Captivated by the Captain (Fabled Love Book 2)

by Amanda Mariel

  Hawkins stood, crossing his arms over his chest. “Is that right? Worse than your sister? I am thinking you do not want my help after all.”

  “Suit yourself, cousin.” Jasper propelled himself out the door, not giving a damn whether or not Hawkins followed. He had no time to waste fooling around. He raced to the deck, across it, and to the skiff without a backward glance. Prudence was out there with another man. He had to reach her at once. Tell her what an idiot he was.

  Hawkins caught up just as the crew started lowering the skiff and leapt over the rail, coming to rest across from Jasper.

  “I am pleased to see you changed your mind.” Jasper reached for an oar, readying himself to row as soon as the boat hit the water.

  “I could not allow you to go off making a fool of yourself without a witness.” Hawkins chuckled and grabbed an oar of his own. “In all seriousness, I am pleased with your choice. She is a fine woman.”

  Jasper could not agree more. “Then let us make haste.”

  The boat connected with the water in a splash. Jasper and Hawkins removed the ropes then set to rowing without pause. Jasper focused on the task at hand, desperation driving him to row faster until, at last, they reached Prudence’s shipping yard dock.

  Jasper left Hawkins to secure the skiff and started across the ship yard. Before long, the sound of his boots crunching the gravel gave away Hawkins approach. Jasper glanced back at him but did not slow his own pace.

  He recognized a man from this morning standing by the hull of a partially built ship and increased his pace toward him. Pray let the man be forthcoming. Jasper slowed his pace in an attempt not to startle the man as he approached.

  “Excuse me, sir.”

  The man turned to him just as Hawkins reached his side.

  “Yes.”

  “I am Lord Jasper Blackmore, and I have business with Miss Prudence. Might you be able to tell me where she can be found?”

  The man’s eyes narrowed on him. “Are you not the same men who brought her ashore this morning?”

  Hawkins stepped around Jasper. “Indeed we are. It is imperative that we speak with her straight away.”

  The man cleared his throat. “Very well. I will take you to her. Her estate is not far. We can walk.” He looked around before, calling out to another man. Once he informed the man of their intent, the three of them left.

  Jasper and Hawkins followed the man across the shipyard and into the crowded streets of Boston. People moved all around them, gentleman on horseback, women strolling with parasols, children skipping rocks in front of merchant shops. Jasper took it all in without absorbing any of it. “How much farther?”

  “Just down the road, my lord.”

  Jasper quickened his pace, coming to walk beside the man. He grew more anxious with every step. If they did not arrive soon, he feared he would explode.

  They turned a corner and a large whitewashed house came into view. The man pointed at it. “Miss Prudence resides there.”

  Jasper wasted no time, running up the drive and taking the steps two at a time. Forgetting his manners in his mad dash to reach Prudence, he grabbed the door handle, jerking it open. “Prudence,” he yelled into the foyer.

  An older woman stepped into the entry, a startled look on her face.

  Jasper moved toward her. “I must speak with Miss Prudence.”

  “My mistress is abed with a headache. I must insist you return another time.”

  Jasper stepped around the woman and began up the staircase. “Prudence. Prudence, I must see you.” He called as he ran up the stairs. His pulse beat through his veins as he continued to call out for her. He had to find her. There was no other option.

  He reached the top of the staircase and turned down a hall. “Prudence.” He pushed open doors, sticking his head into various rooms as he went. “Prudence, I need to talk to you.”

  “Jasper.” Hawkins grabbed hold of his arm, stilling him.

  Jasper turned to his cousin. “Release me.” He scowled.

  “You cannot charge through here like it’s an enemy ship.”

  Jasper jerked his arm, attempting to shake off Hawkins’ hold. “I can damn well do whatever I please.”

  “Use your wits, man. Show a bit of decorum.”

  Jasper drew in a deep breath as the woman from downstairs approached them. He turned his attention to her. “Which room is Prudence’s?”

  “Why, I never…in all my years…what is the meaning of this!” Her voice grew shriller with each word. “You will leave this house at once and I bid you not to return or I shall be forced to contact the authorities.” She looked to the man from the shipyard that had since joined them. “Mr. Brighter, please remove these men.”

  He started toward Jasper and Hawkins. “You heard the woman. Leave now or I will be forced to toss you from the house.”

  Jasper tugged his arm free of Hawkins’ grip and reached for his cutlass. His hand came away empty as he’d forgone the weapon for his lord’s garb. Bloody hell. He’d not allow these people to keep him from Prudence. As the man drew closer, Jasper turned, taking hold of a table near the wall and flung it into his path.

  “Jasper. What are you doing?” Prudence screamed.

  He turned to find her running down the hall toward him. Thank God. He began toward her, his arms open to pull her close. “I am a bloody fool. I never should have let you go.”

  She flung herself into his embrace, burying her face against his chest.

  “Tell me I am not too late. Prudence, tell me you still love me.” He leaned down, dropping a kiss on the top of her head.

  She looked up, moisture glistening in her hazel eyes. “Love does not go away. I am yours forever, Jasper.”

  He brought his mouth down to hers, kissing her with all he had. She was his home. His safe place. And he would be hers for the rest of their days.

  Epilogue

  One year later

  “Come here, wife.” Jasper grinned rakishly.

  Prudence sauntered toward him. “Whatever for, husband?”

  His heart fluttered at her teasing as it always did. Even now, after so much time, she affected him as no other ever had or could for that matter. How had he gotten so lucky?

  She came into reach and grabbed her, pulling her onto his lap.

  Her laughter filled the space as she wound her arms around his neck.

  He whispered into her ear, “I desire to hold you.”

  She sobered and gazed into his eyes. “Forever?”

  “You can count on it.” He tightened his hold, pulling her more securely into his embrace. He could not imagine—hell he did not want to imagine—a future without Prudence in it. A shudder ran through him at the knowledge that he had almost lost her. What a bloody fool he’d been.

  “Good, because I cannot breathe without you.” She threaded her fingers into the hair at the base of his neck.

  “Nor can I without you, my love.” Jasper brought his lips to hers for a tender kiss.

  Someone rapped on the office door and Prudence pulled away. “Who is it?” she called.

  “Kipp.”

  Jasper grinned at her then gave a nod. The way she had embraced his crew, gave them all employment if not at the shipyard or on one of the ships, than in her home when they were not aboard Marion, warmed his soul. She was a generous and loving woman. More than he deserved, more than he ever hoped for.

  Kipp opened the door and came into the office, his hat in his hand. “We are preparing to sail out with the tide. I wanted to come say my fair wells.”

  Prudence stood and went to him. “You will be missed. Do be careful.” She embraced him before stepping away.

  “No worries, Miss. I learned from the finest Captain on the seas.” He notched his chin, confidently.

  “That he did.” Jasper winked before he stood.

  Kipp grinned. “Thank you again for trusting me with Marion and the orphans.”

  Jasper and Prudence had determined before they were wed to contin
ue providing aid to the orphanage. They sent clothing and supplies as well as some blunt on a regular schedule. Kipp was charged with seeing it all safely delivered. “There is no other man more fit for the job.” He clapped Kipp on the shoulder. “Now be off with you.”

  “Aye.” Kipp took his leave.

  Jasper could not be more pleased with the way everything had worked out. Hawkins now captained Marion. Kipp had a position onboard that gave him pride, and Prudence and he ran her company while aiding the orphanage. As if that were not blessing enough, he had mended his relationship with his father and brother. In a fortnight, he would be sailing to England with his love on his arm to spend time at his family’s estate.

  Prudence placed her hand on Jasper’s arm. “Do you miss it?”

  He arched a brow. “Miss what?”

  “Pirating?”

  He pulled her back into his arms. “There is nothing to be missed. I have already discovered the greatest treasure to be had.”

  Turn the page for an excerpt from book three in Amanda Mariel’s Fabled Love series

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Coming soon

  Prologue

  England 1809

  “A carriage is coming,” Lady Elianna’s maid called into the parlor.

  Elianna swallowed passed the lump in her throat. Her distant cousin, the seventh Earl of Berkeley must be arriving. She prayed the new earl would prove to be a kind man, for if not…she shuddered refusing to continue with the train of thought.

  Her heart remained heavy from the death of her father. He had been buried less than a seenight and now this stranger was arriving to claim all that had belonged to him. It pained her to watch her family home, all that her father had worked for, be handed off to a relation she had never even met.

  She pushed her mourning veil over her face before going to stand in the grand foyer of her families Kent country home. Smoothing her skirts she could not help but acknowledge how the black gown and accessories matched her mood. If the earl saw fit, he could demand her removed from the estate—tossed into the streets with nowhere to turn.

  The butler opened the heavy oak door and a tall man with sable hair walked hastily into the foyer before coming to a stop before her. She met his hazel eyes through the cover of her veil then dropped into a curtsey.

  “You must be Elianna.”

  A chill trickled down her spine at his address. She squared her shoulders, hoping the oversight had been unintentional. “Welcome, my lord. I am indeed, Lady Elianna.”

  He smirked. “It is a pleasure to meet you, cousin.”

  “Likewise, my lord. Before I leave you to get settled in, is there anything I can do for you?” She offered. Two liveried men crossed the foyer carrying a large trunk. No doubt they headed toward father’s chamber with the new earl’s things.

  Tears pricked at her eyes but she did not allow them to fall. Looking back would serve her no purpose. Father was gone and he would never be back. She simply must accept the new earl and make him as welcome as she could.

  “That will not be necessary. However I would like an audience with you once I have had a chance to freshen up.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  He took a step toward the staircase. “Wait for me in the office, Elianna.” Without awaiting her reply or acknowledgment he took his leave.

  She pressed her hands against her skirt in an effort to stop them from shaking. He seemed pleasant enough, perhaps all would be well. Still the way he refused to address her as lady made her uneasy. Why would one ignore propriety in such a way? Perhaps the familial tie made him believe he had the right to address her informally.

  Elianna strolled toward the office in no particular hurry to arrive. It would take Lord Berkeley a good deal of time to wash away the travel dust and change into fresh clothing. She swallowed hard as tears threatened once more. Lord Berkeley was her father, not this stranger. It seemed disrespectful for her to address another by father’s title.

  She entered the office and went to stand by father’s—no her cousin’s—desk. Would she ever get used to someone else having father’s title and properties? With her hip propped on the edge of the desk she gazed at the picture’s lining the mantle over the hearth. Mama and herself in gilded frames, as well as, a picture of her with her parents sat prominently staring back at her. She closed her eyes against the onslaught of grief threatening to consume her.

  “Have a seat.”

  She snapped her eyes open at the words to discover Lord Berkeley had entered the office. “That was rather quick,” she said, as she straightened her posture before crossing to a high back chair. He could not have done more than change his coat and wash his face. She’d expected to have more time to herself—more time to gather her courage.

  With long, confident strides he walked to the desk before lowering himself into father’s chair and propping his elbows on the polished mahogany surface as though the desk had always belonged to him.

  Elianna swallowed back her protests over his casual treatment of father’s things. Father was gone. All of his belongings were now her cousin’s, the new Lord Berkeley, to do with as he pleased, she reminded herself. She met the man’s gaze, offering a weak but she hoped cordial smile. “To what do I owe the honor of this meeting?”

  “It does not seem that your father saw fit to make provisions for you.” He leaned forward, his stair holding hers. “That leaves your future in my hands.”

  Elianna nodded. “I fear that is correct, my lord.”

  Father had passed away rather unexpectedly on his way home from a business matter. He’d been in good health and still young at thirty and six. Though after mama’s untimely death from consumption, she supposed he should have considered what might happen to her upon his own passing.

  “I’d thought to send you to a convent,” He said in a level tone.

  Her stomach turned as she fought to hold his gaze. A convent? How could he think to send her to such a place? She was a lady. An earls daughter and deserved the right to find a husband. Did she not? “My lord—”

  “However,”—He waved a hand through the air dismissing her words—“Lady Berkeley has persuaded me to give you a choice in your fate.”

  Much to Elianna’s dismay her eyes rounded betraying her surprise. She’d not been aware of his marital state. She recovered as her mind explored the possibilities his marital state presented. Perhaps she and his wife would become friends. She’d never had any true friends—certainly not other ladies. Father had been reclusive leaving her with only the servant’s children for playmates. Indeed, it would be wonderful to have a real friend.

  “Is it your wish to remain here at Crystal Court?” His eyes narrowed on her.

  She smiled genuinely. “It is my heart’s desire.”

  “Very well. Lady Berkeley will arrive in a seenight with our children. Until then you may continue your period of mourning—”

  He must be mad. How could he expect her to forgo mourning? “Forgive my insolence, my lord, but father has only been gone for a fortnight. I cannot abandon my mourning so soon.” She bit her lip cutting off her argument when his face flamed scarlet.

  “You will do as I say or see yourself off to the convent. Is that clear Elianna?”

  The bite to his words sent a chill through her causing gooseflesh to form on her arms. Still she had no recourse other than to cow to the man. He held her fate in his hands. “Yes, my lord. Do accept my apology.”

  His features relaxed but he never took his gaze from her. “Let it not happen again.”

  She nodded determined not to allow her growing nervousness to show.

  “Once my family arrives all signs of mourning including your gowns will be removed. I’ll not have you frightening my children.”

  “I understand.” Her voice came out barely a whisper.

  “As long as you are to stay under my roof, my protection, you will earn your keep by serving my family. Lady Berkeley will give you instructions upon her arrival.
” He stood but did not take his attention from her. “You are dismissed.”

  She was to serve his family. In what capacity? A ladies maid, governess…surely not. Perhaps a companion to his wife. She paused at the door to glance back at the man. Had she heard him correctly? His body language and the firm set of his features assured her she had not.

  Elianna did her best to ignore the uneasiness sweeping through her as she made haste for her chamber. Whatever he had in mind for her could not be worse than a convent. Regardless, she could not imagine leaving her home, nor forsaking her chance at marriage. There remained no other choice for her. She had to accept her cousin as the new earl and follow his dictates—at least for now.

  TITLES BY AMANDA MARIEL

  Ladies and Scoundrels series:

  Scandalous Endeavors

  Scandalous Intentions

  Scandalous Redemption

  Coming soon to the Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Wallflower

  Fabled Love Series

  Enchanted By The Earl

  Captivated By The Captain

  Coming soon to the Fabled Love series

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Lady Archer’s Creed series

  Theodora (Christina McKnight writing with Amanda Mariel)

  Coming soon to the Lady Archer’s Creed series

  Georgina (Amanda Mariel writing with Christina McKnight)

  Stand alone titles

  Love’s Legacy

  Joint series: Connected by a Kiss

  How to Kiss a Rogue (Amanda Mariel)

  A Kiss at Christmastide (Christina McKnight)

  Coming soon to the Connected by a Kiss series

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Dawn Brower)

  Box sets and anthologies

  Visit www.amandamariel.com to see Amanda’s current offerings