Eden’s mouth went dry, but she held her position without flinching. “Can you do something—knock the spider off?”
“Yes, but it might leap onto someone else.”
“What can I do?” she asked in a tight whisper.
“Do exactly what I tell you. Walk very carefully through the door and go to the front porch. I’ll guide you and keep a close eye on the ugly creature.”
“You’re sure it won’t bite when I move?”
“Not if you’re careful not to frighten it. There is a layer of fabric between you and its mouth.”
“Mouth,” she mumbled and started to move ever so slowly toward the door. She felt the man close behind, his hand firmly on her arm. “Is it moving?” she whispered, not daring to breathe.
“No. Just continue walking and we’ll soon be outside.” At last she was on the veranda. Halting, she stood as still as a stone and waited for him to sweep away the spider. After a second she whispered, “Do something.” When nothing happened, she pleaded again, “Please get rid of it—-quickly.”
Strong hands turned her around. Startled, she looked up into the face of the handsome man she had noticed in the garden—the man with the golden hair. A smile teased the edge of his lips.
“But—where is the spider?” she asked.
“Gone.”
“Oh?” She twisted to take a look, then took a deep breath and returned his smile. “I’m sure I should thank you—” she began.
“No need,” he said. “The spider didn’t exist. I just needed an excuse to bolt from that godawful assemblage. I borrowed you because you appeared as bored as I was.”
“You borrowed me?”
“Don’t deny you were yawning behind your fan.”
“Why, how dare you! That’s the most high-handed, rude—”
“You’ve described me exactly, fraulein.”
“I demand an apology. You frightened me half to death.”
“For that I apologize.” He didn’t look the least bit sorry.
“How will I explain to the governor?”
“I suggest you escape while you have the chance. No doubt your many admirers will swarm out here looking for you any second.”
“What you did was unforgivable—cruel. Outrageous to say the least. I might have truly fainted. What would you have done then?”
“Exactly what I intend to do now. Leave you here on the porch—since you seem determined to risk being trapped again.”
“Well, I declare—”
“You appear to be a woman who can take care of herself. Auf Wiedersehen, madam,” he said briskly, and hurried down the steps to enter a waiting carriage.
Aghast, Eden stared after him. He deserved a severe tongue lashing, but she’d had no chance to give him one. They hadn’t even been introduced, and he’d manhandled her and scared her beyond words. Then he had marched off without even a by-your-leave. She couldn’t imagine why the royal governor would have such a crude person at his soiree. Why, the clumsiest oaf in Charles Town wouldn’t leave a woman alone on a porch without making certain she was not in distress.
“Pardon me,” came another voice with the same peculiar accent as the stranger’s.
She turned to see a plump, balding gentleman with hat in hand.
“Have you seen a man—a tall man in a uniform—pass by?”
“He’s in that carriage,” Eden snapped. “And I’m going to mine.”
Her nerves were tingling when she climbed in beside Laykee.
“Did you meet a gentleman?” asked Laykee. “I saw you come to the veranda.”
“Not a gentleman—quite the opposite. Why, you won’t believe what that wretched man did. If I ever lay eyes on him again, I’ll give him a piece of my mind. Umph. Driver, take us back to the inn.” She would forget this unpleasantness, change into a more comfortable dress and go directly to the docks.
The open carriage clattered up the hill. Eden settled in her seat and secured the ribbons of her hat. To her surprise, she found a smile slipping across her lips. Regardless of the man’s unforgivable behavior, he had done her a favor by saving her from another ghastly minute at the party. And despite her resolve, she couldn’t forget the warm strength of his hands as he guided her from the garden—or the enigmatic smile he’d given her before he rushed away.
In less than an hour she and Laykee were traveling through Bridgetown’s streets. The linen stays beneath her sheer bodice felt like bands of heated iron. Pulling the wide brim of her straw hat down to protect her face from the sun’s intensity, Eden gazed out at the colorful kaleidoscope of humanity surrounding her. Native Barbadians with chocolate faces beneath bright bandannas crowded the streets, bustling, flamboyant, laughing, arguing and hawking their wares under a sky like tempered brass.
Laykee leaned near and spoke above the noise. “It’s worse than Charles Town in August—like an ant colony in a forest fire.”
“This time tomorrow we’ll be at sea. Mr. Hawkins promised to have our plants loaded before sundown.”
“I saw the ship at the wharf when I was buying fruit for breakfast,” Laykee said. “Looked like plenty going on around it.”
“I just hope it’s a stout vessel whose captain knows the shortest route to Charles Town—and the fastest.”
“Your papa wouldn’t have approved of any of this, Miss Eden. You should have done what he told you on his deathbed—marry and let your husband worry about plants and such.”
With a tug of sadness, Eden recalled how her stepfather had been tossed from his stallion that terrible day last spring—of how desperate she had been to say or do anything that would ease his suffering. “I did what he asked,” she said. “I agreed to marry Landon. But Papa Charles wouldn’t have expected me to marry so soon after his death. It wouldn’t be proper, and besides, I hardly know my cousin—and he’s never paid court like a gentleman should.” It was hard to think of Landon Palmer as a relative, even if he did carry the Palmer name. He had been raised and educated in England, the only son of her stepfather’s brother. A year ago he had arrived in Charles Town and taken a house, then proceeded to establish himself in society while enjoying his large inheritance.
“I saw Mr. Landon eyeing you like a hungry hawk when he came to the funeral,” observed Laykee.
“I was much too upset to notice,” Eden said wistfully. “But I do wish Papa hadn’t put both Landon and me in such an awkward circumstance.”
“I don’t think Mr. Landon minds a bit, from what I’ve seen when he comes calling.”
“Oh, he’s just being polite with all those flowery compliments. Though I do think he intends to keep his pledge to Papa.”
Laykee shook her head. “Your papa was right to tell you to marry, but you don’t have to marry Landon Palmer.”
“Maybe not,” Eden sighed. “But it’s an old tradition to marry family. Like marries like. It keeps things on an even keel—and property isn’t lost to strangers.”
“Property. That’s for sure a poor reason to marry. The Cherokees don’t possess any land, and we get along just fine.”
The carriage came to a jolting halt, blocked by several donkeys loaded with cane stalks.
“Oh bother, we’re going to fry like bacon before we get to the dock. Uh,” Eden grunted as she was thrown back against the seat when the horse suddenly started forward. Progress was jarring and tedious. She fanned vigorously in the heat. “I’m just not in a hurry, Laykee, to become the wife of some arrogant male and do his bidding. Papa taught me all about running a plantation, and I intend to manage Palmer Oaks on my own before I take a husband.”
“He did leave the plantation to you in his will. I heard him say so.”
“But he knew that my husband will become its sole owner when I marry. Men think that’s the best way to protect their womenfolk, but I know more about what’s needed at Palmer Oaks than anyone else in the world—especially my cousin Landon. Why, he’s only seen the property a few times.”
Laykee shook her head. “Too bad. My people have a different law—and women have more say-so.”
“I like that idea.”
“You’re an English lady. That’s a different matter from being a Cherokee. You don’t belong to a tribe, so you have to be some man’s wife.”
“And his possession,” Eden added. “Well-tended chattel bought with pretty words and fancy dresses and the need for protection—and children. Oh, don’t look so shocked. I suppose I might marry Landon Palmer. Maybe love will grow between us. And I do want children someday. Only, I won’t think of marriage until I bring in the indigo crop and pay off the note to the Crown. On that day, I’ll be a free woman, free and a landowner, and happy as a meadowlark. Then if I marry Landon, he will always know his wife was once a woman of property and didn’t marry him from necessity. He’ll have much more respect for me, I’m sure.” Laykee flashed a grin. “He’d better, Miss Eden. You’re mighty headstrong for such a young lady.”
“And you’re my best friend, Laykee. Working together, we shall conquer all.” She laughed. “Whether it be an old pirate like Hawkins or a new husband like Landon.”
The carriage slowed again. The mulatto driver twisted in his seat. “I am sorry, ladies. It’s a busy market today.”
“How far are we from the ship?” Eden called over the clamor.
“Not far. It’s at the end of this street. Look there, you can see the mast.”
Leaning forward, she glimpsed the tip of the main mast with its rigging tightly furled. “Stay with our trunks,” she said to Laykee. “I’m going to walk down and see if the plants are aboard yet. And I’ll arrange for our accommodations if Mr. Hawkins hasn’t done so already.” She flung open the door and stepped down.
“Oh, Miss Eden, be careful.”
Raising her parasol, Eden made her way through the crowd until she reached the wharf. There, stacked in neat rows of pots, were her green indigo seedlings. She was about to do a quick inspection when she heard shouting from near the gangplank. She turned to see Bull Hawkins waving his meaty fist in the air.
“Ye don’t have a choice, ye bloody Hun. I’ve made the deal and ye’ve got to make space for the cargo.”
Eden shaded her eyes and took a better look at Bull’s adversary. The man was apparently the ship’s captain and in a fine fit of anger.
“Nein! No, by heaven, I will not unload my supplies!” She moved toward Hawkins. This could be a serious problem.
The man on the ship’s deck continued shouting. “Everything we need is in place, Hawkins. I’m telling you, there’s no more room, and I sail tomorrow.”
Moving closer, she took a good look at the captain. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized him. It was the very same man who had played such a ridiculous trick on her at the governor’s party. He looked different now—shirtless, with his flaxen hair unkempt around his shoulders —but it was definitely the same scoundrel. And he had the power to destroy her plans to transport her indigo to Charles Town.
Bull called up to him. “I’ve struck the deal, Cap’n. I helped ye round up yer supplies, now ye must take the indigo plants.”
“Dammit, Hawkins, you told me last night you wouldn’t interfere. We’re loaded and ready. I took you for a man of honor.”
Bull grunted. “Honor... aye. Stuff that comes and goes with the tide in most places. Me honor is as good as any man’s once gold has crossed me palm. I’ve sold the indigo, and the purchaser is in a mighty big hurry to transport it to Charles Town.” His voice lowered. “Here now, Cap’n, ye can make room somewhere, can ye not? I’ll pay ye well for your trouble.”
“I don’t have a trading ship, Hawkins. I’m transporting a colony of settlers to America. I came here for cane and farm supplies and now I’m leaving.”
Eden propped the umbrella handle on her shoulder. So Bull Hawking had lied about the captain bidding for the indigo, and tricked her into paying too much. Well, it was too late now. What really mattered was getting that horrid captain to agree to take the plants to Charles Town. If he refused, she was facing certain disaster.
The men were still arguing hotly when she hoisted her umbrella, gathered up her skirts, and started up the gangplank.
“Hold it right there, madam,” ordered the blond giant. “Who gave you permission to come aboard?”
Eden stopped in her tracks and used her umbrella to steady herself on the plank swaying gently above the water. “I’d like a word with you, sir.”
“I’m busy.”
“I beg your pardon, but that is my indigo waiting to be loaded. I’ve paid for it, and my price includes delivery to Charles Town.”
The man hesitated. “In that case, I’m sorry. But you’ve been misled by Hawkins. I’ve a full load already.”
“But I must take my indigo to America.” Her heart was in her throat. “At least allow me to speak to you. I insist—” Eden started to move upward when a gust of wind caught her parasol and pulled her sideways. She screamed as she leaned precariously over the water.
The captain leaped onto the boards and rushed to catch her. He caught her wrist just as she was about to fall backward into the sea. Her parasol sailed over her head, and she grabbed for him with her free hand. Gasping, she looked up at him. Suspended at the full length of his muscular arm, she would not fall, but she was helpless to pull herself upward. Surely he must recognize her, she thought while looking into the most astonishing eyes she’d ever seen. They were the very color of the indigo dye she hoped to produce, and framed by golden lashes. She hadn’t noticed them before, but now they absorbed her in blue fire. From arrogant prankster to ship’s captain. The man had changed his appearance, but not his manners.
He could have lifted her to the plank—but he didn’t. She was confident he wouldn’t allow her to fall, but he refused to pull her to safety.
“Haven’t we met?” he asked as one eyebrow lifted.
“Not formally. Now please help me up.”
“You’re quite safe. I told you not to board my ship, and' now see what has happened.”
“Nothing has happened,” she said, her cheeks burning under his bold appraisal. “The wind merely caught my umbrella, that’s all.” She clamped her lips. Oh, he was the most impossible man. But she must measure her words or her hopes of loading her indigo would be dashed.
His brow knitted. “I do recall our meeting. You rescued us from the governor’s tea party.”
“I thought you were the hero of that occasion.”
“It was nothing. I often perform heroics on the spur of the moment.”
“Especially involving nonexistent spiders.”
“I apologize for that.”
“I might be more civil if you weren’t dangling me over the water.”
He made no move to help her up, but swept her with his eyes. “So you’re the woman who has bought Hawkins’s indigo.”
“Yes. Now, please—” She gripped his forearm. His flesh was hot beneath her fingers, his muscles rippling and powerful as he easily supported her weight.
His earlier annoyance had changed to amusement. Now she saw indecision in his expression.
He cocked his head toward Hawkins. “Our friend, Mr. Hawkins, has offered to pay me well for shipping your produce to the coast.”
“It’s extremely important to me. I pray you will allow it,” she said, swallowing her pride.
“Hawkins!” he called, without looking away. “You’ve already been paid by the lady?”
“Aye, but only ‘alf,” shouted Bull from his spot near the gangplank. “Don’t drop the wench. If she drowns, I’ll lose my chance at her riches.”
“Excuse me,” Eden said coolly, “I’d like to be in a safe spot while we continue this discussion.”
“I won’t drop you,” he said nonchalantly. “And I have another question or two.”
“But this is ridiculous.” A quick turn of her head showed filthy water lapping between the ship and the dock several feet below her.
He frowned. “I hope I’m not hurting you.”
My, he loved to play absurd games. She wasn’t about to let him get the best of her. She relaxed and let go of his forearm. If he opened his hand, she would certainly fall into the water. It was worth the risk if she could call his bluff. “No. But I’ve heard you Dutch have a streak of cruelty. I guess this is proof enough.”
“I’m neither Dutch nor cruel.”
“Then you have an odd sense of humor.”
“I’ve been told I’m lacking that as well.”
“Then why won’t you raise me up?”
“The reason would flatter you too much, I’m afraid. And your surge of confidence would work against me when we negotiate.”
“Negotiate?”
“The price of your passage. I assume you will be accompanying your plants to Charles Town?”
“I’ll pay a fair price for me and for my maid. I’ll insist Mr. Hawkins have his men do the unloading and loading for the price he’s already received. And I’ll care for my own plants during the voyage. They’re not large and won’t take up much room.”
“You’ll share quarters with your maid and ask no special favors. I do have forty men aboard, some perhaps with the cruel streak you mentioned—though I doubt it. Mostly they’re gentle farmers with wives and children waiting in Charles Town.”
“Agreed.”
Nodding, he allowed his gaze to roam slowly from her hair, which had come loose from under her hat and was drifting about her face and shoulders, along her rounded bodice, down her billowing skirts to the tips of her shoes, balanced on the edge of the plank. A suggestion of a smile played around his lips as he carefully drew her toward him. Then swiftly he cupped his hands around her waist and lifted her to the center of the gangplank.
She swallowed hard as she tried to keep from staring at his magnificent chest. Her hands were resting feather-light on his shoulders. After one heartbeat she yanked them away as if his skin was fire to her touch. “Thank you, Mister…”
“Baron Derek von Walden. From the Swiss Confederacy.”
“Baron?”
“A worthless title now. Which is fine with me.”
“Royalty?”
“It’s a noble heraldry. But I’m setting it aside the minute I claim my land in America. I understand a man must earn his titles there—by toil and sweat and brains—and a bit of luck.” He released her and stepped back. Standing above her on the sloping plank, his legs encased in fitted thigh boots, he appeared eight feet tall.
Eden smoothed her blouse and straightened her tilted hat. Controlling her voice, she said, “I’m sure you’ll do well—and it’s lucky for me you saved me from a dunking in that dirty water.”
“If I added to your discomfort, I apologize. As I recall, you like apologies.” He reached down and drew her hand to his lips.
“Only when they’re earned,” she said sharply, to conceal the effect his unexpected kiss was having on her senses.
Bull interrupted. “‘Tis bloody hot for a teatime chat. And if I understand rightly from your recent conversation, I’m to be loading this ship with indigo before the tide goes out. If we’re agreed, I’ll be about the business.”
“We are agreed,” said the baron. “Come aboard and I’ll show you what goods will be moved.” He turned and strode to the deck of his ship.
Bull marched up the plank and eased his way by Eden, giving her an approving wink as he passed.
She had started to return to the dock to look for Laykee when the baron’s voice stopped her.
“Pardon, my lady, I didn’t get your name.”
With an effort to restore her damaged dignity, she glanced over her shoulder and gave him a haughty look. “Miss Eden Wentworth Palmer—of the Carolina Palmers.”
If she had hoped for a smile or friendly comment, she was doomed to disappointment. The captain gave her a curt nod and disappeared below decks. As she continued down the gangplank, she reassured herself that everything was going as she had planned. She would sail to Charles Town with her indigo. But her knees were shaking and she had the odd feeling that she had just encountered a force that could be beyond her control.