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

by Jernigan, Brenda

  The hatch opened and bright sunlight poured in through the small opening. A stabbing pain shot through Jewel’s head as she covered her eyes against the brilliant light. The rats scurried for cover and she jerked her foot back. Reluctantly, she removed her hands and blinked, trying to adjust to the glare. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been cramped up in this squalid, dark hole, but her stomach told her she’d been days without food.

  “The captain said you’re to come up top,” the sailor who opened the hatch shouted down at her.

  Her tight muscles protested and cramped as she slowly inched her way to her feet. She moved over toward the stairs, where she had to wait a minute for the circulation to return to her feet before she climbed the ladder. Upon reaching the top, she stretched and shook her arms, trying to limber up her muscles.

  “Where’s this bloody island, Your Highness?” Captain Lee shouted at her. “Or have you lied to me yet again?”

  “I spoke the truth. It’s not an island any normal sailor can find. If it were, there would be no treasure.” Jewel’s voice was filled with all the contempt she felt for this savage who called himself a man. “Let me see your charts, and I’ll check to see how far off course we are.”

  Grudgingly, Lee stepped aside. She pointed the way across the map, her fingers tracing the route they should take.

  “Bloody hell, you can read a chart. You might be worth keeping . . . with a little taming, that is,” Lee sneered. “There’s little chance you’ll escape now, so you can remain on deck. Adrian, bring her some food. She’ll be of little use to me dead.”

  The sea breeze felt good blowing in her hair, and even in her present situation Jewel found a little peace, but at least her stomach was soon full. Not having to worry about the rats as she had in the hole, she curled up on a tarp and slept soundly for the first time in days.

  The next morning the sun rose early in the clear blue sky. Not a cloud could be seen. Jewel peeked over the railing and smiled.

  She saw the first signs of the dark shore of Jean’s private island. The Bay of Pirates was a strange island. Instead of sand, millions of tiny shells coated the beach that stretched around the island for ten miles. Surrounded by coral reefs, the coast was flat with an elevated interior and steep cliffs.

  Jewel, Captain Lee, and two of his men rowed to shore. Upon stepping out on the beach, they pulled the boat up on dry land. Tiny shells crunched and snapped as they walked inland away from the shore. Their feet would have been cut to ribbons if they hadn’t been wearing shoes.

  “It’s going to be a long walk,” Jewel informed Lee.

  “Lead the way, and remember, no tricks,” he warned. “I’ll be watching you.”

  They moved along the rocky shore in a northeasterly direction, until they came to a slope where they began their slow climb, following a trail to a point where it dropped over the side of a cliff and appeared to be a dead end.

  A path that led nowhere.

  Lee grabbed her arm. “What bloody trick are you trying to pull?”

  Jewel closed her eyes and thought back. She could remember twigs and branches—yes, the path was hidden. “Give me a minute. I was but a child the last time I came here.”

  Moving over to the thicket, she began removing the brush that revealed the descending path. She heard Lee take a deep breath, but he didn’t say anything as he started down the footpath behind her.

  The steep slope was difficult to maneuver, and Jewel had to be careful not to lose her footing. It turned out to be a precipitous expedition when Lee tripped and slid ten feet down the slope. He got up and glared at Jewel when she passed him with a smile on her lips. Finally, they emerged at the base of the cliff.

  Jewel stood looking around as the others finished their descent. Pleasant, girlish memories swirled in her head. She could almost hear a child’s carefree laughter echoing among the cliffs. Memories of her childhood came flowing back, and she was thankful, hoping those memories would soon bring the answer she sought—the way to escape.

  As they walked down the beach, the shoreline once again changed. Rugged, sharp cliffs gave way to a flat beach littered with boulders the size of heads. A variety of green seaweed grew atop the smooth boulders. She and Jean had called this area the graveyard, because it appeared that sailors been buried straight up in the sand, leaving only their heads above the ground. It was still a scary sight.

  “My God, what is that?” Captain Lee exclaimed.

  “It’s a graveyard.”

  “Who’s buried there?” Lee demanded.

  “All the unsuccessful men who have tried to take the treasure chest.” Jewel’s laughter held an eerie sound, and she saw the uncertainty on the captain’s face.

  “You witch! You’ve led me into a trap.” Lee took her by the shoulders and shook her. “Stop laughing this instant!”

  “Wait. Wait a minute,” she protested. “It’s just a myth. A story Jean made up for me when I was little. Unless you’re afraid of rocks, I suggest we go on.”

  “I don’t care for your jokes.” Lee shoved her none too gently. “Just remember you’ve made a fool of me for the last time.”

  Several caverns lay ahead scattered in different directions. She looked at each one while trying to remember. Finally, she spotted the one she sought. To get to the cavern, they would have to wade through a small cove, which lay just under a cliff.

  Jewel stopped and stared at the water before entering the cove. A dull picture flooded her memory. Suddenly, Jean’s warning came back to her. She was careful not to smile or give anything away. She just might have a surprise for Lee after all.

  “There is a small cave over there.” Jewel pointed to the end of a narrow gully. “That’s where the treasure is hidden.”

  Everyone crossed the cove, but only Captain Lee followed Jewel into the cavern. A torch had been conveniently placed at the entrance, which Lee lit as he followed her. It took a few moments for Jewel’s eyes to adjust to the darkness of the damp hole. Being careful not to trip over the stones on the cavern floor, she inched her way to the back of the cave, noticing the faint smell of seawater. A shelf built into the stone wall lay just ahead. She couldn’t see anything at first, so she began pushing the loose rocks away, until she saw the wooden chest. She tried tugging on the box, but it wouldn’t budge.

  “This is what you seek.” Jewel pointed to the strongbox.

  Lee shoved her aside and went to the treasure. Excitement seemed to fill him as he grunted and groaned, pulling on the wooden chest. It took several tries before he worked it loose. The brown chest came complete with a large black lock. But it was quickly disposed of when Lee shot it off with his pistol. However, the rusty hinges on the lid wouldn’t budge. Picking up a rock, he struck the lid over and over again. Time seemed to stand still as he focused on the chest. The noise of his struggles echoed on the walls as his face broke out in a fine sweat.

  Finally, Lee was rewarded for his efforts as the lid moved. Lifting it carefully, he gasped at the array of dazzling rubies, diamonds, and emeralds that lay before him. He held the torch closer for a better look, and watched the jewels sparkle beneath the light. He raked back the gems. Under them lay gold coins worth a king’s ransom.

  Jewel knew her life would now be in danger. Captain Lee had what he wanted: a treasure chest that would make him as rich as a king. Now it was time to set her plan in motion. She prayed it would work. Jewel stared at Lee, but didn’t really see him as she remembered her uncle’s warning about the small cove they had come through. The tide there was dangerous—nature’s own trap and a watery coffin to those who didn’t heed the warnings.

  She had glanced at the tide briefly when they’d come across the cove. The tide had been out, but would soon start coming in. It came in at the incredible speed of an inch a minute. The water from the cove would back into the caverns where they now stood, and would keep rising to a height of forty to fifty feet. The tide would be a death trap. She just had to make sure it wasn’t her death trap. />
  “How will you carry the chest?” she asked Lee.

  “Why do you think I brought along two big men?” He laughed. “Go get them.”

  It took all three men struggling with the chest to get it up the narrow gully to the edge of the cove. They had to stop often because of the chest’s weight, grumbling about the treasure each time, and at the moment were paying little attention to Jewel.

  She glanced at the small cove. Already the tide had shifted and had started to come in. It looked to be knee deep. Taking a deep breath, she remembered the warning. She would have to hurry.

  Patiently, she waited for the two men to pick up the chest again. Captain Lee followed behind, holding the back of the strongbox while Jewel led the way. They all started forward, and she knew this was her chance. She darted ahead and ran, heading straight for the water.

  “Look, Captain, she’s getting away!”

  They dropped their load, and Lee pulled out his pistol. Taking careful aim, he cocked the trigger. “I might as well kill her now because I don’t need her anymore. I have what I want.” A devious smile touched his lips as he squeezed the trigger. The bullet hit its target. Captain Lee laughed as he watched Jewel fall face-first to the ground. “That, my dear girl, was for this ugly scar.” His hand went to his cheek. “I said I would get even!”

  A searing pain shot through Jewel as the bullet slammed into her shoulder, knocking her to the ground. Gasping, she tried to catch her breath. Slowly she lifted her head to look at the rising water. “Be calm,” she cautioned herself. You must get up . . You must hurry. . . .

  Pulling herself up to her knees, she heard Lee reloading his gun. She found her footing and half staggered into the cove. Struggling against the water to get her stability, she waded through the rough tide. Twice she lost her balance and slid under the water, feeling the sharp sting of salt. The last time, she felt the tug of the undertow as it began to suck her out with the tide. Knowing she was fighting for her life gave Jewel a final burst of energy. She regained her balance and thrust her head out of the water, taking deep breaths of air. She fought the waist-high current and crawled to the other side before collapsing in the dry sand.

  Lee’s men had entered the edge of the water in pursuit of Jewel. But Captain Lee made them come back and get the chest. The three of them entered the cove with their treasure. Lee fired again, but missed Jewel this time.

  “We’ll never make it, Captain. Let’s leave the chest.”

  “I’ll not leave without it! And I will shoot you if you try. Now I strongly suggest you carry that box. It’s only a little water and will not kill you.”

  Lee realized his folly in the middle of the inlet. It was much deeper than it looked. The sand acted like quicksand, trapping their feet and pulling them under. The incoming water swirled around their necks. Their gurgled cries filled the air as the sea slowly rose . . . inch by inch . . . minute by minute. . .

  Jewel heard the frantic screams of the men fading as the sea swept them to their watery graves. Then there was silence. Only the call of the seagulls floated in the breeze. She smiled, knowing justice had been done. Greed knew no mercy, she thought before lapsing into unconsciousness.

  Jean and his men had already secured Captain Lee’s ship. Jean and Dominique were preparing to go ashore when Ben stopped them.

  “You aren’t going without me,” he shouted. “I want to kill that bastard!”

  “Come on, Ben.” Jean smiled grimly, knowing Ben was so angry he wouldn’t need a gun.

  They made the long climb up the cliff and then down the other side. Jean noticed the brush had been moved, and he knew they were on the right trail. Many things ran through his mind. He just hoped he would be in time. Without a weapon, Jewel could suffer at Lee’s hand.

  They had just passed the graveyard when Jean looked up ahead and spotted a body lying in the sand. Icy fingers of fear crept up his back. He stood where he was, paralyzed. He had waited all this time to see Jewel again, and now he might be deprived.

  “Damn,” he swore, before breaking into a run. “Please don’t let me be too late.”

  In no time, Jean covered the distance and was beside Jewel. He rolled her over and brushed the hair and sand from her face. Blood stained the sand beneath her, and her face was pale. He bent down, putting his ear to her mouth. Thank goodness! She was breathing.

  “Jewel.” Jean shook her. “Speak to me, cherie. Where are the others?” he asked.

  Her eyes fluttered open, “Adam?” she mumbled.

  “No, cherie. It’s Jean.”

  “Uncle Jean.” Jewel tried to lift her hand. She wanted to touch him to make sure he was real, but the pain stopped her. “Jean, they took the treasure,” she sobbed. “I’m sorry. I’ve let you down.”

  He laughed that smooth laugh she always remembered. “Cherie, you are my treasure. I can always replace mere trinkets and gold, but I can never replace you.”

  “But our blood pact.” Jewel knew she sounded like a child.

  He rocked her back and forth. “Petite, the blood pact was made with a child and was part of a child’s game. You’re a woman now, and sometimes things change.”

  “Yes, you’re right,” she agreed. “I’ve changed, Jean. I’m married now.”

  “So I’ve heard.” Jean motioned to Ben. “Help me carry her back to the ship.”

  “I want to kill that captain!” Ben had looked everywhere for Lee, but couldn’t find him. “Where is he, Jean?” Ben muttered.

  “It’s too late. The sea took care of him for you, my friend,” Jean explained.

  “Damn, I’ve been cheated,” Ben grumbled, swearing up a blue streak.

  “Ben, is that you?” Jewel’s weak voice sounded faint even to her. “I thought you were dead.”

  “Who, me?” Ben grinned. “You know they can’t kill an old bear like me.” He bent down and picked her up.

  She moaned the minute Ben touched her. Excruciating pain shot through her body just before she passed out.

  “I’ve hurt, her, Jean.” Ben’s voice was filled with concern.

  Jean looked at his niece. “She’s just passed out, my friend. It probably will be better in the long run, especially when we start climbing that cliff to return to the ship.”

  “I’ll take care of her, Jean! Nobody will ever touch her again!” Ben cradled the burden in his arms.

  “I’m sure they won’t, Ben. However, I am a little concerned. She has lost way too much blood. Let’s not waste any time in getting her home.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Crazed with fever by the time he reached Grand Terre, Adam was only standing up straight because of sheer determination and an iron will.

  Pierre was sitting in the study when Adam stormed in, dragging three of Pierre’s best men with him.

  “Where is Jean?” Adam shouted. Beads of perspiration dotted his brow.

  “He’s gone, left on his ship two days ago,” Pierre explained. “What’s wrong, my friend?”

  “Jewel! They have Jewel!” Adam’s fever had reached such a pitch, his speech had become slurred.

  “I know.” Pierre smiled at the man staggering in front of him.

  “Then why in hell are you still here? You’re her uncle!” Adam shook his head. “I’ve got to go and find her.” He now saw two Pierres and would slug the man if he could figure out which one to hit.

  “The only place you’re going is to bed.” Pierre laughed at Adam’s swaying body. “Rest easy. Jean has gone after Jewel.”

  It took four men and Pierre hitting Adam over the head with a bottle of his best rum before Adam was persuaded to go to bed.

  “Ah, love!” Pierre smiled. “It must be wonderful.”

  It was not a quiet time at Grand Terre. Jewel was in one room and Adam in another. Jean attended Jewel, and Pierre, who had lost the flip of the coin, tried to take care of Adam.

  Jewel and Adam spent the next week in and out of fevered sleeps, having absolutely no idea where they were.


  Jewel called for Adam in her crazed state. Jean was beside himself with worry that she wouldn’t recover. He couldn’t lose her, he just couldn’t, now that he had found her again. He diligently bathed Jewel’s forehead and arms, trying to cool the raging fever.

  Of course, Jewel now belonged to Adam, but that was fine with Jean. He couldn’t have chosen better himself. One thing was sure. Adam was definitely man enough to handle her. “Hell, Adam is almost as good as I am,” Jean said out loud, then smiled over his humor.

  He stood up, stretching. Damn, he was getting old. Every muscle and joint ached from being bent over the sick bed. Jewel slept peacefully now, so he left to check on the other patient.

  “How’s it going, Pierre?” Jean started laughing at the sight before him. His brother was sprawled across Adam’s body as Adam thrashed wildly about. Pierre had a damp cloth, trying to wipe Adam’s face with very little success.

  “I’m glad the bloke is sick, or I probably couldn’t handle him.” Pierre laughed at himself. “You want to exchange patients?”

  “And deprive you of all this exercise? I think not.”

  “And Jewel?” Pierre asked, giving up his struggles with Adam.

  “Finally, she is sleeping peacefully. I think the fever has broken. She keeps calling for Adam, though.”

  “He keeps mumbling Jewel’s name, too.”

  “Let’s relax and have some rum,” Jean suggested.

  After half a bottle of rum, the two brothers sat laughing over Jean’s brilliant idea.

  “You probably shouldn’t have done it, Jean.” Pierre chortled.

  “Yeah, you’re probably right. But hell, she wanted him and he wanted her, and we were running ourselves ragged. It made perfect sense to me. Now, they are both in the same bed. Our lives should be easier.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Pierre laughed again.

  “Of course, I’m right. Let Mother Nature take her turn in the healing process.” Jean smiled as he sipped his rum. He was quite pleased with himself. Yes, sir, he was sure Mother Nature would solve all their problems.