The Merchant's Yield

by Lorri Dudley

  “It’s the very one.” She turned the pages and pointed at the name scribbled on the page.

  Franny clapped her hands. “He’ll bring more news of home. I know just how I will dress your hair for such an occasion.”

  Lottie’s stomach rose into her chest, but whether from excitement or anxiety she couldn’t determine. Would this merely be a friendly visit to wish her well and see how she’d gotten along? What would she tell him, knowing word would certainly get back to her family?

  Two days later, the knock she’d known had been coming sounded on her door.

  Franny opened the door, and Lottie heard Paul’s voice. “Please tell Lady Winthrop a Captain Middleton awaits her in the foyer.” He passed the card to Franny.

  Franny thanked him and shut the door. She flipped the card over. “It’s him, my lady.” She moved to the wardrobe and pulled out a royal blue gown. “This one will go nicely with the color of your hair.”

  Lottie shook her head. “No. It’s much too bold. The plain lavender day dress will do. I’m not trying to court Captain Middleton.”

  “Very well, my lady.”

  Franny quickly aided Lottie in dressing and re-pinned a few of her curls. In no time, she was descending the stairs to the foyer, her stomach in knots. Would seeing him bring up old feelings? She couldn’t fight down the worry that she was somehow jilting Nathan, even though Anthony was an old family friend. It was logical for him to pay her a call. Why then was she wishing more than ever that Nathan were here?

  Anthony studied the maritime picture on the wall, just as Nathan had done before. Except Anthony with his smaller frame, didn’t fill the room with his presence like Nathan had. Nor did her heart flip at the mere sight of him as it had when she’d spied Nathan.

  Sucking in a deep breath, she settled her stomach. Anthony turned, and she greeted him with a smile.

  “Miss Etheridge—er—I beg your pardon—Lady Winthrop.” He bowed. “Do forgive me. Old habits are hard to break.” His gaze held hers. “As ever, you are a sight to behold.”

  “You are too kind.” She looped her arm through his and gestured toward the adjoining salon. “Please come and sit. I’ll ring for tea.”

  She rang the bell pull before she settled into a tufted chair, while he sat on the green brocade sofa. “Anthony, we’ve known each other since Priscilla befriended me. You may call me Lottie as you always have done.”

  He chuckled. “Indeed, when Priscilla sets her mind to something, nothing can change it, and in this case I’m glad.”

  “She seems to be faring well with the season. I received her letter two days ago, along with yours.”

  “I’m glad my letter found its way. I thought perhaps I might be taking you by surprise.”

  “Even if it hadn’t, your visit would have been a nice surprise.”

  A spark lit his eyes.

  Lottie stiffened. “I mean, it’s always good to visit with a friend.” She added emphasis to the word friend, and the spark in his eyes faded.

  He glanced at the whitewashed walls and the Bombay writing desk. “I would be remiss if I hadn’t checked in on my dear…friend.” He drew out the word with equal emphasis and a hint of derision. “How are you and Mr. Winthrop faring?”

  “Quite well. Thank you.”

  “And whereabouts is your husband?”

  The terseness of his tone set her on edge. “He is seeing to business at the moment.”

  “So, it’s true he’s holed you up here at an inn?” Anger flared in his eyes, and his face grew splotchy. “He hasn’t the decency to bring you into his house. Your mother was correct. The man is a scoundrel. Even in England, if a man isn’t happy in his choice of a wife, he brings her into his home to keep up appearances. He wouldn’t dare set her up carte blanche in an inn as he would his mistress.”

  Lottie tightened her jaw to keep her mouth from dropping open.

  “Winthrop doesn’t deserve you.” He pushed forward to the edge of his seat, but his eyes never left hers. “I always wondered if that night had been a tragedy of errors or if he’d staged the act to force your hand.”

  Lottie opened her mouth to refute his statement, but he continued.

  “I should have said something in the church. I should have stood and called out his blackguard ways.” His fingers pressed lines into his breeches as he rubbed them over his knees. “Island gossip says you had separate cabins upon the ship, and he hasn’t stayed the night here at the inn. Instead, he stays on his plantation, probably laughing at the prospect of getting even with your mother by never giving her the pleasure of a grandchild.”

  Nathan would never do something so malicious. “His—our house is under construction.” The excuse sounded inadequate even to her. She’d seen his home. It seemed suitable enough. She’d suspected he needed time to adjust to having a wife, but surely he’d done so by now.

  “Has he even taken you to his bed?” The hiss of his words sliced through the air.

  Lottie gasped. A gentleman would never pose such a question.

  He scooped up her hands and pinned them between his own.

  “I apologize for the shocking nature of my question, but I must demand an answer for your own good.”

  She jerked her hands away. “I will not justify your rude question.”

  “Lottie, don’t be embarrassed. As you said, I am your friend. It’s most unfortunate you were forced to marry a cad, but all may not be lost. You are not responsible for his actions or inactions, but if the answer is what I believe, then I will speak with my captain and find room aboard the Fortitude. When you reach England, you can appeal to the Prince Regent and have your marriage annulled.”

  “This is Mother’s doing. She’s trying to control me from across the ocean, and you are her pawn.”

  “This is Winthrop’s doing.” Anthony’s face flushed, and malice flashed in his eyes. “His business is failing, so he decided to abscond with a daughter of a viscount’s dowry.”

  “You are mistaken. I was supposed to meet with Priscilla that night so we could say good-bye before I was sent to the country. She was delayed because she hoped to return with you and play matchmaker. However, Nathan entered the room instead. I hid due to my fright, and it was I who dropped the candle. He saved my life.”

  “He must have seen you enter the room alone. He saw an opportunity and took it with the intention of seducing you. He poured brandy hoping spirits would loosen your morals.” Anthony snorted. “He even tried to convince me my sister poured the drinks.”

  Was Anthony truly here out of concern for her well-being? His words sounded as such, but his movements and facial expressions appeared rancorous. “I poured those glasses. It was another act of rebellion against my mother and another poor choice on my part. Nathan doesn’t drink spirits.”

  “No matter.” Anthony’s eyes hardened. “The man is a scoundrel. Now, answer my question.”

  Anthony wasn’t in love with her. He didn’t look at her the way Nathan did, as if he could never get his fill of her. Anthony was in love with precepts and principals. He was allowing his sense of justice to be tainted by revenge.

  “I love my husband. I made my vow before God, and I will honor it.”

  A harsh laugh rose from his lips. “You were always the optimist, but you are delusional if you think a man if his ilk will love you in return. There will never be a happily-ever-after with a man like Winthrop.”

  Her anger rose. Nathan may not love her, but he was her husband. Anthony, on the other hand, never had the fortitude to pull off what he was suggesting. She needed to be clear about the truth to dispel any future doubts. “Are you proposing if I leave with you and beseech the Prince Regent for an annulment, that you will marry me?”

  His eyes widened. “I-I cannot subject my family to such a scandal. Think of my sister. Her marital options would suffer.”

  “Just as I thought.” A sense of relief surged through her. “You never loved me. You may have fancied me, but it was not love.” S
he leaned forward and placed a hand on his arm. “Anthony, I hope someday you’ll be blessed to experience love. Only then will you understand why I cannot leave.”

  “How can you believe yourself in love with such a man?”

  “I don’t believe, I know, and deep down, I believe he’ll come to care for me in return.”

  “The humidity has made you daft. When a man loves someone, he doesn’t treat her like a kept woman.”

  “He also wouldn’t sit idly by and watch her marry another.”

  The muscle in Anthony’s jaw clenched. “Fine, remain here. Let this island slowly kill you. Don’t think for a minute I haven’t heard of your illness or noticed the dark circles under your eyes and how your gown hangs on your frame.” His nostrils flared. “Your mother will certainly hear of this. Mark my words, she’ll be on the next ship over.”

  Lottie straightened her shoulders. “The island hasn’t killed me yet. I daresay, it has only made me stronger.” She rose. “I appreciate your concern, Anthony. You are, and have always been, a good friend. I will always think of you as such, but I do believe it is time for you to go.”

  He stood and yanked down on the bottom of his navy coat. “I will give your regards to my sister.”

  “Please do. I miss her companionship.” She curtsied, and as he walked by, she placed a hand on his sleeve.

  He paused and peered down at her over his shoulder.

  “It was good to see you, Anthony. Truly. I wish you all the best.”

  He nodded before he strode away.

  Lottie drifted back to her chair and sat, reeling from the conversation. She laid her head against the back of the chair and closed her eyes.

  A knock sounded on the door frame, and Lottie opened her lids to see Julia in the doorway.

  “Mind if I come in?”

  Lottie gestured to the sofa.

  Julia swept across the room and lowered onto the couch in a graceful flutter of skirts. Mother would have loved how Julia sat with stiff-backed dignity. Mother would have insisted Lottie be more like her.

  “I couldn’t help but hear your conversation.”

  Lottie groaned. “I believe my mother has planted ideas in his head.”

  “What he said about Winthrop isn’t true. In all of our dealings, he has been nothing but ethical and honest.” A deep sadness filled her eyes before she lowered her gaze. “I know your arrangement here hasn't been ideal.” She peered up at Lottie. “But you’ve brought about a change in him. He seems…happy, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him that way. You both deserve it. To be happy, I mean.” Julia cleared her throat. “I must be getting back to the kitchen. There’s much to oversee.” She rose and swept from the room.

  “Julia?” Lottie called.

  She paused in the hall and turned.

  “Thank you.” Lottie tried to muster a smile.

  Julia’s lips curved into a shy smile before she turned back and pushed through the kitchen door.

  Lottie was cracking Julia’s tough exterior, and she would crack Nathan’s also. There was hope. She wouldn’t listen to her mother’s or Anthony’s nonsense, nor the doubts in her head. She’d become her own woman. With God’s guidance, she’d keep forming her own opinions and allow Him to direct her steps.

  Chapter 25

  It grieves me to bring this to your attention, but you should be aware of your daughter’s predicament.

  ~ From Captain Anthony Middleton to Lady Etheridge

  “What’s the meaning of this?” Nathan stepped up behind Baby’s large frame.

  Baby jumped at the sound of Nathan’s voice. His thick fingers froze on the rope, one hand over another. The half-lowered British flag snapped in the wind.

  “Who told you to lower our colors?”

  Baby continued to hold the line with one hand, but pivoted on his heel to face Nathan. “Capt’n Fielding’s orders, sir.”

  “Why on earth would he give that order?”

  “I’m merely guessin’, but I do believe it’s because we’re entering the gulf—Lafitte’s territory. Our red ensign is a boon for pirates and French privateers.”

  “Sailing without the protection of our flag would attract them even more.”

  Baby yanked a length of fabric out of his vest pocket. The tricolor red, white, and blue of the French flag unfolded before him. “He told me to raise this.” Baby held the flag up.

  Nathan’s jaw tensed. It was treasonous. Their home country was at war with France. What had gotten into Fielding? He couldn’t have been in his right mind when he’d made the order. Men bustled about their duties, climbing ratlines, belaying ropes, and caulking timbers. Captain Fielding stood at the helm next to Gus on the sterncastle deck.

  “Give me a moment with Captain Fielding,” Nathan inclined his head at the flag Baby clutched in one hand. “Do not raise that unless you hear from me.”

  “Aye, sir.” Baby stuffed it back into his vest.

  Nathan hoisted up the ladder stairs.

  Fielding handed the helm over to Gus and met Nathan halfway across the deck. “Mornin’, Winthrop.”

  “What’s the report?” Nathan asked.

  “The good news is we passed the Isle of Hispaniola early last night. We should spy the coastland of Florida this afternoon. The bad news is Muzzer found spilled sugar in the hold. He thinks the rats might have chewed through one of the barrels.”

  “Blasted rats. Have him see what can be salvaged.” Nathan pushed back the lapels of his coat and rested his hands on his hips. “Has there been activity on the seas?”

  Fielding shook his head. “So far we’ve had clear sailing.”

  “No sign of other ships?”

  “No, but one can’t be careful enough in these waters.”

  “Is that why you ordered a French flag raised? You’re worried about privateers?”

  “Aye.” Fielding raised his chin a notch. “Not only are the Americans friendly with the French, but so is the pirate Lafitte. We lower our risk of being boarded by raising the French flag.”

  “Raising a French flag is treason. It would risk our British trade contract. Without the mainland to sell our sugar, what would you have us do?”

  “The crown will never know.”

  Nathan glared at his friend. “I would know.”

  “You-re making much out of a trifling matter.” Fielding’s gaze drifted as if done talking about the issue.

  “Committing treason isn’t insignificant.”

  Fielding shrugged.

  How could he be so flippant? Did he care nothing for his country? The law? “I cannot allow it. Not now, and not when you’re sailing without me. Are we understood?”

  The captain crossed his arms, but nodded. “Don’t forget the risks of sailing under a British flag. Many American privateers prey on ships like this.”

  “Indeed. That is why I hired the best captain to outrun them.”

  Fielding smiled, but his eyes remained shadowed. “And so we shall.”

  Just open your mouth and tell her. Lottie pushed the food around on her plate, working up the courage to say what she needed to.

  Julia paused with her fork half-way to her mouth. “Are you not hungry?” Her thin brows drew together into jagged angles. “You’re not becoming ill again, are you?”

  “No.” Lottie set down her fork and drew her hands into her lap. “I’m well.” She sighed. “It’s merely that Anthony’s visit brought up some good points.”

  Julia swallowed the bite of food and frowned. “I don’t recall anything worth repeating coming from his mouth.”

  “Captain Middleton is not a bad fellow. He may be a coward, but his intentions are honorable.”

  Julia snorted.

  “I truly appreciate your hospitality in allowing me to stay here at the inn, and I so enjoy our daily shared meals. Your friendship means a lot to me, and that is why this is so difficult.” Lottie chewed on her lower lip.

  Julia leaned back in her chair.

  “I b
elieve it’s time for me to settle in at Calico Manor.”

  Alarm widened her dark eyes. “But the house isn’t suitable yet. The work has barely begun.” She shook her head. “It would be best for you to stay here.”

  “I know, but Anthony is right. I must be careful of appearances. I’m only harming the Winthrop name if people believe I’m a kept woman and not fully his wife.”

  “Appearances be hanged.” Julia pursed her lips. “This isn’t London. Things are lax on the island. People are forgiving.”

  “Indeed. But I will not knowingly continue to damage my, nor my husband’s, reputation if it can be helped. Franny is upstairs packing my things. I believe it’s best if I leave after high noon tea. It will give me time to settle in with the staff before nightfall.”

  “You will only be in the way on a sugar plantation.” Julia’s back straightened into a stiff line.

  Lottie didn’t take offense. She knew Julia only said that because she didn’t want her to leave. “I’m good at finding ways to become useful. If nothing else, I can help with the mending, and I can ride into town and do the shopping.” She reached out and squeezed Julia’s hand. “It will give me an excuse to visit at least twice a week.”

  Julia's shoulders relaxed a bit, but the tension remained in her face. “It’s in your best interest to stay put.”

  Warmth filled Lottie’s heart. As much as Julia conveyed herself as a strong woman, she craved friendship as much as Lottie did. “I will need your advice on decorating and what furniture to purchase. Do you think you’d be able to spare a few trips out to the plantation?”

  “Of course, but…” Her chest heaved with a deep sigh. “No one could keep me away.”

  “Good. I was counting on it.”

  By early afternoon, Lottie and Franny reached Calico Manor. Julia had arranged for Paul to escort them by carriage.

  The house was quiet as they pulled up, the full workforce tending the upper fields. Paul brought up her trunks and set them in the room beside Nathan’s. Lace curtains hung in the window above the bed, and homemade dolls sat in a chair in the corner. She tiptoed over to the dresser with the porcelain wash basin and fingered a silver hairbrush still entangled with silky strands of blond hair. The letter K was carved into the back of the handle. Katherine. This had been Katherine’s.