Moonlight filtered through the latticework of branches and created pools of light across the ground. He avoided each one, staying as far into the darkness as he could.
Jewel’s hand clamped his fingers so hard, they began to tingle. The sound of voices carried to him. Blythe and his men were searching for them. Attempting to slow his heart, he took a few deep, steadying breaths. Jewel plastered herself as close to him as she could manage. Her wide eyes were the only visible part of her face. Their boots thumped over damp ground, the moss muting their footsteps.
Cold puffs of pine-scented air blew from her mouth, and he gathered her close, certain she was freezing. Why had he brought her here? He should have left her at the castle. The bastard had managed to stay on their heels the entire time, but he should have known Blythe would come here immediately to retrieve the guns.
And here he was, endangering the woman he loved once again.
Rand drew up short, pausing so quickly Jewel ran right into his back. “What’s wrong?” she whispered. “Did you see something?”
No, I just realized what a fool I am for you.
“No, everything’s fine. Let’s go, I’ve got to get you out of here.”
“What about the weapons? Aren’t we going to see if they’re there?”
“Bloody hell, absolutely not. We’re going to get you to safety and get Danby’s men here.”
She squeezed his hand. “But what if he’s moving the weapons? We won’t have proof, Rand! We need to make it over there and make sure they’re there.”
“No, absolutely not.”
“Stubborn pig.”
“Shrew.” And then he whipped around and captured her mouth in a burning kiss, his tongue plunging inside, tasting her essence. She was like opium to him and he needed a dose of her every moment of the day, or he would slowly go mad.
She kissed him back with as much eagerness as he’d kissed her, and yet he still wanted more. His body raged to life, but blast it all, now wasn’t the time for this. But fear of never being able to hold her like this again assailed him. “I-I...love...you, Derington.” The words tumbled from his mouth like wooden puzzle pieces, clumsy and broken. “I don’t know how you did it, but I can’t stand to think about a life without you.”
Her ragged breath caught. She captured his cheeks in her tiny, cold hands. “I love you too, Randall Whitton, you stubborn, blockheaded man.”
He chuckled and kissed her once more. “This won’t be our last adventure together.”
“Promise?”
“You’re bloody right, I do.” He seized her hand and led her through the trees. A shout broke the silence, and his heart stopped at its nearness. He needed to lead them away from her. He couldn’t afford to risk her life. By himself, he had a better chance of getting away than he did with her. The commander would hold entirely too much power over him if both he and Sophia were to be caught.
“Listen,” he whispered. “I’m going to lead them away from you. I want you to find a back way out of here and go find Danby.”
“No, I’m not leaving you.”
His lips thinned. “You have no choice, because I won’t slow down for you, Jewel. I mean it. My life depends on you finding help. Do you understand now?”
Jewel moistened her dry lips. Her gaze turned to liquid as large tears gathered in her eyes. “I’m afraid.”
Her admittance ripped a hole in his heart, and he captured her mouth in a fiery kiss. “I want to live out the rest of my days with you. I’m not planning to die anytime soon. Now make sure you find me some help. I’m counting on you, Derington.”
She nodded, and he kissed her again. Her hands clutched at his shoulders, desperation in her grip. Her ragged breath sounded loud in his ears. “I love you, Rand.”
“I know. And don’t say it like it’s the last time. I plan to hear it whispered against my ear again and again.”
With any luck, it wouldn’t be the last time he heard her say that. Somehow, he would get away. Somehow he would marry Jewel Derington, so they could continue their nightly adventures in his bed because the thought of losing her now was unbearable.
After a lifetime of greed and selfishness, Rand was determined to make Jewel happy—his lust for gold had suddenly changed to a desire for a feisty, little-island-girl and her sugar plantation. Lady fortune had always brought him riches as well as the sweetest Jewel, and he refused to let Blythe take it away.
~ 9 ~
The tall grass whispered against the leather of her boots as Jewel made her way through the cemetery. Her breath came in short gasps. She paused, kneeling behind a maple tree. Dampness and cold were her only companions. Worry for Rand caused her heart to skip a beat over every little noise.
What if they caught him?
Jewel crept over the terrain and glanced around. She had no clue which way she was headed or if she’d already been this way once before. Everything looked the same. She was afraid she had made a wrong turn.
Gunfire blasted through the stillness, and she ducked. Tears threatened to spill down her face. Rand? She chewed her lower lip, debating whether to return and find him. But she’d promised to get help. She must keep that promise.
Stumbling through a swatch of fern fronds, Jewel paused and realized she was back at the overlarge tomb. She ducked quickly, peering through the foliage to make sure no one had seen her. There was no movement, save the slightest breeze brushing the tree limbs.
Clutching the woolen cloak around her, she held her breath and waited. Nothing moved. She inched forward another twenty paces or so. She could enter the tomb and check to see where the weapons were hidden and leave before anyone found her.
Why else would fate have led her back here? Then she could find her way out of the cemetery and get help. Just one quick glance, and then she’d leave.
Indecision warred inside her, but she climbed to her feet, raced across the area, and plastered herself against the back of the building. She eased around the corner, careful, watching for any signs of Blythe and his men.
Tiptoeing forwards, she raced around the side of the building and ducked through the entrance. She slid to a halt and listened. No sound drifted out the opening to the sarcophagus. Taking a deep, calming breath, she wiped her damp palms on her trousers and leaned over to see inside. A lit sconce brightened the narrow corridor.
Uncertainty made her hesitate and kept her immobile. She inhaled deep breaths. Perhaps she should just find help. She wasn’t even sure if Rand was still alive. What if they’d killed him?
She should just go find Danby. That had been the original plan. Jewel whirled and collided into something solid. She gasped and clamped both hands over her mouth to smother the sound.
“Derington.”
Commander Blythe lifted one corner of his mouth. “So glad you could join me here. Has Rand changed his mind suddenly? I’m having a difficult time understanding why I’ve caught the both of you here, and so soon after arriving? Perhaps I can persuade you to tell me the truth, because Whitton seems determined to keep his mouth shut. Perhaps you’ll be a little more accommodating. What say you?”
Blythe seized her by the back of her hair and yanked her out the entrance, shoving her forcefully to the ground. She landed with a hard jar to the knees. She gasped at the pain.
“Leave her alone!”
Jewel jerked her gaze up. Two burly guards flanked Rand on either side, holding him captive. On his knees, he glared heatedly at the commander and struggled against the hands holding him. His face bore black bruises, and blood trickled from a cut at his temple and one at the corner of his mouth. She whispered his name.
Why hadn’t she done as she promised and left to find Danby? Oh, what had her impulsiveness gotten them into now? Certainty that they would never make it out of this alive furrowed her brow as fear inched its way up her spine and filled her heart with a cold, heavy hand. Whatever move they made now only delayed the inevitable certainty that death lay just around the corner.
~ *
~
Leather harnesses jingled and the creak of wood broke the monotony of the cricket’s night songs. The weapons had been loaded into a wagon in short order, and two men drove off, leaving Blythe and two of his henchmen there with Jewel and Rand. They’d been kept on opposite sides of the area, guarded by an armed soldier. An uneasy feeling roiled inside his gut as the commander strode toward Jewel. If the bastard touches her, I’ll kill him.
“Tell me, Derington, what brought you both out on a night like this? Perhaps Whitton has changed his bloody mind?” The commander moved around to face her. “That’s too bad I’ve already found another to take his place. He’ll be picking my weapons up in Portsmouth tonight. I must say I was disappointed in Rand as he was my first choice. It’s too bad you must both die for his foolish decision.” The commander gave a ghost of a smile. “But you understand, don’t you? I can’t leave any loose ends, if you know what I mean.”
“And my father? What about him?”
Blythe chuckled. “You don’t really believe I would let your betrayal go unchecked, do you?”
Pain wrenched a cry from her lips as tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. Rand’s heart split in two at the hollow sound of despair.
“You bastard!” she screamed.
Blythe gave a cynical smile. “You expected anything more?”
Jewel spit in his face, though his guard tightened his hold. Blythe wiped the spittle away with one hand. He reared back and plowed a fist into her cheek.
Rand roared his disapproval and struggled against the guard’s hold. “I’m going to gut you like a pig, Blythe, with my bloody bare hands, and then I’m going to let the crows feast on your entrails.”
Blythe laughed. “The odds aren’t exactly in your favor, Whitton.”
“To hell with the odds!”
Jewel climbed back to her feet and wiped a hand across her bloodied mouth. His gut churned with rage and revenge soured in his mouth like rotten food. There were only three adversaries left. All he needed was a distraction, and then Blythe would be his.
“Place them in the tomb, Lieutenant Fitzroy, and seal it. Then meet me later,” Blythe said as he whirled, heading for his mount.
Fitzroy seized Jewel around the waist, and with a single thrust, she struck him with her forehead. Surprisingly, both of them plummeted to the ground unconscious, one lying atop the other. It was exactly the kind of distraction he’d needed. “There’s a good girl.”
Rand jammed an elbow into the guard’s gut, spun, and landed a solid jab into his nose. Blythe whirled back towards them and lifted his dragoon pistol. Rand seized the dazed guard just as he fired and the bullet blasted a half-inch hole in the man’s chest. The naval officer sucked in his last breath and Rand tossed him to ground, bounding for the commander.
Blythe unsheathed his boarding cutlass. Rand dodged the swipe to his midsection. “Perhaps you’d like to rethink your strategy now, Whitton?”
Rand evaded another blow and backed into the tomb. He glanced up quickly and seized the lit brass sconce. The commander spun away and struck on the return. Sparks and ashes flew in every direction.
The sconce was unwieldy and much heavier than the sword, but Rand managed to block the myriad of blows.
“It’s truly too bad you won’t be around to save Derington when I sell her into the slave markets, Rand.” The commander lashed out at Rand, barely missing his mid-section. “But that’s after I sample the goods, old friend.”
Rand snarled and swung again with enough force it loosened the commander’s grip, but Rand snatched the handle of the commander’s dirk. With a single move, it sank to the hilt into Blythe’s unprotected heart.
“You have to get through me, first. Old friend.”
The commander froze, released the cutlass, and dropped to his knees, a stunned expression on his face.
Rand crossed to Jewel, lifting her from atop the unconscious guard. He carried her several feet away as she stirred in his arms. Still holding her, he sank to the ground and kissed her awake.
She smiled sweetly up at him before her gaze widened. She sat up so quickly she collided with his chin.
He cursed. “Will you bloody well sit still?”
She apologized, and somehow he ended up in her arms instead. “Are you all right, Rand?”
“Yes, damn it.”
Apparently memory of the recent events returned to her as she peered around at the bodies across the ground. “What happened?”
Rand chuckled. “You’re dangerous, Derington. Your bloody head makes one hell of a distraction. Did you plan that?”
Jewel’s gaze rounded in incredulity, and then she grinned. “I always have a backup plan, Captain.”
~ Epilogue ~
A week after Christmas, many of the guests were leaving the castle. Only a few had decided to stay a bit longer. The admiralty had found her father bound and chained in the hull of the HMS Gallant, and he would be arriving today. Relief had spilled from her in ragged tears as the weight of mourning lifted from her shoulders. Granted the greatest Christmas gift in the world, Jewel would cherish each and every moment with the ones she loved for the rest of her life. She would start by introducing Rand to her father.
After their harrowing escape from Blythe, the admiralty had informed them they must stay until the investigation had concluded, which was just fine in Jewel’s opinion.
This lavish estate was unlike anything she’d ever seen before and she was very much enjoying exploring such a large castle. Especially now that one of Rand’s cousins—“the twins,” as they were called—had lent her such a glorious gown to wear. It was very light and diaphanous, as white as the Caribbean beaches with long sleeves and a high waist. The only color was the jonquil yellow ribbon at the waist and sleeves.
Snow trickled from the skies outside. With every window she passed, she found herself awestruck by the picturesque scenery beyond. Such a grand and beautiful estate Danby Castle was. She could almost see herself living here amongst the finery. Even the people were beautiful. There were very few rotting teeth and ragged clothes to be found here.
Bored as she waited for Rand while he visited with his newfound sister, Jewel perused the paintings lining the corridor of the portrait gallery. She could hardly believe he’d never known he had a sister all these years.
She peered closely at the duke’s portrait. Would Rand’s portrait be mounted in this gallery one day? Such dignified lords and ladies to be sure. Although, it was difficult to imagine him as a duke’s grandson, perhaps one day she could return to see his portrait here. She hoped so.
She moved across the area to the railing decorated with heavy garland to peer down the stairs. Everywhere she looked were splashes of laurel, holly, ivy, and rosemary. Christmas at Danby Castle was a rare treat indeed.
Catching sight of Rand, her heart leapt into her throat. He wore dark tight trousers and a double breasted coat with a white cravat. An extremely dashing figure to say the least. His overlong hair was tied back in a leather thong, which gave him a very rakish appeal. So unlike the short-haired gentlemen she’d met so far.
He glanced up at her from below and grinned. “There you are. I was looking for you.”
She leaned both elbows on the railing and placed her chin in one hand as if she were bored. “You’ve found me, Captain. What can I do for you?”
“Perhaps you could come down here so that I may speak with you and tell you how sinfully beautiful you look in that dress.”
Jewel grinned as warmth flooded her cheeks. “Shall we discuss where our next adventure shall take us?”
Rand rested a foot on the bottom step and leaned one hand casually on the rail. Jewel strolled down the staircase.
“As a matter of fact, I was hoping we would. I was thinking we should head to Scotland for our honeymoon once we’re married. What say you, Derington?”
Jewel tripped over her own feet at those words and tumbled down the last several steps as Rand rushed up to catch her. S
he landed unceremoniously in his arms and peered up at him with a silly smile on her face as he helped set her to rights. With wide eyes she gazed at him. “Truly?”
He nodded. “Yes, truly. I’ve found something much more valuable than blunt, it seems, and I don’t plan on wasting another moment before making it mine.”
“Well then,” she whispered. “It seems I’ve already fallen for you, Captain. I would follow you to the ends of the earth, if need be.”
He chuckled. “Someone needs to be around to catch you when you stumble.”
“Indeed. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Whatever adventure you have planned for us I’m certain to enjoy it, so long as you’re with me, my love.
Rand softly brushed his lips against hers in the most gentle of kisses. “Then what are we waiting for, Mrs. Whitton?”
Winning a Lady’s Heart
Christi Caldwell
Dedication
For my husband, Doug, the most amazing husband, father, and friend. Thank you for giving up golfing and your computer so I could pursue my dream. I couldn’t have written a more perfect hero than you.
~ Christi
~ 1 ~
There was something oddly suspicious about Nathaniel Michael Winters, Fifth Earl of Pembroke.
It wasn’t the kind of oddly suspicious that aroused one’s fear, per se.
But more the kind of—something was…well, off.
Lady Alexandra Foster cocked her head and studied Nathan from her spot on the Pomona green silk brocade settee in her father’s parlor. Nathan stood staring out the window, his tall, broadly muscular frame stiffly erect, his hands folded behind his back.
Her eyes darted to the loudly ticking ormolu clock on the fireplace mantle.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
She’d counted no fewer than twenty beats of the grating rhythm filling the ominously quiet parlor. Counting had always been something of a calming technique for Alexandra since she’d mastered her numbers in the schoolroom. Nathan had teased her about it since the moment she’d confessed the oddity to him.
Summons From the Castle, Regency Christmas Summons Collection 3 Page 12
