The Iron Corsair (Pirates of the Coast Book 2) by Barbara Devlin

Author:Barbara Devlin [Devlin, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-03-22T00:00:00+00:00

THE IRON CORSAIR

CHAPTER SEVEN

Indecision manifested a weak man’s trait, and Barrington did not consider himself weak. But Florence’s ill-timed query threatened to forestall their nuptials, and that he could not abide, after so many delays. So he faced a quandary.

What would he do to win his lady?

“Sweetheart, even now your father and the rector await our arrival, and I wager the clergyman is none too happy about our spontaneous wedding.”

“We have a special license, so that should not be a problem.” As if to support her unwavering position, she lifted her chin and folded her arms, in a familiar stance he knew well. “The sooner you cooperate, the sooner we will be wed.”

“What, specifically, do you want to know?” As soon as he voiced the question, he regretted it, because he should not have granted her such liberty. “What I mean to say is what troubles you, my dear?”

“Did you take other women to your bed?” Whatever he expected her to ask, that was not it. “Were you unfaithful?”

“I beg your pardon?” He gulped. “How could I be unfaithful when we were not married?”

“You heard me.” Now she tapped her foot in an impatient rhythm. “And I thought our love transcended the vows. At least, that is what you declared when you seized my bride’s prize.”

“Our love does transcend the vows, and I kept my fidelity, in a sense.” In that moment, he hated himself for parsing words, when he never planned to disclose his salacious dealings. And he would have said anything to claim her most intimate gift. “In a manner of speaking, yes, I knew other women, exclusively whores in exchange for money. In short, it was a business transaction.”

“What, pray tell, does that mean?” The anguish evident in her blue eyes waylaid him, and he took her hand in his.

“Florence, in the midst of everything that happened, I knew not if I would ever see you again, and I made choices, of which I am not proud, based on that assumption.” Pressing her palm to his cheek, Barrington sighed. “While I made love to no one, in the usual course of action, there are other methods of achieving satisfaction. I know it probably sounds naïve, but to me it was a way to remain faithful to you.”

“What methods?” He should have known she would pose that inquiry.

“It is not a topic fit for a lady of character.” And there ended the discussion.

“It is for this lady, because you and I have no secrets.” To his amazement, Florence bared her teeth. “What methods?”

In that instant, Barrington realized he could not refuse her request, but how could he describe the debauchery of a pirate’s life without well and truly scandalizing his sweet noblewoman? In the end, he opted for the truth and prayed she would not leave him.

“Darling, we were separated for a long time, more than I could bear.” Clutching her fingers, if only to maintain contact, he stared at the passing landscape. “The encounters meant nothing, as they served a sole, base purpose, which had naught to do with you.

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