Chapter Five
August 18, 1817
Brand reveled in the relatively cool air of the summer morning, for all too soon the heat of the day would be upon them. Dawn was nearly awakened with a glimmer of fantastic pink and purple color just sitting at the horizon. It was one of his favorite times of the day. “Should be a nice day weather-wise,” he commented to John Butler, who’d accompanied him to the harbor.
“That it will. Perfect for a seduction.” His best friend’s look was sly as John glanced his way. “I heard you met Miss Hayhurst yesterday at the fair.”
“I did.” Damn his friends who sought to keep a monitor on his progress of getting Miss Hayhurst into bed. “However, I only spent perhaps a half hour in her company.”
“Whyever for? You can’t sweet talk a woman if you’re not with her.”
He snorted. “The key to any successful liaison is to give them enough to tantalize and make them want more so they’ll keep coming back.” Seduction was a relatively simple accomplishment… if the woman in question knew anything about the opposite sex. In this case, Elizabeth was completely naïve, and given her response to his kiss two days ago, she was inexperienced in more ways than one. “It’s my belief that Miss Hayhurst has been repressed in every manner a woman can be due to her upbringing and is now being manipulated by her brother.” Of course, he didn’t know that for certain, but it was fairly easy to discern.
And his chest tightened with indignation, for women were not put on this earth to be treated in such a manner.
A rumble came from John, a cross between a growl and a groan. “Not only do I not care for the clergyman, but I don’t trust him.”
“You and I agree on that.” Brand adjusted the strap of a knapsack more comfortably on his shoulder and then climbed onto the deck of the Charlotte. “He might prove a stumbling block in my path.” There was no way to predict what a religious zealot would do to keep his sister beneath his thumb. However, any opportunity to oppose the man was welcome.
“You’re well-equipped to take on the fight, I suspect.” John peeked over his shoulder. “Think she’ll come?”
That is the plan, only perhaps not today.He couldn’t keep from snickering. “There’s a fair chance.” If she didn’t, it would make his path to winning a fat purse more difficult, but not impossible. Though, she certainly presented a challenge, for she hadn’t fallen prey to the charm he’d already employed. Blushes aside, she hadn’t lost her stiff reserve.
It only meant he’d need to try that much harder.
From his vantage point on the deck of the sloop, he could see both ends of the harbor. One side connected with a road that wound through the more expensive part of town where the wealthy, titled, and celebrated members of society resided. Townhouses and grand homes dotted the distance sitting regally in rows along the shore like satisfied and pampered cats. The road on the other side of the harbor meandered through lower to middle class neighborhoods where fishermen made their lives as well as those of merchants and everyone else who were vital to the heart and soul of an economy on the water.
And who should have taken her first step onto the wharf’s decking just then? Elizabeth herself.
A pleased chuckle left Brand’s throat. She’s actually decided to meet me. Oh, yes, she was well on her way to being caught on his hook. Grudging admiration filled his chest for her daring at defying rules.
“I believe my quarry is here.” He gestured with his head in her direction. “I’ll check in with you fellows once I return. If all goes well today, first round’s on me tonight.”
“Awfully confident, aren’t you?”
“Of course. There’s no reason not to be.” He would win the wager and have the physical satisfaction of bedding Elizabeth.
“I won’t say no to your generosity.” John glanced in that direction then returned his attention to Brand. “Keep a weather eye open, Captain. I look forward to hearing your report.” As was his custom, he gave Brand a salute and then took his leave.
Let’s hope I have something worthwhile to say.He kept himself busy by checking rigging and sails. By the time he finished, she’d arrived, pausing before his vessel, taking everything in with wide eyes. As soon as he glanced her way, she flashed him a grin that had him staggering back a step with shock. In the golden morning light, she was almost… beautiful. If only she weren’t wearing a dreary, ill-fitting gray dress with a high bodice and long sleeves. At least she hadn’t worn the ugly bonnet. “Good morning, Elizabeth.”
“Good morning, Captain Storme, er, rather, Brand.”
The sound of his name upon her lips gave him pause. Many women had said that word over his lifetime, but something about the way she seemed to hold it on her tongue before releasing it into the air caught him by surprise. “Would you like to come aboard?” Such nonsense he thought of. Immediately, he dismissed the musings. She was naught but a mark.
“Oh, yes. Please.” She glanced over her shoulder. Apprehension lined her face. “Sooner rather than later.”
“Very well.” He offered her a hand, and when she put hers in his, Brand hauled her upward with enough force that she jostled against him, landing neatly into his loose embrace. When she uttered a tiny squeak, he grinned. “Are you worried?”
“About you?” she asked in a breathless voice as she peered at him, her palms firmly planted on his chest.
“Perhaps, but I meant do you think you were followed? You seem particularly concerned.”
Elizabeth pushed out of his hold and put a few feet of space between them. “I’m not certain my brother believed my excuse.”
“Which was what?”
“That I was heading out to minister and read to fisherman’s children.” A blush stained her cheeks and she glanced away. “I’m not that skilled in dissembling.”