Rogue's Hostage by Linda McLaughlin

Author:Linda McLaughlin
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: pittsburgh history, adventure and romance, pennsylvania history, canada history journals, colonial america, america 1700s, rt top pick, captive romance, quebec, french indian war

“Oh, yes, everything except my freedom and my good name.” All she had left was her self-respect, and she’d nearly lost that at Fort Duquesne. Had Jacques not held to his honor that night, she’d have lost everything. For that, she was grateful to him.

“When I have something useful to do, as I did at Fort Duquesne, I can forget my situation, my captivity, at least for a while. Is that so much to ask?”

He held up a hand. “Very well, you may work off your captivity.”

She stared at him. Was this another trick? “Don’t tease me. Not if you don’t meant it.”

He winced. “You do not trust me at all, do you? Have I not been honest with you?”

And so he had, she allowed silently. “What shall I do to earn my freedom?”

He rubbed his chin with his long narrow fingers. “You are far too lovely to be a serving maid. I have no wish to break up a fight every evening. However, if you are willing to help in the kitchen…”

“Yes, of course,” she agreed quickly. She was relieved to hear that she would not have to be around drinking customers. Gideon would be furious if he knew she was working in a tavern, and her grandfather was probably turning in his grave already.

“Agreed. I am not averse to hard work, and I am a very good cook. I must have my own room, however.”

His lips curved into a rueful smile. “I would expect no less, madame.”

She offered her hand. “Say no more, Jacques. I agree to your offer.”

Solemnly he shook her hand to seal the bargain.

* * *

Gideon threaded his way through the crowded waterfront tavern, looking for an empty table. It was his last night in Philadelphia, and he intended to celebrate his transfer.

He sat down at a small table in a corner of the room. Most of the customers were sailors, but there was a smattering of redcoats as well. The place smelled of sweat, smoke, and ale. It was hardly the type of establishment he usually frequented, but for the few hours until his ship sailed, it would do.

In a few weeks, he would arrive in Canada. When he’d heard that two battalions of Royal Americans were scheduled to take part in the planned British expedition against Quebec, he had requested a transfer, which Colonel Bouquet had reluctantly granted. Gideon was sorry to leave his old comrade, but he was certain Mara had been taken north.

After the fall of Fort Duquesne, he had questioned one of the Delaware Indians. The warrior, Gray Wolf, had told him that Mara’s French captor expected to be transferred back to Canada. Gray Wolf had been equally sure that Corbeau would take her with him. The bastard! Gideon’s eyes narrowed. One day he intended to find this Frenchman and deal with him as he deserved.

“What will ye have, sir?”

Gideon looked up to see a comely, brown-haired wench smiling at him. She bent over the table, giving him a good view of her considerable cleavage.

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