The Sea Witch

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  The lass had done it now, Newton thought. From the murderous look in the cap'n's eyes, she'd best be prepared to defend herself. Or she might find herself swimming all the way back to Cornwall.

  When the Sea Challenge drew alongside, Riordan stared in openmouthed surprise at the figures clearly outlined by lantern light.

  Not only had Ambrosia brought her two sisters along, but her grandfather as well. The old man stood on deck, feet planted wide apart, a grin splitting his lips from ear to ear. In place of the shawl he usually wore around his shoulders, he was now proudly sporting the heavy woolen coat of a ship's captain.

  Like Ambrosia, Bethany and Darcy wore the garb of sailors. Brightly colored shirts with billowing sleeves. Breeches tucked into tall boots. Hair tied back with scarves.

  And then, while he watched in total disbelief, the dour housekeeper, Mistress Coffey, and the timid old nurse, Miss Winifred Mellon, appeared on deck. They looked for all the world as if they were out for a carriage ride. "Permission to come aboard the Undaunted." Ambrosia's voice held not a trace of her earlier anger. In fact, she sounded absolutely elated about something, Riordan's eyes narrowed. What was this new game she played? No matter. He was not going to allow himself to be caught up in any more hysterics. "Permission denied."

  As he turned away from the rail he heard the thud of feet against the deck. He turned back to see that Ambrosia had ignored his words and had swung aboard. In full view of the entire crew.

  "You would disobey a sea captain's command?" He rounded on her, determined to put a stop to this insubordination at once. "Seaman Lambert, you could find yourself in irons."

  "Aye, Captain. It's a chance I must take. But first you must listen to what I have to say. I believe my plan is worth the risk."

  "I've already heard you. There's nothing more to say."

  "Please, Captain." She lowered her voice. "Could we speak privately in your cabin?"

  It was on the tip of his tongue to refuse. But she'd risked so much, taking the little ship through the dangerous shallows at night. Even exposing her entire family to the danger. He'd listen. And then he'd send her packing.

  "All right, Seaman Lambert. I'll give you one minute of my time. No more. We have no time to waste on foolishness."

  He allowed her to precede him to the stairs that led belowdecks. As he passed the crew, he saw many of them smiling. That only had him strengthening his resolve. He would not be persuaded to change his mind and take her aboard the Undaunted. Not after that ugly scene in the parlor.

  In his cabin he closed the door and leaned against it, determined not to touch her. In fact, it would be better if he didn't look at her. That way, there would be no chance of weakening his resolve. "One minute, Ambrosia."

  She took a deep breath, wishing her heart wouldn't betray her like this. She'd come here determined to deal with Riordan Spencer as she would any man. But Riordan wasn't like any other man she'd ever met. Even when his cruel words cut her to the quick, she couldn't hate him, no matter how she tried. And oh, how she tried.

  "After you left, my grandfather and sisters and I discussed your plight. We all agreed that what you do is noble. But there is a flaw in your plan."

  His head came up sharply. "A flaw?"

  "Aye. If, as you say, Barclay Stuart was murdered because someone is determined to learn of the cargo the Undaunted now carries, then it stands to reason that the murderer must now go forward and see his plan through. No matter what the cost."

  "Aye. So, what is this flaw?"

  "The Undaunted. She is bound to become a target."

  "Of that I have no doubt. But we're prepared. She is fortified with cannon and weapons and men willing to give their last breath to keep her cargo safe."

  "As I said, Riordan, what you do is noble. But also flawed. Once it is learned that the Undaunted defended herself against a rogue ship, do you believe her enemies will send another?"

  "Aye. Don't you?"

  "Nay. They'll send an armada. And though you and your men will fight nobly, you will, in the end, give up your lives and your cargo."

  His eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting that we merely give up our cargo without a fight?"

  "If you think that, Riordan, then you don't know me at all. Papa always told us that if we can't outfight our enemy, we must outwit him."

  "And how do you propose to do that?"

  "By doing something completely unexpected. Your enemy expects you to arm yourselves and fight to the death. Instead, why not let them chase the Undaunted, and when the odds are too great, yield without a fight?"

  "Yield?" He threw back his head and laughed. "This from a woman who doesn't know the meaning of the word? Now I know you jest. If you were drawing your last breath you would yield to no man, Ambrosia."

  "You're wrong, Riordan. Perhaps I would yield." She gave a sly smile. "If I had much to gain and nothing to lose."

  "You call the king's gold nothing?"

  She gave a gasp of surprise. "Is that truly what the Undaunted carries? Gold for the king?"

  "Aye." He clenched a hand at his side. What a clever wench she was. She'd just caused him to reveal a secret he'd sworn never to repeat.

  "Then we have no time to lose. Our plan is simple. Transfer the cargo to the Sea Challenge."

  "Are you daft? That little craft couldn't accommodate even half our crew. And even if she could, she's no warship. She'd be at the mercy of every rogue ship in the ocean."

  "You miss the point, Riordan. We wouldn't have a crew. Just us. Think about it. What rogue would waste time with a small, sleek sailing vessel out for a family picnic, when they can catch the prize of the Undaunted?"

  As her words sank in, he stared at her in surprise. "You'd use the Undaunted as a decoy?"

  She nodded.

  As he mulled over her plan, he began to see the wisdom of it. When the Sea Challenge pulled alongside, with all its lanterns glowing, it had looked like nothing more than a floating parlor. A gentleman's ship, with nothing of value aboard except perhaps some fine ale. Still...

  "What about the two old women aboard? Do you think it fair to dupe them into thinking they're just out for a harmless sailing trip?"

  "Do you think I'd do such a thing, Riordan? Though we were uncertain of their reaction, my sisters and I took them into our confidence. And were amazed to learn that they'd already surmised what we were about. I suppose it's difficult to keep secrets in a family such as ours. Once they heard our plans, they were eager to join our party."

  "But do they understand the danger?"

  "Aye. There's no holding them back. Now, as to the Undaunted..."

  He nodded. "Without the cargo to slow her down, the Undaunted could lead a fleet of rogue ships on a merry chase. It could take days to overtake her. And then the crew could yield and allow the enemy to board her. It could avoid needless death. Their lives might be spared if no cargo is found. But it's still a risk."

  "The crew already agreed to risk their lives for the cargo. If there's a chance they might not have to fight to the death, I'd say it's worth the gamble."

  He gave her a level look. "You'll be leaving the Undaunted vulnerable. She could be claimed for salvage. If so, you'll never see your father's ship again."

  She swallowed hard. "I've thought of that. But our first thought must be for King Charles and his cargo. If that's the price I must pay, then so be it."

  He studied her with new respect. He could see how heavily this weighed on her heart. She loved the Undaunted. Not only because it had been her father's, but because it was her heritage. Yet she was willing to give it up if necessary, for king and country.

  "What about you, Riordan? Are you willing to put aside your notions about women at sea and trust us with your precious cargo?"

  It took him less than a moment to realize that she'd just offered him the best chance they had of succeeding.

  "Aye, Ambrosia. It's a brilliant plan." He turned away, afraid that if he didn't escape this minute, he'd have to dr
ag her into his arms and kiss those lovely, pouting lips. "I'll have the crew begin the transfer at once."

  When he strode away Ambrosia stood a moment, feeling the most amazing sense of elation. He'd actually agreed to her plan. And had even called it brilliant.

  Maybe she was dreaming. She shook her head and forced herself into action. Perhaps, if they were able to carry this off, he might one day be able to forget that little scene in the parlor. She lifted her chin a fraction. Though she never would.

  "That's the last of it, Cap'n." Newton watched as the sailors swung back to the deck of the Undaunted.

  The Sea Challenge bobbed beside the larger, sturdier ship. The gold, stacked neatly belowdecks, had been covered with fancy quilts and made to resemble trunks.

  Riordan took Newton to his cabin and closed the door. "Newt, what do you think of young Randolph?"

  "A fine sailor, Cap'n. I've learned that his father and grandfather were seamen. Had their own ships until they were lost to rogues. The lad will one day have his own as well, I'm sure. He handles the Undaunted with great care."

  "Do you think, if he were to captain her, he'd treat her like his own?" The old man arched a brow. "Aye. I'm sure of it."

  "Then send him to my cabin at once. I have some orders for him."

  Puzzled, the old man left and returned minutes later with the young seaman.

  "Randolph," Riordan said without preamble. "I'm about to ask your help."

  "Aye, sir."

  "I'm appointing you captain of the Undaunted. Now sit down, lad. There are some things we have to go over."

  While Newton watched and listened, Riordan gave the young man very careful instructions. Then the two shook hands, and Riordan picked up Ms seabag and led the way above deck.

  Newton followed on his heels. "What's all this about, Cap'n?"

  Instead of an answer, Riordan gave him a mysterious smile. "Newt, how do you feel about family picnics?"

  "Picnics?" The old sailor scratched his head. "Can't say I've ever been on one."

  "Well, you're about to go on one now. Fetch your seabag, Newt."

  While the crew watched in surprise, Riordan caught hold of the rigging and swung himself from the rail of the Undaunted to the rail of the Sea Challenge, dropping his seabag on deck. "Come on, Newt," he called to the old man. "You and I have just become part of the Lambert family. At least until we reach London."

  When the old sailor followed suit, Ambrosia greeted them with her hands on her hips, her eyes flashing fire. "What do you two think you're doing?"

  "We're joining the family, Seaman Lambert." Riordan was smiling broadly. "For a little holiday aboard ship."

  Ambrosia saw the laughter dancing in her sisters' eyes. Her own grew stormy. "There's but one captain's cabin, and that's been given over to Grandpapa."

  Riordan ignored her anger. "Where are you and the other ladies sleeping?"

  "In hammocks strung belowdecks in the crew's quarters."

  "Newt and I have slept in plenty of hammocks on ships too numerous to count. We'll be just fine."

  He turned and waved to the crew of the Undaunted as the two ships began drifting apart. Then he turned to her grandfather. "Seamen Spencer and Findlay reporting for duty, Captain."

  The old man was positively beaming. "Welcome aboard, mates. Stow your gear and let's get the ship under way."

  "Aye, Captain." Riordan winked at Newton and the two men carried their seabags below. Seeing the five hammocks side by side, the two men strung theirs on the far side of the crew's quarters, with the cargo between them, allowing the women as much privacy as possible.

  As he looked around at the tight quarters, Riordan found himself hoping this journey ended quickly. Otherwise, his nights spent watching Ambrosia sleep could become an agony of temptation.

  Riordan stood at the wheel of the little ship, enjoying the way she handled the pull of the waves. He had elected to take the night watch, so that the others could sleep. He glanced up at the canopy of stars and felt, as he always did on such a night, that he'd chosen the best of all possible worlds.

  The moon was full and round, with a few soft, feathery clouds scudding past. The stars looked close enough to touch. The wind was gentle, just strong enough to fill the sails. What more could a man want?

  As if in answer to his silent question, he saw a shadow flit across the deck. He watched as Ambrosia paused at the rail to breathe in the sea air. Then she turned and their gazes met and held. For the space of a heartbeat she gripped the rail. Then she stepped toward him.

  "I couldn't sleep."

  "I know the feeling." Riordan studied her as she moved closer, feeling, as he always did, the thrill that went through him at the mere sight of her. She was tall. Taller than most women, and even some men, so that her head came nearly to his chin. She was reed slim, with a tiny waist and softly rounded hips and breasts. The mere thought of pressing that lithe young body to his had him reacting in a purely male fashion. "It's the excitement of not knowing what lies ahead."

  "Is it the same for you?"

  "Aye." He nodded. "And has been from the first time I boarded a ship. It's the curse of a sailor. Once you've heard the siren song of the sea, there's no cure."

  "I thought..." She looked away. "I thought it was because I was so long denied the chance to sail. But when I asked my brother, he said it was the same for him."

  "We talked about it, James and I." Riordan kept his hands lightly on the wheel. "We both agreed that we'd rather die young at sea than live to be old men confined to the land."

  "I wish..." She paused to close her eyes. "What do you wish, Ambrosia?"

  She met his look. "I wish that I hadn't wasted so much time resenting James. When he'd return from a voyage, I would pester him for days to tell me everything he'd seen and heard. Every place he'd visited. Every new food he'd tasted. And then I would go off and nurse my resentment at his freedom to do the things I'd never be allowed to do. I was so busy being jealous, I never told him how much I loved him. Or how proud I was of the things he'd accomplished."

  "He knew, Ambrosia."

  Her head came up. "How would you know that?"

  "You were all he spoke of. You and Bethany ana Darcy. He adored you. He was as proud of you as you were of him."

  "He said so?"

  "Aye. A hundred times or more."

  He saw the tears spring to her eyes before she turned away to hide them. Without thinking, he reached out and drew her into the circle of his arms.

  Her words were muffled against his chest. "I can't help thinking that it was my wish that sent him to a watery grave. But I never wanted this. I never wanted James to die so that I could have my chance. And if I could, I'd give up everything in my life to have my brother back."

  "Shh." Riordan pressed his lips to her temple. "Don't ever think you brought this about. It's just the way life is. We live. We die. And we never know the time or place of our death. But know this. James died the way he wanted. Doing what he most loved. How many men can make that claim?"

  As his words sank in, she looked up at him in surprise. "I hadn't thought of that." She sniffed and swallowed back the rest of her tears. "That's a comfort, Riordan.

  And I thank you for it. But I'm saddened that he had to die so young. He left no wife. No children to carry on his name."

  The same thought had occurred to Riordan. Especially now that he was holding Ambrosia in his arms. No woman had ever made him ache like this. When he was lose to her he found himself thinking about things that had never before held any appeal. Things like planting roots. Making a home. Living the respectable life of a landowner.

  Foolishness, he knew. He was a man born for the sea. From his first taste of it he'd known. Still, he reminded himself, John Lambert had found a way to have it all. A home that looked out over the dark Atlantic. A wife, children and the respect of those in Land's End who knew him. From the attendance at his funeral, he'd been fully accepted by landowners, even though he was unquestionably
a man of the sea.

  That experience had had a profound impact on Riordan. Ever since, he'd been wondering if it could be possible to do the same.

  "Don't grieve for what wasn't, Ambrosia." His hand tightened on her shoulder. "Just celebrate who James was, and what he did with his young life."

  "He made so many friends." She lifted her face to stare up into Riordan's eyes. "Especially you." He found himself gazing at her mouth with naked hunger. He knew he ought to resist the desire to kiss her. But she was too close. And his need too great.

  "Ambrosia." He touched a hand to her cheek and she moved against it. His eyes narrowed as he lowered his face to hers. And then there was no need for words as he lost himself in the wild, sweet taste of her. He'd known, from the first time he'd sampled her lips,

  that once would never be enough. With each kiss, each taste, he'd want more until there was nothing to do but have it all. And now, as he filled himself with her, he found his head spinning, his hands tightening, his lips devouring.

  Ambrosia couldn't move. She hadn't the will to resist. Because in truth, she'd wanted this. Wanted desperately for him to kiss her. Wanted to feel the heat and flash and fire. But as she melted against him, she realized that this kiss was different from all the others. Always before they'd come together in anger. But this time was softer, sweeter. The feelings flowing between them spoke of shared pain. And healing. And tenderness. And need. A need so long denied.

  "You know I want you, Ambrosia." His hands framed her face and he pressed soft kisses to her temple, her cheek, her jaw.

  How could she think, when he was bringing her such pleasure? "And I want..." She closed her eyes. "Oh, I don't know what I want, Riordan. I've never felt like this before. But I know one thing. I don't want you to stop doing what you're doing."

  He laughed, low and deep in his throat. But the laughter became a growl of pleasure mixed with pain as he ran openmouthed kisses down her throat. He nibbled the sensitive hollow between her neck and shoulder and felt her tremble.

  He could have her if he so desired. The thought jolted through him, leaving him stunned and dazed. He could take her. But he had no right. She was so sweet. So good. And he...