The Passion of a Marquess by Linda Rae Sande

Author:Linda Rae Sande
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 26

SIZING UP A PIRATE

O nce on board the ship Captain Jack Crawley had christened ‘Molly’, the captain led Samantha and Ethan down the companionway to a deck with rows and rows of hammocks. “They’re all spoken for,” he warned, leading them to another steep ladder to the cargo hold below. “But at least it’s only for a night,” he said as he motioned to the dark hole in the floor.

“Any chance we can remain up top until dark? Have a meal, perhaps?” Ethan asked, seeing Samantha’s look of panic and hearing his stomach growl for the tenth time that day. He still wasn’t convinced the pirate would take them to Valencia—or anywhere else, for that matter.

Crawley seemed to mull over the idea. “Tell you what. Let me arrange for Miss Fitzsimmons to freshen up a bit. She would no doubt like a bath. A change of clothes. A light repast. She can do that in my cabin whilst I see to getting us headed for Spain.”

Allowing his suspicion to show, Ethan shook his head. “I’ll not let her out of my sight,” he said in a whisper.

The captain let out a breath and turned his attention to Samantha. “I suppose you’re going to have an audience for your ablutions,” he said with an arched brow, his manner most teasing.

Samantha was quite sure her blush was evident, even in the gloom of the lower deck. “I accept your generous offer, Captain. If Mr. Range insists, I see no reason why he cannot ... guard the door on my behalf while he eats his luncheon.”

Crawley nodded, giving Ethan that arched eyebrow again. “Then, if I may, I should like to invite my lady to dinner later this evening. In my cabin, of course.” He seemed rather pleased at hearing Ethan’s low groan. “And Mr. Range can guard the door on our behalf. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” he turned and clambered up the steep steps, shouting orders that included one to have hot water delivered to his cabin.

“I don’t trust him,” Ethan whispered as he led Samantha back to the companionway.

“I find I can,” she countered as she reached for Ethan’s arm. “There’s something ... familiar about him. He seems to behave one way when his men are about and then, when they’re not looking, he’s completely different. I just can’t put my finger on why.”

Ethan’s eyes widened. “Are you daft?” he asked in surprise. “He’s a pirate!” This last was said with a good deal of emphasis, as if Samantha had somehow forgotten the man was engaged in illegal activities and didn’t exactly have their welfare in mind.

“I know. I just ...”

“Miss Fitzsimmons, your bath awaits,” Crawley said from the top of the companionway. He knelt down onto one knee and reached a hand down. “Here. Allow me to help you.” He turned his attention to Ethan. “I must have been mistaken when I took you to be a gentleman.”

Taking a deep breath, Ethan was about to respond when Samantha turned from her perch on the second step and kissed him on the mouth.

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