Anne Herries by Marrying Captain Jack

Author:Marrying Captain Jack [Jack, Marrying Captain]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

‘Amelia, my dear one,’ Jack said and kissed his sister’s cheek as he welcomed her to his house. ‘I am so glad you came. I was afraid you might withdraw at the last moment.’

‘You know why I do not visit you here,’ Amelia told him. She was an elegant woman, tall and slender with a face that was attractive rather than pretty. Sometimes she could look beautiful, but she dressed soberly and did not smile as often as she might. In reflection, her eyes could often look sad, but at that moment they reflected uncertainty rather than sadness. ‘However, I could not resist the chance to meet Miss Lucy Horne. I had almost given up hope of your ever marrying, Jack.’

‘My work did not allow for such things, and then there was David…’ Jack looked at her, witnessing the flash of swiftly hidden pain in her eyes. ‘He may rest in peace now, Amelia. His death has been avenged. Collingwood will rot in prison for the rest of his days if they do not hang him. And you have the ring.’ His meeting with George Garrick had brought up something far more important and perhaps dangerous, but Jack was not yet certain enough of his facts to mention something that must have distressed her.

‘Yes, I have it,’ Amelia said, the shine of unshed tears in her eyes. ‘I have told you before that I do not wish to discuss this, Jack. I have come here because you wished me to meet Miss Horne, which I am delighted to do—but do not expect more. My mind has not altered about that other business.’

‘I think you punish yourself too much,’ Jack told her. ‘But we shall say no more, my dear sister. I have never wished to cause you pain.’

‘No…’ Amelia smiled at him with affection. ‘You have been the best of brothers, done more than anyone could ever ask or expect. I can never thank you enough, Jack.’

‘I want no thanks,’ he told her. ‘I would see you happy, Amelia.’

‘I am happy enough,’ she lied, glancing away from his eyes, which saw too much. ‘I have my little David and I am content with that—I must be content, for there is nothing more for me in this life.’

Jack’s heart ached for her. ‘Oh, Amelia. If only you would speak to Staunton. He might release you if you are so wretched.’

‘You do not know him, Jack.’ Amelia’s eyes sparkled with the tears she was too proud to shed, except when alone in her room. ‘He enjoys having power over others—and his wife in particular.’

‘If he hurts you…’

Amelia shook her head, knowing that she must lie to him. ‘No, Jack. His punishments are subtler these days, I assure you. I could never justify leaving him in the eyes of the law—besides, he would take David from me, and I can bear anything but that.’

Jack nodded, his mouth firming into a grim line. He was well aware that Staunton would be within his rights to remove the boy from Amelia’s care if she left him.

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