Season had been given neither food nor water, and she now found that she was both hungry and thirsty.
She walked about the bedroom, noticing how feminine everything was. The bed covering was pink lace, and the rug on the floor had a red and yellow floral pattern. Maude might dress like a man, but evidently she enjoyed having womanly frills in her bedroom.
Season paced back and forth as the clock on the dressing table ticked off the minutes. She began to wonder if The Raven had ever been in this room. Yes, most probably he had. She could tell by the way Maude had reacted to him, that they had been lovers; perhaps they still were. Season didn't stop to wonder why thinking of The Raven making love to Maude was so painful to her. She had been deeply hurt by The Raven's treatment of her that day, and she wanted to strike out at him and hurt him.
When is this horror ever going to end? she wondered. She loathed and detested the arrogant, hooded man everyone called The Raven. What mystery did he hide behind his black mask? What power did he have over her that he could make her love him?
She walked over to the window once more and glanced out, hoping to catch a glimpse of De Fores. Had she been mistaken to think the Frenchman would come to her rescue? No, she had seen the glint in his eyes when she had told him her father would pay him well for her return. Besides, she sensed a deeper reason why he would help her. De Fores hated The Raven; he would be only too glad to take something away from the captain of the Andromeda.
Season heard footsteps outside the bedroom door and then a key grating in the lock. She wondered if she was going to spend the rest of her life behind locked doors.
Maude entered the room, carrying a tray of food. She gave Season a poisonous glance as she set the tray on the dressing table and motioned for Season to eat.
Season was hungry, but she walked reluctantly over to the tray. Eying the food, she discovered it didn't look too bad. She noted a generous slice of meat, buttered bread, and slices of an unknown fruit.
"Does this meet your majesty's approval?" Maude asked, a sneer on her lips and a gleam in her pale blue eyes. "I surely wouldn't want to offend your majesty with my humble offerings."
"It looks good," Season replied, refusing to be baited by this woman.
"What's your name?" Maude demanded, propping her booted foot on a chair and looking Season over.
"I am known as Lady Season Chatsworth in England. My friends call me Season . . . you may call me Lady Season," she stated, biting into the meat and finding it was delicious.
"La-di-da, Lady Season Chatsworth," Maude said sarcastically. "Ain't you the grand one though," the woman taunted, with a vicious curl of her lip.
"What kind of fruit is this?" Season asked, refusing to be baited once more.
"It's a banana," Maude answered sourly.
"I find it to be quite tasty."
"What are you doing with The Raven?" Maude asked, sitting down in the chair.
Season took another bite of the banana and swallowed it before answering. "I am not with him by choice. I was kidnapped by the man you think so highly of."
"I'm certain he didn't abduct you because he was partial to your sweet nature," Maude observed.
Season looked into Maude's eyes. "I wonder how you would behave in like circumstances. How would you feel about a man you didn't even know who stole you away in the dead of night and held you captive?"
"I don't know," Maude answered speculatively. "My own father sold me to a man who was three times my age when I was but fourteen. He said if I was nice to the man I would become his wife and be provided with a decent home. Less than a year later, I found myself on the slave block in Madagascar. I was bought by a Moor, and was forced to live with him as his woman. He was a pirate and as mean as they come. I could tell you things that would curdle that blue blood of yours. I would still be his woman had not The Raven attacked Ajon's ship one day and freed me."
Season was horrified by Maude's confession. "Why did The Raven rescue you?" she asked.
"Oh, he didn't attack Ajon to save me. He didn't even know of my existence at that time. Ajon had foolishly shanghaied several of The Raven's men, and he was merely taking them back. Ajon lived to rue the day he tangled with The Raven."
"What did you do once you were free? Surely you could have returned to America."
Maude's eyes seemed to turn sad. "What was I to do, return to my loving father? I had sunk as low as a human being could go, and many times I wanted to die; yet I lived. I had nowhere to go and no friends or money."
"So you came here to live." Season couldn't disguise the horror in her voice. She now felt pity for this woman who had been so badly treated. She couldn't help but see the similarities between her life and Maude's.
"No. I didn't come to Tripoli right away," Maude continued. "I begged The Raven to give me Ajon's ship, the Albatross, and he agreed. That is how I became what I am today. No man puts his hands on me unless I say so. I have gained a certain amount of respect, and I do live well."
"You are a . . . pirate?"
"Yes, and a damned good one, too."
Season shook her head in disbelief. She began to admire this woman for standing up for herself. "I could never be as brave as you are. I admire your courage."
Maude frowned. She did not know whether this grand lady was making fun of her or whether she was being sincere. The light in the other woman's eyes led her to believe she was speaking the truth. "It's a hard life. The hardest part is dealing with men and trying to convince them I am their equal. I have managed to succeed quite well."
"Are you never frightened? Do you never wish for another kind of life?"
"I am often frightened, but I can't allow it to show," Maude confessed. "As for wanting another life—the sea is in my blood. I suppose I will sail the world until I die. I wouldn't trade places with any female I know."
On a sudden impulse Season reached over and placed her hand on Maude's. "My life has been not unlike yours. I was offered in marriage to a man who was older than my father. When I objected, my father sent me to America to wed a man I had never met. Before the wedding could take place, I was abducted by The Raven. It seems both you and I have had very little control over our lives."
Maude blinked her eyes. Against her will, she was beginning to like this young woman. There was no doubt in her mind that Season spoke the truth.
"Aye, it would seem we were both ill-used by men."
Both women lapsed into silence, then Season spoke. "Are you in love with The Raven?"
Maude's pale blue eyes seemed to soften. "There are many women who love the elusive Raven, but no woman has ever clipped his wings. I have known many men, but not a one who can compare with him. He is very compassionate, loyal, and fearless. Yes, I love him, but to love him and try to hold onto him is like trying to catch the wind . . . or tame the wild raven. His mistress is the sea."
Season sighed heavily and stood up. "I fear I do not see him as you do. Perhaps you have seen a side of him that has not been revealed to me. I picture him as an abductor of innocent women, a looter, and a pirate."
Maude walked over to the bed and lay down, propping her head up on a pink satin pillow. "If The Raven abducted you, he must have had a good reason. Do you know what it is?"
"I have been told that he was holding me hostage until a man named Silas Dunsberry could be exchanged for my release. It is said the man was executed; still I remain The Raven's prisoner."
Maude made a whistling noise through her teeth. "You're in a hell of a fix, ain't you?"
"Maude, could you help me escape," Season asked hopefully. "If you would take me to England, my father would pay you well, I promise."
"No, I would never go against The Raven. He knows he can trust me. Even if I agreed to take you to your father, The Raven would catch up with us and there would be all hell to pay."
Though Season had known what Maude's answer would be before she asked the question, she was desperate and could leave no avenue of escape untried. Sitting dow
n on the edge of the bed, she looked into Maude's blue eyes.
"Have you ever seen The Raven unmasked? Do you know what he looks like?"
Maude laughed aloud. "I have been with him when he was unmasked, but I didn't actually see his face, if that's what you are asking."
Season knew only too well what Maude was implying. She was saying The Raven had made love to her in a darkened room. Season flushed and lowered her eyes.
"Why do you think he wears a mask?" she asked hurriedly.
"Everyone has a theory about that. Some people say he is horribly deformed, but I know that to be false. Others say he is an English nobleman. Me, I have my suspicions as to why he keeps his identity a secret, but I ain't telling no one what I think."
"I know he doesn't wear his disguise aboard the Andromeda. I believe his crew know who he is."
"That may well be, but not a one among his crew would ever betray him. He has a way of inspiring loyalty in men as well as women."
"I suppose," Season sighed.
Maude reached over, took Season's chin, and tilted her face up so the dying rays of the sun hit her. "I wonder why The Raven hasn't sent you back. Why does he continue to hold you hostage?"
"Season shook her head. "I wish I knew the answer to that myself. I would give anything to be free of that man. It seems a lifetime since I was first abducted."
Maude moved off the bed. "You are very lovely; could it be that he has at last found a woman who has a claim on his heart?"
"No. I hate him and he always tries to humiliate me. I suspect he will be almost as glad to see the last of me as I will be when I am free of him."
"I wonder?" Maude speculated; then she smiled. "The Raven will be here tonight and I want to look my best." Maude walked over to a trunk and removed a bright red satin gown and held it out for inspection. "I have been keeping this for just such an occasion."
Season turned away and stared out the window as Maude began dressing. Why did she feel such an empty ache deep inside? she wondered. She would have to be crazed to feel jealous of The Raven.
"Fasten me up the back, will you?" Maude asked. Season performed the task and then watched as the woman brushed her wheat-colored hair. When she had finished, Season noted that the woman was not unattractive.
"I may not be as beautiful as you, lady what-ever-your-name-is, but I'll wager I'm more woman than you will ever be. I have pleased The Raven in the past; I shall please him again tonight. Your beauty will not help you, for you will sleep alone while I enjoy the company of The Raven. Something tells me that thought bothers you."
Season watched, speechless, as Maude moved to the door and swept out of the room, turning the key in the lock once she was outside. Wild, jealous feelings coursed through Season's veins.
"I hate The Raven!" she shouted, picking up a pink pillow and throwing it against the door. Then, hearing Maude's muffled laughter, she sank down on the bed.
The time passed slowly as day gave way to night, and Season again began to pace the room. She wondered if The Raven and Maude were locked in a passionate embrace. Would he kiss Maude as he had her? Season threw herself on the bed and pounded the pillow with her fist. "Just you wait," she cried. "I will make you pay, Raven."
The day's events had tired Season, and when she noticed the clock marked the midnight hour, she felt sure if De Fores intended to rescue her, he would already have come. No. Perhaps he would wait until The Raven left. She closed her eyes, no longer fighting sleep. Why should she care what The Raven and Maude were doing? Neither of them meant anything to her. She hoped De Fores knew that The Raven would be sailing in two days. If he were going to rescue her, it would have to be soon.
She yawned and closed her eyelids, drifting off to sleep.
The Raven stood at the railing of the Andromeda, staring at the lights of Tripoli. Perhaps it had been a mistake to leave Season with Maude. He had grown accustomed to having her aboard his ship and it seemed lonesome without her.
"It don't seem the same without the little lady, does it, Captain?" Briggs said, as if he had been reading The Raven's mind.
"No, it doesn't, Briggs. I was just wondering if I made a mistake in leaving her with Maude."
"You always visit Maude when we are in Tripoli— will you be going to her house tonight, sir?"
The Raven watched the distant lights play on the water. "No. I don't seem to want to, Briggs."
"The little lady really got under your skin, didn't she, Captain? I've never known you to turn down an invitation from Maude."
"Well, you are seeing it now, Briggs," The Raven said sourly. "Don't you have someone else's business to tend to besides mine?"
"I was just thinking, Captain. De Fores seemed to show a lot of interest in Lady Season today. Suppose he finds out she is staying with Maude?"
The Raven's hands gripped the rail. "My God, I didn't even think about that, Briggs. Maude would be no match for De Fores and his crew. Take a handful of men and go make sure everything is all right. As a matter of fact, I would feel better if you brought Season back to the Andromeda. I would go myself, but I dare not leave Robert since he is so ill."
The first mate nodded his head and rushed off to gather some men together. The Raven continued to stare toward Tripoli. He was just being foolish; Season probably wasn't in any danger from De Fores. The man wouldn't dare lay a hand on her. Still, a nagging fear seemed to eat at the pit of his stomach. Season had become as necessary to him as the air he breathed. He couldn't bear the thought of De Fores—or any other man—touching her either, for that matter.
He watched as Briggs and four other crewmembers went over the side of the ship and dropped into the longboat. He knew he would breathe a lot easier when Briggs returned with Season.
Season awoke when she felt a hand clamped over her mouth. She could see the shape of the man who bent over her, and she knew he was De Fores!
"Do not make a sound, my lady. It is me, De Fores, and I have come to rescue you."
Season nodded her head in understanding, and he removed his hand from her mouth. Her heart was pounding with excitement as he took her hand and led her across the room. She could hardly believe she was about to be free! Season couldn't help but think how angry The Raven would be when he found his captive had been spirited away in the dead of night.
"Dress quickly; we do not have much time," De Fores ordered. "I want to catch the morning tide."
Season hastily slipped her gown over her head, so anxious to be gone that her hands trembled excitedly. When she had completed dressing, she followed De Fores out of the room and then cautiously descended the stairs. When they reached the front door, Season tripped over something and lost her footing, falling to the floor. She almost screamed out when she saw that it was Maude's Nubian slave, a knife sticking out of his back.
As De Fores jerked her to her feet, Season stifled a sob. She hadn't meant him to kill anyone while trying to rescue her. She was horrified that a man was dead because of her.
"Come along, my lady. It will not be long before the dead bodies are discovered and I want to be far from here when that happens."
Season jerked her hand free. "You cannot mean that you have killed others!"
"What did you expect? Did you think I could just walk in and say excuse me but would you hand Lady Season Chatsworth over to me?" He took her arm and led her forward. Season was confused. She hesitated. Hadn't she asked this man to help her? Why did she feel so heavy-hearted now?
De Fores led her out into the street where several men awaited them. It was a bright moonlit night, and the streets of Tripoli were deserted as they made their way down to the sea. Keeping well into the shadows, they finally reached the pier. Season was afraid that any moment they would be discovered and she would be recaptured by The Raven, the man she detested.
When De Fores lifted her into the longboat, Season became more confident. De Fores' men began to row out to sea, and she relaxed. Before too many minutes passed, Season saw De Fores' ship looming
up out of the darkness. She couldn't help but look to the far right where the Andromeda rode at anchor. She could easily make out the figurehead, the raven in flight. How good it felt to be free of her dark master's dominance.
De Fores helped Season aboard the ship, and she was shown below by a silent and brooding crewmember who seemed to view her with angry eyes.
"Will you send your captain to me as soon as possible?" she asked, turning to the man. "I want to discuss some important matters with him."
"The captain ain't got no time for you now. He's got to get the ship under way. You'll have to wait until it's convenient for him to come to you," the man answered suggestively.
"I do not think my request is unreasonable. Tell him I want to see him at once!" she demanded.
"I ain't working for you. It's because of you that we will soon have The Raven down on us. If the captain had listened to me, he would never have got mixed up with The Raven's lady. That man ain't nobody to fool around with. I fear we'll all live to rue this night."
Season wanted to protest, but the man turned away and stalked out of the cabin. She soon heard the old familiar sound of a key grating in the lock. She might be locked in a ship's cabin again, but she was free, she told herself. No longer would she be the prisoner of the dark lord of the sea. Her only wish was that she could see The Raven's face when he finally discovered she was missing.
The Raven stood beside the bed where his friend, Robert Wolf, lay. He noticed that Robert's face showed the agony he was suffering. Wolf had a festered wound on his leg, and his wrists were rubbed raw from being chained. Touching Robert's forehead, Raven discovered he was running a high fever and appeared to be unconscious.
Maxwell, the ship's doctor, had treated Wolfs wounds, and then had shaken his head as he'd looked at his captain. "He's been terribly mistreated, Captain. He needs liquids and rest. I'll have to keep a close eye on his wounds to make sure gangrene doesn't set in."
"Do what you can for him, Maxwell," The Raven said grimly. "I must go topside and watch for Briggs. He should have returned by now."
Velvet Chains (Historical Romance) Page 19
