How to Be a Proper Lady

by Katharine Ashe

  He would help Wyn and ease Constance’s anxiety. Today he would write to the Welshman in London and send the letter off in advance of his own departure with Viola. He would offer Wyn a task that the young, chivalrous fool would be unable to refuse. Jin knew the measure of his fellow agent well. When he arrived with Viola in England, Wyn would be waiting and ready to assist.

  He went to the hearth and cast Constance’s letter forth.

  “A love letter from an unwanted girl, Seton?” Aidan Castle stood behind him, a riding crop gripped tightly in his gloved fingers. “Perhaps you already have your hands full at the present.” He looked like precisely what he had become, a modestly prosperous planter, a man of comfortable distinction dressed neatly if not in the highest fashion. But his face was drawn. He had not slept either.

  “Join me for a drink, Castle.” He gestured him to a chair. “You must need one after the night you passed.”

  “One, or half a dozen. Don’t mind if I do.”

  A serving girl brought them a bottle.

  “Thank you for your assistance last night.” Castle wrapped his hand about the glass. “I met your man Matouba when he arrived this morning. He told me of the sloop.” He glanced about the taproom. “News travels swiftly on an island. Now of course the whole town knows.”

  “What occurred after we departed?”

  “The fire didn’t reach the house. But it took the storage barn and stable and two fields before we could halt it.” He shook his head and took a full swallow. “The stain of smoke and ash is on every surface. The house will not be habitable until it is thoroughly cleaned.”

  Jin poured him a second dram. Castle drank it, then leaned back in his chair, finally releasing the riding crop.

  “It must have been Perrault,” he uttered, his tongue loosened by the spirits or simply because he had not rested until now. A man would reveal much at such moments.

  “Your neighbor?”

  “He is of the same opinion as my cousin. He believes that if planters like me continue using the labor of free men, and are successful, the island will press to abolish slavery. He does business with the Curaçaons occasionally. No other planter in this region does. Most consider them little more than mercenaries.”

  Jin knew this well. He had at one time worked for the Dutch-speaking islanders. “It could be coincidence.”

  Castle shook his head. “Perrault has threatened me on occasion.”

  “A man is bound to do so when he believes his interests are in danger.”

  Castle’s gaze sharpened. Then, with an exaggerated shift of attitude that almost made Jin pity him, he took up the bottle and poured another glass. “How is Violet today? I cannot imagine how this has affected her, to arrive and immediately be thrown into chaos.”

  Jin studied his face, the tension in Castle’s jaw and eyes as he sought to appear natural.

  “Given Miss Daly’s profession,” he replied, “I suspect she is accustomed to such upsets.” The pity clung, and another less comfortable emotion. Despite his foolishness with Miss Hat, this man cared for Viola. “She was concerned over the safety of you and your guests.”

  “Does she tell you such things, then? Are you in her confidence?”

  Jin regarded the reason she had sailed south for a month to this island without him being the wiser for it. “Only in certain matters.”

  Then he saw again the suspicion and jealousy that had shadowed Castle’s eyes the previous night. Abruptly, his next tack became clear. This man would serve as his ally-unwittingly.

  He chose his words carefully.

  “It seemed that you were displeased with her for pursuing the arsonists. With your long acquaintance, you must have known that would be her choice.”

  Castle shook his head.

  “In truth, Seton, I don’t know what to do about her. I never have.” He chuckled, affectedly man-to-man, but behind his eyes Jin discerned the care he was also taking with each word. “Working for her, you must have seen it. But she has always been this way, willful and stubborn and misunderstanding all she sees and hears.”

  The first and second, yes. But not the last. Viola understood what she wished to understand.

  But in seeking to paint her in a poor light, Castle offered him the perfect opening.

  “Perhaps it is in her nature,” he said. “And in her breeding as well.”

  “Her breeding?” Castle flashed him a curious glance. “Fionn was a stubborn man, it’s true, but a thinking man, all the same, with a fine understanding. Did you know him?”

  “I know only her foster father,” Jin replied easily, “the man who raised her as his own until she left England.”

  Castle stared. “Foster father? I don’t understand. Her mother was English, of course. But after her death Fionn and his sister raised Violet entirely.”

  A metallic frisson of satisfaction ran through Jin. Castle had no idea of her true identity. He could not and appear so perplexed.

  Now he would know. Jin would use him in this manner, as he had used men for his own purposes for years. Castle was courting the Hats for their connections and wealth. But he would turn his attentions swiftly once he knew of her true family. He would not hesitate to urge her to return to them.

  And, in casting her into this man’s arms, Jin would free himself of the need to have her in his own. He would have what he wished, his debt repaid, and she would have what she wished as well. From the English gentry, stalwart, steady Aidan Castle had labored to acquire modest wealth and status. He had never killed a man to secure his admirable goals, or thieved, or lied. And he cared for her.

  “Until her eleventh year when Fionn Daly took her to America against her will,” Jin said, “she lived on an estate on the coast of Devonshire. Her mother, the daughter of a gentleman of considerable means, had practiced infidelity upon her husband. Miss Daly was the product of that union.”

  Castle’s face opened in astonishment. Then he said one word, a word that tightened Jin’s gut in triumph and also something much less satisfying.

  “Estate?”

  “Her mother’s husband was a baron. A nobleman.” He paused. “Carlyle. The name he gave her is Viola, and although he has always known of her paternity, he has never ceased considering her his true daughter.”

  Castle’s mouth worked. Then he blew out a muted whistle.

  “A nobleman’s daughter. Good Lord, I never would have guessed it.”

  “Wouldn’t you have?”

  He frowned. “How should I? She has been a sailor since I’ve known her.” The crease in his brow smoothed. “The prettiest little sailor on the Atlantic, it’s true. But… a noblewoman?” He shook his head. Then the spark of jealousy flared again. “How did you come to learn this? Did she tell you?”

  “I became acquainted with her family before leaving England. I have come here, in fact, to convey her home. To Lord Carlyle,” he added. But he needn’t. Castle’s eyes had brightened, their bewilderment no less apparent, but relief and excitement there as well. He assessed Jin with less intensity now, as though he understood.

  He understood nothing. Nothing of what Jin began to fear he was at this moment giving up in order to give her what she should have.

  “Am I interrupting?” She appeared beside them, a thick package under her arm.

  He stood, Castle following to his feet. She glanced curiously at Jin, then her gaze went to Castle and softened.

  “Are you well, Aidan? And your cousin, and the Hats? How do you all get along today? I heard at the shop that the fire was contained before dawn.”

  With a quick glance at Jin first, Castle grasped her hand.

  “We are all well, myself, Seamus, and Mr. and Mrs. Hat and their daughter, who have moved here to the inn to lodge. And you, Vi-” He cleared his throat. “Violet?”

  “Fine. I am sorry we did not manage to catch the arsonists, Aidan. The damage to your farm must be tremendous.”

  “We have lost a quarter of this crop and the house is uninhabit
able.” He chuckled uncomfortably. “Now of course I have no place in which to offer you my hospitality.”

  “That seems inconsequential given all,” she mumbled.

  Jin withdrew a coin from his pocket and set it on the table.

  “I have work to accomplish. I must take my leave of you, Castle.” He picked up his hat. “Miss Daly, I will send the boat back for you.” He bowed.

  “My thanks for the drink, Seton. And conversation.”

  Jin departed. Viola stared after him. She did not wish him to leave. But he had been contrary today, confusing in his speech and actions, and yet simply looking at him made her ache in all the places he had touched her. Sweet, agitated aching that made her wretchedly peevish.

  She turned reluctantly to the other confusing man in her life-or perhaps not so much in her life any longer. He stared at her intently.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked.

  “Like what?”

  “Like you’re seeing me for the first time, when we spent the entire evening together yesterday.” Before she saw him embrace Miss Hat.

  “I don’t know what you mean, Violet. You are being absurd.” He chucked her under the chin. She drew her face away.

  “What will you do now?”

  “Do?”

  “With your farm, of course.”

  He glanced about them, then at her clothing. He seemed to assess, then decide silently. “Will you walk with me? I am so exhausted that I believe if I sit I might drop off to sleep.” He chuckled.

  “You weren’t asleep sitting here with Mr. Seton. The two of you looked quite intent in your conversation.” She allowed him to guide her lightly from the taproom, his fingers barely brushing her elbow. “What did you find to converse about?”

  “You, of course.”

  Her belly twisted. She frowned.

  “Is that so difficult to believe?” he said pleasantly. “We have little else in common than that we have both shared time aboard a ship with you.”

  They had a great deal more in common than he knew. Viola’s cheeks warmed and she was glad for her concealing hat. They went out onto the street and he led her toward a pathway leading along the docks. She peered beneath her brim toward the wharf, but the place was busy with people and she did not see Jin or the boat.

  “Allow me to carry your parcel for you.” Aidan drew the package with her new gown and underclothes from her arms. “What did you purchase?”

  “Nothing of interest. Aidan, tell me please about the farm.”

  “There is little to tell. It will be some time before the house is in comfortable condition again.” They moved onto a path lined with palms and yucca, and insects buzzed about in the heat. Gulls wheeled overhead, playing in the breeze that tugged at her hat, fresh as a sailor liked to feel it. “You came here anticipating hospitality, so I hope you will allow me to offer you a chamber at the inn tonight.” He smiled down at her.

  “I anticipated nothing but your company, which I hope I may have with or without a sojourn at a hotel. And I have my quarters aboard the April to bunk in, of course.”

  He drew her to a halt beneath a young palm. “I did not intend to insult your honor, my dear, or to demand any familiarity with you that you are not happy to give.” His voice was somewhat low, with an abrupt intimacy that made Viola’s stomach feel peculiar.

  “I did not suggest that you had. And since when have you been concerned with my honor? Since when have you ever thought I even had any?”

  His wide lips curved into a smile.

  “Please stay at the inn at my expense tonight. I will be at the farm, of course, supervising the laborers until late. But it will relieve me to know you are comfortable here.” He squeezed her hand. “I recognize this packaging.” He gestured with her parcel. “You have shopped at the dressmaker’s.”

  She nodded.

  “Will you wear it this evening for dinner?”

  “Yes, but for dinner with the harbormaster. He has invited Mr. Seton and me to join him and his wife.” Nerves jittered in her belly.

  “What a great honor.”

  “Well, he says we will have excellent pork pie, at least.” She screwed up her brow. “Aidan-”

  “Then tomorrow. Will you wear your new gown for me tomorrow? I will drive you along the coast a bit and buy you lunch at the finest teahouse you could ever imagine. Better than in Boston, even London, I daresay.”

  “What do I care about London teahouses? I have work to do tomorrow, of course. But more importantly, you must have a great deal to do as well. And your guests-”

  He grasped her hand to him tighter. “None of that matters now that you are with me and we can again begin planning our future together.” His hazel gaze held warm entreaty. Viola’s heart thudded.

  “Oh, Aidan, cease this.” She pulled her hand away. “I saw you kiss Miss Hat in the garden last night.”

  His face went blank. “You saw that?”

  “Yes, I saw that. I was on the veranda.”

  “It was nothing, Violet.”

  “It looked like something to me.”

  His brow lowered and his shoulders seemed to tense.

  “Well, if I did kiss her, it was because you had driven me to it.”

  “I what? I have only just sailed hundreds of miles to see you!”

  “I thought you had a cargo to deliver.”

  “April Storm is a privateer, not a pack mule. I took on the cargo to make even on this trip. I must pay my crewmen, or have you forgotten those mundane details of my life?”

  “Perhaps I have. But, Violet, have you forgotten mine? I have lived here for months alone. I had hoped when you arrived-” He broke off, ran his hand through his curls, then set a direct look on her. “When I bade you good night last night you were… distant.”

  Her eyes widened. But all she could see was herself again standing at the base of a companionway, foundering beneath a man’s crystal gaze filled with heat.

  “I did not know you expected that of me last night,” she managed to utter. “I supposed with your guests you would wish to be discreet. We are not wed.”

  He shook his head. “I did not expect it of you, precisely, of course. Forgive me, I have misspoken. But Violet-”

  “You should have been honest with me about your feelings for Miss Hat. To be met with such a sight on my arrival, well, I will tell you, it hurt.”

  He grasped her hands.

  “Violet, please. I am out of my head and behaving irrationally. Though her parents wish for our match and have come here to engineer it, I have no feelings for her. But I saw how it was with Seton, and it made me-”

  She tugged away again, stepping back. “How what was with him?”

  He looked hesitant. “When I spoke caution to you of him, you defended him.”

  “I merely suggested that you might stay your judgment until you came to know him.”

  “Have you come to know him?” His hazel eyes bored into her. “How well, Violet?”

  She could not halt the flush that rose to her cheeks. She was not proficient at lying, but she did not know if she must now. Aidan had not been faithful to her. Last night she truly believed he no longer wanted her as his wife. But she did not wish to hurt the man she had loved for so long, her friend for years before he was her lover. He seemed to understand so little of the truths of her life now. He did not need to know this one.

  “He is a good man.” She believed this, despite her confusion and Jin’s past. His life now showed it, and his behavior with her crewmen-never cruel, always respectful and just. Even with her, now that she knew his purpose in seeking her out, he was honest. He made her no false promises. He told her only the truth, and very clearly he told her his intentions. “I trust him.”

  “Trust.” The corners of Aidan’s mouth were pinched. “You look at him as though…”

  “As though?”

  “When you look at him, I don’t recognize you.”

  “How can you recognize anythin
g about me? You know me very little now. A handful of letters and one visit over the course of four years amounts to little familiarity.”

  He grasped her hands so tightly this time she could not free herself without a struggle.

  “Then perhaps you are correct and we haven’t sufficient knowledge of one another any longer. But allow us to regain that familiarity we once shared. Remain here for a time with me. You will want for nothing.”

  “You’ve just said yourself that your house is barely habitable.”

  He smiled warmly. “We will fix it up together, just as we spoke of years ago.”

  “And what of Miss Hat and her parents?”

  He bent his head. “They are to leave the island shortly. But even if they were not, it would not matter. Dear Violet, I beg your pardon for that minor infidelity. Please forgive me. It will not occur again, I promise.”

  His infidelity had not felt minor to her. In an instant that single kiss had cracked her world open. Or perhaps it had only widened the fissure that already existed. And Jin Seton had filled the void. For a time, in his arms, the loneliness that was her constant companion had abated.

  Yet here was the man with whom she had dreamed of spending her life insisting that she could now live that dream.

  She shook her head. “I don’t trust you.”

  “But can you learn to trust me again?”

  “Do you still wish to marry me, Aidan?”

  “Of course, dear Violet. You are the best thing in my life. You always have been.” The same words he had spoken before, numerous times. She could not look at his face now, but stared at his thick hands circled around hers. Still so familiar, in truth, and yet this familiarity seemed wrong now.

  “Please release me.”

  He did so immediately.

  “I’ve work to do, a new cargo to negotiate so that I can pay the April’s journey home. We may encounter unfriendly craft along the way and take a prize, but I cannot count on it, of course.”

  “But this will be your home now, Violet.”

  “I must have time to think.” She had not considered returning to Boston so soon. Not until the words formed on her tongue. “I know it was only a kiss. I assume it was only a kiss-”