Kathleen E. Woodiwiss(259)
The pins escaped her hair beneath his fingers, and the tresses tumbled free of the sedate coil.
“My family has six that ply the coast.” Ruark’s eyes softly caressed her face. “I own two, three now with the schooner.”
Shanna groaned in despair. “You’re as rich as my father.
He gave a low chuckle. “I doubt that heartily, but I can afford whatever gowns you wish.”
A hot blush stained Shanna’s cheeks as she was reminded of their quarrel and her own denials of him. “You laughed at me all the while,” she moaned disconcertedly. “How you must have ached, being unable to lay hold upon some of your wealth so you could free yourself and flee Los Camellos.”
“I told you once, money was not my problem.” He stepped to the music box and much to Shanna’s amazement slid open a concealed door at the end of it, revealing a chamber that ran the length of the base. From it, Ruark removed several wadded pieces of oiled buckskin and then two small leather bags. A very solid “clink” sounded as he hefted them in his hand. “I’ve had this ever since Nathanial came to Los Camellos. He even sent me the box to put it in. There’s more than enough here to pay my bondage and my fare to Virginia. If I hadn’t wanted to be with you, I could have left.”
He returned to her, and his hands smoothed her hair before they moved to cup her face, lifting it up so their eyes met.
“I love you, Shanna. I want you to share my life and that which belongs to me. I want to build you a mansion, as your father did for your mother, as my parents did here. I want to give you children, with dark hair and light, and watch them grow, bathed in our love. I have properties on the James. The land is good, and ‘twill nourish our offsprings. It only waits your word to say where the house will be.”
Shanna sniffed. “I rather entertained the idea of living in a cabin with you.” Ruark’s embrace tightened about her, and she murmured against his chest, “I should have your scalp, you know that.”
“Will not my baby do as well, madam?” he asked tenderly.
“Captain — pirate — John — Ruark — Deverell —Beauchamp. How shall I call you?” Shanna brushed at her tears.
“Lover! Husband! Father to your children! Love of your life. You will know me by whatever name.”
“Father Beauchamp?” Shanna shook her head in distaste. “Husband Beauchamp?” She wrinkled her nose. “Ruark? Lover?” Her arms slipped about his neck, and her mouth raised to meet his. The kiss blended their lips in joyous love.
It was a long moment before they parted and were brought to full awareness again by a polite clearing of the throat which came from the doorway. This time they turned with no fear of discovery and met Nathanial’s grin.
“I always seem to be intruding,” he chuckled.
Shanna giggled as she snuggled happily within Ruark’s embrace. “I shall not ask for your discretion, sir. Tell whom you may.”
Ruark beckoned his brother in. “What is on your mind?”
Nathanial scratched his cheek thoughtfully, and his brown eyes were warm with humor. “I was afraid Shanna might think me a liar for not claiming you as my brother, and I just wanted to set the record straight now that the secret is out.”
Impulsively Shanna pressed a kiss upon Nathanial’s cheek. “I forgive you. No doubt Ruark swore you to silence.”
“Aye, that he did,” Nathanial responded. “When we put into port at Los Camellos, Ruark sought me out. I gave him money to pay for his bondage, but he refused to leave or have the story out. I thought him mad or beguiled by a witch.” The captain gave a humorous laugh. “Then I met you, and I could understand at least a part of his reasoning. With all due respects, madam,”—he bowed slightly in apology—“I had indeed accounted for all my brothers when I talked with you. ‘Twas no lie I gave you.”
“But how came you to be there?” Shanna questioned. “Surely it was not coincidence.”
“When I put into port in London, I made inquiry as to the whereabouts of Ruark. I learned he had been accused of murder and hanged for the deed. The Newgate records reflected that his body had been delivered to the servant of one Madam Beauchamp. At the docks I was informed that that same lady and her retinue had sailed to an island called Los Camellos. My curiosity was stirred, so I made it a stop on my return voyage. I should also tell you another thing that may ease your mind somewhat. I hired barristers in London, and they promised me a most serious investigation into the matter of the girl’s death, although as yet I have received no encouraging word.”