Unexpected Treasure: A High Seas Adventure (7 page)

Sarah shivered, not only from his expression but also because of what he had said. It wasn’t just a chance pirate attack but that someone, most likely her uncle, had sent these violent men after her. She had endangered Anne and Mrs. Flannery and her attempt to keep her identity secret had been for nothing. He had known where she was all along.

If it hadn’t been for Rex… she glanced at the man next to her. His face was set in hard lines, as though it were made of stone. Rex stood firmly between her and the worst her uncle was trying to throw at her. What was more, he had been protecting her long before she had known it. She owed everything to him.

“Some men have been shipped to an island rather than being sentenced to death. If your information is good enough, I can arrange for you to be brought there.”

“That ain’t a guarantee.” One Eye’s knuckles were white on the bars.

“It’s the best you’ll get.” Rex’s voice was low, though Sarah could sense the tension in it.

The other man paused for several seconds. “Wentworth, done sent us after ‘er.”

“Why?”

“Well, ‘e isn’t gonna tell the likes of me now is ‘e? But he’s been keepin’ us busy, chasin’ after the crown’s gold. ‘E don’t keep but a crate or two and we get the rest.”

“How does he know what ships to target?”

“Well, Can’t be certain but the ships are always coming down the channel. We wait days before we attack to keep people from connecting the dots―“

“Like you did with the Anna Marie.”

“That’s right, but ‘e’ll know somethings wrong when we don’t make the next delivery.”

Rex cocked his head to one side but said nothing. His hand came to her back. “That’ll be all for now.”

“Wait, you didn’t tell me if I’ll―“

“This conversation is not over.” Rex turned and started escorting her down the hall. She turned to look back and the One Eye was following her with his one good eye.

“I don’t like him.”

“You shouldn’t. A man like him is never to be trusted. But he did give me an idea.”

“What,” she asked, turning towards him.

“If I could catch your uncle red-handed, then I could rid you of him for good.” His hand squeezed her waist.

“How would you do that?” Her hand came to his chest her heart beating wildly in her chest. It was too good to hope.

“Well, I could repair the pirate’s main mast and sail the boat to meet your uncle.”

Sarah let her hand drop from him chest. A niggle of doubt worked its way into her mind. He would be delivering her straight to her uncle.

“I…I… should check on the baby,” she mumbled. She needed some space from him to clear her head. Was she allowing her obvious feeling towards him to cloud her judgement?

“Sarah,” his voice held a question she didn’t want to answer.

“You don’t have to go with me. I could leave you safely on this boat.”

Some of the tension eased but she still felt uncertain. “I will give it some thought. I don’t know what I―“

“We’ll get married.”

“What?” She stopped walking and turned toward him.

“I’ll marry you here, on the boat. We already have the Prince Regent’s blessing. Would it make you feel more secure to know that, as my wife, I would have your best interests at heart?”

Sarah simply shook her head. Could this be a trick? She wanted to believe him but experience had taught her to be wary. “Can you just get married on a boat? No license or anything?” What if he only pretended to trap her?

“It’s within a captain’s rights, but that is irrelevant. I already have a license. I told you, this was always the plan.”

“How will I know it is not an illusion?” His eyes searched her face.

“You have to trust me that I would never hurt you. You feel it in your heart, I know you do, but you have to know it in your head.”

It was Sarah’s turn to look at every angle of his face looking for the truth. “I want to believe…”

“Believe in this,” his voice softly cajoled as his lips came down on hers.

Sarah forgot everything as his lips seared hers in a scalding kiss.

In that moment, Sarah knew she would take the chance.

His lips lifted from hers and she gave a soft nod of approval. Brushing her hair back, that had caught in the wind, he leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Be ready this evening.”

***

Sarah walked into Anne’s room. Anne was up, sitting in a chair, talking softly with Mrs. Flannery. Both women turned to look at her. “You were gone for a long time,” Mrs. Flannery stated outright, never one to mince words.

“He asked me to marry him. Actually, he knows who I am. He says we were always supposed to marry.”

“I think you had better start from the beginning.” Anne motioned for her to sit.

Sarah told them everything. From her uncle, to the gentleman’s club to Rex’s proclamation that they were to marry. “I said that I would but what if it is a trick? What if he really wants to deliver me to my uncle?”

“He doesn’t have to pretend to marry you to deliver you to your uncle. You’re on his boat,” Mrs. Flannery stated in her usual clipped tones.

“Didn’t you hear what I said? My uncle wants to humiliate me. The club―“

“Forgive me for interrupting, but Rex does not seem like the type of man to be your uncle’s lackey. I’d wager he answers to no one but the Prince Regent. What’s more, Rex’s story of the crown wanting your land under England’s control instead of a pirates, because that is what your uncle is, makes far more sense to me than Rex being a tool for your uncle.” Mrs. Flannery stood, brushing her skirts as if that explained everything.

“But if you’re wrong, my fate is worse than death. It is so hard to trust knowing what might happen.” Sarah bit her lip. Mrs. Flannery’s words made a great deal of sense but she didn’t trust her own judgement of character, she had made too many mistakes.

“Posh, you’re allowing your fear to get in the way of your sense. It’s as plain as the nose on your face that the captain wants to protect you.” Mrs. Flannery began tidying the room, not making eye contact with Sarah.

Standing wither hands clenched, she huffed at her friend. “It is not that plain. He mysteriously shows up for my rescue. He could easily be working for my uncle.”

“Sarah, you said you already agreed. What is there to discuss?”

She blinked. “When I am with him, my heart beat quickens and my insides melt like butter. My head stops working and I can’t think straight. I am worried that I am making a mistake because…”

“You’re in love with him. Oh honey, I understand now. You’re at risk of Rex hurting you far worse than your uncle ever could because he holds your heart.  But you’ll never experience real love if you don’t take the risk.”

Closing her eyes, she pictured his face before her. Mrs. Flannery was right. She had to take the risk and trust in the man that she loved. A giddy lightness filled her to know that she was in love with him and she would trust her feelings. “Would you help me dress? I am getting married after all.”

Both women grinned at her, and in a flurry of skirts, the preparations began.

Sarah didn’t have a wedding dress, but she had one fashionable gown, silk brocade gown in a pale shade of pink. Mrs. Flannery twisted her hair in a lovely soft style that allowed for a few wisps to fall around her face. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, twisting this way and that to see the results. A woman only got married once, and she wanted to look her best.

“You look every bit the beautiful lady.” Mrs. Flannery clasped her hands in front of her, taking a deep breath. “To be young again,” she sighed.

“Thank you.” Butterflies rolled in her stomach. She needed to see Rex. When she was with him, she trusted him completely but it was so easy to doubt standing here in her room. Pushing her fears aside, she opened her door.

A gasp left her lips. He stood just on the other side of the door like he had materialized from her thoughts. He was leaning with is arm against the jam, filling the entire doorway. Strong and handsome, she longed to step into his arms. “You’re here.” She smiled with her whole heart.

He blinked a few times, looking stunned as she smiled. Then he took her hand, pulling her into a light embrace. “Of course I came. You look stunning. More beautiful than I ever could have imagined.”

Her cheeks filled with color. “I’m sure you don’t mean…” Her eyes cast down to the floor.

His fingers came under her chin. Tilting it back up, their eyes met. “I mean every word. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met in my life. You are an angel, and come hell, or high water, I will keep you safe.”

“I don’t feel like an angel.” She sucked in her breath as she moved closer and their bodies touched. His fingers on her skin were making her insides dance with excitement and pleasure.

His grin was wicked as he bent his face down to her ear, but her fingers were gentle as they trailed down her “Sarah, I will keep you safe. I swear it.”

“I believe you as you stand before me but I worry when I’m not in your presence.” She bit her lip. Having spilled her secrets, she seemed unable to hold her feelings back.

“Let us bind together so that no man can tear us apart.” His lips came down hers.

“It’s a good thing you two are getting married. Otherwise, I’d have to insist that the nuptials happen. Now onto the deck with the both of you,” Mrs. Flannery griped good-naturedly.

Sarah turned to beam at the woman. Truly, she had become like a mother to her. “Thank you for your help today. Will you walk with us?”

“I’d better. Make sure you make it to your own wedding.” Mrs. Flannery shooed them both forward as she stepped out the door. Anne followed with baby Thomas.

Rex grinned again and wrapped his arm around her as the small party moved down the hall. “Will Sanders be in attendance?” Anne called.

“Of course, he’ll be officiating. I’ve made him Captain.” Rex winked at Sarah and she grinned back. There was some mutual interest between her friend and Captain Sanders.

“But what will you do, if you’re not captaining this ship?” Sarah asked.

“I will be helping you make the transition to countess,” he whispered as his pulled her into his arms. His hand made gentle circles on the small of her back, any cares she had fell away. She was making the right choice. Mrs. Flannery was correct in trusting Rex, and deep in her heart, Sarah knew it too. Rex was her future.

As they reached the deck, the afternoon sun glinted off the water. Captain Sanders stood at the bow of the ship, looking fit for the affair. His eyes glowed as he looked at the couple and Sarah’s heart swelled. How could she ever have doubted?

A few of the officers and her friends stood just behind her. Several of the passengers from the Anna Marie also joined them.

“We are here today to unite Sarah Wentworth and Alexander Masters in matrimony.” His level voice carried over the deck and as they said the words that bound them together.

Rex turned and clasped her hands. “I will care for you, honor you, keep you from harm till death do us part.”

Sarah beamed up at him. “I will care for you, honor you, and cherish you until death do us part.”

Gently Rex pulled her into his arms, his lips covering hers. Her hands splayed across his chest, his warmth seeping into her fingers. This had to be right.

As the sun began to set, the assembled guests ate together. Sarah picked at her food, glancing often at the man next to her. Eating seemed ridiculous compared with the delights that the evening would surely hold.

Finally, after dessert, Rex stood, pulling her up with him. The guests and sailors began to cheer and call as the couple moved out of their chairs.

“I’ll get the lady ready,” Mrs. Flannery stood.

“There’s no need, I’ll attend her myself. Stay and enjoy.” He winked at her as he took her hand.

Anticipation skated along her skin. He pulled her down the hatch and towards his quarters and away from hers. Would she have to walk back to her room? “Where will I sleep tonight?” she asked breathlessly as he pulled her along. There were no his and her quarters as the peerage usually arranged.

“You will sleep with me.” He tugged her closer.

“And tomorrow night?” Her lips turned up playfully.

“With me. I will have my wife with me at night rather than in a separate room. I assumed you would not object since you said you felt better having me close.” He pulled her into the circle of his arms and lifted her up as he spoke so that his lips could press to her ear while they sped down the hall.

His muscular arms wrapped around her waist like a hard band of steel. While they were not too tight, she found herself gasping for breath. He barely paused at the threshold and threw open the door, then kicked it closed behind him. His lips found hers, and with the slightest pressure her lips opened under his to allow his tongue to enter. Heat radiated from her as a longing uncurled inside of her.

Finally, he set her on her feet and then began to undo the tiny buttons of her dress. His fingers deftly opened them and the dress loosened, skimming down to the floor. His lips found hers for a moment before he turned her around and began to untie her corset, all the while kissing her neck. Down came her petticoats and suddenly she was in her barest clothing. Rex pulled her to him, his hands travelling all over her as she tugged at the buttons of his shirt.