Fortune's Flames Page 19

  “The war could end any day, Jared, even tomorrow.”

  He grinned devilishly. “I know.”

  Maren shook her head very slowly. “You are the most exasperating and bewildering man I’ve ever met. I never know when you’re joking.”

  “Yes, you do, Maren; you’re just afraid to admit it to yourself.” He pulled a box from his pocket and passed it to her. “For you.”

  Maren’s heart began to thud heavily, and she wondered if he could hear it. “What is it?” she asked, clutching the small gift tightly.

  “There’s only one way to find out.”

  Maren lowered her gaze to the box and with shaky fingers, she opened it. She withdrew an oval locket on a gold chain. “Where did you get this?” she asked. “When?”

  Jared came around the table and bent forward to explain. “I stole your parents’ picture from your rooms upstairs and I already had the one of me on my ship. I had an artist do miniatures of both. When I left this morning, I went to pick up this present. I ordered it yesterday, before I met you and Beth. It may be presumptuous and vain of me, but do you like it?”

  “It’s beautiful. Thank you, Jared.”

  He looked into her misty eyes and said, “If you reject me, you can always remove my picture and replace it.”

  Maren focused her dewy gaze on his painted image and smiled. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll leave it here for a while. Will you put the locket on for me? I’m so excited and pleased that my hands are shaking.”

  Jared stepped behind her and fastened the clasp, allowing the locket to settle near her heart. After Maren caressed it fondly and thanked him again, he strewed kisses from her left ear to her shoulder. When she lifted her head to look at him, their eyes locked, and for a long time they gazed at each other. Then their hands joined, and their lips drew nearer.

  “Jared, I hate to disturb you, but I need to speak with you on an urgent matter.” It was a man’s voice, loud and intrusive. It came from the kitchen doorway.

  Jared straightened and turned in that direction. “What is it, Kip?”

  Kerry Osgood hesitated a moment before claiming falsely, “There’s a problem at the ship. I think you should come handle it.”

  Maren had turned in her chair to study the ravenhaired Kerry. She remembered him from the raid on the Martha J, and she noted that he was dressed very casually, in a white linen shirt and dark trousers. She decided he was close to Jared in height, size, and age.

  “I’d like you two to meet before we leave,” Jared said.

  Osgood came forward, and Jared said, “Miss Maren James, my partner and ladylove, this is Kerry Osgood, known as Kip to those who put up with him. He is my first mate and my best friend. If you do not spurn me, he will stand with us when we marry.”

  Kip bowed gallantly and clasped her hand. “It is a pleasure and an honor to be formally introduced to you, Miss James. Our first meeting was rather unexpected and tense, so please forgive my behavior.”

  “I’m delighted to meet you, sir, and as for our first encounter, it was an exciting moment in my life. However, that wasn’t the first time I’d met Jared, though he didn’t recall me until I later nudged his memory. He’ll have to tell you that amusing story one day. Are you enjoying your visit here?”

  Jared broke in. “If you two will excuse me for a minute, I need to change before we leave. This isn’t exactly shipboard attire.”

  As he hurried upstairs, Kip picked up the conversation. “This is a beautiful city, and you are a beautiful woman. I’m amazed that you captured him, but I wish you both happiness.”

  “Frankly, I didn’t ensnare him; he captured me.”

  “And I can see why. He’s a lucky man, always has been.”

  “How long have you known Jared?”

  “Seems like forever, but it’s more like years. He’s a good captain, and friend. Do you plan to stay here or will you move to Savannah?”

  “We haven’t discussed it. I had forgotten we have homes in different states. Is Jared close to his family?”

  A closed look spread over Kip’s face. “I heard about the loss of your parents. I’m sorry; that must have been rough on you.”

  Maren realized the man had evaded answering and she wondered why. But Jared returned then, almost breathless from rushing and dressed like his friend.

  “I hope we have time later to get better acquainted,” Kip said. “There are some things you should be told about your intended,” he jested. “But right now, we have to hurry.”

  Jared quickly apologized. “I’m sorry to leave like this, Maren, but duty calls. I don’t know when I’ll return.”

  “Do you trust me and Dan to take care of the business?”

  “Of course. Just be alert for more trouble.”

  “I shall. It was very nice meeting you, Kip.”

  “A pleasure, Maren.”

  The two men left by the back door after speaking with Mary Malone, and when they had gone, Maren went to thank the housekeeper for the lovely meal.

  She offered to help her clear up, but the older woman insisted that she avoid ruining her gown and suggested she go upstairs to rest before opening time. Maren hugged Mary and obeyed, for she needed time to think.

  It was obvious that Kerry Osgood had not been surprised by Jared’s announcement that they might marry, which told her how close the two men were. She suspected that Kip’s summons had nothing to do with trouble on Jared’s ship. Jared probably never had trouble on his ship. If she had been dressed differently, Maren would have trailed them! Yes, she was going to take a risk with Jared Morgan, but it would be nice to make certain beforehand that her decision was a wise one.

  Jared had claimed that he had several missions to accomplish in this area. She wondered what they were, whether they were dangerous, and how long they would take to complete. If he would let her tag along, he might convince her of his honesty, and she could prove to him that she was patriotic, intelligent, trustworthy, and brave.

  She then became preoccupied by another mystery: Jared’s family, or what was left of it. She wondered if Kip had refused to talk about them by choice or at Jared’s behest. If Jared’s father and brother were dead, who was left in Savannah?

  Everything went fine that night at Lady Luck, but Jared didn’t return. Maren was worried about him, though she knew he could take care of himself. A man in his position, a privateer during wartime, had to be skilled at self-defense. She fingered the locket he had given her at dinner, opened it to study the images inside, pictures of the three people most important to her. She was touched by his gift, mostly because of its meaning. Suddenly Maren wanted to speak with Jared, to hug him and kiss him. She waited for him until three in the morning, then lay down on her bed and fell asleep.

  Arising at noon, Maren hurried to the kitchen to see if Jared had been down for breakfast yet, but she learned that he had not returned. When she expressed concern, Mary advised her not to worry and she revealed that Jared had told her not to expect him back until later that day. Maren stared at Mary when she was informed that Jared had asked the older woman to watch over Maren for him.

  “If he knew he wasn’t coming back until tonight, why didn’t he tell me that so I wouldn’t worry about him? Unless he wanted me to worry! Darn him, Mary, he acts like he trusts everyone but me!”

  “That isn’t so, Miss Maren. He just didn’t want you to worry. He probably figured you would go to bed thinking he would be home soon.”

  “Well, I didn’t. I waited up until nearly dawn. How do we know something hasn’t happened to him?”

  “Mister Jared can take care of himself. He has a whole crew of men to help him. Why don’t I prepare you a nice breakfast?”

  “Thanks, but not yet, Mary. I’m not fully awake. I think I’ll bathe and dress, then take a refreshing walk.”

  “That sounds fine. Let me know when you’re ready to eat.”

  Maren hurriedly washed herself. Then she put on a thin muslin day dress, a pale yellow one.
Having secured a matching fichu around her shoulders, she arranged her hair in a chignon and then covered it with a bonnet which had a shallow crown and a deep brim. She gathered a silk parasol and a dainty reticule, and left while Mary was hanging out the wash and couldn’t argue with her bold behavior.

  It was easy to find a carriage that would transport her to the wharf at which Jared Morgan’s ship was docked. Surely she would be safe there at midday, she thought, recalling that New Orleans had grown immensely since her harrowing experience years ago, when she had been hurled into Jared’s arms. In any case, she had to make certain his ship was still in port and he was safe. Perhaps he would invite her aboard. Then she could learn more about him. Seeing his ship and his crew should teach her a few things. And she wanted to see him in command, see him in his chosen surroundings. Presently, she didn’t care if he became annoyed with her. She had to take that risk.

  Maren’s gaze slowly scanned the ships which were trapped by the blockade. Some had been kept in fine shape, while others were in dire need of repair. Cargoes stood in the dock area, some old and rotting, others new and hopeful, and men bustled about. But they were not too rushed to halt and stare at her. She ignored them and continued to stroll on, searching for Jared.

  As she proceeded, her heart began to beat frantically. The Sea Mist was nowhere in sight. She had to get some answers! She questioned several dockmen, but each said he hadn’t seen the Sea Mist or Captain Hawk in port recently. When she asked if he could be anchored in the Gulf, she was told that was too far out for someone staying in town. Maren insisted that Jared Morgan had been in New Orleans until last night, but the men remained firm in their ignorance.

  How could these men know nothing about such a legendary ship and captain? Maren fretted. They couldn’t all be sworn to silence, or be unaware of their surroundings. If Jared had sailed into port…

  If not, how had he gotten here? And where had he gone? When was he returning?

  Kip had said there was trouble. Surely his crew had not become mutinous and stolen the ship. And she was certain he hadn’t gone to sea without telling her. This riddle made no sense.

  A group of sailors halted to ask if she needed help or was lost, and she was delighted to learn that there were nice men among them. “I was looking for Captain Jared Morgan of the Sea Mist.”

  “Lots of women are,” one man teased, but the others hushed him.

  After receiving the same responses the dockmen had given her, she argued politely, “But he’s been here for a week. We’re in business together at Lady Luck. He was called away last night on an emergency. When he didn’t return, I became worried about him, but I can’t seem to locate anyone who’s seen him or his ship. How can that be?”

  “I can’t rightly answer that, miss,” one man responded. “Some of these privateers know secret coves to hide in just like them pirates. Barataria and Grand Isle ain’t far. Maybe they’re letting Captain Hawk anchor there.”

  “Captain Morgan associate with pirates? Certainly not.”

  The men laughed and nudged each other. Then another sailor informed her, “Most pirates ain’t bad men. Some of ’em just got turned around. Some of ’em ain’t got no homes or families, no place to go. Some of ’em escaped from prisons in other countries or from slave ships. Most of ’em only attack enemy ships. The people here love ’em ’cause they keep the town well supplied with goods.”

  Maren didn’t want to debate with them, so she smiled and said, “Perhaps you’re right. If you hear anything about Captain Morgan or the Sea Mist and you bring the news to me at Lady Luck, I’ll pay you.”

  After Maren left, one man turned to another. “Ain’t that the woman who buys the wine from us?”

  “Yep, she is. She’s a real lady, just like the Water Snake said. ’Course, our cap’n only saw her at a distance. He don’t want her to recognize him as René Blanc when she passes him on the street.”

  “We’d best head back to the Sea Serpent. Cap’n says we’re sailing with the night tide. Maybe we’ll capture more wine for that purty lady.”

  “Why didn’t you tell her where Captain Hawk is?”

  “If he wants her to know, he’ll tell her. Ain’t our place.”

  The first pirate turned and watched the retreating Maren. “Yep, I can see why René is burning over her. Think he’ll go after her?”

  “Not if Cap’n Hawk has a claim on her. Nobody challenges him.”

  Maren spent hours strolling around just to see if she could get a glimpse of Jared. The July sun was hot, and the day was humid. Maren realized her clothes were becoming soaked from her exertions. She hadn’t eaten all day. She was exhausted, hungry, and miserable.

  “I knew you couldn’t handle that place alone. I see you found you a big man to help you. Where is the cocky Captain Hawk today?”

  Maren walked on past the shop door in which the gambler who’d made trouble was standing. But the man dogged her, making crude remarks and asking vulgar questions. Finally she halted and glared at him, “Who’s paying you to harass me and besmirch my name? I’m not a fool, nor is Jared Morgan. He plans to have you followed day and night to discover the truth about your little pretense, and once we learn who’s hired you and why, Jared plans to deal with you personally.”

  Maren saw real fear creep into the man’s eyes. She enjoyed verbally wounding this hateful man, and she could not resist adding, “We know you haven’t been drunk during your silly tirades at Lady Luck. We know you’re being paid to drive me out of business. It won’t work. Before Jared sails, he’ll expose you and you’ll be punished. What I can’t understand is why you would humiliate yourself over and over. People are laughing at you behind your back. They think you’ve gone daft. But we know better, don’t we, sir?”

  When the man glanced around as if making certain they weren’t being overheard, Maren went on. “In fact, I suspect I have you to thank for all the gossip about me. Jared is furious about those lies, and he’s checking them out, one by one. If I were you…Never mind, I’m certain a smart man like you doesn’t need advice from a mere woman, and an alleged cardsharp at that.”

  Suddenly the man’s eyes narrowed and chilled. “Give me any trouble over this and you’ll be sorry, dead sorry,” he vowed. “And call off your lover before he gets hurt real bad or finds himself floating face down in that ocean he loves.” He stepped closer to Maren and warned, “If you provoke me again, I’ll pay a few pirates to take care of you. Take my advice”—he sneered—”Lady Luck means nothing but trouble for you. Get out while you can, and take Morgan with you. When I see my boss tonight, I’ll tell him you’re dumber than we thought.”

  Maren glared at the man. She hoped that ther terror was not evident as she scoffed brazenly, “You miserable little bastard, you must be simple-minded. If you think you’re scaring me, you’re wrong. I don’t need Jared Morgan or any man to fight my battles for me. I can fence and shoot better than most men, and I will gladly duel with you on any day, if you have the guts to show up and fight a mere woman. Cameron James did not birth or rear a fool or a weakling. Don’t come near me or my place again, or I will personally toss you out. Report that to your boss, and maybe he’ll hire a real man to take your place.”

  “You arrogant bitch, you’ll be sorry you ever returned home. By the time he finishes with you, you won’t even have a chamber pot to use.”

  Maren quickly and cleverly retorted, “Eric wouldn’t go that far!”

  “Don’t be so sure of it, Prisspot.”

  A runaway carriage thundered down the street just then, and the man assumed she had missed his slip when she failed to react to it. While Maren stared at the swiftly moving menace, he walked away, thinking she was distracted.

  Maren glanced toward his retreating back, then walked over to a carriage. She paid the driver to take her back to Lady Luck. It was six-thirty. Her head was pounding due to the heat, lack of food and liquid, and her emotional dilemma.

  Mary met her at the door. “Where have yo
u been?” she asked.

  Maren was too fatigued to lie to the anxious woman. She related her adventures and explained her sorry physical condition. Mary said she would prepare a soothing bath and a meal, and she recommended that Maren lie down and remain in her room that night. A weary and grateful young woman agreed.

  After her stomach was filled and her skin was refreshed, Maren felt pleasingly relaxed. She donned a cornflower blue nightgown and brushed her hair. Music and laughter and muffled voices came from beneath her, but she knew Dan Myers could handle everything for one night. She had already asked Mary if there had been any news from Jared, and there had not.

  When the housekeeper returned for Maren’s tray, she said, “I found a letter under the edge of your bed while I was cleaning today, an old one from your parents. I put it on the desk near your bed.”

  “Thank you, Mary. You’re so generous and thoughtful. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  “You’re kind to say that, Miss Maren. I love working here, even more so since you moved in. Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Mary, if Jared returns, will you wake me and let me know?”

  “Of course, child,” the housekeeper responded soothingly. “I’m sure he’s fine.”

  Maren locked her door and walked to her bed. As she sat down to remove her slippers, her aimless gaze touched on the letter. It was in a blue envelope. Her brow knit in puzzlement for she did not recall any of the letters being in colored envelopes. She reached for it. It was not sealed, but she knew she had not read it. And since Mary had told her this suite was cleaned regularly, it must have fallen from the packet she had taken from the safe. She decided to read it and then replace it without delay. Eric had been gone for only four weeks, but he might cut his trip short and return before the six to eight weeks he’d planned to be away.