“You’ve carrot-colored hair and your eyes--” he started.
But she couldn’t stand it and, looking away from the horizon, her eyes flashed at him. “My hair? And what about my eyes?”
His own were crinkled at the corners in amusement.
“Look at the horizon,” he soothed and her eyes snapped back. The boat dipped a little more but she kept her gaze steady.
He leaned closer sending excited shivers down her spine. “I jest. Your hair is the most beautiful shade of honey blonde I’ve ever seen while your eyes are the color of the sea after a storm. And they hold just as much spirit.”
“Oh,” she sighed. It was the most beautiful compliment any man had ever given her. It made Loudoun’s practiced attempt seem shallow and pathetic.
“I really must insist you not lean so close.” Loudoun’s voice snapped from behind.
“Just trying to keep our passengers well,” Tom returned, but he stepped away from her.
She hadn’t realized how cutting the wind had become until she lost his heat. But her stomach had calmed, leaving her with only a vague sense of tiredness. As they moved out of the harbor, the smell became crisp and salty clear rather than strong and fishy.
“I must see to my duties.” He stepped back further and then turned on his heel.
“Mr. Maddox,” she called. “Thank you.”
With a nod of his head, he was gone.
2
Tom tossed the letter on his desk and then cursed aloud. Then he should probably toss himself off the side of the boat and swim for shore.
Picking up Barrett’s letter, he scanned it again. His cousin wanted him to keep an eye on that little minx, Flora. But Barrett seemed concerned that Loudoun had ill intentions and, as Baroness Segrave was a personal friend of Barrett’s wife, Piper, he wanted to keep her safe.
Tom didn’t know a kinder woman than Piper and it surprised him to know they were friends. Piper’s circle usually included women of the finest quality. Even in their brief interaction, it was clear Flora wasn’t all that fond of Loudoun. Which meant, she was most certainly in search of a greater title. While Tom had liked the baroness yesterday, in his estimation, title hunting made her a person of less distinction.
But Barrett and Piper obviously cared about Flora a great deal to be looking out for her so. Tom’s mouth pinched. Barrett was growing softer. His cousin once was a man of iron will who made it his mission to care for no one. Now, he took in orphans and, apparently, protected title hunting debutantes.
Barrett was likely misguided in his attempts to protect Flora. The baroness did not seem a woman in need of help. She surely was getting exactly what she wanted out of Loudoun.
Besides, travelling with her was a terrible idea for several reasons. First and foremost, she was beautiful beyond reason. Then there was her scent. It had assaulted his nose and addled his brain. It was the salt and the sun mixed with her own floral scent that had just enough spice to keep it fresh.
He’d wanted to believe her a spoiled debutante but it had become clear she was just suffering from a small bout of sea sickness. And the fact that she wanted him to insult the sickness away. She was a woman after his own heart.
Bloody bullocks, the heart had nothing to do with this. Marriage was for his brother and his sister. He was a free man bent on moving from one adventure to the next.
Which was exactly why he must spend the journey ignoring her. If the wind was right, they could make it to Edinburgh in four days, five at the most.
Then, Barrett asked that he escort them to their final destination. Who even knew where these Loudoun relatives resided? Would he be stuck in a bloody carriage for days watching Loudoun drink and Flora preen? Ridiculous. He was a chief officer on a vessel, not a guardian of lords and ladies.
It didn’t help that his dislike for Loudoun was growing into actual hatred. The man was a useless pile of sheep dung.
But the thought of Loudoun committing some untoward act against Flora made his gut clench. After the incident with the maid… That was when he knew that despite the personal angst it would bring him, he’d complete the task.
A knock at his door pulled him from his thoughts.
“Yes,” he called gruffly.
“Captain wants you in his quarters,” a sailor answered back. “Dinner is about to be served.”
Raking his hand through his hair, he grimaced. Was it that time already?
Straightening his cravat in the mirror, he checked the rest of his appearance. When was the last time he’d done that? He wasn’t doing because of her was he? Growling in annoyance at himself, he still smoothed his hair then headed for the door.
* * *
THE REST of the guests were already assembled. He glanced around, noticing that Captain Andrews had spiffed up his quarters for his guests. Every piece of mahogany shined in the spacious suite designed for such gatherings.
The captain had taken extra care with his appearance too. A young captain, he was a handsome man with wavy brown hair and dark brown eyes. A pang of jealousy straightened his spine as Flora laughed easily at something the captain said.
The beautifully carved table was pushed off to one side of the room, giving Flora, Captain Andrews, and the Dowager Baroness room to stand and chat. Candlelight flickered from the sconces on the walls, casting her dusky pallet into even richer shades of color. He clenched his teeth as his body responded to the perfect picture she made.
Loudoun was flashing his most charming smile, standing next to the shelf where Captain Andrews housed the scotch.
His nostrils flared at the sight and, determined to not let Loudoun rile him, he looked back towards his captain to find Flora’s gaze steadily assessing him.
Her directness tilted him off kilter like a wave in a storm. He didn’t like it. Immediately, he was assaulted with the memory of her smell when he’d held her close this afternoon. All of it made him itch to pull her close, which was utterly ridiculous. There was really only one thing to do. Since she’d already given him the invitation to be impolite, he’d have to push her away with his words.
“Lord Loudoun,” he addressed the earl first. “Lady Flower.” He smirked, trying to gain some measure of control back by knocking her off balance.
She huffed a breath but understanding dawned in her eyes too, a playful glint lighting them. “You’ll address me by my title, sailor.” Her hands rested on her hips, plumping her breasts. He blinked, attempting to block out the image. His body was hardening in places it shouldn’t, defeating the purpose of their banter.
“Fair enough. You’ll address me by mine, inconsequential as you likely think it is.” He crossed his arms, guessing, but not certain, he had delivered a blow. It was deliciously fun to try, and he realized he’d accomplished the opposite of what he’d intended. This banter was drawing her closer rather than creating distance between them.
Her mouth hung open for a second and he wanted to crow with triumph. He had her now. But then she crossed her arms, giving him a level stare. Her breasts plumped further as her lips parted in thought. The red in her hair flashed in the candlelight and he wondered what it might look like undone, streaming across his pillow, her lips exactly like that as she waited for his kiss.
Now he was rock hard and still unbalanced. Dammit all to hell. She opened her mouth to retort and, he had to confess, pleasurable anticipation had him holding his breath to hear what she might say next.
“Enough,” Loudoun cut in, taking her arm. He leaned down but Tom heard every word. “It is unbecoming a lady to spar in such a way. No wife of mine will act as such and we will not be engaged if you continue to do so.”
She opened her mouth to protest but Loudoun held up his hand directly in her face.
White hot anger flared in his chest. He wanted to crush the man’s hand for his audacity. But as Loudoun’s words penetrated the haze of anger, he realized the implication of the man’s words. They were talking about marriage.
He turned away and
stalked over to greet his captain and the Dowager Lady Segrave. “Good evening.”
“And you,” Captain Andrews raised his glass to his second in command.
“A pleasure,” Lady Segrave nodded, giving him a warm smile.
Captain Andrews stepped over to the shelf of liquor and poured himself another scotch. He hadn’t been there more than a moment when Loudoun joined him and the captain refilled Loudoun’s glass. As the men saluted their drinks, Flora glided next to him, looking at him curiously.
“You do not partake?”
“No, my lady.” He emphasized the last word, unable to resist. “I don’t like to be addled when out to sea.”
“Surely it matters little on such a short journey?” Flora raised her eyebrows in challenge. Loudoun had moved over to investigate the marvelous scotch collection Captain Andrews had as a result of shipping it regularly.
This was one area that he would not spar. The safety of everyone on board was his responsibility and he took the job seriously. “Let us hope not.”
“What will you drink then?” she asked, trying again.
“Tea, of course.” He raised his eyebrows to meet hers, daring her to find fault in that.
“How very civilized. What a gentleman.” She rolled her eyes.
A laugh rumbled low and deep in his chest and, unable to resist, he leaned over and whispered, “I’m not at all gentlemanly. Would you like to find out how savage I can be?” It was a dastardly thing to say to a lady, especially an unmarried one, and he knew it.
He watched as the rosy color in her cheeks drained and her lips parted in surprise. He almost regretted it until her soft voice responded, “You wouldn’t dare.” Her lips pursed and her nose scrunched and he had the sudden urge to kiss them both. His blood was pumping in the most invigorating way. “Unless you fancy yourself a marrying man.”
He almost laughed as the air whooshed out of his lungs. As good as his guess had been about her looking down on his lack of a title, she had scored an equal blow realizing he was not the marrying kind. She was spectacular.
“Do you fancy yourself married to a commoner?” he growled, trying to gain back the ground he had lost. “Because I can make it happen.”
“Would you still spend most of your time at sea? Because if you are, I might be willing to make an exception.” Her eyes narrowed into slits.
“You want an absentee husband? Is that why you’re considering Loudoun?” he asked now, extremely interested in the answer.
Her eyes grew wide and her lips parted but before she could answer, the first course of dinner was carried in and everyone moved to take their seats.
He sat next to the Dowager Lady Segrave and across from Flora. Loudoun refilled his glass yet again before taking the seat to her left.
Being on a ship, the fare was simpler than on land and as Loudoun looked down at his plate, his words slurred out, “Whath the devil isth this?”
“Dinner,” Tom answered, his voice rumbling low with barely disguised annoyance. “Eat it.” He might be the commoner but he would never be so ill-mannered to his host.
Loudoun attempted to give him a long look but his head kept bobbing to and fro. He remained silent though as he took another swig of his drink rather than a bite of his food.
That was the rather annoying part of not imbibing at these sort of events. It fell upon him to keep drunken men socially appropriate.
Flora gave him a weak smile across the table. She clearly appreciated his efforts. His anger ebbed at her approval and he found himself desperately wishing he could reach for her hand under the table. Instead, he clenched them into fists. Why was this woman affecting him so?
“Flora,” Loudoun used her given name, a sharp edge lacing his tone. “Pour me another drink.”
Lady Segrave gave a small gasp next to him. The earl’s informality made his blood boil and the urge to do him physical harm returned. Someday, he’d get that man alone.
Flora pursed her lips but did as he bid. Tom could see the anger in the lines of her body. Though he hadn’t known her very long, he already knew she was a woman that rose to a challenge rather than avoiding it. Still, it was the right choice to avoid confrontation here at dinner. But part of him longed to see Loudoun get what he deserved.
The meal was a more hurried affair than it usually would have been. Everyone could sense that Loudoun’s drunkenness was spiraling towards some sort of climax.
As they finished eating Captain Andrews raised his eyebrows and gave Tom a long look. “Perhaps a walk on the deck is in order? Clear our heads.”
“Splendid idea,” Lady Segrave added. “Shall we?”
Everyone stood except Loudoun, who stared up at them blinking until he finally got up too. Flora began to move around the table towards her mother, but Loudoun clamped a hand on her arm. “You’ll walk with me. You’re here with me, not him.”
She yanked her arm out his hand. “I was going to join my mother.” Tilting her chin up, she did just that. He had to smile at her bravado, but all the same, he’d keep a close eye on Loudoun. Barrett had been right to be concerned. While he might not be the most objective observer of the other man, his drunken possessiveness would have been alarming to any passerby.
She brushed by on her way to her mother and he caught a whiff of her scent. His eyes closed for just a second. Tomorrow he’d discuss Loudoun’s temperament with her.
Not that he’d likely change her mind. Nor would she consider him a candidate even if he did. Which was an absurd thought because he didn’t want to be. He was a man who would remain single. Wasn’t he?
The women linked arms and followed the captain out of his chamber, leaving Tom to walk next to Loudoun.
“She’sh mine, you know,” Loudoun’s wet breath slurred out.
“Has the ink dried?” Tom knew he was deliberately baiting the man but he couldn’t help it.
“License or no, she’ll be mine one way or the other. It’s Scotland.” Loudoun, still carrying his glass, waved it in the air.
Tom’s gut clenched. Over his lifeless body. Normally, he’d say as much but Loudoun was past drunk and it wasn’t prudent to goad such a man. Loudoun’s seething was palpable at the moment.
They began a loop around the deck. Some months past, Tom had the rail replaced with a more solid bulwarks. It was safer for the crew. But to allow the cargo on and off, there was a break in the wall. It was roped but not nearly as solid.
Loudoun was stomping next to him, his footsteps growing louder, his breathing more shallow. “I’m the best she’ll get,” he proclaimed. “She’d be a countess. Does she think she can toss me aside for a commoner?”
“Relax, old chap. She can’t stand the sight of me. She’s not tossing you aside.” Well she would, if Tom had anything to say about it, but that was not a conversation for tonight.
“Don’t think I don’t see what’s happening with your bickering,” Loudoun sneered. Then he stomped ahead and made to grab Flora’s arm again.
“Don’t do it,” Tom growled but Loudoun was oblivious. Flora, however, heard him and as he went to grab her, she yanked her arm back. In sickening slow motion, he watched as the momentum caused her to step back. But it was exactly at the break in the bulwarks and her foot stepped into nothingness. Before he could even reach out his hand, she was gone, over the side of the ship.
3
Before she could gasp, she was falling. Icy cold water enveloped her and she made to scream but her intake just caused water to fill her lungs. She thrashed wildly but had no idea how to swim. The weight of her dress wouldn’t even allow her to crest the top of the water once.
Her hands clawed uselessly as she tried to surface when suddenly they made contact with a solid mass. Hands grabbed her under the armpits and pulled her up till her head broke the surface and her lungs filled with cold, clear, sweet air.
She blinked several times, Tom’s face only inches from hers. Clasping her arms about his neck, both their heads sunk back under the water,
as fear gripped her again. But he kicked and they came up a second time. “Hold still now,” his voice crooned. “They’ll drop a rope in just a moment.”
That’s when she heard it. The frantic calls of “Man overboard!” and the shuffling of feet before a rope dropped over the side.
Tom kicked closer and reached out a hand to grab the rope. “Kick your legs, now, nice and easy.”
She tried, but as soon as his hands let her go, she was sinking back down. Cold water enveloped her head and the panic started again. He moved with incredible speed to knot the rope under her arms and then he pulled her back up. “Ready,” he shouted.
The rope went taut and she was rising out of the water. “What about you?” she called down, panic filling her voice. They were leaving him there alone in the dark ocean.
But he only grinned. “It’s a calm sea. I’ll be fine without your skirts pulling me down like an anchor.”
She stared at him for a moment completely dumbfounded before she realized he was teasing her. That blasted, infernal, annoying, wonderful man.
Two sailors pulled her onto the deck, untied the rope, and tossed it back down. She sat, soaking wet, hands clasped in front of her just waiting to see him pulled up.
Her mother dropped to her knees holding onto Flora but Flora couldn’t attend her mother yet. She had to see Mr. Maddox safe. Seven or eight men hauled the line together and though it was likely seconds, it seemed an eternity till he came into view.
The man in front grabbed his arm and, planting his foot on the deck, he gracefully stepped onto the boat.
He stood there casually as though he wasn’t soaking wet or freezing cold and calmly thanked each man for his quick action. Flora knew he must be near frozen, though. Her teeth were chattering terribly.
Looking down at her, he took two strides to her side and then reached down to haul her up into his arms. He had been in the water longer but heat seeped through her clothing from his body. How had he remained so warm?
Taming a Savage Gentleman: Taming the Heart Series Page 2
