The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (35 page)

“Yes, I am. And it’s a long story how I happen to be here. I thought Pierre would be here today, and 1 wanted him to tell Jean I’m fine and would see him soon.”

The blacksmith found his footing as he got up slowly. “You know her?”

“She’s Jean’s and Pierre’s niece.”

“Blimey!” The man swore as his face lost color.

“What happened to you?” Dominique asked, pointing at the blacksmith’s middle.

“She cut me,” he complained.

“Ah, it’s but a mere scratch. If she had wanted to hurt you, mate, she’d have cut you to ribbons. After all, I taught her to handle a knife.” Dominique chuckled. “And if Jean had been here, he’d slit your throat for touching his niece.”

Jewel looked lovingly at the man she’d grown up with, Dominique You, Jean’s first lieutenant. They moved into Jake’s office, where they talked in private. Dominique promised he would notify Jean and Pierre that she was fine. Jewel told Dominique she had married, but wouldn’t tell him to whom. She explained she had to inform her husband about her family first.

He walked with Jewel to her horse, fussing that she shouldn’t have come alone. “You can’t ride a horse,” he said, surprised when he saw her mount.

“Shh, don’t tell the animal,” Jewel teased, bending over to kiss Dominique on the cheek.

Jewel felt content that at least one part of her problem was now solved.

What she didn’t see when she left the blacksmith’s shop was another pair of eyes that watched her from the alley.

Captain Lee grinned. He knew sooner or later Jewel would arrive. This was her uncle’s shop, and he had been smart to bide his time and wait for her to make an appearance. He had dressed as a common sailor and made sure to disguise his accent. English sea captains were not welcome here now. His ship lay hidden safely in a cove where he had rowed to shore in a small boat. He was supposedly scouting for England; however, he had other plans, which included the young lady now riding off. He would be patient a while longer. There was a battle brewing and when it broke, everyone would be too busy to pay him much attention. That was when he would strike. He and the young lady would take a short sea voyage. And this time things would be different. He rubbed his finger slowly down his scarred cheek. There would be no escape—no mistakes. The little lady would lead him to a treasure—a treasure fit for a king. Or she’d die, just that simple.

Laughing in a sinister tone, Lee said out loud, “Yes, that is what I’ll do. She hasn’t seen the last of me yet!”

Chapter
Twenty-four

Jewel sat before the large mirror at her dressing table, brushing her hair. Now that her hair had grown longer, falling below her shoulders, it took a long time to dry when washed, but today she had plenty to think about as she combed out the tangles.

Everything had been readied for the gala to announce her marriage to Adam. However, there seemed to be one problem ... no husband. He hadn’t come home. And she hadn’t heard from him. She had swayed between anger and worrying that something awful had happened.

“I guess I’ll just stand up and say, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce myself.’ ” Jewel waved her brush in the air. “ ‘I’m Adam’s wife and, no, I haven’t any idea as to the location of my husband.’ ” Jewel propped her chin on her hand and stared into the mirror, feeling sorry for herself.

The door opened behind her and Annie swept in, followed by a maid carrying Jewel’s party dress. “I think ye might be needin’ this tonight.” Annie had the girl place the dress on the bed and went to stand behind Jewel.

“I don’t feel much like a party.”

“Now, we’ll be havin’ none of that, lass.” Annie took the brush out of Jewel’s hand and began arranging her hair. “If Adam said he would be here, then he will. But if the mon doesn’t make it, ye can’t let yer guests down.” Annie frowned. “Where’s yer spunk, lass?”

Jewel’s gaze met her friend’s in the mirror. Annie was right, of course, and she
would
carry on tonight, whether Adam came or not. Sitting a little straighter, she squared her shoulders, preparing herself to handle whatever came about tonight.

“That’s my girl.” Annie finished adorning her hair with spring flowers, placing them in the curls on top of Jewel’s head. She stood patiently while Annie began to fasten the tiny hooks at the back of her gown. Finally Jewel was ready, and with a bright smile from Annie, went downstairs.

She found Elizabeth at the bottom of the stairs, giving final instructions to the servants.

“You look like a queen. On second thought, a duchess,” Elizabeth said as Jewel approached. “If you approve, I think we’ll greet the guests over here.” She pointed to the staircase.

“Whatever you think’s best.” Jewel tapped her fan against her hand. “I really dread meeting all these people I don’t know. I feel so out of place here. As if I don’t belong.”

“Nonsense!” Elizabeth shook her hand. “I want you to stand beside me so I can introduce you.” She reached out and grabbed Jewel’s arm, pulling her right beside her. “I’ll not forgive Adam for not being here.”

“I’m sure he would have been here if he could have,” Jewel declared, remembering that just a few moments ago she would have agreed with Elizabeth. “We’ll just have to make do without him.” She squeezed her sister-in-law’s hand.

An endless line of strange faces greeted Jewel. I’ll never remember these people, she thought. Everyone was nice and welcomed her, though they all seemed to want to know everything about her, such as where she came from and who she was related to. All inquired as to Adam’s whereabouts, which managed to bring a blush to her cheeks.

“Who is that?” Jewel whispered to Elizabeth, nodding toward a very stunning lady entering the foyer.

“She’s a cold-blooded snake, and that’s the only nice thing
I can say about her,” Elizabeth stated. “She is another who had designs on your husband.”

Before Jewel could comment, the lady in question stood in front of her, and Elizabeth made the introduction.

“Bonnie Newman, may I present my sister-in-law, Jewel Trent.”

“Why, I say, you’re a pretty young thing,” she gushed with Southern charm. “But then Adam always did have good taste in
his
women. It’s downright shameful he hasn’t bothered to make an appearance tonight. You must really feel the ninny.”

Stunned, Jewel felt as if she’d been slapped. She hadn’t expected this viciousness from a perfect stranger. How many of Adam’s so-called lady friends lay in wait for her? The silence lingered while no one said a word. Jewel wanted to strike back and say something, but what the lady had said was true. She did feel the fool, and worse, she couldn’t seem to utter a single word.

“Sorry, I’m late, sweetheart.”

Jewel jerked around at the sound of her husband’s vibrant voice. Adam had come home. He wore the latest in fashion as he strolled across the hallway in a fawn-colored coat with a white stock. His black knee-high boots glistened in the light from the candles. He slipped an arm around her shoulders, placing a quick kiss on her lips, before turning his attention to the guest.

Adam had heard Bonnie’s crude remark and would personally like to strangle the bitch, but he had to rescue his wife first.

“Hello, Bonnie. I see you’ve not found a husband yet.” Adam knew his remark would hit home. “Maybe you should go in and join the rest of our guests. You could test your luck tonight.”

“I’d forgotten how mean you can be, Adam Trent.” Bonnie’s face glowed a vibrant red before she turned on her heels and stomped off toward the ballroom.

Bonnie had been the last of the arriving guests, Adam noted. He turned Jewel to him. He had missed her, more than he cared to admit. “What ... no hug ... no kiss? Am I to assume you didn’t miss me?”

His wife still stared at him, and he didn’t think she was going to say anything, but finally she whispered, “I didn’t think you were coming.”

He drank in her beauty. Her cheeks and lips were the softest pink, the color of baby roses. Her eyes were liquid pools of brown, but in the very center gleamed specks of lavender picked up from her dress. He wasted little time taking her into his arms and savoring the sweetness of her mouth. He had a good mind to be rude and go upstairs. Let Elizabeth handle the party.

“All right, you two, stop that. Remember, you’ve a ballroom full of guests,” Elizabeth reminded them.

Adam had forgotten his sister existed. “Elizabeth, you’re a bore,” he complained.

“Well, someone has to be. It’s plain to see you have your wife deceived.” Elizabeth cocked her head to the side and smiled.

“Come on, both of you,” Adam said, taking their hands in his and pulling them behind him to the library.

“What is it?” Jewel asked, feeling slightly apprehensive.

Adam threw open the door, and Jewel saw a man standing with his back to them. At the sound of the door opening, he turned. “Jonathan!” She squealed, her hand flying over her mouth, before running over to give Jonathan a hug. “When did you get here? As a matter of fact, when did you and Adam both get here? It seems we know nothing that goes on in this house.”

“If it is possible, my lady, you have grown lovelier since the last time I saw you.” Jonathan bowed and kissed her hand. “And to answer your question, I went with your husband to meet General Jackson.”

“Jonathan?” Elizabeth asked hesitantly.

Jonathan looked past Jewel to the lady standing in the doorway. “Elizabeth, you’re no longer the child I remember.”

“Of course not. I’ve grown up.” Elizabeth turned completely around so he could see her. “What do you think?”

“I approve and demand the first dance with you, madam.” Jonathan crossed the room and offered her his arm.

“Shall we, sweetheart?” Adam asked Jewel.

Jewel nodded when he placed his hand on her elbow. “Yes, I believe we are supposed to have the first dance.”

They walked through the double doors of the ballroom to the gardens behind it where a dance floor
had been constructed. Upon seeing Adam enter, the band started playing a waltz. He didn’t stop, but led her out on the dance floor.

Jewel looked up at the body of heavenly stars twinkling down at them as he took her into his arms. “What a beautiful night.” She sighed.

“Perhaps a night made for lovers.” Adam smiled down at her. Their bodies touched as they glided across the dance floor with an easy grace that surprised her, since they had never actually danced before. The enchanting music captured their souls with its lyrical sound as they swirled around the garden. Jewel glanced up at Adam’s handsome face. How could she be so lucky?

“I’ve missed you,” she said, watching him as his gaze seemed to caress her face. The passion in Adam’s eyes smoldered, and she knew he was keeping a tight control on his emotions.

Conscious of her softness, Adam felt the heat of her body searing through his clothes. But her softly spoken words became his undoing. His hold tightened on her. “Sweetheart, you don’t know how much I’ve missed you.”

After they finished the waltz, she didn’t see much of Adam. Every time one dance ended someone was there asking her for the next dance, and she noticed Governor Claiborne spent a great deal of time talking to Adam.

Jewel had finished the last bit of her white wine when Jonathan claimed his dance.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Jonathan?”

“I am now.” He grinned.

“I see you haven’t lost that silver tongue of yours.” Jewel lifted her brow slightly.

“You always could see through me.” His eyes darkened as he turned serious. “Are you happy, Jewel?”

“Yes, I am.” She felt her eyes mist slightly. “You’ve always had my best interest at heart, and I’ll always love you dearly for being so sweet and being there when I needed you.”

Jonathan smiled. “I’m glad Adam finally did the right thing and married you. I’ve seen him shy away from marriage so many times in the past.”

“We had some rough times at sea, but finally solved some of our differences, or I think we have.”

“Yes, you both are a little stubborn,” he commented, as if the answers were obvious.

“Who,
me?"
Jewel pointed to herself and decided to change the subject before he asked about her memory. “I’ve seen you dancing with Elizabeth a few times. She’s very sweet and has become a good friend.”

“Sweet . . . Elizabeth? Remember, I grew up with the hellion, but I have to admit she has developed into quite a beauty.”

Jewel saw a gleam in his eyes. Just maybe there could be something there. She would test him and find out. “Elizabeth has had a few marriage proposals since we’ve been home, but she keeps turning them down.”

“Really? I can’t picture Elizabeth married to just any man. She’s too much like Adam.” The dance ended and they moved to the side. “Will you excuse me, Jewel? I think I promised Elizabeth another dance.”

“Yes, of course.” Jewel tried to hide her smile as she opened a small fan to cool herself.

“Are you through dancing?” said the voice beside her.