Our gazes locked, and I felt the connection in every inch of my body.
“You look bonnie, Caroline,” he said, his tired gaze revealing the depths of his attraction to me.
“Thank you for the gown.” I touched the fabric and shook my head. “’Tis too fine.”
He only smiled as he closed the door to the cabin and met me in the middle of the outer room, drawing me into his embrace and holding me tight.
“Please don’t go,” I whispered as I laid my cheek on his chest. “I can’t bear to part with you.”
Marcus didn’t say anything for a moment, but when he pulled back, I saw everything in his eyes. “I love you too much to run away from my responsibilities. I have been praying, Caroline, and I know this is the right thing to do. God has forgiven me—but I still must make amends for my transgressions.”
“You’re stronger than me.”
He shook his head, his weary gaze caressing my face. “Nay.You’re the strongest and bravest person I’ve ever known. I admire you just as much as I love you.”
His words were bittersweet, filled with love yet laced with the regret of his life before he met me.
“’Tis time we were away,” he said as he pulled a small pouch of coins out of his pocket. “But before we go, I want you to have this.”
I took the heavy bag and frowned. “What is it?”
“I long to care for you, but if this is all I can provide, it gives me a small sense of comfort. Please take it.”
I slipped the bag of coins into the pocket of my gown where it sat deep within the folds of my petticoat.
The door to the cabin opened again, and two men hauled Edward out. His hands were tied behind his back, and he wore a scowl on his bearded face. When he saw me, the scowl disappeared and shock replaced it—but not for long.
“Take him to the launch,” Marcus said to the men. “And watch him closely.”
Edward fought against his captors and cast a slew of harsh words toward everyone in the room—me included—until he was out on the quarterdeck.
Timothy left the captain’s cabin last, and his ruddy complexion deepened as he saw me. He shook his head. “They told me I had to get a dress, but they didn’t tell me who it was for. Carl! You’re a girl?”
Despite the heartache, I smiled. “You asked me why I kept to myself on theAdventurer. This is why.”
“You’re our Jonah,” he said with a chuckle. “I never guessed.”
I shrugged. “I wasn’t the only one, but that’s a story for a different time.”
Soon, we were boarding the launch. Edward, Hawk, Timothy, Marcus, Dr. Hartville, who was being released, and a few other pirates that Marcus had chosen for their loyalty to him.
When we reached the long pier, Marcus turned to me as if he was going to say goodbye, and I shook my head. “I’m coming with you to speak to Governor Dummer.”
“Nay. ’Tis not wise.”
“Why?” I stared at him, ready to go to battle with him if necessary. “I can speak on your behalf.”
“Caro—”
“I’m coming, Marcus.” I wouldn’t give him the opportunity to debate with me.
He sighed and then said his farewell to Dr. Hartville after giving him some coins for his troubles.
“I’m sorry Edward kept you captive all this time,” Marcus said to him.
“I wish I could have cured his ailments,” the good doctor replied, “but the mind can be the hardest thing to heal if someone isn’t willing.”
As the doctor left, Marcus said goodbye to the men who had rowed the launch.
