Sea Scoundrel (17 page)

“Friends kiss, do they not?”

“Patience I feel much more than friendship for you.”

“Like what?”

Grant considered the raw truth. “Lust.” There, he’d said it.

Now, no one could say he’d been trying to lead her astray.

“Lust. I thought so. See there, you’ve taught me lust. I knew that’s what I felt. Oh, and passion. Remember, you taught me passion.”

He could not hold back his surprise. “You felt lust? For me?”

“I’m sure of it.”

Lust be damned. He couldn’t act on it, anyway. He sighed with regret. “Patience, friends do not feel lust or passion for each other.”

“They don’t? Then what are people when they feel lust and passion?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “Frustrated.”

“What?”

“Lovers, Patience. Lovers feel lust and passion and act on it.”

“Are we lovers then? Because lovers must surely love each other, right?”

“No, we’re not lovers, yet, or ever. And no, I do not love you, nor you me. Love is for babies, children, brothers and sisters, grandparents, and so forth and so on.”

“But—”

“Patience. You were right. We’re friends. Now, let us change the subject. I think I have the headache.”

“Then sit down, lean on me, and close your eyes.” He sat. “Wil you be quiet?”

“Wel , I wanted to ask you about the Marquess of Andover.”

“Oh.” He sighed. “Very wel . Ask.”

“Do you think he might consent to marry one of my girls?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Perhaps if I offered to pay him.”

Grant laughed. “Patience, the Marquess is a rich man. He doesn’t need your money. What do you real y know of him?”

“Nothing.”

“Why did you promise their mothers to introduce their daughters, if you don’t know him?”

“It was Cordelia.”

“Who is Cordelia?”

“I told you. She is the mother of the man that I went to America to marry, who is now dead.”

“Cordelia is dead?”

“No, the man I went to marry is dead. She’s his mother and very much alive.” Patience turned his head with her hands so she could see his face. “Do you understand now?” He nodded, having lost the strength for further explanation, and settled more comfortably against her so that the back of his head nestled between her breasts.

“Wel Cordelia told people that I knew positively everyone in England. I had told her about the Marquess in my letters—

Gossip, you know, to make the letters more interesting.

She’s a wonderful woman, but she told everyone I could have married the Marquess but turned him down to marry her Conrad. How could I say she was lying? She had just lost her son.”

“I see.”

“It wasn’t until the day we were ready to leave that I realized the web in which I had entangled myself, and everything was planned and—”

“I understand now how it happened. Tel me what you’ve heard about the Marquess.”

“Wel , they say he’s a rake, black hair and eyes, and he dresses in black, as if he were the devil incarnate. He travels the world to places like India and exotic islands, which is why his skin is dark as a heathen’s and leathery from the sun. He belongs to the Hel fire Club and has bastard babies running al over England.” Grant chuckled.

“I’ve heard these stories al my life so I imagine he must be about a hundred years old.”

“The Hel fire Club and bastard babies. That’s a lot for one man to answer for.”

“I’m sure there’s much worse. I just don’t know what it is.” She sighed. “Those girls’ mamas are never going to forgive me.”

“If one of your girls manages to marry him, her mama won’t care what a degenerate he is. Al they care about is his title.”

“Oh. You must be wrong. Certainly no mama wants her daughter to marry such a horrible man.”

“In some ways, you are stil very young, Patience.” He felt her back stiffen instantly. “Now don’t get al tense and angry. I didn’t mean to set you off. It’s just that you don’t know what people wil do to gain wealth and a title, or what they’l live with for the sake of both. But if it wil make you feel better about your promises, I’l make sure you get an introduction to the Marquess of Andover when we reach London. Just an introduction, mind. I won’t encourage his attention toward non-angelic Angel or crazy Sophie, or the others. I don’t want any cats, dogs or swine there, either.”

“I’l never be able to thank you. I want to do right by my girls.”

“You wil . Now rest here with me.”

She settled and he snuggled next to her and took her in his arms, cradling her as if she were precious. “You feel good,” he admitted. “I’m tired. With the storm and everything else, I haven’t slept in days and that blasted hammock is terrible.

How do you stand it?”

She cuffed him. “Grant, we must be friends. See how you enjoy being with me, and tease me, and snuggle up close, and sigh when you do?”

“Mmm.”

“Are you very sleepy?”

“Mmm.”

“Sleep then. I’l watch for you.” She kissed him on the brow.

“You’re a good little sailor.” Al owing himself to close his eyes, Grant savored the feeling of time suspended, of oneness with Patience. He’d given himself extra watches this trip, just to be alone with her. Though he wanted to slip into blessed oblivion with his head on her breast and his hand just below, she needed to know that they’d likely arrive in London tomorrow.

My God, was that a pain in the region of his heart? Was he feeling the loss so keenly, then? What an idiot; of course he was. Why else this ruse to get her to spend her last night with him? He could be sleeping in his bunk, but stayed exactly where he wanted. With Patience. Even if it meant hours on a hard deck, his back against a coil of stinking rope.

His hand poised to stroke her breast. He wanted very badly to continue their lesson. Hel he wanted to haul her to his cabin and make love to her al night. But he had to stop, now. Before it was too late.

Too late, too late, too late.
The echo in Grant’s his head almost made him gasp. He lowered his hand to his side, self-preservation prompting honesty. “If the weather continues to cooperate, Patience, we’l be in London by tomorrow. The next day at the latest.”

“What?”

“You should be happy, Lady Patience.” He pul ed away and sat up without glancing at the stricken look he was certain marred her features. “You are ready to begin husband hunting among the elite of England and you won’t have to put up with a scurvy crew or their snarly Captain any longer.” He stood and helped her up. The moon slipped from behind a cloud il uminating her big green eyes. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

“Of course, Captain.”

“Captain? What happened to Grant?”

She tilted her head to one side as she regarded him. “I’m never quite sure.”

“You sound as if you’ve misplaced something.” She gave him a half smile, one he couldn’t quite fathom.

“You cannot misplace something you never had.”

“You can’t be sad? Don’t try to tel me you’re not happy to be shed of the seafaring lot of us.”

She stood straighter, raised her chin. “While it’s been very interesting, Captain, you’l excuse me for saying so, but you’ve al been rather difficult to deal with.” He laughed, loud in the dark pitch of early morning. They were alone in their own universe, and she made him so happy it scared the hel out of him. He hugged her, lifted her off her feet and twirled her. “Patience. Patience. Who wil entertain me when you’re gone?”

“I don’t know,” she said, voice weak.

Grant set her down, brought her close for a quick, hard hug, an embrace meant to snatch at the last bit of her he could al ow.

She lowered her head. “I’m going to miss you,” she said in a tiny whisper.

He held her away from him. “Here now, what happened to the determined, practical young woman who defied everyone to bring four girls to London? You were strong and in control the day we met.”

“Here stands the real Patience Kendal . A coward. I can only be strong when someone needs me.”

“You can be strong for yourself, too, Patience, like when you were stranded in America, and you found an activity to pay your way home. The proof is here, where you stand now, on a ship in England’s waters.”

Patience shook her head. “No. Mrs. Kane got me here. I simply agreed then she arranged it al .” Grant looked around. “Is she here then?” Patience slugged him.

“
You
accepted the woman’s chal enge and you alone carry out her plan. That’s what strength is, Patience. Remember?

I told you that the night you saved us from the
Phantom
.

Now smile, tomorrow is the beginning of a new adventure, a whole new life. If you ask me, only someone who is very strong would be wil ing to face London Society, had they any other choice.”

“I don’t know a lick about London Society, so I expect I’m simply too foolish to know better.”

“What? Didn’t your aunt teach you how to go about?”

“Oh, I know the dances and how to behave in polite society, be it Arundel or Amberly. But she warned me I’d never step foot in London, so why plan for something I’d never know?” Patience shrugged. “I’l manage. I always do.” He admired her determination. Hel he admired most things about her. “I know you wil .” He needn’t worry about the Lady Patience Ann Kendal , he told himself, except he couldn’t seem to stop.

“How long before you sail again?” she asked.

“I’l be in London for repairs. A few weeks.” What the hel was he talking about? He could choose any of his ships sitting in St. Katherine’s Dock right now. “Besides, I promised to introduce you to the Marquess of Andover.” And how in bloody hel would he manage that bit of chicanery?

“Oh. Wel , then, I guess we’l see each other occasional y.

Wil you be going to any of the bal s?”

“I hate bloody English Society. Those people are pompous, over-fed and over-bred without a whole brain among them.

They look down their noses at an honest man who works for a living and cheer a rakehel who gambles fortunes, uses women, and tosses them away. They accept, even admire, married women who take lovers—but don’t get caught—

and snub the ones who do.”

The timbre of his voice had risen, but when he realized it, he calmed. “I can’t think of anything worse than spending time in Society or at any of its shal ow pleasures. I wish you joy of Society, sweetheart. Now that I know you better, I’m not sure you’l relish the experience any more than I.”

“Wil you come to say good-bye before you sail?”

“Of course, Vixen. Do you know where you’l be staying?”

“No. We have to find a house when we get there.”

“The agent that leased me the house in the city I share with Shane is very good,” he said. “I could send someone round with a note for him before the sails are lashed. He’d be waiting for us by the time we dock. What say you?”

“I’d appreciate it, Captain. You
are
a good friend.” He grazed her lips with his index finger. “I am that.” Were those tears in her eyes?

She stepped back and turned away. “Thank you, Captain St. Benedict, for everything. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Lady Patience.” He watched her disappear from sight, wanted to say he’d stay until they were settled, until she didn’t need him anymore, until— Truth to tel , he should leave as soon as possible, so he wouldn’t need
her
anymore. Already too late for that, because what he imagined he needed, didn’t exist.

London, England

Grant knew, before they arrived, the stir they’d cause.

Plump, beringed matrons with haughty disdainful looks would gaze clandestinely from luxurious salons and drawing rooms through arched and many-paned windows. Curious maids and butlers would watch, conjecturing among themselves, as six elegant carriages stopped in front of Number 23 Grosvenor Square.

Bored, wealthy, married Ladies and their current court of lovers would stare with disgust upon the scene. So self indulgent were they that anything not directly related to their own benefit must be of the lowest order. Stil they would stand witness.

Grant stepped from the carriage, knowing eyebrows would raise and whispers begin. He examined the row of black-lacquered doors with shiny brass knockers and shuddered.

Across the street, a door opened and a retainer scurried out, taking side glances as he went. Curtains in an upper-story window of the same house slid apart. Then another door opened, another curtain moved, as if the tableau had been frozen until their arrival, then brought to life in the next instant.

He handed Patience down from the first carriage. She kept her eyes downcast. Their ride was strained, the silence long. They’d hardly spoken a word since the night before.

“Thank you, Captain, for helping me find a house. You’ve been—” He wanted her to say something meaningful, but sensed she didn’t dare, as should be. What happened between them on the ship was finished. Best forgotten.

“You’ve been,” she tried again. “A good friend.” He winced at her words and handed Sophie and Angel down, Sophie’s enthusiasm bubbling over. “Wil we meet the Marquess tomorrow?”

Patience searched his face for a reaction, but he couldn’t stop his scowl.

Grace and Rose waited in the second carriage. Already standing outside the vehicles were maids wearing dul gray or brown redingotes carrying serviceable bags. The last two carriages carried the male servants. Grant instructed them to unload the luggage strapped atop the vehicles.

Patience’s heart accelerated with excitement. Life as she knew it had been truly and forever altered. Back in her own country, she was prepared to find husbands for her girls.

She’d see that each was happy before she al owed a match. She wanted nothing less for any of them.

They had a house and servants and tomorrow they’d buy the clothes they needed. She’d find some of Mama’s old friends to sponsor them and secure invitations to the various social events significant to successful husband hunting. “Don’t dawdle, girls,” she said. “Wel begun is nearly done.”

As she stepped into the foyer of her fashionable new establishment, maids and manservants filed past seeming to know instinctively where to go.