Surrender the Heart (4 page)

“Not if things go well on this next voyage. We stand to make a fortune if I can get to England on time.”

“It seems cruel.” Luke gazed across the room toward the woman.

Noah shrugged. “Why? Neither of us have affections for the other. I am sure she would welcome a reason to disengage herself from any association with me. And rather than cause her or her reputation any harm, I shall allow her the honor of making the split.”

“And how do you plan to do that?”

Noah raised a brow. “Watch and see.”

“I daresay, he does present a handsome figure, don’t you agree, Marianne?” Cassandra plucked out her fan and fluttered it about her face.

Rose laughed. “Quit drooling, Cassandra. He is not your fiancé.”

“Oh, that he were.” Marianne sipped her lemonade and studied the man she would marry. Indeed, he had grown up quite nicely from the skinny jackanapes who used to pull her hair when no one was looking. His broad shoulders and thick chest stretched the fabric of his black coat. His light brown hair, streaked with gold by the sun, was combed back in a fashionable style, and not in the usual windblown disarray she’d grown accustomed to seeing among others of his profession. A
recent shave revealed a strong jaw that, coupled with his dark eyebrows, gave him the appearance of a man in control of his destiny and determined to get what he wanted.

And Marianne was positive it could not be her. “You may have him, Cassandra. It is settled. I will go tell my mother at once.” She took a step forward but Cassandra’s strong grasp pulled her back. “You know you cannot do that. He is the only option you have. You must get used to the arrangement.”

Marianne stepped back between the two ladies with a sigh and glanced over the gathering of people who were partaking of the cakes, lemonade, and the wine her mother had spent two weeks’ of their food allowance on. Some dear friends, some acquaintances, and some she hardly knew but who had been invited because of their positions in society. Edward Johnson, the mayor, Mr. Wilson, the magistrate, two councilmen, and General Stricker. Her father had been an influential man.

Then her eyes met Noah’s, and he winced as if he could not bear the sight of her. She lowered her gaze and took a sip of lemonade, wishing she could melt into the cup and disappear. She had not spoken to him in over a year. He was always at sea and when he was in town, he never called on her. Even during the arrangements of their betrothal—a meeting between Marianne’s mother and Noah’s parents in this very parlor—Noah had slipped out before she’d had a chance to speak to him, leaving her wondering how he felt about the match. But now after looking in his eyes, she had no doubt where his feelings lay.

The chime of silverware on glass filled the parlor, drawing all eyes to Marianne’s mother who stood before the fireplace. She gestured for Marianne to join her.

Lizzie appeared out of nowhere, her face beaming. “It’s time, Marianne.” Her innocent enthusiasm tore at Marianne’s heart, making her long to be young again, free from the fetters of adult responsibilities. Taking a deep breath, she pressed a hand over her roiling stomach and handed Rose her glass. “That is my cue.”

Cassandra gave her a little nudge to get her moving as Lizzie tugged on her hand.

“Noah, Noah! Come here this instant.” Noah’s mother shouted across the room, pointing at Noah with her glass of wine. The dark red fluid sloshed over the rim and slid down the sides. Silence struck all tongues as reproachful glances shot to her and then swept to the corner where Noah stood. His jaw flexed and his face reddened.

Marianne cringed with embarrassment for him. It must be difficult having a mother who overindulged in drink, even though everyone in town knew of Mrs. Brenin’s little problem

Noah strode across the room and approached his mother, took the drink from her hand and set it on a table. “Never fear, Mother, I am here.” He took her hand and kissed it before placing it upon his arm for support.

Marianne smiled at the man’s kindness toward his mother as Lizzie led her to stand beside her own mother on the opposite end of the mantel. She drew a deep breath to quell her trembling nerves. After her mother greeted her guests, making special mention of those with prominent positions in the city, and thanking everyone for attending, she deferred to Mr. Brenin for the formal announcement.

The formal announcement of Marianne’s life sentence—for an engagement was as binding as marriage itself.

Her blood rushed so fast past her ears, she heard little of what Noah’s father said, save for the moment when he proudly announced her betrothal to his son.

Lizzie giggled and hugged Marianne. The crowd clapped and all eyes darted to her, causing a blush to rise on her face. She tried to smile, but the agony in her throat prevented her lips from moving. Daring a glance at Noah, she wondered why he had not made a move to stand beside her and take her hand. Instead, he stood as cold and emotionless as the marble mantel behind him. As people swarmed forward to congratulate the couple, Noah’s mother pushed her son toward Marianne. “For goodness’ sakes, Noah. She doesn’t bite.” Her shrill laughter blared over the crowd’s murmuring. Noah tugged on his cravat as he inched closer to Marianne as if he, indeed, thought she might chomp on his arm.

Fighting back her anger, Marianne accepted the congratulations and well wishes from the guests with as much grace and enthusiasm as she could muster, though both virtues dwindled with Noah’s continual disregard. She hoped he would at least pretend he was not marrying her for her dowry alone. Yet, as the crowd moved past, their happy looks transformed into looks of pity, and Marianne fought back the tears filling her eyes.

Soon the throng moved back to their former conversations and Noah faced her, his blue eyes searching hers uncomfortably. He took her hand and raised it to his lips.

Marianne swallowed. “At last you greet me, Mr. Brenin.”

“I hope you can forgive me. I often have trouble tearing my thoughts away from business.” He flashed a smile, the brevity of which left her wishing for more. “I meant no disrespect.” His eyes took her in again. “You look lovely this afternoon, Miss Denton.”

A wave of heat flushed through Marianne at his unexpected compliment. “You are too kind.” She smiled and he released her hand.

He glanced over his shoulder toward the door. “But I fear I must beg your forgiveness once again, Miss Denton, for I must leave straight away.”

Leave?
Marianne shook her head. “Whatever do you mean, Mr. Brenin? You only just arrived.”

“Yes, I know, but I must set sail immediately or I stand to lose a great deal of money.” The look in his eyes did not affirm the veracity of his statement. Rather, he shifted uncomfortably and avoided her gaze.

The lemonade soured in Marianne’s stomach. She leaned toward him. “Regardless, you cannot leave our engagement party,” she whispered through clenched teeth.

Her mother eased beside her, perhaps sensing her rising anger.

Noah bowed politely in her direction “Thank you, Mrs. Denton, for such a lovely afternoon.”

Marianne’s mother eyed him curiously, but she accepted his appreciation with a smile. “You are most welcome, Mr. Brenin. There is more to come.”

“Unfortunately, I will not be able to partake of your extended kindness. I am to set sail within the hour.” With a nod, he turned and sauntered across the room to join his friend. The two of them exited the parlor. Seconds later, the front door closed with a definitive thud. Once again, everyone looked at Marianne, including Cassandra and Rose, who quickly dashed to her side. Whispers slithered about the room like gossiping snakes and for the second time that night, Marianne wished she could disappear.

“He did not just leave.” She heard the spite in her own voice. Not in front of everyone. Not when the party had only begun. Now it would be plain to all that he cared nothing for her or for their marriage.

“I believe he did,” Cassandra said.

“Oh dear.” Her mother coughed and her face blanched as if she were about to faint. Grabbing her, Marianne led her to a nearby chair. “Rose, get my mother some lemonade, if you please.”

Rose skittered away and returned with a glass, which Marianne held to her mother’s lips. She took a few sips and then leaned back. “Thank you, dearest. I will be all right.”

Marianne set the glass on a table and studied her face as the color returned. Perhaps her mother would recover for now, but blast that scoundrel Noah for upsetting her so.

“I’m so sorry, Marianne,” Rose said.

Marianne hung her head, battling a plethora of emotions: embarrassment, shame, sorrow, and finally anger. Clenching her fists, she squared her shoulders. “He’s not going to get away with this. Not this time.”

CHAPTER 3

M
r. Brenin, come back here this instant!” Incensed at the man’s loathsome behavior, Marianne rushed out the front door after him. Clutching her skirts, she leapt down the stairs and dashed out into the street. “Mr. Brenin!”

Noah halted, shifted his shoulders, and turned to face her. “My apologies, Miss Denton, but I have a ship full of cargo I must get to England as soon as possible.”

“You will do no such thing!” Marianne tripped over a stone and stumbled forward. She caught her balance before making a fool of herself and tumbling to the ground. Noah’s friend, Mr. Heaton, chuckled as Noah faced forward and continued on his way.

“Go home, Miss Denton.” He flung a hand over his shoulder.

“Marianne!” Lizzie’s sweet voice filled the air.

“Dearest, come back.” Her mother’s plea wrapped around her like an invisible rope, halting her, tugging her home to safety and love.

But one slice of her fury severed it in an instant.

“Never fear, Mother, Lizzie, I will return shortly,” she shouted as she stomped forward after the two men. Her rage tore away any pride
left within her and tossed it to the cobblestones beneath her feet. She knew her behavior only made her shame all the more evident, more humiliating, but she couldn’t help her actions. How dare Noah embarrass her in front of everyone, the councilmen, and the mayor? How dare he shame her in such a horrid way? Why, she would be the laughingstock of the whole city. She’d be unable to show her face in any social circle.

One quick glance behind revealed her worst fear. A mob of guests crowded the porch of her home. Some laughed while others looked at her with pity. The latter included her mother, standing alongside her two friends Cassandra and Rose.