Taken by You

by Connie Mason

  “Nay, you will not leave England!” the queen declared, stamping her foot to give emphasis to her words. “The Spanish woman is where she belongs. Look to Lady Jane for solace, she will be a wife worthy of your name. We have taken the liberty of asking the bishop to prepare annulment papers. They await your signature.”

  Morgan exhaled slowly. “And if I refuse?”

  “Your properties will be confiscated and you will be imprisoned in the Tower until you regain your senses. Is that your wish?”

  “It appears my wishes are of no consequence in this matter.”

  ”’Tis in your best interest, Sir Scott You know We were never pleased with your marriage. Not only were you forced to take a wife totally unsuitable to your station but the marriage was performed by a Papist priest, reason enough for annulment Lady Jane brings with her enormous wealth and numerous estates. ‘Tis our fondest wish that our beloved hero wed the Lady Jane. You have much to lose by denying our request and everything to gain by accepting it, the least of which is a lovely wife who is smitten with you.” Her words sounded suspiciously like a threat, and Morgan did not take kindly to threats.

  After delivering her ultimatum, the queen sank gracefully into her chair, waiting complacently for Morgan to submit to her wishes. She would not accept refusal; she never did.

  “Is that Your Majesty’s last word?”

  “Aye, ‘tis my final word on the subject”

  “Then I have no choice,” Morgan ceded graciously. It was quite a feat keeping his temper on an even keel while inside he seethed with resentment and rage, but somehow he managed. The queen might guess but would never know the cost to his pride.

  “Oh, Morgan, you won’t regret it,” Lady Jane squealed delightedly. Morgan gave her a wintry smile. “I knew you would make the right decision, that’s why I went ahead with the plans for our wedding. We will be married one week from today with the entire court in attendance. We can spend our honeymoon at my remote estate in Cornwall. I’ve already sent word to have it prepared for our visit.”

  “You’ve thought of everything,” Morgan observed coolly.

  “You have made a wise choice. Sir Scott,” the queen said, more than pleased with Morgan’s capitulation. Few of her subjects were so foolish as to thwart her wishes.

  “So be it,” Morgan said, eager to escape the queen and Lady Jane. “If you will excuse me, Your Majesty, there is much I must do before the wedding. I still have a damaged ship and wounded men to attend. I must send word to Scott Hall and acquire a proper wardrobe to honor my bride.”

  Elizabeth gave an imperious wave of her hand. “You are excused, Sir Scott. Weeks at sea with our victorious fleet must have left you exhausted.”

  Morgan withdrew with as much grace as he could muster. He had no idea Lady Jane was following until he sensed her at his side. “I really am exhausted, Jane,” he repeated for her benefit ‘Tomorrow would be a better time to discuss plans.”

  “I don’t want to talk.” Her voice held a sultry note of promise. “There is no reason for restraint now. Our wedding needs only the ceremony to make it legal. Your wife has deserted you, and I already feel like your wife. Make love to me, Morgan.”

  Morgan gritted his teeth in frustration. Damn Bess and damn Jane for pushing him into something he did not want He still had a week and he intended to make good use of it before…

  “Not now,” Morgan hedged. “I’ll come to your chamber tonight I’ll be of mile use to you if I fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow. I’m filthy and in need of a bath. Please excuse me.”

  Jane pouted prettily. “I’ll help you with your bath. Who knows what will happen once you are refreshed.”

  “I know. I intend to take a long nap.”

  “Morgan, I’m beginning to think you’re trying to avoid making love to me.” Her voice took on a hard edge. “All I need to do is suggest to Queen Bess that you intend to back out of the marriage and she will promptly seize all your holdings and lock you in the Tower until you come around.”

  “Ah, Jane, I believe you would enjoy that” Morgan said softly, too softly, sending a shiver racing down Jane’s elegant back. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her hard, roughly, transferring all his anger to the harsh possession of her mouth. Jane shuddered, welcoming his brutal kiss with ravening hunger.

  “Morgan, oh, Morgan, yes, I like you this way.” She moaned mindlessly against his mouth, breathless with anticipation. “I don’t care how rough you get.”

  A sound of disgust gurgled deep in Morgan’s throat. Jane’s mouth was wet and slack beneath his. He suspected that he could take her on the floor, in the corridor, and she wouldn’t protest But he didn’t want her, not now, not ever. Luca was the only woman he wanted, and he’d have her if he could get rid of Jane without forfeiting his life. Time was of the essence. He had but a week to get his affairs in order, and it was going to be damn difficult with Jane panting after him. How in the Hell was he going to keep her satisfied without actually bedding her?

  “Tonight,” Morgan whispered against her mouth. Giving her breast a teasing caress that promised long hours of bliss, he turned and strode briskly away.

  “Morgan…” Jane stamped her foot angrily, her body still thrumming with unrequited desire. “Damn that man,” she muttered beneath her breath If he didn’t fulfill his promise this time, there would be Hell to pay. Her family was a powerful force in England. She’d personally see that Morgan Scott was rendered penniless if he disappointed her. By the time she finished with him he’d have nothing, not even his ship, which he seemed to value so greatly. Spinning on her heel, she returned to the Presence Chamber.

  A short time later Morgan slipped out a side entrance, hailed a passing hack and arrived at Billingsgate a short time later. Crawford was waiting for him aboard the Avenger.

  “That didn’t take long, Morgan.” His eyes gleamed with mirth. “I assumed you’d spend more time with Luca, knowing how anxious you were to see her.”

  “Luca is gone,” Morgan said tersely.

  “Gone! Where in the Devil has she gone?”

  “My guess is Spain. I’m assuming she accompanied a group or Jesuit priests who returned to Spain shortly after we sailed.”

  “You know that for a fact?”

  Morgan’s expression altered subtly, conveying his uncertainty. “No. No one saw her leave, but It’s the only lead I have. Bess already ascertained she’s not at Scott Hall. There’s nowhere else she could go. She had no one to turn to at court but the Jesuits—everyone else ignored her, and I was too busy or too stubborn to be much of a husband to her. I’m going after her to beg her forgiveness.”

  “When?”

  “How badly is the ship damaged?”

  “Not badly. Our own carpenters can repair the rudder and riggings, and our sailmakers can mend torn canvas with no problem. Shouldn’t take over two weeks.”

  Morgan sent him a bleak look. “I don’t have two weeks. Everything has to be done in six days or less.”

  “Six days! You expect miracles, Morgan”

  “Aye, can you do it?”

  “What happens if it can’t be done?”

  “I’ll either be forced to marry Lady Jane or lose all my possessions to the crown and spend the rest of my days in the Tower. I’ll be destitute, Stan. I won’t even have a ship to take me back to Andros.”

  “Not exactly destitute, my friend. Have you forgotten the plunder hidden on Andros?”

  “I’ve not forgotten, but it’s insubstantial compared to what’s in the bank in London”

  “What are your plans?” Crawford asked, sensing another adventure.

  “We’re going to Spain,” Morgan confided, “but first…” In a low voice he outlined his plan to Crawford.

  Crawford listened intently, nodding eagerly as Morgan’s plan unfolded. “It could work, but what if Luca isn’t willing? What if she wants nothing to do with you? And your plans concerning Lady Jane are risky at best This obvious she intends to have you
in her bed before the ceremony. And last but not least, there is the queen to contend with. If you pull this off, she’ll likely never forgive you. You’ll be arrested and imprisoned.”

  “I’ve considered everything, Stan, and it’s paltry compared to a life without Luca. All the riches in the world are worthless without Luca to share them with me.”

  “Those are strong words from a man who can’t abide Spaniards. The little nun got under your skin, didn’t she?”

  “Aye,” Morgan admitted, “more than you’ll ever know. Otherwise I’d do my duty to me queen no matter how distasteful. But now I’ll rot in the Tower before becoming the queen’s pawn and signing those damn annulment papers. But I need your help.”

  Crawford chuckled. “What you’re asking of me is a little unorthodox.”

  “Desperate times call for desperate measures. If you have no stomach for it…”

  “It isn’t that” Crawford contended, still grinning. “The lady is bound to know the difference.”

  “Not if you use the darkness to your advantage. We are enough alike in looks and build to raise no suspicion. Just make damn certain you perform adequately. I want no doubts about my virility. I do have a reputation to uphold.”

  Crawford gave a shout of laughter. “As arrogant as ever, I see. Don’t worry, my friend, I’ll raise my mast high in salute to the lady. We have shared women many times throughout the years, but This is the first and last time I’ll be doing it in your name.”

  “Start the men on the repairs, Stan There is much to be done before we hoist sail. I’ll see you later tonight in my chamber at Whitehall.”

  Morgan left, going directly from the Avenger to his solicitor’s office. Morgan had engaged Sylvester Thornhill shortly after returning to England as a young man, following his escape from slavery. Thornhill had proven his worm time and again during the years Morgan sailed the high seas in search of Spanish plunder. He was trustworthy, discreet, and above all, competent to handle all aspects of Morgan’s business. And Morgan trusted Thornhill to divulge nothing that went on within the confines of his office.

  “Do you have any qualms about doing what I ask?” Morgan inquired once he had laid his plans before the lawyer.

  “Let me get this straight,” Thornhill said slowly. “You wish to pension off your servants at Scott Hall and give them a generous severance. Are you planning on closing the hall permanently?”

  “I’m leaving the country, perhaps for good,” Morgan confided. “I’ll be honest with you, Thornhill, because you deserve it. This likely my estates will be seized by the crown I don’t want my servants to suffer, especially Clyde Withers. He’s a good man, and loyal.”

  Thornhill’s eyes widened. “You’re a hero. Captain, why would your estates be confiscated?”

  “It’s a long story, and I certainly will tell you, but first, are you willing to follow my instructions?”

  “Of course, did you doubt it? What else can I do for you?”

  “Plenty. I will be turning all my assets into gold and transferring it aboard the Avenger. If you can find a buyer for Scott Hall within a week’s time, fine, but if not, It’s of no consequence.”

  “It may be difficult but not impossible. Several prospects have already come to mind. Is that all?”

  “No. I want you to continue as my London broker for the lumber I ship from Andros. Take your fees from the profits and bank the rest under the name of my first mate, Stan Crawford. He will be free to come and go from England at will.”

  Thomhill searched Morgan’s face. “This certainly sounds like you are severing ties with England, Captain Scott. Are you certain This is what you want?”

  “Circumstances make it necessary. I would not have chosen this course if the queen weren’t making it all but impossible for me to remain in England.” He stretched to his feet. “Time grows short, and there’s much yet to be done. Send word around to the Avenger when you’ve completed the tasks I’ve set for you. Nothing is private at court and I wish to keep my plans secret”

  “You’ll be hearing from me soon, Captain Scott”

  Later that day Stan Crawford made his way to Morgan’s chamber with little fanfare. His discreet knock was answered immediately, and he slipped inside the moment the door opened.

  “I hope to God this works,” Stan said, grinning mischievously. “I still say you should do your own dirty work.”

  Morgan sent him a quelling look. “It’s not as if you won’t be pleasurably rewarded for this night’s work.”

  Crawford raised a well-shaped brow. ‘I’ll let you know later. Are you sure this is what you want?”

  “I need to buy time, Stan, and I certainly don’t want to bed Lady Jane. I couldn’t touch her without thinking of Luca every minute I was with her. I don’t want to betray my wife. This is the only way I can think of to placate Jane and not to betray my marriage vows. Jane’s a hot little piece. I think you’ll enjoy her. I was sorely tempted to try her on more than one occasion, but something always stopped me.”

  “This a foul trick, but I understand. Don’t worry, I won’t disappoint the lady.”

  “Just one thing, Stan,” Morgan reminded him. “I don’t want you to leave Jane with a babe in her belly when neither you nor I will be around to claim it. I don’t want to hurt her, she’s not a vicious person, just a determined one. She’s not a virgin, so you won’t be stealing anything from her that she hasn’t already given away. Just be sure to give her enough pleasure to satisfy her.”

  The corridors were deserted. It was long past midnight; a time when the darkest hours of night pulled a blanket over the sleeping world. Stan and Morgan slipped quietly from the chamber and crept down the hallway to Lady Jane’s room. They paused outside the door for the briefest moment, then Morgan turned to Stan and placed a finger over his mouth. Stan stood aside as Morgan opened the door and stepped inside. A single candle, burnt nearly down to a stub, cast the room into a shadowy haven for lovers. The flickering flame was dangerously close to sputtering out.

  “Morgan, is that you? What took you so long? I’ve been waiting for hours.” Her pouty tone revealed her vexation.

  “Aye, ‘this me, Jane.” He moved toward the bed, pausing near the dancing candlelight a few seconds so Jane could get a good look at him.

  “Hurry, love,” she breathed raggedly, “and for God’s sake close the door.”

  Turning swiftly, Morgan made certain he created enough breeze in passing to douse the dying flame. The room was plunged into darkness.

  “Morgan, what happened?”

  “Nothing,” Morgan assured her. “The candle sputtered out. We don’t need a light. I’ll be with you as soon as I close the door.” He walked to the door, slipped into the hall, and motioned for Stan to take his place. Once Stan was inside the chamber, Morgan closed the door.

  “I’m waiting, Morgan,” Jane said peevishly. “Can’t you light the candle, I want to see you.”

  The bed dipped and Stan eased beneath the sheets beside Jane. “Forget the light, I want to learn you with my hands.” His voice held a rough edge of anticipation, so Jane did not question the slight change in tone. She was experienced enough to recognize the gruff impatience of a man’s passion.

  Stan did not disappoint Jane, nor did his love-making damage Morgan’s reputation. If anything, Morgan’s virility was enhanced by Stan’s magnificent performance as a lover. Stan knew immediately that Jane was well-acquainted with passion, for her performance left him breathless. By the time he’d aroused Jane to stunning rapture, he was blessing Morgan for giving him this enjoyable chore. Not only did Stan please Jane exceptionally well, he did it more than once. Unlike Morgan, there was no other woman in his life, and he enjoyed Jane to the fullest keeping in mind Morgan’s warning about not leaving Jane with chili He crept from her bed just before dawn, after Jane had lapsed into an exhausted sleep.

  Stan returned to find Morgan pacing his chamber with a marked lack of patience.

  “Well, how did it go?
Did Jane suspect anything? You sure as Hell stayed long enough.”

  Stan stretched and yawned. “Lady Jane isn’t a woman you can easily leave once she has you in her bed. Bloody Hell, Morgan, she came damn close to wearing me out”

  Morgan suppressed a grin. “Are you complaining?”

  Not bloody likely. You have nothing to worry about, my friend, I gave us both a good accounting. Your reputation with the ladies will flourish after last night”

  Morgan gave a shout of laughter. “A modest fellow, aren’t you? Nevertheless, I’m grateful. There is only one woman for me, Stan, and she’s in Spain.”

  “I should be getting back to the ship,” Stan said, staring longingly at the bed. He hadn’t slept a wink. “If you have need of my services again, let me know. I’ll be happy to oblige.”

  “You’re a true friend,” Morgan chuckled. “I hope I’ll have no need of such a deception again. Now that I’ve proven myself, Jane can’t accuse me of avoiding her bed.”

  “You’re an amazing lover,” Stan said, tongue in cheek. “Well, I’ll be off then. Any instructions?”

  “Keep the men working on the ship. Well slip from Billingsgate on the evening tide the night before my wedding day. Meanwhile, I’ll make all necessary arrangements and try to avoid Jane. Trunks should be arriving daily with the bulk of my wealth. Store them in the hold with the cargo.”

  Later that day Morgan tried to slip away from Whitehall without being noticed. As luck would have it, Lady Jane hailed him as he approached the gate. Having run all the way to catch up with him, she was panting for breath when she reached him. Morgan could not help but note how her eyes sparkled; her lips appeared slightly swollen and red from her night’s exertions, no doubt. Stan hadn’t exaggerated, Jane looked like a woman who had been thoroughly tumbled.

  “Morgan, where are you going?”

  “Business, Jane,” Morgan replied. The corners of his eyes crinkled with amusement as he bent low and whispered, “Are you displeased with me?”