Читать книгу In the Tudor Court Collection - Amanda McCabe - Страница 31

Justin went straight to his cabin to find a fresh shirt. He did not wish what had just happened to be whispered of by the crew. They might suspect it, but there was no need to confirm their suspicions. His conscience had begun to bother him from the moment he learned of Maribel’s virginity. He could scarcely believe that she had been married for almost a year and remained a virgin. What kind of a man had her husband been? Perhaps the kind that preferred to lie with his own sex.

Justin knew that something had changed in him once he learned the truth. Until that moment he had fought the little voice in his head that told him she was special to him. He had tried to convince himself that she was just a beautiful woman and that all he felt for her was desire. Having had her in his arms, known her absolute surrender, he felt humbled and guilty for having destroyed her innocence. She was a lovely, loving woman and she deserved so much more than he could give her. He must and would find a better life for them both. When he became a pirate he had had no choice, but now he must take his fate into his own hands.

How could he ask her to share the kind of life that might well be his in the future? Justin knew that his life would be forfeit if Queen Mary still lived. She would not listen to anything he had to say excusing the mutiny—in the eyes of her council he was already guilty of treason.

Only if Elizabeth had succeeded her sister would Justin have a chance of returning to his home. He believed that his mother would forgive anything, but his father might not wish to receive him. His great-grand-father’s legacy was lodged with the goldsmiths in London. Justin could collect the gold and take Maribel to France or Italy; there they could mix with people of her own class, but would it be enough for her? Neither of them would have family about them. Would she come to resent him for taking her away from her family?

It might have been better if he had resisted her invitation, but the appeal in her eyes had broken his will, an overwhelming desire to make love to her sweeping all else from his mind. He knew that he would never have enough of her. Just the thought of her, of her scent and the softness of her body as she yielded to him was enough to make him hard again.

He couldn’t give her up! He might not be worthy of her, but she was imprinted into his mind and his body and to lose her now would tear him apart.

Justin decided that he would take Maribel to her relatives and then visit his father. If the situation were favourable, he would journey to court to plead for his freedom and forgiveness. He thought of the chest of Spanish silver in his cabin. Perhaps if he presented that to Elizabeth as a gift—pray God she was now Queen!—she would find it in her heart to forgive him.

Later that evening Maribel glanced at Justin as he stood on the bridge. He was at the wheel as the order to bring down the sails and anchor was given. They had chosen to anchor just off the white cliffs of Dover, the plan being to use the rowing boats to take her and Justin and some of the crew ashore the next morning. Most of the men had voted to stay on board, because they feared they might hang if they set foot in England. She knew that Justin had promised he would secure pardons for them all if he could.

‘I shall take you to your mother’s family, Maribel,’ he had told her the previous night when he came to her cabin. ‘Once I know you are safe with them I shall journey to my home and then, if Elizabeth is Queen, to London. I shall ask her to pardon us all for the mutiny.’

‘Will she grant you a pardon?’ Maribel’s eyes widened in fear. ‘Supposing she refuses?’

‘I shall hang and my men will sail away without me.’

‘What of me?’

‘You will be safe with your family.’

Maribel felt sick with fear. ‘Why must you risk your life after everything we have found together? Turn the ship about. Let us sail for Italy or France. I beg you not to do this, Justin.’

‘I have to do it.’ His mouth set into a hard line. ‘I have money with the goldsmiths and I must claim it if we are to live as a gentleman and his wife should. I owe it to my family to explain what happened when I disappeared—and I owe it to myself to at least try to clear my name, Maribel. Please try to understand how I feel.’

She looked into his eyes, then shook her head. ‘Our love is more important than all the rest. You have your ship. You could earn enough money for us to live on without this foolishness.’

Justin reached out, taking her chin in his hand, tipping it so that he forced her to look at him. ‘Will you scold me, lady? Have I found myself a nagging wife?’

Maribel shook her head. ‘You make fun of me! I do not find this amusing, sir. If they hang you it will break my heart. I shall have nothing to live for.’ Tears hung on her lashes and then slipped down her cheeks. ‘Please, I beg you, let us go now while we may.’

‘But I cannot claim you as my wife unless I have made some effort to throw off the shadow that hangs over me. I am a pirate, Maribel, and as such I am not worthy. I must see my family and receive my father’s blessing if he will give it—and hope for mercy from my Queen.’

Maribel was torn between anger and disappointment. How could he imagine that honour was more important than the way they felt about each other? She turned away from him, holding back the torrent of anger and despair that welled inside her. If he were willing to throw everything they had away on a whim, he could not feel as she did; he could not truly love her.

Never had she felt such unease. Her love for Pablo and the grief when he died were a pale shadow of her present emotions. She did not know how she would bear it if she lost Justin after what had happened between them. It had been hard enough when she had thought he did not love her; it would be unbearable after their lovemaking.

‘Do not be angry, my love,’ Justin put his arms about her, nestling his face into the softness of her hair and holding her back pressed against him. ‘I do this for you so that you can hold your head high and be proud of the man you call husband.’

She turned in his arms, looking up at him, intense passion in her face. ‘Swear to me that you will come for me? Swear that you will not just sail away and leave me with my family!’

‘You must know I would not?’ His fingers trailed her cheek and her throat. He bent his head to kiss the hollow at the base of her throat. ‘If I live, I shall come back to claim you—you have my word.’

Maribel had accepted his promise—what else could she do?

Yet as she watched the boats being lowered, nerves started to jangle. Until this moment she had not truly thought of what it would be like to meet her family—or of what she would tell them.

If she told the whole truth, they would condemn Justin as a pirate and forbid her to see him again. She must think of some way to explain how and why she had come to them on the ship of a man who was not related to her.

Her cheeks became hot as she thought about how it would seem to her mother’s family if they knew she had been a pirate’s willing captive. How could she explain that she had lived on his ship and in his house on the island? It was impossible!

She knew that she must speak to Justin, ask him what she ought to say before they arrived at her family’s home.

Maribel turned in Justin’s arms. Before they made love he had told her that they would be rowing for shore the next morning. The knowledge that they must part so soon had made her cling to him desperately, as his loving took her to new heights. She moaned with pleasure, enjoying the moment of surrender as she gave herself completely to him.

‘What shall I say to my uncle?’ she asked, her face pressed against his chest, tasting the salt of his sweat and inhaling his scent. ‘He will want to know how we met—and what my father had to say.’

‘You must leave this to me.’ Justin’s hand moved down the arch of her back, stroking the soft skin so that she moaned and pressed herself against him. ‘I have thought of how it should be handled a great deal and all I ask is that you follow my lead and agree with what I say.’

Maribel raised up to look down at him, her eyes on his face, trying to read his mind without success. He looked serious, but gave her no hint of what he intended. Instead, he reached up and drew her down to him, rolling her beneath him in the bed and kissing her with such passion that she forgot everything but the need to feel him inside her.

‘I shall take care of you,’ he promised huskily. ‘You belong to me now and nothing shall ever part us. I promise you that everything will be well, my love.’

‘Yes…’ She smiled up at him, her thighs parting as he moved between them, her hips arching to meet the thrust of his passion. ‘I love you. I shall always belong to you.’

They had been riding south along the coast road for some hours and with each mile they covered Maribel’s feeling of apprehension had grown.

‘What will you say to my aunt and uncle?’ she asked when they stopped to rest the horses. ‘I fear they will be angry if they know I was your captive.’ He had told her to trust him and she did, yet she could not help feeling nervous as the time to meet her family drew closer.

‘We shall rest at an inn I know of not far from here. One of my men will take a letter from me to your relatives, telling them that you are coming to visit them. They will be prepared for good news, Maribel—for you are visiting them with your betrothed husband: Justin Devere, son of Lady and Sir John Devere of Devereham House—and great-grandson of Lord Robert Melford, also grandson of the Earl of Rundle.’

‘Your name is Devere?’ Maribel’s eyes widened. ‘You are the grandson of an earl? Why have you never told me this?’

‘On board the Defiance I was a pirate and a mutineer. Here in England I am a gentleman. I did what I thought best to protect my family from the shame of hearing from others what I had become.’

‘But why did you…?’ She searched his face for the truth. ‘Why were you ever a part of that crew, Justin? You have told me that you were shanghaied and something of the mutiny, but not why you were about to board a ship in the first place?’

‘I was leaving England under a cloud of suspicion. Queen Mary had sent to arrest me for treason, though I was not guilty. My father thought I should spend time with my cousin in France, but on the waterfront I was knocked on the head from behind as I fought other ruffians. When I regained my senses we were at sea and I was forced to serve behind the mast—but not until I had been given more than fifty lashes to bring me into line. Had it not been for Higgins I should probably have died after the beating. I survived and the crew came to respect me. When a young lad was beaten near to death the crew would not go on with Captain Smythe. I was asked to join the mutiny. Had I refused, they would probably have marooned the officers on a deserted island or simply hanged us. I decided that I would lead them and in that way I saved the lives of Captain Smythe and his officers.’

‘So you never wished for a life at sea?’ Maribel arched her fine brows. ‘I am glad you have told me this, Justin—but you make a bold pirate.’

‘I did what I had to do.’

‘If you had not, we should not have met. I should now be wed to Lord Roberts, or, worse, I could have been his cousin’s whore.’ Maribel shuddered. ‘I should prefer to lie in my grave than submit to either man.’ She reached out to touch his hand. ‘I love you, Justin. Please remember that I would rather wed a pirate than live without you as a fine lady.’

Justin gazed down at her, his eyes seeming to search her face. ‘You must not be anxious for my sake. When we landed in England I asked questions of men on the waterfront and I learned that Elizabeth is now England’s queen. I shall speak to my father and then ride to London to beg an audience with her Majesty.’

‘Will she grant it?’

‘I have every hope that she will.’ He reached out to touch her face. ‘Do not fear for me, my love. I shall return to you and all will be well.’

‘I shall pray that it is so.’ Tears misted her eyes as he helped her to remount. He had reassured her on many counts, but her apprehension grew as they neared their journey’s end.

The house of Sir Henry Fildene sat just above the cliffs some thirty-odd miles on the coast road from Dover. It was a large old house, built of stone in the last century with an undercroft, small-paned windows and a sloping thatched roof. The approach was across an expanse of grass and rock, for it faced square to the ocean and a sandy cove set at the foot of steep cliffs. The house looked slightly forbidding and Maribel guessed that it had once been a fortress or look-out station in case of attack from the sea. In the event of a force of ships sent to invade England, a beacon would be lit on these cliffs, where it could clearly be seen for miles around. Other beacons would then be lit so that the news could swiftly be passed to London.

A stout wall surrounded the house, but at the approach from the land side there was a large iron gate, a moat and a wooden drawbridge, which was down, as if the occupants were expecting visitors. The small party of Justin, Higgins, Anna and Maribel rode over the bridge, their horses’ hooves clattering on the thick boards.

‘I believe we are expected,’ Justin said as he saw a group of men and women gathered in the courtyard. He smiled at her. ‘Have courage, Madonna.’

Maribel felt as if her face were frozen though the day was mild enough. She attempted a smile as he dismounted and came to lift her down, but found that she was trembling with nerves.

‘Remember you are a lady and my betrothed.’

Maribel’s head went up at the reminder. A tall man with greying hair and a lined face moved towards them. He stared at her for a moment and then inclined his head.

‘You are Marguerite’s daughter. I can see her in you. Indeed, you are very like your mother, my child.’

‘Thank you. Forgive me, I do not know you.’

‘How should you?’ He held out his hand to her. ‘I am your Uncle Henry. My sister and I were close when we were young, but my father made a match for her with Don Miguel Sabatini and I lost contact with her. I wrote to her often, but she replied only a few times before she died—and your father wrote only twice to tell me of your birth and her death. I was grieved that she died so young. I would have come to visit, but duty kept me here. My father died and I was forced to repair our fortunes before thinking of my own wishes—but I thought of you often and I am so pleased that you have chosen to come to us until you marry.’ His steady gaze went to Justin’s face. ‘Captain Devere. I believe I once met your father, sir. It was years ago, but he spoke then of his son as being a fine young man.’

‘I thank you for your welcome, Sir Henry. Perhaps we may talk again later? I am hoping that you will take my lady into your home while I perform some necessary duties. I shall return for her as soon as I have visited the court.’

‘You wish to pay your respects to the new Queen.’ Sir Henry nodded. If he wondered why Justin did not wish to take his betrothed with him, he did not ask. ‘Please leave your horses to my grooms, sir. My wife is most anxious to greet Maribel. We have sons, but no daughters, and she hath always wished for one.’ His gaze returned to Maribel. ‘Come and meet Lady Fildene—she is anxious to welcome you to her home.’

Maribel’s nerves abated a little as she moved with him to meet the rather small, plump lady waiting to greet her. Lady Fildene smiled and embraced her warmly, clasping her to her ample bosom.

‘How beautiful you are, my dearest child. We are so glad to have you with us if only for a time. I know my husband wrote to your father asking that you might come to us for a while, but he received no answer to his letters.’

‘My father was not always kind, ma’am,’ Maribel said. ‘I think his marriage to my mother was not as happy as it might have been—for either of them.’

‘Henry told me that she did not wish to wed him,’ the lady said, placing a hand on Maribel’s arm and drawing her into the entrance hall of what was clearly a grand house. The ceilings were high; the walls were of stone, but covered with rich tapestries that gave the rooms a warmth and colour not always seen in older homes. ‘Your maid will be shown to your apartments, my dear. Everything is being prepared, though we had little notice of your coming.’

‘I think it was not possible to let you know sooner,’ Maribel told her. She was very conscious of the fact that it had been some time since she had left her home in Spain, and she was most certainly not the same girl. Her skin was no longer the pale olive it had been when she protected it by staying out of the midday sun. On the island she had become careless, allowing her skin to be kissed by the sun to a pale gold, a little freckling appearing across her nose. She was wearing gloves, but she knew her hands had not yet become as soft and smooth as they had once been. ‘I am sorry to be a trouble to you.’

‘You could never be a trouble to us, dearest girl. We are delighted to have you with us, even if only for a short time.’

‘I am happy to be here,’ Maribel replied, her fears falling away as she saw the genuine welcome in the lady’s eyes. ‘I shall enjoy getting to know my mother’s family.’

‘My sons Beavis and William are married and living in London,’ Lady Fildene said. ‘However, my son Michael is expected home any day now. He has been to the north on business for his father. We import wines, you know. Mostly from France these days, though it was because of the Spanish wines we once imported that my father-in-law entrusted his daughter to your father. I am sorry to learn that the marriage was not a good one.’

‘I think my mother may have been unhappy, but I do not remember her. My stepmother was kind to me and I was happy enough until she died soon after my husband.’

‘You were married? We did not know that. How sad to lose a husband at your age.’

‘I was sad—but then I met Justin,’ Maribel replied, her mouth curving. ‘I think I shall be very content as his wife.’

‘His family are respected and wealthy,’ her aunt said. ‘Everyone knows of Lord Robert Melford and the important family he founded. I believe they are all well connected and popular at court, though we do not often visit London ourselves. My husband was never one to seek royal favour, though we have recently been honoured by a royal contract for our fine wines.’

Maribel was not sure whether her aunt sounded regretful or a little jealous of those who had the royal favour. She sensibly kept her silence. Since she had only just learned Justin’s true name it would not do to pretend to knowledge about his family that she did not have.

Glancing back, she saw him talking with her uncle. He seemed at ease and gave no sign of being anything other than he claimed to be. Clearly he had put the memory of his time at sea behind him, and she must too. She would have to be careful when answering her aunt’s questions—she did not wish to reveal that she had been a pirate’s captive.

‘I shall return for you as soon as I can,’ Justin told Maribel as he took his leave two days later. ‘At least I know that you are safe here with your family. Your uncle is truly pleased to have you here, as he has made plain to me—and I believe his wife to be a good woman.’

‘Lady Fildene is both kind and generous,’ Maribel admitted. ‘I like her very well. She is a good chatelaine and she loves her family. Her son Michael is expected home soon and I think he must be her favourite. Even so, I would rather come with you if I could, Justin, but I know I may not for I should only hamper you.’

‘I am sorry I must leave you, but I know you are safe here. I shall travel faster alone, my love—but I shall think of you often. As soon as I am free to do so, I shall return and take you to my home, where we shall be wed.’

‘I pray that you will return to me safely. You know that I love you.’

‘As I love you. Take care of yourself until I come to claim you.’

Maribel went to his arms, clinging to him until he disengaged, pushing her back. ‘Be careful, my love. It is not seemly to show such passion. We may be observed and I would not have your aunt lose her good opinion of you.’

Tears crowded in her throat. It was on the tip of her tongue to beg him to take her with him, but she knew that he would refuse. He had decided that she must remain here in safety with her aunt and uncle and she could not make him change his mind. Parting from him would tear her in two, but she must bear it as best she could and pray for his safe return.

Reluctantly she drew away, ‘I should not like to shock her. I am very careful how I answer her for she would be shocked if she knew where I had recently been.’

‘Be patient for a while. We shall soon be together.’

Justin touched her face lightly and then turned away. Higgins was waiting nearby with his horse.

‘Farewell, Justin.’

‘Farewell, my dearest one. I shall return.’

Maribel watched as he rode out of the courtyard. A breeze had sprung up suddenly, bringing storm clouds from the sea. The dark sky looked ominous and she shivered as she turned and went into the house. The time would seem long while Justin was gone. She hardly knew how to occupy her time, because the pretty sewing she had once delighted in for hour after hour was not enough to fill her days. She disliked the damp coolness of the English weather, finding the grey skies depressing, and thought wistfully of the time she had spent at the island and the long voyage back to England. Did the sun ever shine in this land? How many days would pass before Justin came to claim her as his bride—and how would she live if for some reason he never came? She thrust the thought away for it was unbearable. She must believe that he would return or she had nothing.

Justin was aware of a shadow hovering at the back of his mind as he rode the last few leagues to his father’s home. Higgins had wanted to accompany him, but he would not allow it.

‘If I am to be hanged as a mutineer and a pirate I will not take you with me, my friend. Remain near my lady and guard her until my return. I shall bring your pardon if I am spared. If not, you must take the ships and sail away. They will both be yours then.’

‘You risk your life for nothing, Justin. I have not found English justice fair in the past. I do not expect it now.’

‘You may well be right, which is why I ask you to remain with Maribel until…’ Justin shook his head. ‘If I do not return, she is safe enough with her uncle.’

‘Aye, she is safe enough.’

They clasped hands and then Justin mounted his horse and rode away. He had not looked back—it was costing him a great deal to leave Maribel. If his heart had ruled him, he would have turned back, swept her up on his horse and taken her far away. His head told him that he would never be at peace if he did not at least try to obtain his father’s blessing and the Queen’s pardon. He could not take her with him, but he had ridden off with a heavy heart.

Now that he was close to his family estate, Justin felt uneasy. What kind of a welcome awaited him in his father’s house? John Devere was an honest man. He had taught his son to live with honour. Would he be able to accept Justin for what he was—a mutineer and a pirate?

As Justin dismounted in the courtyard of his home a groom came running towards him. He hesitated as he drew near, stared at Justin in stunned disbelief for a moment, and then grinned.

‘God be praised!’ Tis Master Justin home at last.’ The groom took the reins of Justin’s horse. ‘We thought you dead, sir. Your lady mother has been grieving for you these past months.’

‘I was lost, Jedruth, but now I am found,’ Justin said and clapped him on the shoulder, feeling overcome by the man’s obvious delight. ‘Tell me, are my parents within?’

‘Your lady mother is at home, sir, but the master has gone this day to visit a neighbour. He should be back this evening.’

‘Thank you. I shall see my mother immediately.’

Justin went into the house to be greeted by a shriek from the keeper of the household as she saw him. ‘Lord have mercy!’ she cried and flung her arms up. ‘If it isn’t Master Justin—and the mistress crying her heart out for him day after day! Where have you been that you could not send a message to your mother? Wicked boy!’

‘Forgive me, Lizzie.’ Justin grabbed her in a bear hug. ‘There were good reasons why I could not let my family know where I was. Tell me, where is my mother?’

‘She is in her stillroom, of course. Where else would she be at this hour of the day?’

‘Bless you!’ Justin kissed her soundly on the mouth. She pushed him away and frowned at him, but smiled as he turned in the direction of his mother’s stillroom and then crossed herself.

‘The Lord be praised!’

Justin hurried to the room where Lady Devere prepared all the preserves that ensured they had jams and fruit in the winter, also creams and lotions that she used to cure the ills of the people who served her. He paused outside, almost fearing to enter, and knocked at the door.

‘Come in,’ her voice called and he opened the door. Lady Devere stood at a bench made of a scrubbed wood board and trestles. In front of her were bundles of leaves, dried herbs and berries, as well as stone jars and pots with squares of cloth, wax and string for sealing them. ‘Yes, Lizzie, what is it?’

‘It is not Lizzie…’ Justin said and saw her shoulders stiffen. She turned slowly with a jar in her hand. When she saw him her eyes widened, she gave a little cry and swayed, dropping the jar she was holding so that it clattered onto the floor. ‘Mother…forgive me…’ He darted to support her, holding her close until she recovered. She straightened and pushed him away. Her eyes were filled with tears of love and forgiveness as she reached out to touch his face. ‘I am so sorry, Mother…so very sorry for distressing you.’

‘I thought you must be dead. Justin…my dearest son…’ Lady Devere caught back a sob. ‘Your father received a visit from a man called Captain Bolton. He told him that you had booked a passage with him to France, but failed to board, though your horse was lodged at the hostelry he told you of. It was months before he came to tell us, because he had been at sea. We were led to believe that you were somehow taken aboard another ship against your will.’

‘Yes, that is what happened, Mother. I was shanghaied and forced to work for a cruel master who treated his crew ill. What happened after that is a long story. I had best wait until my father is here, for I would tell you both at the same time. I am not the man I was when I left my home—I have done things you may find impossible to forgive.’

‘You could never do anything so wicked that I would not love and forgive you,’ Lady Devere said. She put her arms about him, kissing him on the forehead. ‘You look well, my son. I am glad to have you home. I care only that you are alive and well.’

‘I thank you for your love, Mother. I regret that I did not let you know I was alive sooner, but…’ He shook his head. ‘I shall wait until Father is here. He should hear my story at the same time, for I would not seek advantage and I know he may not forgive as easily as you.’

‘Maribel, my dear. May I speak with you for a moment, please?’

‘Yes, Aunt? Did you need me?’

Maribel had been walking in the walled garden at the back of the house. Behind the high walls that protected them from the full force of the sea was a sheer drop to the beach below. To reach the cove, you had to walk a little distance along the cliff until you came to a path cut into the rock by some ancient mariners. Maribel had been considering whether to walk down to the beach, but as yet the weather had been too cool to entice her. She turned at the sound of her hostess’s voice and walked back to meet her.

‘There will be a fair in the village tomorrow, Maribel,’ Lady Fildene said as the girl came up to her. ‘We may purchase silks and materials for new gowns—and many trinkets that may please us perhaps.’

‘I have little money to spare—most of what I have is still with the ship. Captain S…Justin said that he would arrange for my trunks to be sent on, but I have only what was brought on the pack horses thus far.’

‘Which is why I thought we should visit the fair to buy silks from the merchants. We can sew some gowns for you between us, Maribel. What you have is charming, but the Spanish style is heavier than the English fashion. I believe you would feel more comfortable in something new.’

‘I am sure I would. Justin—’ Maribel broke off. It was difficult to remember that she must not mention her time on the island. ‘I do have some simpler gowns in my trunks, but it would be pleasant to make a new gown.’

‘Your uncle would be happy to make you a gift of the gowns,’ her aunt told her. ‘It has given us such pleasure to have you here, my dear. I hope you will visit us again when you are married to Captain Devere?’

‘Yes, I am certain we shall,’ Maribel told her. ‘You and my uncle are both so kind to me.’

‘We love you as your mother’s child—and as the daughter we never had.’

Maribel’s cheeks felt warm, for she felt uneasy at deceiving these good people. What would they think if they knew the truth? She would feel terrible if her aunt ever discovered that she had been so indiscreet as to become a pirate’s mistress, for that was what she was until Justin married her.

Justin would return soon and marry her. Her aunt and uncle need never know the truth! She thrust the uneasy thoughts from her mind.

‘Then I should love to visit the fair with you tomorrow, Aunt.’

‘Justin!’ John Devere came rushing into the parlour where his son and wife sat together. ‘I could scarcely believe it when they told me you were here! I thought you lost to us for good.’

Justin stood up. He held out his hand, but his father smiled and embraced him.

‘Welcome home, my son. This is a wonderful day!’

‘Perhaps you should hear my story first, Father. You may not be so pleased once you know what happened—what I have done.’

John moved back, his gaze narrowed and questing. ‘Should this be said before your mother?’

‘I would wish Mother to hear it all. I have done things that may shame you, Father—but I ask for your understanding.’

‘You mean the mutiny? I have heard that there was a possibility that you led a mutiny against a cruel master—namely Captain Smythe?’

‘You knew that and yet you welcomed me home?’

‘I heard from Captain Bolton that you might have been shanghaied aboard Smythe’s ship. He visited us concerning a horse and told me what conditions aboard such a ship would be like and that he had heard the captain’s life had been saved by one of the mutineers. Apparently, the leader forced the others to put the captain and his officers ashore at Venice rather than hanging them as others wanted. Was that what happened, Justin?’

‘Yes, Father. I must explain what happened. When a young lad who had done little wrong was beaten half to death I could no longer hold out against the crew. They would have killed Smythe, his officers and me if I had not taken charge. I did not think I had a choice.’

‘You did what you had to do,’ Sir John agreed. ‘Mutiny is a serious offence, but I must tell you that some of Smythe’s officers reported him for gross misconduct, blaming him for losing the ship and putting their lives at risk. He has lost his master’s ticket and will not sail as the captain of a ship again.’

‘I am glad to hear it, sir. It is time that men like Smythe were shown for the bullies they are. However, that is not the end of my story. I fear there is worse to come. Something for which I may not be so easily acquitted. ’

‘You had best tell us then, Justin.’

‘When we took the ship and set the captain ashore, I became its captain in his stead, but we sailed by the rules of the brethren, which make all men equal.’

‘Brethren—you mean pirates?’ John’s eyes narrowed. ‘You became a pirate? You preyed on the ships of others and stole what was theirs—you killed men for gain?’

‘We took the cargoes we captured and sold them. We did not kill wantonly, Father. If the ship surrendered immediately there was no bloodshed, though a few may have been killed, those that refused the truce and tried to resist. Not by my hand, but by others. I have killed only when forced.’

‘But the ships were taken by your order?’

Justin met his gaze. ‘Yes, sir. I was the captain. I gave the orders, which my men obeyed. I sold the prizes we took and distributed the gains between them, and kept my share. I have ordered men flogged and I have killed men in fair fight—but I punished the crew only when I had no choice.’

‘You are by your own admission a pirate?’

‘Yes, Father.’

‘Then you have shamed your family and yourself.’

His father stared at him a moment longer, then turned and walked away, leaving the room.

‘Father…forgive me…’

‘It will take time.’ Lady Devere stood up. She placed a gentle hand on her son’s arm. ‘Do not be hurt or bitter, Justin. Your father is an honest man. This news has shocked and distressed him. He was always so proud of you and now…’

‘I have brought shame on him and myself.’

‘No, Justin.’ Lady Devere’s eyes were soft and moist with tears. ‘You did what you had to do—what seemed right at the time. You were forced to lead the mutiny and then it must have seemed that you had no choice but to become a pirate. I understand, dearest. Your father will learn to think as I do and to forgive you.’

‘You will persuade him, Mother.’ Justin’s face was fiercely proud. ‘You may persuade him to make a show of forgiveness, but in his heart he will never forget what I have done. He will never truly forgive me; he will never be proud to call me son.’

‘He is a proud man, Justin—proud of you and his honour. Give him time to think this through.’

‘I had to tell him, to tell you both. You must feel that I have let you down, Mother. I did have a choice. I could have put the captain and his officers in chains and sailed back to England to take my chances.’

‘Would the crew have accepted your decision?’

‘I am not sure. I did not offer them the choice.’

Lady Devere touched his cheek. ‘You know that they would not have listened if you had. You would have died with the captain and his officers. They owe their lives to you, my son. You have done the right thing now. Your father will understand in time.’

‘I shall leave in the morning, Mother.’

‘Why?’ She looked at him in alarm. ‘Where will you go?’

‘To London to beg an audience with the Queen. If I am to live as I was born to live and hold my head high, I must seek a royal pardon. Only then can I build my house and bring honour to the woman I love.’

‘The woman you love?’ Lady Devere’s eyes widened. ‘You have said nothing of this, Justin. Please tell me about this lady—she is a lady?’

‘A beautiful, innocent, perfect lady. Her father is a Spanish Don. He meant to sell her to a rogue so that he could steal her lands and fortune, but I stole her away from the rogue who would have harmed her. I love Maribel and she loves me.’

‘Maribel, that is a beautiful name,’ his mother said and smiled. ‘You will bring this lady to see me, Justin. Give me your word that you will return once more and bring your bride with you.’

‘Maribel is not yet my wife, for I wished to clear the shadow that hangs over me if possible. She is with her mother’s family and I shall return to claim her as soon as I am able.’

‘Supposing the Queen refuses to see you?’

‘If I am at liberty I shall sail away and never return to England.’

‘And if you are thrown into the Tower?’

‘I must take my chances, Mother. I must pay my respects to Queen Elizabeth. I pray that she will remember me as a loyal supporter at a difficult time. I shall arrange for a gift to be sent to her; if it pleases her, she may grant me a pardon.’

Lady Devere leaned forwards to kiss his cheek. ‘My prayers are with you, my son. I shall speak to your father. It may hurt him to know that you were for a short time a pirate, but I believe he will forgive you.’

‘Thank you.’ Justin smiled. ‘At least I know I have your forgiveness and your love.’

‘Nothing could ever change that,’ she said. ‘You are my son.’

Maribel looked about her excitedly. She had never been to a fair such as this, because her father would not have approved. A large field had been set aside to accommodate all the merchants and pedlars that had made their way here for the festival. All kinds of goods were set out, either on blankets set on the ground or on boards and trestles. There were men of several races displaying their wares; men with dark skins and eyes from the east with perfumes and trinkets made of ivory, silver and horn. Also merchants of France and Italy selling materials so fine and beautiful that Maribel could not resist touching them, letting the silk run through her fingers. Some of the merchants had leather belts and jerkins tooled with gold and vibrant colours, others had slippers and purses of leather or velvet, still more sold cures with strange-sounding names and relics from the saints. One man had a sliver of wood in a silver casket that he swore came from the Cross of Our Lord Himself.

‘Do not buy any of the relics,’ Lady Fildene advised. ‘Rarely are they true relics and thus have no magical properties. Many of the baubles you see are merely glass and cheap metal—but the perfumes are usually good and the material is quality.’

‘I love this green silk and the bronze velvet is beautiful. It would make a wonderful cloak to wear over a cream gown.’

‘Are you thinking of your wedding, Maribel?’

‘I am not certain whether I wish to make my wedding gown just yet. It might be better to wait until Justin returns—’ Maribel broke off as she saw a man looking at her. He was standing some distance away, beyond the stalls, in a part of the field where contests and games of chance were being held. She turned away immediately, her heart thumping. It could not be! She must be mistaken. ‘I think perhaps I should like to go home, Aunt. I have a sudden headache.’

‘My poor child.’ Lady Fildene looked at her with sympathy. ‘You have not bought anything yet. But you must go back and rest. I shall purchase the silk and velvets you have chosen and have them sent to us. Go now, dearest. You look exceeding pale.’

Maribel thanked her in a low voice. She walked slowly from the field so as to avoid looking as if she were in a panic, climbing the steep hill towards her uncle’s house. Her heart was pumping hard as she increased her pace, wanting to be safe, afraid that he had known her and would come after her. Reaching the drawbridge, she glanced back, shading her eyes against the sun that had come out from behind the clouds. She could see the figure of a man some distance away. He was just standing there, staring at her, but making no move to follow.

Perhaps she had been mistaken. Surely it could not have been Samuel Hynes? How could he have been here? Why would he have come to this quiet village? Had he known she was living with her uncle and aunt?

She was almost certain that he had seen her even before she had noticed him. Yet he had made no attempt to speak to her or to accost her. If he had come to abduct her, he would have surely taken his chance. No, he must have visited the fair for purposes of his own. What would he do now that he had seen her?

Maribel felt sick and frightened. Her uncle would protect her from Hynes if she told him that she was in danger, but to do that she must explain everything…tell him that she had hidden the truth from him. She had allowed him to believe that Justin was her betrothed and implied that she had her father’s blessing. Sir Henry would have every right to be angry if he knew the whole.

No, she could not tell him! She must keep her secret and make certain that she stayed safe within her uncle’s house. Samuel Hynes would not come looking for her there.

‘Your fortune is safe with us, sir,’ the goldsmith assured Justin. ‘The funds lodged with us by your esteemed great-grandfather, Lord Robert Melford, have grown to almost twice that placed in our care when you were born. The money is available whenever you wish for it, Mr Devere.’

‘Thank you. I may wish for a part of my fortune to be transferred to France or perhaps Italy. I have not yet made up my mind. Can you recommend a safe house for my business?’

‘I have a cousin in Lombardy. He is well trusted by the most noble of the land, sir. I could write a letter of introduction. He would advance you anything you required against your funds held here and they need never leave England.’

‘I shall let you know of my decision in good time, sir. Meanwhile, I have this chest of raw silver. I would like to barter it for a precious jewel—something that might please a noble lady. Something worthy of a queen.’

‘Ah, yes, I think I may have the very thing.’ The goldsmith smiled. ‘Wait there, sir. I shall bring you something I think may please the most discerning lady.’

Justin nodded, glancing round the goldsmith’s shop. It was sparsely furnished and nothing of great value was on display, for amongst the common folk there was some dislike of the trade and the goldsmiths, who were often of the Jewish faith. It was not unknown for their shops to be attacked by those who disliked repaying money loaned to them and felt they had been cheated. However, Master Baldini was well known for his honesty.

‘This may be what you wish for, sir?’

The goldsmith laid a packet of black velvet on the counter and opened it, displaying a large ruby of such a deep blood red that Justin was struck by its beauty. It had not been mounted, but could easily take pride of place in a necklace or a crown.

‘That is magnificent, Master Baldini. Will you accept the silver in return?’

The goldsmith looked at the silver, examined its quality and nodded. ‘It is a fair exchange, sir. I shall be pleased to trade with you for the ruby.’

‘Thank you. I may return to purchase another trinket—something as precious as the ruby, but simpler, more suitable for the lady I intend to wed.’

‘I have many such trinkets, sir. Perhaps pearls might be what you would wish for?’

‘Yes, pearls would do very well.’ Justin offered his hand. ‘My thanks, Master Baldini. I shall visit you again before I leave London.’

‘May your business go well, sir.’

‘I thank you for your good wishes. I pray it will—my future depends upon it.’

Justin left the shop, the ruby safe inside his inner jerkin. He had asked for an audience with Queen Elizabeth and been told that he might have to wait some weeks before it was granted. He was by no means the only man who desired an audience with England’s new Queen. Ambassadors from France, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy were only some of those ahead of him in the queue, along with many English nobles.

It was possible that he would have to kick his heels for weeks before being granted an audience. The enforced separation from Maribel was hard to bear. His thoughts were always with her, for he knew she would be thinking of him, anxious for his return. However, he must attend the court every day and wait as patiently as he could.

At least she was safe in her uncle’s house. He hoped that she would not think he had deserted her, but there was little he could do except wait for the moment.

‘Michael has sent word that he will arrive by this afternoon at the latest,’ Lady Fildene told Maribel that morning when she asked what was going on and why the servants were hurrying about their work with more urgency than usual. ‘He says that he is bringing a guest with him—a gentleman who may put some business our way.’

‘Oh, that sounds promising,’ Maribel replied going to sit beside her on the oaken bench. It had a high carved back and would have been uncomfortable to sit on had her aunt not made thick cushions to make it easier. ‘I know my uncle trades in wine, as do other English gentlemen. You said he mostly imports wine from Italy and France, I think?’

‘Yes, that is true. We have not bought from Spain for a long time, but we may do so soon, because it is Spanish wine we have been offered—from Don Sabatini’s winery, I understand.’

‘My father’s wine?’ Maribel drew her breath in sharply. ‘It is not he that your son brings here, Aunt?’

Lady Fildene looked at her. ‘You have turned pale, Maribel. Does something bother you? The mention of your father? It is not he that visits with Michael, but a man who imports wine from him. We are to be offered an interest in bringing over a cargo of wine, but my husband may not accept. He would not if he thought it might harm you.’ Her gaze narrowed. ‘Did your father do something to hurt you, Maribel?’

‘Yes…’ She shook her head as her aunt’s brows rose. ‘I cannot speak of it. Forgive me. Will you excuse me, please? I must think.’

Maribel left the room hastily. Her heart was racing. She knew only too well that the man importing her father’s wine must be Samuel Hynes.

It was he she had seen at the fair. Each day since then she had wondered if he would come to the house and demand to see her…if he would betray her to her uncle. She felt sick at heart and uneasy. Supposing Hynes claimed her for his bride as he’d threatened? Would she be forced to go with him? Would her uncle throw her from his house if he knew what had happened to her—that she had been Justin’s captive and then his lover?

Could her father demand that she be returned to him or handed over to the man he had chosen as her husband?

Maribel paced the floor of her bedchamber. She was anxious, afraid of what might happen when the visitor arrived. It might be better to confess all to her aunt, who was kind hearted—but supposing she turned from her? Maribel knew that without Justin to protect her she would not be safe outside her uncle’s house. Higgins was around somewhere, but she did not think there was much he could do to help her, especially if her uncle was of a mind to hand her over to her father’s agent.

She did not know which way to turn for the best. Justin had left for London more than two weeks previously. How much longer would it be before he returned?

She wished that he was with her. He would tell her what she ought to do or take her away. She had been happy enough here despite missing him every day he stayed away, but now she was on thorns. What ought she to do?

‘Maribel, my dear…’ She heard the knock at the door and her aunt’s voice. ‘May I come in, please?’

‘Yes, of course.’ Maribel opened the door to admit her. ‘I was about to come down, Aunt.’

‘Something is troubling you, my love. Will you not tell me?’

Maribel hesitated. If she ignored this chance it might be too late. She took a deep breath and then inclined her head.

‘I must begin at the very beginning. I beg you will forgive me—I have not been entirely honest with you. When I first came here I did not know you and was afraid that you might turn me away. It is true that I am promised to Captain Devere, but we were not betrothed in the proper manner. My father wished me to marry a man I had never seen—a man called Lord William Roberts of Helbourne.’

‘Impossible! That wicked man…’ Lady Fildene’s face reflected her shock. ‘I have heard of him and the very idea offends me. How could your father suggest such a thing?’

‘He hated me, as I believe he once hated my mother. I begged to be allowed to wait and perhaps choose a husband for myself, but he would not listen. Lord Roberts sent his cousin to fetch me and I was forced to go with him, but then…I met Captain Devere. We fell in love and he asked me to wed him.’

‘How did you meet Captain Devere?’ Her aunt’s eyes were on her face. ‘I have felt there is some mystery, Maribel…something you did not wish to tell me? Will you not be honest with me so that I may protect you from those that would harm you or take advantage of your innocence?’

‘Justin attacked the ship and forced Captain Hynes to give me up to him. At first I believe he had some thought of a ransom, but then—’ She broke off as she saw her aunt’s face. ‘No, it is not like that, Aunt. He truly loves me and I him. Justin would never harm me.’

‘Is Captain Devere a privateer?’ Lady Fildene frowned, clearly doubtful. ‘What is his business? I thought it strange that he should leave you here and go off on some secret mission.’

‘It is not secret. He has gone to seek an audience with the Queen…’ Maribel’s eyes filled with tears. ‘Please do not judge him or me, Aunt. I was treated ill by my father and by Captain Hynes. He tried to—to seduce me while I was on his ship. He said he had my father’s permission to do as he would with me. If Justin had not attacked the ship, I might be dead, for I would have taken my life rather than live as his thing.’

‘My poor, poor child,’ her aunt said and held out her arms. ‘I am not certain how your uncle will feel about a marriage between you and Captain Devere, for he would frown upon such a trade. Pirates and privateers are the scourge of the seas and cost many an honest merchant a great deal of money. However, you are not to be judged or chastised for you had no choice in all this, my love. Do not fear this man. You shall not be given up to him. My husband will listen to a business proposition if he makes it, but nothing will affect you. I give you my word. You shall not be forced to leave this house against your will.’

‘And Justin?’ Maribel looked at her uncertainly. She half-wished that she had not told her aunt anything. ‘I love him so very much.’

‘If that gentleman returns, he will explain himself to your uncle and me,’ Lady Fildene said, looking grim. ‘If we are satisfied the wedding will go ahead, but he must be prepared to tell us everything.’

Maribel was silent. Her aunt was asking for no more than was due, for she had taken her into her home and treated her kindly, but if she and her husband sought to deny the marriage, Maribel would defy them and run away with the man she loved. She had obeyed her father as a dutiful daughter ought, but never again would she go against the dictates of her heart. She belonged with Justin and she would sail with him to the ends of the earth. Let him only return to her and she would not ask for anything more. Riches and fine clothes meant nothing. Only in her bold pirate’s arms could she find happiness.