by Sandy Loyd
“Work.” He glanced at the chef and added, “My latest case involved a murdered American dignitary who’d been stationed in London.” Parker sighed. “Took me months of painstaking work to unravel the mystery.”
“Really? How interesting,” Mindy said. “Was he killed by a spy?”
“Nothing quite so treasonous.” Parker chuckled, noting her wide-eyed stare. “His jealous lover killed him in a fit of anger over an infidelity and then left the city. Once I figure that out, it was an open-and-shut case, easily solved.”
Having already divulged too much information for the ladies’ delicate ears, Parker wasn’t about to elaborate on the fact that the jealous lover with the penchant for killing was another male, when President Grant preferred to keep the particulars under wraps to avoid a scandal for America. Instead, he regaled them with a few details of the chase, making the story interesting without revealing too much. “Usually most crimes can be attributed to basic motives like greed, jealousy, or anger.”
“Sounds so exciting,” Mindy said, sighing. “Tell us more.”
“There were two cases last year where my partner almost lost his life because he didn’t wait for my backup.” He then told two stories of his previous partner’s impatience to go in without him—one ending in a bullet wound from a gunfight and the other ending in a near fiery death.
“He is still alive?” Jacques asked.
“He’s alive and well. Got married and took a desk job, so I came over to England without a partner this trip,” Parker replied, bringing Jacques up-to-date on his ex-partner.
“Your work sounds treacherous. I can’t believe we’re sitting at the same table with someone such as you.” Mindy glanced at Penny. “Remember when we used to play highwayman and magistrate with Geoff? Our games seemed so perilous because you always played such a terrifying criminal.” Mindy grinned. “Penny has a cunning mind, and her imagination usually led us into trouble. She always went beyond the pale. Still, we thought it a great game, but I never realized how dangerous real criminals could be.”
Mindy’s words caught Lucas’s attention and his eyebrows rose. “So you were playmates with Geoff? What’s your connection to him?”
Penny put her hand on Mindy’s under the table and squeezed, giving her friend a warning shake of her head.
Parker caught both signals.
“We were both employed as maids in his estate in Northumberland until just recently,” Penny said. “When we were little, before Geoff went to Eton, we were great friends.”
His gaze stayed on Penny for several minutes. Neither woman looked like any maid he’d seen in London. “Who’s Geoff?” he finally asked.
“No need for your hackles to go up, Parker. He’s the friend I was doing the favor for, the younger brother of one of my biggest clients,” Lucas admitted. “The Duke of Wyndham is one of the dreaded aristocracy you hate, hence I didn’t feel the need to expound earlier. Geoff procured their passage, and he was quite explicit about their treatment. I just couldn’t figure out why.” He turned to the ladies and added with a roguish smile, “At first I figured he was buying you off after a brief liaison to be rid of you, as sometimes happens. ’Twas apparent from the moment I saw both of you that wasn’t the case—not with such obvious ladies. I admit I was a bit puzzled. Now that I know you were childhood friends, I fully understand his motives. Geoff has a big heart.”
“Yes, he does. Geoff is very generous.” Penny lifted her chin. “But it was only a loan. One I have every intention of repaying.”
“Oh?” Parker chuckled. “Are you aware of the amount the captain charges for such a voyage?” On a maid’s meager salary, she’d have to work ten years to accumulate so much.
“I’m aware it was a daunting amount. Rest assured it will be repaid,” Penny stated through clenched teeth.
Her fervency, along with her snooty English accent, intrigued Parker. He’d secretly watched her during their meal. Besides being easy to look at, she incited his curiosity. Intuition told him something about her story didn’t ring true. Oh no. This impassioned, enticing woman was no simple household maid. He’d give his right arm if this proved to be the case. Though plain in design, the cut and quality of her gown told him she had money. The fact that she ran wild through the countryside with a duke’s brother and another playmate meant she probably wasn’t of noble birth. The nobility he’d come into contact with trained their daughters from the nursery to be simpering fools, not hoydens intent on such youthful activities. Yet she’d come from wealth. Her manners and bearing were too polished to let him believe otherwise.
“No need to reassure us,” Lucas said. “Parker’s suspicious of everyone. It comes from having to deal with the worst in society. Plus, he’s always had a hard time trusting people, especially those with wealth and power.”
For long seconds Parker’s narrowed gaze remained on Penny, causing her to blush again. Oh yes! The lady was hiding something. Of that he was sure.
“So tell us, what takes such lovely women off in search of opportunity in America?” Lucas’s words broke into his thoughts.
His gaze returned to his brother before landing once again on Miss Layton.
“Why all the questions?” Penny asked, chewing on her bottom lip apprehensively.
“You’ve piqued our interest, is all. Geoffrey wouldn’t elaborate, yet was intent on your safety. And since he did place you in my care, I need to make sure I’m not throwing you to the wolves.”
Penny’s soft laughter filled the air. “Your concern is unfounded,” she countered. “You have no need to worry about us. We’ll manage quite well.”
“I disagree.” Lucas presented an engaging smile. “The world is a harsh place, even in America. I’d be remiss in my duty if I didn’t make sure two lovely ladies who are under my protection weren’t taken care of.”
Mindy looked to Penny for direction. She nodded.
“Geoff didn’t pay my way. My mother did with her life savings. Like Penny, I intend to pay back every shilling,” Mindy said, obeying the silent communication, turning the attention away from Penny, something Parker suspected had been her main intention.
“I’m meeting my sister in Baltimore.” As Mindy prattled on, Parker studied Penny unobtrusively. “She’s been there for two years, since marrying a gentleman farmer. Mary’s been begging me to come, telling me of the opportunities. Of course, Mama was heartsick to let me go, but she’s always said I’ve risen above my station in life too much already to stay in England. Since my sister did so well, she says I now have the chance at a better life. That’s all she wants for her daughters.”
“Are you going to Baltimore too, Miss Layton?” Parker asked, his focus now fully resting on her as he lifted an eyebrow in question. His penetrating gaze earned another blush and she appeared tongue-tied and flustered. Both reactions evoked a sudden lurch of awareness, and considering his promise to Lucas, along with her connection to this Geoff, he had no intention of acting on it. But that didn’t mean he’d leave her be either. No, there was definitely more to the young miss than met the eye and he meant to unravel exactly what that entailed.
“She’s going to California,” Mindy exclaimed, jumping back in as if trying to help.
“California?” The word hung in the air and a skeptical mien replaced Parker’s questioning one. Even Lucas glanced up, his gaze wide and full of doubt.
“Yes. California. Why is that so hard to believe?” Penny replied, finally finding her voice.
“That’s about as far from Northumberland as you can get.” Parker eyed her thoughtfully, his expression challenging, and waited.
“For your information, and despite the fact that this is no business of yours, I’m meeting my fiancé there. We’re to be married as soon as I join him,” Penny shot back. “So you have no need to worry.”
“Ah! A runaway heiress. Now it makes sense and I finally understand,” Parker said, grinning openly, unable to hide his amusement.
“You understan
d nothing,” Penny hissed. A volcanic eruption came to mind as her face turned a darker red and her eyes snapped fire. “If I were a man, I’d run from no one.”
Which solidified Parker’s belief. She was running from someone. Maybe her father had sold her to the highest bidder. The English were a mite funny about their titles. Those who held them usually needed money, and those who had money usually didn’t have titles, but wanted them. Bartering with sons and daughters was one way of solving both problems.
He wondered about Geoff’s role. Why had he allowed a woman such as her to travel alone? To California of all places? Definitely a mystery. He smiled, watching her expression harden, becoming as challenging as his had been. He couldn’t help goading, “So this Geoff just let you go off by yourself, halfway across the world?”
“Geoff would never try to stop me.” Her gaze pierced his, one that said she meant every word. “I chose my destiny and fully intend to follow it.” She pounded the table with so much force, the silverware bounced. As if sensing she’d gone a little overboard, judging by the stunned reactions of those around her, she inhaled a deep breath. It took a moment, but once she achieved control, she smiled sweetly. “As thoughtful as your concern is, neither of us need it. We both have plans and we mean to follow them.”
“I, for one, love the independent women who know their own minds. They are so, um, how you say? Refreshing? Oui, that is it, refreshing, eh, mon capitaine?”
“I totally agree.” Lucas nodded, chuckling. “Refreshing. Like a new voyage, you never know what to expect.” Turning to the ladies, he added, “We’ll be pulling anchor in the middle of the night, so don’t be alarmed if you feel movement.”
Parker’s focus remained on Penny, sensing that his scrutiny somehow irritated her.
“How long will we be at sea?” she asked the captain, ignoring him, appearing quite content with his brother’s and the chef’s timely diversion to move the conversation away from her plans.
“Several weeks, depending on the weather. Hopefully we won’t run into any tropical storms. This is a fairly modern ship and I’ve a steam engine on board, which helps when the winds are light.”
Hillman, who’d been quiet throughout most of the meal, chimed in. “You’re lucky to be on board this ship. The captain has several others that haven’t been modified and are much slower.”
“Yes, this ship is definitely my fastest, which is why I’m on it.” Lucas stood, picking up his empty glass. He walked to the sideboard. “Would anyone care for another drink before Jacques serves dessert?”
“It’s time I took my leave.” Hillman scooted back his chair and stood. “I have first watch and I need a clear head.” He turned and bowed. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure. If there is anything I can do to make your voyage more comfortable, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Lucas waved him off amid the ladies’ good-byes, then glanced at his brother. “How ’bout you, Parker? Need a refill?”
Parker stood and sauntered to the sideboard. “I’m weary to the bone. It’s been a long forty-eight hours. I think I’ll pass on dessert and take a drink to my cabin.” Turning back to the chef, he smiled ruefully. “Sorry, Jacques. I mean no disrespect.”
Jacques also stood, shaking his head. “No need for excuses, mon ami. For tomorrow, I promise a tantalizing breakfast, one the taste buds will appreciate.”
“Ah, something to look forward to,” Parker answered, chuckling. “Knowing I’ll awaken to a feast, I’ll be asleep before my head hits the pillow. I’m also looking forward to waking up and being closer to home, far away from English soil.”
Lucas poured Parker a liberal drink and handed it to him while Jacques replied, before heading toward the galley, “Oui, Parker. I’m not crazy about the English soil either.”
Parker glanced at the ladies and nodded. “Miss Layton, Miss Bowers. It’s been a pleasure.”
~~
Lucas held up a bottle of sherry, eyebrows raised high. “Ladies? More sherry?”
With her attention on Parker’s departing back, Miss Layton nodded. “I’d like another glass.”
“So will I,” Miss Bowers said.
Once they had their drinks, Jacques served dessert. Not fifteen minutes later, Miss Layton rose with praise for the meal gushing from her lips. “It’s been a long day and I’m also tired,” she added. The moment she got up, Miss Bowers followed.
As the two fled, Lucas grinned at his French chef, raising a brow. “Well, ’tis just you and me again. Care for a game of poker?”
“Non,” Jacques said. “You cheat.”
“I do not,” Lucas denied, not at all put off with his claim. His tumultuous nature never ceased to amuse him. Despite his small stature, Jacques Moreau was a tempestuous man who loved the ladies. He was also one of the few men on board with which he shared such a familiarity.
The two had been together too many years now for Jacques to worry about curbing his tongue. The fact that he knew his way around a ship’s galley made him indispensable because Lucas liked the finer things in life, enjoying not only good food while sailing, but good spirits as well. Jacques’s connections with French wineries provided his chef with even more job security.
“I’m just a better bluffer than you and that makes you mad.”
“Oui, but I prefer to think of it as cheating, not bluffing. It is much easier on my, how you say, ego? N’est-ce pas?”
“All right, if not poker, how ’bout chess? You seem to beat me at that more than I beat you.”
“Oui, I could be persuaded to play chess. You cannot cheat at chess.”
Chuckling, he stood to get the chessboard and pieces. “Good. I’m too energized to relax and turn in early.”
“We have an interesting journey this voyage, eh, mon capitaine?” Jacques said after several minutes of play.
Lucas puffed on his pipe without answering for several minutes, keeping his attention on the board while deciding his next move. Once his hand left the chess piece, he stretched his legs out in front of him. Finally he nodded. “Very interesting. Two ladies on board always make for an interesting journey.”
“I was talking about the look in Parker’s eyes when he spies the pretty lady,” Jacques replied, making his move.
“Yes, I noticed his interest earlier.” He broke off, concentrating on the board again. “You’re not making this easy, are you?”
Jacques grinned, obviously pleased with stumping his captain. “If it was easy, I would not wish to play.”
Grinning back, Lucas slid his bishop into place. Then he said nonchalantly, “I’ve already warned him away, but it may not be enough.”
“Parker, he is honorable? The mademoiselles seem so naive. I don’t see the problem.”
“Normally I’d agree, but those two together seem combustible.” Lucas sighed, watching Jacques take his turn. He spent another long moment in thought before advancing his rook. “I want to avoid problems with Markham Collingswood. Wouldn’t do for his brother’s charge to be seduced under my watch. In close quarters, emotions have a way of veering out of hand.”
“I will focus on the pretty mademoiselle and keep her out of the way. That is an easy task.”
Lucas laughed. “You do that, Jacques. And I’ll work on keeping Parker occupied. Maybe between the two of us we can avert trouble.”
Chapter 4
Parker strode onto the higher deck. Lucas stood at the helm as he advanced to the railing where he focused on the wonderful sight of blue on all sides. The brisk wind whipped his reddish-blond hair about and felt invigorating on his face. Waves hit the bow. The sound, along with the gentle rocking motion of the ship slicing through water, filled him with a calming sense of peace.
“You’re up early.”
Parker glanced up to see Lucas eyeing him speculatively. He nodded. “I love the sunrise, especially after storms have passed.”
“Aye. My sentiments exactly. ’Tis a beautiful morning. After a cleansing rain, sunrise does seem to be more
vivid, the air more clear.”
“It’s been too long since I’ve seen one off the water.” Parker’s gaze returned to the seas.
“If I didn’t sail, I’d have a home such as yours above the bluffs of the Chesapeake.”
“I spend far too long away from that home.”
Lucas gave a disbelieving grunt.
“You doubt my claim?”
“Aye.” Lucas chuckled. “I know you too well.”
When Parker started to disagree, he put up a hand. “You’re a nomad like me, Parker. You’ve a beautiful home that you let our mother run and you’re never there. Face it. Neither of us is happy unless we’re off finding adventure.”
“Perhaps you’re right.” Parker sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Lately I feel as if I need home.” Since boarding, he hadn’t been able to dismiss thoughts of those poor townsfolk in such dire need after the mine cave-in. He felt almost guilty for surviving and thriving after a similar fate when so many others had nothing. In less than twenty-four hours, he’d begun to crave more purpose. To do something to help the downtrodden and better their lot in life, but he had no idea of how to go about it, or what he could do to make a real difference.
“Have you ever thought about settling down and having a family?”
He laughed. “About as often as you do, I’m sure. After Lady Margaret, I’ve sworn off marriage. It isn’t in my future any more than yours.”
“I’m not the one wishing for home,” his brother said, grinning back.
“That’s because you have no home to wish for.”
“I’m always home on the sea.” Lucas’s grin died and he silently eyed him. When he didn’t say anything further, Parker’s eyebrows rose, as if to say “What?” In answer, he said, “I noticed your reaction to the lovely Miss Layton during dinner. Has me worried.”
“You’ve already warned me off, so why would you worry?”
“I don’t know. You tell me.”
Parker placed his hand over his heart, adding an innocent air to his manner. “You wound me with your lack of faith.”