If she weren’t a pirate. But she was. Which meant he needed to bury those feelings once and for all.
And now, the governor was hosting a ball at Montelet’s estate to celebrate his daring rescue of Miss Warstein. He snorted. Daring, indeed. He’d blundered his way through the entire mission.
With a groan, he stood and set his half-empty cup down. He’d never dreaded a party so much. His eyes strayed to his whiskey cabinet, but he forced himself to walk out and to the front door. Showing up foxed to his own celebration could only make things worse.
His gelding pawed at the drive where his groom held him. Christian took the reins and the man backed up with a look of relief. Probably had begun to wonder if he’d ever show up.
Christian ran a steadying hand down his mount’s neck. When thebay settled, he lifted a foot into the stirrup and swung into the saddle.
“There now. Let’s be on our way.”
Carriages lined the drive at Montelet’s estate and he groaned again. Even with such short notice, the place was packed. It had been less than a week since they’d returned and he’d half-hoped for a small affair.
He should have known. Nothing was ever small when it came to Governor Milledge. His lips pushed together. Last time he was here, he’d failed his mission. Now, he had to face Red.
He wasn’t sure which was worse.
A groomsman in a tidy white and black uniform led Christian’s bay away and he started up the steps. When he entered the ballroom, people stared. Men clapped his shoulder and the ladies blushed behind their fans. More than a few met his eyes with slanted looks.
He was a bloody hero.
By the time he reached the governor’s group, his cravat itched at his throat. Adjusting his cocked hat, he did his best to keep his eyes down but couldn’t help a quick glance at the far wall.
Her hair shimmered in the chandelier light, copper curls cascading down from an elegant bun. The turquoise hue of her dress brought him straight back to the island and the temperate waters they’d—
“She’s a beauty for sure.”
Governor Milledge moved next to Christian and he jerked his gaze from her and to the flute of champagne the big man offered.
“If I weren’t already married, I’d have half a mind to ask her for her hand myself.”
Christian’s gut hardened as one of the men nearby laughed.
“She’d turn you down. Like she’s done every other red-blooded man here.” The man’s hungry gaze hardened. “Something wrong with that one, there is.”
With fists clenched, Christian gave him a level glare. “I found her company pleasant.”
Another laugh. “The only place she’d be pleasant is beneath my covers.” The man tipped back his glass and gave a hearty laugh after polishing it off.
Christian could knock him out with one punch. It would be wasted on the drunk man. And create a stir. He took a slow breath and took the flute from the governor.
“You’re creating quite the name for yourself, Lieutenant.”
Christian turned back to the crown and watched a young woman in a pale yellow dress approach Red.Miss Warstein. God, he didn’t know what to call her anymore.
“Yes, well, Thorne still sails, so don’t be too quick to heap praise on me.”
“I’ve more men and ships on the way from Washington. I’m sure you’ll do us all proud.”
His eyes wandered back to the duo. Miss Warstein’s friend looked his way with flushed cheeks before leaning toward her and whispering. Shoulders stiff, she turned and their gazes met. Even across the room, he noticed the flash in her eyes before they narrowed. And then, she turned away. Dismissed him.
He turned to the governor. “I’d like to mobilize my men as soon as possible. There’s reason to believe Thorne could be here in Savannah.”
He’d posted a group of his men at Warstein’s property the night he’d found Thorne in his study. But so far, no sign of the pirate or his giants. It was as if they’d vanished into thin air.
He didn’t like it.
“All the more reason to get this party started.” Governor Milledge gestured to the band and they wound down their music.
