Читать книгу Loves' Conqueror - Renee Hand - Страница 8

“I must protest, Locand. You can’t keep her locked in your quarters like this. I know she deserves it, but it’s not decent.” It was night now, and Davy was alone with Locand discussing the treatment of Miranda. Earlier he had seen the crazy look in Locand’s eyes and knew he was angry with her. Knowing that it was not his ship, Davy knew that there was little he could do to stop him if he were to confront Miranda about her behavior. She had done what she wanted without discussing it with the captain first, as if she had full reign of the ship instead of him. Davy had to respect the captain’s rules aboard his ship, if he wanted to or not, and so did Miranda. All day he had waited for the right moment to bring up the topic, but the captain was never alone and he didn’t choose to make himself available until now. The night was calm, and the crew was talking quietly amongst themselves, some taking turns on deck while others slept.

Locand knew Davy wanted to speak with him, so he motioned for him to follow him into the galley where there was an empty table and a door they could close for privacy. Earlier it had been filled with food, but now it just had a bowl of apples in the center. The cook was now sleeping in his bed.

“She disrespected me, Davy. You know she did. Locking her into my cabin was the least I could do. I could flog her for the way she spoke to me earlier, or lock her in a cell. I could have given her twenty lashes for striking me alone. You know that I am well within my rights to do so.” Locand sat down at the table, his hands folded together on top of it.

“I agree with you on that point, Miranda did disrespect you. She knows better than to behave the way she did. This being your ship, she should have consulted you about the ginger instead of doing what she pleased. Her words to you in your cabin—well—I can’t defend those, though I am sure she was prodded.” Locand glared at Davy, his eyebrows raising. “I don’t disagree with you; she deserves the punishment you have given her by staying below deck until she feels contrite. But Lord Hammil will not like it if you keep Miranda in your cabin while you stay in there. It is inappropriate for her and will bring you trouble with Lord Hammil.” Davy pushed the point, but knew that Locand was right. “Why don’t you lock her into my cabin, I—?”

“No!” spoke Locand firmly. “It would not feel like punishment if she were to have you to save her.” Davy pursed his lips together in disapproval. “Besides, I explained to you already what we had discussed when I came on deck earlier and you had approached me. I told her that I would be staying in the cabin with her, but it was only to shut her up. I don’t desire her. I won’t cross that line, you have my word. I will be sleeping somewhere else for the week. Lord Hammil will not press the issue, for he will most likely still be ill. If he does I will then explain to him what I have just explained to you, though I really shouldn’t have to.” Locand stood up from the table and moved to stand in front of Davy. Frustration showing in every movement he made.

“We have been friends for a long time, Davy. Why you didn’t want me to act like I knew you earlier is beyond me, but I am sure that you have your reasons for doing so. I take it that Lord Hammil doesn’t know of us being mates?” Davy shook his head; his eyes firmly upon Locand.

“He mustn’t know, either. Your father and Stratton Mayne were good friends, and they sailed together often. He still mourns him and is thankful that you weren’t caught in the blasting of his ship.” Davy shook his head as he remembered what had happened. “You were so young when that happened, a child striving to become a man, and yet your father was so proud of you.” Locand smiled slightly, his eyes becoming sad upon hearing Davy speak of his father.

“I remember it as if it were yesterday, Davy. Father was determined to overtake a frigate that was coming from Africa. He wanted to steal the slaves it contained so we could sell them over in the Americas. I protested against it, but he didn’t care. He just kept telling me that it would be our biggest treasure yet and that we could retire and live off the money we would receive. He was a fool to think that only two ships could overtake it. One was ours; the other was Stratton’s. Unbeknownst to us, the frigate was heavily armed, and though we had fast ships loaded with guns and were able to wound the frigate, we couldn’t take the slaves and sadly, most of them drowned. They fired upon us and blew up our ship. I jumped overboard to escape it, but my father didn’t make it, and was blown into a thousand pieces, sinking to the bottom of the sea with all of his sins.” Locand ran his fingers through his hair at the memories he was recalling in his mind.

“Stratton saved me and took me in for a few months after that until I was ready to move on with my life. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I would be right now. It feels like it was only yesterday, and yet it has been many years since my father died.” Davy stared at Locand, his eyes roaming over his appearance. For a man who was strong and commanding, Davy remembered a boy whose heart was broken over his father’s death. His black hair was shorter then, and he did not have as much muscle or well defined tone as he did now. He had grown much over the years and was now a well thought of man, a great man whom many people admired. Though Locand was hard on the outside, like a captain had to be, his insides were still that impressionable little boy Davy remembered.

“There are times when I reminisce about those days. Every once in awhile I find myself aboard his ship again, with his young daughter taking care of all the men. I think she was twelve when all of this happened. She was a pretty girl with a kind heart. I remember the crew looking upon her as if she were an angel, and they obeyed her every command without question. She cooked sometimes for them and made conversation with them all, including me. She was kind to me, well, to us and though she never spent much time with me during my brief stay, she showed me much sympathy. Her heart went out to me and she tried to heal the pain I was feeling after the loss of my father. She never realized that it was a pain she could not heal. I remember how much Stratton loved her, how we all sort of loved her. I wish I could remember her name. Do you know where she is now?” Davy smiled at Locand, realizing that he didn’t know who Miranda really was.

“With Stratton’s reputation preceding him everywhere he goes, she is kept safe from harm and tries to live a normal life away from all this.”

“I understand completely and can empathize. I was merely curious. I didn’t mean to pry.” Davy shook his head and changed the topic smoothly.

“I remember those days as well, Locand. You have grown into a fine man, your father would be proud of you for what you have accomplished.” Locand snorted loudly.

“I don’t know if that is a compliment or an insult, Davy.” Davy narrowed his eyes as he stared at Locand.

“Your father loved you, boy.”

“My father was selfish, Davy. He thought of no one but himself and what he wanted. He cared not for my mother or anyone else who should have meant more to him than some booty from a ship.” Locand again snorted as he shook his head. “The man was a pig.” Davy could see the pain in Locand’s eyes and reached out and grabbed him into a hearty hug, catching him by surprise. Locand wasn’t sure how to react at first, but then he returned the gesture. Slapping Davy’s back as they parted from the embrace.

“Don’t let any of my men see you do that to me,” Locand sputtered as he smiled and pushed him away.

“Of course not, Captain. I rarely show such emotion to other people. I only feel the need when I see men who are young and of twenty-eight years of age whose hearts are filled with so much pain.” Davy winked at Locand as he laughed aloud, though he knew it was the truth. “Now Locand, let’s talk about Miranda.”

“How did you get involved with her anyway?” Davy was taken off guard, not quite sure how to answer the question.

“It’s a long story to be told, too long to go into it right now, but I am her guardian and protector regardless.”

“Look, Davy, this woman may be in your care, but she’s becoming a pain in my backside. I can’t let her behave the way she did and have it go unpunished. I have killed men for less than what she has done. As the captain of this ship, I need to show the men that no one can behave inappropriately and get away with it. She needs to learn a lesson. I will not hurt or harm her, but she has to know who is captain of this vessel. Right now she thinks she is—that sassy bit of goods.” Locand spurted out his last words with frustration.

“I agree and will not interfere with your command. You are, in a way, saving her from your crew by keeping her safe. She will eventually understand. I will talk to her about her behavior. She does know better, believe it or not, though she is too stubborn to admit it.” Davy shook his head, his disapproval of Miranda’s behavior evident. Locand raised his arm to touch Davy’s shoulder.

“How is our Captain Mayne? I have not spoken to him in months—surprisingly. The last time we were together we were arguing, and we had gotten into a fight. We usually do at least once when we are together for our opinions often clash, but soon all was forgiven. I miss sailing with him. The last time we sailed together I had joined him in the raiding of a ship. Its plunder was small, though the ship was massive. Afterward, we sailed to Tortuga and drank for days until the women had their way with us and our bellies were full and content. That was over a year or so ago. I miss those carefree days when there were no governors or laws on the islands that brought us so much pleasure.” Locand turned around and walked around the room, his back facing Davy.

“Now, one of our most reliable sources for supplies and sailors is governed by someone who wishes to stop the piracy that used to go on there. Just wait, Davy, soon Tortuga will be next, then New Providence. Pirates will have no more places to go or to run. That is why we have to change our destinies now.” Davy cocked his head to the side, unsure of what Locand meant by his words.

“Why must you change your destiny, my friend? You seem to be living a respectable life running errands for the queen. I am sure she pays you well to serve her.” Locand placed his hands behind his back, his muscular chest pushing forward. He turned around to face Davy, a crooked grin upon his face.

“The benefits can be plentiful as long as I follow the rules. She has finally given to me what I have requested of her, a letter of marque. Now I can fight in the name of queen and country. Though if captured, it may not stop the old boot from killing me herself.”

“Do you know of our business in Port Royal, Locand?” Locand walked back to the table and sat down into one of the chairs, not surprised by the slight change in topic.

“I know enough information to keep me alive. The only thing I am curious about is who they are after in Port Royal. Lord Hammil has not revealed the name to me, though I am sure he will eventually tell me more about our mission when the time is right. My concern is that our plans have been changing before my eyes. I don’t like it. I feel there is a lot of secrecy about. Do you know what’s going on?” Before Davy could answer the question, Stevens opened the door and burst into the room.

“Cap’n! Lord Hammil is requesting a word with you in private. He is causing much commotion and the men are displeased for being interrupted from their beds.” Stevens’ tone changed mockingly. “The man has only just realized that his amiable fiancée is being punished in your cabin. He says that he is in dire need of her assistance. I bet I know for what.” Locand and Davy both glared at Stevens, who suddenly closed his eyes and realized the words he had let slip out. After several seconds had passed, Locand turned to Davy, giving him a roguish smile. “He must not be as ill as I thought. To be continued at another time.” He then rose from his chair and followed Stevens. Davy followed them to the deck, his eyes falling upon the bright glow of the moon shining above them, illuminating their way. His thoughts were deep into the discussion between him and Locand. It was interesting to Davy, that Locand didn’t know they were after Stratton Mayne. He needed to keep that information to himself for the moment. The most important thing was that he had an ally to help him when the time was right.

The week had passed slowly for Miranda. The cook would bring in her meals as ordered by Locand, but he never said a word to her, not even when she started the conversation. He merely dropped off the food and left the room. To her surprise and yet pleasure, Locand never returned to his cabin to talk to her or anything else. He kept his distance from her, which Miranda was grateful for. She couldn’t stand the man after the way he had treated her. However, after having plenty of time to think about her behavior, and the disrespectful way she had spoken to the captain, she did feel remorseful. She had no right to act the way she did toward him, though he had angered her.

After Locand had locked her into his cabin, she had surveyed her surroundings. There was a table with several maps laying upon it, and a desk with a chair in the room. There was a large bed that took up a good portion of the space covered with heavy blankets and clean white sheets. The pillows were soft and yearned to be used. The first night Miranda refused to sleep underneath the sheets of the bed, but as the night became colder, she gave in and snuggled herself underneath their warmth. Her trunk was brought in and by the end of the week, she had laid her belongings all around Locand’s cabin. Her books now replaced the books that were sitting on the desk, and her trunk was now at the end of the bed instead of Locand’s. Some of his belongings were tossed to the far side of the cabin to make room for Miranda’s.

She had figured that if she was to stay in the cabin, then it should be comfortable for her, not its captain. It wasn’t painful for her to stay below for the entire week--she was used to it from being on her father’s ship, but she did long to be on deck and feel the breeze upon her face. However, knowing that she could not go on deck, she had resolved herself to reading and writing. So every day she lay on her stomach upon the bed, with her thoughts consumed by the stories she read. A couple of times, out of sheer boredom, she walked around the cabin, looking into the desk and in Locand’s trunk. He had only clothes in his trunk, except for a few letters she found tucked between some materials on the bottom.

Miranda had refused to invade the captain’s privacy to the extent of reading his personal letters. She knew it would be wrong of her to do so. She did, however, try on some of his clothes. He had many white shirts and breeches, which were folded neatly in his trunk with a couple of different colored vests and a waistcoat for when he wished to look respectable. She started to unbutton her dress, which was light brown in color with a low neckline and thinning waist. The sleeves were past her elbow in length and the skirt was long enough to reach the floor. She brought only one corset with her and she refused to wear it underneath any of her dresses while she was at sea and aboard a ship. In fact, she refused to wear petticoats, too, and her dresses were simple, light and comfortable.

As Miranda removed her dress, letting it fall to the floor in a pile at her feet, she quickly grabbed one of Locand’s shirts and held it in her hand. The fabric was soft and thin. She had felt nothing like it before in her life. She brought the shirt to rub against her face and then down her arm. Wanting to know what the material would feel like on her bare skin she removed her underclothes and slipped on the shirt. The shirt was large on her and baggy, yet the length of the arms almost fit her perfectly as well as the length of the shirt. It was long enough to cover just past her buttocks.

Miranda grabbed the collar and rubbed it against her cheeks as she pranced around the room spinning and dancing as she went. She stopped in front of the door to finish buttoning the shirt when she heard the door unlock. Panic filled her as she stood frozen to the ground not able to move.

As Locand opened the door, the sight before him made him speechless. He was so surprised, in fact, that he almost stopped breathing. After several days of Lord Hammil’s pestering to let him see Miranda, Locand finally gave in, but only when the week was up. Now Lord Hammil was standing behind him, his hand fixing his hair so his appearance would be perfect for when he saw her, but Locand was not expecting a half-naked woman in his cabin staring back at him when he opened the door.

His eyes quickly perused her appearance before Lord Hammil could see her. Locand could tell she was wearing one of his shirts; it hung low enough to cover her upper thighs but exposed everything else. Her legs seemed pale and soft, but as his eyes rose to her chest he could tell that she hadn’t quite finished the task of buttoning it. Four buttons were yet to be fastened and the open shirt exposed a healthy portion of her youthful breasts, her nipples covered by the shirt. Locand saw the surprise in Miranda’s widened eyes and knew it mirrored his own.

Locand quickly closed the door and pressed his back against it, his eyes focusing now on Lord Hammil. “Is she in there, Captain? I am eager to see her.” Fortunately, Lord Hammil was too enthralled with his own appearance to notice Miranda’s. Locand exhaled a long breath, his mind pondering what to tell the man.

“I noticed that she was just waking from a nap. She looks quite disheveled and I am sure that she would like to look her best before she sees you. You know how women can be, always concerned about their appearance.” Lord Hammil nodded his head emphatically. “I will just go in and hurry her along a little bit, making sure that she has understood her punishment and will now behave appropriately.” Lord Hammil nodded his head in agreement.

“I agree with your course of punishment for her. You could have done worse things to her for her behavior. I appreciate your leniency on the matter. She has never been on a ship before, so she doesn’t know how to behave. I will see that she behaves more appropriately in the future. Women need to learn their place in this world. It is a shame that we have to be so cruel to them to make them see where that place is.” Locand briefly smiled at Lord Hammil as he spoke, his eyebrows furrowing as he heard Lord Hammil tell him of Miranda’s lack of sailing experience. By her behavior, Locand felt that Miranda had much experience on a ship; apparently, there were many things that Lord Hammil was blind too.

“Why don’t you go ahead on deck. You know how women get when they are excited to see the men they care for. I am sure she will need time to fix her appearance before she sees you, so don’t be concerned if she doesn’t come to you right away. When she is ready, I will escort her personally to your open arms.” Lord Hammil smiled brightly as he nodded his head.

“Yes, Captain, you’re right. Women do take too much time in their appearance. I will be eagerly waiting for her.” He then turned around and walked down the corridor to the stairs and climbed them. Locand did not move until Lord Hammil was out of sight. He then took a deep breath and opened the door again. This time Miranda was standing by the bed, her appearance not changing. Locand hastily walked over to Miranda and grabbed her roughly by the front of her shirt, closing the gaping hole that exposed her breasts. He brought her body just inches from his own.

“Cover yourself from my view, woman. Do you not care that I see you this way?” Miranda’s blond hair fell forward to lie around her shoulders framing her face. Her eyes fell upon him innocently as she licked her full lips, her mouth suddenly feeling dry. The urge to grab her and throw her on the bed to ravish her body was overpowering. Locand had to fight for control. Miranda saw Locand’s eyes change in color but she wasn’t sure why. He was so powerful and strong. The way he brought her close to him made her want to be held in his arms. Her hands brushed over the mounds of muscle on his biceps as she tried to regain her balance.

“Thank you!” were the only words she could get the nerve to muster. Locand looked at her strangely, not sure why she was thanking him. His gripped loosened upon her shirt as Miranda brought her hand up to take their place. He then took several steps away from her as she sat on the edge of his bed.

“Why do you thank me? If you knew my thoughts you would not look so inviting and thank me for being this close to you.” Miranda’s forehead wrinkled as she thought about his words. She finished buttoning the buttons on her shirt before returning her eyes back to Locand’s. She noticed he was watching her every move. Remembering her modesty, Miranda looked down to assess her appearance making sure that all of her body parts were covered from Locand’s view.

“I thank you for protecting me from Lord Hammil. I saw him standing behind you and thought he noticed my appearance. I would have had much to explain to him.” Miranda ran her fingers through her long hair. “You didn’t have to do that, you know?” Locand gazed into Miranda’s soft brown eyes and knew he did have to protect her. His tone changed as he turned around and faced the wall, his back now facing her.

“You need to change from my shirt back into your dress. I don’t think Lord Hammil would appreciate you wearing my clothing.”

“Are you not going to leave?” Miranda asked, her gaze focused on the middle of Locand’s back.

“No! I told Lord Hammil that I would escort you to the deck. He would get suspicious if I did not bring you.” Then he added, not being able to stop himself. “I must say, though, my shirt looks better on you than it ever could on me.” A roguish smile came upon his lips as he heard Miranda cluck her tongue at his remark and remove his shirt. To bed her would be easy, Locand thought, but he knew she belonged to another. He needed to keep his attention on what was important. Instantly, Locand felt angry with himself for his behavior and lack of control. He was about to move to the door when he heard Miranda ask him, “Can you please finish buttoning these buttons for me, I cannot reach them?”

Locand turned and looked at Miranda, surprised by her request. “I will get Davy for such matters. I have never been good with such delicate things.” Miranda moved to stand in front of him, her hair swept to one side.

“Please, Locand, this is the first time in a week that I have actually buttoned one of my dresses to the top. There are four buttons in the back that I cannot reach, see?” Miranda turned around so Locand could see her dilemma. With clumsy fingers Locand tried to put the buttons in the holes. It took several tries but he finally finished the task. He then grabbed Miranda’s hair and moved it to cover the buttons on the back of her dress. As he touched her soft, silky hair, he could smell Jasmine permeate the air. The aroma was so intoxicating it took all of Locand’s will to stop his arousal.

“Your scent could convince the most dangerous of men to do your bidding.” He raised his hand to stroke her hair, but quickly retracted it. His voice was husky as he spoke his words, but suddenly his tone changed when he said, “I am sure your Lord Hammil is pleased with you.” The anger in Locand’s voice surprised Miranda. She turned to gaze into his hazel green eyes, but he avoided her gaze by looking at the floor. “Miss Smyth, let’s not keep your Lord Hammil waiting, he is most persistent to check on your welfare.”

“No, Locand!” Miranda started to say, but Locand quickly turned on her, his hands on his hips.

“Have you not learned your lesson yet? And it is Captain Riveri if you don’t mind.” Miranda thought about which road she was to take. As her eyes looked deeply into Locand’s, she made her decision.

“I will do whatever you ask of me, Captain Riveri. Forgive my outburst, but I only wished to explain to you what I was doing wearing your shirt. I feel embarrassed and foolish for taking such liberties with your apparel.”

“I am sure that my shirt didn’t mind the intrusion. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. We can speak of it at a later time. Rest assured that I will hear your explanation, but from this point on please stay out of my things, unless you wish for me to go through yours?” Miranda quickly shook her head. “Good, because if I do, the fishes will be wearing that pretty blue dress of yours.” Miranda narrowed her eyes at Locand’s remark, but all he did was smile and nod, pleased that he got his point across. He then took Miranda’s arm and escorted her from the cabin to the deck in silence.

“My dear, you look beautiful. Have you been faring well?” Lord Hammil ran his fingers through his hair as Miranda and Locand approached. Concern was evident upon his features. The sky was overcast, the sun blocked from the clouds that permeated the sky. There was a slight chill to the air, and the breeze had picked up. Miranda let go of Locand’s arm and hurried to stand in front of Lord Hammil, her long hair whipping around her face.

“My concern is for you, Leonard, you look well. I am glad you have overcome your illness.”

“The ginger helped,” and without warning Lord Hammil raised his hand to caress Miranda’s cheek. He then moved his hand to the back of her neck and drew her close to him, softly capturing her lips. The kiss was gentle and brief. Miranda was surprised by the gesture, and yet disappointed for its shortness. She leaned toward him again wanting to taste more of his lips, but he pushed her away, chastising her for her behavior. Miranda felt she had done something wrong.

“Miranda, there are sailors watching us, we are not alone. Showing affection in front of these men is inappropriate. I only wished to show you my pleasure. You have pleased me with your concern. Now, if you care to join me in my cabin we could continue this further. I have missed the sight of you, but I hope that Captain Riveri’s punishment finally got through to you. I am not sure what you were thinking when you behaved so carelessly, but I hope you will be more agreeable for the rest of the journey.”

Miranda turned her head away from the sight of Lord Hammil and looked for Davy. She hadn’t spoken with him in the past week and knew it was upon Locand’s orders that he not interact with her. Now, however, she needed to speak with her most trusted friend. Her eyes fell upon him as he stood speaking with Locand at the helm. Though he was also a guest upon the ship, he chose to help with the duties and talk with the crew. It made him feel more at home and useful.

“I am afraid that I will not be joining you in your cabin for awhile, Leonard. I have not seen the sea since we left England and wish to take in its beauty. The breeze feels wonderful against my skin and I feel free. I’m sorry, but not even you can persuade me to go below again until I am ready.” Lord Hammil gazed at Miranda firmly and tried to convince her to come with him to his cabin, and even seized her arm to force her, but she stood her ground.

“You had your chance to partake in the offering of my lips moments ago. You declined, because you are so worried about propriety and what people will think. Well, I could care less.” Miranda was about to move away from Lord Hammil but his grip tightened upon her arm. The action stopped her retreat and her eyes flew instantly to his as she felt his fingers dig into her skin painfully.

“Watch your tongue, Miranda. I will not tolerate such disobedience. I have not seen you in a week’s time and would hope that you have missed the sight of me and would like to spend more personal time with me.” His eyes searched hers for any signs of change in her feelings for him.

“Of course I have missed the sight of you. I care for you, Leonard, but I will not live my life ashamed to show my future husband affection. It would be nice if you could show me more passion with your kisses, more feeling like your words often depict.” Lord Hammil gazed around the deck and noticed several pairs of eyes focusing upon them as they listened to their conversation. Miranda didn’t realize she had raised her voice until she saw the disgruntled look upon Lord Hammil’s countenance. In a low voice Lord Hammil said, “I am not a passionate man, Miranda, but you will get used to my touch and kisses, and learn to love them. I will make you happy.”

Miranda, her chest heaving slightly from her anger, could not help but to correct the man of his assumptions. “I am a passionate woman, Leonard, and have always been. I don’t want to get used to something that doesn’t satisfy my needs. I want to feel cherished and adored, as if I were the air you needed to breathe. I don’t want to be put on a pedestal for show as if I were some insignificant object that people should envy. I am not perfect,” shouted Miranda. “Your rules are driving me mad. I could never live up to your expectations for they are too high. I am afraid to make a mistake around you. I just want to be loved, Leonard, and loved ardently. Can you do that because, if so, my heart will be yours.”

“My, you’ve had much to think about, haven’t you?”

“Well, leave a woman with her thoughts for a week and this is what you get,” replied Miranda sharply. Lord Hammil didn’t realize the pressure he had put upon Miranda and felt contrite for doing so. His countenance changed to one of compassion but Miranda’s next words made him angry. “If you cannot give me the affection I need, then maybe you should find another bride while at Port Royal who will be able to satisfy your needs better, because I desire more than just some unsatisfactory emotion.” The insult was more than he could bear and he slapped Miranda across the cheek for her impertinence. The blow surprised her and brought tears to her eyes. Her hand immediately moved to her cheek, realizing she never should have spoken her true feelings, but knew that her words had to be said.

Locand saw what happened and was about to move forward but decided against it, wondering how it would have looked to his crew if he were to protect the girl from her betrothed. He then looked to his right where Davy had been and noticed that he was already moving toward Miranda to protect her. By the time he had reached her side she was backing up slowly away from Lord Hammil, her eyes throwing imaginary daggers at him.

“I am sorry that I had to do that Miranda, but it is for your own good. I understand what you are saying, and I will try harder to please you but you, in return, will try harder to please me, for I am very disappointed.” Tears streamed from Miranda’s eyes as she cursed herself silently for accepting Lord Hammil’s marriage proposal. Every day caused her to regret her decision more and more. “Davy, take her out of my sight, the sea clouds her judgment. Another week locked into your cabin Miranda, will be enough time for you to think about the words you have spoken to me. I have already apologized to you, by the end of the week I will expect your apology and your show of renewed adoration. Upon your behavior I will allow you to walk upon the deck as you wish, but I will be the only one to escort you.” He then waved his hand for Davy to remove her from his sight, and he turned around to face the dark blue sea.

Miranda was so full of anger that she lunged forward wanting to strike at Lord Hammil, but before she could, Davy caught her by the waist, turned her quickly around rushing her from the deck to the stairs before anyone noticed what she was about to do. Locand, however, heard every word she said and saw what she was about to do. A smile rose upon his lips as he thought of the beautiful girl that brought so much pain to herself. His smile immediately vanished, however, when Lord Hammil moved to his side to speak of Miranda’s punishment.

As soon as Miranda stepped down the corridor she started to run to Locand’s cabin. As she opened the door, she ran inside and fell upon the bed, tears falling full force from her eyes. When Davy reached the cabin, he walked in and closed the door, shaking his head as he moved to the bed and sat upon it.

“You bring your own pain, Miry. How could you insult him like that? Your words were tolerable until then. We are going to be spending many weeks in the same company with these men. You can’t behave this way and expect them to accept your disobedience. You will end up getting thrown into a cell or lashed, Miry. I could not bear to see that happen.” Davy reached out and caressed Miranda’s hair, but she raised her head and glared at him for his efforts.

“Why didn’t you stop him, Davy? Why did you let him hurt me?” Miranda broke into heavy sobs, then started hiccupping from lack of air. Gone was the firm look upon Davy’s features as he reached out and scooped Miranda into his arms, her head resting on his shoulder.

“If I knew you were going to be so rebellious, I would have stood by your side. I never would have thought you were going to act this way. You know better.”

“And with Captain Riveri, did you have no pull when talking with him? You could have—”

“No, Miry, you slapped and disrespected the captain of this vessel. No man of this crew would do such a thing. He could not allow you to get away with that unpunished. You deserved his punishment. Captain Riveri forbade me to see you. He said that you would expect me to save you from him, which of course you do. He will not bring you harm, Miry, but it is you who brings yourself pain. Lord Hammil felt embarrassed from your words and it would have shown him to be weak if he didn’t handle the situation well. You provoked his reaction.” Miranda raised her tear stained face toward Davy.

“So, am I the only one who is to blame?” Davy caressed her cheeks as he said, “No, but you forget that this is not your father’s ship. This crew is not his and they could care less for your well being. You must behave properly until it is time for you not to, but only I will let you know when that time is. Be smart, Miranda, you were never a fool. Whatever Lord Hammil said to provoke your words, forget them. He is the way he is, and we need him to get to your father, remember that. Follow his rules, and the captain’s, and you will be happier in the future.” Davy then held her head to his chest as he kissed it and comforted her. He could hear Miranda sighing against him as her sobs quieted.

Miranda knew that her behavior wasn’t going to be tolerated much longer. She had to change, at least for now. She resolved herself for another week below deck, and actually, the thought didn’t bother her. She was going to be happy to be alone for another week with no one to bother her or make demands. She would need that time to adjust her way of thinking, and the solace to collect her sanity. For one more week she would be able to act normally, without peoples’ false expectations of her. The thought brought a smile to her lips as she hugged Davy closer to her.