All the while thinking of that fishing boat Charlie had shown her and plotting her soon escape.
Chapter 21
B
lake’s frustration only grew through the afternoon, an afternoon of dealing with a series of trifling issues in the management of the estate and farmland. All of which made him long to be out to sea again. In due time. First, he must plot his next conquest, his next step toward enlarging his kingdom. In addition, he needed a plan to deal with that infernal Jesuit, Signor Arturo Della Morte, who was no doubt still in pursuit of the Ring.
After cleaning and putting on fresh attire, he passed by Emeline’s door, ignoring the yearning to see her. Instead, he made his way downstairs, heading for his gallery, where his estate manager had recently hung a new painting. Something about the masterpieces always soothed his nerves. With the addition of a little rum, of course.
No sooner did he enter the large gallery, the walls of which were covered with paintings, than he saw Emeline standing before his newest acquisition, gazing up at it with admiration.
Finally, there was something the lady appreciated. He took a moment to admire her as he headed her way. Though she was of a more petite stature than most women, she held herself tall and regal as if she were royalty. She wore the same azure gown that gathered at her small waist and spread out in a voluminous overskirt, revealing a silk petticoat underneath. A lacy fringe that matched the cuffs on her half sleeves lined her modest neckline. ’Twas the same gown she’d worn since he’d first seen her, but he still found it quite appealing. She’d pinned up her hair in a bundle of curls from which several had escaped and dangled about her neck.
Hearing his approach, she glanced his way. He longed for a smile but received a mere frown instead. In truth, his presence seemed to leech all the joy from her face.
But what did he expect? He slipped beside her and gestured toward the painting. “What are your impressions of Jan Vermeer? I quite admire this one,Girl with a Pearl Earring.”
“I adore his work.” She nibbled on her lower lip. “However, I am quite astonished to find any of it here.”
Ignoring her disapproving tone, he waved an arm around the gallery. “You’ll find more of his work, along with several pieces by Diego Velázquez. Most are reproductions, of course, but I do have one original. Would you like to see it?”
“How on earth would you have acquired an original?” Her tone was incredulous.
He raised one brow and grinned.
“Ah. How could I forget?” She looked away. “You are a pirate and a thief.” Her sharp rebuke cut him. “All of these are stolen, then?”
“Nay. Not all. I purchased one or two.” Why did he always feel like he needed to defend himself with this woman? He’d never been ashamed of his chosen profession before. Quite the opposite.
They moved to look at the next piece, one of his favorites—a naval battle by Willem van de Velde the Younger.
She gazed up at it in wonder.
“I see we not only share a love of music but of art, as well.” As he knew she would. None of his pirates or staff had a care for the fine arts, leaving him lonely in his admiration. “Is it not majestic?”
“It is truly stunning. I do admire your taste, Captain,” she said, then faced him, studying him in that invasive way of hers before adding, “You should not have scolded him so. You belittled him.”
At first Blake merely stared at her, confused, his mind searching for who thehimwas. Ah…so that was it. He snorted in disbelief. “Pedro is a cabin boy, not a prince.”
She shook her head, sending her curls dancing. “And you are so much better than he?”
“Aye, as you can see,” he said, waving his hand around the opulent room—the paintings, the sculptures, the Persian rugs gracing the floor, and the lanterns perched on walls between pieces of artwork, casting a royal glow over everything.
“So a man is measured by his possessions?” She cocked her head, frowning.
Blake gripped the lion amulet dangling around his neck. “And power.”
She studied him. Lantern light sparkled across her eyes—eyes that dove deep into his as if searching for treasure. “What do you intend to do with your power? Are you content with your island kingdom, or do you have other conquests in mind?”
“Many other conquests, Miss. Why would I need the Ring to do what I have already accomplished without it?”
“Then you are to rule the world?” A sparkle of playfulness lit her eyes.
“Perhaps not the entire thing.” He joked but then grew serious. “But ’twould be nice to rule the Spanish Main, send the power-hungry European powers back home, and take the land for myself. As you see, I am quite benevolent to the natives.”
She moved to the next painting. “What of the African slaves already here?”
“I would set them free to work for me.”
