A More Perfect Union: Emily's Vow Part 19

"You want someone else, don't you?" Captain Sullivan's sloop was due soon, but no need to reveal as much if it were the captain Bradley truly sought. "You don't care about Emily."

"There you're wrong, my friend." John stood and walked to the corner of the desk, fingering the wood with one hand. He looked at Frank, his eyebrows arched. "I care very much about dear Emily. We have quite a history, she and I. She means the world to me, and I plan to win her back. If I can resolve two needs with one act, why not?"

No way in h.e.l.l would Frank allow him to claim his Emily. He stood up straighter and looked down at the shorter, stockier man. No matter the history they shared, they shared no future. Emily cared for Frank. It may not be love quite yet, but she had slowly warmed to him. He saw it in her eyes when they laughed over some silly event together. Heard it in her voice when she said his name. Sweat beaded on his brow and he wiped it away. "Major, I believe you're mistaken in your supposition she cares for you."

"You've not been with us the last few days, to see how willingly she comes to me when I visit." He smiled as he drummed his fingers on the desk.

Frank's hands balled into fists at the leer on the b.a.s.t.a.r.d's face. Surely he lied. Emily cared for him, not this wh.o.r.eson. Anger buzzed in his ears. Despite the cool breeze blowing through the open arches, he boiled inside at the audacity of the turncoat.

Footsteps echoed in the cavernous s.p.a.ce. Frank pivoted to see who approached, and let out a breath when Amy sashayed up to stand beside him.

"Sorry I am so tardy, Frank." She folded her gloved hands in front of her, her drawstring purse dangling. "My conversation with the colonel took a little longer than antic.i.p.ated."

"Miss Amy, I'm pleased you arrived." He'd accompanied her to the colonel's quarters on a second attempt to meet with him, but she'd insisted, to his relief, her conversation with the man be private. Had she succeeded in her quest? His heartbeat pounded in his ears, making it difficult to hear the conversation. "I believe you know the major."

"Yes, though it's been years since I've had the pleasure." Amy crossed to where Bradley stood, hand outstretched. "Pleased to see you again."

The major ignored the proffered greeting and eyed her coldly. "Miss Abernathy."

Amy lowered her hand at the rebuff but kept her smile in place.

"Now that the pleasantries have been dealt with, I have come to see to the release of my cousin, Emily Sullivan."

"I'm afraid her release is quite impossible," Bradley said. "Your cousin committed treason against the king of England, and it is out of my hands to a.s.sign her fate."

"Treason? Emily?" Amy's eyes widened, their green depths sparkling with annoyance. "My dear sir, that is what's impossible."

"Even children hang for treason," Bradley said, his eyes twinkling.

"And you find hangings amusing?" Amy asked, offended. "You must be mistaken if you think my cousin capable of such behavior."

"I know what your lovely cousin is capable of better than you realize." Bradley smirked at them. "In fact, I know her quite well."

Frank clenched his fists tighter at the major's words. Amy's face paled though her smile remained steady. How intimately had the b.a.s.t.a.r.d known his love? A kiss? A fondle? More? Frank's face grew hot as he glared at the man. Not that carnally, surely. The b.a.s.t.a.r.d lied. What if he did in some distant past know Emily intimately? That was then. Frank loved Emily. He would forgive her succ.u.mbing to flirtations years ago. And despite any protest, protect her from this manipulative and dangerous man. "Careful, Bradley."

"I see." Amy raised a cautionary hand toward Frank and moved closer to the major. "For the sake of her reputation, I a.s.sume that tidbit of information will not be shared with anyone else. Am I right?"

Bradley shrugged. "As long as she cooperates with me, yes, I can agree to that."

"Conditions, Major?" Frank opened and closed his fists, flirting with the idea of decking the man. "You would resort to blackmail."

Amy stepped between the two men. She looked up at Bradley. "What happens to Emily if your demands are not met? What is it you want?"

Bradley gazed at her for a long moment before answering. "I made her happy before. I can make her happy again. I want only one thing. She must become my wife."

Frank could not stop the gasp, though he did manage to mask it as a cough. Emily marry this monster? He started forward, but a look from Amy stopped him. She motioned with her eyes for him to back up and stay quiet. He did so with an effort. He really wanted to pummel this b.a.s.t.a.r.d into the Purbeck stone floor. How dare he think he could coerce and control Emily's beautiful spirit? To force her to marry anyone, let alone this brute? Gripping the back of a nearby chair, he forced himself to remain still with every irate fiber of his being. Please, let the turncoat say the wrong thing, and he would not be able to stop himself. Amy or no Amy.

"My, my, Major, that is quite a demand. Have you spoken to Emily about your desires?"

"Yes, of course. She's considering my proposal."

"Ah, so you talked with her?" Amy moved closer to the officer. "She is well?"

Frank gripped the cold wood tighter. So the b.a.s.t.a.r.d had seen her. Even offered his hand, but she apparently had not accepted. By G.o.d, if he had hurt her, he's dead. Pure and simple.

"As well and happy as you'd expect." He winked at Frank. "She has been fine under my personal supervision, rest a.s.sured."

The wood between Frank's hands splintered.

"There is only one problem with your plan." Amy clasped her hands together. "Believe me when I tell you she will not marry you."

Bradley scowled at her. "How would you know?"

"I cannot tell you, but I do know it for a fact. She will not marry anyone."

Frank's heart plummeted to his feet. Not marry anyone? Surely Amy jested. Of course Emily would marry. All women married at some time in their lives so they could have a home to call their own, children to love and rear. What else did a woman have to strive for, to hope for, if not to love a man and care for him and his hearth? Emily's essays echoed in his mind, their content inflammatory yet suddenly revelatory. Perhaps she did have other dreams she pursued, scandalous and provocative dreams not only for herself but all women. His understanding of her motivations crystalized.

"You lie." Bradley glared at Amy, a rhythmic pulse in the vein on his neck. "You lie!"

Amy shook her head and contemplated the angry man.

"Why will she not marry?"

Amy remained silent, though Frank hoped she'd reveal the mysterious secret behind this observation.

"Tell me." Bradley marched closer and stared at Amy, silently threatening her with his physical nearness.

"It doesn't matter, John." She lifted her shoulders in an apology. "All this discussion has distracted me. I nearly forgot to tell you about my conversation with Colonel Balfour. Seems he insists we take my cousin home. You're to release her forthwith as her arrest occurred under false charges."

"No, it's not that simple," John said, a frown forming. "She cannot walk out on me. I know she still cares for me." He looked at Frank. "She even kissed me. Quite thoroughly, too."

Frank tried but could not squelch the anger clawing inside of him. "You, sir, have gone too far. You dare besmirch my lady's reputation in such a manner?"

"She appeared quite practiced at the art." Bradley stepped closer, puffing up his chest as he closed the s.p.a.ce. "I cannot help that she is so easily persuaded to share her favors."

Frank clenched his fist until his nails dug into his palms. He'd had a surfeit of this b.a.s.t.a.r.d's innuendo and lies. "I'm calling you out, sir. Tomorrow at dawn be at the dueling alley and we'll settle this."

"You're challenging me to a duel?" Bradley's mouth slowly closed into a hard line.

"Let's settle this." Frank's blood boiled at the brute's outrageous claims. Moreover, if he had actually kissed Emily, had touched her in any way, then the man would die for his presumption. "If you're man enough, it's to the death."

"You best not miss." Bradley glared at him. "She was mine before; she will be again."

Booted footsteps neared before Frank could respond to the utterly insane claim. Colonel Balfour, tall and trim in his red and black uniform, acknowledged the two men. His bold smile finally settled on Amy as he briefly took her hands in his. "Miss Abernathy, a pleasure to speak with you earlier today. Major Bradley, have you released Miss Sullivan as I ordered?"

Bradley's mouth tightened, but he kept his features schooled to hide his annoyance. He darted a look at Frank, and Frank forced his fists to relax. Tomorrow would be soon enough to deal with the major. Besides, if the colonel discovered their intent beforehand, they'd both end up in chains.

"It's my fault, sir, that I delayed in delivering your orders to the major." Amy dipped a quick curtsy.

"I see. Well, Major, you know now. Go get the lady and send her on her way."

"But, Colonel, she was caught in the act of-" Bradley's face turned crimson as he watched the three people staring at him.

"Nonsense. I'll vouch for her myself if necessary. Miss Abernathy provided very compelling evidence. Go retrieve her and send her home. That's an order. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a dinner engagement with a lovely redhead." With a wink and a tip of his hat, the colonel strode away.

Bradley glared at Amy. "Wait here." Without another word, he marched to the stairs leading down to the street.

"I'm glad that's over." Amy smoothed her gloves into place.

"Nicely handled," Frank said with a laugh. "Now to take our girl home."

After fifteen minutes had pa.s.sed, leaving them standing amid the hubbub of the merchants, Amy frowned. "What is taking that man so long to fetch Emily?"

"Good question." Frank scanned the Exchange, noting the number of traders dwindling as the afternoon approached. "He best return soon or I shall retrieve her myself."

Another fifteen minutes pa.s.sed before the swish of skirts and the patter of shoes sounded on the stone floor. Amy whirled around and Frank looked toward the street entrance. Emily strode toward them, Bradley grimly at her side.

"Emily," Frank cried, opening his arms in invitation. Though her dress sported brown smudges and her hair resembled a bird's nest hanging about her shoulders, she seemed unharmed. Relief washed over him. "I'm so happy you're free."

"Really, Frank?" Emily pushed past him to hug Amy fiercely. "Can we get out of here, now? Please?"

"Of course." Amy slowly released Emily before leading the way toward the entrance awash in afternoon sunlight. "We have a dinner to plan and prepare for, after all."

Emily stopped before stepping through the archway and stared at her. "What is it with this family? Always thinking about food in times of crisis?"

Amy laughed and wrapped an arm around Emily's waist, effectively blocking Frank from doing the same thing, as he had planned to do.

Bradley glared at the threesome from where he stood by the desk.

Frank cast a last look at the b.a.s.t.a.r.d's frowning countenance. "Pistols at dawn," Frank spat. "Don't be late."

Emily paused outside the Old Exchange, drew in a slow breath to quell her racing heart after the quick march back through the streets. Amy stood to one side, watching her. Such questioning looks Amy and Frank wore. They did not understand how she felt right now, but they were about to learn. She'd had plenty of time to think about all her grievances, and she wanted answers. Especially from her father.

"I could throttle him." Emily marched down the street toward home. She heard Amy and Frank rush to keep up with her. "If he touched me one more time, I'd have been sick all over his boots."

"I'm here, sweetheart," Frank said beside her. "I won't let him hurt you ever again."

She stopped and glared at him. She might love him, but his lack of action on her behalf must be addressed. "You pledged to protect me, remember? You stood in the middle of the road and watched them haul me away without a hint of protest. I can't trust that you'll protect me or anyone else." With a huff, she marched down the street, trying to put as much distance as possible between her and John. Just in case he changed his mind and came after her.

"Emily, wait for me," Amy called, her voice strident.

Emily kept walking. Her cousin's running footsteps caught up to her, and soon Amy matched her pace, panting after the exertion. So be it. First, Emily needed to confront her father about this whole episode.

Two long days and nights she had spent in that barren room, dreading the sound of footsteps for fear of John returning to berate her again. Or worse. He stole not only her favorite hair combs but her sense of security, and her dignity as well. Was he daft to think she could love him? And did this really stem from her father's business affairs? Her father, the man with the highest ethical standards in town, apparently not only engaged in privateering but lied to her about it. It wasn't the act, but the lie that boiled her blood and made her heart ache. How could she trust him? Anger and betrayal drove her steps toward home.

"Wait until I talk to my father," she muttered. "I want the truth of this matter once and for all. He should have told me." She glanced over her shoulder at Frank trailing behind, a scowl marring his features, apparently unsure whether she welcomed his company. "Are you coming, oh protector?"

Amy chuckled, then sobered when Emily cast a glare in her direction. "He did try to see you. He spent every minute of the last two days trying to secure your release. He's done nothing else the entire time. Be nice."

"I'm not in the mood for nice." Emily lengthened her stride still more. If she thought she could without fear of reprisal, she'd run home. But propriety restricted her response to a fast walk.

Frank hastened his steps and soon strode on her opposite side. "Are you all right?"

"I will be when I speak to my father."

"But your father is not home right now," Frank said hesitantly.

She glared at him, then focused on the dusty street in front of her. "He better be if he knows what's good for him."

Amy chuckled. "You're upset. That's to be understood. But you cannot make him appear out of thin air."

"No, I suppose I can't." She sighed deeply and slowed her steps. She glanced at Frank. "You tried to see me?"

"Every minute for two days, but they wouldn't allow it. Even lied and said you weren't in the dungeon. I cannot fathom why they'd conceal your presence." He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and covered her fingers with his. "What did they... what did he do to you? Did he harm you?"

Tension radiated from him as he asked his question. How much should she reveal of the search? The fingers digging into her sides, and the smell of John's breath so close she nearly gagged. The nagging proposals and angry reaction when she said no. Gauging Frank's concern, she divined what he really asked.

"No, he did not hurt me." She squeezed his arm, relis.h.i.+ng the rock-hard support it provided. The feel of his strength beneath her hand recalled her wanton dream, and heat built on her neck and spread to her cheeks. She'd begged him to make love to her then without fear. Would she feel the same way in reality? "But it's true that I wasn't in the dungeon."

"What do you mean?" Frank searched her face, a frown furrowed between his brows.

"John held me prisoner in your house, Frank." His eyes widened in disbelief. "Locked in an upstairs bedroom for two days. He didn't hurt me, just kept badgering me to marry him. I said no, of course."

"Thank G.o.d for that, love." He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her, igniting sparks inside her veins. He lifted his head and whispered, "If he hurt you, I'd have to definitely kill him tomorrow morning. Otherwise I'd just scare the wh.o.r.eson."

She didn't have chance to respond before his lips pressed hers. Emily's senses rioted from the electric effect of Frank's kiss combined with the startling words concerning John.

"Frank, honestly," Amy said. "She has her reputation to consider, remember? That's enough."

Frank lifted his head and grinned at Emily. Still reeling, Emily studied Frank's face. "Kill him?"

"Dawn tomorrow." Frank shrugged, eyes serious. "Just him and me."

"A duel?" Emily trembled at the thought. Duels left men injured or maimed, and sometimes dead. If Frank approached the event with the intent to kill, how likely was he to die instead?

"Do not fret, love." Frank kissed her on her forehead. "I'll be home for breakfast."

"I could not believe my ears, either." Amy shook her head. "Here I thought of Frank as intelligent, too."

"Frank, you can't be serious." Emily pleaded with her eyes for him to back down from the challenge.

"You're my girl, Emily. I'll not have him damaging your reputation." Frank peered into her eyes. He kissed her lips, lightly this time. "I feared you'd hate me for not being there for you. It took Amy's help, along with her connections, to bring you home."

Thank G.o.d. Emily couldn't have stood another day of John's harangue. Frank's love shone in his eyes, and she understood he had done what he needed to free her. She gloried in being his lady now even as a thrill of fear for his safety on the morrow simmered in her veins. Oddly enough the idea slid into place as easily as her shuttle on the loom. She smiled at him and then Amy. "Thank you, Cousin. Your inventions saved the day yet again."

"Now may we go home?" Amy asked. "After all, there's so much to do and so little time."