“These sacks weigh more than you do, lad,” Johnny teased.
“Go tell Marcel to unlock his pantry,” Remus suggested.
She nodded and went to the galley. Whether they meant what they said, or were sparing her still-healing back and shoulders from the chafing and the weight of the sacks, she wasn’t sure. Either way, she was grateful.
The sacks were stuffed into barrels and sealed in an attempt to keep out rats and other vermin. Additional barrels stowed hogsheads of rum, ale and whiskey. Brandy, wine and port were stored in a special pantry built off the galley. Marcel shut the tight-fitting door and then locked it with a key he kept on a chain around his neck.
“Zey are all descent men," he had said. “But there is no sense in tempting them, eh?”
Keelan returned to her perch on the box and enjoyed observing the activities on the waterfront. A few of the crew found spots along the rail as well.
According to Remus, after the ship had been released from dry dock and her leaking hold sealed, small additional repairs had followed. Then, the cargo had been loaded and lashed down. The last of the supplies and rations had been purchased and stored.
They now awaited their captain.
“Word has it he had unfinished business of some sort.” Remus confided.
A landau moved along the waterfront, its pace restrained but determined. It stopped at the pier where the ship was secured. The driver stepped down, opened the carriage door, and extended his hand. A slender glove grasped it and a woman gracefully alighted, like quicksilver from a glass bottle. Her dress was a deep gray and a feathered hat was secured at a jaunty angle on her head. From what Keelan could see, the woman’s hair was as dark as a raven’s.
A low groan sounded from Remus, “Well, look who’s joining us for another sail,” he muttered, spitting over the rail.
“Another?” Keelan inquired.
Henry strolled up behind Remus and rested his elbows on the railing. “Aye. She sailed this same leg two years ago. Except she was aboard the Desire. Surprised to see her on the Seeker tho’, eh Remus?”
Relief and apprehension battled inside her. The Seeker’s captain was already an acquaintance, but what if he recognized her and refused to let her stay aboard? He’d already seen her sparring with Daniel in her waif’s clothes, so her current disguise might not work with him at all. She made a fast decision to remain out of Conal O'Brien’s sight as best as she could until the journey was well underway. Then she’d find out if he knew of Landon’s plan to seek out Gampo.
Remus nodded at Henry’s earlier observation and frowned. “She’s the other captain’s…Hart’s…bit o’ fluff. She’s a bad omen, mark me words. Last time she sailed with him, a fierce storm hit an’ washed Stuckey overboard, remember? Heard she was a hell of a bitch in heat.”
The other captain.
Hart. Keelan’s stomach clenched into a knot.
“She chased him hard,” Henry agreed, willingly filling her in on the gossip. “Cap’n Hart was pleased enough to have her attentions now and then, but after a couple years she wanted him to give up his ship, marry her and run her daddy’s plantation.” Henry laughed. “Devil may doubt it, but the captain had no desire for that life to be sure. He’s a seaman, not a lubber, anyone who knows him knows that.”
Keelan swallowed. The notion that the woman and Landon had been lovers grated against her heart, even as she tried to steel herself against the sharp teeth of jealousy biting into her rational mind. She told herself it didn’t matter. Hart was already sailing for Harbor Town on the Desire.
Remus added, “Cap’n sent her pretty little arse back home, in spite of it all. Ain’t seen her again til today.”
No new news there. Landon Hart had been gleefully unattached and unmarried when Keelan had met him at Twin Pines. Her mind took her back to Aunt Sarah’s garden, the day he’d offered to free her tangled hair from a stubbornly rigid bush, in exchange for a kiss.
That kiss had been her undoing.
Or her awakening.
It led to a sensation of abandoned constraint and…well…longing. Landon Hart had kissed her, and from that moment forward she’d craved another kiss. Although she had done her best to resist the desire, when the opportunity had arrived she did not have the power or will to do so.
She was weak.
Henry nudged Remus in the ribs. “If Cap’n Hart rejects her, I wonder…what’ll be her intentions whilst she’s aboard?”
“Maybe she’s set her bonnet on Cap’n O’Brien this time,” Keelan replied with a half-hearted laugh.
Remus and Henry guffawed and slapped their knees at the suggestion. “Captain O’Brien likes him a skirt now and then, but he’d stay away from that skirt.”
Keelan glanced down as the subject of their conversation stepped daintily to the base of the ramp from the pier. She gave a slight gasp when the lady lifted her head to inspect the ship.
The black widow, Annette Camsby perused the faces at the rail.
Keelan’s heart jerked in her chest.
Of course.
Annette and Landon.
Now, she understood why they seemed to be so familiar with each other at Doreen’s ball. Landon and Annette had been lovers.
Lovers.
Keelan scowled. That word…lovers… poked her throat like a stale biscuit. Were they still lovers? Would Landon have a difficult time resisting Annette’s charms? Would Annette still want him?
She rolled her eyes and shook her head at the stupid question. Of course Annette would want him. Why would she not? Landon probably rode straight to Annette’s town house after witnessing that ridiculous kiss of Everett’s on Uncle Jared’s porch. A part of her heart crumbled. A dark, thick sensation oozed in and its weight pulled at her.
So, this is how it felt to be jealous of another woman. This is what it felt like to have a broken heart.
So many questions and concerns flitted through her mind. How much of their journey did Landon’s former mistress plan to make with them? What if Annette recognized her, as Simon had? Could she and Daniel slip away unseen now, perhaps travel by land, if need be? It seemed possible. It would be infinitely better than sailing with the two of them. Together.
She studied the pier and nearby boardwalk. People hawked wares, some strolled casually, stopping occasionally to inspect an item or two, everyone seemed to be in motion, except…
A figure leaned against a piling near the mouth of the pier. Her heart lurched.
Orvis Pike had his gaze fixed on the carriage and the lady who had alighted from it. He was probably watching to see if it was her. If Daniel hadn’t discovered Gampo’s reward for her capture, she might have arrived in the same manner as Annette Camsby.
Keelan’s shoulders sagged. The boat was being too closely guarded by the pirates for her and Daniel to make a successful escape. Even in disguise.
“God’s blood, there’s another petticoat,” Remus said darkly.
A second woman, holding a small bag, emerged from the carriage. She was dressed much simpler, perhaps a servant. Her head was covered, her features masked.
Mr. Henry barked to the men loitering closest to the ramp.
“You there! Johnny! Remus! Haul up the rest of these ladies’ things. The biggest trunk is to go into the hold, but put it in a handy spot, in case they should require it.”
“Aye, Mr. Henry.” The men pushed away from the rail and shuffled down the ramp like men headed for the gallows.
She scanned the pier for Orvis.
He was gone.
A cold sensation gripped her neck.
Where did he go?
She studied the pier and the boardwalk again, but there was no sign of the man.
Keelan pulled the brim of her hat lower so she could inconspicuously watch Landon’s lover stroll along the deck. She gave a small internal sigh of longing as she admired the perfectly coiffed hair, the beautiful silk gown, and the petite gloved hands. She was exceedingly aware of her own state of dress, bo
ots, baggy breeches, and Landon’s linen shirt. She reached up and rubbed the collar. Uninvited, the image of Annette Camsby dancing with Landon tugged at the raw strings of jealousy within her chest. They’d been beautiful together, two dark-haired figures waltzing around the room, talking, smiling…
Thinking of Landon also brought a lonely weight to her heart. At least if Orvis was still in Charleston, then so too, was Gampo which meant Landon was safely sailing south on the Desire.
If she’d listened to Slaney’s advice and stayed away from the man, she wouldn’t care if Annette Camsby was aboard. She pressed her lips together. The maid had been right about some things. Landon Hart was the kind of handsome rogue who could have a woman whenever and wherever he wished. He could easily make it a game to see how many maids he could woo, and leave swooning for his touch, longing for his kiss.
Unbidden, the hard warmth of his thighs against the back of her legs seeped in to her mind. His fingers on her wrist…
“…Hold the blade like so…”
Warm breath against her cheek.
“Then cock your wrist and let it fly.”
Hot moist kisses….his tongue probing her mouth with first tenderness then desire.
Azure eyes pierced her mind.
Mocking. Smiling.
Flashing in anger. Clouded with concern.
Hooded in hurt.
Keelan’s heart lurched. Now she ached with a kind of pain that pulled at her soul. For the past two and a half years she had spurned countless suitors while making any number of excuses: too old, too arrogant, too uneducated, too poor, nose too big, belly too big, too melancholy.
Others had been refused by her parents because they were unworthy. She stifled a humorless laugh. Had a man born out of wedlock asked for her hand, he would have been laughed to the gate.
She pondered Landon Hart, the man who had once asked her to sail the world with him. He didn’t seem like the type of man who cared much of what others thought.
Still…
Had he wanted me with him, she mused, he would have taken me. Perhaps these circumstances are for the best. No matter how strong my affection, I will never stay with a man who does not love me, just as I would never want to be with a man I could not love.
Yet…she did love. She loved Landon Hart whether she willed it or not.
The slow dawning of truth emerged through the bramble tangled around her heart like a crocus in spring. Much to the anguish of her flayed pride and common sense, she loved Landon Hart.
When had she fallen in love with him?
Was it at Doreen’s ball when his kiss stole her breath and made her knees tremble? Was it when he asked her to sail the world with him?
When?
How?
Oh, dear Lord, why?
Why must she be tormented by something she might never be destined to have? Was this her punishment for being so cruelly selective with her previous suitors? Her jaw tightened. It did no good to dwell on what could have or should have been. The past was the past. Her only hope was to focus on the future and the new path she must forge for herself and pray it would lead her home.
Perhaps without him.
A slow metallic ache spread through her chest.
She forced her mind back to her earlier reasoning. He’d left so she had no choice but to follow his directions to sail north with Commodore Hall. Did he strive to keep her safe because he cared for her, or because he wanted to get her out of his life?
So, he could be with his mistress.
Her gaze paused again on Annette Camsby.
Remus had returned from his trip below and stood near Keelan. He shifted toward her conspiratorially, “Well, she is now the Widow Camsby. It seems her third husband died of the fever last winter. She asked to see the captain first thing. Poor Henry had to tell her he’s not yet boarded.” He chuckled. “Barely got the words out before he had to duck a flying chamber pot.”
Keelan was hit with a sense of foreboding, like a dark thunderhead on the horizon.
Remus gave her an odd look. “Yer a bit green, boy.” He peered closer, then nudged her with his elbow. “Don’t worry, ye’ll git yer sea legs soon enough.”
She nodded. Better to let him think she was getting seasick. Although thinking about Annette Camsby made her stomach lurch almost as badly.
Remus grinned at her. “Tell ye this, young Mahdi, the captains are going to have a rough few days. If Madam Camsby’s in heat and is shunned again, she’ll be wantin’ another warm body to take to her bed. A young buck like you might just suit her fine.” He reached over and feigned to cuff her ear. She quickly dodged his swing and mumbled, “It won’t be me. I wouldn’t want to catch anything.”
Remus threw his head back and roared with laughter. “Smart lad, ye are, but there’s not many a man on this ship with the same sense in ‘is head or ‘is britches. They’d as soon lay the lass now and worry about the other later.” He hailed Daniel, “Mr. Khalil!”
Daniel walked up, nodded a greeting to Remus and Johnny, and leaned his forearms on the rail.
“How are the beasts?” Johnny asked.
Daniel rubbed his shoulder and grinned at Keelan. “The mare is a bit spirited. She slammed me into the boards as I was changing the dressing on her leg this morning. She’s healing well, though. Has the captain arrived yet?”
“Nay. Not yet. He should be here within the hour.” Remus responded.
“I was told to tell you and Johnny to report to the helmsman,” Daniel said.
Remus nodded and he and Johnny stepped away hastily to comply.
Keelan’s gaze was drawn to another figure moving furtively toward the ramp. Even though he limped, there was something familiar about the man’s gait. He carried a small trunk under one arm and a leather satchel under the other similar to the medicine bag Dr. Garrison carried.
Dr. Garrison!
Keelan’s heart pounded. Dear God, please don’t let him board this ship.
God apparently had more pressing prayers to answer because Everett wasted no time lurching to the ramp like a startled stork.
Keelan gritted her teeth. She sensed Daniel stiffen beside her.
He bent his head and spoke into Keelan’s ear. “We will have to make ready to leave this vessel as soon as we can slip away. It’s not safe for you. I’ll not have you on the same ship as Dr. Garrison.”
Another surge of panic welled in her chest. A bounty on her head in Charleston, and Garrison on the same ship with her. How long would it take to find other transportation north? She glanced again to the spot where she’d seen Orvis earlier. Two different men had taken his place and appeared to be in casual conversation, but their eyes were fixed on the Seeker.
“Daniel,” she whispered, “spies are watching the ship.” She nodded toward the pirates. “It could be days or even weeks before another vessel is ready to journey to north. And if war breaks between England and France, as Captain Hart and Jared predicted, it could delay our departure even longer. We must continue.” She pleaded with the valet, “Please, Daniel. We can’t risk the delay.”
She couldn’t leave now, she had too many questions. Why had her mother had a child with another man? Who was he? She clasped her hands together and stared at her stained fingers. What she really needed to know was if Landon been serious when he’d asked her to join him, or was she no more that a pleasant temporary distraction for him? Observing him and Annette together might give her the answer to that question. She couldn’t leave until she knew for sure. Her mind told her to go, but her heart begged her to stay long enough to confront Landon and learn the truth from his own lips.
Daniel closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, as if his thoughts were causing him pain. “I promised the commodore I would take you to England and help you find your father. I will see my oath fulfilled and my duty done, Miss Keelan.” He opened his eyes and his gaze sharpened. “But, not at the cost of your safety.”
She supposed she’d feel the same way if their ro
les were reversed. “Henry said we’ll sail from Harbour Town to Philadelphia. If you still think it is too dangerous, then we leave the Seeker and find a different ship northbound.” She waited while Daniel contemplated their situation.
He gave her a reluctant nod. “It makes sense to stay aboard until Philadelphia and then take stock.”
A shout from Remus drew their attention to the dock below. “Hoy Captain! Yer late. Was she that good, or did she tie ye to her bed posts?” he called out jovially.
Conal O'Brien attempted a grin and nudged the shoulder of the man next to him. Keelan’s breath froze in her throat as she gazed upon the stern and rather unmistakable face of Landon Hart, striding beside O'Brien.
Why wasn’t Landon on his ship, the Desire?
Daniel grasped her arm. “What luck!” he whispered enthusiastically. “I’ll have a word with Captain Hart, as soon as I can meet with him privately.”
They both observed Landon and Conal board the vessel amid additional shouts of greeting and raucous comments about activities ashore. The two simply waved them off, in good-natured fashion.
As Landon and Conal came closer, Keelan noted the weariness of their stride and the slump of their shoulders. The crewmen seemed to notice the stern set of their mouths and stifled any further ribald comments. Landon had dark circles beneath his eyes and a haggard look of worry blanketing his features. Keelan studied him, relief and dread tangled together. In her heart, she was happy to see him again. Rather than wonder if he’d be happy to see her too, all she could think of was if he would seek comfort in Annette Camsby’s arms again.
Annette Camsby.
Landon.
His mistress was back aboard and had already asked for him. Annette had known Landon would be aboard the Seeker hadn’t she?
A loud rush of air filled her ears as the realization hit her. The trip to Harbour Town provided an excellent opportunity for the two lovers to rekindle their old relationship. How could Landon resist such beauty, especially if it radiated from a woman so willing to climb into his bed? Winning the argument with Daniel to stay aboard until they reached Philadelphia no longer had the same appeal it had a few moments ago.
Hart's Passion (Pirates & Petticoats Book 2) Page 14
