Lord Matlock called them up to his study the moment they returned. “Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner have departed for Hampshire. Two menwere seen at The Swan with Two Necks in the company of a young lady they claimed to be ill. The stable boy overheard them mention Southampton, so that is where they are headed.”
“Two men? Did the boy give a description?” asked Nick.
“No. He only said that they ‘talked funny.’”
It wasn’t much to go on, but it was enough when his suspicions already pointed to that she-devil. “I’m gonna kill her.”
CHAPTER 23
Elizabeth tried to recall a more entertaining—and delicious—dinner than the current one, but this one was simply too splendid to surpass. Not only was the food worthy of the finest table, but watching two equally strong-willed and determined individuals accustomed to having their way was most diverting.
Alexandra sliced her meat into tiny slices and looked at Fitzwilliam, clearly expecting praise. He glared daggers across the table at her. She made a face, then resumed ignoring him, very much like a younger sister who had tired of her strict brother.
Washing down her dainty bites with a gulp of wine, Alexandra said, “Did ye know that Boone was an ordained clergyman?” Her eyebrows furrowed. “Ordainments don’t expire, do they?”
A priest turned pirate? Elizabeth imagined therewas quite a story behind Boone’s change of occupation, but the stormy look on Fitzwilliam’s face told her that now was not the time to ask.
“Do you really think I can court Elizabeth knowing that I am the reason she is here? Knowing how her family would be frantic with worry about her welfare?”
Alexandra rubbed her finger against the base of her wine glass. “That must be nice.”
“To cause her family concern?” Fitzwilliam scoffed.
Her gaze shot up to his. “To have people in yer life who concern themselves over yer welfare.” She looked down at her plate and shrugged as though her thoughts had not taken a melancholy turn. “I imagine it’d be nice. That’s all I meant.”
While Elizabeth could never condone Alexandra’s behavior—two kidnappings!—she began to understand how such a person might justify her actions. Elizabeth imagined what it would be like not to have her loved ones in her life. The loneliness the thought alone provoked was enough to steal Elizabeth’s breath. She may never see eye to eye with Alexandra, but she could sympathize with her. “Do you not have any family aside from your brothers?”
A cold, empty laugh escaped Alexandra. “They’ll not wish to claim me after what I did.” She rubbed her finger against the edge of her knife.
Fitzwilliam opened his mouth, but Elizabeth shook her head at him. He would demand that Alexandra take them to shore, but Elizabeth sensedthat Alexandra would only bristle under his command. She was a woman accustomed to being in charge, and if Elizabeth’s suspicions were correct, Alexandra could be led to draw the correct conclusion on her own if they managed their conversation intelligently.
He pursed his lips, the muscles on the side of his jaw flinching as he seemed to grind his teeth … and it struck Elizabeth that even though he was unaccustomed to yield to anyone, he was willing to yield to her. She felt the distinction of his deference as fully as she had felt the strength of his protection earlier.
Softly, staring at the dent the knife made in her skin, Alexandra murmured, “I can’t go back. I made me choice.”
“You canalwaysreturn to your family,” Elizabeth said.
Alexandra chuckled. “Ye don’t know me brothers. They’d sooner blast me out of the water.”
“Surely not! You must have at least one champion you can turn to.”
“I only have Nick—or had, I mean.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “Having only sisters, I cannot imagine what it must have been like for you to be raised with brothers, and in your … profession. Your mother must have had her hands full with you. Was your father a seafaring man, too?”
Alexandra shrugged. “Never knew ‘em. Jean and Pierre raised me as best as theycould. Taught me everything I know. I was climbin’ riggin’ and tossin’ knives before I lost me first tooth.”
Again, Elizabeth engaged her imagination. Surrounded by the roughest men who roved the seas, it was no wonder Alexandra had no manners, no proper sense of right and wrong, and no regard for consequences. “Have you never known tenderness? Concern? Loyal friends who only want the best for you? Someone willing to share your burdens?”
Alexandra looked at her blankly. Scratching her head, she said, “Ye mean someone I trust to see me weak? I cried once in front of me brothers, and that’s a mistake I’ll never make again. Men won’t back a weak captain.”
“There is more to emotion than simply crying. The ability to understand not only yourself but others gives you invaluable insight and power.”
“I have to be stronger than any man aboard me ship. If I don’t react quickly and decisively, they’ll think me inferior. Weak.”
Which explained to Elizabeth why she was presently aboard theFancy. Elizabeth chewed on her lip, pondering how best to use this information to benefit her and Fitzwilliam. Alexandra only thought of the moment. She was constantly under scrutiny and, therefore, always had a great deal to prove. That was a lot of pressure to live under every day. “But I thought you were the captain of this vessel?”
Alexandra puffed her chest and lifted her chinproudly. “I’ve been voted captain for the last five years now.”
