The men lifted their weapons.
Anna hurried to his side, laying a hand on his arm.
A tall man in a tricorn hat folded his arms across his chest, grinning. “And she has a protector.” The man’s eyes moved between the two of them. “Sir, you interrupted us just as the young lady and I were becoming acquainted. Cap’n Alastair Courtney.” He bowed ceremoniously. The captain was an Englishman, but his speech was not refined. His face was hard, and the lines around his mouth and eyes spoke of a hard life and years of exposure to the elements.
Philip regained enough of his composure to realize these were not the same men who had followed them through the jungle. Their appearance was rough, as if they went for long periods between bathing, and their clothes were mismatched and weathered. Articles from fashion long past—ruffled shirts, loose breeches, colorful scarves—combined to an effect that was somehow rather flamboyant. But in spite of their strange fashion, the men were not to be dismissed. Each man had at least one musket. Not to mention the sabers, daggers, swords, and other firearms that protruded from their belts and scabbards. The sound of musket fire must have alerted these scoundrels to their position. Why had Philip not insisted Anna remain hidden? He ground his teeth; frustration that he had not foreseen such an eventuality churned in his gut.
Captain Courtney cleared his throat, and Philip realized he was waiting for a reply. “Lord Philip Hamilton.” He hoped his title would hold some sway with these men, whoever they were.
The captain’s scratched his darkly shadowed jaw. “The new master of Oakely Park, I presume. I’d heard rumors you were a nobleman.” He grinned, revealing straight white teeth. “Better and better, my lord.” His gaze turned to Anna. “And this lovely young lady is . . . ?”
“Lady Anna, my sister.” Philip did not glance at Anna, hoping that her expression did not give away his deception. He feared that this band were highwaymen or, worse, buccaneers. And he did not dare to think of what they might do to a beautiful woman in their clutches.
Captain Courtney’s lips twisted in a smirk, and he lifted a brow. Philip got the distinct impression that the man didn’t believe for a moment that Anna was his sister.
“Charmed, my lady.” He looked behind her and motioned with a flick of his head. Some of the men hurried through the vegetation Anna and Philip had emerged from. “And perhaps, my lord, now that we are acquainted, you wouldn’t mind lowering your weapons? It doesn’t appear that you are self-possessed at the moment, and I wouldn’t want any unpleasantness to occur.” His words were amiable, but there was a glint in his eye. Philip knew he was being threatened.
He dropped his arms, and Anna scooted closer to his side.
“One more, Cap’n,” a man said as he stepped from the jungle. “And ’is one’s wounded.”
Captain Courtney glanced at the man and nodded.
“Who are you, sir?” Philip stood straight. He attempted to speak calmly and put every ounce of authority he could muster into his words.
“Apologies, my lord.” Captain Courtney inclined his head. “We’re merely a band of privateers, just finished up the rainy season here on this lovely island while our ship is repaired.”
Philip’s muscles clenched, and his stomach dropped. Pirates.
He had never seen such an odd mixture of men: old, young, dark-skinned Africans, light-skinned Danes, and every color in between. The oldest had a white beard, and the skin around his eyes was so wrinkled and weathered that it looked like a dried apple. The youngest was probably near seventeen, gangly with red hair and freckles. Some of the men moved closer to listen to their captain. Others stood in groups, leaning on their muskets and conversing quietly. It seemed some had been assigned as sentries and stood near the tree line with weapons ready, their attention focused on the surrounding jungle.
Philip turned his head as Tom was carried from the jungle and lowered to the ground near them. He was awake, but his face was gray and his expression a grimace of pain. He leaned back against a rock, his gaze moving around the clearing.
Captain Courtney raised his chin as he studied the three of them. “Now that the niceties are out of the way, shall we speak of business matters? You are undoubtedly aware of the shortage of merchant ships this time of year. And as men of fortune we must make a living somehow.” He shrugged one shoulder and his smile—complete with its threatening glint—returned. “Shall we discuss the terms of your ransom?”
Anna sucked in a quick breath.
Philip gawked at the man, amazed that he could speak so genially even as he was robbing him. “Our ransom, sir?”
“Yes, of course. I am first and foremost a capitalist, and my men would elect another leader should I not use this chance meeting to our advantage.” He lifted a hand in front of him as if to stop from getting too far ahead of himself. “But I should clarify. I meant your ransom, my lord. Since your companion is injured, and there is no one else, Lady Anna shall return to Oakely Park to procure the funding for your freedom. I should think five hundred pounds a fair price for a man of your position.”
Anna’s fingers tightened on his arm.
Philip’s chest was so tight that he had difficulty drawing a breath. “You cannot intend for my sister to travel through the jungle alone.”
Captain Courtney drew his chin back as if it was the most preposterous idea he could imagine. “Of course not. I shall send a man to accompany her.” He glanced around the gathered group, and his eyes landed on a tall man nearby. Based on his copper-colored skin and long, straight hair, Philip thought he might be an Indian brave from the Americas. “Mr. Blackbird, would you be so kind?”
Mr. Blackbird nodded once and took a step toward Anna.
Philip turned in time to see the color drain from her face. She pressed against Philip’s side, and he shifted to move her behind him.
Philip tried to speak rationally, even as his vision clouded with fury, hoping he sounded like a concerned brother. “Captain, that is completely unacceptable. Not only does it compromise my sister’s safety, but her reputation—”
The captain’s face lost its smile, and his expression hardened. “We are gentlemen, my lord, bound by honor and oaths. When a buccaneer gives his word, you can be guaranteed of his promise. Be assured no harm will come to your . . . sister.” He spoke the last word with a hint of sarcasm.
Philip pushed Anna farther behind him. “Forgive me for not trusting in the word of thieves.” His heart pounded as the combination of fear and anger sent energy coursing through his limbs.
“Thieves?” Captain Alastair Courtney’s eyes took on a steely glint. “You may want to reconsider your words, my lord.” He casually fingered the firearm in his belt. Though he spoke in a low voice, there was no mistaking the anger that glowed in his eyes.
“I will not.” Philip raised his arms, brandishing his pistols. Before he could even aim, men seized him, yanked the weapons from his grasp, and jerked his arms behind his back.
Philip strained against them. The only thought in his head was that he could not leave Anna at their mercy. He twisted and wrenched, kicking back. His foot made contact with someone, but before he had the satisfaction of seeing the result of his blow, his arms were pulled so tightly that he thought his shoulders were in danger of snapping. His legs were kicked out from beneath him, and he landed hard on his knees, straining his shoulders the more.
“I shall report you to the constable, sir,” he spat, knowing it was a pathetic threat, but it was all he had. “Attacking a member of the aristocracy carries a heavy penalty and—”
“Stop!” Anna yelled as she moved toward Captain Courtney. She stepped in front of Philip, standing between the men with her hands held out toward each of them. “Please, stop.” She spoke in a softer voice as she looked, tears shimmering in her eyes, to the buccaneers who held Philip. She turned to face Captain Courtney. “Captain, surely you can show leniency.” She clasped her hands together in front of her. Her voice pleaded. “As you can see, our companion
is injured, and we simply want to return home to Oakely Park before his wounds grow worse.”
The captain’s face remained rigid, but his eyes softened slightly. “I understand, my lady. The journey through the jungle will be but a few short hours, and once Mr. Blackbird returns with the funding, your companions will be free to go.”
“Sir, I am not equipped to trek through the jungle for hours. Please allow us to remain together.”
Captain Courtney’s face softened further. Philip thought he would have to be made of stone for Anna’s pleas not to touch his heart. He put a fist against his waist and lifted a hand to scratch his jaw. “It has been a very long time since we’ve had the pleasure of a lady’s company.” He spoke slowly. “I’m afraid I forgot my manners.”
He stood up taller and widened his stance. “You may take any provisions you need.” He spread his hands to indicate the other men around the clearing. “Anything at all—food, weapons, whatever will help you to feel safe in the jungle. I assume some of the men carry dried meat in their packs, or we could even find you a pair of sturdier boots.” He squinted his eyes as his gaze roamed over his men’s feet. “I do not think any would fit, but still, you are welcome to them.”
Anna turned her head slowly, studying the men throughout the area. Philip saw that her hands shook, and she balled them into fists, pressing them against her sides. She looked at the ground for a long moment then raised her chin. “I may take anything with me?”
“As I said, Lady Anna. Though we’ve not much to offer.”
“And you give your word?”
The captain extended his hand. “A buccaneer’s oath is worth its weight in gold.” He smiled, and his eyes twinkled. The expression was a little too charming for Philip’s liking.
Anna stepped forward. One step. Pause. Then another. She took the man’s large hand in her small gloved one. “Thank you, Captain.” She released her grip and stepped backward. “Then I should like your trousers.”
The captain’s mouth dropped, and his eyes grew round. “My trousers?”
“You told me I could take anything, Captain, and I ask for your trousers.”
He continued to stare. “But, my lady, we have weapons, equipment, food . . .” His lips drew tight, and his dark eyes narrowed. Any bit of gallantry had fled from his demeanor, and he glared at the men around him, who had started to laugh. “I cannot imagine that they are well suited to you, my lady, but I suppose it’s not easy wearing a gown in the jungle.” He let out a breath, certainly regretting his promise and began to unfasten his belt.
Anna’s voice stopped him. “Captain, I should clarify. I did not mean only your trousers. I meant all of your trousers.” She spread her hands in front of her, moving them outward. From Philip’s viewpoint, he could see her neck redden and her fingers tremble, but she held her head up.
Aside from the sound of the waterfall and the birds in the trees, the clearing was completely silent for a long moment.
Captain Courtney glanced around at his men. A few shook their heads. One folded his arms defiantly in front of his chest. They muttered among themselves, casting wary glances between their leader and Anna.
Philip clenched his muscles. What was she doing? She was angering the pirates, and he couldn’t imagine the result would be favorable. “Anna,” he said, but she did not turn around.
“I ain’t removin’ my trousers, Cap’n,” a man said. “These ’ere’s the only ones I’ve got.”
“I’m not wearing any smallclothes, Cap’n,” said another in a worried voice.
The grumbling around the clearing grew louder, and the looks the pirates directed at their captain grew murderous.
He bared his teeth and pulled his pistols from his belt. “Men, you’ll abide by the oath and give this woman your trousers or suffer a traitor’s death.”
“Perhaps you could renegotiate, Cap’n?” the man with no small clothes offered timidly.
Captain Courtney did not lower his pistols but kept them aimed at his men. He turned his gaze toward Anna. “My lady, if you don’t mind my askin’, for what purpose could you possibly need our trousers?”
Anna clasped her hands behind her back. “Why to ransom them back to you for the release of my brother, Captain. I think fifty pounds a piece is a fair price, don’t you?” She paced a few steps to the side and raised her voice to include the other men in the conversation. “And since there are twelve of you and I assume you all would like to keep your trousers . . . Captain, your band is indebted to me one hundred pounds.”
If Anna had scampered up the cliff to play with the iguanas, Philip could not have been more stunned.
Captain Courtney obviously shared the sentiment. His mouth dropped, and his forehead tipped toward her as he gaped at her. His expression changed from surprise when his eyes flashed in anger.
Philip tensed.
The captain’s face reddened. He let out a heavy breath through his nose. He glanced at his men and returned his gaze to Anna. He studied her for a moment. His lips twitched, and then without warning, he threw his head back and roared with laughter.
Anna jerked at the sudden noise then relaxed. She glanced toward Philip, and a smile ticked her lips.
Captain Alastair Courtney grinned. “Ya outfoxed us, my lady,” he said, refastening his belt. “I let down my guard and was out-pirated. But I can’t say as the event was entirely unpleasant.” He shook his head. “Trousers indeed. Lady Anna, we nearly had a mutiny on our hands.” He reached out his hand, and after a slight hesitation, Anna placed hers inside it.
The other buccaneers looked relieved. A few even joined their leader in his laughter. Most appeared thankful just to retain their trousers.
Captain Courtney clapped his other hand over Anna’s. He leaned toward her. “If we didn’t have a strict ‘no women’ policy, I’d wager my men would nominate you to lead this band of ruffians. For my gallantry, I’m out one hundred pounds.”
Anna offered a shy smile. “Captain, you may retain your gold if you would but see to Mr. Nortons’s wounds. And, sir, if you don’t mind, we are in need of a guide back to Oakely Park.”
He smacked an extremely inappropriate kiss on the back of Anna’s hand that sent full color to her face and had Philip exerting himself again to escape his captors. “’Tis gracious of you, Lady Anna. My band wouldn’t be pleased if we’d lost money today.” He smiled, and the lines on the sides of his eyes deepened. He retained his hold on her hand. “I’d not planned to do good deeds when I led the band into the jungle, but an unpredictable life is what we signed on for when we took our oath. Is it not, men?”
“Aye,” they cried, and some raised their muskets to add emphasis to their cheer.
He turned fully toward the other buccaneers. He pointed to Philip and flicked a finger indicating for him to be released.
Philip stood and winced at the pain in his knees. He kneaded his fingers on his shoulder as he glanced down at his torn buckskins.
Anna pulled her hand from Captain Courtney’s and, obviously attempting to soften the sting of the action, gave him a smile that caused the captain’s own smile to return and Philip to step between them.
She moved to kneel next to Tom.
“Listen, ye scurvy dogs, we’ve guests this afternoon. Let us show them true buccaneer hospitality.” The captain began to dole out assignments. Some men tended to Tom’s foot with Anna keeping a close watch on the proceedings. Others collected dry wood to make a fire. A group was sent into the jungle in search of fruit. One man filled a water skin at the pond and took it around to the men on sentry duty.
Philip watched the men efficiently performing their duties, turning the clearing into an orderly campsite.
Captain Courtney stepped next to him and motioned with a jerk of his head for Philip to follow him to the edge of the clearing. When they were out of earshot, the captain turned to him. His expression carried none of the charming good humor he’d shown earlier. The captain’s eyes were intelligent and serious
. “If we’re to be accompanying you and your companions, I’ll ask ya to be honest with me. What trouble are you in that has a wounded man and a gentlewoman hiding from musket fire in a jungle cave? And no more lies, my lord. That young woman isn’t your sister any more than I’m your Aunt Sally.” His brow rose.
Philip narrowed his eyes, wondering at the man’s intentions. He didn’t like the familiar way the man had acted toward Anna, and he certainly did not want him to take any more liberties where she was concerned. He considered how much to tell the captain. Was the man in league with Horace? Philip wouldn’t put it past him. “We were inspecting a parcel of land in the mountains when we saw smoke and took a detour through the jungle to investigate.”
Captain Courtney’s eyes didn’t give away anything but continued to watch Philip steadily.
“We saw . . . highwaymen and their ill-gotten gains,” Philip continued in a low voice. “Tom was attacked by a crocodile, and the scuffle alerted the men, who gave chase.”
“And the musket fire? Were you discovered?”
Philip shook his head. “They shot at the iguanas on the cliffs but did not find us.”
The captain watched his face, and Philip tried to discern whether he was a collaborator in Horace’s scheme.
“And this is why you need an escort through the jungle? If the highwaymen recognized you, they will surely be waiting at your plantation.”
“Yes, Captain. That is my fear.”
“Then we will take our time with the meal, rest here, and approach the plantation after dark. I believe it is our best course to avoid anyone who might lie in wait.”
“Thank you.”
Simply Anna Page 16