“Today the reply came from the judge. Before I tell you what he said, I’d like to ask you some questions. During the ceremony itself, how many people were present?”
“The captain who performed the ceremony, the first mate who was your stand-in, and the doctor who acted as a witness. Three.”
“What about the second witness? There was another signature besides the doctor’s for a witness.”
“There were only the four of us in the room.”
Clay nodded. No doubt, the name was forged or added later. It was another in a long list of illegalities about this marriage.
He continued. “And this man, Frank, who threatened you. Did he do it in front of the doctor?”
Nicole wondered how he knew the first mate’s name and that he was the one who had threatened her. “Yes, it all happened inside the captain’s cabin in a matter of minutes.”
Clay rose and walked across the room, taking the seat opposite her. He still wore his work clothes, heavy dark trousers, tall boots, a white linen shirt open at the throat. When he’d stretched his long legs out toward her, he spoke. “I was afraid you’d say that.” Holding the glass of sherry up to the light, turning it in his hand, his eyes came back to hers, flickering briefly over the low neckline where her firm breasts rose above the blue silk.
Nicole reminded herself not to act like a child and cover herself with her hand.
“The judge sent me a book on English marriage laws, which I’m afraid hold true in America also. There are several grounds for annulment, such as insanity or failure to be able to bear children. I assume you are healthy in mind as well as body?” Again his eyes flickered.
Nicole smiled slightly. “I believe so.”
“Then the only other reason that would suffice is to prove that you were forced into the marriage.” He wouldn’t let Nicole interrupt. “The key word is prove. We must produce a witness to the marriage who can testify that you were forced.”
“My word isn’t good enough? Or yours? Surely the fact that I am not Bianca Maleson would carry some weight.”
“If you had used Bianca’s name instead of your own, then that would be grounds. But I have seen the marriage certificate and it is in the name of Nicole Courtalain. Is that true?”
She thought of her moment of defiance in the captain’s cabin. “What about the doctor? He was kind to me. Couldn’t he be a witness?”
“I hope he can. The problem is that he is already on a ship back to England, on the frigate that was being loaded when your packet arrived. I’ve sent a man to England after him, but it will take months, at the least. Until there is a witness, the courts will not annul the marriage. They call it ‘putting the marriage aside lightly.’ ” He finished the last of the sherry and set the glass on the edge of the desk, and as he’d said all he wanted, he was silent, watching her.
Bending her head, she studied her hands. “So, you are locked into this marriage for some time to come.”
“We are locked into it. Janie told me how you wanted to become partners in a dress shop, how you worked nights to save the money. I know an apology is little to offer, but I can only ask you to accept it.”
She
stood, her hand on the back of the chair. “Of course I accept it. But I would like to ask something of you.” Looking at him, she saw his eyes were shaded, guarded.
“Anything.”
“Since I’m going to be in America for some time, I will need employment. I know no one here. Could you help me find a job? I am educated, I speak four languages, and I believe I would make an acceptable governess.”
Clay stood suddenly and walked away from her. “Out of the question,” he said flatly. “No matter what the circumstances of the marriage, legally you are my wife, and I will not allow you to hire out like an indentured servant to wipe snotty noses. No! You will remain here until the doctor can be located. After that, we will talk of future plans.”
Astonishment registered in her voice and looks. “Are you trying to plan my life for me?”
There was a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I assume I am, since you are in my care.”
She held her chin up. “It is not by choice that I am in your care. I would like for you to help me find employment. I have many bills to repay.”
“Bills? What do you want that isn’t here? I can send to Boston for anything imported.” Looking at her as she fingered the silk of the dress, he lifted a piece of paper from the desk. It was the letter she’d written him before she left the ship. “I believe you mean the clothes. I am sorry I accused you of theft.” Again he seemed amused about something. “The clothes are a gift to you. Accept them with my apologies.”
“But I cannot do that. They are worth a fortune.”
“And isn’t your time and inconvenience worth something? I’ve taken you from your home, transported you to a strange land, and behaved abominably toward you. I was very angry the first night I met you, and I’m afraid my temper overshadowed my reasoning. A few dresses are a small price to pay for the…hurt I’ve caused you. Besides, what the hell would I do with them anyway? They look a damned sight better on you than hanging in some wardrobe.”
Smiling at him, her eyes twinkling, she gave him a full curtsy. “Merci beaucoup, M’sieur.”