Rebellious Cargo Page 16

  Adam turned towards Cookson. “I think, sir, Mrs. Charlesworth would benefit from some sleep before setting her to work on the documents.”

  Cookson agreed. “Yes – of course you need to rest, Jane. There is a room prepared for you.”

  Jane nodded, but her attention had moved from the document to the letter – her father’s last letter to her. Her eyes blurred; she knew whatever it said would make her cry. She held it to her chest for a few moments and then gently laid it down. A tear flowed down her cheek and she batted it away, aware of the two pairs of eyes watching her. Footsteps from the side of the room came towards her and a handkerchief appeared over her shoulder.

  She took it and used it briskly.

  “Perhaps I will retire and read my father’s letter in private. You, Sir Robert, are obviously satisfied that it does not contain any state secrets.” There was a touch of reprimand in her voice but she gave the man a smile to soften her words. He could not be blamed – he had a duty to solve the problem of her father’s legacy, be it professional or personal.

  ***

  Jane emerged from the soapy water and hastily put on her robe recovered from her sea chest. She had dismissed the young maid quickly. With Celine missing, it seemed disloyal to have someone else attending her. Securing her damp hair in a simple braid, she sat down on the bed and took up her father’s letter.

  Her hand trembled. She had been putting the moment off, unprepared and unwilling to read it. After all the speculation and secrecy surrounding his death, she had prayed that she would find some answers to make up for their sudden parting. But now that she held his letter – his last personal words to her – it all seemed so final. She gave a deep breath, placed her spectacles on, and unfolded the sheet.

  My darling daughter,

  I am sorry I could not see you to say goodbye.

  There are many things that I would have liked you to know, but now that my time is short I convey the most important.

  You have been the finest daughter any man could have wished for. I have been such a proud parent as I have watched you blossom and grow into the beautiful, intelligent woman you now are.

  You are the key to everything in my life that has been worthwhile. Dear Jane – since you were knee-high you always brought me so much comfort and pride. You were such a clever girl, with endless questions – I wish I could still be there to guide you, but in the end you must always believe what you feel in your heart.

  I cherish the years we have shared together and hope you remember them as fondly as I.

  My Angel, be happy. My love is with you. Always.

  She folded the letter slowly, then lay back on the bed, and stared at the ceiling as the tears flowed and her heart ached with memories.

  Grief finally shifted to anger. Why did he have to die? He was her whole world. She pushed herself to her feet, knowing she would not be able to sleep, and moved to the desk to study the coded document that must surely hold the answers.

  ***

  Celine stood at the door of the wooden hut that had been her prison for the last two days and looked down the shingle beach. Her legs had been shackled and a short, stout chain secured to the wall allowed her to take only a few steps. Something was happening. A rider had arrived and whatever news he had brought seemed to have caused some excitement and stirred up a lively debate.

  She knew her life was on the brink of extinction. Harrow had told her that Jane had fallen from the cliffs to her death. Her eyes ached with the tears that she had wept since and her insides were hollow. She expected a bullet or worse at any moment. Harrow’s men constantly watched her and she recognised the lust in their eyes. She had purposely not washed and drawn her hair back severely trying to make herself as unattractive as possible. It was likely Harrow would use her and even give her over to his men before she would finally leave this world.

  Her heart turned over as Harrow came back up the beach barking out orders. They were preparing to leave. Was this the end for her?

  ***

  Harrow’s mind was racing. This was unexpected news. He had known the Serena had sailed but he hadn’t realised Marston had not left with his ship. Why had he remained in Malta? The question made him uneasy. He had to get back to Cookson and find out what was happening.

  Harrow glanced towards the cabin. Now the Charlesworth woman was dead he should get rid of her servant. But first he needed to make sure she was not concealing any information about the documents that Charlesworth had been brought to decipher. Those eyes were intelligent and her devotion to her employer unquestionable. Perhaps she knew more about Clayfield’s document than she let on. He would find out, and then he would dispose of her.

  He stepped forward and ripped the thin copper bangle from Celine’s arm and secured it in his pocket. You never knew when you might need an incriminating piece of evidence.

  “Take her to the cave,” he ordered the guard.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Jane’s head jerked up as Adam touched her shoulder. She had fallen asleep at her desk.

  “Steady now. You look worn out – you should be tucked up in your bed.”

  “Captain Marston!” The relief in her red-rimmed eyes touched him. She had been through so much in the last few days. His hand lingered on her shoulder as he fought the desire to slide it down and pull her into his arms.

  “You have been crying,” he said softly.

  She stiffened and he took a step back, releasing her shoulder.

  “My father’s last words have stirred up memories of happier times.”

  “I am sorry.” His own father’s last words to him echoed briefly in his mind. Words of anger, but they also managed to rip at his heart when he cared to remember them.

  She shrugged and her voice turned business-like as she avoided his gaze. His spirits dropped. She was pushing him away again.

  “I have been trying to make sense of this.” She gestured to the document spread before her on the desk. Sheets of paper lay by the side of it where she had made lines of figures and crossings out. “It has beaten me. All this fuss over a piece of paper that I cannot make sense of.”

  Through the pain in her eyes, he saw the frustration. It must be tearing her apart not being able to translate the information that probably cost her father his life.

  She rubbed her eyes. “I must have fallen asleep.” Her hair had been fashioned in a plait, making her look younger, more vulnerable.

  He imagined unravelling the shiny locks and spreading his hands through the soft mane, making the unruly curls dance around her shoulders.

  “I think you should go to bed. You need to rest – a fresh mind is sure to help.”

  As usual she ignored his advice and spread her arms in exasperation. “I cannot understand it – this document bears no relation to the codes he has used before. It is written in his hand but… Oh, I don’t know.”

  He put a finger under her chin, forcing her into eye contact.

  “You have to rest! You need all your faculties working clearly.”

  Her eyes softened as she gave him a weak smile. “Perhaps you are right. But only an hour or two.” The smile faded and her look turned suspicious. “And why are you here, creeping around my room at this late hour, Captain?”

  Ah, this was the Mrs. Charlesworth he knew, back again. He was almost relieved. He could handle her smart mouth but the sadness and vulnerability in those eyes tugged at his heart.

  “Cookson has given me the night watch.” He couldn’t help a smirk.

  Her eyes narrowed. “Night watch! We are not at sea now, Captain.”

  “No, but I am still in command.”

  “Are you now?” she snapped, although a soft blush had crept across her skin.

  She gestured impatiently towards the door. “The place is like a fortress, there are guards outside my door at all times. I feel quite safe; you do not need to keep such a close eye on me.”

  “Really! You looked terrified when I woke you just now.”


  “That’s because you didn’t knock on the door, like civilised people usually do.”

  “Oh, Mrs. Charlesworth, you wound me with your insults. I wanted to personally make sure you were safe in your bed. I am a little overprotective after you were snatched from under my nose from the safety of my ship.”

  He moved to a tray which contained a cold supper. “You have not touched your meal. Perhaps a drink and some food might help you sleep better.” He pulled two chairs up to the table and poured out two glasses of wine from the decanter on the tray.

  “You are staying?” Her eyes widened and he noticed the colour in her cheeks deepened.

  “If you would like some company, I will stay. If not, I will leave. As you said, people lurk outside. You only need to raise your voice and the room will fill with guards.”

  She nervously glanced at the door. It was still ajar enough to prevent his visit being viewed as improper.

  “You do not trust me?” He asked as he handed her a glass.

  She took a sip without taking her eyes from him. “After that incident in the cave – I do not trust myself,” she whispered.

  He caught his breath. What did that mean? But before he could challenge the remark, she abruptly changed the subject.

  “How long are you to stay in Malta?”

  “Until the Serena returns – it is due back in a day or so.”

  “Will you sail as soon as she returns?”

  He shrugged. “My original orders stated I should leave as soon as I delivered you to Cookson.”

  “You will have to follow your orders.” She took a large gulp of wine.

  He smiled. Good. The wine would relax her, help her sleep; she needed rest. They ate for a while in silence until Adam reached to refill her glass. She was staring at him, her head to one side and a slightly puzzled look in her eyes.

  He raised an eyebrow. “I know that look – you are about to ask a challenging question, I wager.” The wine had made her bolder.

  She smiled faintly turning the stem of the glass in her fingers. “I was just wondering about the woman you fought the duel over. Have you seen her since?”

  He scowled. “No, I have not.” What in God’s name prompted that question? “Why do you ask?”

  “Well you have been quite gallant lately rescuing me and…”

  “Duels are not gallant.” Anger surged through him and she instantly looked chastened.

  “No – I’m sorry. Of course they are not. That was a stupid thing to say. I just wondered…but it is none of my business.”

  “No. It is not.”

  Her chocolate eyes silently demanded an answer all the same.

  “I have not seen her nor any of my family for nine years. Her circle of acquaintances is no longer mine. She has risen in the ranks far quicker than I have.”

  “It is a tragedy the woman destroyed your relationship with your family. Nine years is a very long time.”

  “They made their feelings clear and I cannot blame them.”

  “It seems such a waste. Families are precious; you should try to mend your differences.”

  She looked so wistful he did not remark as harshly as he wanted to. Damn her! Why were they discussing this topic? “I have accepted their judgement. Now let us change the subject.”

  But she persisted; obedience was definitely not her strong point.

  “Have you tried to explain? Surely your family knows the woman is evil; it was her fault.”

  “She did not pull the trigger,” he replied.

  “She might just as well have – she led you by the nose.”

  What! He leaned over and caught her chin with his hand.

  “No one leads me by the nose.” Fear flickered instantly in her eyes as he considered silencing that impertinent mouth and kissing her into oblivion. It was what she needed, deserved. By the nose, indeed. Perhaps that was what she thought she could do with him. Hell’s teeth! She was a complex creature.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t… All I meant was she must have been a beauty to make you act so irrationally.” She tore her eyes from his and he released her.

  He leaned back in his chair and took up his glass. “I thought she was beautiful once – but in fact, you only had to scratch the surface to find something quite ugly. Unfortunately by the time I discovered this, the damage had been done.”

  He wanted to stop, but her steady gaze made him try to explain his misdeeds.

  “I was the eldest and the heir to the estates, which was probably why she was attracted to me first. But my younger brother was always a favourite with the ladies. His charm and good looks were legendary. I found them together.” He hesitated. “She said he had forced her… I was so love-struck I believed her over my own flesh and blood. We never got on that well, my brother and I, but I should have seen through her. She wanted the estates with me and the fun with him. In the end she did not stay with either of us. Even though our family prospects were attractive, she moved on to a better prize – a marquis, I believe.”

  “So you were jealous of your brother when you found out about their liaison.” There was no accusation in her voice; in fact, he detected a pang of sympathy.

  “Jealous is too mild a description. I was insane with rage.” Exasperation flashed across his face. “You are like a dog with a bone, are you not? It is really none of your business.”

  “You are right,” she whispered and looked down at her hands thoughtfully. The sadness in her words hung between them for a second, and then she shrugged as if to throw off her thoughts.

  “Men are fools around women,” she said suddenly, giving him a superior look that was ruined by a sudden yawn.

  He frowned, and then rose. “You need to sleep. I will bid you good night, Mrs. Charlesworth.”

  He turned and left, feeling quite irritated by the way she had managed to change his mood. Memories of his family always made him uncomfortable.

  Despite this, she entranced him. Such passion all locked up in silken armour. He needed to go slowly, but time was something he did not have. She touched his soul but he didn’t want or ask for the torture of love again. He was no foolish youth to be toyed with and manipulated again. Wisdom bid him caution, instinct made him pause, but he knew there was nothing he had ever wanted more than Jane Charlesworth.

  ***

  Jane stared at the back of the door a long time after Adam had closed it behind him. Why did she have to upset him and chase him away with her prodding and prying – why couldn’t she just enjoy the warmth that spread through her body when he was near? Was it desire?

  She had never experienced such strong feelings for a man before. Her marriage had been based on conveniences and friendship. Andrew had never given or demanded passion – just mutual amiability. They had shared a courteous marriage. Short and polite. She could not imagine anything polite about being involved with Adam Marston – it was all she could do to stop trading insults with him. But he was always on her mind, making her body ache with warmth and expectation. Even now she wanted him back in her room and in her arms – yet was she ready to risk giving herself completely? After all, he would likely sail away from her in a day or so. No. She must resist the wretched man and keep her desires in check. Her brain registered a moment’s sense at the decision – but her heart gave an anguished tug.

  If only her friend were here to confide in. How she missed Celine’s company and counsel. Jane’s eyes misted – she had to face the fact Celine had been captured or killed. If not, she would surely have returned by now.

  ***

  Celine pulled at the shackle under the water that bit into her ankle. She had been moved from the cabin down the beach and secured just inside a cave. The damp sides of the cavern wall surrounded her like a tomb. The marks on the rock a foot above her head showed clearly how much farther the incoming tide would reach. The water already ebbed and flowed against her shoulders, occasionally surging into her face, teasing her of her fate.

  Harrow and
her guard sat in a small boat to the left. Occasionally they would draw closer and ask her the same questions over and over again. His voice was now only just audible as it mingled with the rush of the tide.

  “Do not be foolish, Celine, I can so easily slip you free if you give me something useful of your knowledge of your companion’s mission.”

  Celine didn’t even bother to lift her head this time. She had known she would die, there was no way he could let her live, whatever she told him, and she in truth had no idea of the business Jane was sent here to attend to. She had never interfered in her work, only supported her through the tasks.

  The world swirled in front of her in salty stinging bubbles. She gasped the air to fill her lungs before the next surge of water hit her.

  “I know nothing.”

  She was unable to speak again as the water washed around her head, but she knew they had already rowed away. It was over.

  She gave one last feeble tug of her chains. Her final thoughts were of the slave ship and the irony of it all.

  Chapter Twenty

  The next morning, after sharing a quiet breakfast at Sir Robert’s table, Jane tackled the document again. She had detected the disappointment in Cookson’s eyes at her lack of progress; although he assured her that if the task was impossible then there was nothing to be done. She should not feel in any way that she had failed. But she had.

  She exhausted every trick her father had taught her, continually emptying her mind to start afresh. Wearily she reached for a new sheet and began again.

  ***

  Adam ducked as a ball of paper whistled past his right ear accompanied by a string of naval profanities. Jane was sitting at her desk glaring at her broken quill. He remained in the doorway, deciding whether it was safe to proceed.

  “Not going well, I presume. I hope you didn’t learn those words on my ship.” He bent to scoop up the ball of paper which had been destined to join several others in the bin in the corner.