by Jamie Carie
Kendra quirked a brow at him and cocked her head to one side. “And what, pray tell is that? Shall I have to memorize your constitution? Swear on the Holy Bible to uphold your American ideals of freedom and liberty?”
John’s chuckle was low and full of mischief. “No, my lady. Much easier than all that, I think. All you have to do is marry an American.”
Kendra’s cheeks grew warm and she looked down but she couldn’t help her next question. “And would you know of someone worthy of such a title, sir?”
John laughed out loud. “Oh, I don’t know that he’s worthy. But I do know of someone.”
They both laughed and continued down the narrow street.
They stopped when they came to a white painted, plank building. The sign hanging from an iron bracket read, The Swan Tavern.
“Come along, Lady Townsend.” John hurried her up the steps. “I’m famished and The Swan has the best shepherd’s pie this side of the Atlantic.”
Dorian entered The Swan with an eager energy to his steps. It was always good to be back home after a successful shipping journey, but he recognized that he’d not been thinking of home so much as a certain Englishwoman he had yet to convey across the countryside. It would be interesting to discover their footing when he wasn’t playing the role of captain of a ship.
He stopped just inside the door, his gaze searching the common room. It was crowded with patrons, many of them his crew, sitting at tables or at the long bar in the back of the room. A familiar, tinkling laugh caused him to turn. There. With John, enjoying a meal as expected. It only took a few steps to reach their table.
Kendra looked up upon his arrival and locked her sparkling gaze with his. “Captain, have you finished your duties? Won’t you join us?”
Dorian scooted out the empty chair, nodded to John, and then turned back to the woman he couldn’t seem to erase from his mind. “Yes and yes, Kendra. And as I am no longer your captain, I give you leave to call me by my given name.”
“I am honored, sir,”—Kendra’s right eyebrow arched over one of her brilliant eyes—“but I’m afraid I cannot.”
Dorian frowned. Why was she forever taunting him? “You wound me, my lady. And why can you not?”
Kendra laughed, the sound filling his ears and then his heart with a light, floating feeling. “Because, dear sir, you have never told me what it is!”
Dorian cleared his throat, choking back a laugh. “I shall remedy the omission at once.” He stood up, bowed a slight bow, and grinned wickedly at her. “Dorian Colburn, at your service, my lady.”
She allowed him to take her hand and press a kiss onto the silky skin. He held onto it for a moment too long, gauging his limits. She must have realized his game as she snatched her hand from his grasp and clasped her hands together under the table.
“John and I were just discussing your home.” Kendra gave him a pointed look as she returned them to the conversation at hand. “Your family owns a plantation?”
Dorian reseated himself and ordered food from the hovering serving woman while answering, “Yes, my father started out as a sailor, saved his money, and bought his first ship when he was twenty. He then turned that ship into four, and by the time he was twenty-six, he owned a thriving shipping company. He married my mother a few years later, which led to the plantation. Mother didn’t like him away from home so he hired captains to take over and became a gentleman farmer.”
“Does he miss the sea? I should think being landlocked a challenge to a true sailing man.”
Her intuitive grasp of the situation surprised him, but he supposed it shouldn’t have. Kendra may be a striking woman but she was also perceptive of the thoughts and feelings of those around her. “I suppose he missed it at first but now I believe he’s grown used to it. With seven children, we gave him plenty to take his mind off his seafaring days, I suppose.”
“Seven children? You have six brothers and sisters?”
John chuckled and joined the conversation. “And Dorian is the baby of the family. Rather spoiled, I always thought.”
“Ha! With two elder brothers who were always bigger and stronger and four bossy sisters, I was far from spoiled. It’s a wonder I’m still alive.”
Kendra and John laughed together. There was a pause and then Kendra spoke in a wistful voice, “There must have never been a dull moment in your home.”
“Have you no siblings?” John asked.
Kendra shook her head. “My mother died giving birth to me. My father never remarried.”
An odd constriction tightened around Dorian’s heart as he imagined her as a little girl. Those big violet-hued eyes in a sweet little face. How lonely she must have been living in some enormous manor house with only her father. Wanting to banish the sadness from her eyes, he teased, “I shall introduce you to my mother. She is forever complaining that she has no one to mother anymore and not enough grandchildren to suit her. Though I believe the count is at fourteen now.” He shook his head and took another bite of shepherd’s pie. “Her heart will be quite taken with you, I vow, and will distract her from smothering me.”
Kendra laughed, but the sheen of tears in her rapidly blinking eyes told him she was touched by the thought.
After dinner, John bowed toward Kendra and gave Dorian a jaunty salute. “I shall bid you both good-bye as am most eager to continue home before night falls.”
“Eager to see a certain young lady?” Dorian asked, clapping him on the shoulder.
“As you say, Captain. If I hurry, I can be at Willow’s Hill before dark. I believe Victoria’s mother will put me up for the night and then we can inspect our house together in the morning.”
“That’s right. Your new home should be finished, should it not?”
John turned toward Kendra to explain. “Victoria promised to set the wedding date as soon as our house was built. I plan to be a married man before the summer is out.”
“That is wonderful, John. Congratulations. And give Victoria my regards. I am so looking forward to meeting her.”
John agreed, slapping his hat onto his head and hurrying out The Swan’s door. After he left, Dorian turned to Kendra and held out an arm. “Would you like to go for an evening walk to see the town, my lady?” She didn’t look tired despite the long voyage and Dorian was too restless to turn in for the night.
Kendra took his arm. “That would be lovely, thank you. I should so like to hear about the town.”
They took a turn down Main Street and then crossed over to Water Street, making a big rectangular tour of the progression. Dorian pointed out the Nelson House, which still sported a cannonball lodged in the bricks between two upper-story windows from the last battle of the Revolutionary War. The owner, Thomas Nelson, had served as governor of Virginia. Then there was the Custom House where Dorian paid his port charges, several mid-sized brick homes, another inn, Grace Episcopal Church, the medical shop, the courthouse, and even a pottery factory.
By the time they returned to The Swan the sun was setting behind low, silvery pink clouds.
“Pink sky at night, sailor’s delight; pink sky in the morning, sailor’s warning,” Dorian gave voice to the old wives’ tale as they gazed at the sunset.
“Is it true?” Kendra asked.
“Much of the time. Looks like we shall have a fair day for our journey tomorrow.”
Kendra peeked up at him. “Thank you for seeing me all the way to my aunt and uncle’s home. I own to being a bit nervous about my reception.”
Dorian wanted to reassure her that everything would be alright, but he had spoken with Tom Winkler at the Custom House and a few other men in town and what he had learned about Franklin and Amelia Rutherford had not been encouraging. They had fallen far from their state of nobility. Dirt farmers, and not very successful ones at that. If only there was another option, but what? She wasn’t his responsibility. He needed to remember that.
Reminding himself of the fact didn’t help when he was gazing down into those big, anxious eyes though. He found hi
mself reaching out and touching her cheek, a mere brush of a touch, saying the words he knew he shouldn’t, “They are fools if they don’t welcome you. You have nothing to fear. Everything will be alright.”
She clasped her hands together in front of her gown. “I must trust God to guide me, sir. I have a feeling that everyone is hiding the fact they are quite sorry for me that I am related to the Rutherfords.”
“If only there was something—” He paused and shook his head. No use promising something he couldn’t deliver. “I won’t allow them to harm you. Know that, at least.”
Kendra’s eyes widened. “Harm me? Could it come to that?”
“No, of course not. I beg your pardon. I am trying to make you feel more comfortable and instead I’m adding fire to the flames of your worry. As you say, God will guide you and I will do what I can to make certain they are agreeable.”
“Will I see you again, then?”
Dorian forced his back to stiffen and his arms to stay at his sides. He wanted, more than anything, to take her into his arms and comfort her, but he resisted. “Of course. I’ll lay odds that I live within two or three hours from your relatives. The Colburn Plantation is known for miles around. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding me should the need arise.”
“Let us hope it does not.” Then she stopped as if realizing what she’d said. “At least not in that sense.” Her eyes widened as Dorian burst out with laughter. “Oh! I mean, I hope to see you from time to time, of course, and there is that promise of meeting your mother.”
“Ah, yes. I shall see to that after you are settled.”
They turned to walk back into the lodging house, side by side, arms swinging close together.
Just before reaching the door, Dorian grasped hold of Kendra’s hand and squeezed it.
“I will meet you in the common room for breakfast at eight o’clock.”
Kendra looked up at him with sweet innocence, the starlight heightening the contrasts of dark brows against her pale skin, lashes that made fluttering shadows against her cheeks, and rosy lips turned pale and shimmering. He had to remind himself to breathe. “Thank you, for everything, Captain.”
“Captain?”
She blushed rosy beneath the silvery light reminding Dorian of the sunset. Pink at night, captain’s delight . . . ah, how she brought delight.
“Dorian,” she corrected in breathy softness. She stood beneath his riveted gaze with a shy upturn to the corners of her lips and before he knew what he was about, he leaned down and touched their petal-softness with his.
She stood still, trembling as their breath intermingled. He should stop. For heaven’s sake they were right outside the door and anyone, at any moment, could come out of it. The thought slid away as a deep wash of desire spread like wildfire through his veins. He’d kissed more than a few women before, but it was nothing like this. Dear God, what is it about this woman? Help me stop this madness . . .
Pulling away, he chuckled and groaned at the same time.
Finally reaching out to God and it was a plea about kisses.
Chapter Nine
When Kendra came downstairs the next morning she was surprised to find John standing near the door in the common room.
“Why, John! I thought you left last night.”
John shook his head. “By the time I found a decent mount that looked capable of making the journey, it was too late. As eager as I am to see Victoria, I knew it would be prudent to wait until morning.”
Kendra gave him a kind smile. “While I’m sorry for your delay, I would love the company. Will you be traveling with us?” She had stayed up many hours into the night thinking about being alone with Dorian for the journey. The thought had brought both worry and excitement. And the excited part of her was all the more reason to worry. She had prayed God would help her act as she ought, and it would appear God had answered her prayer with the presence of John.
“I can travel with you most of the way.” He nodded toward the kitchen, “I’ve asked Lottie to fix up a luncheon basket for the three of us.”
Kendra turned and saw Lottie, the serving woman, totter from the back with a heavy basket on her arm. John rushed forward to grasp it from her.
“The hired carriage is outside. Dorian has gone to take care of some last-minute details but said he would return shortly. Shall we load the carriage and await him outdoors?”
“Yes, but I fear I don’t know where my trunks are. I haven’t seen them since we landed.” She didn’t add that she had borrowed a shift from the innkeeper’s wife to sleep in last night. It was not the fine quality she was accustomed to and she found herself rubbed red from the coarse material.
“I believe Dorian has already loaded them onto the carriage. Shall we go and see?”
Kendra nodded and followed John out to the street where an open, black carriage stood shining in the sun. There were two horses, one brown with a black tail, the other lighter brown with cream-colored tail, hitched to the front.
When they reached the conveyance, Kendra turned a corner and saw a striking, raven-haired woman standing behind the carriage.
“Well, hello, Miss Monteiro. I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Are you waiting for someone?” John’s arm had tightened under Kendra’s hand.
“I’m not waiting for you, though you are a handsome devil, John,” she drawled in a husky voice from rosy lips. “Where is your captain?” Her tone turned snappish as she surveyed Kendra’s face and plum traveling costume.
“He’s taking care of some business. He’ll be along soon.”
Kendra regarded the woman, curious despite herself. She was wearing a beautiful evening gown of emerald-green silk, which pushed her bosom past the propriety of daytime wear. Her black curls were becomingly draped around a round, sensual face and her wide, red lips snarled ever so slightly as she returned the gaze through slitted green eyes.
John looked back and forth between them with darting eyes, like a cornered animal ready to bolt. Kendra suppressed a laugh. After too long a silence, John jumped in to make the introductions. “Kendra, may I introduce Miss Angelene Monteiro, a, er, friend of ours, and this,” he said, motioning his head toward Kendra, “is Lady Kendra Townsend, our passenger from London.”
Kendra saw the woman stiffen at the title and was, for the first time in her life, glad of it. Satisfaction was replaced with despair, however, when she realized the beauty’s name. Angelene—the Angelina—the two had to be connected, didn’t they?
“Friend?” Angelene slanted John a coy look, batting her thick lashes. “Why John, you know Dorian and I have been closer than mere friends this past year.”
Kendra’s questioning gaze flew to John’s. Could it be true? Why, that meant that Dorian was exactly the arrogant colonial she’d first thought him! All this time, while he had been trying to . . . to seduce her on board his ship, he had this woman waiting for him at home. Kendra stared at John, brows lifted, waiting for some explanation why this was the first she had heard of her.
John’s face grew redder by the minute. “Um . . .”
He was saved an explanation as Dorian came walking up the street toward them. Angelene’s face turned from smug to adoring, a sensual smile on her lips as she strolled, hips swaying in a provocative roll, over to meet him.
“Dorian,” she cooed, “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve missed you so.” Her boldness knew no bounds as she threw her arms around his neck in an amorous embrace.
Kendra gasped despite herself. Thus far these Americans were as she’d always heard—unmannered, brash, bold-faced, liars! A wave of embarrassed chagrin washed over her as she remembered their kiss. How had she allowed herself to be so duped?
Kendra stared, brows furrowed together, as Dorian attempted to untwine Angelene’s arms from his neck. He glanced up and caught the heated stare that Kendra was trying to burn into his very soul.
“Angelene, I’m surprised to see you. You didn’t come all this way just to welcome me home, did you?�
� The emphasis was on “me” as he looked at Kendra with pleading in his eyes.
Kendra realized she was acting like a jealous fool, and no doubt giving him a certain amount of satisfaction. Oh! She just wanted to be rid of this man, and the only way to accomplish that was by beginning their journey. “Dorian”— she wasn’t about to call him captain now—“I am anxious to reach our destination. Could we make haste?”
“What is your destination, Lady Townsend?” Angelene asked, tense anxiety underlying the bland, questioning expression on her face.
Not knowing why she answered the way she did, Kendra heard herself saying, “Why, I believe you were going to introduce me to your mother.” She directed the statement to Dorian, whose lips were quivering in what appeared to be a manly attempt at pressing back a laugh at the clever jibe she was giving Angelene. Oh, dear! There she went again, speaking before thinking. She would have plenty to repent for before this day was over. Kendra balled her hands into fists and determined to be better, sending up a silent plea for help.
Angelene’s cat eyes darted toward Dorian, panic showing on her face as she awaited his answer.
“Yes, I am most eager for you to meet her.”
Oh, this was even worse! Now he was playing along with her game, which made Kendra feel just wretched.
Angelene’s eyes flashed hatred toward Kendra. She took a step closer to Dorian and purred up at him as if he hadn’t just insinuated that he had feelings for Kendra. “Dorian, so much has happened since you’ve been away. Father took a house here in Yorktown and I’ve befriended your sister Faith. I’ve offered to help your mother and sisters with the details of your father’s birthday ball so,” she glanced sideways at Kendra and smiled, “I will be staying at your home for the next several days.” She paused, looking up at him with her dark, slanting eyes. “When I heard your ship had arrived, I realized how fortuitous it was! I needn’t bother Father with driving me. I can travel with you to Colburn Plantation.”
Dorian’s jaw clenched as the trap snapped neatly around him. Kendra tried not to groan aloud. There would be no reason Dorian could refuse her if what she said was true. Kendra shot John a glance and saw that the corners of his mouth were twitching as he looked down at his shoes.
