Rogue Wave (The Rogue Wave Series Book 1), page 20
“You look gorgeous,” Lucas whispered in her ear, placing his hand on her lower back. Catherine’s stomach flipped. He came around her and bowed. “Lady Catherine, you are one of a kind.” He said, pulling her hand up to his lips.
She giggled and curtsied. “Thank you for the compliment, Captain Harding. I must say, you do not look so bad yourself.” She commented, boldly letting her eyes run up and down his body. She had never seen him with a vest on, let alone a coat. She was only used to seeing him in the thin white shirts.
Lucas chuckled, “How do you like your room?”
“It is wonderful. In fact, I wanted to thank you, I am enjoying the shelf of books. Louise told me; you had suggested it.” She whispered.
“I am glad. I wanted you to feel comfortable here. I know we will only be staying a couple nights but I thought it might give you an escape from all the excitement.” He explained.
“So the rumors are true. Captain Harding is back in France, and not alone.” A woman walked up beside Lucas, looking Catherine up and down, her lips pursed. She was about the same height as Catherine, though perhaps a few years older. Her features delicate, her hair pinned up in the typical fashion with one long curl hanging over her shoulder, her dress dipping just a bit too low.
The look of surprise on Lucas’s face told Catherine he had not expected to see the woman standing next to him.
“Lady Camille,” he replied, cringing. He had all but forgotten about the woman from years ago. “Let me introduce to you, Lady Treadfast.” He said, giving a quick bow and gesturing to Catherine. He looked from Catherine to Camille and back to Catherine.
There was a time he had found Camille to be a rather attractive woman, and he supposed, in her own way she still was, but his thoughts were on Catherine. She was completely different then Camille or any of the other Ladies he had ever met. He watched the woman who had effectively become a valued part of his crew and was quickly becoming just as valuable in his life. The new gown she wore fit her body perfectly, outlining almost every curve. He admired the confidence that emanated from her. Even though she had been through numerous, trying events over the past months and now in a large, new city, meeting countless Lords and Ladies, she still did not waver.
“A pleasure,” Catherine nodded to her and curtseyed.
Lady Camille thinned her lips into a forced smile. “The pleasure is mine, I am sure.” She turned to Lucas, “Captain, you have not changed a bit, I see.” The look in her eyes made Lucas squirm. “When I heard you were here, I had to come. It has been far too long since you were here last.” Lady Camille reached out, gently adjusting the seam on Lucas’s shirt that had been creased to perfection.
Lucas cleared his throat, “I see you have not changed a bit either.” The smile on his face, not quite meeting his eyes. Catherine’s chin sticking out a bit further then it had been a moment ago. He almost laughed but quickly composed himself.
A bell rang echoing elegantly through the room. “It must be time to go in.” Lucas said, relieved of the awkward situation. Since they had arrived at the Duke’s house, he felt like he had hardly had a moment alone with Catherine. He was also glad to be steering himself and her away from Lady Camille.
They walked into a room with a long table, it’s dark wood almost shining. Everyone found the seat that had been chosen for them by their hosts. Lucas realized Catherine was no longer standing next to him, in fact she was several seats down on the opposite side of the table.
“This is fortunate.” Lady Camille sidled up beside him and sat down next to him.
Lucas groaned and looked back over to Catherine who was now seated between two Lords Lucas did not recognize. He searched the table for Alaric. He had arrived at the Duke’s house shortly after they had. While Madame Choiseul was getting Catherine set up in her room, Alaric, Lucas, and the Duke spoke in his study. They quickly filled him in with all that had happened over the last several weeks.
“I have heard tell that Monsieur Dupont was possibly acquiring a sizable plantation in the West Indies for a very reasonable price. Though he has not said much about it nor does he seem particularly enthusiastic about it. From what I understand, the Governor there sent Dupont a letter. Apparently, they had met a couple years back while the Governor was here in France. I do not recall that I ever met him though it is possible that I have. Dupont had said that the Governor offered him this plantation at a reasonable price that he felt foolish to turn such an offer down.”
The Marquis walked over to his desk, placing his hands on it. “Monsieur Dupont is always sniffing out new ventures that might help him acquire even more wealth. I do not believe he even knows much about owning a plantation. I suspect that with enough money, and he certainly has enough, he could hire a good enough foreman to look after the place.”
“That is just it, the plantation has not produced enough crop the last few years to be lucrative. It will likely be another couple years and a lot of work to get it back to its former glory. It is one of the largest plantations in the Caribbean. If the Governor is telling Dupont he is giving him a very good price on it then I am willing to wager he has not told the Marquis about the plantations hardships.” Lucas said, running a hand through his hair. “The Governor is much like Dupont, he is wanting more money, but also wanting powerful friends who can help him keep his seat as Governor of the West Indies. If Dupont believes the Governor is practically giving him one of the largest plantations, then he will have yet another influential friend. He already has several British Lords on his side, now it seems he is wanting to expand his reaches to France,” Lucas concluded.
The Marquis waved his finger in the air, “Yes, yes. I believe you must be right. That is all very logical.” He replied, looking over to Alaric.
“Our friend the Governor would be gaining a powerful and rich friend while the Baron loses everything he has, save for one or two of his merchant ships.” Alaric said, looking at Lucas. “We were fortunate enough to meet the Baron several weeks ago. He is a good man and doing all he can to save his plantation. He said he is searching for someone he can trust that would be interested in being a partner for his plantation.” Alaric was still watching Lucas as he spoke, slowly shifting his gaze to the Duke.
“I would love to help the man if I could. Unfortunately I am not in a position to be taking on that task at present. As a diplomat I spend most my time away, discussing France’s military advantages, plans, and procedures.” He said sympathetically, pouring himself a glass of wine and offering them each one.
“No, that is understandable, we do not wish to inconvenience you.” Alaric responded, smiling at the Duke. “Let’s drink to old friends.” He said, raising his glass.
Lucas sat stiffly at the table, picking at his food. The meal was delicious, the company on the other hand was not so much. Alaric was enjoying himself though. France was proving to be a good way to distract Alaric from what happened to Benjamin. Once they set foot on the ship again and headed back to Barbados, Alaric would have a much harder time coping with the loss.
Alaric sat between two lovely young women, both completely enamored with him and his brave tales of the sea. Lucas chuckled and shook his head, Alaric certainly did not seem to mind the company at all. Across the table, Catherine sat, politely smiling, and making conversation with one of the Lords. Something the man said, made her laugh.
Lucas suddenly had a bitter taste in his mouth, remembering the Lord Anderson that Catherine said she was engaged to. Neither of them had spoken about the man since that night. However, that did not mean Lucas did not think of him every time he kissed, or wanted to kiss Catherine. He did not care for the idea of Lord Anderson marrying Catherine, but Lucas did not know what he could do about it, if there was anything at all he could do.
“Captain, you certainly do seem distracted this evening.” Lady Camille whispered in his ear.
Lucas sighed, “I apologize, Lady Camille. It has been a long voyage and my thoughts were elsewhere.” He replied, taking another bite of his meal.
“Yes, I can see that. Perhaps your mind is filled with thoughts of a particular English maiden.” Lady Camille said, nodding towards Catherine. “I believe the last time you were here; I was the one that occupied your thoughts.” She said, placing a hand on his arm.
“The last time I was here was some time ago.” He said, gently removing her hand. From the corner of his eyes, he saw her purse her lips. He could not help but wonder what exactly he had seen in her before.
“Lady Treadfast,” Camille said, loud enough to draw the attention of the rest of the room. Lucas grimaced and watched as Catherine’s face flushed pink. “What a peculiar name. I do not believe I have heard of such a name before. Pray tell, how did you and Captain Harding meet?” She asked, a look in her eyes that made it seem as though smiling was quite painful. Lucas felt his heart racing, for everything he had thought of, he had not considered coming up with the story of how they met. His mind raced trying to think of some idea that sounded reasonable and would not jeopardize her reputation.
“Captain Harding and my father met while the Captain was still in the Royal Navy. I only met him briefly then.” Catherine said confidently, taking a small sip of her wine.
“Oh, and how is it that you come to be in France with him, now?” Camille asked, tilting her head to the side.
“I was to meet a friend here. Unfortunately her and her husband were called away on an urgent family matter just before we arrived. My Father had asked Captain Harding to take my maid and I here since he had heard that the Captain was coming to France anyway. He had thought it would be safer if we travelled with the Captain since so many merchant and passenger ships have been set upon by pirates of late.” Catherine explained. She shrugged as if it had been common knowledge of how they met and why they were here together.
“That about sums it up.” Alaric spoke up, “We will be staying here for a night or two while Captain Harding and I finish up some business, then we will be returning Lady Treadfast back to her family and making our way to the West Indies.” Lucas raised his glass to Alaric in a silent thanks.
“What business is it that brings you all the way back to France?” Lord Cardwell asked.
“Business for the Governor of Barbados.” Lucas said, without elaborating.
They had all left the dining area and were now gathered in yet another room of the estate.
“Tell me, Captain. What is it like being a privateer? Is it quite dangerous? Do you have to often fight those vicious and unforgiving pirates Lady Treadfast spoke of earlier?” Madame Aline asked with a slight giggle and brazenly letting her eyes slowly roam over his form.
“I must say, it is not all as grand as that, Madame Aline. Being on a ship can be trying and one has very little conveniences on board.”
“But you enjoy it all the same, no?” She asked, her thick accent flittering in his ear. Her potent perfume was enough to make his eyes blur.
“Yes, I enjoy it a great deal. Monsieur Stein and I have been sailing for many years. We have indeed fought countless battles, though not all of them being pirates.” He replied, hoping that bringing Alaric into the conversation would give him an excuse to find Catherine and seek some fresh air.
“I am sure you must have many battle wounds to show from these challenges?” She said this as she touched his arm, squeezing it ever so slightly.
“Aye, we do.” He said, looking over at Alaric who was trying hard not laugh.
“Our Captain here has a pretty fresh one too. A sword sliced across his ribs; he is lucky to be alive.” Alaric’s choked on his wine at Lucas’s scowl.
“Aye, I do, but as I recall you too were injured in that battle. On the arm, was it not? You are lucky you did not lose it.” Lucas grinning at his own rebuke as Madame Aline instantly switched her sympathy and flirtations over to Alaric.
“And both our wounds were mended and tended to by the lovely Lady Treadfast.” Alaric responded, the corner of his lip turning up into a challenging smile as he eyed at his friend.
“Lady Treadfast, she mended your wounds?” She asked curiously, looking from Lucas to Alaric.
“That is correct, Madame. During our voyage we met with a few injuries. It is not uncommon, so we were well prepared and have a very skilled surgeon on board The Trinity. Lady Treadfast was a quick study and became a valued assistant to our surgeon on my ship.” Lucas said, making it clear that he thought very highly of Catherine and her newly found skills.
“Ah, Lady Treadfast, perhaps you have something to say on the matter. Did you not mind tending to the wounds of the Captain and his crew?” Madame Aline asked, fascinated.
“I did not, in fact I came to enjoy it and find a real purpose in helping them.” She assured Madame Aline and the people that were beginning to gather around them. Catherine stood between Alaric and Lucas. She looked up at Lucas who could not take his eyes from her. She continued to impress him. He resisted the urge to put his hand on her back, knowing that they were already causing quite the stir.
“You may be far more knowledgeable in areas that other Ladies are not. However, I believe you are still far too naive to the ways men. Despite the amount of time you have spent with them of late.” Lady Camille said, eyeing Catherine.
The room around them seemed to fall silent at the sharp response.
“That may be so, Lady Camille, but a Lady can be too familiar with the ways of men. Do you not agree?” Louise spoke up, stepping forward through the crowd of people.
After the crowd of dinner guests, dispersed the party seemed to move very quickly. Lucas stayed as near to Catherine as he could, not wanting Lady Camille to have another chance to humiliate her.
They retired for the night to their chambers. Lucas led Catherine to hers, reluctant to let her out of his sight. “Get some rest. In the morning I will show you a little more of France, then we will be going to another dinner party, though this one is a bit more important. Monsieur Dupont will be there.” He held Catherine’s arm as they reached the door to her chamber.
“I enjoyed myself tonight and you are right, the Duke and his wife are wonderful friends.” She shifted her gaze to the ground, “I am nervous for the dinner party tomorrow evening. I hope that the Marquis listens to you and he decides against the plantation.”
“I have no doubt he will. When Alaric and I spoke to the Duke today, he seemed confident that we should not have a problem with persuading Monsieur Dupont.” Lucas said, placing his hand gently under her chin. He bent his head down slowly and softly touched his lips to hers. “You were magnificent this evening.” He whispered against her lips. “Good night, Catherine.” He walked down the long hall to his awaiting chamber.
That next morning they awoke and headed down to the dining area where trays of fruits, breads, cheeses and meat were laid out on a long table that sat against the wall. They ate and headed out into the courtyard where their carriage awaited. The Duke had a pressing matter of state he had to attend to and Louise had plans for tea later with a few of the other Ladies.
“I am going to take Catherine to see more of the city and to check on the men that are still on board the ship. Would you care to join us?” Lucas asked, helping Catherine into the carriage.
“No, thank you, you go on. I will meet you back here this afternoon to ready for the evening.” Alaric closed the door for them and signaled for the driver to be on his way.
Lucas and Catherine arrived at the docks after spending the day exploring the city and stopping to have a meal at one of the taverns. “Ol’ Shorty, how is everyone holding up?” Lucas asked as they approached the plank that led up to The Trinity.
“Fine, fine, Capt’n. All yer patients are healing up nicely and are gettin’ back to work, Miss.” He grinned and saluted. “How did you enjoy yer first French dinner party, Lass?”
Catherine was happy to see the old sailor again. “It was quite entertaining, I must say and I am pleased to hear the men are getting back on their feet.”
“Captain Harding, is that you?” A boisterous voice asked from behind them.
Lucas turned to see who was speaking, his heart leapt into his throat when he saw the man standing a few feet away from him.
The man came walking over to them, “It is grand to see you looking so well, I was worried when we saw the storm behind us. We guessed you and your crew must have gotten caught up in it.”
Lucas tried to find his voice again. Catherine was busy talking to Ol’ Shorty still and had not noticed. “Lord Benedict, it is good to see you again. Yes, we did indeed get caught in the storm, it was, uh, one of the worst I have experienced.” He stammered, still trying to figure out how the Baron came to be standing in front of him. Lucas caught movement out of the corner of his eye. Judging by the gasp he heard behind him, he guessed she had now noticed her father. Lucas cringed as the Baron’s face turned alarmingly pale as he took in the sight of his daughter.
“Father?” Catherine choked. “Father, I..” She ran to him and wrapped her arms around his neck, emotions swarming through her. “Oh, I have missed you.” She pulled away from him and glanced back at Lucas and Ol’ Shorty who was still standing on the plank near the ship with his mouth hanging open in surprise.
Lucas walked up next to Catherine. “Perhaps we should go on board The Trinity. I am sure you have many questions, Lord Benedict.” Lucas guided Catherine and her father onto the ship and into his cabin.
Lucas and her father sat at the Captain’s desk, she preferred to stand. She walked over to the small window and thought of all the times that she had stood at that very window and watched the ocean’s waves roll. Inhaling, she needed to collect her thoughts. She was not ready to say good-bye and feared that her father would insist on her traveling back with him as soon as can be.
