Page 76 of Much Ado about a Widow

“With a ship that large, I doubt my staying in the cabin would matter much.” She pulled the pistol out of a pocket of the pea coat. “Besides, if I’m going to die, I’d rather do it by your side.”

“No one is going to die.” God he hoped he spoke the truth.

“They’re sending a boat over, Captain.” Chapman ran up, fear in his eyes.

“Steady, lad. We’ll see what they want.” Of course he knew quite well what or rather who they wanted. The question was who were “they”?

Silently, Rob, Georgie and the crew waited until the officer stood before them, the one who’d hailed them earlier.

“My lord, my lady.” The man bowed. “I am Mr. Worthington, first officer on board the Black Hart. With the captain’s compliments, my lord.” He handed Rob a sheet of paper, folded and sealed in black wax.

Georgie grabbed Rob’s arm and whispered, “That’s my father’s seal.”

“And now we know for certain who it is that wants you back.” Rob ripped the letter open and, holding it so Georgie could see it as well, read the spidery handwriting with growing anger.

Lord St. Just,

Captain McMorris on board my vessel the Black Hart has orders to fire upon your ship if you do not immediately relinquish Lady Georgina to him. She will be married to Lord Travers and no one else. Ignore me at your peril.

Blackham

Rob crushed the paper in a fist that shook. What kind of father would threaten his daughter’s very life in order to get his own way?

“Do not comply with this demand, Rob.” An insistent hand on his arm brought his focus back to Georgie’s determined face. “If he wants me brought back alive, he will not act on this order whatever we do.”

“I cannot take that chance, love, for your safety and that of my crew.” Covering her hand with his, he squeezed it, then let go. As long as Georgie was safe, there was hope they could find a way to make this right. “Mr. Worthington—”

“Mr. Worthington, these terms are unacceptable.” Georgie broke in, sending a glare of caution at Rob. “If my father wishes for my return, then I will return, but on this ship, not the Black Hart.”

Flustered, Mr. Worthington looked from Georgie to Rob, then back at her, apparently at a loss about whom to address. “But Lord St. Just—”

“You will address me, if you please, Mr. Worthington.” The green eyes flashed fire, and the first officer flinched.

“My lady, you cannot believe—”

“What I believe, sir, is that my father wishes my return, but will have no compunction, once I am on his ship, about opening fire on the Justine.” Georgie’s nose flared, and she clenched her fists. “Therefore, I will remain on this ship until we reach port. Tell Captain McMorris he can meet my terms or open fire. The choice is his.” With a dismissive nod of her head, Georgie strode away from the awestruck officer toward the bow.

Rob was more than a little awestruck himself. She’d been calling him pirate all along, and yet Lady Georgina had just issued an ultimatum, without blinking, that would have done Blackbeard proud. She should be addressed not as Mrs. Captain but rather as Lady Pirate. “You heard the lady,” he snapped at the dumbfounded Mr. Worthington. “Get back to your ship, and we’ll bring the Justine about and head for home.”

“Very good, my lord.” A short bow, and Worthington turned and all but ran for the side of the ship.

Chuckling, Rob headed for the bow to compliment his lady pirate. She stood staring ahead at the open water, tears trickling down her cheeks. “My love, what’s the matter? You were magnificent!” He caught her around the waist, lifted her, and spun her around.

“Oh, Rob, stop. Stop unless you wish me to cast up my accounts all over you.”

Laughing, he slowed his mad twirling, setting her down gently. “You are a worthy opponent, my lady pirate. I would not wish to tangle with you on the high seas.” He kissed her, letting his lips linger until hers stopped trembling. “In the bedroom, however, is another story.”

“But we will never get that chance again, Rob.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “My father will force me to marry Travers or resign me to the lunatics at Bedlam. He will never let us marry.”

“My love, I will promise you this.” Rob put his arms around her and drew her close to his chest. “I will move heaven and earth to have you as my wife. I will enlist the aid of every friend, relative, and acquaintance we have to prevent either of those things from happening.” Leaning back, he stared straight into her glistening eyes. “Trust me, love.”

She nodded and relaxed in his arms.

As Rob stared out over her head at the brightening day, his one solace was the knowledge that whatever power Lord Blackham wielded, there was one thing even he could not accomplish. He could not marry his daughter to a dead man. They should arrive back at St. Just at first light tomorrow. So there remained perhaps a day for Rob to come up with a plan to turn Blackham’s black heart to their favor before Rob would have to go about the business of killing Lord Travers and consigning the blackguard to be company for Gentleman John.

After all these years, John deserved better.

Chapter Twenty-Five