Nelson sat beside her and slipped her hand into his. “Do you expect me to believe this charade?” He paused and stared at her. “Sarah, I’m quite certain that man didn’t simply rescue you from the bay.”
She wanted to ask him how he’d figured her out but kept quiet.
“I’ve learned to read people. That boy you accompanied cares about you. Tell me the truth of his identity and how you’ve come to know him.”
“Father, I can’t.” He’d have Killian arrested, certainly. After all he’d taught her and the way he’d treated her, she couldn’t give Killian up.
“Do you truly wish to marry Isaiah?”
“No.” She’d answered too quickly. “I don’t love him and never have. I’ll do what you see fit, but no, I don’t want to marry him.”
Nelson nodded once. “I assumed so.” He stood and walked across the room to the painting of her mother. The grand oil painting decorated the space above the mantel. “Dot was right. You’ve got her free spirit.” He touched the gilt frame. “I never told you about the night your mother died.”
She gulped and toyed with the beading on her dress. Her father rarely spoke about her mother, let alone the night she passed.
“Your mother used to believe things I never thought possible and convinced me to be more than I was. Dorothy encouraged me to travel back to England and speak with Father. She said I flourished once Father and I made amends. She was right. My Dot.” He withdrew a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbled his eyes beneath his glasses. “The day Dot told me we were going to become parents, I panicked. I wasn’t ready to be a father. She said otherwise and was right. We had so much fun.” He smiled, despite his misty eyes. “Do you remember the night my Dot left me?”
“Mother was sick. She had me sleep in her bed the night before. I wanted to stay with her but you made me go to school. When I came home, you kept me in the nursery.” She remembered sitting with her stuffed bear and her porcelain dolls, talking to them and hoping her mother would be fine. Nothing was ever the same.
Nelson touched the skirts on the painting then turned his attention to Sarah. “She was round with your brother. I wanted a boy to teach the business. I knew you could handle it, but I wanted you taken care of.” He shook his head. “There were too many complications late and once the doctor came.”
“Mother lost a lot of blood and you lost the both of them,” she whispered.
He removed his glasses and wiped his eyes again. “I swore I’d never lose you, too, but it seems I let my money cloud my judgment. I did what I thought was best. Isaiah would have treated you well with the finest dresses and furs. He’d make sure you lived in a sweeping estate with horses and the grandest parties.”
“I’d be bored,” Sarah whispered.
“I’m sure.” Nelson managed a smile. “You never liked parties. Too much trouble to pander to people you didn’t care for.” He touched the painting once more then rounded the couch to sit beside her. “Now tell me the truth about Killian Thomas.”
She gasped. The charade hadn’t worked. “There’s not much to tell.”
“The infamous pirate kidnaps my daughter, treats her well as far as I can see, and pretends to be someone else in order to bring her back to me. I’d say there’s plenty to tell.”
“I insisted he lie.” She stared at her hands. “For a pirate, he was quite kind. No shackles or rude behavior. He showed me around the ship, almost like he was a shipping baron. I felt like a lady in his presence. Yes, he kidnapped me, but he was a gentleman.”
“And you fell for him?”
“Father.” She refused to be so frank with him.
“Be honest. From what I can see, you’re head over heels in love with the rascal.”
She might as well do as he’d asked. “I have fallen in love with him. He’s terrible because he’s a criminal, but there’s a good side to him. He risked his life and crew to bring me back.”
“I see.” Nelson snapped his fingers.
Rodgers, the butler, marched into the parlor. Nelson whispered something to Rodgers Sarah couldn’t hear. Rodgers then nodded and left the room again.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
“Clean yourself up for dinner, child. Wear something cheery.” Nelson stood. He replaced his glasses and refolded his handkerchief. “We’re going to celebrate.”
Sarah surged out of her seat. She wanted to question him but hesitated. “Yes, Father.” The idea of eating nauseated her. She wanted Killian to come back. She’d never catch up to him if she snuck off to find him.
“Oh, and, Sarah?” Nelson said, standing in the doorway.
“Yes, Father?”
“The next time you decide to take the car for a secret joyride, don’t leave your hat on the seat.” He winked then left her alone.
He knew about her jaunt in the car? The tips of her ears burned. He wasn’t supposed to find out. She smiled and glanced over at the painting of her mother. Yes, she shared Dot’s wild spirit. She wondered what her mother would say if she found out her only daughter had fallen in love with a pirate? Would she laugh? Be stern? Or encourage the coupling? Sarah smiled. She’d like to think her mother would’ve approved.
Sarah smoothed the wrinkles from her dress then headed to her bedroom. She didn’t understand what was going on, but maybe it was time to follow her heart and trust her father.
Chapter Eight
Killian stared out at the water. The sun dipped into the horizon, bathing the world in brilliant orange, purple and blue light. The lifeboat was long gone. Apparently his job of tying the boat up hadn’t held. Damn it. He’d have to walk to False Cape. He kicked a rock and headed due south down the main road. Cars sped past him and honked. He sighed. Just his luck. He wouldn’t die on the sea. No, he’d be picked off by a Model T.
A rumble grabbed his attention. The car behind him didn’t seem to want to leave him alone. He turned and waved. “Go around.”
The car stopped and Killian’s blood chilled. He’d managed to dodge the cops on his way back to the docks. So much for dodging.
“Are you John Thomas?” An elderly man stood in the open top car. He tipped his hat. “I’m looking for a John Thomas.”
Killian stopped and stared at the driver. “Who inquires?”
“Nelson Moyer requests your presence at a special supper being given tonight at nine. This dinner is for your benefit and he’d be honored at your attendance.”
“No, no. I can’t.” He refused to see Sarah being paraded around by that ass, Isaiah.
“You must, sir. His daughter will be there as well and also requests your attendance.”
She might want him there, but she’d still be with her beau. “No, thank you. Give them my kind regards.”
“You’d better come.” The man left the car and strode up to Killian. “Master Moyer is announcing the engagement of his daughter. You should be there in order to accept the congratulations. Come along.” The man grabbed Killian’s arm. “I’ll drive you there.”
“Or jail.” He couldn’t wrap his mind around what was happening. His daughter’s engagement…to him? Her father wanted him to marry Sarah?
“Come now. Even a wild spirit must give in and trust from time to time.”
“Let’s head to the mansion.” Killian sat beside the older man and stared at the bug-splotched windscreen. The man had almost quoted Sarah. He wasn’t sure why he trusted his elder, but he did.
“Good thinking.”
“I’ve read the stories of your exploits in the newspaper. You’re quite the rogue.” The man sped down the main thoroughfare, whizzing past other motorists. “I’m honored to be escorting the great Captain Killian Thomas. Don’t pretend with me. Mr Moyer has followed you for the last few years.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t be on this ride.” Killian grabbed the door and debated flinging himself out of the car.
“And risk Miss Sarah’s heart? Here we are.” He sped onto the driveway and parked. “The lavatory is located off the kitchen if you need to use it.”
“Thanks.” Killian climbed out. His legs wobbled. The motor vehicle was worse than a month on rough seas. He headed in the direction of the kitchen. In moments, he found the bathroom. He stared at himself in the mirror as he washed his hands. He didn’t look like the great captain in the papers. He looked old. The creases around his eyes had deepened and his face was gaunt. He sighed and glanced over at the door. The dinner had to be a set-up. Someone would call the law and have his ass. He’d offered himself up by taking her home.
“Where is our guest?” came a voice in the hallway.
Other voices spoke, but he couldn’t understand what they said.
The door to the restroom opened and Delia smiled at him.
“Hello,” he said, not sure what else to say.
She cocked her hand on her hip and leaned on the doorframe, keeping him in the bathroom. “It’s funny, seeing you here. When I left Boston, I assumed you’d come after me. I never suspected you wouldn’t or that I’d run into you in Norfolk. It took almost ten years. I truly never thought you’d find me.”
“I became a pirate because of you,” he confessed. “Wasn’t my plan, but it happened.”
“Me? You’re a legend because of me?” Her eyes widened and she clasped her hands together. “I’m honored.”
“You wanted riches I couldn’t afford. When you left, I swore I’d get them. I’d do whatever I needed to in order to make you happy. I joined up with others who shared my views. I never dreamed I’d find you. Years went by and I realized I didn’t need you.”
“You weren’t looking for me, it appears.” Venom laced her voice. “You never truly wanted me to be your girl and to sail the seas with you.”
“I was nursing a broken heart.” How could she even think he wanted her to join him? He’d moved on because she’d left him. Looking back, she hadn’t meant as much to him as he’d once thought.
“You and I had fun, but we’d never have worked out. I need stability and a home on solid ground. If I’d have known you’d become famous, I might have changed my needs. You can’t commit to anyone or anything without water involved.” Delia’s eyes narrowed and she stepped into his personal space. “You used to tell me you loved me. Was it a lie? A reason to get me to make love to you?”
“I truly loved you.” At one time, his heart had ached for her. Not now.
“Then love me again.” She threw herself into Killian’s arms. “Sarah isn’t important to you. She’s a passing fancy.”
“No.” Killian nudged her out of the way and left the stuffy air of the bathroom. “You walked away from me because you wanted money. I know where I stand with you. Don’t you love Freddie?”
Her lip curled in a sneer. Apparently he’d pricked her conscience by mentioning her beau. Delia grabbed his arm. “You kidnapped Sarah. She hates you for putting her through that ordeal.”
“I love her,” he blurted. Sarah hated him? He knew better, but he wasn’t sure.
“Ah, yes. You love Sarah. The perfect and wonderful Sarah.” Delia pushed him against the wall. “She might like you now, but she’ll realize what you are. You’re nothing but a filthy pirate. She’ll want the grand life she’s used to and you’ll be useless.”
“I suppose I will.” Killian noticed a shadow moving across the floor. When he glanced to his right, he saw the reason for the shadow.
“Excuse me.” Sarah crept farther into the hallway. “I’m sorry to interrupt this interlude, but it’s time for supper.” She turned on her heel and hurried away from them.
“Sarah, wait.” Killian moved Delia aside.
Her cackle followed him as he quickstepped his way to the woman he loved.
“Sarah.”
Sarah disappeared into a side room. She wasn’t going to evade him now. He stopped in the doorway. Apparently, Delia stuck with them.
“He’s a scoundrel,” Delia snorted. “He’ll break your heart the way he broke mine.”
“Delia, you’re excused.” Sarah whipped around and glared at Delia. “Go.”
With her head bowed, Delia left them alone. She didn’t close the door.
“Sarah, I’m sorry.” He didn’t care who heard him. “I’ve got a past with Delia, yes. Ten years ago, she was my girl. I should’ve said something. I’m very sorry, love.”
“How?” Sarah folded her arms.
The gown she’d chosen accentuated her breasts with the ribbon pulled tight just below her bust. The neckline gave him a nice view of her cleavage and the blush creeping into her décolletage.
“You and I barely exchanged last names.” She dropped her voice to a whisper. Hurt swam in her eyes. “I’m angry, yes, because I don’t like to think about you with anyone else.”
He understood exactly how she felt. He’d been granted the sweetest gift when she’d given him her virginity. Above all, he loved Sarah with his entire heart. “Delia is in my past. You’re my future.”
Sarah sat backward on the bench of a grand piano. “Delia isn’t happy unless she’s creating drama. I’m used to her theatrics. She’d make actresses jealous.” She dropped her hands onto her lap. “Did you mean what you said? You love me?”
“I do.” He’d never said truer words.
“Even after only a few days at sea?”
“I’m a pirate, but I’ve got a heart. When I left here, my heart broke. I didn’t think you wanted me. I understand there are so many things we don’t know and so many mistakes we could make. I’m not sure we’re meant to go the distance, but I really want to find out. Will you allow me to find out?” He’d get down on his knees if that’s what she wanted.
“I’m angry with you.” She pursed her lips to hide the growing smile.
“You’ve said that.” He dropped to one knee before her.
“I’m jealous.” She averted her gaze. “I want what we have to be special.”
“It is, love.” He slipped her hands into his. “Very much so.”
“I want to slap you, but I believe you. I’m soft in the head, but I love you, too. It’s very fast and I shouldn’t because you did kidnap me.”
“I’ll beg your forgiveness for that for the rest of my life.” He touched her cheek, smoothing his fingers over her silky skin.
“My mother always said fate intervenes when we least expect it. From the moment I saw you on the docks, I knew we’d have a connection. Father believes we’re going to be married.”
“I want to marry you—if you’ll have me.” His heart beat a wild tattoo. She could still turn him down.
“You own my heart as well. Yes, I want to be your bride.” She scooted off the bench and onto his lap. “Should we tell Father he’s right?”