The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series)

by Jernigan, Brenda

  “Did anyone else escape?”

  “No, Cap’n.”

  Jean rubbed his chin as he thought. “You said the Englishman mentioned treasure. Were you carrying any on the ship?”

  Ben shook his head. “No, Jean, none.”

  Damn. Jean’s face paled. He tensed. Someone knew about the treasure. But how? “If the captain knew about Jewel, someone from within our ranks has betrayed us. Do you remember the English bloke’s name?”

  Again Ben shook his head. “Maybe it will come back to me later.” He slumped back on his pillows, dejected. “I’m sorry, Cap’n.”

  “The fault is not yours, my friend.” Jean reached over and squeezed Ben’s shoulder. “When you’re on your feet again, you can help us find her.”

  “Aye,” Ben agreed. “I’ll always remember the bastard’s face. Mean he was. He’ll pay when I get my hands on him.”

  “Oui, Ben.” Jean stood, then nodded slowly. “The bastard will pay dearly! That I promise you.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “His Grace has excellent taste.” The jeweler smiled and leaned forward over the mahogany and glass counter. “Yes, excellent. Would you care to see the fine choker?”

  Adam nodded, then glanced down at the necklace of fire opals and diamonds snuggled in a nest of blue velvet. Each opal, set in rich gold, picked up the fire from the other stones. It was magnificent indeed, Adam thought as he imagined the rare stones against Jewel’s throat, pulsing with her heartbeat.

  “This choker, Yer Lordship, has perfectly matched opals and diamonds.” The jeweler dangled the piece from well-manicured hands. “The sparkle would make yer lady’s neck appear to be on fire. I’ve more expensive rubies and diamonds, but by far, this piece is the finest.”

  “How much?”

  “Five thousand pounds.” The jeweler beamed.

  Adam raised an eyebrow. He’d only come into the shop to pick up his repaired timepiece. “Harry, I’ve known you a long time. I believe you can do better, my friend.”

  Harry laughed. “For you, Yer Grace, I’ll gladly sell this one-of-a-kind gift for a mere”—he rubbed his chin—“four thousand. I do say, you will set yer lady’s heart aflutter with such an expensive gift.”

  Adam smiled. “I’m sure the lady will love the necklace. She has twice the fire as these opals.” He placed the velvet box in his coat pocket. “Merry Christmas, Harry.”

  “And Merry Christmas to you.”

  Back in his town house, Adam buckled his bag, wondering what had possessed him to spend so much. It had to be that the holiday season had seeped into his bones. He laid two silver-wrapped boxes upon his satchel, making sure he wouldn’t forget them when he returned to Briercliff. They contained Jewel’s ball gown for Jonathan’s party and a silver fox cape that had also cost him an ungodly sum. Good thing she wasn’t a permanent part of his life, or he’d go broke.

  “Is everything ready, sir?” Giles said as he entered the bedroom.

  “I believe so. I’m sending you ahead with the trunks and if at all possible, I’ll leave for Briercliff tomorrow.”

  Adam led a procession of servants downstairs, and after the bags were placed in the coach, he glanced up at the sky. “I don’t like the looks of those clouds. The weather has grown colder since yesterday. Perhaps we’ll have snow for Christmas.” He couldn’t remember when last he had looked so forward to a holiday.

  “I hope it doesn’t snow before we get home, sir,” Giles grumbled as he climbed inside the satin-lined coach. “Snow has a way of making the roads impassable.”

  “Don’t be a cantankerous old goat, Giles.” Adam shut the coach’s door. “I’ll see you at Briercliff.” The team of four leaped forward with a flick of the reins, and the coach bearing the Trent crest careened around a street comer and out of sight.

  Pulling up the collar of his greatcoat, Adam walked to the docks. When he reached the river, he stopped and looked around before moving to the wharf. The Thames was busy today, he thought as he watched the sailors working on the docks, unloading the ships. A barrel rolled down a plank, and Adam turned in that direction. A weathered-looking waterman caught the cask and rolled it over to the deep underground caverns where London stored casks of wine, and also Adam’s favorite—brandy.

  Watermen of all shapes and sizes labored together, but one man in particular caught Adam’s attention. Dressed in a threadbare dark jacket and trousers, the man leaned against a post, rolling a cigar. A scarf was looped warmly around his neck and a battered old cap perched on his head. Just as he put the cigar in his mouth, Adam offered him a light.

  “Thanks, gov’nor,” the man said without looking up. “Can you tell me where I might find Captain Lee’s ship?” Adam asked.

  “Aye, I can tell you, mate. But why you’d want to know is beyond me.” He looked up at Adam, taking in the cut of his clothes. His expression changed. “Begging your pardon, Yer Lordship. I can take you there if you’d like.”

  Adam laughed. “I’ve the same opinion of the captain. Unfortunately, I do have business to discuss with him. What’s your name, mate?”

  “Norman, sir,” he said, his color slightly heightened. “You won’t go telling him that I put a mark on his character now, will you?”

  “Mum’s the word.”

  “I heard tell he flogged a woman for some minor offense. No telling what he’d do to a man.” Norman looked at him, one eyebrow slightly higher than the other as he added, “He’s a mean one.”

  Adam’s stance immediately grew rigid as he remembered the ugly welts along Jewel’s back. He fought to maintain an expressionless face. “That’s interesting. What did she do?”

  “Don’t rightly know. You know how rumors get started. Heard it was his doxy—some said it was a pirate, and another said it was a child.” Norman shrugged. “No matter. Don’t trust him none.”

  “I appreciate the information and the warning, Norman. It’s been a pleasure to meet you.” Adam extended his hand and waited for the shocked sailor to take it. “I would be most humbly grateful if you would lead the way to Lee’s ship.”

  Adam followed the limping man down the wharf. He could feel his blood pounding in his ears at the tidbit of information he’d just heard. It could just be a coincidence, so he’d put it away for now.

  They passed several ships before they came upon Captain Lee’s. “Obliged,” Adam said, handing Norman a gold coin. “Buy yourself a new hat for winter.”

  “Thank you, Yer Lordship, and good day to you, sir.” Norman smiled as he walked away. “Hell, I can buy a whole wardrobe with what the fancy bloke has given me,” he said to himself. “Yep, looks like it’s going to be a good Christmas after all.”

  Captain Lee leaned back in his chair and slowly rolled a hot cup of tea between his palms as he thought of the impending meeting. Maybe, by a stroke of luck, Lord Trent had found Lafitte’s niece. Absentmindedly, he rubbed his index finger across the scar on his face and sneered. How he’d love to get his hands on the little bitch who’d given him this ugly reminder, but how was he going to accomplish that task? Evidently, Adam Trent didn’t know who she was, or maybe she just wasn’t talking. Lee wasn’t quite sure how he was going to answer His Grace’s questions. He was well aware of Trent’s dangerous reputation, and didn’t want to cross him. He’d just have to see what happened.

  Adam boarded the ship, and a deckhand led him to the captain’s cabin. Rapping on the door, Adam heard a deep voice call for him to enter.

  The man behind the desk stood as Adam entered the room. “Your Grace.” Lee nodded his head.

  “Captain, I’m glad you took the time to see me,” Adam said coldly before sitting down in front of the desk.

  He stared at the gentleman who sat across from him. Lee was of medium height and just a bit on the heavy side. His dirty blond hair fell over dull, bloodshot eyes—probably from a previous night of boozing, Adam thought. He also noted that Lee’s looks had changed. A scar now ran the full length of his face, marring his featu
res. Adam watched as the captain absently rubbed his finger over the still-red scar. Obviously, he hadn’t had the mark long.

  “It appears you’ve been in a bit of a scrape since the last time I saw you,” Adam commented.

  “I had the misfortune to tangle with a pirate’s knife. But I assure you the one that did this”—he fingered his wound— “was in worse shape than I by the time I’d finished with him.” Abruptly, he changed the subject. “Why did you wish to see me, Your Grace?”

  “I pulled a young woman from the sea who had apparently been washed overboard. I understand you’ve been asking questions about her. I thought perchance you might know her identity.” Adam saw a momentary glint of something in Lee’s eyes before his previous guarded expression reappeared. “Why haven’t you asked her yourself?”

  “You see, that’s quite impossible, Captain. She has temporarily lost her memory.”

  “I see.” What a stroke of luck, Lee thought. The girl has no memory. If in fact she was the pirate’s niece, he couldn’t wait to get his hands on the little baggage, and this time he wouldn’t lose her.

  “Well, Captain?” Adam snapped. “I’ve not waited all this time just to sit here. Can you help?”

  “I don’t know if I can be of any assistance.” Lee’s mind began to churn. He had to think fast. And he’d better make it good. “I had my niece on board ship when a terrible storm hit, washing her overboard. However, I don’t see how she could have survived the choppy sea.”

  Adam rubbed his chin. “And when was this?”

  “I don’t exactly remember, but it was sometime toward the end of September. My dear sister has been beside herself with grief.”

  “Can you provide a description of your niece?”

  “She was very pretty, a small girl with brown eyes and black hair.”

  Adam wasn’t sure he liked the way this was turning out. “Well, that does fit the description of the lady I’ve found.”

  “Praise the Lord if it is! When can I get her?” Lee’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. At last something was going his way. He looked into Trent’s eyes and started to fidget. The man had an evil stare.

  “If this is your niece, tell me why she was beaten so badly,” Adam demanded.

  “Surely you don’t think I did it!” The captain feigned an innocent expression. “The girl has always been headstrong. It’s really a long story, and I don’t want to bore you,” Lee said.

  “I’ve plenty of time, sir,” Adam said dryly.

  “I see.” Lee knew he had to come up with something and it had better sound good. “She ran away and got in a bit of trouble. The way she had been beaten, I’d say she was caught pilfering. She’s such a bad child. That’s the very reason I was bringing her home to my poor sister. And I appreciate all you have done, Your Grace. I’ll be glad to take her off your hands now.”

  The man was lying through his teeth. Adam felt it deep in his gut.

  “She’s been no trouble, which leaves me to wonder if in fact we speak of the same woman.” Adam rubbed his chin in thought. “I’ll tell you what I will do.” He withdrew a slip of paper from his jacket. “There will be a party held at Foxmore on Christmas Eve. I’ll write an invitation so that you may attend.” Adam scribbled the necessary information before sealing the note with his ring, which bore the Trent crest.

  Handing Lee the note, Adam said, “If she recognizes you and wants to go with you, Jewel will be free to do so. Otherwise, she will remain under my protection.”

  “She’s my niece!” Lee protested. “You can’t keep her from me!”

  Adam stood, slowly coming to his full height. He slammed his hands down on the desk and leaned forward. “Captain, I can do anything I damn well please!”

  Captain Lee’s face flushed red as he swallowed hard beneath the force of Adam’s glare. Adam wondered if Lee would challenge him, but he stayed mute.

  Adam turned to leave. “I will see you on Christmas Eve.” He looked back and raised a brow when he heard no response.

  “I’ll be there,” muttered Captain Lee.

  After the door had shut, Lee sat down behind his desk, trying to devise a plan. He would get to Jewel even if he had to kidnap her. It might mean disposing of His High-and-Mighty Lordship, but it could be done with enough men.

  He gritted his teeth, deep in thought. Slowly, his lips curled into a smile as a plan formed in his mind. He would sail his ship, The Rose, to Cornwall and lay anchor at Land’s End. Then he would go to the party. If the duke didn’t agree that Jewel could leave with him, he would make plans to pay them a visit on Christmas Day.

  One way or another, the girl would be departing with him.

  Anxious to get out of the city, Adam decided to leave that afternoon. Even though it was late, he knew he could ride at least halfway, spend the night at an inn, and be home the next day.

  As he rode, Adam’s thoughts troubled him. He wasn’t quite sure how he felt about his meeting with Lee. A clue to Jewel’s identity should have made him happy, but he found it hard to believe that she could be related to that riffraff.

  Besides, many things didn’t add up. If Captain Lee knew she had been badly beaten, then why was Jewel out of her cabin, and especially in a storm?

  No! The man was definitely lying.

  But why? Did he hope to marry her or perhaps gain wealth?

  Adam remembered the map. Wealth! That had to be the answer.

  Well, no matter what the reason, Adam decided he wouldn’t mention his meeting to Jewel. He would wait to see if she recognized Lee.

  Adam frowned and pulled his coat tighter. He should have taken his coach, and then he wouldn’t be out in this biting cold wind.

  But what if she did recognize Lee? Adam’s thoughts hammered back at him. He’d have no choice but to let her go.

  He was hard pressed to put his feelings into words at this moment. Would he miss her when she was gone?

  Yes, he admitted, he’d definitely miss her.

  Giles entered the sitting room, startling Jewel. “His Grace said to convey that he’d arrive tomorrow.”

  Jewel’s stomach fluttered with excitement. Maybe Adam would come home early and be here tonight.

  Giles turned to leave, and he didn’t notice the puppy until it was too late. He tripped over the dog and landed sprawled across the floor. The pup yelped and scampered out of the way.

  Jewel and Annie each took an arm and dragged Giles to his feet while Duke barked, thinking this was all a big game.

  “Who let that bloody beast in the house?” Giles lost his composure. “Get that mutt out!”

  Jewel, having grown out of her shyness, replied, “I’ll do no such thing. The puppy’s name is Duke, not mutt,” she added. The shocked expression on the servant’s face made her want to laugh.

  Giles glared back. Jewel could see he didn’t care for the way she’d spoken to him. He evidently held no illusions that she was a grand lady or good enough for Adam. And that hurt her pride just a little.

  “Well, His Grace won’t like it,” he said.

  “I’ll worry about Adam when he gets home.”

  Giles turned and stomped off, and Jewel picked up her puppy and stroked his head. In turn, he pulled on a lock of her hair with his teeth. “You’ll have to be careful to stay away from the old codger, little one.”

  Annie burst into a fit of laughter. “ ’Tis one of the best Christmas presents ye could have given ol’ Annie. The bloke has been tryin’ tae boss everyone around, especially when Adam’s away.” She winked at Jewel. “I guess he just found one he couldn’t.”

  Jewel placed Duke back on the floor with a stern warning to stay put. He was so adorable with a brown nose and a black mask around his face. His long brown ears dragged the ground, causing him to trip quite frequently. He’d been a Christmas present from Jonathan, and she had decided to name him Duke. Jonathan had teased her for her choice of names.

  The hour grew late while Jewel sat in the drawing room alone watching the fi
re. She felt tired and a little disappointed that Adam hadn’t made it home today. He was so strong in her thoughts lately that she jumped when the door opened. She turned in anticipation, but it was only Annie.

  “I thought ye would like a wee bit of warm milk before ye went tae bed.” Her gaze went to the puppy curled up at Jewel’s feet.

  “’Tis a sleepy pup who’s had a hard day.”

  “I think we all have.” Jewel sighed. “Christmas will be here before long.”

  “Why don’t ye go tae bed, lass,” Annie said when Jewel had finished her milk. “ ’Tis sure I be bettin’ Adam has spent the night elsewhere, and will be here tomorrow. Ye dunna want tae meet him with pufly bags under those pretty eyes. Besides, we’ve some decoratin’ tae be done.”

  Jewel smiled. “Okay, I’m going to bed. But Annie, something has been bothering me.”

  “And that bein’, lass?”

  “I don’t have a present to give Adam for Christmas.”

  “He won’t be expectin’ one. This is the second Christmas he’s been home and I fear the last.” Annie looked sad. “Besides, what can ye give a mon that has everythin’? Adam always gives us presents, but I think his rewards are seein’ how happy he makes us. There is one thin’ ye could do.”

  “What?” Jewel eased to the chair’s edge and listened.

  “For Christmas, ye could make him a few rum buns. He dearly loves them, and ’tis been a while since he has had any.”

  “That’s a great idea! Thanks, Annie.” Jewel went over and kissed her on the forehead. She was beginning to love this kindhearted woman more every day. “See you in the morning.”

  After a good night’s sleep, Jewel awoke refreshed and excited. Today she would get to see Adam.

  She took special care with her wardrobe, picking out a green day dress that reminded her of Christmas. The dark forest-green material had long, tapered sleeves, and the bodice came to a point at the waistline, accenting her waist. The skirt was bell-shaped and had a very wide hem. Jewel tied red and green ribbons in her hair, letting them flow down her back.