Captives' Charade (23 page)

“Thank you, Galena. We appreciate your ahunderstanding,” Stewart drawled with a wink, which turned into an imperceptible grimace of pain when delicate fingers beneath his own secretly plucked out a hair from his sleek torso.

“Galena,”Sarahspokeupsuddenly,inwardly smiling at her small revenge, “I would like a bath ... and as soon as possible, if it would not be too much trouble.” Her shining blue eyes artlessly wide, she added, “I am not yet used to this heat. A bath would be most refreshing.”

As if noticing her attire for the first time, Galena stared at Sarah and a lilting giggle escaped her. Pointing to the enveloping gown, she said, “Dress not needed for sleep here. Too hot. Everybody sleep raw. You too now, yes?”

“I will n---,” Sarah began heatedly, but a painful pinch on her firm derriere warned her, “ ... consider it,” she ended meekly, training to keep from clawing the perpetrator.

“Bueno!” Galena beamed. “You sleep better. Better for Señor too,” she tossed out with a wink before hustling out of the room.

The latch of the door had not even clicked before Sarah tried to wrench free of Stewart’s alltoo-familiar grasp. But she hadn’t counted on his wish to prolong the contact, and instead of breaking his hold, she suddenly found herself smothered by his warm, hard body pressed over hers.

“Not so fast, my beauty,” he commanded silkily. “You’ve kept me at bay all night. Surely you can’t refuse your husband a simple good-morning kiss?” Through fiercely brilliant eyes, she observed his tousled hair, the dark shadow of whiskers on his unshaven jaw, the humorous pliancy of his wide mouth, and the appreciative twinkle in his expressive brown eyes. His powerful shoulders were overwhelming in their nakedness, so close that she could press her lips there if things – everything – were different.

“Why do you torture yourself so?” she muttered sarcastically. “You know our marriage is a farce and will be dissolved as soon as we leave this place. Why do you persist in your quest for husbandly rights when you’re no real husband at all?”

“Let’s just say that I have never done anything halfway,” he murmured, pressing an unwanted kiss on her temple and nuzzling her dark hair. “By force of habit, I am compelled to play my role to the hilt. Besides, can I, a mere man, be blamed for wanting you?” His warm breath tickled her ear and sent reluctant shivers thumping through her body.

“Yes --- you can,” she returned breathlessly, unable to stop his firm lips from grazing the side of her trembling mouth. “For your job is to protect me. And so far –“ she moaned, trying to turn her face away from his tender onslaught,”—you are the only man I have reason to fear ....”

“Are you saying ....” he whispered, touching his lips to her face with unrelenting purpose, “ ... that you enjoy my caresses?”

“You will never hear me say that.” The retort was cleverly worded, for there was a mindless, entirely involuntary part of her that responded to his touch with such exuberant wanting that it left her reasonable, logical side in a dazed, breathless shambles. His every look, gentle touch or fierce possession alerted her shameless body to his firm yet sensual mouth, and especially the searing brown eyes that beneath their thick lashes, turned dark with obvious lust, branding her with a promise she could not let him keep.

Ofcourse,heknewwhatshemeantbyher scathing denial. The mad pounding of her heart beneath her breast and her unbidden gasps told him she was far from unmoved by his slow, experienced assault. And for an all-toouncomfortable moment, Stewart debated the merits of offering this irresistible young woman a permanent claim on his name just for the opportunity to salve the hot male stirrings her nearness caused. She possessed a goodly number of the qualities he found attractive in a woman – beauty, intelligence, spirit and passion – and certainly being the daughter of a member of the peerage, and his business partner, did not lessen her allure. Few marriages were contracted without the economic advantages in mind. But despite these powerful inducements, a flash of reason prevailed, even as his demanding lips stormed the target of her soft, now yielding mouth. Marriage was suitable for some, but the idea of a permanent liaison did not exactly appeal to his restless nature. He supposed that love might make somewhat of a difference, but in two score and ten that emotion had eluded him. For the best, he quickly added. Even this captivating young girl, so bewitching despite her valiant efforts to deny him, had elicited only a fondness from him. That he wanted her desperately had, he knew, very little to do with love.

Besides, he was not entirely without entanglements. Hadn’t he only recently expressed his devotion to the beautiful Lady Amberling? Funny, but he’d barely thought of the raven-haired vixen since leaving her, in tears, at the London dock. Not that Felicia expected him to remain faithful to her, for she herself was a somewhat adventurous and insatiable confection, a member of the serious Queen’s gay and frivolous court. The intimate words that fell from his lips in the heat of passion were, of course, not binding, but the two were considered a pair, enough so that Felicia would not react lightly to the news of a sudden marriage. Knowing the reaches of her pride, Stewart could imagine the lengths she’d go to discredit his name in their circle of influential friends. No, Felicia deserved more than that. She had been good to him over the years; he was not about to infuriate her if it could be avoided.

His ardor somewhat cooled by these thoughts, Stewart avoided the surprised blue eyes, and with a sigh, shifted his weight off Sarah, covering his eyes with his forearm as he rolled onto his back beside her. Confused and naggingly disappointed by his abrupt release, she lay still for a moment, feeling her heartbeat slowly return to a more normal pace. What had she done ... or said? And why did she care? She stared at his reflection overhead, willing him to say something, anything, to give her a clue as to his inner thoughts. But his dismissal held fast, and with a jerk, she arose to prepare for her bath.

“I trust this ordeal has not been too hard on you.” Jeremiah’s voice was casually inquisitive above the briskly lapping waves of the incoming tide as he and Sarah strolled along the beach before dinner. It was the eighth day of their captivity and things had settled into a pedantic routine, at least for Sarah, who had little to do while the crew worked long, hard hours in the sun.

“No, Captain,” she smiled reassuringly. “I might consider this a holiday were it not for the knowledge that we are here against our will. I just wish I could be more helpful in attaining a quick release ....”

“Now don’t you worry about that. You have been invaluable to us,” he said, helping her step over a scrap of driftwood lodged in the sand. At her questioning gaze, he explained, “D’Alava is more acquiescent that we ever believed possible, and I am convinced that it is because he wishes to make a good impression on you. I have every reason to hope we’ll be on our way in a week or so.”

“Your wife must be very concerned.” Sarah voiced the subject tentatively, not wanting to upset him. But Jeremiah’s response was matter-of-fact.

“I have always been careful not to provide definite dates when I write of homecomings. Peggy knows it’s impossible to foretell weather conditions. Besides, she is not immune to the dangers of a life at sea. She has been through a pirate overtaking herself, though it did not involve this much of a delay. She’s a strong woman, my wife,” he added, his eyes glowing with pride and pleasant memories. “I am assured that she does not waste time pining and fretting, or I’d have given this up long ago.”

Theywalkedoninquietcompanionshipfor several minutes before Jeremiah spoke again. “Tegan seems to be handling herself well. The kitchen staff has borne no complaints about the little urchin we foisted on them. As a matter of fact, I think they’re pleased with the help she’s – he’s – been.”

“Oh, yes, you are quite right. Did I tell you I was able to speak with her today?” At his look of surprise, Sarah hastened on. “Don’t worry, Captain. It was quite by chance that I ran into her, and I am sure no one saw us.” She proceeded to explain that they had chanced to meet in one of the parlors near the dining room of the great mansion. Sarah had gone there to examine some rare paintings d’Alava had confiscated from an unlucky Dutch freighter. Tegan had spied her as she rummaged through the treasures, still in their packing crates. “She looks well, considering the strain. And she told me she’s pretending she is mute so she doesn’t have to lower her voice. Clever, isn’t she?”

“Very,” Jeremiah agreed. “Your maid is quite brave and resourceful ... and a fine cook, as well. But please be careful, Sarah. It would be hard to explain your having a conversation with a mute servant. If anyone should ever see you together, it could put you both in jeopardy.”

Sarah sighed, looking longingly out to sea. “I understand. But I feel so sorry for her, so alone and working so hard. While I’ve been treated like a princess ....”

“Now,Icannotblameyouforconcerning yourself with your servant. ‘Tis a situation I chafe under as well seeing my men give their all for that demon d’Alava and his ill-gotten realm, while we bask in the comforts he’s deemed to pleasure – or should I say – imprison us with,” Slade sniffed defiantly. “But it does no good, Lady Sarah, to dwell on life’s inequalities. We will just have to take what comes for now and make reparations when we are able.”

Towardo ffherimpendingmelancholy, Jeremiah attempted to change the subject. “You’ll forgive my impertinence if I compliment you on what a convincing Mrs. Chamberlain you’ve become. I would give anything for Peggy to see her bachelor brother take so wholeheartedly to his role as a devoted husband. It would do much to restore her flagging hopes about him.” Sarah cringed at the mention of the Captain’s brother-in-law, but was determined not to show her discomfiture, nor the blush that threatened to rise.

“It is amazing our capabilities when the consequences of failure are so dire,” she replied somewhat stiffly.

But Jeremiah was not satisfied, unwilling to let her evasiveness stand. “Even so, you two seem quite compatible.”

Sarah laughed without humor. “Is that what you think? Perhaps we should become play actors if our charade has convinced you otherwise. Mr. Chamberlain and I have very little in common, and have never gotten along very well.” Nervous fingers knotted and unknotted the ends of the light shawl draped around her slim figure.

“Now I am surprised,” Jeremiah returned and Sarah readily picked up his ill-concealed interest. “My brother-in-law speaks little of his acquaintances to me, but I found you to be the exception. He seemed quite impressed with the Duke’s enchanting daughter, and now, having met you, I can see why.” The tall man chanced a sly glance down at Sarah and was rewarded with an obvious blush.

“He-he must sister, Lady Juliana,” family beauty, and was quite taken with him, I know.”
have been referring to my

“She may have been taken with him, but you were the one he spoke of,” Jeremiah insisted. “His delight over the Duke’s decision to send you to America was obvious.”

Sarah’s response was curt, though the Captain’s words had their impact. “Mr. Chamberlain is proud of his homeland. I daresay he would be eager to show it off to any Brit. Besides,” she added, a feeling
whenever Stewart
of perversity overtaking her was discussed, “is it not an

expression of good faith on the part of my father that he would entrust my protection to his new partner? ‘Tis the heady compliment he basks in, nothing more.”

But though Stewart’s nature was not completely fathomable to anyone, Jeremiah knew him best of all. Stewart bore the self-assurance of a man used to being respected, but never beguiled by the power it gave him. Jeremiah was quite sure Sarah was wrong in her assessment, and was equally convinced she knew it as well.

A knowing smile threatened to break across his lips, but the Captain suppressed it by voicing the suggestion that they return to the mansion.

Her obvious relief at the change of subject was all it took to convince Jeremiah that, like Stewart, Lady Sarah Tremont was afflicted with an attraction that made their unusual circumstances all the more interesting. Wouldn’t Peggy be pleased if he could be the instigator of a real marriage for the footloose Chamberlain?

The idea brought an amused and satisfied chuckle to his lips, which was quickly doused by the queer look Sarah tossed up at him. “I was thinking,” he blurted to cover his real thoughts, “were your father to learn our exact circumstances, Stewart would be basking in the substance more resembling boiling oil than glory. It is a small comfort to know that he assumes our safety.”

“Aye,” Sarah replied pensively, disturbed that she had not, until this moment, considered her family and their anticipation to learn of her safe arrival in the United States. Stewart Chamberlain seemed to have overtaken all her thoughts, conscious or otherwise.
CHAPTER 23

Their captivity had stretched into two weeks, then three. Three endless weeks of a masquerade that had, in many ways, become reality. The rancor that Sarah had felt at being, not only d’Alava’s captive, but Stewart’s as well, was all but gone. It was almost as if they had settled into the notunpleasant routine of a long-married couple.

The night he had touched her so intimately had marked the end of his physical pursuit, though it had taken Sarah several days to relax her guard, and several more to divest herself of the niggling disappointment over his cooled ardor. Every explanation was painful: Had he tired of her? Had he found her physically lacking? Was she no longer a challenge or a prize worth winning? He still seemed to enjoy her company, even away from d’Alava’s keen observance. But his compliments sounded perfunctory and his gazes were no longer leisurely or smoldering. Stewart had overnight become positively brotherly in his actions, and it was only then that Sarah could honestly admit to herself that she had enjoyed his caresses, or she would never have given into them.