True Nobility

by Lori Bates Wright

  Zachery’s fervent whispers sounded as if he’d practiced his speech several times before coming to speak with her. It was an honest gesture of amends and Tori could see he was anxiously awaiting her response.

  “Why, thank you, Captain. Very much. And I certainly do appreciate your consideration of me. I feel much safer, knowing the matter is in your capable hands.”

  With an audible sigh, Zach relaxed his shoulders. “Please let me know if I can do anything to make the earl more comfortable. I’ll send Tibbs up with his brew right away.”

  Tori welcomed the change in him. “Splendid.” She barely smiled. “But, please, no more crumpets.”

  “No more crumpets.” Zach crossed his heart and sent her a wink.

  The next few days passed in a blur.

  The earl continued his persistent retching while Tori kept a constant vigil. He’d managed to swallow only a small portion of the cook’s foul remedy. Day after day, the majority of the concoction remained in his cup as the battle to make him drink became greater than its benefit.

  She prodded, pampered, pleaded, and pacified until he finally agreed to take a sip or two but holding it down was another matter.

  When exhaustion made it impossible to stay awake, Tori dozed in a chair at her father’s bedside. When she awoke, a quilt lay mysteriously about her shoulders.

  Nicholas checked on them every couple of hours, usually with food in hand or a cup of tea for Tori. He stayed close throughout the week, never far should she need anything.

  Mercifully, after the fifth morning the great Atlantic took pity. The high seas calmed to provide a smooth, steady course. The earl’s illness abated, and he lapsed into a much needed rest.

  Drained, Tori curled up on the wing chair and dozed in and out of a cloud of dreams. Believing that the strong arms carrying her to a soft, inviting pillow were all a part of her gentle sleep, Tori snuggled in closer.

  Hours later, she roused and was surprised to find herself back in her own cabin. The same apricot day dress she’d worn the day before was now twisted about her in a frightful mess.

  Deepening shadows of late afternoon told her she’d slept most of the day.

  Slowly unfurling, Tori stretched, before leaving the warm place she’d burrowed beneath the quilt. She’d spent nearly every moment of this voyage seeing to her patient, only briefly returning to her cabin to wash and change her dress.

  New facings on the door frame caught her eye. A large metal lock and bolt now hung imposingly on the rebuilt door. She had been so absorbed with caring for her father, she hadn’t had time to think about the horror of her first afternoon aboard ship. But here, in this room, the whole affair came rushing back to haunt her.

  In the fleeting moments after the attack, Tori had come to realize how isolated she’d been for most of her life. Truthfully, she’d never given danger a second thought. No one in all of England would dare harm the daughter of an earl. The notion that she was untouchable had been crushed the moment she’d been thrown to the floor at knifepoint. She had been powerless to help herself. A jarring discovery at best.

  Least to say, the attack humbled her, and still lingered like a faceless shadow following at every turn. Refusing to live in fear, she resolved instead to become much more aware of her surroundings. She couldn’t live behind the safe walls of the Ladies Academy forever.

  Still, something else bothered her about being here in this room. Turning her back to the door, she clutched a pillow to her chest, still deep in thought.

  Nicholas Saberton. What was it about the man that made him impossible to ignore?

  A tender recollection of brown eyes, alert and shining with concern as he’d burst into this very space, made her heart skip a beat. She’d be lying to herself if she didn’t admit he was a most unforgettable man.

  To be certain, he was confident to the point of arrogant. He taunted her shamelessly until she forgot her manners most every time he was around. Yet, on scant occasions, she’d seen something more. Something deep inside of him. A genuine concern that in many ways was foreign to her. Most people cared for her out of obligation. But the captain had gone beyond the call of duty to see she was safe and warm and comfortable. His attention had been kind and completely sincere.

  Her hand went to her midsection to still a small flutter brought on by her fanciful thoughts. An insistent growl rumbled beneath her hand to remind her she hadn’t eaten and was actually quite hungry.

  Yesterday, Zachery Saberton had stopped by her father’s room and invited her to dine at the Captain’s table. She’d missed last night’s dinner, but perhaps tonight he might make room for one more.

  Nearly a week had passed since she’d been above deck and she was anxious to take in a bit of fresh air. With that in mind, she fetched her cake of lilac-scented soap and set about making herself presentable. Choosing a gown of rich, iris blue, with silver brocade and a fitted waist, she secured her chestnut curls into combs above each temple, allowing the mass of it to cascade down her back. This was the best she could hope for without her lady’s maid here to pin and tuck her hair into the latest style.

  Tori stepped into the dimly lit hallway and nodded at the ever-present guard. A quick stop to check on her father found him sleeping comfortably.

  Not at all sure which direction the captain’s quarters might be, Tori relished the thought of exploring along the way. This was her first time aboard such a large ship and she was eager to look around.

  The companionway was steep with slick narrow steps. Tori lifted her skirts to assure her careful footing as she began her ascent. The upper deck was quiet and deserted. Her first breath of moist, open sea air was revitalizing.

  Looking out over the sides of the huge vessel, she was drawn to the rails by an entrancing sight. Warm shades of indigo purple splayed across the endless sky. The full moon looked as if it rested at the edge of the sea, gathering in the expansive waters, transforming them into shimmering liquid silver.

  “Breathtaking.” She spoke aloud to no one in particular.

  “I was thinking the same thing,” came a low, velvety reply.

  Her heart nearly stopped. Without turning, she knew Nicholas had come up beside her. Keeping her gaze straight ahead, she was determined to maintain her poise.

  “Glad to see you’ve come out of hiding.” He casually leaned against the rail. “I take it the earl is feeling better?”

  “Yes, thank goodness. He should be back to his wonderful, cantankerous self in no time.” She passed a fingertip over her brow to catch a stray curl, before chancing a glimpse over at him.

  Pressing her eyes shut again, she berated herself for not being better prepared for the sight of his broad, tanned form adorned in solid black evening clothes. A dove-gray ascot lay neatly against the high collar of his white shirt. Nonchalance tugged at his curved lips.

  She’d always prided herself on her ability to show restraint and dignity in the face of adversity. Nicholas Saberton, however, was an adversity her gentle breeding could not possibly have prepared her for. His eyes showed a keen awareness of her that drew Tori closer.

  Like a moth to a flame, she warned herself.

  “How is your shoulder? No infection I hope.” A change of thought was definitely in order.

  “Healing nicely.”

  “I don’t think I’ve had a chance to thank you, but I do appreciate your coming to my rescue the other afternoon. If you hadn’t happened by, I’m afraid those barbarians might have pilfered more than my baggage.”

  He graced her with an engaging smile. She forced herself to keep talking before she lost her nerve.

  “A—And though I didn’t say much at the time, I am terribly grateful for your concern about me during my father’s illness.” Her appreciation was genuine as she reached over to touch his arm. “I wouldn’t want you to think I hadn’t noticed.”

  Nicholas’s brow drew together as he glanced down at her hand, before turning away. “If you’ll remember, Miss Haverwood, that’
s what I’m here for. Looking out for you is all part of the package.”

  He was obviously trying to put her off, but she refused to be riled. The clear early twilight with its fresh glittering of stars, was too enchanting for argument.

  “Please, you may call me Lady Tori. Almost everyone does.”

  She watched a muscle work in his jaw, and he didn’t say anything for a long while. “What, shall I call you?” She tried to keep her tone light, although his silence was exasperating. “Since you’re not really the captain of this ship, it hardly seems correct to address you as such. Perhaps, Mr. Saberton will do?”

  Nicholas straightened and turned from the railing to face her.

  Much too close.

  His serious expression made her want to run away and get closer all at the same time.

  “Or … I suppose if you insist I could call you Nicholas.” She took a nervous step back. “Only with your permission, of course.”

  Continuing his persistent gaze, he barely cocked a brow in answer.

  It occurred to her that he was enjoying her unease, provoking it even. She lifted her own brow in response, and along with it, her chin.

  Nicholas grinned.

  Straightening her shoulders, she tapped a neatly shaped fingernail at his chest to make her point. “Very well then. How about I call you Surly Knave?” She curved her lip, and gave a try at turning the tables. “Insolent swain? Loathsome toad? Onion-eyed loon?”

  Nicholas reached down and played with an unrestrained curl on the back of her neck which made her shiver. “You read too much Shakespeare.”

  “I—I do.” Tori felt a warm blush stain her cheeks. “And I often quote him when I’m flustered.”

  “Really?” Nicholas grinned and took another step to seal the gap between them. “Surely, I don’t make you feel flustered.”

  “Well, certainly not.” Tori observed the deck and his shining boots to keep from having to endure his warm gaze. Her bravery was rapidly waning. “I simply forgot my wrap, that’s all. I’m beginning to need it. Perhaps I’ll go—”

  The roll of the ship pitched her forward and Nicholas wrapped an arm about her as he searched her features.

  Closing her eyes to his intense inspection, Tori frantically grasped for a thread of proper restraint. She should never have come up unchaperoned. When her eyes fluttered open again, her focus centered on his mouth.

  “Mr. Loon…er, Nicholas.” She fought to keep her voice steady. “I do hope you aren’t thinking of ….”

  “I thought about it,” he answered with a smile. “And so did you.”

  “I assure you, I did not.” Though not entirely truthful, he’d best not know what she was truly thinking.

  Taking her completely by surprise, Nicholas cupped her face and came excruciatingly close to brushing his mouth against hers. The mere anticipation of it sent Tori’s world into a spiral. Closing her eyes, she made a pucker.

  Nothing.

  With a discreet peek, she opened one eye.

  A smug grin spread across Nicholas’s face as he looked down at her. “Mm hmm. I see it never crossed your mind at all.” His teasing tone affected her like being doused with a bucket of ice water.

  The deep rumble of his laughter went straight through her as he still held her close.

  “I was merely enjoying the evening breeze.” Tori pushed away from him. Heat rose in her cheeks and her pride stung terribly at her clumsy gaffe.

  “Yes, I do believe the breeze is quite flustering.” Once more, his laugh drew her attention to his lips. She knew she was staring, but Lord help her, that brief encounter had only left her curious about what it would be like to be kissed by this man.

  “Come on, princess. I’ll take you below to dinner.” Amusement danced in his eyes. “I’m suddenly famished.”

  Tori remained silent. Partly to cover her embarrassment, and partly because she didn’t trust herself to speak at the moment.

  Nicholas offered his arm with a gallant flair.

  A clatter from behind caught them off guard. Two large barrels reeled across the deck toward them. Nicholas immediately set her out of harm’s way as he scanned the area.

  The wind had picked up and the flapping of the sails was the only movement besides an occasional creaking of the high wooden masts.

  Tori shuddered as apprehension prickled her senses.

  Nicholas pulled her closer to his side. With one last glance over his shoulder, he led her down the stairway.

  Neither were aware, a killer watched from the shadows.

  Her very frowns are fairer far,

  than the smiles of other maidens are.

  ~ Hartley Coleridge

  Five

  It was their last morning aboard The Tempest, and the ship was teeming with excitement.

  “Leave it, Victoria.” The earl was already out the door, calling back behind him. “Let the cabin boy tidy up. We mustn’t miss landfall.”

  “On my way, Father.” Tori took one last look around her quarters before joining her father in the hallway.

  “Step lightly. The sun’s been up a good hour.” He checked his timepiece, as he’d done ten times in the past five minutes. “Our first order of business is getting off this rickety packet and setting foot on steady ground.”

  Her father couldn’t possibly imagine how much she was ready to be done with this voyage. Since the evening on deck with Nicholas Saberton, her enthusiasm for this trip had taken a downward turn.

  Convinced the stars had shone just for them, with the gentle roll of the sea adding a dreamlike quality to the evening, Tori had finally understood the romantic notions of her favorite poems.

  Nicholas had been charming and daring. Tori had been utterly convinced he’d felt the magic between them as well.

  Until the next morning when he’d avoided her like she had some sort of horrific disease. Every day since, he’d made himself scarce. On the rare occasion when they’d spoken, he’d dutifully asked as to her well-being yet treated her with cool reserve.

  The sting of his indifference added to her shame at having been so brazenly curious that night.

  Stepping up onto the deck, Tori opened her parasol with a snap and lifted its lace spindles to shield her face from the morning sun. Thoughts of Nicholas had her miffed more than she dared let on.

  For her father’s sake, she put on a carefree expression, one that had nothing to do with the ache in her heart. He was far too fragile these days.

  “Good day to you, sir. Lady Tori.” Zachery called to them from the other side of the deck.

  “Ah, young Saberton.” Lord Haverwood didn’t bother to hide his disappointment at being greeted by Zach rather than his older brother. “Shouldn’t you be minding the helm?”

  Zach grinned. “I’m headed to do just that.”

  “I see land. Where are we exactly?” The earl lifted a hand to shield his eyes against the glare reflecting off the waveless water.

  “We’ve just entered the mouth of the Savannah River.” Zach pointed to the lush banks on either side of the craft. “It won’t be long now before we round that corner and you’ll be able to see the grand city, herself.”

  “I say, it’s a touch warmer than we are accustomed to. Wouldn’t you agree, my dear?” The earl took a kerchief from his lapel pocket and dabbed his brow.

  Tori smiled at the consideration he was showing this morning. The old rascal was up to something, although she had a feeling she didn’t want to know what it was.

  “Where’s the captain?” Lord Haverwood looked past Zachery to search the deck for Nicholas.

  Thankfully, Zachery had been blessed with an understanding nature. He appeared unaffected by her father’s discourtesy. “Nicholas went ahead in the lifeboat to make arrangements for your transportation once we set aground. He’ll be waiting for us when we make port.

  The river came to a bend, and the distinctive outline of Savannah unfolded before her eyes. The sky was a brilliant blue and there wasn’t a cloud
in sight. Pink and yellow wildflowers scattered across lush grassy knolls and the tallest trees she’d ever seen stood in silent guard around the city. All in all, it was a beautiful welcome to the shores of America.

  Her father had become solemn and exceptionally quiet. The faraway look on his face was hard to read. Whether an expression of immense sadness or one of fond remembrance she had no way of telling.

  Placing her lace-gloved hand to cover his wrinkled one atop the polished brass handle of his cane. They stood silently for several moments taking in the view.

  As if coming out of a trance, the earl suddenly cleared his throat. “Saberton, see that our baggage is brought up posthaste.”

  Tori directed an apologetic glance at Zachery and found him leaning against the rails, grinning with a good-natured shrug.

  “I’ll see to it right away, sir.” Zach bellowed an order to prepare for landing and the deckhands swung into motion. They eased the mammoth ship into her berth with the fluid dexterity that must come with years of experience. Once secured, a roar of excitement went up as the ramp was slowly lowered.

  “No more dallying. Come, Victoria, let’s find the captain.”

  Barrels sectioned the quay into uniform tracts. Fashionable carriages were stationed in one portion, waiting for or dispensing passengers, and buckboards full of cargo were being unloaded in another. Orderly activity buzzed all around them as the ramp was set.

  “That’s Nicholas’s carriage over there on the right.” Zachery called from above, directing them to a glossy black brougham, drawn by beautifully matched grays. “I’ll have your baggage sent over to Mrs. Charlotte’s as soon as we get it unloaded.” With a wave, he turned and rejoined his crew.

  Tori had to hurry to catch up with her father, as he clopped along at an amazing pace. A gentleman with gleaming dark skin and steel gray hair waited for them, holding the carriage door open.

  “Are you the Haverwood folks?” he asked in a low, gravelly voice.