Season's green eyes seemed to cloud over at the mention of the captain. The crew of the Andromeda seemed to think he could do anything. They rushed around to obey his slightest command, but fearing him as she did, she would well imagine why none of them wanted to cross the dark captain. She stepped off the chair and sat down, resting her chin on her folded hands.
"Tell me about your captain, James. What is he really like?"
James shifted uncomfortably. "There ain't much I can tell you about The Raven, ma'am. He's a good patriot and has taken many English ships as prize." James's face flushed and he reluctantly looked into Season's eyes. "Begging your pardon, ma'am, I sometimes forget that you are English."
Season laughed. "Don't bother apologizing, James. You may forget that I am English, but I can assure you I never do. I would expect you to be loyal to your captain, although how you can think so highly of a man like him is well beyond my comprehension."
"He's a good man. There's not one of the crew who would consider serving under any other captain. Every one of us would fight to the death alongside him."
Season could see the admiration shining in the young boy's eyes. "Perhaps your notion of a good man differs from mine, James. How do you excuse his taking me captive?"
"When the captain kidnapped you, ma'am, he was desperate. A man called Silas Dunsberry had been arrested in New York. It was the captain's intention to exchange you for Mr. Dunsberry."
"Why was the exchange never made, James?" Season wanted to know.
"The exchange couldn't be made, ma'am; Silas Dunsberry was hung by the British."
Season felt a prickle of uneasiness. "When did your captain find out about the execution of Mr. Dunsberry, James?"
"It was two weeks ago today, ma'am. I remember it well, 'cause the captain was in an awful rage."
Season closed her eyes, remembering the night he had come to the cabin and ruined her life. She realized he had taken his revenge out on her that night.
"What will happen to me now?" she wondered aloud.
"I don't know what the captain's plans are. He was powerfully close to Mr. Dunsberry. You don't need to worry though. He would never harm a lady."
Season wondered what James would think if he knew his captain had already harmed her beyond repair, but she decided it would be best not to talk about her own situation. "Tell me why your captain hides his face behind a disguise. Have you ever seen him without his mask?"
"Aye, the captain does not wear his mask when he's on board the Andromeda."
"What does he look like, James?"
"I can't tell you that, ma'am. We of the crew are honor bound not to reveal his identity to anyone. There isn't a man aboard who would betray the captain," James said, avoiding her eyes. He knew he had already said too much.
Relief washed over James when he heard a rap on the door. He was glad to see Briggs had come to help him remove the loose furnishings and carry them below to be stored until after the storm.
It was just after sundown when the Andromeda began to roll and pitch drunkenly. The howl of the gale force winds could be heard above the roar of the waves. Season clenched her hands tightly and curled up in the middle of the bed, while James sat in a chair, talking to her calmly.
"I'd rather be at sea in a storm than on land, ma'am. I never liked to be on land much anyway."
"Tell me about your life, James," she said, trying to find something that would take her mind off the storm.
"I don't remember my ma that much, and I never saw my pa. It was said that me and my ma lived above a blacksmith shop in Boston, but I don't remember that. I was on my own from the time I was seven until the captain found me and took me on board the Andromeda."
"Is the captain also from Boston?" Season asked, thinking she might find a clue to The Raven's identity.
James smiled as if he knew she was trying to trip him up. "The captain likes to say he resembles the foam upon the waves, drifting in and out with the tide, with no permanent home."
At that moment a huge wave slapped against the ship and sent the vessel careening over on her side, spilling Season onto the cabin floor. As the ship pitched and slowly righted itself, James helped Season back to the bed.
"I was ordered to tie you to the bed when the sea got rough. I think the time has come," the lad stated. Withdrawing a length of rope from his pocket, James smiled at Season. "Will you allow me to tie you to the bed, ma'am?"
"Only if you will stay with me as you did before, James. I'm so frightened!"
"I'll stay with you 'til this blow is over," he agreed. After he fastened the rope about her slim waist and secured the other end to the bedpost, James tied another rope about his own waist and then sat beside Season on the bed.
The cabin had become dark since they weren't allowed to light a lantern. Season sought James's hand and felt it tremble so she clutched it tightly. He was no more than a boy, she reminded herself. Although he presented a brave front, she realized he was doing it for her benefit. He was every bit as frightened as she.
Neither of them could sleep because it soon became clear to them that this storm was far worse than the previous one had been. All through the long, horrible night the Andromeda rolled and pitched, while Season and James clung to each other for comfort.
When Season could make herself heard above the storm, she talked to James about growing up on Chatsworth, but still the hours seemed to drag. Just before dawn, when the storm seemed to have abated, Season and James closed their eyes in sleep.
During the day Season awoke to the sound of a key grating in the lock, and Briggs entered the cabin. She noticed that he looked worn and haggard, obviously exhausted from his battle with the sea.
"Briggs, thank goodness the sea has calmed," Season said, loosening the rope about her waist and trying not to disturb James.
"The storm is only half over, my lady," Briggs replied, grim-faced. "This calm won't last long. At the moment we are in the eye of the hurricane, but soon we'll have to deal with the backside of it."
Season's eyes were large with fright. "Do you mean we must go through another storm as devastating as the one last night?" she asked in horror.
"I fear so, my lady, but it won't be any worse than the other one. The captain will be at the helm just as he was last night."
Season was irritated now, as well as frightened. She was weary of hearing how well the captain could steer a ship. Did all the men aboard the Andromeda think their captain invulnerable? Did they think he alone could battle nature and come out the winner?
She was about to voice her irritation, when James awoke, untied himself, and moved toward the door. "I'm going topside to see the damage," he announced, sleepily trudging toward the door.
"If you are of a mind to, my lady, you could go topside for a breath of fresh air. There's some broken rigging, but it won't be dangerous to you," Briggs said.
Season lost no time in scooting off the bed. She rushed toward the cabin door so quickly that Briggs had to run to catch up with her.
When Season reached the deck, she took a deep breath. A soft wind ruffled her hair, and the air smelled clean and crisp. It was good to be alive, to relish the feel of the warm sun on her face.
Crewmen scurried about, replacing broken timbers, while the sail master plied his needle to a torn sail. Everyone had a job to do; even James was bailing water out of the longboats and then replacing their canvas covers.
"How is it possible to exist in the center of a storm, Briggs," Season asked as she noted the dark clouds that surrounded the ship. She was astounded by this strange phenomenon of nature.
"Hurricanes ain't all that uncommon this time of year, my lady. The eye of the storm is always calm."
Suddenly Season's eyes were drawn to the helm of the ship. She drew in her breath when she saw the dark, hooded captain with his head bent over a map. It was the first time Season had seen him without his cape. His legs were spread apart in an arrogant stance, and she couldn't help but notice what a dashing, rakish man h
e was. He wore dark trousers tucked into knee-length black boots, and his white shirt had ruffles at the neck and on the wrists. The Raven exuded energy and power. Season almost felt that there was nothing he couldn't do. She understood why the crew of the Andromeda placed their faith in him.
Before Season could look away, The Raven raised his masked face, and she could tell he was looking directly at her. She remembered the night they had spent together and her cheeks burned, knowing he was remembering also.
"Briggs," the raspy voice called out. "If the lady has not eaten, now would be the time for her to have something light—nothing heavy since the worst of the storm is yet to come."
"Aye, aye, Captain. Shall I escort the lady below now?" Briggs asked.
With a quickness that surprised Season, the captain made his way down to her. As he drew near, she stood poised, ready for flight. When he leaped over a broken pile of rigging and landed right in front of her, she drew back quickly.
"I'll see to the lady's needs, Briggs," he said in his disturbing, raspy voice.
Briggs nodded and moved away, giving Season a smile. She wanted to call him back as he disappeared from view down the companionway.
"I see you are no worse for the storm, my lady," the captain said in a deep voice. It was unnerving for Season to know that The Raven was staring at her when she couldn't really see his eyes.
"Little you care," she said, turning her back and staring out on a surprisingly calm sea.
"Not so, my lady. Your comfort is always foremost on my mind."
Season could tell by his tone of voice that he was amused. "Why don't you just take me home? I can be of no further use to you now," she said, not bothering to turn in his direction.
"Where would you consider home?"
"You know I am talking about England."
"Am I to gather that you do not want to be set down near your husband-to-be who waits for you in New York?"
Season spun around to face The Raven, and her green eyes seemed to blaze with a slow fire. "You know I can never marry Edmund Kensworthy now. You saw to that!" She became aware that she had raised her voice and had attracted the attention of some of the crewmembers, so she spoke more quietly. "I don't want to marry any man. I will never allow a man to touch me again."
A heavy hand fell on Season's shoulder as The Raven leaned his head close to hers and spoke in a soft voice so only she could hear. "I am truly sorry for what happened between us the other night. If I could make amends I would do so."
Season was taken by surprise. She had expected anything from him but an apology. "Some things cannot be rectified, as you are aware. If you truly want to make amends you will set me free." She raised her head and stared at the black slits where his eyes should have been. "When will you release me?"
The dark hood dipped. "Unfortunately, at the moment I am unable to comply with your wishes, my lady. The port we make for is a long way from your country or mine."
"Where are we bound?"
"We are on our way to the Barbary States, my lady.
At least we were until this storm blew us off course." "The Barbary States are a pesthole and a pirate stronghold! I have heard it said that the pirate ships which sail from the Barbary Coast prey on vessels from every country with equal disdain and disrespect." "So you have heard of the Barbary States?" "Hasn't everyone? I fear such a place." The Raven threw back his head and laughed deeply. "You need have no fear for your person, my lady. I would never allow anything to happen to so valuable a cargo as yourself."
"What could happen to me that hasn't already occurred? The only thing that remains is for you to take my life, which I am sure you would do without hesitation should the mood strike you."
Season could feel the captain's anger as he grabbed her arm and half-carried, half-dragged her across the deck. When she tried to put up a struggle, she could see the amusement on the faces of the crewmembers. As they reached the companionway, The Raven lifted Season into his arms and carried her below. Striding into the cabin, he tossed her onto the bed.
"You have been a trial to me and a thorn in my side ever since I first laid eyes on you," he ground out from between clenched teeth.
Season scrambled to her knees, ready to do battle with the man should the need arise. "I am delighted if I have caused you trouble!" she cried out. "I hope I have also caused you many sleepless nights."
The Raven's hand reached out, and he softly touched Season's face. For the moment she was too stunned to move. "Oh, you have, my lady. Take comfort in the fact that you have danced through my mind day and night." Before Season could push his hand away, he turned and walked to the door, laughing. At the door he turned to her.
"I meant what I said about eating a light meal. The storm will be at least as strong as the one we had last night. I am sure you wouldn't wish to lose your dinner. Don't forget to tie yourself to the bed as you did before." Without another word The Raven swept out of the room and Season heard the key grate in the lock. Season stared at the locked door. She wished she dared call him back. For some reason when he had been with her she had forgotten about the impending storm. She lay on the bed, feeling the gentle sway of the Andromeda, and she wondered if they would weather the backside of the hurricane as well as they had the front.
It was almost sundown when the sea began to throw its heavy waves against the ship. Season knew this storm would be every bit as devastating as its predecessor, but she was prepared to weather it alone since James hadn't come to her cabin.
She decided she wouldn't lash herself to the bed this time. If the Andromeda were going to sink, she didn't want to go to a watery grave tied to a bedpost. It didn't take long for Season to realize her mistake. The second time she was thrown onto the floor, she decided it would be wise to tie herself to the bed.
As she huddled in the darkened cabin, Season realized she had never felt so alone. The waves raged and pounded against the hull of the Andromeda until Season felt she was living a nightmare. If the ship were to sink, would the others forget that she was locked below in this cabin? she wondered frantically.
The night seemed endless. She had eaten nothing at all, but still her stomach was heaving. At times, when the ship pitched forward and aft, she was sure they were sinking. The wind blew with a vengeance against the tiny craft and the noise from the storm was deafening.
Season tried to think of something pleasant to take her mind off the danger. She remembered the summer she had turned sixteen and her father had unexpectedly come home to help her celebrate. It had been one of the rare occasions when he had been home for her birthday. That had been the year her father had given her Cinibar. On that occasion he had been in a rare good humor, owing, he had told her, to the fact that he'd seen one of his laws passed in the House of Lords.
Season tried to think of the smell of the honeysuckle that climbed the walls of the summerhouse. Each day in the spring she had walked in the gardens at Chatsworth, taking a book with her so she could curl up in the summerhouse and read.
Against her will, Season's mind seemed to turn to the dark master of the Andromeda. Seeing him without his cape, she had noticed that he was tall and muscled, that his shoulders were extremely broad and his waist trim. His legs were long and powerful, and his hands, tanned by the sun, were strong. His body was that of a young man, but what about his face? Would he be ugly and grotesque? She knew he wasn't scarred, because she had felt his face. He'd been clean-shaven and his hair was shoulder length. It was amazing how much she knew about his appearance, and yet she couldn't put a face to him.
Try as she would, Season couldn't seem to get The Raven out of her mind. There were so many things about him that she didn't know—that she might never know.
Suddenly a huge wave crashed against the hull of the Andromeda, causing the ship to roll. The sound of splintering wood told Season there had been great damage. She closed her eyes tightly and prayed with all her might. In that moment, she was sure they were sinking!
Would The R
aven come to her in her dying moments? she wondered. Would he take her in his arms so they could die together? Season didn't stop to analyze her feelings, she only knew that if she were going to die she wanted to be in the arms of the man who now owned her body.
Season began to cry loudly, but her voice couldn't be heard against the howling of the wind. She wasn't aware that the cabin door had opened until a knife sliced through the rope tied about her waist.
"I knew you would be frightened, so I came to you," said the deep voice of The Raven. He pulled her into his arms, and though his clothing was wet, Season threw her arms about his neck. "The storm is all but over, my lady. Briggs can now handle the ship from here on out."
She buried her face against his broad chest, and he could feel her slight body tremble. "Are you quite sure we are not going to die?" she cried.
"Quite sure, my sweet, sweet lady." His hands were tender as he ran them soothingly up and down her back. "You should have known I would never allow anything as insignificant as a storm to harm you."
His deep voice immediately had a calming effect on Season. She felt her eyelids getting heavy. Wrapped in a feeling of well-being and safety, she buried her face against his neck.
Season was unaware that she was drifting off to sleep. She never knew it when The Raven laid her back on the bed and pulled the covers over her. She didn't hear him when he walked out of the cabin silently, to return to the helm of the ship.
11
Season awoke to a calm sea. Opening her eyes, she found bright sunlight filtering in through the porthole. It took her a moment to get her bearings. The cabin was in total disarray. Since the maps and logs hadn't been removed from the shelves, they were scattered over the floor.
Her eyes widened in disbelief when she saw the cabin door standing slightly ajar. The door had never before been left open. Season arose on shaky legs and made her way across the cabin. She peeked around the door and saw no one about, so she walked up the companionway.
On deck, the sight that greeted her was a pleasant surprise. They were anchored off the shore of a small island! Season could see white sandy beaches. Behind them palm trees swayed in the warm tropical breeze.
Velvet Chains (Historical Romance) Page 13
