Free Pirate's Bride (Liberty's Ladies) by Lynette Vinet Page A

frock-coated chest, he leaned against the back of a large, cushioned chair upon which Bethlyn was seated. An amused grin which turned up the corners of his mouth grew larger the more Dempster perspired. But a warning bell went off in Jeremy’s head as he realized that something wasn’t right about this situation, but he couldn’t decide what the problem might be and doubted he’d get a straight answer from Dempster.
    Instead of speaking, he remained silent and allowed Bethlyn to have her head. He found he loved watching when Bethlyn was riled. No one possessed more blazing brown eyes than she or had the endearing habit of tilting her head to the side like an inquisitive puppy. To see her rear herself upward, as she did now, her back arching in a suggestive but unwitting way always provoked a naughty laugh from him. She turned and glanced at him for a moment, quelling any further sound with that dazzling and fiery gaze.
    “I see no difference as to which ship I choose, Mr. Dempster. I’m certain Thomas had my best interests in mind when he chose Venture , but I am eager to sail on the evening tide. The problem with Venture ’s hull isn’t my concern at the moment. Repair it. As I understand, Nightingale is set to sail today. Sir Jeremy and I shall be on that ship, sir.” Bethlyn’s voice was low and steady, but the curtness of her tone left no doubt that she had already made up her mind. No one would dissuade her.
    “Your ladyship, allow me to send to Woodsley for Mr. Eversley. I’m certain when he explains the situation to you, you’ll be quite amenable to waiting an extra week while Venture is repaired. Nightingale hasn’t the niceties of Venture , and for such a lady as yourself…”
    Bethlyn raised a hand, halting Dempster’s further prattle. “Mr. Dempster, I’m not a hothouse flower, I assure you. I shall be pleased with whatever accommodations the Nightingale ’s captain can make for me.” She rose from her seat and extending her hand to Dempster, she waited while he resignedly took it and placed an obligatory kiss upon it.
    Dempster heaved a huge sigh. “As you wish, my lady. I’ll speak to Captain Montgomery myself.”
    Bethlyn nodded her thanks and placing her hand on Jeremy’s arm, they left the offices of Briston Shipping.
    Ensconced upon velvet cushions in Penelope’s cabriolet, Bethlyn noticed Jeremy appeared uneasy. “I did the right thing, Jeremy,” she spoke in a rush before he could say anything. “Thomas Eversley is not about to tell me on which ship I may travel. After all, I own Briston Shipping. Thomas Eversley and Harold Dempster are in my employ.”
    “No doubt Dempster is already penning an urgent message to Woodsley, beseeching Eversley to return to London,” Jeremy stated.
    “Let him!”
    Her quick retort startled Jeremy. Immediately she offered an apology. “Forgive me, dear Jeremy. I’d be lost these past years if not for you. I fear I must learn to control my temper and not allow my nerves to get the best of me. It isn’t every day that I sail to America to discover if my ‘husband’ has a use for his wife.”
    A ready smile from Jeremy told her that he’d forgiven her. “Grandmama will miss you, as will I.”
    Touching Jeremy’s cheek with her lips, Bethlyn felt on the verge of tears. “I know you want the best for me.”
    His voice cracked a bit when he spoke. “I hope all works out well for you, Bethlyn. That confounded colonial better learn soon what a treasure you are, otherwise, I might be forced to prove your worth at the point of the rapier!”
    “Goodness, Jeremy! I do hope Madeline Stanhope knows what a tiger you are.”
    “She does,” he admitted, and had the good grace to blush.
    ~ ~ ~
     
    Later that day, after a teary and warm farewell to Penelope, Bethlyn, Jeremy, and Mavis boarded Nightingale . The huge ship sat in London’s harbor while the crew mopped the deck and readied the rigging for the evening sail. Harold Dempster personally