The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (33 page)

“You might be right, but what good will it do? He can’t be trusted,” the governor protested.

“I know Lafitte. If he gives his word, it’s as good as gold.”

The governor stood. “You’ll have to prove that to me.”

Adam left Governor Claiborne’s, his decision made. It was time to visit his friend Lafitte, and then he would go to Mobile to see General Jackson.

Adam found his wife sitting at the Cafe du Monde, eating beignets and drinking cafe au lait. She was laughing over some remark that Annie had made, and Elizabeth looked amused, too. Seeing Jewel across the room made him swell with pride. She had definitely become a part of his life. He would hate leaving her, but as soon as this war was over, they could get back to a normal life.

He started over to the table where the ladies were sitting. He’d only taken a few steps when a young woman ran up, threw her arms around his neck, and planted a kiss firmly on his lips.

“Adam Trent, I didn’t know you were back.” Catherine Paulsboro smiled up at him.

Adam looked in dismay at the woman he used to keep company with before he’d gone to England. In fact, he’d seen quite a bit of her then. He’d forgotten all about her in the intervening months. He felt the heat sting his cheeks as he undraped her arms from around his neck.

“Catherine,” he finally said, glancing at the table where he had been heading, and noticing that he now had his wife’s complete attention. “What a surprise.”

“If you’ve been back a long time and haven’t called on me, Adam Trent, I’ll never forgive you.” She put on her practiced pout.

“I’ve been back for several months. I have someone you should probably meet.” Adam took Catherine by the elbow, escorting her past the gawking patrons and toward his wife’s table.

Jewel watched Elizabeth turn to see what had caught her attention. “So, it’s my brother.” She giggled, holding a hand over her mouth. “I’d give a bundle to have a painting of him now.” She leaned over to Jewel. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him blush before.”

“I don’t think I have either ... he must be guilty.” “Perhaps in the past,” Elizabeth agreed. “That young lady is someone Adam used to see before he left for England.”

“I see.” Adam must be the only man who could have women clinging to him in two countries.

They stopped in front of the table, and Catherine’s eyes widened as she recognized Elizabeth and gave her a hug.

“Elizabeth, I can’t believe my luck today. First I see Adam, and now you. It has been much too long since we’ve gotten together.” She held out a lace-gloved hand. “Let’s have lunch one day.”

“That would be nice, Catherine. You are coming to our summer party in July, aren’t you?” Elizabeth asked.

“Why, of course. I wouldn’t miss it. It’ll be like old times.” Catherine looked at Adam, smiling sweetly. “You are going to be my escort?”

“No,” Adam said gruffly. The damned woman was chattering so fast he couldn’t introduce her to his wife. He stole a glance at Jewel. She purposely looked away from him, so he missed seeing the expression in her eyes.

“Catherine, perhaps I should introduce you to my relatives,” Elizabeth jumped in. “I’d like you to meet my governess, Annie Pritchard ... I mean Winters; she has just recently married.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Winters, and congratulations,” Catherine said. Then she addressed Elizabeth again. “I wasn’t aware you had a governess, Elizabeth.”

“Annie raised Adam and me at our home in England,” Elizabeth explained.

“I see. You must have come home with Adam.” Catherine smiled at Annie.

“Indeed, I did. ’Twas my first sea voyage.”

“You have a lovely daughter, Mrs. Winters.”

“Oh, Jewel isn’t my daughter, even though I kind of adopted her,” Annie said, patting Jewel’s hand.

“I’m sorry, I just assumed—” Catherine began.

“I was getting ready to introduce her,” Elizabeth broke in. “This”—Elizabeth pointed to Jewel—“is my sister-in-law, Jewel Trent.”

“I wasn’t aware you had two brothers. . . .” Catherine’s voice trailed off and her face reddened.

“It’s good to make your acquaintance.” Jewel smiled at the young woman. “I can understand your confusion. Adam and I arrived in the winter months, and haven’t had a chance to announce our marriage.” She decided to ease the girl’s embarrassment. She could tell Elizabeth was enjoying herself and wasn’t about to enlighten Catherine. The poor girl still stood there with her mouth open and a look of horror in her eyes.

Adam moved to stand behind Jewel. His hand rested on her shoulder, and she resisted the urge to cut her gaze up to him. “I hope you will wish us both well.”

“Yes, of course, it was . . . was just a surprise.” Then, remembering her manners, Catherine added, “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Trent. I hope you’ll like it here in New Orleans.”

“Thank you. It’s a beautiful city.”

Catherine gave her a genuine smile. “If y’all will excuse me, I’ve some errands to run for Mother. She has been ill.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Elizabeth said. “I hope it’s nothing serious.”

“The doctor said she needed bed rest for a couple of weeks, but she should be fine after that.”

“Give her our regards,” Adam said.

“Yes, I will. Good day.” Catherine walked away from the group.

Adam took the chair next to Jewel and picked up a beignet that had been ordered for him. He was ravenous, and had just taken a bite when his sister decided to address him.

“What have you been up to, brother dear, besides entertaining Miss Catherine?” she asked with a teasing glance at Jewel.

Adam choked on his pastry, knowing what his sister meant. Taking a swallow of water to clear his throat, he said, “I had a meeting with Governor Claiborne.” He decided to ignore his sister’s barb. “How did you ladies enjoy your day?”

“ ’Twas wonderful,” Annie commented. “We obtained a few things for the house, and with the girls’ help, I’ll be havin’ the cottage fixed up in no time.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Adam said. “Derek has been grumbling about a place of his own. When you start working, if there is any heavy lifting to be done, you’re to get help from the main house.”

“Yes, sir,” Annie said.

“What else did you do today?”

“We picked out dresses for the party.” Elizabeth’s excitement came through in her voice. “They’re beautiful. You should see Jewel’s.”

Adam turned to his wife, looking at her for the first time since sitting down. He’d really love to see her without a dress, he quickly thought. She didn’t appear angry over the earlier scene; however, he’d noticed she had been very quiet. Of course, with Elizabeth around, it was hard to get a word in.

He reached over and took Jewel’s hand. “Are you going to be the belle of the ball, sweetheart?”

“I doubt that, not with all the beautiful young ladies I’ve seen in New Orleans. But then I guess you’ve probably made the rounds.”

Annie and Elizabeth cleared their throats. “We have a little more shopping to do. We’ll meet both of you in about an hour.”

After saying good-bye, Adam turned his attention back to his wife. “You wouldn’t be jealous . . . now would you, sweetheart?” He couldn’t stop the grin spreading across his face.

“Of course not.” She tilted her chin up.

“Well, I thought you handled the situation very gracefully.” He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. “You could have been rude to Catherine, but you chose not to.”

“Someone had to be pleasant,” she snapped, and jerked her hand away. “The girl was heartbroken. Were you engaged to her, too?”

“No! I have never been engaged to anyone. If you will remember, I didn’t even take time to be engaged to you.” He grinned at her.

“Tell me, Adam, how many young ladies’ hearts have I broken by marrying you?” Jewel raised a brow, awaiting his reply.

“Well, maybe one or two. But,” he added quickly, “that was before I met you.”

Jewel felt her heartbeat quicken. What a rogue. His magnetic charm was ever present. She should be angry with him, but she wasn’t, especially when he smiled at her that way. Could he help it if women insisted on clinging to him? Just as long as Adam remembered he had a wife now . . . and by the smoldering look in his eyes, he definitely remembered that point.

Adam reached over to brush her lips with his. The chaste kiss had ended before it began. “Forgiven?” A devastating smile swept across his features.

Jewel returned his smile, surprised at his display of affection in a public place, yet pleased. “Yes.”

“Good. I’ve another place I need to go before we return home.” He wiped his mouth with the linen napkin, placed it on the table, and stood. “Would you like to go with me?”

Jewel stood, too. “The day is so beautiful. Can we walk?”

“Of course.”

They left the restaurant and started strolling to a different part of town, one she hadn’t yet seen.

“Where are we going?”

“The blacksmith shop,” Adam answered.

If her husband had turned at that very moment and looked at her, he wouldn’t have found much color in her cheeks. She had wanted to find the blacksmith shop, and now it was being laid in her lap.

Jewel could hear the blacksmiths hammering rhythmically. When they drew close, she saw the hot metal of a horseshoe lying upon an anvil. There were three blacksmiths in all.

The intense heat from the furnace had forced the huge men out of their shirts. One man stopped his pounding and inserted the finished horseshoe in water to cool. A loud hiss sounded from the sizzling metal. Back home, she’d seen many sailors without shirts, so the men didn’t offend her. The man who had stopped now watched as Adam approached.

“I need to see Jake,” Adam called out to the men. “I have some horses to be shod at Four Oaks.”

“Yeah,” the soot-faced blacksmith barked, his muscles bulging as he lifted the heavy hammers. “If ya want to see Jake, ya can find him in the back.” He grunted and jerked his head in that direction before picking up another piece of red-hot metal.

Adam went back over to where Jewel stood. “The heat from the furnace can be unbearable, so stand back away from the shed. Stay right here. I’ll only be a few moments.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Were you listening?” His eyes twinkled, but she knew what he alluded to. “I said don’t move.”

“I’m not deaf. I’ll be right here.”

She watched Adam disappear around the corner into what she assumed to be an office. She took the opportunity to look around, but she didn’t recognize anyone. How in the world was she going to get word to her uncles that she was alive? This might be her only chance.

Jewel hadn’t been paying any attention to the blacksmith’s conversation until she heard one of them mention Pierre.

“Excuse me?”

All three men looked her way, their astonishment showing that she had spoken to them.

“Did you mention Pierre Lafitte?”

“Yeah, lady, ya know him?”

“Yes, I do. Is he here?” She couldn’t give him any information.

“Nope, but he will be in two weeks.”

“And Jean?”

“Not sure when Jean will be coming. Unpredictable, he is, if ya want to see Pierre, though, come back in a few weeks. He’s planning to stay a couple of days here. Ya want us to tell him ya were looking for him?”

“No, but thank you for the information.” She noticed Adam rounding the comer.

Adam was glad to see his wife had obeyed him this time. He took her by the arm and they left, walking back to the Cafe du Monde to meet their carriage. A blacksmith would be coming out to Four Oaks next week. Some of the horses definitely needed shoeing, but the part Jewel didn’t hear was a message he had left with Jake to inform Jean that he’d be paying him a visit. That way Adam wouldn’t be shot on sight when he sailed into the bay.

Chapter
Twenty-three

Jewel entered their bedroom at Four Oaks to find Adam’s bag open on the bed. “What are you doing?”

“Packing.”

“I can see that, but why?” Surprised at the panic that attacked her, she added, “Where are you going?”

He studied her for a long moment, and her heart plummeted. He was leaving her. Somehow he’d found out she had regained her memory and had been deceiving him the whole time.

“Sit down. We need to talk.”

She didn’t like the sound of that statement. Yet he didn’t appear angry. She moved on shaky legs toward the bed. What was she going to do? What would she say?

Adam cleared his throat. “I need to tell you something, but you must promise not to repeat what I say.”

Her panic eased a little. “All right.”

“Since I’ve moved to Four Oaks, I’ve come to love my mother’s country. And because I believe in the United States, I’ve had a secret mission over the last two years. Helping to gather information for Andrew Jackson.”

She experienced a gamut of perplexing emotions. “You’re a spy. But you’re English!” Then she remembered he wouldn’t have been in England at all if it hadn’t been for his grandfather’s death. Adam had told her so himself. Hadn’t he mentioned to Annie he couldn’t wait to get back to America? “Do you really think there will be a war?” Jewel asked as she watched Adam place two shirts in his valise.

“I’m afraid so. And if there is a war, I will fight.”

“But it’s dangerous!” Jewel jumped up and put her arms around Adam, hugging him to her. “Must you?”

“Yes, sweetheart. But remember, I’m fighting for you, Four Oaks, and most important, freedom to sail the seas without England’s interference.” He watched her slowly look up at him. He would hate leaving her, Adam thought as he stared at her soft brown eyes. Funny, he’d never believed he’d have a wife when it came time to fight.

“Will it be soon?”

“I’m not sure. I think we have some time.” He let her go, then turned back to the bag. “That is one of the reasons I’m going to talk with General Jackson.” Adam buckled the straps of his bag.

“Promise me you’ll be careful,” she said.

He smiled, touched by her fear for him. She didn’t want him to go. He knew she didn’t understand what this war was really about, and they hadn’t settled down as man and wife yet, but when this war ended things would be different. She wouldn’t be able to get him away from her.

He lovingly tipped her chin up and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. “I promise,” he whispered, then turned his back, stepping lightly across the room and out the door. Even though Adam had explained his trip to see General Jackson, he hadn’t bothered to tell Jewel about his friend Lafitte. How could one explain being friends with a pirate?

Derek met Adam as he boarded the ship. “You ready to sail, son?”

“Set our course for Barataria Bay, and holler if you need any help navigating.” Adam chuckled as he went below to stow his gear, hearing Derek swearing in the salty language he knew best.

Adam pulled out a map. Barataria Bay lay between Bayou La Fourche and the river. The ten-foot-deep channel extended for seventy miles directly north toward New Orleans. After that, it broke into a series of bayous and swamps. He smiled. His friend had known what he was doing when he’d set up his camp. It was an aquatic wilderness made up of quaking prairies, cypress swamps, and twisting waterways. Most people couldn’t navigate the hazardous region; therefore, the pirates had a safe haven.

Derek wound the ship through the twisted bayous, being very careful not to run aground. At last, they sailed into Barataria Bay, commonly known as Jean Lafitte’s Bay.

As they rounded the point into the crystal blue water, Adam saw Jean, arms folded, waiting on the end of the pier. Evidently, the lookouts had spotted their ship long before it had neared the hideout.

“Welcome!” Jean shouted from the shore. He watched as Adam launched the dingy from the larger ship and rowed to the pier. “My friend the duke,” Jean said with a laugh, knowing how Adam hated to have his title used here in America.

“Jean the notorious pirate,” Adam grunted back at him.

“Come.” Jean motioned in the direction of his house. “Let’s go and find someplace where we can relax, my friend.”

Adam had always admired Lafitte. His home wasn’t a shack, but a large plantation house sitting high on a hill where Jean could watch every ship that sailed into his bay. They entered a huge den made light and airy with white cushioned furniture and bright green tropical plants. It wasn’t what you’d expect of a pirate; however, it was a place where one could throw up one’s feet and lounge without being disturbed.

“Where is Pierre?”

“He sailed about a week ago. I expect him back next Friday.”

“Somehow, Jean, you look older.” Strain lines etched the swarthy skin around Jean’s eyes, and he looked very tired. This wasn’t the happy-go-lucky pirate Adam was used to seeing. “Is something wrong?”

“It shows, does it?” Jean took a swig of rum before continuing. “Ah, this rum somehow takes away the pain and makes me forget, if only for a moment,” he mused.

“Forget what?”

“My niece,” Jean said. “I lost her.”

After waiting for Jean to elaborate, which he didn’t, Adam asked, “What niece?”

“Pierre and I raised my sister’s girl.”

“Where did your keep her—New Orleans?”

“No, my friend. We raised her here.”

“Why have I never heard you speak of her before?”

“Except for my men who live on the island, no one knew of her existence.”

“I see.”

“No offense, my friend, but we felt she was safer this way.”

“So, what happened? Did she die?”

“No, I don’t think so . . . perhaps I should explain. As I said, I raised my niece from a small girl.” Jean paused, and the tensing of his jaw betrayed his deep frustrations. “She is now a woman, but little did I know my gang of thieves were teaching her to sail.” Jean finished the rest of his rum. “To make a long story short, she went out on a ship that was seized and never returned.”

“That’s too bad. Do you know who attacked her?”

“No, and yes. I know it was an Englishman—no offense to you, my friend.” Jean lifted his glass in salute.

“None taken, but what makes you think she’s alive?”

Jean put a hand over his heart, patting it gently. “I’d know in here if she were dead.” He grew quiet for a few moments. “The thought of her coming to harm tears at my gut.”

Jean’s face twisted in pain, yet there was an unmasked question in his eyes. “I haven’t heard of anything,” Adam said. “But then, of course, I’ve been in England. I’ll keep my ears and eyes open for you. It would help if you knew the captain’s name.”

“I’ve one of my men down at the docks. He happened to be on her ship. As a matter of fact, to my knowledge, he was the only survivor. He’ll recognize the bloke should he dare set foot on American soil.” Hatred blazed in Jean’s eyes. “God help him if he does!” Then he seemed to struggle as he regained his composure. “Let us talk about something more pleasant.” He changed the subject. “I hear you’ve gotten married.”

“I did, and to a very vivacious young lady. Jean, you wouldn’t believe her. She’s a rare jewel.” Adam’s grin spread across his face. “She’s spirited and can handle a sword better than most men.”

“Strange. I taught my niece to fence. She was quite good, too.”

“Maybe one day they can meet each other. That is, after you find your niece.”

Jean laughed. “I see you have finally found someone to tame you. I never thought I’d see the sparkle of love in your eyes, my friend. Your lady sounds like a handful.”

“Well, it’s not that bad.” Adam chuckled at Lafitte’s absurd observation. “Perhaps you can meet her soon.”

“Do you think she would approve of a privateer?” Jean grinned.

Adam contemplated that for a minute. He wasn’t sure, but gave Jewel the benefit of the doubt. “Of course. She isn’t uppity like most of society’s ladies.”

“Then I’d consider it an honor.” Jean raised his glass again in a salute. “Now tell me the reason for this unexpected visit.” Jean looked pointedly at Adam. “Not that I’m not glad to see you.”

“I’ve come to warn you about an impending visit.”

“Visit? Sounds interesting.” Jean stood. “Can I get you another drink before we start?”

Adam nodded. “When I was in England, I had the privilege of hearing some pretty interesting information. It seems the British Army is going to try and recruit you.”

“Surely you pull my leg, my friend. Do you think we’re headed for war?” Jean asked with grave look.

Adam nodded. “Yes, I do. That is the reason the British need your services. It would really put a notch in our defense to lose you and your men!”

“Then I look forward to their visit.” Jean shook his head in utter disbelief. “But rest assured that my loyalties lie with the Americans. Have no doubt.” Jean frowned. “Perhaps when I offer my services this time, Clairbo
rne won’t turn up his nose.”

“They are a biased lot, I admit. But have no fear. As the time draws closer, they’ll see the error of their ways.”

After a pleasant dinner with the finest wine, Adam returned to his ship, bidding Jean good-bye until the next time.

“How did it go?” Derek inquired once Adam boarded.

“Fine. Jean is a good man. He’ll let us know when the British contact him,” Adam informed him.

“Where to now, son?”

“Back to New Orleans.”

“I thought you were going to see General Jackson.” Derek looked puzzled.

“I am, but first I need to meet a friend who should be arriving tomorrow.” Adam started unbuttoning his shirt as he moved about the cabin. “My friend has decided to help in our fight, and will be traveling with me to meet Jackson.”

“Anyone I know?”

Adam chuckled. “You’re not going to believe it.”

“Who?”

“Jonathan.”

Derek slapped Adam on the back. “How in the hell did you ever accomplish that?”

“I’m not sure.” Adam smiled as he pictured his old friend. “Perhaps he’s just bored doing nothing with his life. Jonathan was a big help in gathering information when I was in England.”

“I look forward to seeing him myself.” Derek stood, stretching. “I’m kind of tired. I think I’ll call it a night. We’ll sail at daybreak.”

“Good night, Derek.”

Adam saw Jonathan’s head above the group preparing to disembark from the ship. Adam didn’t know why he enjoyed his friend’s company so much, especially when he could be such a pain in the neck. But he had missed him, and was glad Jonathan had written word that he was coming to America.

Jonathan walked casually toward him, his ever-present lopsided grin evident. He had almost reached Adam when he hollered, “Where is Jewel?”

Adam shook his hand. “Wait a minute! Did you come to see me or my wife?”

“Actually, I came to make sure you were taking good care of your wife.” Jonathan chuckled, always the demon.

“I should be jealous,” Adam said as they walked to where their horses were tied. “You wouldn’t try to take her . . . would you?”

“Egads, ol chap! I’m truly insulted.” Jonathan grinned. “Besides, you’re my best friend . . . and also a better shot than I am. What about my bags?” Jonathan asked.

“Don’t worry. I’ve instructed one of my men to pick up your luggage and store it on my ship until we return. I thought, if it was all right with you, we would start out now, so we can make some traveling time before nightfall.”