He stood, too, and came around the table, blocking her way to the door. He did not touch her, but he watched her, and she didn’t know if his silver eyes danced with humor or fury.
“I’m afraid that I cannot excuse you as yet, milady.”
“Oh, and why is that? Truly, Lord Cameron, you are not displaying the manners of a good gentle peer in the least!”
“My apologies, milady. But there is something that you must know before you quit this cabin.”
She tossed back her head with her most imperious manner. “And what, pray tell, Lord Cameron, is that?”
“Only this, milady. Protest comes too late.”
“What are you talking about?” She frowned. A certain dread came to settle over her. She longed to flee before he could speak. There would be no way. She could not barge past him. He was too tall, towering against the door. His shoulders, for all their elegant apparel, were too broad.
“I’m afraid that by the law, we are legally wed.”
“What?”
“Your father was quite concerned even as you set sail from the English shore. We were wed by proxy the day you left London behind. You see, my dear, whether it pleases you or not, it is done.”
He waited, allowing the words to settle over her. She was silent, stunned. Her father could not have done such a thing to her!
He sighed deeply, but spoke with a frightening edge to his voice.
“Madame, you are my wife, and that is that.”
She shook her head, disbelieving. “No!”
“Yes.”
“I will fight it.”
“I will not allow you.”
“You must! You cannot love me! You must let me go.”
“No.”
He said the word with such finality that she found herself shivering.
But then he stepped aside from the door, opening it for her. He bowed deeply. She stiffened, and walked by him. He caught her arm briefly.
“I will never let you go,” he said. “You will become reconciled.”
“I will never become reconciled. We will be wretched!”
“Then wretched, my love, we will be.” He released her, bowing deeply. “Good night, my love.”
The door closed, and she was left alone in the hallway.
X
Skye stormed down the corridor to the door to her own cabin. She cast it open to step inside, and when she did, the darkness surrounded her.
She leaned against the door, swallowing, closing her eyes.
If only!
If only One-Eyed Jack had never spotted theSilver Messenger, if only the Silver Hawk had not come behind him. She had been mistress upon theSilver Messenger, her father’s ship, and she had never needed to fear the darkness there, for she had always been surrounded by lamps and candles. Now, no matter what her feelings for the man, no matter what lay between them, she would have to go with him. The clammy hand of terror was already upon her. If she did not move swiftly…
