No. There was no way. Her thought was so foolish, Ivy let out a rueful chuckle. There was no way at all for her to be with this man. He was a pirate, she was a lady.
Chapter Twenty-One
Gage paced back and forth in his cabin that evening. He had not visited Ivy since he had given her the Bible. What did she think of him? Did she find his efforts foolhardy, or did she appreciate them? Had she even looked at the book or his notes inside? Mayhap not. The thoughts shooting through his head were about to turn him mad.
Gage ran a hand through his hair. He had been worrying about the woman so much throughout the day that he had barely had the concentration to focus on his work. In fact, the men had teased him again. Many had seen Ivy run from his cabin, sobbing, the night before, and they did not miss the chance to poke fun at him. A sigh escaped his lips. No, he did not care what the men said at all. All he cared about was if the woman fared well. He feared a visit to her side might trigger her to cry again.
“Captain, you are bound to pound a hole through your deck and crash down to the hold below.” He had almost forgotten about Adam, who was with him, helping him chart their course.
“I apologize. I’m simply concerned, ’tis all. Surely you understand.”
Adam chuckled. “Of course I do, sir. I am concerned for her as well.”
“D-do you think I should pay her a visit? I want to make sure she has everything she needs.”
“No, sir. I believe what she wants right now is solitude.” Adam hefted Emma up in his arms and swung her high above his head. Her playful giggles sweetened the air. Gage smiled, despite his tortured mood. Ah, but it was pleasant to have a young child in their midst. He could really grow accustomed to having the tyke around.
A soft tap on the door interrupted his thoughts. “State your business,” he called.
“Captain?” A feminine voice replied.
Ivy. Ivy. She had come. And she sounded happy. Gage glanced at Adam excitedly.
“You might do well to let the woman in your cabin, sir.” Adam smiled.
Gage chuckled. “Aye.” He pulled the door open. Ivy nudged her way inside the cabin and wrapped her arms around him in a sudden embrace. Over his shoulder, Gage noticed Adam’s eyebrows rise nearly to his hairline.
“I’ll be going now, Captain. I wish you a good evening. You as well, Lady Shaw.” He made his way around Gage and Ivy and shut the cabin door behind him.
Ivy pulled away from Gage, her face stained bright red. “I-I am sorry, sir. I had thought you were alone.”
Gage flashed a grin. “Believe me, milady, there is no need to apologize. In fact, I would be pleased if you did that much more often.”
The woman’s face heated to a deeper shade of red.
“You enchant me, my good woman. Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”
“You, Captain—Gage.”
His heart skipped a beat.
“I read your notes in the Bible you gave me. That was the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. It aided me, as well. I feel much better than I did last night.”
Gage pressed a kiss to her hand before entangling both her hands in his. “That is a true honor for me, Ivy.”
She smiled, stood on her tiptoes, and hesitated. After what seemed like an eternity, she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Gage felt his eyes widen. Was she just expressing her thankfulness to him, or did she perhaps harbor some deeper feelings for him?
Please let it be the latter.
He pulled away from her slightly, only to allow himself a better view of her beautiful face. His gaze halted on her lips. They were pink and moist. Oh, he was sure they were very soft, too. Memories of their last kiss in the jungle inundated his mind. Had it been a mistake, or a boon? Whatever it was, Gage wanted to relive it. He closed his eyes, leaned close, and touched his lips to hers, gently. Heavens, he did not want to frighten her away.
She gasped. Gage cupped her cheek with one hand and angled her body closer to his with the other. Her pulse accelerated under his hand. His own coursed faster than he could recall it ever moving before. The woman wrapped her arms around his neck. He tilted her head to the side to deepen the kiss. She moaned.
Gage pulled away to catch his breath and press some kisses to her cheek, her jaw, her forehead. Her hands entangled themselves in his hair. He leaned back in for another kiss. She tasted sweet, like honey and tea. Oh, what was he to do? She was perfect.
****
This man was perfect. Ivy did not care if he was a pirate. He was perfect, and he was kissing her. And it felt like heaven. In fact, he chased all thoughts from her head and all she was left with was the pleasure of his company. A sigh escaped her lips as he deposited a kiss on her throat.
A toddler’s cry rent the air. Ivy pulled away immediately and backed up a few steps. Her back slammed against the door. Gage swung away as well, putting just about as many feet between them as he could in this tiny cabin. After a few moments of staring at her, he finally looked to his left, where Emma lay on the bed, squalling.
Ivy pressed her hands to her burning cheeks. Gage leaned down and scooped the child in his arms. ’Twas a good thing he was minding Emma, because Ivy was unsure if she was steady enough on her feet at the moment to do so. She leaned back against the sturdy oak door. A glance in the small shaving mirror on the captain’s desk told her that not only were her cheeks bright red and her lips swollen, but her hair had come almost completely down from its up-do. She groaned and bent down to the floor, searching for lost hair pins. How long have I been kissing the scamp?
The scamp cast a sidelong glance as he scooped Emma in his arms. He winked at her. “What, do you miss me already, milady? I would be happy to kiss you again as soon as I’ve tended to the babe.”
Ivy raised a hand to her throat. Of all the… “Sir, I do not ask you to kiss me again. I will…admit the kiss we shared was enjoyable. However…”
He cradled the child in his arms. Oh, were his arms muscular. “However, what, miss?” The man flashed her a charming grin as he bounced Emma in his arms. The description for this pirate was dashing. Her mind went a little fuzzy. Had he asked her a question?
“What, Ivy? You were explaining to me why I should not kiss you again.”
Oh, right. “Yes, sir. You should not kiss me again because…because…” The scoundrel balanced Emma in the crook of his arm and took a few steps closer to her again. He knew the effect he had on her.
“You were saying, miss?”
“Oh, you big bully! I insist you step back. I have no room to breathe.”
He obliged, smirking.
“I was saying you should not kiss me. You do realize we have no future together, right, sir? You are a sailor and I am a lady. Society would shun me if they found out I had connected myself with a man such as you…no matter how I felt about you myself.” The very thought pained Ivy. But someone had to voice it. They would have to part ways eventually, and when they did, it would only be harder if they had grown accustomed to each other’s company throughout the voyage. Aye, it would be best if there was no more kissing.
****
Gage’s eyes flicked down to her lips, unbidden as she spoke. How was he supposed to stop kissing the woman when her lips were so pretty and inviting? Focus, Gage. He shifted Emma to his other arm as he studied Ivy. She did have a point, after all. They needed to decide what to do when they reached London.
He did not want to lead her on by offering sweet kisses and words without honorable intentions. But how could he have honorable intentions? She was far above him in station. There was no doubt about that. And although he could keep her well fed and cared for, he could not provide her a title the many earls of England could. I am an awful man. What am I doing to this woman?
“Ivy…”
“Let me talk, Captain. Please.” She squeezed her eyes shut and inhaled deeply.
“Aye, miss. Anything you wish.”
Her lips twitched upwards ever so sli
ghtly as she opened her eyes. Turmoil swirled in their gray-blue depths. “Sir, I…I must admit I do care for you. I would be a fool to deny that. And I realize you seem to have feelings for me as well. But what will become of us? I am a lady. You are a pirate.”
“I’m a privateer, actually, milady. Commissioned—or soon to be commissioned by the king to do his work on the seas.” Gage ran a hand through his hair. He did not wish to hear where Ivy’s speech was taking them. He wanted her. He wanted her to be his wife.
“Either way, sir, our marriage would lower my status considerably.”
He should let her go. He should let her marry some rich, fat earl who would probably be unfaithful to her. But that outcome was not fair. It was not fair to either of them, or to Emma. No earl would take Emma. What would become of the child?
“Ivy, I understand you have a reputation to uphold. But I will work hard. I-I believe I can become well-respected in this business. Caspian has taught me well. I will do all I can to make you proud.”
A tear slid down her cheek. “You already have done me proud, Gage. You really have.”
“Then I beg of you, miss. Give me an opportunity. I want a chance to prove myself to you. To win your favor.”
Her eyebrows drew close together.
“Land ho!” A cry drifted down from the main deck. Gage transferred Emma to Ivy’s arms and sped up the companionway, with Ivy following. He pulled out his spyglass and, sure enough, there lay the city of Charles Town, her lights shining bright against the sky.
Gage snagged Ivy’s hand in his and squeezed it. His sister was somewhere in that city.
****
Addie ignored the tears that streamed down her face as she made the finishing stitches on the hem of a gown she had received yesterday. She must not allow herself to get so emotional. So what if Gage never came? Why, she was just fine by herself. The past few months, she had been getting along just fine on her own. Of course, she had received some charity from the kind souls in town, but she had worked for most of her money. So who cared if yet another man in her life failed her? Nothing was new.
She had not seen her brother in several years. What did he look like now? Was he still the clean-shaven, polite young man she knew and loved? What had the sea done to him over time? A stab of pain shot through her heart. What if he was hurt? Injuries and death at sea were common. Was she to lose him, too? First her birth parents, and then her adopted mother. Finally her husband. No, she could not allow the thought to pass through her mind. Surely Gage was fine.
Addie glanced out the window of her room at the top of the milliner’s shop. The ocean glistened a few streets down, just barely in her view. Surely Gage was out there, sailing towards her. Please let it be so. I am not certain how much longer I can live like this.
****
Addie. He would see his little sister within the next day! Oh, but God was good. A grin stretched across his face as he remembered the “lavender lawn” fabric, as Ivy had called it, stashed away in the hold. Addie would love the gift. Gage was certain of that.
Ivy. That woman was an entirely different concern. He frowned, remembering her declaration stating they may not allow any further affections to grow between them. But he would win her. He would. For he needed her in order to be happy.
Gage would provide for her and give her the best life he could. Sure, he did not have the title of an earl, but from what he had heard from his friends, those men were naught but cruel imposters anyway. Caspian’s wife had been promised to an earl who regularly beat her. No, Gage would not allow Ivy to face some dismal fate simply because she wanted a respectable title. He would win her heart even if it was the last thing he did. Heaven knew, she already had his.
****
Ivy buried her face in her hands. What had she said to Gage? The man already had her heart. He had no business trying to win her favor. He already had it. No, there was naught she could do. She had fallen thoroughly in love with this privateer captain and she had no idea what to do to rectify the situation.
Shouts from the deck roused her from her position on the bed and made her wander outside to find the source. The men milled about on deck, some swinging back and forth on the ropes in the rigging, others adjusting the width of the sails. She gazed upward in awe. The crew was certainly fearless when it came to heights. Just looking up at them made her dizzy.
Adam spotted her and jogged to her side. “What brings you up here on this fine day, milady?”
“What is going on, Mr. Douglas?”
“The men are preparing the ship to make port. We must adjust the sails and be careful when we dock her.”
Ivy’s gaze moved to the land. Since it had been spotted last night, it grew closer by the hour. Now, they sailed near enough for her to see the faces of the men milling about on the docks. Few people were outside this early in the morning, but those who were focused on their business. Ivy almost jumped up and down in excitement like a child. Although this stop slowed their trip back home, it would be nice to spend a few days on solid ground.
Her thoughts darkened when she spotted Gage on the forecastle, staring at her. How long had he been there? Oh Lord, please help me. I do not know what to do about this man.
What is it you want to do about him?
Ivy cringed. Gage bounded down the forecastle steps and approached her. Adam gave her a short bow and strolled away.
“Good morning, miss.” Gage sent her a charming grin. “How did you sleep last night?”
Ivy lowered her gaze. Not very well, thanks to your statement last night.
He chucked her underneath the chin with his forefinger and thumb. “Come, come, now, precious one. What ails you?”
His eyes met hers. “I believe you know, sir, what ails me, unless you are that oblivious.”
“Ah, miss, I suspected what ailed you. I feel like a scoundrel to admit this, but while I do not wish to see you ailing, I am pleased your feelings about me meant enough to cause you ailment.” He sighed. “Ah, I am bumbling like a fool. I do not mean that I wish to see you ailing, but that I am pleased you have thought of me.”
Ivy almost smiled at him. It was endearing to see him like this, fumbling over words as he wrung his hands together and sweated profusely. She could let him suffer further, but that would make her feel too cruel. “Aye, sir, I understand what you mean.”
His face brightened. “Ah, that is a comfort, miss.” He paused, suddenly appearing self-conscious. “Have you decided, miss, if you will give me an opportunity to win your favor?”
Ivy hesitated. She wanted with all of her heart to affirm his hopes. So why should she not give him a chance? “Yes, Gage. I will give you a chance while I think about our future.”
He lifted her hands to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Ah, bless you, Ivy. You have made my heart happy today. Is there anything I can help you with, mayhap? Or did you just come up here to watch?”
“I just came up here to watch. I wanted fresh air and a chance to see solid land. I have missed it so.”
He chuckled. “Well, you are in luck, miss. We should be able to get you off this ship before fifteen minutes have passed.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Gage’s chest puffed out in pride as he strolled through the streets of Charles Town with the beautiful, graceful Ivy on his arm. No matter how disheveled they might have looked from their weeks-long journey, Ivy still held herself as a true English lady.
Now, where had Mr. Poole’s house been? He knew he had been told, but his last visit to Charles Town had been many, many years ago. It was easy for him to become disoriented.
After much searching, he stopped at a house that seemed to fit the description and address Addie had given him. Bright yellow paint stained the outer walls. Gage frowned. Addie had hated that color. His hand hovered over the door, but he could not bring himself to knock. What made him suddenly fearful? Addie had told him in her letter only basic details: where to find her, that her husband had died, and s
he barely had enough money to live on. How had she fared in the time he had not been able to reach her?
Ivy nudged him with her elbow. “What is wrong, Gage?”
He shook his head. “Nothing. I just…I feel something is off.” After a moment, however, he raised his hand and knocked on the door.
The butler, a middle-aged man, opened the door. He studied them with curiosity and inspected them up and down, no doubt considering their somewhat ragged attire. “How may I help you… sir? Ma’am?”
“I am here to see Mrs. Poole, sir.” Saying his sister’s married name did not sit well with Gage. He had never approved of the marriage, although he supposed he may never approve of his sister being given off to some other man.
“Mrs. Poole? No Mrs. Poole lives here, sir.” He began to pull the door shut.
Gage spared a glance at Ivy before he spun back to the man and stopped the door from closing. “Perhaps she goes by Miss Thompson nowadays?”
“No, sir. No one by that name here.” The man frowned.
The blood drained from Gage’s head slowly, making him feel faint. Where was his sister? Ivy squeezed his arm comfortingly. “Do you happen to know of a Mrs. Poole or Miss Thompson? I am a stranger to this town. Perhaps I have the wrong address.”
“Now that you mention it, sir, this home was newly purchased. Sold along with everything in it, I believe. Someone died in debt, and his widow couldn’t keep up with what he owed.”
Gage had known Addie’s husband had died and left her with almost nothing. He had not known the man’s death had left her in debt. In fact, if the man weren’t dead, Gage would find him and make sure he became dead. Slowly and painfully. “Do you know where this man’s wife went to live after her house was sold?”
“Not for certain, sir. I heard she was out on the streets. Don’t know what happened to her after that. Probably ended up in a brothel, poor thing.”
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