The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) (37 page)

“The pleasure is all mine,” Jackson commented.

They entered a large ballroom, alight with candles and glistening chandeliers, which held a good number of people. Evidently Jewel and Adam had been among the last to arrive. Strolling among the guests, Adam finally settled in a small cluster of people that he seemed to know very well. Jewel half-listened, but she’d had the oddest feeling since entering the room.

For some strange reason she thought again of Jonathan’s party and Captain Lee. After all these months, why would she think of that despicable man? Quickly glancing around the room to make sure he wasn’t there, she breathed a sigh of relief. What a stupid feeling, she told herself. An Englishman wouldn’t dare come to America unless it was to fight. She frowned again. Did that mean Lee would be coming?

It didn’t matter, she finally convinced herself. He’d never be able to find her.

“I’ll be right back.” Adam squeezed her arm, then moved over to a cluster of men on the other side of the room, leaving her in the midst of a group of ladies talking about their latest quilting bee. Unfortunately, she’d never sewn a day in her life. Instead of sewing, she’d practiced with swords. Jewel smiled, wondering if she should change the subject.

“I’m glad you could come to my party,” a male voice sounded beside her. She turned to find the general smiling at her as he extended his arm.

“Thank you for rescuing me,” she murmured when they had moved away from the group.

“My pleasure.” Jackson chuckled.

They began talking, and she found the man very interesting. She especially liked hearing the stories of some of the battles he had fought. He even told her a little bit about his wife, who was back home waiting for him. The time sped by quickly, until she overheard a conversation that a small group just behind them was having.

“You suppose they will hang that scoundrel Pierre Lafitte?” one man said.

“They have him locked in the jail, but there’s not a jail built that can hold him,” the other said with a laugh. “Especially while Jean is still loose. He’s the dangerous one.”

“Excuse me, General.” Jewel went and got herself a glass of champagne. She found her throat suddenly very dry. That glass was soon followed by another. Her uncle was in jail. But why? He was so close. She had to see him. Glancing around for Adam, she noticed he was still in the group of men talking. It was perfect. She would take the carriage, see Pierre, and be back before Adam even noticed she was missing.

Slipping through the crowd, she hurried from the building to their waiting carriage. The driver, who was asleep, jumped when she grabbed his leg. “Please take me to the jail. It’s urgent.”

The short carriage ride took her directly to the middle of town. Jewel instructed the driver to wait, informing him she would be right back.

When she entered the jail, the sergeant in charge seemed reluctant to let her see Pierre. However, when Jewel informed him she had just come from Governor Claiborne’s, and she’d be most happy to go back and get the governor, he changed his mind and let her in.

“You only have five minutes. Make it quick,” the sergeant grumbled as he turned the key, allowing her entrance. She was thankful that he was leaving them alone.

Pierre didn’t move at the sound of the jingling keys. He had a visitor, but her shadowed face meant nothing to him, so he waited for the jailor to let her into the cell. He wondered what tricks that nasty Claiborne had up his sleeve.

“You wish to see me,
mademoiselle?
” he said, his French accent thick.

She hesitantly moved into the light where he could see her, then said, “Uncle Pierre.”

He came to his feet. “Are my eyes playing tricks on me, my love?” His soft-spoken words held a note of disbelief.

“I’m really here,” she choked out before she embraced Pierre, laying her head on his shoulder.

“Jean was right.” Pierre held her away from him, looking at her once again. “You’re alive! But where have you been, and why haven’t you contacted us?”

Blushing bright red, she proceeded to tell him about her memory loss, and all about Adam. She held nothing back this time.

Pierre smiled. “I would like to meet this husband of yours.”

Jewel had been careful not to tell her uncle her last name, fearing that Uncle Jean might come after her. She didn’t want to see Adam hurt—or her uncles. “You will meet him, but first I have to tell him about you and Jean.”

“Ah, you’re ashamed of us,
petite? ”

“No, Uncle Pierre! How can you say that?” She frowned. “It’s just that—that you both are unusual. Even you have to admit, you’re not like the local people around here.”

Pierre chuckled.
“Oui,
I suppose our trade is a little different. Yet we are very prosperous.”

“It’s just that . . . well ... I was thrust upon Adam without his having any say-so in the matter. He did marry me, and I believe he cares, but I must be sure of his love.” She searched her uncle’s face for understanding. “Every time we’re together for a little while, I start to build my courage to tell him. Then he is called off to do something with the general, and we have to start all over again.” Jewel sighed. “Please understand. I’m not sure I’ve explained it very well.”

"Oui, petite,
I do. And I think you worry too much. If he loves you, he’ll not turn you away. He is the one who should worry. If Jean doesn’t like him, he’ll simply run him through.” Pierre threw up his hand in a simple swordsman’s gesture as his musical laughter rang out in the small area.

“I guess you’ve always been the calm one,” Jewel admitted. “Listen.” She reached out and grabbed his arm. “The guard is coming. Is there something I can do for you?” The footsteps kept advancing. “How will you get out?”

“My love.” Pierre hugged her, then whispered in her ear so no one else could hear. “Do you really think Jean would leave me in here for long?”

Jewel looked at him. His smile told all. She kissed him on the cheek and ran to the coach, wasting little time in getting back to the party.

In the shadows, Adam stood outside the jail and waited for his carriage and wife to leave before crossing the street. Why would she be down here?

Well, he’d soon find out!

When he entered the building, the desk sergeant had his back to him, pouring a cup of coffee.

“Who did that lady come to see?” Adam said in a harsh voice.

“And what business is that of yours?” the sergeant replied without turning to face him.

“I’ll not repeat myself,” Adam growled.

The sergeant spun and choked on the hot liquid once his gaze locked with the black eyes that were now piercing his. It took several moments before he could speak.

“Mr. Trent! My apologies, sir. I didn’t know it was you. The lady came to see Pierre Lafitte.” He chuckled, raising his brow. “Probably one of his wenches.”

That statement didn’t please Adam worth a damn. And it was all he could do not to smash in the man’s face. But then, the guard was just doing his duty. It was his friend in the next room Adam really wanted to hit. “Take me to him.”

Why would she want to see Pierre? And how could Jewel possibly know him? All these questions tumbled through
Adam’s mind when he stepped into the cell, reminding him once again that he knew nothing about his wife.

“What? More company?” Pierre looked up and smiled when he saw Adam. “It’s been a long time, old friend. I’m sorry you had to see me in here.”
Pierre gestured for Adam to sit down.

“I’m not so sure if . . .” Adam paused as he realized he was thinking out loud. He’d get the facts first. “Pierre, it’s good to see old friends anytime, and I guess anyplace, but in my opinion you should not be in here,” Adam said truthfully. “But the reason I came has nothing to do with you being held prisoner. Would you like to tell me why my
wife
came to see you?”

“Your wife hasn’t been to see me, my friend.” Pierre looked shocked when he placed his hand on his chest. “I didn’t even know you were married.”

“You didn’t just have a visit from a young lady?” Adam questioned.

“Oui,
my niece was here.” Pierre’s eyes snapped up. “My God, Adam! You’re the
Adam
she spoke of! ” Waves of laughter followed Pierre’s statement as he held his middle.

Adam found nothing amusing about this situation, and he was getting ready to say so when it dawned on him what Pierre had said. “Niece.
Your niece?"

Why hadn’t he put everything together a long time ago? The accent, the fencing, her extensive knowledge about ships. And he’d wanted to know what boarding school she’d attended. “It’s good to know Jewel sees fit to tell you about me. However, she hasn’t bothered to tell me anything about you.”

“A moment, please.” Pierre stiffened. “Don’t get your feathers ruffled, my friend.” He grew serious. “Jewel is afraid to tell you that she’s been raised in a very unconventional environment. Or by pirates, if you prefer. For some strange reason, she thinks you’ll hate her.” Pierre laughed again at his dumbfounded new nephew. “Wait until Jean finds out.”

“Jean!” Adam laughed, too. “That is the
uncle
Jewel always referred to.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I didn’t put this all together when the truth has been all around me. Why, Jean and I even talked about her in an indirect way. He was talking about his niece, and I was talking about my wife. What a fool I’ve been.”

“Are you going to say anything to her?” Pierre asked.

“No. Though I’ll admit I’m angry that Jewel hasn’t trusted me enough to tell me the truth. I’ll wait until she divulges her secret.”

“Be patient, my friend. Jewel has never been around men such as yourself. She is very naive when it comes to such things. Jean and I probably sheltered her way too much. Just give her time.”

“My God, man. I am her husband! She should trust me!” Adam said, letting his irritation show.

Pierre got to his feet. “Promise me you’ll have some patience.”

“I’ll try. But I will not make a promise I might not keep.” It was the only concession Adam could make.

“At least you’re an honest man. Just remember, she is our niece.” Pierre chuckled. “You and Jean, kin . . . what a pair! ”

Later that night Pierre had more visitors, ones he was especially glad to see. Jean’s men broke Pierre out of prison, and Pierre was forced into hiding until things calmed down. Unfortunately, Pierre would have to wait to tell Jean about finding Jewel.

Jewel hurried up the steps and peeked into the ballroom. Looking quickly around the room for Adam and not finding him, she went off to freshen up and calm her flushed face.

When she entered the main drawing room, she noticed Adam talking with Jackson, and she headed over to them.

“If I’ve not told you, Adam,” the general said, “I will do so now. Your wife is stunning, and she has completely captivated me.”

Jewel blushed.

“It seems she has that effect on people. Thank you, Andrew,” Adam said, acknowledging the compliment. “Not many men can
trust
their wives. I’m so glad mine is honest.”

What a strange comment, Jewel thought, but said nothing, thinking her husband sounded a bit irritated.

“You’re right about that, Adam.” Jackson turned his attention back to Jewel. “I hope you will not think harsh of me for taking your husband once again, Mrs. Trent. I’m going to be needing him more now, so I’m afraid you’ll not be seeing Adam very much.”

“So soon?” Jewel asked, feeling the disappointment as it flooded her body. She watched the men shake their heads yes before she said, “No, General, I’ll not hold it against you. The job has to be done.” But she wanted to say, “How will I ever get to really know my husband?”

“Good, spoken like a real soldier’s wife.”

On the way home, Adam’s irritation burned like a hot coal. “Sweetheart, have you ever noticed your accent is so much like the people of New Orleans? Do you suppose it’s possible you came from here?” Adam watched her closely, waiting for her reply. Many emotions filtered across her face. He only wanted the truth.

Jewel blinked. Now was the time to tell him. She opened her mouth to speak . . . she hesitated . . . then lost the struggle. What if she lost him? Couldn’t he just say he loved her no matter who she was? “Yes, it’s possible. However, I could be French, the accent is so similar.” Coward, she chided herself. Would she ever tell him?

Damn, Adam thought. He wanted to shake her. He had given her a chance, and again she’d avoided the truth. Damn it all, he didn’t like Jewel lying to him. He loved her. Couldn’t she see that and trust him?

A cold silence settled around them as neither said a word the rest of the way home. When they reached Four Oaks, Adam packed his bag.

“I’m leaving tonight.” He turned to look at Jewel as she stood behind him, watching.

“But I thought it wouldn’t be until tomorrow.”

“My plans have changed,” he answered gruffly. He started to pick up his bag and leave, but the expression on her face stopped him. He swore to himself, put the bag down, then pulled her into his arms.