Read the book: «The Promise»

Praise for

BRENDA JOYCE’S

bestselling de Warenne dynasty

An Impossible Attraction

“Best-selling Joyce matches up a strong-willed, proud…heroine and a testosterone-rich, arrogant…hero…[A] long, lushly sensual historical.”

—Booklist

A Dangerous Love

“The latest de Warenne novel is pure Joyce with its trademark blend of searing sensuality, wild escapades and unforgettable characters. You’ll find warmth and romance alongside intense emotions and powerful relationships. It’s a story you won’t easily forget.”

—RT Book Reviews

The Perfect Bride

“Another first-rate Regency, featuring multidimensional protagonists and sweeping drama… Entirely fluff-free, Joyce’s tight plot and vivid cast combine for a romance that’s just about perfect.”

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Truly a stirring story with wonderfully etched characters, Joyce’s latest is Regency romance at its best.”

—Booklist

“Joyce’s latest is a piece of perfection as she meticulously crafts a tender and emotionally powerful love story. Passion and pain erupt from the pages and flow straight into your heart. You won’t forget this beautifully rendered love story of lost souls and redemption.”

—RT Book Reviews

A Lady at Last

“Romance veteran Joyce brings her keen sense of humor and storytelling prowess to bear on her witty, fully formed characters.”

—Publishers Weekly

“A classic Pygmalion tale with an extra soupçon of eroticism.”

—Booklist

“A warm, wonderfully sensual feast about the joys and pains of falling in love. Joyce breathes life into extraordinary characters—from her sprightly Cinderella heroine and roguish hero to everyone in between—then sets them in the glittering Regency, where anything can happen.”

—RT Book Reviews

The Stolen Bride

“Joyce’s characters carry considerable emotional weight, which keeps this hefty entry absorbing, and her fast-paced story keeps the pages turning.”

—Publishers Weekly

“A powerfully executed romance overflowing with the strength of prose, high degree of sensuality and emotional intensity we expect from Joyce. A ‘keeper’ for sure.”

—RT Book Reviews

The Masquerade

“Jane Austen aficionados will delve happily into heroine Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Fitzgerald’s family…Joyce’s tale of the dangers and delights of passion fulfilled will enchant those who like their reads long and rich.”

—Publishers Weekly

“A passionate tale of two lovers caught up in a web of secrets, deceptions and lies. Readers who love the bold historicals by Rosemary Rogers and Kathleen Woodiwiss will find much to savor here.”

—Booklist

“An intensely emotional and engrossing romance where love overcomes deceit, scandal and pride…an intelligent love story with smart, appealing and strong characters. Readers will savor this latest from a grand mistress of the genre.”

—RT Book Reviews

The Prize

“A powerhouse of emotion and sensuality, The Prize weaves a tapestry vibrantly colored with detail and balanced with strands of consuming passion.”

—RT Book Reviews

BRENDA JOYCE
The Promise

For Kathy Pichnarcik

The Promise

CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

PART ONE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

PART TWO

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

PART THREE

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

PROLOGUE

Adare, Ireland

Summer 1824

THE ANIMATED SOUND OF adult conversation drifted from the mansion’s formal dining room, where the Earl of Adare was having a supper party in celebration of his wife’s birthday. The children had gathered in an intimate salon across the great, vaulted entry hall from the dining room, and Elysse O’Neill, who was eleven years old, sat on the gold brocade sofa in her most formal supper dress, wishing she had been allowed to join the adults. Her best friend, Ariella de Warenne, also dressed up for the party, was beside her, engrossed in a book. Elysse could not understand her friend—she hated reading. She would have been bored, if not for the boys.

They stood in a huddle on the other side of the salon, excitedly whispering to one another. Elysse stared at them, trying to eavesdrop, knowing they meant to cause trouble. Her eyes were riveted on Alexi de Warenne, Ariella’s brother, as he was always the leader of the pack.

She had met him four years ago, when he had first arrived in London with his father and Ariella, from Jamaica Island where he had been raised. Upon being introduced, she had snubbed him instantly, although his dark, bronzed looks and swaggering air of confidence had instantly fascinated her. After all, he was a bastard, even if his mother was a Russian noblewoman, and she was a lady, so she meant to put him down. But he hadn’t been affected by the rejection; instead, he had proceeded to regale her with his stories of his life. Elysse had expected him to be backward and gauche, but he was neither of those things. She quickly realized that she had never met any boy before who had lived through as much as he had. He had sailed across the world with his father, weathering hurricanes and monsoons, avoiding naval blockades and pirates, while carrying the world’s most precious cargoes! He had swum with dolphins, climbed the Himalayan Mountains, trekked jungles in Brazil. He had even sailed a raft up a river in China without his father! In fact, he had bragged that he could sail anything, anywhere—and she had believed him. Within an hour, she had decided that he was the most interesting boy she had ever met—not that she would ever let him know!

She knew him well now. Alexi was an adventurer, like his seafaring father, and he could not stay on land for very long, or sit still, either. What were the boys up to? They hurried across the salon, and she realized that they were about to leave, their goal the terrace doors.

Pushing her golden hair behind her ears and smoothing down her blue satin dress, Elysse slid to her feet. “Wait,” she cried. She rushed over to them. “Where are you going?”

Alexi grinned at her. “Errol Castle.”

Her heart lurched. Everyone knew the castle ruins were haunted! “Are you mad?”

His blue eyes danced. “Don’t you want to come, Elysse? Don’t you want to see the old ghost who wanders the north tower in the light of the full moon?” Alexi leaned close. “They say he pines for his lady love. I know how you adore romance! She left him, you know, on a full moon—for another man. And so he killed himself, forever to walk the tower when the moon is full.”

“Of course I know the story.” Her heart beat with alarm and fear. She wasn’t brave like Alexi or her younger brother, Jack, or Ned, the earl’s heir, who stood with them. She had no desire to rush off into the night and meet the ghost.

“Coward,” Alexi said softly. He touched her chin. “I’ll protect you, you know.”

She jerked away. “And how will you do that? You are only a boy—and a mad boy, at that!”

His smile faded. “If I say I will protect you, I will.”

She believed he would do just that—even from a ghost. She hesitated, not wanting to go with them. “Ladies don’t have to be brave, Alexi. They must only be graceful, politic, polite and beautiful.”

“Of course they do! My stepmother has sailed the world with my father and even fought pirates at his side. She is brave and beautiful.” His eyes gleamed.

Ned stepped forward. “Leave her be, Alexi. She doesn’t want to come with us.”

Her younger brother, Jack, snickered at her.

Ariella walked up to them, having actually put down her history book. “I’ll go.” Her blue eyes were wide and bright. “I would love to see the ghost!”

Alexi gave Elysse a daring look.

“Fine!” she cried, furious that he had taunted her into agreeing. “But how will we get there?”

“It won’t take more than twenty minutes if we ride,” Ned said. “The girls can ride double, behind us. Jack can ride by himself.”

This was a horrible idea—Elysse simply knew it—but everyone else was wide-eyed with excitement. Within moments, she was following the boys and Ariella across the terrace to a paddock where they would steal their mounts. The boys often rode bareback, with just a bridle or even a halter. Now, she wished they were horrid horsemen—but they were not. The night was so dark and so quiet! As she followed them across Adare’s great gardens, she glanced up at the gleaming moon. It was full and bright. She prayed they would not encounter any ghost that night.

A few minutes later everyone was astride, and they were trotting away from the house. Elysse held on hard to Alexi, angrier with him by the minute. He was an excellent horseman, but she was a terrible rider, and she was afraid she would fall off.

“You are breaking my ribs,” he said, with laughter in his tone.

“I hate you,” she exclaimed.

“No, you don’t.”

They rode in silence the rest of the way. Ahead, in the moon’s odd yellow light, she saw the dark shadows of Errol Castle. It was huge.

It was so quiet now. All she could hear was the rhythmic clip-clop of their horses’ hooves and her own thundering heartbeat. Beneath her hands, she could feel Alexi’s breath come more rapidly and thought she could feel his heart, racing more swiftly than it should. They passed through the piles of eerily white stones that had once been the outer walls of the barbican. She wanted to turn around and go home! Suddenly a wolf howled.

Alexi’s slim body stiffened. Elysse whispered nervously, “There are never wolves this close to Adare.”

“It isn’t close.” They halted their horses by the gaping entrance in the stone walls of the castle, which had once been the front door. Through the shadows of the maze of stone walls inside, she could see the lone standing tower at the other end of the ruins. She swallowed dryly. Her heart thundered.

Alexi whispered, “They say he carries a torch—the same torch he carried for his lost love.” He gave her his hand, twisting a bit to do so. “Slide down.”

Elysse did so, keeping her balance by holding his hand. Everyone dismounted. Ariella whispered, “We didn’t bring candles.”

“Yes, we did,” Alexi said proudly. He produced a candle from a breeches pocket, and lit it with flint. “C’mon.” He swiftly started inside, clearly intent on leading the way.

Everyone followed. Her stomach churning with dread, Elysse balked. She did not want to go inside.

The group of children vanished into the darkness inside the ruined castle. Elysse bit her lip, breathing hard. She became aware of being absolutely alone in the dark night, outside of the ruins. And perhaps that was even worse.

Something moved behind her. She cried out, leaping in fright, only to realize that one of the grazing horses had bumped into her. An owl hooted, the sound ominous. She hated adventure! She liked parties and pretty things! But being outside alone was worse than going inside with everyone else. Elysse rushed after the other children.

It was almost pitch-black inside and she could not see. She could hear their whispers, somewhere ahead, and she ran, trying to follow them. But the interior of the ruins was a stone maze. She hit a wall, panicked and turned, found a corner, and turned that, too. Her foot caught, and she tripped and fell.

She started to call out to Alexi, to tell him to wait, when she saw a flash of bright light in the darkness on the other side of the castle where the tower was. She froze, crouching by the wall, afraid to cry out. Had she just seen the light of the ghost’s torch?

Afraid to move or make a sound, afraid the ghost would find her, she became utterly still. She realized she couldn’t hear her friends anymore. Where were they?

Panic overcame her. She saw the light again! Elysse rushed from the corner where she had been crouching, intent on fleeing the castle and the ghost. Instead, she found herself turning corner after corner, tripping and falling as she ran. She bumped her knees, skinned her hands. Why hadn’t she left the ruins already? Where was the entrance? She realized she had reached a dead end. What might have been the huge wall of a fireplace blocked her. She fell against the rough stone, panting harshly, and that was when she heard the galloping horses.

They were leaving her?

She choked on a sob of fearful disbelief. She turned her back to the wall, and saw the ghost with his torch coming toward her. Fear paralyzed her.

“Elysse!” Alexi cried, hurrying forward.

She felt her knees buckle in absolute relief. It was Alexi, carrying the candle, not the ghost with his torch. She cried out, weeping. “Alexi! I thought you left me. I thought I’d be lost forever!”

He put the candle down and swept her into his arms. “It’s all right. You’re not lost. I’d never leave you. Didn’t I say I would always protect you?”

She held on to him, hard. “I didn’t think you’d find me—I heard the horses leaving!”

“Don’t cry. I’m here now. You heard my father, the earl and your father pursuing us. They are outside—and they are furious.” His gaze was searching. “How could you think that I wouldn’t find you?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered, trembling, her face wet with tears. But she had stopped crying.

“If you are lost, I will find you. If you are in danger, I will protect you,” he said seriously. “It’s what a gentleman does, Elysse.”

She inhaled. “Promise?”

He slowly smiled and brushed a tear from her face. “I promise.”

She finally smiled back at him. “I’m sorry I am not brave.”

“You are very brave, Elysse. You just don’t know it.” Clearly, he believed his every word.

PART ONE

CHAPTER ONE

Askeaton, Ireland

March 23, 1833

ALEXI HADN’T BEEN HOME in more than two years, but it felt like an eternity. Elysse O’Neill smiled at herself in the gilded mirror hanging over the handsome rosewood bureau in her pink, mauve and white bedroom. She had just finished dressing for the occasion. She knew that her excitement was obvious—she was flushed, her eyes bright. She was thrilled that Alexi de Warenne had come home, at last. She couldn’t wait to hear all about his adventures!

She couldn’t help wondering if he would notice that she was a grown woman now; she’d had a dozen suitors in the past two years, not to mention five offers of marriage.

She smiled again, deciding that her pastel-green gown made her nearly violet eyes even more intriguing. She was accustomed to male admiration; boys had begun to look at her when she was barely more than a child. Alexi had, too. She wondered what he would think of her now. She wasn’t certain why she wanted him to notice her this evening—they were only friends, after all. Impulsively, she tugged her neckline down, adjusting it to show off just a bit more of her cleavage.

He had never been gone for so long before. She wondered if he had changed. When he’d left on a run to Canada for fur, she hadn’t known that it would be years before he would return, but she recalled their parting as if it had been yesterday.

He looked at her with that cocky grin he had. “And will you be wearing a ring when I get back?”

She’d known immediately what he meant. Startled, she had quickly recovered and her answer had been coy. “I always wear rings.” But she had wondered if some dashing Englishman would sweep her off her feet before he returned. She certainly hoped so!

“Not diamonds.” His thick black lashes lowered, shielding his brilliant blue eyes from her.

She shrugged. “I can’t help it if I have so many suitors, Alexi. There will probably be many suits. Father will surely know which one to accept for me.”

He shrugged in return. “Yes, I imagine Devlin will make certain you are properly married off.”

Their eyes met and held. One day, her father would find her a great match. She had overheard her parents speaking about it and knew they wanted it to be a love match, as well. How perfect would that be?

“If I am not offered for, I will be vastly insulted,” she said, meaning it.

“Isn’t it enough that you are always surrounded by admirers?”

“I hope to be wed by the time I am eighteen!” she exclaimed. Her eighteenth birthday would be in the fall—only six months away—while Alexi was still in Canada. Hear heart lurched oddly. With confusion, she shook off the strange feeling of dread, smiling brightly at him. She took his hands. “What will you bring me this time?” He always brought her a gift when he returned from the sea.

After a pause, he spoke softly. “I will bring you back a Russian sable, Elysse.”

She was surprised. “You are sailing for Lower Canada.”

“I know where I am going,” he replied, his gaze direct. “And I will bring you back a Russian sable.”

She scoffed at him, certain he was teasing her. He had simply grinned. Then he had said goodbye to the rest of her family and swaggered out of the salon, while she rushed off to a tea, where her most recent suitors were eagerly awaiting her….

He had remained in Canada for several months, apparently having some problems acquiring a cargo for the run home. When he had finally raced back to Liverpool, he hadn’t stayed. Instead, he had turned around directly for the islands for sugarcane. She had been surprised, even disappointed.

Of course, she had never doubted that he would follow in his father’s footsteps. Cliff de Warenne had one of the world’s most successful maritime transport companies, and Alexi had been at sea with his father for most of his life. It was a foregone conclusion that, when he came of age, Alexi would take on the most lucrative trade routes, carrying the most profitable cargoes, as his father had once done. At the age of seventeen he’d commanded his first ship. Elysse was the daughter of a retired naval captain, and she truly understood how much Alexi loved the sea—it was in his blood. Men like Cliff de Warenne and her father, Devlin O’Neill—men like Alexi—could never remain on land for very long.

Still, she had expected him to come home after his run to the West Indies. He always came home, sooner or later. But instead he had refitted his ship in Liverpool and set a course to China!

When Elysse had learned that he had leased his ship, the Ariel, to the East India Company, which had a monopoly on the China trade, she had grown worried. Although retired, Devlin O’Neill frequently advised both the Admiralty and the Foreign Offices on matters of imperial and maritime policy, and Elysse was well versed in the subjects of trade, economics and foreign policy. She had heard all kinds of talk about the China trade in past few years. The China Sea was perilous—it remained mostly uncharted territory, with hidden reefs, submerged rocks and unknown shoals, not to mention monsoons and, far worse, typhoons. Beating up the China Sea was easy enough, if one didn’t encounter one of those half-hidden rocks or reefs, with the south-westerly monsoons to aid you. But beating through the sea when homeward bound was difficult and dangerous. However, Alexi would think the danger the very best part of his voyage! Alexi de Warenne was fearless and loved a challenge—Elysse knew that very well.

But apparently Elysse had worried about him in vain. Last night, Ariella had sent her a note, telling her that Alexi had just arrived at Windhaven. It had been midnight when she’d gotten the hand-delivered message. She had been stunned to learn he had safely put into Liverpool a few days ago, with five hundred and five tons of silks and tea, having made the homeward run from Canton in one hundred and twelve days—a feat everyone was talking about. For a captain new to the route to make that kind of speed was terribly impressive, and Elysse knew it. He’d be able to command top dollar for his freight the next time he ran home from China. Knowing Alexi as well as she did, he would surely brag about that.

Elysse gave herself a final glance in the mirror and tugged at her bodice one last time, well aware that her mother would take her aside for being so daring. She was an acclaimed beauty—every suitor she’d ever had had raved about her striking blond looks. She had been told many times that she took after both of her parents—she was petite, with amethyst eyes, like her mother, and golden like her father. There had been many suits and five marriage proposals in the past two years. She’d turned every suitor and each proposal down, although she was now twenty, and her father had not minded. She hoped that Alexi wouldn’t taunt her for still being single. Hopefully, he wouldn’t recall her plan to be happily married by the age of eighteen.

“Elysse! We’re here—Alexi is home and he is downstairs!” Ariella cried, knocking on her door from the corridor outside.

Elysse inhaled, suddenly so excited that she felt a bit faint. She ran for the door, opening it. Her best friend’s eyes widened at Elysse’s evening dress just before they embraced. “Are you going out tonight? Have I been excluded from an invitation to a dinner party?”

Elysse smiled. “Of course I’m not going out. I want to hear all about China and Alexi’s adventures! How do I look?” She swiftly pirouetted.

Ariella was a year younger than Elysse, with exotic looks—light eyes, olive skin and dark golden hair. Unfashionably educated, she had a preference for libraries and museums, and an aversion to shopping and balls. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were hoping to impress someone.”

“Why would I bother to try to impress your brother?” She laughed. “But he had better notice that I am grown-up now—and the most desirable debutante in all of Ireland.”

Ariella was wry. “Alexi has shortcomings, but a failure to notice attractive women isn’t one of them.”

Elysse closed the door. Alexi was a notorious ladies’ man, but that was hardly a surprise—the de Warenne men were infamous for their rakish ways, which ended on their wedding day. It was an old family adage that when a de Warenne fell in love, it was once and forever, although it might take some time for that climactic event to happen. Elysse squeezed Ariella’s hand as they started down the long corridor, lined with family portraits. “Did he say why he’s been gone so long?”

“My brother is a seaman and an adventurer,” Ariella said. “He is smitten with China—or the China trade, anyway. It was all he could talk about last night—he wants to build a clipper just for the trade!”

Elysse looked at her as they went downstairs. “Then he will continue to lease out to the East India Company? I was surprised when I had heard he’d leased the Ariel out. I can’t imagine Alexi in someone else’s employ.” Alexi had never leased out his ship before.

“He was determined to get into the trade,” Ariella said. “I do believe everyone within a league of Askeaton has called, to hear firsthand about China and his run!”

Elysse could hear the murmurs of conversation downstairs. Clearly, they had many callers. But of course, the neighbors would be interested in Alexi’s return from China. News of his travels would have spread like wildfire. It was surely the most exciting event of the Season.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs, she could see across the great entry hall, where her neighbors and family had gathered. Askeaton was the ancestral home of the O’Neill family and the great hall was vast, with stone floors and walls, its ceilings timbered. Great, old tapestries were hanging on two of its walls. From one set of oversize windows, one could see out across the rolling green Irish countryside, and past the ruined tower behind the manor house. But Elysse did not look outside, or even at the crowd.

Alexi stood in front of the huge stone fireplace, his posture assured but indolent, clad in a riding coat, breeches and boots. The eighteen-year-old boy was gone. A grown man had taken his place. He was surrounded by their callers. Yet his gaze lifted immediately, moved across the crowd, and their eyes met.

For one moment, she simply stared. He had changed so much. He was a man of experience now. A man of confidence. She saw it in the way he stood, the way he shifted ever so slightly to face her directly. Then, finally, he smiled at her.

Her heart lurched oddly and the happiness was instantaneous. Alexi was home.

Her brother, Jack, slapped his shoulder. “Damn it, you can’t leave it there, tell me about the Sundra Strait.”

For one more moment, they stared at one another, that odd half smile on his face, while Elysse beamed. She couldn’t help noticing that he was even more handsome than when he had left her. Then she saw that three of her girlfriends stood beside him, more closely than the rest of the crowd, their expressions rapt.

“It took us three full days to beat through, Jack.” Alexi turned to her tall, golden brother. “I’ll even admit I had a moment or two when I wondered if we’d be cast up on the shoals there—spending the next fortnight in Anjers making repairs.”

Alexi turned and gestured, and a tall tawny-haired man in a frock coat, a stock and waistcoat, and pale trousers came over. Alexi seized his shoulder. “I don’t think we’d have made our run in a hundred and twelve days without Montgomery. Best ship’s pilot I ever had. Best thing I ever did was take him on board in Lower Canada.”

Elysse finally looked at Alexi’s pilot, who was probably a few years older than them both, and found him regarding her. Montgomery smiled at her as one of their neighbors, a gentleman squire, said eagerly, “Tell us about the China Sea! Did you weather a typhoon?”

“No, tell us about the tea,” Father MacKenzie cried, smiling.

“Will China really stay closed to all foreigners?” Jack asked.

Alexi grinned at them all. “I got the first pick, black tea, the best you’ve ever had—I vow it. It’s Pekoe. You won’t find any other ship’s captain bringing it home. Not this Season.” Although he spoke to the crowded room, his gaze never wavered from her.

“How did you manage that feat?” Cliff asked, smiling proudly at his son.

Alexi turned to his father. “That is a long story, one that involves a few pretty pennies and a very astute and greedy comprador.”

Elysse realized she had remained upon the last few steps like a statue. What on earth was wrong with her? She quickly started down them, still watching Alexi as he turned to one of her girlfriends, who asked him what Pekoe tea was like. Before he could answer, Elysse felt herself miss a step and stumble.

She seized the railing, mortified. She was usually very graceful. As she grasped the railing, someone caught her arm, preventing her from crashing to her knees and utterly humiliating herself.

Alexi slid his arm securely around her.

As he helped her straighten, Elysse looked up into his dazzling blue eyes.

For one moment, she was in his embrace. He began to smile, as if amused. “Hello, Elysse.”

Her cheeks felt terribly hot, but that was from the embarrassment of being so foolishly clumsy, not from being in his arms—she was certain. Still, she was terribly confused and almost disoriented. She had never felt so small, so petite and feminine, and Alexi had never seemed so strong, so tall or so male. His body was hard and warm against hers. Her heart was thundering now.

What on earth was wrong with her?

Somehow, she stepped away, putting a proper distance between them. His smile seemed to widen. Her flush felt as if it had expanded—even her chest was hot. “Hello, Alexi. I have never heard of Pekoe tea.” She lifted her chin.

“I am not surprised. No one gets first pickings—except, of course, for me,” he boasted. His gaze seemed to be on her décolletage, then her eyes. She wasn’t certain what had just happened. She wondered suddenly if he found her beautiful, as her many suitors did.

It took her a moment to recover. “Of course you got the best tea.” Strangely unnerved, she said lightly, “I didn’t know you were back. When did you get home?”

“I thought Ariella sent you a note last night,” he drawled, and she realized that he had instantly seen through her deception. “I docked in Liverpool three days ago. I got home last night.” He shoved his hands in the pockets of his riding coat, making no move to walk back into the salon.

“I’m surprised you even bothered to come home,” she said, deciding to pout.

He gave her an odd look she could not decipher, and suddenly lifted her hand. “So you’re not wearing a ring.”

She pulled her hand free. His touch had made her heart slam. “I have had five offers, Alexi. And they were very good offers. But I turned each gentleman down.”

His gaze narrowed. “If the offers were such good ones, why would you do that? I seem to recall that your intent was to be wed by the time you were eighteen.”

He was laughing at her! Or was he? He was smiling, but he had glanced aside. “Perhaps I changed my mind.”

His gaze flickered. “Hmm, why wouldn’t that surprise me? Have you become a romantic, Elysse?” He laughed. “Are you waiting for true love?”

“Oh, I had forgotten how annoying you can be! Of course I am romantic—unlike you!” His teasing was familiar and it felt safe.

“I’ve known you since we were children. You are less a romantic than an insatiable flirt!”

Now she was truly annoyed. “All women flirt, Alexi—unless, of course, they are old, fat or ugly!”

“Ah, you remain rather uncharitable. I am thinking that your suitors must not have had the necessary qualifications to become your husband.” His eyes danced now. “Have you set your sights on a duke, maybe? Or an Austrian prince? How suitable that would be! Can I play matchmaker? I know a duke or two!”

Surely he wasn’t serious? “Clearly, you do not know me at all. I am very romantic. And no, you may not play matchmaker!”

“Really?” He was chuckling openly at her now. “We know each other very well, Elysse. So don’t pretend we do not.” He tilted up her chin. “Have I annoyed you, somehow? I am only teasing you, sweetheart.”

She slapped his hand away. “You know you have! Nothing has changed! I had forgotten how you love to infuriate me. And who are you to talk? I have heard you have a woman in every port.”

“Ah, a gentleman does not kiss and tell, Elysse.”

“Your reputation is well-known.” She scowled. Secretly, she wondered if he really had a mistress in every port. She wasn’t certain why she should care, but she did.

He touched her chin again. “Why are you scowling? Aren’t you pleased to see me?” His tone softened. “Ariella said you were worried about me—that you expected me to vanish into the China Sea.”

She inhaled, furious with her friend and uncertain what his murmur signified. “Ariella was wrong. Why would I worry about you? I am too occupied. I just got back from London and Paris, Alexi. In those salons, we are not talking about tea or typhoons!”

“Or me?” he asked, straight-faced but clearly trying not to laugh. “Everyone is talking about the China trade, Elysse. It’s a new world. The East India Company can’t possibly keep its grip on China, and China has to open up its ports to the world.”

“I don’t care about China, free trade or you,” she huffed, aware of how completely she was lying. After all, he had been her friend since they were children—he would always be her friend.

“God, my heart is forever broken.” He smiled slightly. “And we both know you do care about my travels—you’re your father’s daughter.”

She folded her arms and his gaze slammed to her bosom. Taken aback, despite her earlier desire for him to notice how womanly she had become, she managed to speak. “Will you lease out to the East India Company again?”

“Oh, I am going back to China—I will get well over five pounds per ton, Elysse, after this last run. But there is gossip the Company will lose its charter soon.”

So he would go make the run again. “And when will you leave this time?”

He grinned. “So you do care, after all! You will miss me!”

“I won’t miss you—I will be too busy, fending off my suitors!”

“Now my heart truly is broken.”

She trembled, dismayed. She would miss him this time, perhaps because he had been gone so long. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed his company—even his horrid teasing. And he had guessed.

“When will you go to sea again?” she heard herself ask. The best time to run to China was the summer. It was now the end of March. She couldn’t imagine Alexi staying in the country, doing nothing, for another two months.

“So you did miss me,” he said swiftly, his gaze piercing.

She wet her lips, refusing to answer. He leaned close and whispered, “I brought you a Russian sable, Elysse.”

He had remembered his promise to her. Before she could answer, one of her neighbors approached. “I hope I am not interrupting,” Louisa Cochrane murmured. “I should love an introduction to a China trader. I do love my Souchong tea.”

For one more moment, Elysse stared at Alexi in disbelief that he would bring her such a luxurious and precious gift. He stared back, then finally turned to Louisa.

Gallantly, he bowed over her hand. “Alexi de Warenne at your service, madam,” he said. He straightened. “And if you like Souchong, you will love Pekoe.”

“I cannot wait to try it.” Louisa smiled brightly at him.

Elysse had always liked Louisa. Now, hearing the sultry note in her voice, she couldn’t abide her. Was Louisa intent on pursuing Alexi? She turned to stare at him.

“May I bring a sample to your door, say tomorrow? It would be my pleasure.” Alexi grinned, his intentions suddenly clear.

“I hardly wish to put you out, Captain,” Louisa murmured coyly.

“You can’t put me out, Mrs. Cochrane, you are far too beautiful to ever do so. I should enjoy delivering the tea, myself.”

Louisa blushed, assuring him that he need not go to the trouble. Elysse’s mind raced and she felt incoherent and confused. She had never really cared about his flirtations and seductions before. Why should she care about his next affair?

“You have so many admirers, Captain,” Louisa said, ignoring Elysse. “Won’t you escort me back into the salon so we can all hear your wonderful stories together?”

Alexi hesitated, glancing at Elysse. “Aren’t you joining us?”

Elysse smiled. “Of course I am. I can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures.”

For one more moment, their eyes held, until Louisa tugged on his arm. Elysse followed them into the salon, noting every detail of Louisa Cochrane’s dress and figure. Hadn’t she heard that she was desperate to catch a wealthy husband? But Alexi was a determined bachelor. And she wasn’t jealous, was she? Still, oddly, she wanted Alexi’s attention. She had so many questions—she wanted to know what he’d been doing for the past two and a half years. And she wanted her Russian fur.

Inside, Alexi and Louisa were instantly surrounded, and Alexi was bombarded with more questions about his voyage. Elysse began to relax. Alexi was home, and she was fairly certain that he had noticed her charm, beauty and sophistication. She smiled as he responded to a question from Father MacKenzie.

Ariella came over. “I am so happy that my brother is back! Isn’t it wonderful?”

“It is truly wonderful, but I hope Louisa won’t take up all of his time. We both know he will not linger in the country for long.”

Ariella raised her brows. “Hmm, he does seem very interested in Louisa. “

“You know, Louisa is a bit long in the tooth, don’t you think?” Elysse heard herself say.

“She is a very nice lady!” Ariella exclaimed. “You aren’t…jealous of her, are you?”

Elysse looked at her friend. “Of course not,” she scoffed.

Ariella leaned close and lowered her voice. “Why don’t you go speak with poor James Ogilvy? He is standing over there by himself, gawking at you with a moonstruck smile.”

Oglivy had been courting her for about a month now, but Elysse realized she had lost all interest. Still, she smiled at him. He instantly came forward. As he bowed gallantly over her hand, she saw Alexi turn to glance at them. Pleased, Elysse turned her entire attention on James. “You promised me a picnic at Swan Lake.”

His eyes widened. “I thought you were not interested, as you did not bring it up again.”

She smiled and touched his arm. “I am very interested. In fact, I can’t wait!”

“Then perhaps we can have our outing tomorrow afternoon?” he asked eagerly.

She glanced at Alexi, who was speaking to the squire now. She did not know how long Alexi would remain in the Irish countryside, and she wanted to be available until he left for London. She beamed at James. “Would next week do? I have an engagement tomorrow.” That wasn’t quite true, but it was only a tiny white lie.

They spoke for a few more moments. It was terribly hard to carry on a conversation with James while trying to hear every word Alexi uttered and keeping him in the corner of her eye. As she made her plans with Ogilvy, she became aware that she had another admirer. Montgomery, who was chatting with Ariella, kept glancing her way. Elysse hadn’t paid much attention to him earlier. She did so now, deciding that he was very good-looking. Although he was a pilot, he comported himself like a gentleman. He glanced at her again and she knew he wished for an introduction. It crossed her mind that he had spent the past two years with Alexi. She excused herself from James.

He smiled at her as she approached. “I don’t believe we have been properly introduced, Miss O’Neill. Of course, I have heard all about you from Captain de Warenne, but that is not why I am so eager to meet you.”

Elysse comprehended the innuendo and was flattered. “Cliff has spoken about me?”

Montgomery smiled. “No, I meant my captain, Alexi.” He shifted and stepped closer to her. “I am William Montgomery. It is a pleasure, ma’am.”

He wasn’t a gentleman, obviously—no well-bred man would ever pilot a ship, but Elysse was impressed by his charm. He had an unmistakable Southern accent, and she recalled that most American men from the Southern states were terribly gallant. “And it is my pleasure to receive you, sir.” She laughed. “It isn’t every day that I meet a fearless pilot who has sailed the high seas of China!”

He smiled warmly now, his glance quickly drifting down the bodice of her dress. “Our voyages are long, Miss O’Neill, and beautiful ladies are rare. I wasn’t sure you would speak with me.”

“You are our guest!” she exclaimed. She touched his arm lightly—flirtatiously. “Where are you from, Mr. Montgomery? My family has a tobacco plantation in Virginia.”

“Baltimore, Miss O’Neill. Like the captain, I come from a long line of seafaring men. My father was a ship’s master, and my grandfather was a pilot, as was my great-grandfather before him here in Britain. In fact, I grew up listening to my grandfather’s sailing stories, mostly about the Ivory Coast and the African trade—in the last century, of course.”

“My father was a naval captain, Mr. Montgomery, so I am fascinated.” Elysse meant it. But more importantly, Alexi had just noticed their conversation. “Of course, we no longer trade in slaves here in the Empire, but in your grandfather’s time, that was a very busy occupation, was it not?”

“It most certainly was,” he agreed. “In America, we outlawed the slave trade in ’08, well before I was born. In my grandfather’s time it was a dangerous trade—I believe the African continent remains perilous, for those who dare to attempt to make their profits there still.”

“I am against the slave trade,” Elysse said firmly. The trade had been abolished in the British Empire in ’07. “Even though my family has a tobacco plantation in Virginia, and we have slaves there, I also favor emancipation in the Empire and throughout the world.”

“That is a bold position, Miss O’Neill. In my country, abolition is an issue that divides us. If I may be bold, I would love to visit Sweet Briar, if I was ever in Virginia again.” He smiled, revealing strong white teeth. “I should especially enjoy such a visit if you were there to show me the plantation.”

Elysse smiled archly at him. “I would love to give you a tour of Sweet Briar! But how could we possibly arrange that? The next time I am there, you will undoubtedly be running for China!”

“Yes, I could be crossing the Cape of Good Hope.”

“Or beating up the China Sea.” She laughed. “By the time you received my letter, I would have probably returned home.”

“Probably—and it will be my loss.”

They smiled at one another. “I heard Alexi say that you met in Lower Canada,” Elysse said.

“We certainly did—in the midst of a blizzard. In fact, poachers were trying to steal the furs Alexi had just bought for his cargo home. I saved his life and we have been friends ever since.”

Elysse was fascinated. “How did you save his life?”

From behind her, Alexi said softly, “The French had a few natives in their employ and I was seriously outnumbered.”

She had been so engrossed that it took her a moment to realize that Alexi had come up to them. She turned, her heart exploding. He stood beside them, his arms folded across his chest, smiling. But she knew him well, and his smile did not reach his eyes.

She was taken aback. “What’s wrong?” Could he be jealous?

“What letter will you send William?”

“An invitation to Sweet Briar,” she said lightly, then turned her back on him and faced Montgomery.

“I so want to hear more about Lower Canada, the poachers and the natives,” she said eagerly.

“That is a long story,” the American began, glancing at Alexi.

“One unsuitable for a lady’s ears,” Alexi said flatly. “Would you excuse us, William?”

Montgomery hesitated. Then he bowed. “It has been my pleasure, Miss O’Neill. I hope we can continue this conversation another time.”

“Of course we can,” Elysse said, smiling at him. What was Alexi hiding? Did he really think her too frail to hear the truth about his travels? Had something terrible happened, which he didn’t wish for her to know about?

William Montgomery walked off to join Devlin and Cliff. Elysse realized she was alone with Alexi. He was scowling at her. “What is wrong?” she asked. Surely he wasn’t angry with her for speaking to Montgomery? “Your pilot is a very interesting man. And a handsome one, at that.”

He took her arm, moving her into a corner by the drapery-clad windows. “Don’t flirt with Montgomery, Elysse.” His tone was filled with warning.

“Why not?” she cried, pulling free of his grasp.

“He is a pilot, Elysse, and a rogue.”

She started. “You are a rogue, and I am allowed to speak with you!”

He glared. “He is not for you. I suggest you direct your flirtations at Ogilvy and his ilk.”

She searched his eyes. He had never been jealous of her suitors before—and William Montgomery wasn’t even a suitor. Alexi was right—as interesting as he was, he was a pilot, not a gentleman.

She began to smile. She touched his hand, which was large and hard, the knuckles cracked, the skin there suntanned. “You needn’t be jealous, Alexi,” she murmured.

“Don’t even try to flirt with me! I am not jealous.” He shrugged. “I am merely trying to protect you from a dangerous ladies’ man, Elysse. Montgomery has a way with women, and I don’t want you to fall under his spell.”

“I am hardly under his spell.” She glanced up at him from beneath her lashes, aware that she was flirting. “I’m glad you’re not jealous, Alexi. Mr. Montgomery is very interesting—fascinating, actually—and very handsome. And he is a guest in this house.”

For one moment he stared. Elysse knew him well, but she couldn’t decide what he was truly thinking. Then he leaned closer, crowding her against the draperies. “Are you trying to play me?” he asked, very softly.

A little thrill swept her. She could barely breathe now. “I have no idea what you mean. But you can’t object to my having a pleasant conversation with your pilot—or seeing him again.” She batted her lashes at him while her heart raced frantically.

“Montgomery piloted the Ariel to Lower Canada and Jamaica and then to Canton and back. I trust him with my ship and the lives of my men, but I do not trust him with you.” His stare darkened. He added, “You are impossible, Elysse. I am asking you to avoid him—for your sake, not mine.”

His shoulder still pressed hers. It was becoming hard to think clearly. She whispered, “I will think about it.”

Suddenly his gaze dropped from her eyes to her mouth. Elysse tensed. In that one moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. Instead, he straightened and slowly shook his head, appearing disgusted. “Fine. Think about it. But don’t say I didn’t tell you so.”

CHAPTER TWO

HE WAS RESTLESS and he did not know why. After so much time away from his family, his mood should have been entirely different. Usually the time he spent in his family home in Ireland was somewhat aimless, his pursuits casual—long rides across the countryside, visits to his neighbors, tea with his sisters and raucous family suppers. He didn’t feel casual now. Instead, he felt like rushing back to his ship and hoisting sail.

Last night, sleep had eluded him. All evening, he had thought about his run home from China, the price his tea had commanded from the London agents, and how fast his next run could be. He drew, in his mind’s eye, the plans for the ship he intended to have built, just for the China trade. But in the night-darkened bedroom, his thoughts kept straying back to Elysse O’Neill. Even now, as he sat at breakfast with his family, his thoughts were on her.

She had always been beautiful. He’d thought so even as a small boy, when they’d first met. In fact, he would never forget walking into the drawing room at Harmon House for the very first time, having just arrived in London with his father after a long voyage from Jamaica, where he had been raised. He had read about London, of course, but he had never imagined such a large, bustling city, with so many palaces and mansions. As excited as he had been to finally visit his father’s homeland, he had been taken aback—and very, very careful to hide it. On their way to Harmon House, Cliff had pointed out many of London’s sights to him and Ariella. Harmon House had seemed as majestic and imposing as Buckingham Palace.

To hide his nervous anxiety, he had increased the swagger in his stride and the set of his small shoulders. His father had been warmly greeted by his brothers, one of whom was the Earl of Adare. A number of other adults and children were present. He’d only seen the lovely golden girl dressed in pink silk and satin seated on the gold damask sofa.

He had mistakenly assumed her to be a real princess. He had never seen anyone as pretty, and when she had looked at him, he’d felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. But she turned her nose up at him like a true snob. He’d instantly wanted to impress her. He had strutted over to her. Without even an introduction, he had boasted about his exploits on the high seas. Her purple eyes had become as huge as saucers….

The memory almost made Alexi smile. Within days, they had become friends. However, his smile failed him now. Last night, Elysse had been even more stunning than he recalled. Was it possible that he’d forgotten just how beautiful she was? He’d certainly forgotten how petite she was. When he’d rushed to her side as she’d tripped on the stairs, taking a firm hold of her, he’d been stunned at how tiny and feminine she had felt in his arms.

Of course, he wasn’t the only man to have noticed her striking looks. Ogilvy was smitten—and if he didn’t miss his guess, she had ensnared his pilot, too.

His heart turned over hard. She was damned beautiful—and she knew it. She’d known it since she was a little girl. She’d been a reckless flirt then and she was a reckless flirt now. He’d watched her casual flirtations for years. They’d always amused him. He hadn’t ever really understood how her suitors allowed themselves to be so easily played, as if led around by her on a very short leash.

Had she really thought to flirt with him? Had she thought to put him on her leash? If she batted those lashes at him another time he might call her bluff and kiss her senselessly. She’d be shocked, wouldn’t she?

Except he knew he was deluding himself. He would never treat her that way. He had been acutely aware of her from the moment they had met as children, and that had never changed. There had always been that special bond between them. Others might think her filled with airs, but he knew the truth—that a heart of gold beat within her chest. He also knew how kind she was—no one was as loyal—and she was exceptionally loyal to him. She couldn’t help the fact that her parents spoiled her terribly, or that she had been blessed with so much privilege and such exceptional looks. None of that really mattered. What mattered was how well she understood him; sometimes, he felt that she knew his thoughts, when he wasn’t even speaking. And how often had he known her thoughts—and secrets—without her having to verbalize them?

But that strong bond had been complicated for him from the start. There had always been a vague stirring of attraction for him, from that first moment when they had met as children. As a boy, he’d always assumed that one day, far in the future, when he was a grown man, she was the woman he would take as his wife. There had never been any ifs, ands or buts about it.

But at fifteen, he’d discovered women. Actually, he’d discovered sex. And any such beliefs or assumptions about Elysse had been buried deep.

Well, he had returned home now. He wasn’t a naive eight-year-old boy or a randy sixteen-year-old. He was twenty-one and a very successful merchant sea captain. He was also a bachelor—and he liked it that way. He was not interested in marriage, not any time soon. But that vague stirring of attraction wasn’t vague any longer. It was a heated pounding in his loins. The desire was unmistakable, and no longer easy to ignore. It was powerful and disturbing.

The sooner he left Ireland, the better, he thought firmly. Then he could decide how to manage his feelings for her by the next time he came home.

“Your countryside is beautiful, Mrs. de Warenne.”

Alexi came out of his brooding instantly.

“I am so glad you think so,” Amanda, his stepmother, replied, smiling at William Montgomery from across the dining-room table.

“I thought I would only want to spend a day or two here in the countryside, but I was wrong,” Montgomery said with his thick Southern accent, sipping from a cup of China tea. “I should enjoy riding across the Irish moors many times.”

They were seated at the table with Amanda and Cliff. His sisters remained upstairs. His father was engrossed in the London Times and Alexi had been trying to read the Dublin newspapers, which were a treat, as they were impossible to come by outside of Britain. He especially liked the social columns—he missed the gossip about what everyone was up to—but this morning, he hadn’t been able to concentrate on a single word. Now, he stared at his pilot. Montgomery had saved his life in Lower Canada. He’d risked his own life to do so. They were friends, but he happened to know that the pilot was ruthless when it came to his pursuit of beautiful women.

Montgomery would never try to seduce Elysse, surely. He was, after all, Alexi’s pilot and a guest in his home. Their flirtation last night had been a casual, insignificant one. Yet why would he wish to linger in the countryside? “You’ll be bored by this evening,” Alexi said flatly, suddenly hoping he was right. “I am actually thinking of cutting my stay short.”

Cliff laid down his newspaper, his blue gaze searching. “Why would you do that?”

“I want to get to London and start working on the plans for my new ship,” he said. In London, he and Montgomery could carouse to their heart’s desire.

Amanda smiled at the pilot. “I am so glad you are enjoying Ireland. I remember the first time I came here. I was so swept away by every single thing—the old homes, the green hills, the mist, the people! This is your first time here, is it not?”

“Yes, it is, and I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality. Your home is so lovely, Mrs. de Warenne.” Now, he looked at Alexi, smiling ever so slightly. “I enjoyed meeting the O’Neill family very much last night.”

Alexi tossed the Dublin Times aside, sitting up straighter. He hadn’t lied when he’d told Elysse that the American was a terrible ladies’ man. They had spent ten days in Batavia, drinking, gaming and whoring, while waiting for a shift in the winds before running up the China Sea to Canton. Montgomery was a good-looking man with too much Southern charm and women flocked to him like ducks to water. His gallantry got him into the finer homes in the ports they put into, and he had seduced his share of married women—but he hadn’t ever ruined an innocent daughter, not that Alexi knew of. Up until then, Alexi had considered him a true kindred spirit. Surely he did not wish to linger in Ireland in order to pursue Elysse. Or had she so thoroughly worked her wiles on him, already? When a man wanted a woman, it was often so hard to think clearly!

Cliff surprised them all by saying, “Elysse O’Neill is a very lovely woman.”

“I don’t believe I have ever met a woman as beautiful,” Montgomery said shortly. “Or as charming.”

He was stunned. Was Montgomery being polite—or was he smitten? He sounded very intense. “Be careful, my friend, or she will soon lead you about on her little leash as she does all of her proper suitors.”

“Alexi!” Amanda gasped in disapproval. “That was terribly rude!”

Alexi fingered the saucer of his teacup. “Well, I am just worried about my friend. He hardly needs to have his heart broken. Elysse doesn’t mean to hurt anyone,” he added, knowing that was the truth. “But she is a skilled coquette. I have seen her gather admirers ever since she was twelve or thirteen. She is adept at it. And frankly, she is even more of an impossible flirt today than she was when I left.”

Cliff shook his head. “This conversation is highly impolitic, Alexi.”

“There is no harm in flirting,” Amanda said to him, as reproof.

Montgomery added, “At home, a lady who doesn’t flirt would be considered odd. Flirting is rather an art in Maryland.”

Alexi folded his arms across his chest and refrained from scowling. He wasn’t sure what had possessed him to speak so disparagingly of Elysse, whom he cared for, in front of his friend, who was still an outsider to the family. “I just think you should keep your distance, William. Her charms can be fatal.”

Montgomery smiled slowly. “Are you speaking from experience?”

He tensed. “I have never had a broken heart—nor do I intend to ever have one.”

“You know that ladies are few and far between on our runs. Last night was very enjoyable—I look forward to the company of all the ladies here again.” The pilot picked up his cup and sipped.

But his intentions were clear. He meant to see Elysse again. Alexi stared thoughtfully at him. He truly didn’t care if Montgomery and Elysse flirted once or twice, as long as Montgomery remained respectful. There was really no reason for him to believe that he would ever behave in any other manner—they weren’t in Lisbon, Malta or Singapore now—but he continued to feel disturbed. He was sensing that Montgomery was simply too interested in Elysse for his own good—or her own good. When it came to Elysse, he simply didn’t trust his pilot, as he had told her last night. “You know, Dublin is a very entertaining city. We should spend a few days there before we return to London.”

Montgomery didn’t respond.

“Please don’t rush off so soon,” Amanda said, rising from her chair. She came to stand beside him, placing her hand on his shoulder. “We have all missed you so.”

Alexi knew he could not disappoint his family. He smiled at his stepmother. “I promise not to leave in any haste.”

“Good.” She kissed his cheek and excused herself.

“May I ask a question?” Montgomery said.

Alexi looked at him as his father returned to the London Times.

“Why isn’t Elysse married?”

He almost choked. Before he could answer, Cliff rattled his paper and said, “Her father means to find her a love match. Devlin has said so often enough.”

Montgomery sat up straighter. “Surely he means to find her a titled gentleman with deep pockets.”

“I’m sure he wishes for Elysse to have every privilege, but most importantly, he wishes for her to have genuine affection in her marriage,” Cliff said. He laid his paper down. “I’m afraid I have some tenants to see today. Alexi, do you wish to join me?”

Montgomery was obviously surprised by Cliff’s answer, and his mind was clearly racing. Alexi was disbelieving. Surely his pilot did not think to marry up? He couldn’t help thinking about the boy he’d once been—the boy who had secretly assumed that one day he’d grow up and marry Elysse O’Neill. “I have other plans, Father.”

Marriage was the last thing on his mind just then. All he wanted to do was escape his confusion and desire. He couldn’t wait to run back to China, pick up another Pekoe cargo, and then race the clock—and his rivals—for Great Britain.

But he couldn’t let this go.

Cliff left the dining room. Montgomery said soberly, “A great lady like Elysse O’Neill deserves all that life has to offer.” He took up his teacup abruptly.

Alexi stared. Was the American suddenly considering the possibility that Elysse might truly like him? That he might seduce her into falling in love? Elysse admired Montgomery. He was masculine and attractive; all women liked him. Men like Montgomery married up all the time. And Montgomery was an opportunist. Devlin might even embrace the American as a fellow seafarer and set him up in his own shipping line. He was suddenly certain that, while Montgomery was intrigued with Elysse, he was now just as intrigued with the idea of marrying into the great O’Neill fortune.

The stakes had entirely changed.

He pushed his plate away. Elysse couldn’t go to a dinner party, a dance or a ball without drawing every male in the room to her side and ensnaring them with her laughter, her looks and her charm. She had a way of hanging on to a man’s every word, making him feel ten feet tall and impossibly masculine, impossibly virile. He’d seen her do it a hundred times—no, even more. She’d been mesmerizing the male gender since she was a child of seven! But attracting Montgomery was a terrible idea—he had said so to her. Now, it had even worse ramifications.

Alexi crossed his arms. “You seem deep in thought, William.”

Montgomery glanced up. “I was trying to decide how to spend the morning.”

“Let’s ride.”

“That’s fine, as long as I am back by one.”

Alexi sent him a questioning look. “And what happens at that bewitching hour?”

“I am driving in the countryside today with the loveliest lady I have ever met.”

So they had made plans to meet again last night? Of course they had, because Elysse had ignored his warnings.

“Are you bothered with that?” Montgomery asked, his gaze riveted on Alexi.

“It’s going to rain today.” As a seaman, he could smell the impending rain. He damn well knew Montgomery could, too.

The American leaned across the table. “A bit of drizzle won’t stop me from enjoying Miss O’Neill’s company. Only a fool would postpone our afternoon. I asked you if you are bothered, Alexi.”