Regency Admirer/The Merry Gentleman/The Gentleman's Demand

by Meg Alexander

  “Not always, ma’am. On a fine day the countryside is more beautiful than you could imagine.”

  “Perhaps so, but you must remember that my family and my friends are all in Italy.”

  “There is your aunt,” he ventured.

  “A lady quite unknown to me.”

  “But, Elizabeth, you will make friends. Think of your come out...the routs, the parties and the balls! Then you may attend the masquerades and the balloon ascents, aside from the military reviews.”

  “My aunt may not agree to let me go.”

  “She’s sure to, ma’am. She won’t ignore the Season.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Aunt Mary has a certain reputation, sir. She makes no concessions to Polite Society.”

  “She will wish you to be a success, and I am sure of it. You will have London at your feet.”

  “Flatterer!” She smiled at him in disbelief. “What shall I do with all London at my feet?”

  “Step over the fortune-hunters, ma’am. There are enough about. Best beware of those April-squires, although I’m sure your aunt knows all about them.”

  Elizabeth eyed him with affection. “Will you always stand my friend?” she asked. “I know I can rely on you.”

  “And Perry too, Elizabeth. Oh, he may rip up at you, but beneath it all he’s a splendid fellow. Forgive me if I speak frankly, but you have been at dagger-points since first you met. I told him that I didn’t like it.”

  “And what did Mr Wentworth say to that?”

  “He’s promised to mend his ways,” Chris told her with a grin.

  The truth of his words was evident when Perry came to join them. The atmosphere of strained politeness was overwhelming. It was all too much for Chris.

  “Have you two met before?” he demanded. “What a stiff-necked pair you are. Perry, you ain’t attending a funeral.”

  Elizabeth began to smile, but Chris took her to task.

  “You are just as bad, my dear. Why don’t we start afresh? You might begin by calling Perry by his given name.”

  Elizabeth hesitated, but she was not proof against his charm. “Very well!” She looked up at Perry and held out her hand. “The peace-maker shall have his way. Will you call me Elizabeth?”

  As his hand enveloped hers she felt a strange sensation. It was as if some tingle of excitement passed between them...some message which she could not understand. Two pink spots of colour appeared upon her cheeks, and then she turned to pick up one of the chessmen.

  “Have you seen these?” she murmured in confusion. “They are very fine. Chris is to teach me how to play.”

  Chris laughed. “I did offer,” he admitted. “But you’ll do better with Perry. He’s the expert.”

  Perry dropped his air of dignity. “That won’t last for long,” he predicted. “If Elizabeth’s skill at cards is anything to go by, she’ll soon be a master at chess.” He picked up the pack of cards. “We’ve time for a game or two. What do you say?”

  Elizabeth gave him her enchanting smile, and it caused him to drop the pieces of pasteboard.

  “Clumsy!” Chris reproved. “Pull yourself together, or this young lady will have both our fortunes...”

  He was proved right. In the next hour Elizabeth trounced them soundly. Then the captain’s bellow recalled both men to their duties.

  Chris raised an eyebrow as he looked at Perry.

  “We must be ahead of schedule,” Perry replied to the unasked question. “We’ll be under way by nightfall.” With a bow he excused himself.

  Chris was quick to follow him, but before he left he pressed Elizabeth’s hand. “Don’t worry!” he comforted. “All will be well. I am convinced of it.”

  It was with mixed emotions that Elizabeth heard the shouted orders, and the rattle of the chain as the anchor was raised. Then the great Rock faded into the darkness as they left the Straits and made for the open waters of the Atlantic.

  Her last chance of escape had gone. Had she been foolish not to cry for help when they lay at berth in the docks? With each hour that passed she was being taken further from those that she held dear. She should have felt depressed. Instead, she was aware of a growing sense of excitement. Behind it lay another emotion which she did not care to examine too closely.

  Chris had been so kind. How generous he had been in thinking of her comfort, in spite of her duplicity.

  Idly, she nibbled at one of the preserved fruits as she thought of him with warm affection. He was a dear, and he’d looked so pleased when she and Perry had decided at last to call a truce.

  Certainly, it was much more comfortable not to be always at dagger-drawing with that large young man.

  When Perry laughed he looked quite charming, and behind those dancing eyes she had detected a wicked sense of humour. It had surprised her.

  For some time she sat by the port, her book unopened on her knee, remembering his merry face, his teasing, and the way his blue eyes crinkled at the corners. When his lips parted they revealed white teeth, startling against the tanned skin.

  The thought of that mobile, curving mouth was oddly disturbing, and a warm flush came unbidden to her cheeks.

  She resolved to banish such thoughts. Peregrine Wentworth was still her enemy, and she must not forget it.

  Chapter Six

  By next morning they were still within sight of land, though it was far distant.

  “That is the coast of Portugal,” Chris replied in answer to her question. “We should be safer now, with no chance of attack by pirates.”

  “Pirates?” Elizabeth echoed blankly.

  “Algerians. They put out from the African coast in search of single vessels, though they prefer merchantmen. The captain regards them as the scourge of the Mediterranean, though he don’t like to fire on them. Their galleys are rowed by Christian slaves.”

  “You mean that some of your own men may be their prisoners?” Elizabeth’s eyes were wide with horror.

  “There can be no doubt of it.”

  “And women? Do they take them prisoner, too?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “But women can’t row the galleys. Are they held for ransom?”

  “Not always.” Chris looked uncomfortable. He was saved from further explanation when Perry came to join them.

  “What is it, Chris? You look as if you’ve just swallowed a frog.”

  “I was telling Elizabeth about the Algerian pirates...” Chris was scarlet with embarrassment.

  “And?”

  “I was asking about the women prisoners,” Elizabeth explained.

  “Are you sure you want to know?” The ironic note in Perry’s voice wasn’t lost on her.

  “I think you might have warned me what I might expect if we were taken. Are they tortured?”

  “You might call it that. They are stripped to reveal their charms, and sold in the marketplace at Algiers.”

  Elizabeth paled. Then she made a valiant effort to recover her composure. “To whom? Is this another jest? Admit it, you are trying to frighten me.”

  “I shouldn’t dream of it,” Perry told her solemnly. “It would be a waste of time. Why, should you object to becoming a concubine in the harem of some sultan?”

  “Perry, please!” Chris looked ready to sink with shame.

  “It happens to be the truth. Now, do you see what might have been your fate if you had taken passage on a merchantman from Gibraltar to Genoa? That was your intention, was it not?”

  Elizabeth’s silence gave him his answer. Then she tried to justify herself.

  “Do not the merchantmen travel in convoy, with a naval vessel to protect them?”

  “Only when a warship can be spared. Besides, a single straggler offers chance enough.”

  “You need not trouble your mind,” Chris said soothingly. “The Algerian galleys don’t operate so far from their home ports.”

  Elizabeth gave an audible sigh of relief. “Where are we now?” she asked.

  “Off the coast of Portugal. The Portug
uese are our allies, so there is no danger of attack. It may be different when we reach the coast of France.”

  Elizabeth nodded.

  “Remember what I told you,” Perry continued. “In case of an engagement I’ll unlock this door, but you must stay here until we come to fetch you. Do you understand?”

  She nodded again.

  Perry threw open the lid of his sea-chest. “You’ll find some books in here,” he told her. “My brother gave them to me. I haven’t read them, but they may help to while away the journey. Help yourself.”

  “I’ve already done so.” Elizabeth held up the book upon her lap. “I thought you wouldn’t mind.”

  Chris eyed the title with alarm. “Really, Perry! What can you be thinking of? Tom Jones is most unsuitable reading for a lady.”

  Elizabeth stared at him. “Why is that? I find it most exciting.” Then she surprised a twinkle in Perry’s eyes, but he made no comment.

  Chris continued his argument as they left the cabin.

  “See here, Perry, that book is downright racy. There are some passages which are very near the bone...”

  “She don’t need to read them if they offend her. Elizabeth is no shrinking violet, but most probably she won’t understand them, anyway. For God’s sake, Chris! You take me to task when I ignore her, and you ain’t even satisfied when I try to help. Since the book belongs to me, she’ll probably lay it aside in any case.”

  He was mistaken. For the next few days Elizabeth was fully absorbed in The Adventures of Tom Jones, so much so that she found it difficult to lay the book aside.

  She had long grown accustomed to the sounds aboard the Artemis. They were now so familiar that she no longer heard the creaking of the mainmast, or the winding of the cable round the capstan. Even the cries of the gulls as they wheeled about the rigging didn’t disturb her.

  It was pleasant to take up her book and settle herself in her chair, with only the slap of the waves against the hull for company. She felt strangely at peace with herself, forgetting her own troubles in the company of Mr Fielding’s engaging characters.

  Early one morning that peace was rudely shattered when pandemonium broke out upon the deck above her. She was aware of the sound of running feet, and the barking of orders. Then there was a rumble, and a loud report which almost deafened her. It was followed by a fusillade of shot, and the smell of powder reached her, even through the locked door.

  She jumped to her feet. They must be under attack. In great haste she threw a few of her possessions into the leather satchel. Then she ran to the door, tugging at it wildly.

  It gave at once, sending her staggering back. Then Perry almost fell into the room.

  “Gunnery practice!” he announced briefly. “The crews compete against each other for accuracy and speed.”

  “We are not under fire?”

  “No!” He could see that she was trembling. “Noisy, isn’t it?” he murmured with a grin. “Don’t worry! I shall keep my promise. If we sight the enemy, you’ll be the first to know. Were you frightened?”

  “No!” she lied promptly. “I was merely startled.”

  Her brave words didn’t deceive him. She was pale and shaking.

  “It will soon be over. Powder and shot is expensive. We can’t afford to waste it overmuch, but I must warn you. Tonight the guns will be run out again.”

  “You can’t fire at a target in the darkness,” she protested.

  “We set fire to a cask or two, and get the men to row them out some distance from the side.” He laughed. “We can’t rely on the enemy only to attack in daylight.”

  “I see.”

  His words provided her with little comfort. She crushed a rising sense of panic. Somehow the thought of being on a sinking ship at night filled her with horror. To be cast adrift in an open boat on the wide wastes of the ocean was a terrifying prospect.

  “The wind is rising, ma’am, and the seas are running high. This is the Bay of Biscay, and we may be in for a storm. In that case, you must lash yourself to something heavy...the side of the bunk, for example.”

  “What with? I have nothing here.”

  “I’ll fetch you a length of rope in a while, and show you how to secure it.” He was as good as his word. Later, when the noise had died away, he returned.

  “Are you sure that this is necessary?” Elizabeth eyed the length of rope.

  “It’s better than a broken limb, or a blow to the head if you should be thrown about the cabin.”

  He tied the rope securely to the bunk, and then he turned to face her. “Come here!” he said. “If you leave this end attached, it will be easy to wind the rest about your waist like so...” Deftly, he spun her round until she was held fast. Then he smiled down at her.

  That smile had a most disturbing effect upon her hard-won composure. He was much too close. She could see the small pulse beating in the hollow of his throat. Her own heart was thudding in such a way that he must be sure to hear it.

  “I understand.” Thankfully, her voice was low and steady. “Now, will you please untie me?”

  “Must I?” he teased. “Even without a storm I believe that you are safer so.”

  Elizabeth glared at him. She would not beg for release. Instead she began to tug at the rope which held her.

  Perry relented. “Let me!” he said. As he unwound a coil or two the ship lurched suddenly, caught by a freak wave, and Elizabeth was thrown into his arms.

  For a heart-stopping moment, Perry held her close, his face against her hair. Held against his heart, she felt like a small, trembling bird, vulnerable to his touch.

  God, but he wanted her! The lovely body fitted so perfectly against his own, united from thigh to breast. He could smell the delicate fragrance of the lavender water which he had bought for her, and now the perfume was intoxicating, stealing imperceptibly into every fibre of his being.

  Elizabeth was taken by surprise. Too astonished to struggle, she was conscious only of the strength of the massive arms which held her.

  She lifted her face to his with a question on her lips, and then his mouth came down on hers. That kiss was something new in her experience. No man had ever used her so. When Cesare saluted her it was with mere formality. She had permitted nothing more than a chaste greeting, allowing him to kiss her fingertips as convention demanded. He’d tried to press her into further intimacies, but she had refused, unwilling to venture into a situation over which she might have no control.

  Now she had no choice. Perry had caught her unawares, and she found her senses reeling as his warm flesh met her own. For a long moment the world was lost. Then she heard a muttered exclamation, and his arms fell to his sides.

  “Unforgivable!” he muttered hoarsely. “Ma’am, I had no right...I beg your pardon... This was the last thing I intended.”

  Elizabeth was badly shaken, but Perry was in worse case. He sat down suddenly and put his head in his hands. “What must you think of me?” he groaned. “I have betrayed your father’s trust.”

  Elizabeth was struggling for composure. There must be something she could do or say to make light of the matter. He must never be allowed to know of her delight in that lingering kiss.

  “You are a sailor, sir. Are not naval men renowned for their susceptibilities?”

  Perry didn’t reply. His expression told her that he was disgusted by his own behaviour, and she felt a strong desire to tease him. He had called her a hornet, had he not? Now, apparently, he had been stung. She did not care. Her heart was singing. He had proved beyond all doubt that he was not indifferent to her.

  Spurred on by some imp of mischief, she pretended to be scandalised, turning a deaf ear to his renewed apologies. It was sweet to have him in her power after the insults she had borne. Now she would lead him a merry dance.

  “Say no more!” she murmured in a crushed tone. “This assault upon my virtue has quite undone me...” Her voice was shaking, and she couldn’t hide the laughter in her eyes.

  Perry glance
d at her in deep suspicion. Then he rose to his feet. “I’m glad you find this so amusing, madam,” he announced in icy tones. “I might have known that you would try to turn it to your own advantage. You may rest assured that it won’t happen again.”

  “Come, sir, you make too much of a momentary lapse.” Elizabeth could no longer keep her countenance. She looked at him with dancing eyes.

  “Have you no sense at all?” he demanded harshly. “An attack upon your virtue? What a child you are! It was nothing of the sort, though it might well have been. Had I not stopped myself in time, you would not now be making game of me.”

  Elizabeth knew that she had gone too far. His face was dark with anger, though it was directed more against himself than at her. For the first time she realised what might have happened. With his passions fully roused, Perry had almost lost control. It was chivalry alone which held him back. With another man she might not have been so lucky.

  “Was it my fault?” she asked in a low voice.

  “Of course not!” Perry ran impatient fingers through his dark locks. “It wasn’t anyone’s fault, I suppose. As you say, it was a momentary lapse... simply an accident of nature. These things happen... Oh, Lord, Elizabeth, I beg you will forget that it ever did so.”

  “It’s forgotten!” she said simply. “You did say that you had been at sea too long.”

  That roused him from his misery. “Not all naval men are rakes, whatever you may think.”

  “You have not succeeded in convincing me of that.”

  “Must you turn the knife in the wound? From now on, Chris alone shall keep you company.”

  “You think him less susceptible to passion than yourself?”

  “Susceptible? You have a low opinion of me, ma’am.”

  “But I always had,” she murmured sweetly. “Were you hoping that I might change it?”

  “You may think what you will!” With the stiffest of bows he left her.

  She now disliked him more than ever, and it was scarcely to be wondered at. He wasn’t proud of his behaviour. In fact, he was furious with himself for giving way to that moment of temptation. To make advances to her was the last thing on his mind when he had entered the cabin.