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  A mirthless laugh exploded from Brian. “Serves him right.”

  O’Rourke stood and leaned one elbow on the top of a chest. “If that’s true, he could be back anytime.”

  Herrera stood and paced across the small cabin with his hands behind his back. “I don’t want to try to catch Badeau on the water. His ship is too fast.” He turned and looked at the other two men. “Do you think we can capture the pirates after they’re off the ship but before they reach the house?”

  O’Rourke smiled. “Etienne Badeau doesn’t seem to think anyone can find this remote plantation. So he isn’t as careful as he should be. If we want to capture most of the pirates, it might be prudent to wait until they are all together at the house. With our men and your forces, we outnumber them. Besides, we’ll have surprise in our favor.”

  The three men worked out a plan to keep watch on the river and the plantation house around the clock until the pirate ship returned.

  Water lapped against the hull of the ship, rocking it gently. The sound helped calm Brian’s nerves. “I’ll slip into the plantation house tonight and tell the women what we’re doing. When Badeau and his men return, I will go there to protect Angelina and her aunt.”

  Brian left the ship and went back to his position over-looking the balcony outside Angelina’s room. He didn’t see her during the heat of the day, but when a fresh breeze blew through the treetops, causing them to dance in the waning light of evening, the curtains parted, and she stepped onto the balcony. She turned her face to catch the cooler air.

  Brian feasted his eyes on her beauty, longing for what he knew would never happen.

  Angelina wore her hair unbound, hanging freely down her back in waves that rippled in the wind. Light from the room behind her highlighted the ebony curls with a golden halo. She wore a summer dress of some lightweight material that billowed in the wind. Her loveliness made him ache for what he couldn’t have, and he knew her beauty wasn’t only on the surface. Her heart was pure, and her spirit sweet.

  Father God, I love her so much.

  ❧

  The weather was hotter than at any time since they had arrived in Spanish West Florida. Angelina wondered how people got used to the oppressive, heavy air that didn’t circulate during the hottest part of the day. She wore the coolest dress she owned, and still it clung to her, making her swelter. No wonder this part of the territory was thinly populated. How could people live this way? She had pulled her hair up on top of her head and anchored it into a haphazard bun. After spending the day languishing in the heat, she welcomed the breeze that accompanied the falling of the evening shadows.

  Angelina released her hair and stepped out on the balcony, turning her face to catch the wind. It blew her skirt, fanning it and cooling her whole body. She looked around the clearing toward the woods beyond, wondering if Brian was out there. She felt as if she were connected to him as he watched over her and her aunt. Angelina remembered the feel of his strength as he held her against his chest. She had heard his heartbeat accelerate as hers had done. When they escaped from this place, a relationship with Brian O’Doule would be her goal. Of course, she didn’t know what her father would think about that, but maybe he would be so glad to have her safely home that he would want to make her happy. She hoped so.

  Aunt Elena slipped between the curtains and joined her on the balcony. “It’s cooler out here, isn’t it?” Her aunt stood with her arms crossed over her waist and gazed into the distance. “This could be a pleasant place if it didn’t belong to that awful man.”

  “And if it weren’t so hot.”

  Her duenna leaned both arms on the railing. “I imagine it’s cooler on the first floor, and even more so in the basement. If we were free to move around the house, it would be quite livable. It’s too bad some nice family can’t own this wonderful property.”

  After Aunt Elena went back into the parlor, Angelina dropped into the chair she kept on the balcony. She picked up Brian’s Bible and held it close to her heart, running her fingers over the texture of the leather. She listened to her aunt’s footsteps as she approached her bedroom. The snap of the door latch followed. Her companion usually went to bed at this time, but Angelina couldn’t sleep, wondering what was going on out there in the woods around the plantation house.

  Soon after the lamplight in her duenna’s room was extinguished, the branches of the tree near the balcony rustled. Angelina’s gaze probed the darkness, trying to make out a shape. Was she imagining that she saw Brian? Did she want him with her so much that she saw him in every shadow?

  When his feet dropped below the level of the lower branch, Angelina’s heart leaped with joy. She stood, laid the Bible in the chair, and watched his sinewy body lower gracefully to the floor beside her, his feet making a soft thud when they landed.

  A smile lit his face. “Angelina.” Her name sounded like music on his tongue, and a melting sensation started inside her.

  “Brian.” She returned his smile. “I wondered if you would come again tonight.”

  He stepped closer, and the heat from his body radiated toward her, yet he didn’t touch her. “You need to know what’s happening.”

  Angelina wanted to throw herself into his arms, but he seemed to be holding back. She didn’t want him to think her wanton. She clasped her hands at her waist to keep them from trembling.

  ❧

  Brian wanted to gather Angelina into his arms, but how could he? He had already held her more times than any man should who wasn’t going to be her husband. A capricious breeze picked up a lock of her hair and blew it across her face. He longed to reach over and push it behind her delicate ear. She stood too close for comfort, so he took a step backward and looked out over the lawn bathed in moonlight.

  “Governor Carlos Garrido’s men arrived today.” He took a deep breath and turned back to face her. “We’re going to keep the house under surveillance until Badeau returns. Garrido wants all the pirates captured. We don’t want the guards here to suspect anything’s wrong, so we’re going to wait for his return before making a move. If his men aren’t in plain sight when he arrives, Badeau might make a run for it before we can catch him. And there’s no way we could take you away without his men finding out. Will you be all right until then?”

  Angelina’s gaze bore into his, burning with an expression he wished he could understand. “I agree. Etienne Badeau must be captured.” She spat the name as if it tasted bitter in her mouth. “Aunt Elena and I will do whatever you think best.”

  Brian took a step toward her. “I promise I won’t let any harm come to you.”

  ❧

  No one had to tell Brian that Badeau had returned. The man’s angry bellows echoed through the woods surrounding the plantation house. Brian made his way as close to the cove as he dared and watched the pirates disembark from their schooner.

  Brian observed the pirates unload wooden crates and haul them up the bayou. The last boat to leave the pirate ship held Badeau and Miles Henderson, his first mate, along with a sailor who rowed the dinghy.

  Brian worked his way through the underbrush as fast as he could without alerting anyone to his presence. He wanted to be near the house when Badeau arrived.

  Walter waited for the other two pirates in front of the house. “Etienne, why were you bellowing like a wounded bear?”

  The giant stomped the rest of the way up the hill. “We were too late to intercept the ship. This was a wasted trip.”

  The Englishman almost cringed before he straightened and spoke again. “The treasure room is full. Even after you pay all the men their shares, you’ll be a very wealthy man.”

  Badeau glared at Walter. “And what good will that do me?” The tall pirate gestured toward the upper story of the house. “I still can’t communicate with the woman. How can I encourage her to be my wife if we can’t talk to each other?”

  Walter turned toward the house, and Brian saw the smile he hid from his boss. “Maybe you’ll have to capture someone else who
speaks both French and Spanish.”

  Badeau stood with his feet planted apart and his hands on his hips. “I wouldn’t need to if you hadn’t let the gators have the other one for supper.”

  Brian glanced toward where Captain Herrera watched everything that was happening. Captain O’Rourke was on the other side of the house, and all their men were spread out on the perimeter of the clearing, waiting for a signal.

  Brian stepped from his cover. “Badeau!” At his shouted word, the pirate turned and glared at him. “I’m too tough. The alligators didn’t want me.”

  With an animal-like roar, Badeau charged across the clearing, drawing his sword as he came toward Brian. “They’ll make a meal out of you when I get through carving you into tiny pieces.”

  Brian felt a momentary fear but dismissed it quickly. “I don’t think so.”

  His calm demeanor caused the pirate to stop abruptly. “Why not?”

  As if in answer to the pirate’s question, other men stepped out of the cover of the underbrush. Some brandished swords; others a pistol, flintlock, or blunderbuss. The pirate captain looked around, rage covering his face. Another animal sound exploded from him, and he lunged toward Brian, thrusting his sword at him.

  Anticipating Badeau’s move, Brian sprinted toward the side of the house. The pirate lumbered after him. The blast of guns and the smell of burnt gunpowder filled the air. When the pirate captain yelled in pain, Brian glanced over his shoulder. Badeau grabbed his thigh, and blood ran between his fingers. He plunged to the ground but quickly sat up, holding his sword ready to slash at anyone who ventured near. Pirates poured from the house. Just as quickly, the governor’s guards and Señor Fuente’s men came out of hiding. The clash of steel on steel accompanied the sound of gunfire all around the clearing.

  Brian shimmied up the tree and dropped onto the balcony outside Angelina’s room. He crouched behind the railing and studied the scene below. A full-fledged battle took place on the lawn, but the governor’s guard had the upper hand. When he heard the door open behind him, Brian turned around. He jumped up and pushed Angelina back inside, away from the windows, shielding her with his body as he held her close to his chest.

  “I’m sorry. But you don’t want to be hit by a stray bullet.”

  An exclamation from Elena caught Brian’s attention. He looked at her and opened one arm. The older woman quickly moved toward him, and he gathered her close, as well.

  “Father God, please protect us from any harm. Help the men outside capture the pirates quickly.”

  Brian continued to hold the women and pray for what felt like an eternity. Finally, the melee outside quieted down.

  “Angelina, Elena, please wait here.” Brian ushered them toward the nearest settee. “I’ll come get you when it’s safe.”

  As Brian stepped out on the balcony, the men under his command were corralling most of the pirates, while the governor’s guard tied them up with ropes that Captain Herrera had brought with him.

  “Good job,” he shouted down to them.

  Captain O’Rourke turned from where he stood close to the house. “Are the women all right?”

  “They’re fine.” Brian looked at the pirates. “Is that all of them?”

  Herrera nodded. “When the fighting began, a few turned tail and ran. I don’t think many escaped. But the ones who did can tell any other brigands they meet just what happens to pirates in Spanish West Florida.”

  Brian looked around for Walter. Finally, he saw him tied to Etienne Badeau. “That man with Badeau.” He pointed toward the Englishman. “He has all the keys to the rooms.”

  Herrera hurried over to Walter and removed the large ring of skeleton keys from Walter’s belt.

  Brian waved to him. “Please bring them up and unlock the women’s door.”

  Fifteen

  After O’Rourke unlocked the door that connected the parlor with the hallway, he gave the keys to Brian. “Ladies.” He tipped his hat before retreating through the open doorway.

  Angelina couldn’t think of a thing to say. They weren’t prisoners anymore. She was relieved that the door was no longer locked, but they were still in the wilderness of Spanish West Florida, away from civilization. She looked at Brian. “What happens now?”

  “What would you like to do?” he asked.

  “I want to look at the house.” Angelina gazed up at him. “When we went through it with Badeau, I was so upset I didn’t really pay attention.”

  Brian led them from room to room. The house was large and airy, with areas that utilized many windows to let in the light. When they finished examining all the bedrooms on the second floor, they went downstairs. Aunt Elena was right—it did feel much cooler down there. They went into a music room complete with a pianoforte, its carved square case polished and shining in the sunlight. It was beautiful, but Angelina wondered if Etienne Badeau had stolen that, too. Surely none of the pirates could play this beautiful instrument. She certainly hadn’t heard it while they were in the house.

  Elena smiled at her niece. “Why don’t you show us what this sounds like?” She turned toward Brian. “Angelina took lessons on the pianoforte while she was in Spain. She became quite accomplished at it.”

  Angelina touched one ivory key, and the tinkle the instrument emitted was a strange contrast to the sounds of the swamp coming through the open windows. At least now she, her aunt, and Brian were on the back of the house, where the harsh disagreements between the soldiers and pirates didn’t intrude.

  After sliding onto the stool in front of the pianoforte, Angelina ran through some scales, then played a lilting melody. When she finished and clasped her hands in her lap, applause filled the room.

  Brian then led the women to the kitchen, which sat a little ways behind the main structure, connected by a covered walkway. “It was built over there to keep from heating the house in summer.”

  A fire burned in the fireplace, and a tempting aroma wafted from the pot hanging over the flames. Evidently the cook had rushed out when he heard the uproar. Aunt Elena went over and stirred the stew with a wooden spoon she found hanging on the wall nearby. She swung the kettle away from the flames so the food wouldn’t be ruined by overcooking.

  They returned to the house, and as they entered the foyer, the front door opened. Captain Herrera and Captain O’Rourke came inside. Herrera smiled at the trio. “We need to talk.”

  Brian led the way into the parlor. After they all sat, he looked at the captain of the governor’s guards. “So, what happens now?”

  The man rubbed his forehead as if to stave off a headache. “We’ve sent some of the sailors to bring both of the other ships to the cove where the schooner is anchored. I’m going to load all the pirates onto my ship. We can lock them in the holds. Several of the compartments have shackles for the most uncooperative.”

  Brian nodded. “That sounds good.”

  “I’m going to leave a few of my men here to guard the plantation house. If any of the pirates who escaped during the battle come back, we’ll capture them, too.”

  “What about all the treasure in the basement?” Brian asked with a frown. “There is a lot of loot in there. Part of it came from the Angelina Star.”

  “The pirate captain brought me gifts.” Angelina grimaced. “I’m sure many of them came from that treasure cache. I’d like for them all to go back to their rightful owners. I didn’t use any of them. I. . .I just couldn’t.”

  Captain Herrera rubbed the back of his neck. “We’ll return everything we can. But you need to pack your belongings. I’ll take the key to the treasure room to Governor Garrido, but I’ll leave the other keys with the men who stay here.”

  O’Rourke stood. “Should we take the women back to St. Augustine?”

  Herrera studied his hands. “Do you have enough men with you to sail two ships?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” Herrera turned toward Brian. “You and the women will go on one ship, and your extra men can take the pirate schoone
r to St. Augustine. We’ll leave the small fishing boat for the men at the house. If they run out of supplies before someone returns for them, they can sail to New Orleans for more.”

  “What about Señor Fuente’s merchandise?” When Brian looked at her, Angelina averted her eyes. She didn’t want him to see how intently she had been staring at him. “Can we take that from the treasure room?”

  Angelina was pleased that Brian was looking out for her father’s interests. It showed what a thoughtful man he was. Perhaps if her father got his merchandise back, that would make up in part for losing his favorite ship.

  ❧

  Angelina stepped into the warm bathwater and reached for a bar of the soap made from olive oil and scented with lavender that she had brought with her from Spain. This would be the last time she bathed in the suite of rooms that had been her prison. But she was no longer a prisoner; she was free. It felt better than she remembered.

  As she lathered her arms, she couldn’t keep her thoughts from drifting to Brian. After Captain Herrera sailed away, Brian suggested that the other two ships wait until the next morning to leave. This allowed time for Angelina and her aunt to wash their clothes and hang them outside to dry, so they would be clean when Angelina and her aunt packed their trunks.

  Brian had stayed close to the women the rest of the day. The memory of his smile, often turned toward her, caused Angelina’s heart to skip a beat. His laughing eyes were the same color as the summer sky that showed in patches between the tree limbs surrounding the house. Now that they were no longer prisoners, he had a carefree air about him, making her love him even more. His voice sent chills down her spine in a most delicious way. The shiny waves of his dark hair blew in the wind and danced around his head. Earlier in the day, he had shaved off the beard he had worn since returning to rescue her. She was glad she could see all of his face now. Why hadn’t she ever noticed how handsome he was during all the years he worked for her father? Probably because she was a girl when she went to visit her grandparents, but now she was a woman. A woman in love with Brian O’Doule.