“Well, I’ll be…” Brendan leaned back in his chair, cocked his head and studied Keelan for a moment then studied Conal, who hadn’t taken his eyes off Keelan since he placed his ring on the table.
“We’d all given up,” Conal said hoarsely, shaking his head in disbelief. “But Fynn hadn’t. He’d promised my ma he’d never stop searching. He finally found you. He found our sister.” Conal’s eyes glistened with tears.
Keelan’s throat constricted at his words and her lungs felt twice their normal size.
Sister.
She was a sister! Her ears started to ring. Conal had said our sister. She had more than a father. She had a mother and Conal, and Brendan, her cousin.
She had a family.
A large tear fell unchecked to the table, followed by another. Conal wiped the third away from his chin before it could fall, his eyes still wide. “You’re not my father’s bastard daughter. You’re my baby sister, Cailyn. The one who was stolen from her bed when I was a lad.” His face broke into a wide smile. He slapped his hands on the table then jumped to his feet.
Conal lifted Keelan off her chair and enveloped her in a tremendous hug. They were both laughing and crying at the same time. Conal pulled Landon up, hugged him, clapped Brendan on the back then grabbed Keelan again and kissed both her cheeks. She laughed and her heart swelled with both glee and love for her husband and her brother and the family she had yet to meet. Never would she dream her life would turn out this way. She was with the man she loved. She was part of a family. She was finally home.
“Now, dear one,” Conal was saying, pulling her hand, “sit ye down again and let me tell ye about your kin. You got yer lovely red curly locks from our mother. In fact, I’m a bigger idiot, fer not seeing the resemblance. You resemble her, except for your eyes and chin. Those come from our da. Now, about your older, twin sisters. Ciera, she’s married with a wee one of her own. Carina is…well…she’s an adventuresome sort.” He shifted in his seat as if he’d just sat upon a burr. “She’s not home much, and it’d probably be best if ye learned about her later. Then there’s Aislyn, she’s almost sixteen. Lastly, there’s our brother Ian, who ought to be thirteen by now.”
Brendan cleared his throat and Conal quickly added, “And there’s Brendan, of course and his brother, Ronan, your cousins. I’ll not go into the rest of your cousins just yet, it’ll only confuse you.”
She had so many questions! Where to start? “Where do they live in Ireland?”
“Our family lives in Philadelphia now,” Conal said, eyes brightening. “As soon as this fog lifts, our fleet is heading north. You’ll meet them soon. I canna wait to see their faces when they see you.”
Keelan couldn’t stop smiling. It was like a dream. Better. Reaching over, she gripped Landon’s arm, and he nudged her with his knee under the table in response.
Conal and Brendan talked to Keelan for almost an hour about her kin. Landon added a story here and there where he could before he finally stood and gestured to Keelan.
“I made a promise to my bride that I would arrange a wedding, and provide legal documentation of our marriage.” He took Keelan’s hand, not giving a damn who noticed. “And I have done so.”
Her heart nearly stopped. A wedding?
Conal nodded. “Good, then. I knew ye’d make good on yer promise to me sister.”
A moment ago, she didn’t think she could feel happier, yet she did.
“We are to be married at Christ Church at dusk.” He nodded at the two other men at the table. “I’d be honored if the two of you would join us as witnesses.”
“Of course!” Conal picked up his mug in salute. “I’ll be havin’ to give away the bride, of course.”
Keelan grinned at her brother. “Then, I beg your leave, to prepare for the ceremony.”
Brendan and Conal stood. Brendan grinned and stuck out his hand to Landon. “Congratulations, my friend, I wish for you and my cousin a long and happy life.”
Conal wasn’t looking as happy as Brendan. He took in his own stained breeches and scarred boots. “This won’t do. I have a much finer coat and breeches in my locker on the Seeker.” He glanced at Landon. “If I take the canoe, I can get to the ship quickly and retrieve my best.” He chanced a sideways glance at Keelan. “Our ma would expect it,” he added in a chagrined tone.
Brendan was staring at Conal’s boots. “Do you have any boots with a shine on them, Conal? If not, I can lend you a pair of mine.”
Conal frowned. “Of course I do, you lame-brained dolt. I bought them the same time as you bought yours.” He froze, then gave Keelan a sideways grimace. “Yer pardon for me language, Keelan.”
He looked like a guilty child, and Keelan couldn’t hold back her laughter. “We shall await your return,” she said. Keelan caught Landon’s gaze before she continued, “I’m sure Landon will demand a longer soak, since his last bath was disrupted most tragically.”
Conal chuckled while Brendan sat back, looking from one to the other, in confusion.
“Aye to that,” Conal responded. “Aye to that.”
Landon was true to his word, and Keelan enjoyed a long, leisurely soak at the hotel. At least, it was leisurely until he joined her in the tub. It was some time later before they emerged, quite flushed as well as pruned. To Keelan’s delight, the additional time in the bath had soaked off several shades of the dye, leaving her skin the color of clover honey, and her wet hair a deep amber.
Thanks to Landon’s nimble fingers and patience, she stood before the mirror at last, in the grey satin gown her husband had purchased for her in Charleston. The natural tint of her hair was beginning to show and the result was breathtaking.
Landon wore black breeches, shined boots, a new white linen shirt, and a deep, navy waistcoat. He’d contained his dark, satin locks with a black ribbon. For a second, Keelan forgot to breathe as she studied her husband. He was so handsome, she could barely remember what she should do next. Her love for him, which pulsed with every beat of her heart, seemed to be the only source of balance in her body. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.
“Keelan.”
Landon’s deep baritone broke into her reverie and she lifted her lids. The apparition standing near her could have been a Persian prince with crystalline blue eyes.
“You’re so beautiful.” He took her hand in his and spun her to him. The warmth of his lips on her fingertips made her stomach quiver. “This isn’t a traditional path to the altar.” He gave her that boyish grin which used to infuriate her. “However, you and I haven’t had a traditional type of courtship have we?”
She smiled, shaking her head, then reached up and touched his cheek. “No, we haven’t and I’m glad.”
“Well, our vows will be more traditional when we speak them before the priest,” he said, tucking her hand under his elbow. “It’s only a short walk to the church from here. Conal and Brendan will meet us downstairs and then we’ll walk to there together.”
When they descended the stairs, Brendan was already sitting at a table in a corner and sipping a mug of ale. Upon catching sight of Landon and Keelan, he rose to his feet, and gestured for them to join him. He had on tan breeches and tall chestnut-toned boots. His broad shoulders seemed to be barely contained by a light grey waistcoat. She made a mental note to ask Conal about family stature. How could she be so petite when her brother and cousin were as big as trees?
Landon reached out and shook his hand. “So you really do know how to dress for an occasion. I must admit, I was skeptical.”
Brendan laughed. “You’ll find I have a few polite characteristics, as well.” He gave Keelan a deep bow. “Greetings, Mrs. Hart. May I say you look radiant today?”
Keelan curtsied in return and bestowed a brilliant smile upon him in return. “Thank you, sir. You are quite dashing yourself.”
“Very smart boots,” Landon added.
Brendan grinned. “I expected you’d be jealous. It’s the reason I purchased them. Wait until you see Conal’s. You’ll
turn greener than a field in May.”
Landon pulled out a chair for Keelan, then ordered a couple glasses of wine and another ale for Brendan. Raising his glass, Brendan said, “A toast to the happy couple on this special day.”
Keelan raised her glass. A shadow fell across the table.
It was Henry. He was disheveled, as if he’d just been roughly awakened. Were the effects of the drugged wine still taking its toll on the poor man? She paused mid-sip. Hadn’t they left him aboard the Seeker to rest and rehabilitate?
“Captain Hart, Captain Ahern,” Henry nodded to each man then snatched his hat off his head as he faced her. He stepped forward and squinted his eyes, as if she wasn’t quite in focus. After a second, he blinked and gave her a slight bow. “Uh…Hello, Miss.”
Landon cocked his head. “What is it Henry? You look a bit rough. Is something wrong?”
Henry dragged his gaze from Keelan and nodded vigorously. “Yes, sir! A band of pirates has taken the Seeker, sir. They put most of us on longboats and set us adrift, pitching the oars over the starboard side of the ship. It took us quite a while to fetch ‘em then row ashore.”
This information sobered both Landon and Brendan, and they sat forward in their chairs. “Most of the crew? Where’s O’Brien?” Landon asked quickly, setting down his glass.
“Still aboard the ship,” Henry said, shoulders slumped. “He was caught unawares when they came aboard. They trussed him up along with Remus and his watch.”
Oh no, Conal! Keelan’s hand crept to her throat.
Brendan was already on his feet. “I’ll prepare the Reward to give chase immediately.” He paused, concern creased his face. “The cargo bound for Philadelphia…”
Landon took a deep breath then took Keelan’s hand. She wanted to go after her brother. Landon had an obligation to deliver the runaways; they were depending on him and had placed their lives in his hands. She gave him a slight nod. He had a duty to perform. She wouldn’t interfere.
“I’ll see it delivered then join you in your search.” To Henry, Landon asked, “Did you happen to note the bearing?”
Henry rocked from one foot to the other, wringing his hat in his hands. “Didn’t need to. They made it no secret they were heading to Jamaica and needed the cargo in the belly of the Seeker to use as a tribute to the Pirate King.”
Brendan stiffened. A flash of panic crossed his face before he nudged Landon. The two of them walked a few steps away and spoke for quite a long time. She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but by the expression on Landon’s face, it was a grave matter.
Landon reached for Keelan and she stepped into the shelter of his arms. He hugged her tightly before he spoke, “I’m sorry, love, we won’t be able to exchange wedding vows this evening. We’ll be hard-pressed to get Brendan’s ship underway fast enough to catch sight of the Seeker.”
He tried to give her a small reassuring smile. His eyes, however, were flooded with concern. “Don’t apologize,” she said. “Our wedding is secondary to the issues at hand.”
He nodded. “Brendan will be able to set sail immediately, since the Reward is ready to depart. We’ll sail the Desire back to Charleston, then arrange for our cargo to get to Philadelphia using another Freedom Runner. Then, I’ll be free to follow Brendan to Jamaica, and join in the search for Conal.” He kissed her fingertips. “I wish I could join Brendan right away. However, with other lives on my shoulders, I must fulfill my other obligations and promises. We’ll only be a few days behind.”
“I understand,” she said. Turning to Brendan, she placed a hand on his forearm. “Find my brother.”
Brendan covered her hand with his and squeezed. “I will.” He shook Landon’s hand. “I’ll leave word for you with the harbormaster in Baracoa. There are a couple of crew mates still there, I’ll put their location in the note for the harbormaster. I dropped them off to recover from their wounds after the last attack with Gampo. If they’re healthy and healed, I’d like you to bring them along.” He tossed some coins on the table and left.
“Baracoa?” She’d never heard of Baracoa.
“We use Baracoa, Cuba as a stopover port on the way to Jamaica,” Landon explained. A strange light flickered in his eyes and he smiled. “I think Brendan has been keeping secrets, but we won’t know for sure until we drop anchor at port.”
Offering an arm to Keelan, he took her back to the hotel. Within the hour, they had changed, retrieved their things and joined Henry and his men in the longboat. Keelan was once again dressed as Mahdi. Although it was unlikely the pirates returned to Charleston, the reward he’d offered for Keelan was likely to be still active. She’d have to remain disguised until they were well away from there.
She’d have to reapply that dreaded dye. In fact, she’d probably need a good reason to eat ham ever again.
A slight breeze had kicked up, and the fog appeared more translucent than it had earlier. The Desire, as well as other ships in the harbor, seemed more clearly defined. While the men rowed, Keelan glanced over to where the Seeker had been. The empty space looked wrong and uneven, as if the the vessel had tried to leave a sign that she was unwillingly dragged away. Even the gulls seemed disconcerted, their cries sparse and muffled.
As soon as they boarded the Desire, the crew hoisted the blue flag and rang the ship’s bell, alerting the crew the ship would soon depart. Landon took Keelan on a tour, and introduced her to several of his men as Mahdi. He sent Henry to interview the newer crew mates.
“If Gampo has spies on this ship, I’d like to flush them out before we’re underway,” Landon told her. “Henry has a way of asking questions that can make an innocent man feel guilty. If a man shifts his eyes at the wrong time, Henry will pounce on him like a hungry cat.” He headed toward the hold. “Follow me. It will be a short while yet before we can be away. I have something to show you.”
Below, he lit a lantern and took her hand, leading her toward the aft section of the hold. Freshly cut wood, livestock, and hay wafted through the air. Of course. Landon had purchased a horse, Orion, from her uncle. A loud snort confirmed her suspicion. There were two new timber stalls in the center of the hold. Landon paused at the first one and Orion immediately poked his nose between two slats in the side. Landon laughed and walked around the corner and opened the top half of the stall door.
“How was your first sea voyage, my friend?” Landon stroked the stallion’s neck.
Orion gave another snort and nuzzled Landon’s pocket. He winked. “I think he’s more interested in meeting his neighbor.”
“His neighbor?” She glanced at the other stall. “Did you buy another horse?”
Landon nodded. At the sound of Keelan’s voice, a set of hooves rustled the straw next door, followed by a low whicker. Her heart leapt. “That sounded like…” Keelan reached over, opened the second stall door, and peeked inside. “Juliet!” She reached in and rubbed the mare’s nose then laughed with glee. In the shadows wobbled her dark-eyed, young foal, peeking at Keelan from behind his dame’s hind legs.
Landon moved behind her and slid his arms around her waist. “This is my wedding gift to you, my love.” He kissed the top of her head, and then let out a frustrated huff. “And I promise you, there will be a wedding, soon.”
“Oh, Landon, thank you for buying Juliet from Uncle Jared. I feared I’d never see her again.” She turned in his arms and put both palms on either side of his face and kissed him. He tightened his hold around her waist and pressed her body against his. His hands traced a path up her side to her breasts and gently stroked her until her nipples tingled and her lower belly ached.
“My gift makes you happy?” He leaned his forehead against hers and she found she liked this little show of his affection.
“You make me happy,” she replied, kissing him again.
He reached for her hands. Entwining his fingers with hers, he said, “And you make me happy, sweet Keelan. Wait—Cailyn.”
She laughed. “They are so much alike, it doesn
’t matter.” It seemed wrong to feel so happy when her brother was in the hands of pirates. “I fear for Conal.”
He pulled away enough to look into her eyes. “You don’t know Brendan well, but I do. I sailed with him and his father from the time I was twelve years old.” Landon paused, looking up as if he’d find inspiration for his word choice written on the bones of the hold. “Brendan…is like a dog with an old sock. He won’t let go until he has complete possession.” He squeezed her shoulders. “He’ll find the Seeker, and we’ll free Conal. I promise you, as soon as our business is complete we will join him. We’ll find both your brother and your cousin.”
She wanted to believe him, she truly did; her mind wouldn’t let go of visions of Conal being tortured by Gampo and his crew. “But, Gampo is a cruel man. What if he…”
Landon pulled her into the circle of his arms and gave her a comforting squeeze before releasing her slightly. She was startled to realize he was chuckling. How could he take such a situation so lightly?
“Why do you laugh? I’m concerned and terribly fearful for Conal, and Brendan as well,” she said, both bewildered and annoyed. “How can you be so light-hearted?”
Landon bent down and kissed her cheek, then trailed his lips down her neck, raising the gooseflesh on her throat, shoulders, and arms. “Because, I’ve been around both Conal and Brendan long enough to tell you that I almost feel sorry for Gampo for raising their ire.” He pulled away and traced his finger along her jawline. “I promise you, Keelan, we will find them.”
A tight warmth radiated from her heart throughout her chest, and her eyes watered. Rather than try to express what she was feeling, she drew his head down and kissed him. He pulled her hips to him, his hardness urgent and hot against her belly. This time, it was her hands traveling down his ribs and over his muscular buttocks, and sliding into the back of his breeches.
“I’m slightly disappointed in your boat,” she murmured.
He pulled away from her and lowered his brows in a mocking scowl. “The Desire is a ship, not a boat,” he said sternly. “A boat has only two masts. A ship has three. The Desire, as you can well attest, has three masts. Therefore, she is a ship…not a boat.” He tugged playfully at her hair before sweeping his arm around the hold. “And why are you disappointed? She’s almost as big as the Seeker, although just a little shorter stem to stern.”
Hart's Passion (Pirates & Petticoats Book 2) Page 24
