Velvet Chains (Historical Romance)

by Constance O'Banyon

  She turned her face away and stared into the night sky. "Why do you say that?"

  "Dammit, don't you realize what I have done to you?" he cried out, grabbing her and burying his face in her golden hair. "Are you not aware of the consequences?"

  "I know very well what you have done to me. Why should that necessitate my marrying my cousin. I don't think it would be fair to Edmund to have a woman like me as his wife."

  "You must realize that I will never offer you marriage." The Raven stood up and pulled Season to her feet. "I can't be expected to offer marriage to every woman I bed. If I did so, I would be a bigamist many times over." His harsh words sliced through Season's heart like a knife.

  She fought back her tears and squared her shoulders. "You and I marry one another? Surely you jest," she said, hoping to wound him as he had hurt her. "My position in life would never allow me to marry a commoner, much less a pirate such as yourself."

  "I'm glad we know where we stand," he told her in a cold voice.

  "I hate and despise you," she cried.

  "So you have said," he stated, walking away. "You can wash in the ocean, and I will gather up your clothes and put them on the hammock," he said in an unfeeling voice.

  Season ran into the sea and waded out until she was waist-deep in the water. She began to scrub herself all over, thinking she could never wash away the feel of The Raven's hands on her body.

  As she came out of the water, she choked down a dry sob. The Raven had taken her body and her heart, and had given her only insults in return. One day she would show him that no man could treat Lady Season Chatsworth with so little respect! She knew she would never again allow him to lay a hand on her. She would be watching for a way to escape, and should she ever be free of this man, she would dearly love to see him swinging from the end of a rope!

  Season found her way to the hammock and, feeling around in the dark, pulled her clothing on. She lay down, trying to block out her troubled thoughts. She didn't want to think about the cruel words The Raven had said to her tonight.

  Turning over on her side, Season listened to the waves as they gently kissed the shore. She could tell The Raven wasn't asleep because she could almost sense his eyes boring into her. What does he want from me? she wondered.

  Her thoughts were so troubled that it was a long time before she slept.

  When Season woke, just before dawn, she looked at the empty hammock and knew The Raven had gone.

  James sat beside her, a smile on his face. "You'd best eat, ma'am—we sail on the morning tide," he told her.

  13

  The Andromeda was under full sail when Briggs spotted another ship off the starboard bow and informed his captain. The Raven gauged the distance between the two vessels and knew that within three hours he would overtake the other craft. They were gaining on the other ship rapidly since the Andromeda was the faster of the two.

  The Andromeda's canvas sails snapped and crackled when the wind caught them, and the distance between the two ships lessened.

  Two hours passed, during which time the crew of the Andromeda waited tensely to find out if the ship were friend or foe. It had been over six months since The Raven had taken a prize, and the crew was ready to meet the enemy. Each man aboard The Raven's ship was proud to serve his captain. The men had been handpicked and were true patriots. They preferred to sail on a privateer vessel rather than serve in the as yet poorly organized United States Navy. In addition, the navy offered its crew eighteen dollars a month while the men of the Andromeda received an equal split of any prize taken, and so far the Andromeda had taken many prizes. However, The Raven always insisted that any guns and ammunition taken on a captured vessel be turned over to the United States Navy.

  "She's a Red Ensign Merchant ship—British," the captain yelled down to his crew. "Load cannon and look sharp," he ordered.

  The crew immediately sprung into action, loading and priming the twenty-four eighteen pounders on the upper deck and eight nine pounders on the quarterdeck. A brace of pistols and a cutlass were strapped about each man's waist in anticipation of hand-to-hand combat.

  The Raven turned the Andromeda leeward and ordered a warning shot fired over the bow of the English merchant ship. "Strike the colors!" he yelled to his crew. Immediately the Stars and Stripes of the United States were hoisted up the flagpole, and the flag caught in the breeze, waving proudly above the Andromeda's mast.

  The British ship hoisted her Union Jack and returned a warning shot of her own.

  "Look lively, men; we are coming about," The Raven called out. He brought the sails into the wind, coming up almost on the prow of the enemy ship. "Fire guns on the swivel deck!" came the crisp order.

  A puff of smoke and the splintering of wood told the crew of the Andromeda, they had hit their target.

  The Raven ordered the sails lowered as he came up against the hull of the English merchant, which was unable to fire her guns because the Andromeda was too near. It wasn't the first time The Raven had taken a prize without being fired upon.

  "Do you give quarter?" The Raven yelled across to the captain of the merchant ship.

  "I'll see you in hell first!" came the ready reply. Braces were fired from the deck of the Andromeda, and they created utter chaos aboard the English ship. The Raven wondered why the British captain had foolishly refused to surrender. The shots that had been fired by the American ship had splintered the enemy's mast, causing it to fall to the deck. Many English crewmembers were crushed beneath its weight, and others were running about in a frenzy.

  "Throw the grappling irons and prepare to board her," The Raven commanded.

  The grappling hooks were tossed and caught fast, holding the two ships together. The crew of the American ship swarmed onto the crippled merchant, their pistols aimed and ready to fire. For some strange reason the British crewmembers made no attempt to defend their ship. Many of them stood with their hands crossed over their chests, while others rushed forward, declaring they were captured American sailors.

  "Do you give quarter?" The Raven asked again of the captain, wanting to avoid bloodshed if at all possible.

  "Aye, I give quarter," the captain said, tossing his cutlass to the deck. "I am Captain Bruce, at your service. I can tell by your appearance that you are The Raven."

  The Raven didn't confirm or deny who he was, but he turned to his men and ordered them to gather up the firearms and take the prisoners below.

  The Raven, in full mask, confronted the defeated British captain. "It was a sorry fight, sir. Why did you not attempt to defend yourself?"

  "You were upon us before we could prepare. I had heard The Raven's ship was fleet, but I didn't know the extent of that speed until this day."

  "You and your crew are my prisoners, sir."

  "So I am to be the prisoner of the infamous Raven? This is a sad day for me."

  "Correction, Captain, you are the prisoner of The United States of America," declared the raspy voice.

  "It's true then that you fight for that rabble in the Colonies?" the defeated captain of the British ship asked. Captain Bruce was a man in his late fifties, and he stood proud in his blue and white uniform, his brass buttons glistening in the bright sunlight.

  "Correction again, Captain. I fight for the patriots against the English tyrant. I am curious though: why did you not put up a better fight? You easily outgun the Andromeda.

  The captain of the British merchant smiled without humor. "I did not make a fight of it because the crew refused to obey my orders. Being short-handed, we were forced to take on Spanish seamen. They somehow learned that Spain was about to declare war on England, and they became mutinous. I am sure you are aware that others of the crew are Americans who were captured and forced to serve aboard my ship. You have most probably saved my life, and that of my British crew."

  The Raven gave a curt bow. "I am at your service, Captain Bruce. If you will show me to your cabin, I will take a cup of wine with you."

  Below, Captain Bru
ce poured The Raven a glass of wine, while he studied his adversary closely. "I have heard many tales of your daring, but I never dreamed the day would come when I would be on the receiving end of your guns. Do they speak the truth when they say you are an English nobleman?"

  The Raven raised the wineglass to his lips before answering. "If I were you, I would discount most of the stories that are circulated about me. I am no more than a privateer."

  "Hmm, I don't mind telling you that when I saw the figurehead of the spread-winged raven and knew I had a mutinous crew on my hands, I feared you would want my death. You could have created a blood bath, had you wished to."

  "I don't know what you have been told about me, but I hope my honor is not in question."

  Captain Bruce raised his glass. "I prefer to make my own judgment, Raven. I raise my glass to a man of honor." The English captain took a sip of his wine and then set the glass on his desk. "May I ask what is to be the fate of my ship and crew?"

  "Your ship is to be stripped of any valuables, of course. Then a prize crew will be placed aboard her to sail her to Maryland where she will be turned over to the authorities. I would imagine your Spanish crewmembers will be given their freedom, and of course the Americans will be set free. Most probably you and your mates will be held to exchange for our own men who are being held captive by your government."

  "A fair judgment. Had I taken you prisoner, instead of the other way around, you would now be bound in chains. There is a high reward on your head."

  "I would have expected to be placed in chains, had the battle gone the other way."

  Captain Bruce took another sip of wine and stared at the man in the black mask. "I witnessed one of your American privateers being taken but two days ago in these same waters."

  "Do you know the ship's name?"

  "Yes, she was the Sea Serpent."

  The Raven seemed to tense. "Do you know what the Sea Serpent's fate was?"

  "No, I know only that she was taken by De Fores, the pirate who sails out of the Barbary States. I saw the battle only from a distance. You can well imagine I wouldn't want to come to the aid of either ship."

  "I thank you for this bit of information. The Sea Serpent's captain is a good friend of mine."

  "That's a pity, Raven. Who can say what the fate of a prisoner would be at the hands of that black-hearted De Fores. I have heard he is a friend to no country."

  The man behind the black leather helm stood up. "I will bid you a fair wind to Maryland. Have no fear, you will be treated with the respect that is due your station."

  Captain Bruce smiled and inclined his head. He felt a healthy respect for The Raven. Even if he was the enemy, he had certainly dealt fairly with him.

  Lady Season Chatsworth heard the sounds of battle and climbed up on the chair so she could look out. At first she could see nothing but white puffs of smoke. However, she stayed at her vantage point until the Andromeda got under way, and as the ship moved away from the crippled merchant, Season saw the Union Jack lying tattered on her deck!

  "Oh, no, it cannot be!" she cried, realizing the ship attacked had been English. In that moment she knew The Raven was indeed an enemy to her country. She clamped a hand over her mouth, thinking she had betrayed her native land by allowing The Raven to make love to her.

  The two ships parted company, one following a course to the American coast, the other under full sail for the Barbary States.

  The crew of the Andromeda had found riches aboard the British merchant and were celebrating with the three kegs of rum their captain had allowed them. The Raven had sent the guns and ammunition to America, hoping they would find their way into General George Washington's hands. The other bounty consisted of gold, silver, rich materials, and jewels. In addition, the merchant ship had carried coffee, tea, rum, and fruit. Each man knew the cargo would bring a fortune once they found a buyer in the Barbary States.

  The Raven sat at the desk in the cabin he shared with his first mate, his head bent over a chart. "Briggs, according to my calculations and with a fair wind at our back, we should sight land by tomorrow morning. With a little luck, we should make Tripoli by tomorrow night."

  "Aye, Captain," Briggs said, studying the face of the man he admired most in the world.

  "I heard some rather disturbing news from Captain Bruce. He informed me that the Sea Serpent was taken two days ago by De Fores."

  Briggs frowned. "That scurvy pirate! Do you know the fate of Captain Robert Wolf, sir?" Briggs asked, knowing that the Sea Serpent's captain was a friend of The Raven's.

  "No, but we will determine that when we go ashore at Tripoli." The Raven tested the tip of his rapier absent-mindedly. "I always knew the day would come when I would meet De Fores at the end of a sword. If he has harmed Robert, he will surely pay with his life."

  "You will have to be on guard against De Fores, sir. He is underhanded and devious," Briggs warned.

  "I have the advantage over him because I know how he thinks. I will deal with him when the time comes."

  "Try not to concern yourself about Captain Wolf, sir. He's a tough one."

  "Yes. Robert can take care of himself in a fair fight. But to my knowledge De Fores has never been praised for being fair with anyone."

  Briggs studied his captain's face. "You have been acting strangely ever since we left the island, sir. I think I know what's bothering you."

  The Raven looked up at his longtime friend. "Don't be too sure you can read me, Briggs."

  "Correct me if I'm wrong, sir, but you could have put Lady Season on the captured ship and sent her back to America. Why didn't you?"

  The Raven took a drink of wine and glared at Briggs. "You seem to have all the answers tonight—you tell me," he declared sourly.

  "I think you know why. You want to keep the lady for yourself. I haven't ever seen you act this way toward a woman before. Don't you think it's time you sent her back?"

  The Raven rose to his feet. "To hell with that!" he said, stalking out of the cabin and slamming the door behind him.

  As Season walked the deck beside Briggs, she gazed off into the distance where tiny lights shimmered in the dark night.

  "Briggs, can that be land ahead?" she inquired.

  "Yes, my lady."

  "What land is this? Where are we?"

  Briggs cleared his throat. "It's not for me to say, my lady."

  "It's Tripoli," said a deep raspy voice behind them.

  Season whirled around to face the dark, cloaked figure. "Tripoli is the stronghold for the Barbary Pirates. Are you finally showing your true colors, Captain?"

  Briggs seemed to fade into the shadows when the captain stepped up beside Season and stood watching the lights in the distance. "Yes. My colors are the red, white, and blue of the United States, my lady."

  "I don't think so. I saw what you did to that English ship. I knew all along you were no more than a pirate. You are common and dishonest!"

  His voice suggested that he was smiling. "I warn you, pretty words will never turn my head."

  "You claim to be a revolutionary, and I could respect that; but a pirate who would trade on others for their livelihood has my deepest contempt. What did you do with the captain and crew of the English vessel?"

  "As it happens, they are in good health and on their way to America. As to my being a pirate, I prefer to be called a privateer, or perhaps a buccaneer," he stated in an amused voice.

  "Whatever you call yourself, you are nothing but the lowest form of life. I. . . detest men like you."

  "Tell me what you think I am."

  "You claim to have an honorable cause only to cover up what you really are."

  His deep laughter only served to infuriate Season further. Then, before she could guess his intention, The Raven pulled her into his arms and held her fast.

  "Oh, my lady, you do test me sorely."

  "Release me this instant," she demanded, pushing against his arms.

  "Have you missed me?" he whispered in her e
ar, refusing to release her.

  Season raised her head and stared at his black mask, trying to see his eyes without success. "I would sooner have the lowest creature on earth near me than you. Take your hands off me," came her cold reply.

  "Am I to take that as a no?" He laughed.

  Season pressed her hand against his chest, and to her surprise, he immediately released her and turned to face the lights of Tripoli. The two of them were silent until Season spoke.

  "I recall my father once telling me about the Barbary pirates. He said that Tripoli belonged to the old Ottoman Empire and that the Barbary pirates attacked trading ships, demanding tribute and ransom from all countries. He said they respect no flag. Can that be true?"

  "Yes, all that and more. A more loathsome lot you will never meet, my lady."

  Season turned to face The Raven. "Somehow I didn't think you would be associated with thieves and cutthroats. Surely you are aware of how ruthless these pirates can be. I have come to know your crew. They do not seem like—"

  "Like thieves and cutthroats?" he interrupted.

  She nodded. "It isn't too late, Captain. Mend your ways; take me to my father. I know he will reward you handsomely. I will say nothing about being abducted by you. I will merely tell him I asked you to return me to England."

  The Raven laughed and touched her face. "I believe the lady is trying to reform me."

  "No," she said in a small voice. "I merely want to go home."

  He was silent for a moment, and Season could feel his eyes on her face. "Even if it were possible, I could never take you to England, my lady."

  "Why? I don't understand. I am merely a woman and have never harmed you, why should you want to continue punishing me?"

  His hand went to her face again and he brushed an unruly curl from her cheek. "No, my lady, you are not just a woman," he told her. Season was mesmerized by the tone of his deep voice. Suddenly she wished she could strip the disguise away from his face so she could see the man who held so much power over her. She could tell he was staring at her with such intensity that she felt her knees go weak. She quickly turned away to face the lights in the distance. She needed to think of something to say that would help restore her sanity— anything!