The strapping man was silent, but his countenance had grown thoughtful. He started a small fire and set a kettle on for tea.
“I have often wondered.” He spoke over his shoulder. “That night after the wedding when we took him from your carriage, he fought unseemingly fierce for a man who had seen a simple bargain met, and in the gaol his words indicated that he had been cheated, that there was something more due him. His reference to you was not the kindest.”
He faced her, waiting for her answer, and Shanna knew no out. Her face was hot, and she was aware that Pitney’s perusal had grown more pointed.
“He—he would not agree”—her voice was small and the words came haltingly—“unless I promised”—the last came in a rush as she squeezed her eyes shut in agonized shame—“unless I promised to spend the night with him.”
Pitney rocked back on the small bench and roared. “And you wonder why the lad pursues you?”
He trembled the room with another gust of humor. Shanna stared at him a bit confused, seeing no reason for amusement. Finally Pitney quieted and in a more sober vein stated, “Such a good bargain would torture any man, and I cannot fault him for that.” His eyes fell, and he stared at the floor, at once serious and pensive. “And I have been much his villain. Aye, I have brought much pain to him. Yet he has never been less than courteous to me. Of course, a slave has little choice.”
“You take his side against me?” Shanna asked incredulously.
Pitney’s tone was flat and expressionless. “I do not know what you plan, but I’ll have no part of it.”
Shanna’s eyes filled with tears. She sniffed daintily and brought all her wiles into play for the argument. “He has come to me several times and tried to claim his marriage rights.”
“I cannot fault the man there. He has a need to be a man, and I am not so old that I cannot appreciate his fine choice.”
Shanna sensed the futility of pleas and grew desperate. “I want him off this island! Tonight! I don’t care how, but if you don’t help me I will find those who will.”
“Damned and be dogged!” Pitney roared. “I’ll not! And I won’t see you with that sort of deed on your conscience. I’ll go to your father first.”
“Ruark tried to take me in the stables!” Shanna railed, angry tears brightening the stormy, sea-green depths.
In open surprise Pitney looked at her sharply.
“He did!” Shanna cried and then choked on threatening tears. Her lips trembled in shame as she remembered her own responsive passion. “He snatched me down on the hay—”
Wringing her hands, Shanna turned away, unable to continue. She had given voice to no lie, but she knew the absence of the full truth had twisted the meaning of the part she gave.
Unknowingly Shanna presented to Pitney confirmation of her claim, for wisps of straw still clung to the tumbled locks. that cascaded over her shoulders. Pitney could well understand Ruark’s infatuation with the girl, but his own rage stirred at the thought of Shanna being mauled—by anyone.
Shanna managed to choke out, “I hate him. I cannot abide the man. I cannot face him again—ever.” She drew away and spoke in deadly earnest. “I want him gone, off this island, tonight.”
Pitney gave no outward sign that he heard her. He sprinkled tea leaves from a tin into the boiling water and set the pot aside as he pondered what he must do. There had been a ship come into port from the colonies that very morn. He had been down at the docks when the captain and some of his men led away a horse for the Traherns. Appearing nearly on the brig’s heels, another colonial vessel had come in sight, flying the Georgia Company flag. Apparently it was a sister ship to the other, for it anchored some distance out, and only a small dinghy was put ashore with but a hand’s count of men who had retreated to the dramshop to pass the hours. Trahern might search the colonial ship in port for his most valued bondsman, Pitney mused, but if there were enough coins, perhaps the captain of the other vessel might be persuaded to sail his ship off aways where it could not be seen.
“I will get him away for you,” Pitney finally muttered. He doffed his nightcap and replaced it with a tricorn then slipped his long feet into a pair of brass-buckled shoes. “I’ll not see you abused.”
He closed the door behind him, and Shanna was left staring at the portal, knowing the victory of winning her way yet feeling no joy in it. Aware that she must stay away from the manor until Pitney concluded his business, she poured herself a cup of tea and sat down at the trestle table to sip the brew, there watching the last of the embers die into blackness. In the empty house, the chiming of the clock seemed to echo Pitney’s words.