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  “I look forward to it, Sir Hester,” Stephen said. “But pray tell me, Lord Montague, why is it that a man of your ilk wishes to marry at all? I always thought your tastes veered in another direction entirely.”

  His lordships face turned crimson. “You have one hour to produce Miss Hester or I’ll not be held responsible for what happens to you, your men or your ship.”

  Stephen waved the man’s threats away. “An hour? But I have to say my goodbyes and we’re forgetting one very important factor in all this. The payment that is due to me.” Lord Montague nodded to one of his men who quickly ran off. The fact that the payment of two thousand pounds was only moments away should accelerate the blood pumping through Stephens veins. He should be happy, elated that his men would have the future they’d worked so hard to grasp.

  It didn’t. If anything the thought of the payment was like the bemoaning sound of a church death knell. It meant the end of his time with Arabella. Panic mixed with pain coursed through his gut. He may never see her again. Kiss lips that bespoke of sin and felt like silk. Listen to the intelligent quick wit that had captured his attention from the very first.

  He would miss her, and something deep within his mind whispered that he’d do a lot more than that. He’d be only half of himself without her.

  I love her.

  The realization struck him like a sword to the throat. He loved her? The words that should frighten him didn’t. Instead they fit him like a new pair of leather boots.

  The brute who ran off returned.

  “Give Captain Blackmore the bag,” Lord Montague said without emotion.

  Arabella’s father gestured at the bag as it was handed over. “I had the funds in Malta, should you have just asked, none of this would’ve been necessary against my daughter. But like the thieving, kidnapping scoundrel that you are, you couldn’t wait like any other patient man. No. Instead you kidnapped an innocent woman and tried to ruin her reputation.”

  Stephen’s eyes narrowed as his temper started to spike. “I don’t take well to liars, and you Sir Hester, are one of those. I have waited a good twelve months for this payment, none of which was forthcoming until today and not until I had to take action totally against my better judgment or character.” He fought the ill ease that sat in his gut. Yes, he’d waited months for payment, but the action to kidnap Arabella couldn’t be laid at anyone’s door but his own. And sinner that he was, he’d enjoyed every damn moment with the lass.

  Stephen’s second in command took the bag and rifled through it. “Looks to be all here, Captain.”

  Stephen nodded. “Put it below decks.”

  Lord Montague stepped forward. “Your time is running out Captain Blackmore. I want to see my betrothed. Now.” Stephen raised his brow at the man’s attempt to sound threatening. What a sad little specimen his lordship was.

  “Go fetch Arabella and gather up anything she has at the inn and on the ship. She’s leaving forthwith,” Stephen barked out the order to a member of his crew and hated the way his voice strained over the word ‘leaving’.

  His lordship smirked. “I’m so glad you’ve seen reason. Common sense is not something I would associate with a pirate, but in your case and in this instance you seem to have some.”

  “I would shut up and rightly so, Lord Montague, before I’m tempted to step onto your ship and cut off the one appendage you love most. And as for you, Sir Hester. I’m not without connections also, with a few whispered words I could ruin you in London. Best you shut up as well.”

  Both men paled and didn’t reply.

  It took an hour or so for Arabella to be rowed out to the anchored ships. During the time the men on both ships stood about, patiently waiting, but always on alert. Stephen watched as she climbed up the rope latter and came to stand beside him on his deck. She had a small bag clasped in her hand and a becoming flush on her cheeks. Her hair curled about her shoulders, accentuating the lovely curve of her neck. His body tightened at the sight of her. Possibly his last.

  His mind fought a war within itself. Could he ask her to leave all that she aspired to, had promised herself, to marry him instead? To live in Scotland, an isolated wilderness far from the polished delights of London for the rest of her days?

  And what about the funds? Was it more important to him and his men than Arabella?

  He inwardly swore at the crossroad he now found himself and having no idea on which direction to take.

  * * *

  The sound of excited voices from the street below woke Arabella with a start. She scrambled out of bed and ran to the window to see what was happening. From the room’s view, she could see Stephen’s ship anchored off the bay, with another ship close beside it.

  Trepidation clawed at her innards over who was docked beside him although she could probably guess. The distance not so very far, she could make out Stephen on his deck surrounded by his crewmen. The gentleman on the other ship remained unknown.

  Arabella dressed and went to leave, only to find her room door locked. Concern for Stephen warred with annoyance at his high-handedness at locking her in again.

  Going back to the window she watched as the two men traded words to one another. She narrowed her eyes trying to focus better, and swore when the other gentleman turned and she recognized Lord Montague.

  Blast and the devil he was here and if the tubby gentleman coming to stand beside him was any indication, so was her father!

  The thought of his lordship organizing a rescue almost made her laugh. Lord Montague was a man who loathed anything remotely distasteful. No doubt a rescue where his coattails could become sullied was classed as such.

  Their appearance could only mean one thing. She was leaving. And did she even wish to any longer? Being with Stephen had been an exciting journey she’d never thought possible. It may not have started out too well, but the nights of pleasure and days of adventure had soon brought them together and for her at least, made her see him in a different perspective.

  He was everything to her. Meant the world to her.

  I love him…

  One of Stephen’s men broke away and started down the rope ladder, getting into the small wooden craft tied to the ship before rowing toward shore. Arabella fumbled about for her meagre belongings just in case Stephen wished her to come aboard.

  She stopped what she was doing and realized where her thoughts had taken her. She loved him, that she was certain, but to leave with him? Embark on a life that was as uncertain as the weather was another thing entirely.

  Could she do it? Really? Could she choose love and adventure, losing all that she’d been brought up to be, a respectable, steady lady with morals for Stephen?

  A knock sounded at her door just as she slipped on a pair of boots.

  “The captain wishes you to join him on the ship, Miss Hester,” a firm male voice said from behind the wood.

  He unlocked the door and Arabella followed the deckhand. The trip out to the ship was reasonably quick and the closer they came, the easier it was to hear the two men and their war of words. Curses that were new to her, even after all the months on board a pirate’s ship, volleyed from one boat to another. She shook her head at the absurdness.

  Really. Men could be so immature at times.

  “Gentleman, stop. Enough of this madness.” Arabella climbed up the rope ladder and turned to Lord Montague as she made the deck. She smiled in welcome to her father. “What are you doing here? It never occurred to me that you would chase us down.”

  “You speak, daughter, as if you’ve enjoyed the company of the blasted rogue.” Her father threw a disgusted look at Stephen. “Come aboard and quickly. The sooner we have you away from this man the better.”

  She didn’t move as an abundance of thoughts, feelings and questions bombarded her mind. Not the least of them being how unwelcome Lord Montague’s presence was now that he’d actually appeared. He was a sickly color, as if the rocking motion of the boat didn’t mesh well with his stomach.

 
; “Miss Hester, we’re to return to London forthwith where with any luck, notice of your prolonged stay with Captain Blackmore will be washed away like the tide. We’re to marry next week.”

  Stephen scoffed. “I can’t help but think Arabella’s fall from grace would suit you well. Admit it man, you don’t want to marry her. And you know damn well as to why.”

  Arabella started at his words. She frowned. “Why wouldn’t his lordship wish to marry me? I’m not abhorrent.”

  He looked from her to Lord Montague, his face more thunderous than the day she’d thrown the mop overboard. “Please enlighten us, my lord.”

  Her betrothed pulled at his neckcloth, sweat forming on his brow. “Don’t be absurd. I love Miss Hester.” His lordship gestured for her to come aboard. “Join me, my dear. We’ll leave directly. Now that Captain Blackmore has been paid in full there is no more reason for you to stay.”

  Arabella raised her brow. Stephen already had the funds? So his use of her was at an end unless…

  Stephen closed the short distance between them and clasped her hands. “You don’t have to go. Stay with me. Be with me.” His voice was low, desperate almost.

  Hope bloomed in her chest. The image of a future with him was tempting. She doubted there would be a moment of boredom. He excited her, discussed things with her as an equal. Didn’t treat her as some silly nitwit girl so many men seemed to do. And he was her lover…

  Her father jumped from one ship to the other and strode toward her. Arabella shut her mouth with a snap not knowing her father could be so agile when so large. “Daughter, a word in private if you will.” He took her arm and pulled her a good distance away from Stephen. “What is this madness? You cannot possibly be thinking of staying with this pirate.” He spat the word out like salty seawater. “Your life is with me and your future husband. I command you to leave with us at once.”

  She stepped back and crossed her arms. “Why must I? What I feel for the captain far outweighs what I’ve ever felt for Lord Montague. And you’re wealthy, there is no reason for me to marry his lordship. We could make up some sort of excuse as to my disappearance from society. Say I stayed in Malta due to some sickly ailment or some such.”

  “Don’t be absurd child. You cannot just disappear!” Her father waved his hands about in agitation. “I think it’s time to tell you as to why you must leave.” He sighed. “My pockets are to let. Other than the house in London, which I transferred into your name two years ago, nothing we own will remain ours unless you marry Lord Montague.” Her father pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his brow, his face a deep ruddy color. “I’ve gambled us into a vicious debt that I cannot pay. Your betrothed has promised all vowels will be paid in full should you marry him. I owe a lot of men a lot of blunt.”

  So it was true. Her father was a liar and a gambler and they were poor. Despair washed over her knowing she couldn’t let her father become ruined. “Why would Lord Montague do this for us? I certainly don’t believe it’s because he’s in love with me.” Her father licked his lips in agitation. “Answer me, Father?”

  He sighed. “The reasons behind Lord Montague wishing to marry you are his and only his. He has not shared them with me. When the contracts were signed, let me assure you, both of us were pleased with the outcome. You will have a good life with him.”

  “I still don’t see why I should go. So we’re not as wealthy as we used to be, but there are worse prospects for people I’m sure. You can live with me and Captain Blackmore,” she pleaded, wanting to hold onto her dream of marrying Stephen, if he’d have her.

  Tears welled in her father’s eyes and Arabella’s heart twisted. “Would you see me in a poor house? After all the years I raised you, loved you only as a father can and you would turn your back on me when I needed you most. Please, Arabella, don’t do this to me. Please marry his lordship. I beg of you.”

  Pounding started to thump across her brow. She rubbed her temples to try and alleviate the pain. She couldn’t betray her father. Yes, he’d made mistakes, but he’d been the best parent anyone could ask for. She could not allow his future to be uncertain and unpleasant. She nodded, family duty outweighing that of her heart’s desire. “I will do as you ask. Go back to the ship and I’ll join you shortly.”

  He nodded, wiping his eyes before waddling off.

  Stephen joined her and the worry she could read in his eyes tore at her heart. Tore at her own for that matter. “Our time has been wonderful and I thank you for it, but you know I cannot stay. I must go.” Arabella tried to keep her voice strong, determined, but even she could hear the wavering tempo of devastation in it.

  He stared at her in shocked silence for a moment. “Why can you not? I may not be able to give you a position, title or extreme wealth, but you have my heart. Is that not enough?”

  Arabella bit her lip. Had he just told her he loved her? Tears welled in her eyes and her knees threatened to give way. He loved her. “I’ve already broken too many vows. One major one being with you, enjoying you in the way only a wife should enjoy a husband. I cannot break my understanding with Lord Montague as well. The banns have been called. All of London is expecting me to become his wife. My father—”

  “Is no longer with funds as I said once before, but now has decided to use this against you to make you marry a man you do not love.” Stephen shook her a little. “You cannot do this, Arabella. Not to yourself. You deserve better than this.” Desperation tinged his tone and his eyes beseeched her to see sense.

  “He’s my father.” Tears spilled over knowing she was leaving the man she loved. A man who loved her. She sniffed. “I cannot break my promise.”

  Stephen rubbed his jaw, shaking his head. “Stop and think for a moment. Why would a wealthy man marry a poor woman when he does not have to? He does not love you, so why the need to marry? Perhaps on your journey back to the capitol you should ask your father to explain this phenomenon.” Sarcasm laced his tone and Arabella frowned. What was he getting at?

  “What are you trying to say? That my father is in some way blackmailing Lord Montague? His lordship is above reproach. There is nothing my father could use against him.” Arabella started toward the other ship. How could Stephen think so lowly of her only family? It was beyond insulting. But then, he was a pirate after all. A man used to using any underhanded tactic in getting his own way.

  “So a life of luxury and leisure is more important than honor? Am I correct in assuming that? I cannot say I’m not disappointed in you, my dear. I didn’t think you were materialistic. I suppose I’m not such a good judge of character.” Stephen did not follow her, and yet his words hit her like a whip.

  Turning to face him she started at the anger she read in his gaze. “I hardly think you’re a beacon on which others should strive for regarding good character and judgment.” Disdain laced her tone. “You kidnapped me. Seduced me if you wish to throw stones at my head.” Arabella hated that she was saying such things that were not the truth. The day she gave herself to Stephen, she did so willingly. “I never asked for this. I never asked to be taken away from the only life I knew. To be thrust on to the high seas with a pirate and his raggedy crew. And here you stand, upset and angry at me when I must refuse your charms, no matter how tempting, because I made a promise to someone else, long before I met you. You are being unfair,” her voice broke and she fought to breathe.

  “I’m being unfair?” He yelled, the men on the ship making themselves scarce. “I love you and you’re choosing to walk away from that for the sake of your father’s comfort, because let me assure you, Miss Hester, there will never be any love in your marriage. You will be used as a cover for Lord Montague’s real desires and little else. I mourn the life you will lead. It will not be the one you’ve always wished for.”

  Arabella threw her belongings onto Lord Montague’s ship. Her hands shook and she fisted them at her sides to stop the trembling. How she wanted to run to him, to say yes to all that he offered and let her father, her betrothed
sort out their own mess. “Goodbye and good luck Captain Blackmore. I wish you well.”

  He bestowed a sweeping bow. “I don’t need any luck, Miss Hester. You keep it. I feel you’ll need it a lot more than I.”

  Arabella’s father laughed. “You can try and run but the authorities will catch up with you to seek my revenge. Perhaps I may visit you in Newgate.”

  “There will be no authorities or further discussion involving them in relation to the captain.” She turned and met her father’s startled eye. “Push the subject and I will not marry Lord Montague under any circumstance. Do you understand, Father?”

  He nodded, helped her board the other ship and pulled her toward the stairs to go below deck. At the threshold, Arabella turned to see a quick exchange between Lord Montague and Stephen. Her stomach rolled with nerves at having to leave the man she loved. Of course she’d always known the time would come when she would go, but it didn’t make that time any easier when it arrived.

  Her father of course wished for his daughter’s happiness, no matter the circumstances or cost to the family. He’d brought her up to think this way, but it would seem when the time came for such choices, men were want to change their minds.

  Stephen did not look her way again, and she bit back the tears that threatened. This would be the last time she’d ever see him. In her mind ’s eye, she captured an image of him, every curve, every nuance of his being before he shouted out commands to set sail before disappearing below decks. Out of sight and out of her life. Forever.

  Chapter Nine

  Arabella looked down at her simple blue morning gown and wiped away tears that refused to stop. The past four weeks without Stephen, without waking up next to him, talking to him, laughing with him had been the worst of her life.

  She’d made a mistake and now it was too late to change her mind.

  “The carriage is here, Arabella. We must leave,” her father said, cold and autocratic as it had been from the moment they stepped foot in London. Not that she cared any longer. One could not care when one no longer had a heart that beat.