have in life. That our fate is unknown and it is up to us to decide how we want to live our life. I didn’t ask you to make me any promises. In fact, I didn’t ask anything of you.” She stared into his eyes. “But I will, and when I do, I can almost guarantee it will scare you witless.”
“I doubt anything you could say would accomplish such a feat.”
She smiled. “The night is still young, Your Grace.” Elizabeth licked her lips. “Give it time.”
Jack stared at her lips. Did the swipe of her tongue attract his attention? That was something she could use to her advantage. He thought he had the upper hand in their interactions. Elizabeth wasn’t a naïve school girl. She wasn’t the innocent he thought. Well, she was in the sense she’d never participated in the act of lovemaking, but she wasn’t ignorant.