Devlin walked away. He no longer cared what Harvey said, thought or did, because their relationship was over.
VIRGINIA SMILED AS SHE STROLLEDthe deck, uncaring that she had no parasol. In fact, she relished the strong, bright sun. It felt wonderful on her face—it felt wonderful to be alive—and in that moment, she had a sense of why the siren call of the sea was so enchanting. The ship tacked lazily across the wind, the seas were as unhurried, but the breeze was fresh and clean, the skies scintillating, infinity somewhere beyond. She smiled happily, reaching the railing and gripping it. Late tomorrow they would make port in Limerick—and Jack Harvey was going to help her escape.
She laughed out loud, throwing her head back, thinking of how she wished she could see the expression on Devlin O’Neill’s face when he found her gone. She had been wrong to think that she would never be able to win any battle between them. Oh, no. There would be a battle tomorrow and her plan was foolproof. Tomorrow she would be the victor, oh yes.
She knew she was gloating—savoring a triumph she didn’t quite have—and she could almost hear the headmistress at the Marmott School admonishing her. “Ladies do not gloat. In fact, Miss Hughes, ladies do not have battles with avaricious, unscrupulous sea captains, either—a lady does not battle anyone, ever, at all.”
Virginia had to chuckle again. “Well, this lady does do battle, Mrs. Towne,” she said aloud, to the wind and the sea. “In fact, she is rather enjoying herself!”
She realized she had meant her every word and she became reflective. How had she come to this place and time, where she so wanted to outwit Devlin O’Neill? Where the idea of doing so brought her such a thrill? Was it because she still recalled that terrible aching moment when she had desperately wanted his mouth to cover hers? She refused to feel any more desire—and she did not—but she could not escape the singular memory. It had somehow become engraved upon her mind.
Virginia turned to lean her back against the railing, thoughtful still. She glanced toward the quarterdeck and was surprised not to see him there. Why hadn’t he kissed her?
She started, wishing she had never asked herself the question. But she knew why! She was a skinny little thing, with tiny, shapeless breasts, a sharp, angular face and hair that resembled a rat’s nest. Suddenly Virginia felt despair.
It dawned upon her that she wanted her handsome captor to find her beautiful. How foolish could she be?
She drew herself up straighter as the ship rocked over a swell, reminding herself that soon she would be free again, and eventually she would be back at Sweet Briar. Then she would no longer even recall Devlin O’Neill, not by face and not by name. He would not be even the most distant memory.
Somehow she was not reassured.
She suddenly saw Jack Harvey crossing the deck. Virginia’s heart leapt and she waved at him.
He started and changed direction, not waving back or acknowledging her in any way.
Virginia froze.What was that?
Filled with unease, she did not hesitate to rush after him. “Mr. Harvey!” she cried. “Mr. Harvey, do wait!” Surely he had not seen her; surely he had not snubbed her!
Harvey’s steps slowed and Virginia caught up to him. “Hello,” she said brightly, but he did not return her smile. “What a glorious day. Didn’t you see me wave?”
He halted, facing her. “Indeed I did, Miss Hughes.”
Something was amiss, terribly so. “But you did not wave back…or even nod,” she said slowly, with dread.
“I am extremely upset,” he said bluntly. “You see, I have been relieved of my duties, and when we arrive at Limerick, I am to be cast off this ship.”
“Oh,” she managed to say, her heart pounding.
“You lied to me, Miss Hughes. You accused Devlin of a terrible crime.”
She held her head high. “Hehascommitted a terrible crime—I am innocent of any wrongdoing, and he has taken me prisoner against my will.”
“You claimed he seduced you!” Harvey exclaimed. “So that I would defy him and aid you in your escape!”
She had lost after all, she thought miserably. How she wanted to weep. But she did not. Keeping her chin high, she said, “He has abused me, Mr. Harvey.”
Harvey cried, “But not in the manner you claimed. You have never—and I beg your pardon—been in his bed!”
“I never said any such thing. It was a conclusion you drew yourself—those were not my words.”
He blinked. “Does it matter? You understood the conclusion I came to—you encouraged it!”
“The man is a criminal,” she said.
“He is—was—my captain. Now, because of you, I shall have to find a different ship. Miss Hughes, I wish you well. Good day.” He turned and strode away.
Virginia then trembled. Perhaps it had been wrong to let Jack Harvey think the worst, but she was desperate. She had to escape, she had to reach her uncle, she had to save Sweet Briar. Now she succumbed to guilt, but only because Harvey was a very decent sort and he seemed upset at losing his duties upon theDefiance.
