Free The Pirate's Desire by Jennette Green

twenty pounds. “Will this be enough? Or will it cost more?”
    Mr. Bilford accepted the money. “A few pounds more, but don’t worry. We can collect it in the future, Miss Lucinda.”
    A knock sounded at the door, and every intuitive fiber in Lucinda said it was Riel. She stood, clutching her bag. “It’s time for me to go.”
    Mrs. Bilford welcomed Riel inside. Montclair looked very large standing in the doorway, with his black clothing accenting the lean, muscular lines of his body. He bowed over Mrs. Bilford’s hand and introductions were made. Neither the pastor nor his wife seemed put off by Riel’s long hair, pulled back in a tail, nor his unfashionable preference not to wear a cravat.
    “I’ve just finished,” Lucinda said, clutching her reticule tightly. She wanted to go. She didn’t want Riel to guess at the tears she had shed here, nor the vulnerable emotions that still threatened to engulf her.
    His black eyes ran over her face. “All is well?” he asked quietly.
    Lucinda bit her lip and glanced at Pastor Bilford. “All is arranged.”
    “Is more money required for the stone?”
    “Yes, but Mr. Bilford said it can wait. Perhaps until Mr. Chase gives you the monthly stipend.”
    “I will pay it now.” Riel pulled a money clip from his inner jacket, and when Pastor Bilford named the remaining sum, he paid it in full.
    Pastor Bilford’s gaze met the younger man’s and he offered a firm handshake. “You will take good care of Lucinda.” It sounded like both a question and a command.
    Riel returned the shake. “I will, sir.”
    Pastor Bilford smiled. “Good. I will see you both tomorrow night.”
    Lucinda followed Riel to the carriage and settled herself inside. “You did not need to do that.” For the first time, uncertainty gripped her. Surely a dishonorable man would not have paid her debt with his own money. Of course, he could replace it later. But still.
    “I like to pay debts in full. I do not like owing anything to anyone.”
    Lucinda nodded slightly. A policy her father had championed, as well.
    She glanced at him, and then away. The man unnerved her, and on more than one level. She didn’t want to admire anything about him. It disrupted her sense of purpose.
    At Ravensbrook she hurried inside. She had plans to make. Plans she must carry out, for the good of everyone on the estate. More than that, she needed to rest. Her father’s coffin would arrive this afternoon and she must gather her strength.
     
    * * * * *
     
    Later that afternoon, wagon wheels rattled down the lane to Ravensbrook. With trepidation, Lucinda slid aside a curtain and looked out. Sure enough, an open wagon with a wooden coffin bumped into view. Grief gathered into an aching lump in her throat. Father was home for good. She bit her lip, but refused to cry. It felt as if she’d cried enough for one lifetime already.
    A British soldier, clothed in dark blue, accompanied the wagon driver. Following them was a dun colored horse and a rider with long, scruffy blond hair smashed beneath a black, bicorne hat. From this distance, it was hard to guess his age, but his clothes looked worn. Definitely those of a commoner. Who could he be, and why was he accompanying her father’s body to Ravensbrook?
    Lucinda gathered her skirts and rose to her feet. She must welcome her father home for the last time.
    Blinking quickly, she descended the wide, winding staircase and discovered Mrs. Beatty waiting at the bottom, wringing her hands. “He’s here, miss,” she whispered.
    A knock sounded at the door. Riel appeared from Father’s study and strode to open it, but Lucinda lifted her chin and hurried abreast of him. Her father had arrived, and she would welcome him home.
    “Excuse me.” With a scampering double-step, she achieved the front door ahead of him. Wilson, the butler, swept it open before her.
    “Lady Lucinda.” A tall British soldier bowed. “I am Lieutenant Simmons. I…I am sorry for my duty this