As she stood on the Carolina’s deck she could see no sign of the house itself. No lights shone through the tall casement windows. It was dark and dreary... uninviting. And Merideth couldn’t control the shiver that ran down her spine as she thought of returning there. Alone.
“It won’t be long till you’re home again.”
The sound of a voice so close in the shadows made Merideth jump. Pressing her hand to her racing heart, she tried to calm her panic.
“I am sorry. It was not my intention to startle you.”
“Please. Do not trouble yourself over it. I’m afraid the mist and the waves against the hull... I simply didn’t hear you.” Merideth smiled over at Daniel Wallis, though she doubted he could make out the gesture in the dim light. She wasn’t certain if it was remnants of her talk with Captain Blackstone or the sight of Land’s End looking so foreign and dismal, but suddenly she felt frightened. Which was silly beyond belief.
She should be relieved... elated that this nightmare was finally over.
“Jared told you, didn’t he, that I would be going ashore with you?”
“Yes.” Merideth turned back and grasped the rail. It felt slippery beneath her fingers. He had mentioned it when he’d come below for her not twenty minutes earlier. “Captain Blackstone is seeing to the longboat.”
“I know.” There was a pause, during which Merideth heard him sigh. “Lady Merideth,” he began, only to hesitate again.
“What is it?”
“I hope... well, I certainly hope this hasn’t been too much of an ordeal for you. I mean, to kidnap a lady such as yourself... It’s simply unforgivable.”
“I’ve managed.” Merideth twisted her head to look up at him. “I think it’s my father who received the worst of it.”
“Ah, poor Lord Alfred. Such a shame... a waste.” He sighed again. “Sometimes my dear cousin gets carried away with his zeal for the cause.”
“The cause? What are you saying?” Turning, Merideth faced him. Since they were anchored in enemy waters there were no lights on deck, so she had to move closer to see him. “Captain Blackstone swore he had nothing to do with my father’s death.”
“Oh, and I’m quite certain he didn’t. I didn’t mean to imply... Lady Merideth, let me assure you: if Jared told you he didn’t kill your father, he didn’t. I only meant that... well, he can get carried away at times.”
“How do you mean?”
“He’s told you of his brother, of course.”
“He mentioned his brother to Dr. Franklin. They were acquainted, I believe. But what does that have to do with me... or my father?”
“Did you know his brother is dead?”
“Yes, but—”
“I can see you don’t know the truth. I assumed... Well, you appeared so intimate.” He moved his hand along the rail till it touched hers. “Please forgive me.”
Merideth pulled her hand away. “What about Captain Blackstone’s brother?”
“If Jared didn’t tell you, then perhaps I shouldn’t.” He made a tsking sound with his mouth. “What harm could it do? It’s hardly a secret that Jared had a twin, a brother older by mere minutes. John was his brother’s name. They were devoted to each other, nearly inseparable, though they were nothing alike.
“John was born in frail health. Perhaps because of that, he loved books. Very learned. A member of the Royal Society.” Daniel shook his head, the tiny droplets of mist from his wig spraying down onto Merideth. “No, John was nothing like Jared.”
“I still don’t understand what this has to do with me.” Though the night was warm, a chill permeated through Merideth and she hugged herself. She swallowed. “What... what happened to him?”
“He was betrayed by a woman... an English woman.”
“Betrayed and...?”
“And killed.”
Even though she’d anticipated the answer to her question, Merideth couldn’t help her gasp.
“It was sad indeed to see Jared after we got the word. He blamed himself, of course.”
“Why?”
“No one was sure. His sister couldn’t reason with him. No one could. But it’s the reason for his hatred of anything English. He vowed at the time to let no traitor—” Daniel stopped abruptly, giving Merideth an embarrassed smile. “I’ve said too much. Please forgive me.”
“No, really, there’s nothing to apologize for. You’ve been very enlightening.”
“Perhaps it’s my cousin I should be apologizing for, then. He—”
“I don’t think that’s necessary, cousin.” Jared slipped up behind the two. “I believe I’m quite capable of apologizing for myself... if there is the need.”
Merideth felt thoroughly flustered. She hadn’t heard the captain at all. In truth, she was so caught up in Daniel Wallis’s words that she probably wouldn’t have heard him if he’d stomped up. But Daniel seemed nonplussed. He simply laughed—a sound Merideth found annoying—and clasped the captain on the shoulder.
Merideth noticed Captain Blackstone didn’t respond in kind.
But the tense moment passed when Tim came up to say that the longboat was ready. Merideth, caught up in the moment, gave the boy a hug, which he didn’t return at first. But just as she was pulling away, his arms tightened around her waist, and Merideth felt the sting of tears in her eyes.
There were things about the Carolina she would miss.
“Take care, Tim.”
“Ye too, yer Ladyship.” With those words he turned and scurried off, and Merideth sighed.
The trip from the Carolina to the beach at Land’s End was wet and miserable. Down closer to the white-tipped channel waves, the fog seemed heavier, and Merideth couldn’t imagine how Captain Blackstone kept his bearings. The light from the lantern they carried hardly penetrated the mist. For a while the small boat with the three of them aboard seemed the only thing on the damp, murky earth.
Conversation was limited to the captain’s rowing instructions to Daniel. It was obvious the latter was no sailor. But he did try.
Clutching the splintery seat, Merideth wondered if they’d ever reach land. Then, just as she was beginning to give up on the captain, the waves surged them toward a shore that Merideth could barely see. The captain leaped from the boat and dragged it further onto the pebbly sand.
Merideth was home.
She sat in the boat a moment longer waiting for the sense of relief to wash over her. It never came.
Daniel Wallis offered his hand, and with an undeniable feeling of unease, she took it.
Captain Blackstone obviously didn’t plan on remaining on English soil long. “This way,” he said, and headed off toward the steps carved into the cliff.
“It’s dark as pitch. We’ll never be able to climb these,” Daniel complained, but Jared didn’t slow his pace. “Well, at least let me position myself behind Lady Merideth. A fall down the side of this cliff could be deadly.”
“All right.” Jared stopped at the base of the steps and held the lantern aloft. “We’ll take it slow.”
Slow for the Captain wasn’t necessarily what Merideth considered slow. Her skirts got tangled about her legs and she yanked at them, trying to clear her feet and keep one hand free to clutch the bracken rooted in the crevices. It was hard work, but Merideth knew they were nearing the top. From there it would be an easy walk through the gardens to the house.
The light from the lantern bobbed above her. With a sigh she followed the captain’s shadowy form up yet another stone step. It happened so quickly she barely had time to scream. Something tangled with her foot, pulling her backwards. Her hands flew up and in her mind’s eye she pictured herself tumbling down the black, wind-ravished cliff to the beach below.
Then just as suddenly someone grabbed her arm, the force hurting her shoulder. Her knee knocked against an outcrop of rock, sending sharp pain through her body. The lantern flew past her, plummeting down the wall of granite.
“God, is she all right?” Merideth heard the frantic voic
e of Daniel Wallis below her.
“Aye.” Jared clasped his other hand around Merideth’s waist and pulled her up beside him. He had reached the top of the cliff just as he’d heard her scream. It was only luck that he’d managed to grab her before she fell.
Now she collapsed against him, her body trembling, and Jared pulled them both away from the edge of the precipice.
“What happened?” Daniel scurried over the top.
“I don’t know.” Merideth tried to calm her quivering voice. She was still bundled in the captain’s arms, and wanted nothing more than to stay there. “Something tangled with my foot,” she began. “I don’t know. A branch, perhaps.”
“Let’s get to the house. Are you able to walk?” the captain asked, and though Merideth assured him she could, he kept his arm around her shoulder as they made their way through the garden.
It was obvious no one lived at Banistar Hall anymore. The place was overgrown and deserted. The front door wasn’t even shut. Walking into the great hall was like walking into a tomb. Jared struck a flint and lit a burned-down taper left on the table near the door. When he held up the light, it spread grotesque shadows over the cobweb-laced ceiling and few remaining pieces of furniture.
Merideth could barely keep the tears at bay. She took a deep breath and headed for the stairs. In her room she’d be safe... at least for this night. Tomorrow she would see about hiring someone to help her. Of course, with no money that would be difficult. But she simply couldn’t think about that now.
Before she had climbed three steps the captain was by her side, bringing the candle. “It isn’t so bad,” she said, more to convince herself than him. “I shall...” But there she paused, not knowing exactly what to say.
Her bedroom door was open, and when Merideth stepped inside she was greeted by scurrying sounds. Her composure cracked.” Without another thought she turned and walked into Jared’s arms.
Jared placed the candle on the stand by the door and held her. He wasn’t sure if she was crying or not, but he felt she had every right to. His thumb angled her chin up, and in the flickering light he saw that her blue eyes were prismed with moisture. Her lips were parted, inviting, and Jared lowered his head.
He hovered for a moment, a heartbeat away, as their breath mingled. Then he was tasting her as he’d wanted to... as he always wanted to. His fingers delved into the thick golden hair and she moaned as his mouth forced hers open.
The kiss was deep, and passion exploded between them. Merideth melted against him, giving all the more because she knew this was the last time. Her hands burrowed beneath his shirt to touch the smooth, warm skin of his back.
When he pulled away they were both breathing hard. Jared stood for long minutes looking down into her eyes, and she tried to memorize every feature of his handsome face. For in minutes he would be gone.
Her mind was so disoriented from the night, the kiss, that at first she couldn’t comprehend what he was doing when he grabbed her hand, pulling her from the room. “What...? What are you doing?”
He had snatched up the candle, and Merideth could see a devilish grin lit his face as he led her down the hall. “I told you I’ve pirates in my past.”
“Yes, but—”
“The blood must run true, for I find myself unable to control what I’m about to do.”
They were at the top of the stairs, and Merideth grabbed hold of the newel, effectively slowing his pace. “What is it you’re doing?”
The grin spread. The dimple deepened. “You should know by now. I’m kidnapping you,” he said just before he tossed her over his broad shoulder.
Chapter Fourteen
“What in the hell are you doing?” Jared let Merideth slide off his shoulder, down the front of his body, as he stared into the library at Banistar Hall.
She had been too surprised to protest when he’d first hoisted her up. But now settled on the threadbare carpet, Merideth pummeled the captain’s broad chest with her fists. “How dare you treat me like that again? I am not going anywhere with...” As Merideth realized he paid her words no heed, her voice drifted off and her hands stilled. He was looking over her head into her father’s library. A gasp of shock escaped her as she turned around.
“I asked what you were doing?” Jared stepped around Merideth, who still stood, her mouth open.
Daniel hesitated only a moment longer, like a hare caught in the lantern light. Then he continued rummaging the desk, yanking papers from the drawers and flinging them onto the already littered floor.
“You said I could conduct a search,” he said before moving behind the desk to the one bookcase whose contents remained intact.
“He said! He said you could search!” The volume of Merideth’s voice rose with every word... with every step she took toward the captain’s cousin. “Who gave anyone permission to do anything with my things?” The way she felt now she could handle this pale imitation of his cousin, then turn on the captain himself.
“Jared,” Daniel said as he took a moment away from leafing through a leather-bound book to glance toward Merideth. “Take care of her, please. I’m very nearly finished?”
Crossing his arms, Jared made no move to intercept Merideth. She worked her way across the room toward Daniel, skirting the broken vases and overturned chairs that hindered her progress. “As it happens, Daniel,” Jared stated calmly, “I think Lady Merideth has every right to be angry. Look what you’ve done.”
“It was necessary.” Daniel tossed another book onto the pile at his feet.
Merideth stooped to pick it up; then, holding the corners with two hands, she swatted at his arm. Strong hands grasped her around the waist, pulling her back.
“There’s no need for that,” Jared said. “Daniel, stop it.”
Looking up from fanning through yet another book, Daniel raised his brow. “There’s something you don’t seem to understand, cousin.” After rubbing his arm through the fine silk of his sleeve, he pulled another book from the shelf.
“I know you’re obsessed with finding the identity of this spy, but I think you’re going at it in the wrong—”
“Lady Sinclair is responsible for John’s death.”
A strained silence settled over the ramshackle room. Merideth glanced at the captain in time to see the color drain from his sun-bronzed face. His jaw tightened, a muscle jumping from the force. His voice was low, obviously restrained. “Who in the hell is Lady Sinclair?”
“That, dear cousin, is what I’m trying to find out. Sinclair isn’t her real name, of course.”
“The spy is a woman?”
“Yes.”
“But what does she have to do with John? His death was an accident.” Jared’s eyes narrowed. “You told me so yourself.”
“I thought it best you believed that. I—”
“You thought it best!” Jared grabbed his cousin by the front of his fancy waistcoat. Seams ripped as he lifted him till they were nose to nose. “You thought! What in the hell made you think you had the right?” Jared sucked in his breath. His vision was tinged crimson and he tightened his fists. “You bastard. Tell me what happened to him.”
The only response from the captain’s cousin was a strangled plea. Merideth placed her hand on Jared’s arm. She could feel the heat of his anger, the strength of his straining muscles. “Put him down, Jared.” At first he seemed not to notice, but then he jerked his head around toward her. “He can’t answer your questions when he’s dangling in the air.”
It appeared to take a moment for her words to burn through the fog of his anger. He loosened his fingers and Daniel dropped to the floor, falling back against the shelf-lined wall. He caught himself and straightened, pulling on the front of his waistcoat and smoothing a trembling hand over his cravat. He looked up in shock when he noticed the ripped lace. “Was that show of brute force necessary, cousin?”
“You have thirty seconds to tell me about John’s death or that display will seem tame in comparison to what I do to you.”
Daniel lifted his chin in a gesture of defiance, but Merideth saw the beads of sweat forming on his upper lip. “Is it any wonder I kept the truth from you?” he said while fluffing the lace at his wrist.
Jared took a step toward him and apparently Daniel thought better of even token resistance, for he began his explanation, speaking quickly. “John was in England, at Penzance near here. He was visiting a fellow member of the Royal Society, someone he met while at Oxford. But the visit was a ruse. John was there to receive information concerning the British peace initiative and to discover, if he could, the identity of a spy known to us only as Lady Sinclair.
“She was selling information to both sides, and by doing so seriously jeopardizing our negotiations with the French.”
“Keep talking. I’m still listening.” Jared crossed his arms, in part to control his urge to shake a quicker explanation from his cousin.
“There isn’t too much more.” Daniel paused, then quickly continued talking when he saw the thunderous expression on Jared’s face. “He received the information about London’s peace plan... from Lord Alfred, I believe.”
“That’s a lie.” Merideth surged forward only to be stopped by Jared’s hand clamping her upper arm.
“Go on,” he said after giving Merideth a stern look. “What happened next?”
“I received a post from your brother mentioning he was staying at Land’s End longer than planned. At first I believed he had discovered a lead about Lady Sinclair. But after rereading the letter I changed my mind. He’d met a woman and, I think, fallen in love with her.”
“What drew you to that conclusion?” Jared couldn’t help being surprised. His serious-minded brother was much more at ease with a book or a scientific experiment than with members of the fairer sex.
“The post referred to her often. He spoke of her beauty. Called her his angel.”
Jared’s gaze cut to Merideth’s. She returned his stare with wide blue eyes. Angel eyes. But she said nothing.
Sea of Desire Page 20
