Page 35 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

Diggins puffed up his cheeks until his eyes became slits. Myrle seemed to be counting his fingers. Although the simpleton probably couldn’t count past two.

“Mayhap another night in here might loosen your lips.” Saxton motioned for Stephen and Adams to follow him.

“Can we get somethin’ to eat?” Myrle called to their retreating backsides. When there was no response, Myrle’s voice became more desperate. “Captain Eaton?”

Stephen peered over his shoulder and mouthed, “No.”

Once they had filed out of the room, Saxton pulled the door closed, locking the hungry prisoners away. He tucked the key into his waistcoat pocket.

“Elias,” Stephen said, “I am of the opinion that you should reconsider notifying your local constabulary—”

Saxton held up his palm. “Stay away from the prisoners and even farther away from my niece.” He turned on his heel and stomped up the stairs.

Adams shoved Stephen in the chest, then followed Saxton.

Forget about gentlemanly language. Only one statement captured the moment. “What the bloody hell?”

Chapter fourteen

October 5th, 1817

Churchhadbeenuneventful.Unless she counted the glares from Arabella because they had rivaled a theatrical performance. Unfortunately, Stephen did not attend. Since her uncle, Hugo Adams, and the odd Dupont were also remiss, she made a silent prayer that they were not harming her captain.

After church, Maddie changed into a purple cotton dress with satin trim. It would be perfect for the afternoon’s entertainment. Then she sat at her dressing table.

“Madalene, you have so much hair. ’Tis the thickest I’ve ever seen.” Portia twisted and pinned the strands into place.

“You do my confidence good,” Maddie said.

Thereupon, feeling lovely and hopeful, Maddie knocked at Lady Saxton’s chamber. The door opened immediately.

“What a delightful surprise.” Her aunt ushered her into the elegant room.

Maddie spun in a circle taking everything in. Although the walls were a stark white, the bedding and drapery were a luscious forest green adorned with pink roses. Fresh hothouse arrangements in crystal vases sat atop every piece of furniture.

“I hoped we could speak before our outing,” Maddie said.

“Of course, my dear.” Aunt Henrietta grasped her hand and led her to the table and chairs in front of the window.

Searching for the correct words, Maddie spoke slowly. “I fear Sir Saxton does not believe that Stephen Eaton and I are well-suited. He has forbidden us to speak.”

Her aunt huffed. “Sir Saxton feels protective of you. Do not fret. I will talk to him.”

Maddie nodded.

“Is there something else, dear?”

Maddie’s hesitance gone, she blurted, “Last night Pierre Dupont called Stephen horrid names. Then he declared he is to marry Arabella Beaumont.”

With a faraway look in her eyes, Aunt Henrietta stared out the window.

The longer Maddie waited, the more the edges of her nerves seemed to sizzle, especially since she’d hoped her aunt would wave off the concerns with a wrist flick. Unfortunately, the silence ticked on.

Finally, she slid her gaze to Maddie. “Arabella has had her heart set on an Eaton. Although perhaps it is her mother who truly wants an alliance with the family. I am afraid the Beaumonts are ruthless in their attempts to capture one of the brothers. We will have to tread lightly because their desperation knows no boundaries.”

Maddie dropped her gaze to her lap. “He is an aristocrat, young, and highly regarded. And I am”—older, widowed, a walking scandal—“me.” She whimpered. “Is Arabella a more suitable match for him? I find myself caring about him with all my heart and want the best for him.” Dare she mention love at first sight?

“Arabella Beaumont is an insincere, social-climbing ninny. I never favored your father and knowing he forced you into a marriage with that odious business partner of his…” Aunt Henrietta shivered. “If it were not unladylike, I would tell him exactly what I think of him, and it would involve very unflattering words. You should have married a man who matched your passion.” Anger darkened her pupils. “You deserve a man like Captain Eaton. Rid your mind of any notions that tell you otherwise.”