A Captain and a Rogue (Mills & Boon Historical)

by Liz Tyner

  But he had to turn away, thoughts of the future tearing into him.

  The water from his morning ablutions chilled his skin, but revived him. He needed to take his mind from her. But his eyes caught the mirror and he saw her reflection in the bed. His movements stilled and he was locked in a trance.

  He shook himself from his imaginings and forced himself into the day, changing from a captain into a gentleman. He frowned as he held out his buff pantaloons, but he had no time to visit a tailor. The white shirt appeared more yellow than white to him and he vowed to get Broomer to take it to someone and get them to make a replacement. At least the garment would not show after he tied the cravat and dressed.

  Before he added his blue waistcoat, he paused, looking at the fastenings. They matched the larger ones on his sea coat. The quality of the old buttons couldn’t be topped. Cut steel by Wedgwood, they sported a cameo-styled centre with a family surrounded by the blue background. A simple family. A father, mother and child from the sea. The father carried a trident and all were the half fish, half people of his imagination. He’d had the coat and waistcoat made after he’d seen the buttons.

  Still standing at the mirror, he touched the gold ring on his left hand. His father had taken pieces of their grandmother’s jewellery after she’d died and had the gold melted and made into rings for his sons, and one for himself. And when Benjamin returned from the voyage after his father’s death, Warrington had insisted Benjamin take the fourth ring. War said it hadn’t fit his own finger. So Ben sported matching rings on each little finger.

  He’d wanted the ring and yet he really hadn’t. He’d been surprised it fit and felt compelled to keep it. But sometimes when he looked at it, he could remember seeing the ring on his father’s hand when his father pulled him from the floor after the slap.

  He didn’t think his father had noticed the oil or the cut on his son’s back. Ben hadn’t been aware of the cut either at that moment, although even now sometimes the scent of oil would bring back the memories.

  His father’s face had been flushed. His lips jerked out words faster than Ben could listen and nothing Ben saw looked like the man Ben knew.

  Ben didn’t want to have those thoughts and his father wouldn’t want to be remembered that way and yet that was the moment he’d begun to change. He’d shouted out his plans to leave again and his father had said he’d do all could to help, and later Ben had ended up as an apprentice, or so he’d thought. And really, he was thankful for it.

  He’d never treat a son that way. He’d never treat Stubby that way and Stubby was as nearly a son as he would ever have.

  Ben shrugged the memories aside.

  He only had such a short amount of time with Thessa—he didn’t want to waste any of it. He wanted to get her clothing he was sure would be waiting in her bedchamber, so he could have an excuse to wake her and touch her.

  He went to the red-and-gold chamber and he saw a dress lying on the bed where Dolly had placed it, along with a pair of slippers nearby and some stockings and various dressing needs. He opened a small fabric bag. Hairpins.

  Glancing over the bed which hadn’t been slept in, he knew both Dolly and Broomer would be aware Thessa had shared his bed, but it didn’t concern him. He gathered the garments, draping the dress over his arm.

  He turned, leaving the room, and stopped cold. His brother, the Earl of Warrington, stood in the hallway, arms crossed, one shoulder leaning on the wall, lips grim and a brow raised.

  ‘Welcome home, infant.’ War moved from the wall. ‘Lovely brown frock, but it doesn’t go with your eyes. After you deposit it in your room, where I am sure there is a woman to wear it, will you join me for breakfast?’

  Benjamin turned. ‘Certainly. We have a lot to discuss.’

  ‘I’m sure,’ Warrington said, ‘and I do want to see the statue.’

  Ben turned quickly. He didn’t really want to discuss the statue. But if he had it to do over, he still would have chosen Thessa.

  He tossed the clothing on to a chair and every bit of the wondrous feeling inside him turned into a charred mass.

  Chapter Seventeen

  In the breakfast room, Warrington sat at the table, making a meal out of buttered bread, tea and a rasher of bacon that Ben was certain had been prepared just for him. Broomer gave Ben a nod and left, and Ben knew platters of food would arrive presently.

  Ben stepped to the chair, putting his hands on the top rung, and leaned into it.

  ‘How did you get here so quickly?’ Benjamin asked. ‘Broomer said his message would not leave until, um, about now?’

  ‘Aunt Ida asked me if I would find our dear cousin William and pull him out of the taverns so I had already planned to arrive today. She thinks because I have lost a wife that I can talk some sense into him. Our sotted cousin was not, however, receptive to anything but the contents of a bottle.’

  ‘You can understand his feelings.’

  ‘I can.’ He picked up his bread, but didn’t put it into his mouth. Instead he returned it to his plate. ‘If I’d lost my children at the same time, and blamed myself, I doubt I would have been able to stay alive as long as he has. I asked him if he needed anything and left. I could not stand the look in his eyes.’

  Warrington looked up, eyes narrow, and spoke. ‘So forgive me if I appear tired, I set out early this morning. And when I got here, I saw Broomer’s sister leaving and saying she hoped the clothing fit, and that she would be pleased to take the women’s trousers later. I suppose this is something I cannot mention to my wife.’

  ‘It might be best to keep the details a bit fogged.’

  ‘Which sister?’ Warrington asked. ‘The next oldest or the younger one.’

  Benjamin sat, shaking his head briefly, not touching the food in front of him. ‘If you knew the other two at all, you’d know it’s Thessa...’ He looked at his brother, and let out a breath. ‘You would not believe the sight of her in the water. She swims like a mermaid.’

  War put the bread down and pushed his plate back. ‘Blast. You and your fish women.’ He rolled back his head before looking again at his brother. ‘Your nursemaid addled you with some story after she dropped you on your head and made you believe in sea creatures. Or you’ve caught that Gidley fellow’s madness.’ He raised his hands while ducking his chin.

  Benjamin gave a hard blink. ‘I know she’s not a mermaid. She just... I’ve never seen a woman like her. I mean, if she were a regular woman I would have seen a woman like her. It’s not like I haven’t...seen a few women.’

  War shook his head and put his hand to his temple. ‘What of those rocks Melina wants?’

  ‘Couldn’t get them. That half-mad Stephanos said the French were taking them. The carving wasn’t particularly bad, but broken, chipped—half-destroyed. And the statue’s close to naked.’ Benjamin shook his head. ‘You would have hated it. Even in the garden as Melina planned.’

  War shrugged. ‘Probably met a sea captain before she posed. I heard that can cause a woman to lose her clothing.’

  Benjamin raised his chin. ‘I have noticed that before.’

  Warrington waved Benjamin’s words away and straightened in his chair. ‘Broken rocks, already dismantled for travelling, and you still didn’t bring them.’ He waited a moment while he looked at Benjamin. ‘But you’re not getting Ascalon now. You had quite enough reward I suspect on your voyage.’

  ‘I had to choose between leaving with Thessa or the marble.’ He shrugged. ‘Anyone would have done the same. Even an earl with many years of life experience.’ He glanced at his brother. ‘Many long years...’

  ‘I’ve enough experience I could knock out your teeth.’

  Benjamin interlaced his fingers, put them behind his head and scooted his chair back. ‘Even toothless, I’d be a hell of a lot younger, and better looking, than you.’

  ‘Pick a tooth.’

  Ben smiled and pointed a finger at his brother’s mouth. ‘That one.’

  Warrington shook his
head and put force into his words. ‘If you’ve bedded Thessa, you will marry her.’

  Ben continued, not addressing the statement. ‘I had to leave the island immediately and had to either take Thessa or the stones. Stephanos wanted her and I couldn’t leave her with that man. According to Bellona, he wants to start a rebellion against the Turks, wears gaudy clothing and smells worse than a nightsoil man.’

  ‘Gaudy clothing?’

  Benjamin nodded. ‘He’s a pompous oaf who thinks himself a pirate because he has a ship. Melina would not want her sister marrying him.’

  ‘Some men think they’re a captain because they have a ship.’

  ‘And some men are an earl because they’re born first. Doesn’t make ’em a hair smarter or more handsome than the next brothers—just older. And arrogant.’

  ‘...and rich.’

  ‘Blast the luck.’

  War smiled, shrugging one shoulder. ‘I know. I curse it all the time. You know I would have preferred you or Dane to be the eldest.’

  ‘And we both feel the same.’

  ‘So, have you bedded the sister?’

  ‘I can’t marry her.’

  ‘If she has a babe you most certainly will. You’ll have to stay on land long enough to discover the truth of that. The Ascalon is docked until I say she can leave. I’ll make sure you have a living somewhere. In fact, you can pick whatever you wish...on land.’

  ‘No,’ Benjamin said, knowing his brother had half ownership in the vessel, but knowing he could sail her out of the port no matter what. ‘I can’t leave the men. I can’t sacrifice those men’s lives for...even for her.’

  ‘Think of it. What you’re doing. To her. To yourself. With the dowry she has, it won’t take long for her to marry if she wishes.’

  Thessa walked into the room, wearing the trousers and the shirt she’d worn for days and which had spent the night in a crumpled heap on the floor. Her hair was braided and she didn’t smile at either man. Ben had never seen anyone more lovely, but then he noted the scowl in her eyes.

  ‘Dowry?’ Thessa asked. ‘There is a dowry?’

  Ben rose from his chair so quickly it clattered back on to the floor.

  Warrington gasped. ‘You did not tell her?’

  Thessa paused, staring at Benjamin. ‘Is it true?’

  Ben watched Thessa and answered her question by a quick upward movement of his head.

  ‘How much?’ she asked.

  Before Benjamin could think of calming words to put with his answer, Warrington spoke. His words were smooth. ‘Enough, I think, to make even a woman who’d just killed a sea captain have appeal to an unmarried man.’ He flicked a crumb from his waistcoat.

  Thessa didn’t take her eyes from Benjamin. Men in the tower had looked more pleasantly at their executioner. ‘A small sum?’

  Warrington shook his head. ‘Quite a large amount.’

  Benjamin spoke each word slowly. ‘Thessa, I was waiting until Warrington could tell you. You will be his...ward until you...’ The next word he forced into the air, ignoring the ache in his chest. ‘Marry.’

  Her braid twirled with the toss of her head. ‘I am not any man’s ward. You knew of this dowry all those days we sailed and you did not tell me. You lied.’

  He stepped towards her and reached out a hand. ‘Let us discuss it in private.’

  She jerked her hand from his. ‘Do not touch me, Englishman.’

  Bellona stepped into the room. ‘Sister. The harpoon is in the room with the large fireplace. I don’t remember where I saw the axe and I am sure there are knives near this room if you would like me to get them for you. Just remember...do not kill him. We are proper ladies.’

  Thessa spoke to her sister, but Ben knew the words were directed at him. ‘We will take our dowries and find men we can trust.’

  ‘Thessa...’ Bellona spoke, voice soothing, but the smile in her eyes was directed at Benjamin. ‘I am not so particular. I will find a man here in England to marry.’

  Warrington addressed Thessa, but he jerked his head towards his brother. ‘He must wed you. Neither of you has a choice now. Besides, your staying will make Melina happy.’

  Thessa stared at Warrington. ‘You know my sister?’

  He raised his chin. ‘Yes. She is my countess.’

  Thessa shook her head as if she didn’t believe her ears. She looked at Benjamin, her mouth ready to form her next words as soon as she could find them.

  Warrington turned to Bellona. ‘Perhaps we can leave them alone and you and I can discuss what type of man I might search out for you.’

  Bellona turned to the door ‘We should leave, but do not think of finding me a husband. Right now, I would much rather collect dust than suitors.’

  They left and Benjamin waited. This time the storm was in Thessa’s eyes.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Her lids fluttered. ‘Dowry? Who would do that?’ Thessa asked, her voice a bit too companionable to ease him.

  ‘A friend of your father’s.’

  ‘A woman?’ The words had jagged breaths attached.

  ‘His wife.’

  ‘And this woman sent a purse for my marriage?’

  ‘I believe you should talk with him about that.’

  ‘I am asking you.’ She spoke with the assuredness of a well-trained archer looking at a carefully selected target. ‘And you had it with you on the ship?’

  He didn’t speak, but he knew she could see the answer in his face.

  ‘And while I was in my homeland, you knew of this dowry and did not tell me.’ Her words were not a question. ‘And,’ her voice rose in volume and speed ‘—you did not tell me when you...before you kissed me. Before you held me in your arms—’

  Then she reverted to the language of her homeland.

  At least she spoke in Greek and the servants two houses past wouldn’t be able to understand. Her hands moved in the air. He had no knowledge of what the gesture she gave him meant, but he could guess.

  ‘You,’ Thessa’s voice shook, ‘should have told us of the dowry when we first met.’

  ‘You already had marriage plans. Your decision had been made and if I were to discuss it with anyone, it would have been Stephanos. I did not know when I first met you that you did not wish to wed him.’

  Her eyes flashed raven dark. ‘Stephanos. At least I suspected the secrets he carried,’ she ground out. ‘But yours I did not. With a dowry I could have chosen anyone on the island, or any of the nearby ones.’ She stopped, her chest heaving.

  Something ripped at Ben.

  ‘I can tell the truth in two languages, but you cannot in one.’ Thessa said each word slowly. The fight left her body. She had no reason to shout any more. It would not matter.

  ‘Men come to our island,’ she continued, ‘and they say words and they make promises, and they are very convincing. After all, they have practised the same words to the women in their country.’

  She paced two steps to the left and two steps to the right. He still did not speak.

  ‘You must have forgotten completely about the funds when you bedded me,’ she said. ‘Were you planning to ask me for my hand this morning? Decide now that you had taken me to your bed that you must do the right thing, marry me, get the funds and sail away?’

  Thessa controlled herself. This was not her home. She could not throw things.

  ‘I could have...touched you—on the ship,’ Ben said, taking a step to her, his hand outstretched. ‘You know that.’

  Her body clenched. She wished to be in the room with the harpoon. He would not step close to her then. ‘Oh, but the bed was not soft enough. You waited for the soft bed. So kind.’

  ‘You know—you have to know there was more to it than that.’

  ‘Pillows, too? Yes, the pillows here are much better.’ She lowered her chin. ‘But the men are not. And I let you touch me.’

  ‘It meant as much to me as it did to you. More, even.’

  She took a breath. ‘I believe you. I d
o. I am sure it meant more to you than it did to me. Because it meant very little to me.’

  The captain’s mouth firmed.

  ‘True.’ She shrugged. ‘My betrothed had a ship. You have a ship. I note the ships and then I forget to pay close attention to the man at the helm. It is merely my love of the sea—and ships.’

  ‘If I hadn’t brought you, and had chosen the rocks, I could own my vessel outright. Do you remember that?’

  What he said was true. But it didn’t change that he hadn’t told her of the funds. Or that he had taken her to bed and kissed the mark on her foot and still not told her.

  Her father had spoken lies days after he’d spoken the harsh words, trying to please Mana. Some day I’ll take all my sweet ones to London, he’d said. We’ll have ices and we’ll go to soirées and my daughters will be the most beautiful in the ton.

  He’d put his arm around Mana and she’d looked at him as if he were all her dreams wound into one. Thessa had continued whatever she’d been doing. His promises meant nothing. A flower to be picked and handed to Mana. It would wilt, but no matter, he would have received a smile and devotion.

  ‘And my father’s wife,’ Thessa continued. ‘Why would she give us this? She doesn’t know us.’

  His eyes gave nothing away.

  She waited as long as she could for him to answer, but when he didn’t speak, she continued. ‘Tell me the truth. Why would the woman help me? I am the offspring of her husband and another woman?’

  Benjamin’s voice was so low she had to attend his words carefully. ‘Because you favour her own children. He was married to her first. Not second, but first. Her children are not much different in age than you and your sisters. She suspected that he had another wife, and when she saw a picture he’d painted of your sister, she knew she saw his daughter and it was not her own child. So for years, when he left England, he would go to your mother, leaving his London family.’

  ‘He allowed her to give us funds for a dowry now—after letting us be hungry? And feeding another family?’