by Lorri Dudley
“Have you come to join us for tea?”
Nathan was going to throttle his wife for disobeying his command. White rage melted the ice in his veins as she sauntered up to the British commander and curtsied.
“Miss Etheridge.” The Admiral bowed. “I never would have guessed you to be aboard. Are you traveling to the islands?”
She held out her hand, and he took it, lingering his lips too long over the back of her hand.
Had her bodice dipped that low the day they were married? Nathan itched to cover the smooth swell of her white flesh as the Admiral’s eyes settled there. What did she hope to accomplish?
His gut clenched. Was it her plan to convince the Admiral to return her to London so she could be with Middleton? Had the last few weeks all been an act? Had he misread her feelings? Could he have misconstrued their intimate glances, the shared laughter, his opening himself up to her, especially that night in the hall? If so, she’d played him for a fool.
“Yes, and it’s been a pleasurable trip thus far.”
Admiral Gainesboro cleared his throat and glanced around. “Is your mother…ah…traveling with you?”
“Not at the moment.”
The admiral visibly relaxed. Even this man had learned to fear Nathan’s mother-in-law. The thought almost made him smile.
Lottie tilted her head and gazed at the man through what appeared to Nathan as a sultry slant. Nathan’s back tooth ached to the point of cracking under the pressure of his clenched jaw. “Shall I have my maid bring up the tea service?”
“Tempting as it is to enjoy the company of a beautiful woman such as yourself, I’m afraid duty calls.”
“What duty brings you our way?”
“We need to enlist a few men to help us battle the Americans.”
“Yes, yes. I do hope we put an end to this trade war soon. It’s harming the merchant industry. We need American cotton for our gowns.” A graceful hand fanned out the side of her skirt. “However, Admiral, I don’t believe there are any Englishmen aboard from whom to choose. The crewmen are Kittitians, from the Leeward Islands.”
Captain Fielding nudged Nathan’s elbow. Nathan met his questioning eyes as he mouthed, What is she doing?
Nathan answered with a tiny shrug and a miniscule shake of his head. His fingers curled into fists.
“Half this crew doesn’t have the proper paperwork to determine their nationality.”
Lottie giggled. “You don’t need paperwork to know their ethnicity.”
She glanced in Nathan’s direction. He leveled her with a glare he hoped would send her running below deck.
It didn’t have the desired effect, but it did give her pause.
“You…only …” She tore her eyes away and focused back on the admiral. “Forgive me. I lost my train of thought. As I was saying, if you only listen to them talk, you can tell immediately they’re islanders. Their accent is so strange.” She shivered. “I haven’t had a decent bit of conversation until you arrived, sir.” She flashed him another smile. “I’ve heard them on several occasions take the Lord’s name in vain.” She turned to the crew. “Gus, go ahead and pronounce our Lord for the good Admiral.”
Gus shifted his feet and glanced at the captain.
Captain nodded, and Nathan growled to himself. Now, the rest of them were joining in her foolishness.
Gus cleared his throat and in a deep, loud voice said, “Lawd.”
“See.” Lottie clapped her gloved hands together. “It’s dreadful, isn’t it? Listen to this.” She waved a hand at Salt. “Salt, say the words them and that for me.”
He stuck a hand under his hat and scratched his head. “Dem.” He shrugged. “Dat.”
“And Tiller, say sugar.”
“Sugga.”
Lottie’s chin raised. “See. Kittitians. The entire lot of them.”
“Their accent doesn’t qualify as proof of citizenship. I need to see documentation. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I must attend to the onboarding of these men.” The admiral bowed and began to turn.
“One more thing, Admiral.”
A rebellious glint shown in Lottie’s eye. She stubbornly set her chin and peered into the man’s face. Yet, remarkably, she looked down her nose at the admiral at the same time—exactly as her mother had done to Nathan.
“I’ll need you to deliver a letter to my mother.”
Admiral Gainesboro froze.
Lottie held out an open palm, and Franny passed her a notebook and quill. “It will only take a second. I’m going to ask Mama to pay your wife daily visits.”
He spun to face Lottie, his eyes wide. “Whatever for?”
“She’ll want to pray for your protection and the protection of your men.” Lottie leaned back to peer around the admiral at the lieutenant. “Don’t worry, Lieutenant Bixby. I’ll have her stop by and visit with your wife also. Mama will happily keep vigil with them, especially when she hears the navy is in such dire straits that it needs to abscond with half of her son-in-law’s crew.”
The admiral stepped back. “Son-in-law?”
Captain Fielding leaned in and whispered in Nathan’s ear. “I now understand your concerns about her mother.”
“Oh, please forgive me.” A becoming blush reddened Lottie’s cheeks. “You see, I’m still growing accustomed to my new form of address. I should have corrected you earlier. It’s no longer Miss Etheridge. I’m now Lady Winthrop.”
Gainesboro’s gaze flew to Nathan. His face mirrored Nathan’s shock—although for different reasons—but Nathan found a bit of awe in the depths of the man’s eyes. As if amazed anyone would willingly become son-in-law to Lady Etheridge. He muttered to the captain, “An ocean is not wide enough.”
The admiral looked at the taut face of his lieutenant.
Lottie dipped her quill in the inkwell Franny held out for her and scribbled something onto the paper.
Both men blanched.
Gainesboro put a hand over Lottie’s quill. “It won’t be necessary. We wouldn’t want to inconvenience you, Lady Winthrop. Please accept our congratulations on your nuptials and consider it a wedding gift. Good day.” He bowed and marched over to the gangway. His men released Nathan’s crew and turned to follow their leader.
Lottie’s body trembled as she stared at the retreating backs of the officers’ navy jackets. She dropped her gloved hand back to her side, unsatisfied with the taste of cotton instead of a pliable fingernail. Of all times to be wearing gloves. Her shoulders ached from remaining poised for the entire charade, but now she exhaled and let them slump. The only moment of doubt had come when her eyes met Nathan’s. His dark scowl had almost caused her to duck behind the admiral for protection.
The entire crew watched in silence as the British man-o-war unhooked from the gunwale and sailed past. Only then did the Katherine’s crew seem to relax in a collective sigh.
“Praise the Lawd,” was murmured out of a few mouths. “It’s a miracle.”
Cobble’s smile encompassed his entire face. Even his ears completed the U shape. “She’s gone and saved the day.” He danced a little hop-step. “Three cheers for Lady Winthrop. Hip! Hip!”
“Hurrah!” the crew answered as one.
Gus sung a shanty about a princess of the seas, and the crew joined in.
Two burly hands grabbed Lottie’s arms and hoisted her onto Tiller and Salt’s shoulders. She yelped and held onto the men’s collars for dear life. They proceeded to parade around the deck, singing loudly enough for anyone within twenty nautical miles to hear. They jostled her about like a sack, and twice Lottie had to duck to avoid banging her head on the boon or catching her neck on the jib line. Their joy was contagious.
Lottie found herself laughing and joining in the chorus. Captain Fielding saluted her with an exaggerated bow and a bright smile. Nathan, however, tracked her with watchful eyes. His face remained expressionless, except for a sardonic twist to his lips.
The song came to an end, and the men lowered her to the deck in front o
f Nathan. A tumult of carefully caged emotions flared in the depths of his eyes. Her smile faded, and a shiver ran through her body. His fingers curled around her waist and dragged her to his side. She placed a hand on his chest for balance and could feel the thundering of his heart beneath.
His lips brushed her ear as he muttered. “I don’t know whether to kiss you or throttle you.”
Her mouth opened in a silent gasp as his hand ran up her spine and gently brushed the windblown tendrils of hair off her neck. His strong fingers rested on the bare skin of her shoulders just above the back of her gown. Did those same fingers itch to close in a tight squeeze?
“Three cheers to Gator for having the sense to marry the chit,” Cobble yelled, “Hip! Hip!”
“Hurrah!” the crew replied, then repeated their chant. Many shuffled over to pound Nathan on the shoulder with hearty appreciation.
Tiller stuck out his hand. “Fer da life of me, I couldn’t figure out where she was going wit making me say sugga.”
Nathan released Lottie to shake it.
Salt slicked his greasy hair back. “Ya sure saved our skins. Me wife an’ kids will be greatly appreciative. When she finds out, she’s gonna shower you wit baked goods. She makes da best pastries in all da islands.”
Captain stepped around Salt. “You certainly got those lobsterbacks turning tail in a hurry. It makes me almost want to meet your mother to thank her in person for her part.”
“I could arrange it.” Lottie issued him a sideways glance.
Captain laughed and held his palms up. “Almost. I said almost.” He gripped Nathan’s shoulder and his expression sobered. “We’re drawing close to land. Come and look at the chart. I’d like to avoid any more hostile territory. We don’t want to tempt fate to see if Lady Winthrop can save our hides twice.”
Lottie curtsied to the captain and started for the stairs, but Nathan caught the back of her gown in a tight grip. He reeled her back to his side.
“I want you to go to your cabin and stay there until we talk. Am I clear?”
She stiffened at the low growl in his tone. Of course, he’d still be mad. The rest of the crew was singing her praises, but Nathan would see it as a mark against her for disobedience. She straightened her shoulders and refused to glance in his direction. The last thing she wanted was for him to see her nervousness. When he released her gown, she dipped her head in a curt nod and walked away.
The sun set low on the horizon, casting long shadows. Nathan stood at the bow of the ship staring at the darkening sky. He didn’t want to believe it, but after so many incidences, after so much proof, it could no longer be denied.
He was cursed.
The obeah woman’s harsh words replayed in his mind—taunting him. He’d been young. He’d been foolish in trying to impress the other planters. How could he have known the consequences would chip away at his life, piece by piece, until everything he loved was destroyed? First his family, then his men, and now he’d put Lottie in danger too.
He should have given her a thrashing for her little stunt, but she’d saved his crew. It was the most absurd thing he’d ever seen, yet a miracle. His timid wife had put herself in danger to save men she hardly knew. He exhaled and rubbed his stiff shoulder with one hand.
He squeezed his eyes tight against the what if scenarios plaguing him. She could have been kidnapped, raped, or killed, and it would have been his fault.
A woman cleared her throat behind him.
Nathan whirled to find Lottie standing there, her hands clasped in front of her like a nun. Yet her loose vibrant hair flowed behind her like a Valkyrie.
“I instructed you to stay in your cabin.”
“You also said we would talk. I waited in my cabin through dinner.”
“I lost track of time.” The night crew sauntered on deck to relieve the other men. “You shouldn’t be walking above deck alone at night.”
“I needed fresh air.”
“I’ve known renegade men who obey my commands better than my wife.”
She crossed her arms, and he glimpsed the creamy expanse of white skin above the bodice of her gown.
“It’s my stomach that rebelled this time.”
Nathan pulled his gaze away and swallowed.
She stepped next to him and gripped the rail. The sun colored her face a rosy-orange. “I’ve already hit my threshold of rebelliousness for a lifetime.”
“I would have thought otherwise.” The scent of lilac soap filled his nostrils, and he cautiously stepped aside, unable to trust himself at such a close distance.
“I know you’re upset with me, and for good reason.”
She gripped the rail tighter, and her eyes glassed over. She was going to cry. He clamped his arms to his sides to resist the urge to comfort her. She needed first to understand the danger. How frightened he’d been for her.
“I’ve never been so scared,” she said, “but I couldn’t stand idly by while they absconded with the crew. I had a plan. It was half-crazed but…” She smiled. “I didn’t cower. I didn’t stumble over my words.”
Was she proud of herself?
“I merely pretended to be my mother, and they turned tail and ran.”
He clenched his fists so he wouldn’t strangle her. “It was a foolish thing you did.”
Her smile faded. “I should have known you wouldn’t understand.”
She turned to leave, but he grabbed her arm. “Where do you think you’re going? Didn’t I just say not to amble about the ship alone? There are men with dishonest intentions.”
“On this ship?” Her brow furrowed. “With their loyalty to you?”
He wiped a hand down his face. “I saw the way the British sailors looked at you.”
She tilted her head in that adorable way of hers. “Me?” She blinked.
He released her arm and paced. “You’re changing the topic.”
“I’m not entirely certain what we’re discussing.”
“When the British boarded our ship, and you appeared in your… your… low-cut gown—”
“It’s my best gown and the latest style.”
“Your hips swayed.”
She straightened.
“And your eyes… they …”
She put a hand on her hip. “They what?”
The waves lapped against the ship as he struggled for the right word. “Batted.” He bit the word, hating his jealousy as much as the thought of all those men ogling her.
“I did no such—”
He stopped her with a hand. “They outnumbered us. If they…if they had touched you…” His lips refused to form the rest.
Dusk illuminated her outline in an ethereal glow, and her blue eyes glimmered a bright teal. She implored him with a gaze that spilled over with questions he couldn’t answer. He was getting too close.
Give her a brotherly kiss and send her below deck.
He didn’t move.
Bid her good-night and turn around.
His lips didn’t open.
He wanted to leave things uncomplicated. He couldn’t bear to lose another loved one. He wanted to look away. He wanted …
She shivered.
Nathan shrugged off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. She snuggled into its warmth, making him wish his hands still held the jacket—and her. The wind kicked up, catching her hair and sending it dancing like a red flame. His heart jolted and beat as erratic as a summer storm. He grabbed her hand and pulled her down the steps to the midship deck where the bow broke the wind.
He stopped abruptly and turned in time to catch Lottie before she crashed into him. He grabbed her delicate shoulders. Her silky hair tickled his wrists and teased the hair on his arms. “Lottie, what you did today…”
He lost his words as he stared into the eager-innocence shining in her wide eyes. What was the matter with him? He released her shoulder to run a hand over his face again. He needed to think. “You didn’t know those men.”
“But I did know Captain Gainesb
oro. His wife is on a committee with my mother.”
He covered her lips with two fingers. “Shh.” Instant regret filled him as his senses leapt to life. Her soft, full lips brushed his sensitive fingertips. Her lilac scent encased him in a heady bouquet. He longed to bury his nose in her fragrant hair. She was fresh air within a stale ship.
He forced his mind to focus on what he needed to say. “As your husband, it’s my duty to protect you.”
A light flickered in her eyes, and she swayed in his direction.
His mouth went dry. His hand caressed her cheek and slid into the gossamer strands at the nape of her neck.
“Protect you from men who want to do this.” He crushed her to him. His lips covered her mouth, devouring its softness.
She melted into him.
The triumphant joy of a conqueror exploded in his heart. He drank her in, imbibing in the sweetness of her response. She let out a soft moan, and his blood caught fire. Passion sent his body up in flames. He couldn’t get enough. She was a bud awakening. Since the first night they danced, he’d fought to dampen the desire consuming him, even though he yearned to be the sun that coaxed her into full bloom.
But there would be consequences…
He deepened the kiss to push the nagging thoughts away. She tasted like forbidden nectar. His hand slid under the jacket he’d given her and down a length of buttons before settling on her lower back.
They could do this. God’s truth, she was already his wife. He wasn’t doing anything wrong.
The curse will take her too…
Chapter 12
Oh, the sweetness! How it increased the mighty torment within me.
~ From Lottie to Miss Pricilla Middleton
Lottie reveled in the drunken ecstasy of Nathan’s kiss. He cared for her. He must. She felt it in the possessiveness of his embrace, in the demands of his mouth. Something inside her awakened, bringing her world into focus.
She was the bone of his bones, flesh of his flesh, just like she’d been reading in Genesis earlier. They were united under God. She was his in body and mind. Let the storms come. They would weather them together.
