by Sara Orwig
“Sí. Doria and I are to return with you.”
“But you don’t want to go back?”
Quita’s dark skin flushed and she said quickly, “I shouldn’t have told you. I do not want to lose my position here for the present. When the dressmaker returns to London to get the lace for your wedding dress, I will accompany her. While I’m there, I’ll seek another position,” Quita said with determination.
Lianna suddenly reached out and took Quita’s hands in her own. “I hope you find what you want.”
“Thank you. You’re very kind, and will like Spain better than you think. I hear the Count of Marcheno is a handsome man.”
“I don’t give a fig if he is or not! I’ll never love him. Never!” Her thoughts went back to the worries at hand and she studied Quita again. “You confided in me about your prospects in London—now I have a request.”
“Sí?” Quita tilted her head to one side, staring quizzically at her mistress.
“Would you take a note to Edwin Stafford from me?”
“Sí,” Quita said quietly.
Relieved, Lianna hurried to get the note she had written earlier that day. “Here it is. Don’t let anyone see you give it to him if you can help it. Thank you, Quita,” she added.
Quita thrust the note beneath the white apron into the pocket of her coarse linen uniform. “I will go now.”
“Good. Wait for him if he has a message in return.”
Quita was boldly curious. “Do you love Edwin Stafford?”
Lianna nodded and blushed at Quita’s frown. “He’s just a stablehand.”
“I don’t care.”
“You would care if you knew what it meant. Your father would never allow such a love.”
“My father can’t stop what my heart feels.”
“You haven’t even met the Count of Marcheno—perhaps he is a wonderful man. A stablehand can give you nothing.”
“Nothing except love,” Lianna whispered softly, her thoughts with Edwin. “And I’d rather have love than all the riches on earth.”
“You don’t know what you say. Without riches, you have nothing.”
“Oh, Quita, that’s not true! I know you’ll love another one day, and it will be better than before.”
“You and I have both grown up knowing little of the world. My world is poverty and yours is wealth, but…”
“This isn’t wealth, Quita! Melissa Hardeston has three times the dresses I have and a grander home by far.”
“Nevertheless, it is wealth to me. It is the finest house I have ever seen. When you go to Spain, you will begin to learn about the world. Edwin Stafford will become a childhood infatuation when you meet the count and see his castle.”
“No, I will never forget Edwin!” Lianna said, feeling a tightness in her chest. “I’ve known Edwin all my life. We have ridden together since childhood, discovering secret places on the farm; he’s taught me to take my horse over the jumps and I’ve lent him my books to read.”
“These are the things of childhood—you’ll become a woman when you wed.”
“No, I won’t. I’m sorry you were hurt, Quita, but you are beautiful and will find another.”
Quita smiled knowingly.
“Take the note and be careful,” Lianna urged her.
“I will. Who would risk the wrath of the squire?” Quita answered, and left to do her mistress’s bidding.
She returned an hour later with an answer, and Lianna had Edwin’s promise to meet her by the stream in the early dawn.
With her heart pounding in defiance of her father, Lianna descended the stairs carefully the next morning, listening for any sounds, startled by every creak of the boards beneath her feet. Once outside, she knew she was in full view of her father’s rooms, and that he was an early riser. She prayed he would not discover her absence and begin pursuit.
It seemed like an eternity before she mounted and was riding beneath the protective cover of trees. She halted momentarily to glance back at her home. The thatched roof and whitewashed walls with the dark oak beams were awash in the early-morning pink sun. A thin wisp of smoke curled from a chimney and she knew the servants were stirring. Before long her father would discover that she was gone.
Abruptly she whirled the horse around and urged him along the winding lane, taking no pleasure from the tiny wrens in the branches or the silvery sparkle of dew on leaves or the crisp stillness of early day.
“Lianna.”
She turned so swiftly that she almost fell from her saddle. Edwin rode from the shadows between the trees and stopped in front of her. “We don’t have long together,” he said solemnly. “They intend to keep us apart.”
She stared at the stormy slate of his eyes, and wanted to fling herself into his arms.
“We need to be away from the path.”
She followed where he led, branches scraping at her arms and legs, ducking her head to protect her face. Finally he halted, dismounted gracefully, and pulled her from her horse. As his arms wrapped around her, he kissed her, pressing his lips to hers. “Lianna, I’ve been thinking about us. Will you run away from here and marry me?”
5
Lianna’s heart was filled with joy, and tears of happiness stung her eyes. “Yes Edwin! I will marry you.”
He caressed the smooth skin of her cheeks with his hands. “I’ve thought about it constantly since your father announced his intentions. He will disinherit you, and if he finds us, I’ll go to prison.”
“I don’t care about the money—we will go where he won’t find us,” she cried eagerly, her spirits soaring. “Oh, Edwin, you make me so happy! Tonight can’t arrive too soon.”
“No!”
His forceful refusal prevented her from standing on tiptoe to kiss him. He frowned, smoothing a tendril of hair away from her temple. “I’ve given the matter much thought. My father takes most of my wages for my family, and I have little money available. It would not be practical to go until you’re on your way to Spain.”
“But, Edwin, that’s still months away!” she protested.
“It’s for the best, Lianna. I can save my wages between now and then, and give my father some excuse. Your father may give you money to take to Spain, and you’ll have new traveling clothes. We—”
A dog barked, causing Edwin to look up sharply, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. “We can talk later. Find out exactly when you leave for Madrid.”
“How can we escape with my father traveling beside me in his carriage?”
“During the night you’ll stop at inns. Since I’ll probably be driving your carriage, we will have easy access to the horses. We’ll take three—one for each of us, and one for your belongings.
“It will be too late to hunt us down and transport you to Spain without the count learning that you have run away with another man. He will refuse to marry you then.”
“You’re right,” she agreed, realizing the wisdom of Edwin’s plan. It would end her chances of a Spanish wedding forever.
“Is this what you really want, Lianna? We will be risking everything. The years during which we must hide until you come of age will be lean.”
She looked into his intense expression and whispered, “I want you with all my heart! You’re the dearest person in the world—but I couldn’t be the cause of your going to prison. I would die if that happened!”
“Make no mistake—your father means what he says. In his fury he’d send me to prison.”
She frowned, biting her lip as she studied him, suddenly fearful she might be wrecking his life.
“Surely we can find someplace where he can’t find us.”
“I think we should ride to northern England, perhaps Scotland. If necessary, I can work in a mine. It will mean doing without the nicer things in life for several years.”
“If I have you, I will have everything I need.”
His gray eyes seemed to devour her, and she wanted his arms around her, holding her tightly. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head to r
eceive his kiss. When Edwin’s lips opened hers and his tongue touched her lips lightly, Lianna’s eyes flew open in shock. Startled, she was experiencing strange sensations, becoming aware of how little she knew about men or what to expect from the marriage bed. Blushing furiously, she smoothed his ruffled collar. “Edwin, I’ve been sheltered and know nothing of men—what do you expect of me?”
He chuckled softly and tilted her burning face upward, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
“Don’t worry. I’ll teach you, and it’ll be the most pleasant moment of your life.” He looked beyond her, and his smile faded as quickly as it had appeared. “We must separate before your father discovers your absence. Send your notes by Quita—we can trust her. For the time being, we won’t take chances on being caught together.”
She threw her arms around his neck spontaneously and kissed him on the mouth. “I love you. You’ve made me the happiest of women.”
He stared at her solemnly. “I hope you will continue to say that when we live in poverty. Lianna, if your father disinherits you…”
“I don’t care!”
“I do,” he said quietly. “I know what it means and you don’t. Our love might wither away.”
“Please don’t say that! I don’t need elaborate clothing or several horses.”
“When the time comes, you must promise me that you’ll do everything in your power to reconcile the differences between yourself and your father.”
“Yes, I will,” she said, knowing she would promise Edwin anything he asked of her.
“I’ll go now,” he said in a deep throaty voice. He crushed her to him, giving her one last kiss, then climbed up on his horse. “You had better return to the house.”
She smiled, feeling as if everything in the world had been set to right. “I’ll ride, and he’ll find me alone.”
Hurrying away from her, Edwin turned his horse and plunged through the trees. Lianna placed the palm of her hand against her heart, feeling like laughing and shouting for joy. All her life she had longed for someone to love her. Ever since her mother had died, Lianna had witnessed her father’s love for material goods; there had been no true love—until Edwin.
As she rode along the fenced pasture, she spotted Edwin’s horse grazing. Her father came to meet her, and she squared her shoulders, assuming a stern expression—she knew she mustn’t look too happy.
“Lianna, where have you been?” Squire Melton asked angrily, his cravat tied carelessly beneath his narrow chin.
“Riding. I left early this morning.”
“I expect you to be accompanied by me on all future outings—I thought I had made myself clear.”
“Yes, sir. It’s just that I’m accustomed to riding alone.”
He moved alongside her. “Since you’ve had your ride, we’ll forgo my riding with you now,” he said, turning back toward the stables.
After a moment, acting as casual as possible, she asked, “When do I leave for Spain? You mentioned that the date was near the first of the year.”
“February 16, to be exact. We’ll ride to Bournemouth and take a ship to La Coruña. The count’s carriage will meet us there, and we’ll be escorted to Madrid. By that time, I’ll have another shipment of woolens ready to sell at La Coruña.”
Nothing he could say would hurt her now, Lianna thought, basking in the reassuring certainty of Edwin’s love. She smiled, anticipating February and marriage to the man who loved her.
6
1815
Beneath crystal chandeliers that reflected the flickering candlelight, dancers swirled around a ballroom in London. Josh Raven stood on the sidelines watching couples sway to the waltz that had become so popular in England only a few years earlier. “Would you like to leave now?” someone asked from behind him.
Josh turned, amused by William Craine’s red hair, which was pulled neatly behind his head, though a stray tendril here and there escaped, curling around his freckled face. His brown eyes reflected friendly concern, and Josh smiled. “No. An occasional dance partner is fine with me. No need to spoil your fun.”
“I don’t know why—”
Josh’s smile faded instantly, and he felt a brief flare of anger. “I know why,” he said belligerently, trying to curb his feelings. “Nothing’s changed from the last time I was here—my father has done his work well. I’m a pariah in my own country, unwelcome in the best circles, all because of my pirating—which has added to the coffers of the kingdom. My lack of formal schooling, in addition to my disinheritance, renders me heartily unwelcome in the eyes of the young ladies and their guardians here. At least it doesn’t matter a whit to the men I befriend.”
William smiled. “No. We like you for who you are, and I count you as one of my best friends.”
“I appreciate it,” Josh said quietly.
“Have you met Alissa Bradington?”
“No.”
“She is someone you should meet. Come along.”
Josh followed his friend and was introduced to a slender, dark-eyed brunette in a blue silk dress who surprised him by not only dancing the next three dances with him but also accepting his offer to go riding in the park the following afternoon. From that point on, it seemed as if there were more young ladies who were willing to dance with him, and his spirits lifted.
The next day he whistled under his breath as he rode along St. James. It was a foggy London day with a nip in the air, but his spirits were high. He was in England for the first time in over a year and it felt good to be home.
Dressed in his best fawn-colored breeches and a brown coat, he drew rein in front of the two-story stone Bradington house. A solemn-faced butler in gold-and-wine livery opened the door. “Yes, sir?”
“Will you tell Miss Bradington that Mr. Joshua Raven is here.”
“One moment, sir.”
He waited in the spacious entrance for only a few minutes. “This way, sir.”
Josh entered a long hall with a gleaming wooden floor. Remembering Miss Bradington’s deep brown eyes and the merry ring of her laughter from the previous evening, he smiled. His glance took in the potted palms, the winding staircase, the oil paintings of family members. Following the butler, Josh only heard the sound of his booted feet hit the polished oak floor.
The library was open and the butler stepped inside. “Mr. Raven, your lordship.”
Josh felt as if he had had cold water thrown in his face. As he entered the room, the butler left and closed the door behind him. Josh faced a black-haired portly man dressed in gray breeches and a navy coat as he rose from a sofa. “We met last night, I believe,” Lord Bradington began, offering his hand.
As soon as Josh had shaken hands, Lord Bradington offered him a seat. “May I help you?” he asked with a frosty smile.
Josh felt like swearing and laughing at himself at the same time for being such a fool as to think Alissa Bradington would be allowed to ride with him.
“Your daughter and I have a riding engagement.”
“Ah, yes. I’m sorry. She’s not free to ride unaccompanied by her parents. Indeed, Mr. Raven, she’s not free to ride with you anytime. You are not welcome in our home.”
Josh’s anger was tempered yet again by his ability to laugh at his own foibles. He threw up his hands in mock regret and rose to his feet. “Very well, your lordship. Give her my regrets. I hope she understands why we won’t ride.”
“She does,” Lord Bradington replied coldly.
“I wouldn’t want her to think I never appeared.”
“She knows you’re here now, but she will not be able to see you,” Lord Bradington concluded.
“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be leaving now.”
Lord Bradington rubbed his jaw, regarding Josh curiously. “May I ask why you’re taking this bit of news like a gentleman?”
Josh shrugged. “You’ve been honest with me. I haven’t been shown the door with some flimsy excuse. I should return your forthright attitude, wouldn’t you say?”
“We
ll, I’m sorry, but this has to be.”
“It is only a ride in the park.”
“To a young girl, a brief ride in the park can change the longings of her heart. I can’t take the risk with your, er, background.”
“Good day to you, sir. At least you had the courage to be honest as you turned me away because of my dark past.”
The earl flushed, his skin darkening to scarlet, and Josh felt a surge of satisfaction that he had dealt a blow in return. Once outside, he sighed, held his head high, and climbed onto his horse. Three blocks away he saw William cantering toward him.
“I came as quickly as I could. I learned Lord Bradington wouldn’t permit Alissa to ride with you.”
“So you came with great speed?” Josh asked in amusement. “What did you expect of me?”
“I was afraid…of what you might do.”
Josh laughed. “I wouldn’t call out her father for refusing to allow her to see me. He was frank enough to tell me why instead of merely slamming the door in my face as is usual. Damn,” he said quietly. “My past has wrapped around me like a cloak I cannot shed, and I’m seen only beneath its cover.”
“Sorry. I’ve put your name up again at the club. Someday we’ll break down the barrier.”
“You and your damnable club!” Josh’s anger vanished. “Ah, William, don’t risk your own reputation with a ne’er-do-well.”
“I’m safe,” William said dryly. “With my father’s wealth, my bachelor status—I’m at the head of the lists.”
“Aye, that you are. While I’m a bloodthirsty pirate who’s been disinherited, and not fit for anyone’s daughter.”
“That isn’t completely accurate. Jenny and Kate are waiting for a picnic.”
“Barmaids and strumpets—perhaps a deserving fate for me.”
William turned in the saddle and laughed. “What sweet innocent would you spend your time with if she weren’t in the social circle?”
“I don’t know one, otherwise I would be willing to spend my time with her. Social distinction and money are not what matters—it is the sweetness that I hunger for, William. A woman to bear me sons. Besides, rich or poor, if the lady is a sweet innocent, her parents don’t want the likes of me around.”
