The Pirate and the Pagan

by Virginia Henley

  Summer closed her eyes, pressed her lips together tightly, and nodded.

  “The rotten swine!” swore Spider. “Well, you’ve had a rude awakening.”

  “Aye.” She laughed shortly. “One preceded by sweet slumber and seductive dreams, but I’m awake now thank God and have learned the most valuable lesson in life—to rely on myself in this world.” Her mind was like quicksilver, examining each option and swiftly rejecting it. “Since we’re smugglers, the first thing we have to do is smuggle you into Helford Hall, They won’t look for you there. You can stay in the attic until we come up with a plan. I’ll ride back now and await you at the French doors in the south wing. Let no one see you, least of all the servants.”

  Spider managed to avoid the Helford gamekeeper as he’d done all his life, but the gardeners were weeding and trimming out by the fountain and they looked like they would stay until the afternoon light was gone. He went by stealth from tree to flowering bush, making very certain he avoided all eyes.

  Summer was at the French doors when she saw him slip up to the window. She reached out her hand to the door handle and a sudden step behind her made her whirl guiltily.

  “Oh, Daisy, just put the flowers on that table please. Would you go and tell Mr. Burke that I have returned?” The maid curtsied and left the room. Summer quickly opened the doors so Spider could slip inside, but they both heard voices just outside the far door. She pushed him behind the heavy drapes and walked to the room’s center. “Oh, Mr. Burke, I didn’t ask Daisy to fetch you, I just thought I’d let you know I was back,” she said lamely.

  “While you were out, I took the opportunity to remove Lord Helford’s things from your chamber, my lady.”

  “Oh,” she said, knowing Ruark had ordered it so. She had to get rid of him quickly. “Mr. Burke, I think you were right. I think I should try to eat something.”

  He smiled gently. “I’ll get cook to fix you a tray.”

  When the hall outside was clear, the brother and sister crept up the stairs to her room. Spider whistled low at the luxury of the chamber, but all Summer could see was the ghost of her husband lingering wherever she cast her eyes.

  She lifted the lid on a beautifully carved sandalwood box and showed Spider her cache of gold. “I have almost six thousand pounds now. I’ve been thinking perhaps it’s a good idea for you to disappear for a while. Take the money to Auntie Lil in London and she can get it to Solomon Storm and promise that the rest is coming shortly. She should have been able to sell that Brussels lace by now. Too, I have some very expensive jewels I won at cards and I hope to win more, but I’ll have to find someone to sell them to.”

  There was a low knock upon the door and Spider dropped to the floor and rolled under the bed. Mr. Burke set the food down upon the bedside table. “I brought you some wine, too, my lady.”

  “You are always so thoughtful, Mr. Burke. Could you ask the servants to bring me water for my bath in about half an hour? Then I would appreciate it so very much if you’d tell them I want to be alone. Do you think you could keep them out of the south wing, Mr. Burke? I’m not used to having servants about every time I turn around. I feel I need some privacy the next few days.”

  “I shall see that you are not disturbed in any way, my lady,” he said with a crease of concern between his heavy brows.

  The moment the door closed Spider crawled out from under the bed. “I suppose that bloody bath you ordered is for me?” he objected.

  “He may not have seen you, but by heaven ’tis a wonder to me he didn’t smell you. You stink of prison,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “When you’ve finished with the water, we’ll wash those clothes your wearing. In the meantime you can have a shirt and a pair of your breeches back.”

  “You’re not such a fine lady yet that you wouldn’t rather be running about in breeches, eh?”

  She sighed. “I’ll never be a lady, but when I think about it, they must be very few and far between. The last thing the women of Charles’s court are is ladies!”

  “The food smells good, let’s eat before they bring that bloody bathwater.”

  She lifted the covers and made him sit down in a comfortable chair. “You have it, love, I’m not hungry.”

  He looked at her sharply. “You’re so upset you can’t eat, can you?” he demanded.

  “I’ll be all right.” Then she smiled to reassure him. “I’ll have a cup of wine.” She sipped it reflectively while Spider wolfed down the food. He’s missed too many meals in his life, she thought, and her resolve to get money hardened a little bit more. How ironic, she mused, that I gave Ruark nothing until he wanted everything … then I fell in love and gave him everything until he wanted nothing.

  Spider soon polished off the food and hid himself once more beneath the bed, long before the servants brought the hot water. A maid brought a pile of Turkish towels, pulled out the slipper bath from its corner, and set the modesty screen about it, then a half-dozen footmen carried in huge copper jugs of hot water. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like me to help with your bath, Lady Helford?” asked the maid.

  “Very sure, thank you. Good night,” she said firmly, and closed the door behind them. Spider leered. “I wouldn’t have minded her help.”

  Summer, hands on her hips, demanded, “Why are men always so … male?”

  “I don’t know, why is that?” he asked cockily.

  She stood with unseeing eyes, staring out into the darkness to give him what privacy she could. Her mind was filled with images of another man. She could still feel the hardness of his mouth upon hers from this morning’s love play. She closed her eyes and willed herself to put his image from her.

  After the bath they each took a candle up to the attics. The furnishings stored up there took their breath away. There were silken Persian carpets, brilliantly colored cushions and ottomans, lacquered cabinets, cane chairs and daybeds. The small attic windows opened into the roof by the widow’s walk and the tall chimneys of Helford Hall. Spider was pleased beyond measure. He threw a pile of brilliant cushions down to make himself a soft bed, and though he said nothing to his sister, the windows opening onto the roof would give him a way in and out without being detected.

  Back in her chamber Summer was immensely relieved that at least her brother was safe and warm for one night. She would have whipped the young devil had she known that five minutes after she left, he was climbing down the thick vines which covered the stones of Helford Hall.

  For Summer the night was endless. The things Ruark had said to her came back in minute detail. She could see the look in his eyes and the hard set of his mouth every time she closed her eyelids, but the unbearable part for her was being alone in the vast bed where so many intimate things had been done to her in such a few nights.

  His scent lingered and her very skin remembered his touch. She felt she would starve if she never knew the security of his strong arms again. But the most painful thing she missed—and this brought a bright blush to her cheek even though she was alone— was the need to have him fill her. She ached unbearably for his long, thick manroot. She moaned softly as she remembered his shaft deep, deep within her. She was bereft.

  She hugged her breasts tightly to still their ache, put her face into her pillow, and proceeded to drench it with heartrending tears.

  The next morning when she quizzed Mr. Burke about her husband’s whereabouts, he told her that Lord Helford was away and wouldn’t return until the end of the week when his royal guest was expected.

  In the afternoon Lady Arundell paid her a visit to coordinate plans for their visitors and she brought with her a list she had compiled of all the people they could expect There were more coming than Lady Arundell had first assumed and she was in a flap about how to entertain them all. “I have no problem with space; Pendennis Castle has chambers enough to sleep them all, and of course His Majesty will definitely wish to again occupy the ‘King’s Chamber’ in which he stayed over a dozen years ago before he escaped with his life to the
Scilly Islands.”

  “Well, that is most fortunate, for of course we only have a few guest chambers at Helford Hall. I will check with Mr. Burke to learn the exact number.”

  “Oh, my dear, I’ll put them all up if only you will entertain them through the day and long evening hours. You know I don’t like to say things about anyone unless I can say something nice, but London people are not like us. I fear their appetites for ever new sensations and pleasures have jaded them for the simple, wholesome joys of country life.”

  “Lord Helford is looking forward to having them, and it will only be for about three days, I believe. I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it—I’ve led such a quiet life here in the country,” Summer said politely.

  Mr. Burke, her savior, served an elegant afternoon tea for Lady Helford and her guest, and instead of dispatching a footman to wait on them, he took it upon himself. After Lady Arundell had departed, Summer said to him, “I don’t know whatever I would do without you.”

  He looked at the tea tray still laden with food. “I don’t believe you’ve eaten a thing. I’ll leave the tray and perhaps something will tempt you.”

  “Mr. Burke, have you any idea what Ruark, I mean Lord Helford, will do to entertain his guests? I can’t seem to think straight.”

  “You won’t need to consider the gentlemen at all. He’ll organize a hunt and probably he’ll take them salmon fishing in the Helford River. The King, I hear, particularly enjoys a spot of good fishing, but seldom gets the opportunity. I recall when Ruark was younger, old Lord Helford always organized horse races for his guests’ entertainment. Our stables have the finest blood stock in Cornwall. The first Lady Helford brought her horses with her from Ireland. I understand Londoners are mad for anything which gives an excuse for large wagers. You’ll only have to entertain the ladies for a couple of afternoons, for the evenings will be taken up with gambling. It’s become an English addiction.”

  “I see,” she said without much enthusiasm. “It’s going to be very difficult to get through, Mr. Burke, now that Lord Helford and I are not even on speaking terms.”

  “Lord Helford’s manners are impeccable, madame. Not by a word, a look, or a gesture will he betray that there is aught amiss in your personal lives. You may rely upon his finesse, my lady.”

  She thought unhappily—what was it Buckingham had said about his own marriage?—we coexist, we do not coalesce or cohabit! She gave him a brittle smile. “Well, we are the height of fashion … with our very modern marriage.” Then she thought of Ruark’s promise to get the marriage annulled and she clenched her fists into little balls of resentment. Damn him to hell. I’ll show him! I’ll give his fine London friends such unique entertainment they’ll talk of it all season. I’ll make Helford regret putting me aside if it’s the last bloody thing I ever do!

  The moment Mr. Burke’s back disappeared through the door she lifted the heavy tray of food and carried it upstairs. When Spider had relished every crumb, he wiped his mouth and said, “I’ve a bit of news.” Summer looked puzzled.

  “His high-and-mighty magistrate certified there was no proof of unlawful importation or landing of foreign spirits and dismissed the case. The whole bloody lot of us got off scot-free!”

  “Have you been out?” cried Summer in disbelief.

  “I went right into assizes court and listened to the whole thing,” he said cockily.

  “Hell’s gates, Spider, I’ve been worrying my guts to fiddle strings over you. The main reason I married Helford was to get you free. I’ve been hiding you under beds, giving you all my food … and the moment my back’s turned you’re off on a bloody lark!”

  He drew himself up indignantly and demanded, “I wouldn’t be much of a man if I didn’t crave adventure, would I? Besides, if the shoe was on the other foot and I shut you up in the attic, you’d climb down that vine the minute the moon rose. Don’t put the blame on me for marrying Helford. You’re a willful little bitch who always had her own way no matter what, and nothing will ever change that, certainly not marriage—no, not to ten lords, let alone Helford. You know what? I feel sorry for the poor bastard. He doesn’t stand a chance against you, Cat!”

  “Go home, Spider,” she hissed between clenched teeth. “Since you are no longer a wanted man, you can fend for yourself like I’m going to have to do.”

  He grinned at her and climbed from the window. Summer sank down onto the brilliant cushions. Why had Ruark dismissed the charges against the smugglers? Had he done it so her brother could go free? She hardened her heart. If he had, it was so that the fine name of Helford wouldn’t be besmirched. She suddenly had an uncontrollable urge to sully him and his name. Hell’s gates, before she was finished with him, she’d … She stopped the thought, knowing her deep hurt wouldn’t be assuaged until she had inflicted pain on him. He had experienced her fire, now he would feel her ice. She would be so icily polite, she would freeze him to death. His impeccable manners, so revered by society, were nothing but a thin veneer over an uncivilized, brute male. She would like to break that veneer into a thousand pieces, aye, and would before she was done with him!

  Helford stayed away until the last possible minute, but Summer kept herself busy making plans for their guests’ meals and entertainment. The moment she knew he had returned she dispatched Mr. Burke with a summons for Ruark to attend her in the reception hall.

  He braced himself for the inevitable confession and tears and with jaw clenched firmly with determination descended to the hall.

  She saw that he was tanned and knew he had been at sea. His nearness set off a hammering in her heart, but she firmly ignored it, rustling the lists of names she held and plunging in with the efficiency of a general planning a campaign. “Lord Helford, here is a list of the guests we can expect tomorrow. The Arundells have made provisions to sleep them at Pendennis Castle each night, so you will have to provide room in the carriage house and stables for all the hired coaches and horses.” Without glancing at him or even pausing for breath, she continued, “Mr. Burke assures me you will take the gentlemen hunting, hawking, or fishing and I would appreciate a copy of your planned itinerary so I may coordinate it with my plans.”

  “Your plans?” he questioned, sounding both annoyed and disappointed by the cool businesslike tone she used.

  “Of course.” She glanced at him coldly as if to rebuke him for being disorganized. “I’ve decided on a treasure hunt for tomorrow. Since everyone will be arriving at a different hour, they can join in any time they please. The secluded yew walks of Helford Hall will tempt both men and women to join in the game.”

  He frowned darkly. “It sounds risqué—no, in fact it sounds downright bawdy. You are openly encouraging them to play all sorts of games in the bowers, and you know damned well what treasures they’ll be hunting,” he accused.

  “Of course,” she said matter-of-factly. “They are all adults, I believe, and you’ve no idea how unutterably bored they were with the Countess of Bath’s shepherdess fiasco.”

  He cocked an arrogant brow. “What do you intend to use for a prize when the winner is declared? What do you have of value?”

  “The ambergris aphrodisiac, of course,” she said as if he were a dullard not to have guessed. His frown deepened to a scowl, but before he could object, she hurried on. “The next afternoon while you occupy the gentlemen, I am transforming the tropical terrace and garden into a replica of that Ottoman palace in Algiers you told me of. All the silken Persian carpets and brilliant cushions and divan lounges are to be brought down from the attics. The ladies can wear veils and Mr. Burke has promised to oversee the cooks while they prepare exotic and spicy Eastern dishes.”

  “And how the hell am I to interest the men in salmon fishing when they glimpse your veiled ladies languishing about among the flowering almond?” he demanded.

  “Really, Lord Helford. Use a little common sense, if you have any. Get them out of here early before we transform the gardens, then when they return, wet and we
ary from your bucolic expedition up the river, they’ll stop their complaining and be delighted they came after all.”

  He noticed with annoyance that she was wearing a cream linen gown with cream-colored roses in her hair. She had deliberately put them there to provoke intimate memories, he told himself. Well, they were certainly doing that. The little bitch hadn’t even thanked him for enabling her brother to escape from prison, he thought bitterly. “Have you any more plans, madame?” he asked in a sarcastic note.

  “Of course I have more plans, I’m simply waiting to hear yours. They have insatiable appetites for anything unique. I thought perhaps if you were planning to race some of your Thoroughbreds, it would make an exciting change if afterward we had a seafood dinner down on the beach.”

  “On the beach?” he asked incredulously.

  “How many of them have ever lit a beach fire and baked clams and lobsters and crabs?” she asked.

  Though his expression remained unreadable, the idea appealed to him. “Probably none of them except the King. He and I have done that before.”

  “Good, he’ll love the nostalgia it will provoke, trust me.”

  “Trust you?” he raged. “I have done that before also, madame. I might have known a clever, conniving female like you would come up with such exciting, illicit schemes for entertainment. You have planned everything down to the last detail, as usual” he threw at her with emphasis. “It’s too bad I didn’t know your true attributes when I married you!”

  “My heart bleeds for you,” she said with exquisite sarcasm. “The biddable little country girl turned out to have too much spirit for you to tame.”

  “By Christ, I’ll tame you before I’m done with you … and that’s a promise.” He bowed and left her with her guest lists.

  Summer was pleased with herself. She had treated him in a summarily offhand manner and it had angered him enough to make him threaten her. The rest of her day was so busy she hardly had a moment to think of him, but at bedtime, the night stretched before her empty and endless. She ordered a bath to pass the time and relax her so she would fall asleep the sooner, but the tantalizing water evoked such intimate memories that she soon stepped out and wrapped herself in a Turkish towel. She stepped before the mirror to brush her hair, but his image lingered in its depths. She saw him standing behind her, cupping her breasts; she saw him lift her up onto his shaft and slowly impale her; she saw him slide his pulsing erection up her back then turn her to face him so he could slide it over her breasts. She closed her eyes and smashed her clenched fist into the mocking mirror.