Free Moonwitch by Nicole Jordan Page A

Beth’s conversation Selena stared at her blankly. “What was what like?”
    “To be kissed by a man like that, of course. Come, you can tell me, your bosom friend.”
    Selena was extremely uncomfortable with such a question, yet she knew Beth wouldn’t let up until she had given a satisfactory answer. “It was…” She paused, searching for an adequate description for that shattering kiss, yet one that wouldn’t shock Beth. “Overwhelming,” she finished lamely.
    Gazing off into space, Beth gave a dreamy sigh. “I can just imagine. Perhaps it’s fortunate that I’m a staid matron with a loving husband and three adorable children. There Captain Ramsey is now, waltzing with Marie. Isn’t he magnificent, with those splendid shoulders and that rugged-looking face?”
    “Beth!”
    “Oh, pooh! You know I don’t mean any slight to Drew. And don’t tell me you aren’t attracted to the captain, for I won’t believe it!”
    Selena followed her gaze to watch Kyle whirling a petite redhead around the floor. He
was
magnificent, exuding the kind of strength and masculinity that women found extremely appealing. And he looked as if he had perfected the knack of making a woman feel special; he was bending close to Marie, listening attentively and watching her with those gold-flecked hazel eyes. The same eyes that had smoldered so hotly the previous night.
    Selena was discomfited by the warm rush of feeling that accompanied the memory. “What is Captain Ramsey doing here?” she said quickly. “On the island, I mean.” It seemed incredible that she should have to ask such an elementary question after the intimacy she had shared with him, but she really had no idea what had brought him to Antigua. He couldn’t be unloading his ship’s cargo, for the Navigation Acts prevented the islands of the British West Indies to engage in trade with the United States.
    “He’s simply visiting, I fancy,” Beth replied. “He comes here frequently, though he doesn’t mingle much with society.”
    “But I’ve never seen him at a social gathering before tonight.”
    “He attended the Brindell’s rout year before last, but you were in mourning for your father, if I remember. And yes, I know
some
people—” she gave Selena an arch look “—are saying the captain is a savage. But he must have some claim to gentility, or he wouldn’t be accepted by British society. Drew met Captain Ramsey in London years ago and found him rubbing shoulders with the nobility. He’s the intimate friend of a marquess, I understand.”
    “I suppose by ‘some people,’ you mean Avery.”
    “Just so. He was complaining to Drew earlier this evening about the ‘riffraff’ we had invited here tonight. I declare! Riffraff! But the unattached ladies, at least, are delighted to welcome the captain. And we
are
promoting international goodwill. Drew says the governor wants to improve relations with the United States.
    “Besides, after that unfortunate incident in St. John’s yesterday, something needed to be done. Americans are barely tolerated in Antigua as it is. That’s why when Captain Ramsey called on us today to renew our acquaintance, Drew persuaded him to come to the ball—so he could soothe troubled waters. And now that Captain Ramsey has made his apologies to the governor for the disturbance, everything is famous. Indeed, the governor seemed to like him. I’m so pleased. It would be a shame if the captain were asked to leave the island.”
    Beth paused for breath. “I suppose I should attend to my guests. Do go and dance, Selena. You know the gentlemen will be disappointed if you continue to hide yourself away like this.” When Selena murmured some noncommittal reply, Beth rose. But before she moved off, she spoke again. “Oh, I almost forgot. Avery was searching for you a moment ago. Shall I tell him where to find you?”
    “Thank you, no,” Selena said quickly. “I need a moment more to myself.”
    When Beth had gone, Selena