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“LOOK OUT ON THE HORIZON. Can you see that ship?”
Standing on the quarterdeck, Talon handed Marcus and Arden the telescope Fitz had lent them. They’d been at sea for a week, and thus far, he’d managed to keep the rambunctious boys from destroying the ship. Even shy Antonia joined them some days to read her book in the midday sun.
Talon adjusted the length of the lens as the boy held it up. “Close one eye, Arden.”
The child obeyed. With a gleeful smile, he announced, “Hey! That bird pooped on the captain’s hat.” Marcus giggled, taking the eyepiece from his new friend for a peek.
Fitz ambled toward them with a wide grin. “I see you’re showing them the fine art of navigation, Barberry. Boys will be boys.”
Talon chuckled, tousling each lad’s head. “Aye, I remember those days.”
Leaning against the rail, the Irishman stared at Talon for a moment, finally breaking his silence. “Have you seen Miss Dapresh today?”
“Aye, at breakfast. She’s making her talents well known.” Upon their arrival, Lina had volunteered her culinary services in exchange for passage. Her frugal meals far outshined anything Rousseau’s men could serve. She did amazing things with hard tack and dried rations, and now the crew was requesting their favorites.
Fitz stroked his chin. “If you don’t mind my meddling, what be your relationship with the woman?”
Talon’s brow shot up. “Oh, er...”
“I don’t want to interfere, if ye understand me meanin’. I’m not a wife-chaser, sir.”
Talon gazed at the man. Fitz was a bit older, but perhaps Lina needed someone like him. He had a firm hand and a kind heart. He’d already taken a liking to her children.
Talon clapped the man on the shoulder. “She and I are old friends, nothing more.”
Fitz eyed him warily. “She said you were once betrothed. She seems to fancy you.”
Talon frowned. “Fifteen years ago. We’ve since moved on.” He looked at the man incredulously. “She still fancies me?”
“To be sure.”
“Isn’t that a right kick in the backside?” Talon muttered. He’d been so preoccupied about Talia he hadn’t noticed that Lina might have feelings for him.
“Pardon?”
“Nothing, mate.” Talon drew Fitz aside. “If you’re looking for my blessing, you’ve got it. Lina could use a spot of company from our homeland. She’s been away a long time.”
Grinning broadly, the man tipped his hat. “Aye, sir. Thank ye.” Sticking his thumbs in his breeches, he ambled off with a hop in his step. He saluted the approaching captain cheerfully. “Mornin’, sir.”
Puffing on his pipe, Rousseau stormed toward Talon. “What are you doing to my crew, Barberry? First, you bring children aboard, and now you’re playing matchmaker with my first mate? You’ll have my men all namby-pamby by the time we reach shore.”
Talon laughed. “Come now, Rousseau, admit it. Having children on deck is quite refreshing.” The man mumbled something under his breath, and Talon cocked his head. “You have a new grandchild, aye?”
Rousseau harrumphed. “Oui, but he’s safely on land.”
“Ah, I see. You’re worried for their safety. Don’t fret. I won’t let them out of my sight.” Arching an eyebrow, the captain stared at him for a moment before stomping off.
Talon took the scope from the boys. “Shall we grab a bite of your mother’s delicious food before it’s gone?”
The sailors were lined up out the galley door, anxiously awaiting their meal. One of them remarked, “Fresh bread every day? It’s like heaven. Cookie’s biscuits are hard as a rock.”
“That’s why it’s called hard tack, ye git.”
Talon seated the kids at one of the long tables and got in line. He waited for nigh on fifteen minutes, smiling when he finally reached Lina. “You’re a busy bee today, my friend. Seems you’ve won over the crew.” He pointed to the line of men who were fighting amongst themselves for food.
Lina looked up, dark strands of hair escaping the scarf on her head. She appeared flustered, but when she saw him standing there, she issued him a beautiful smile. “The boys haven’t been any trouble, have they?”
Adjusting her bonnet, she batted her sooty eyelashes seductively. Could Fitz be right? Talon frowned. He wasn’t nuanced at the mating rituals between men and women. He’d never engaged in them since he’d always known who he would marry. And during the revolution, he’d been too busy to worry about women.
Then he met Talia. They’d had an instant attraction. Aye, she flirted. At the time, he wasn’t sure if that was for his benefit or the men they were spying on. Their intense adventure had drawn them together.
Lina placed a hand on his and squeezed. “Talon? The children?”
As she ran her fingers across his arm, he pressed his lips together. She was indeed flirting with him. He stayed her touch. “Nay. I can handle them.” He cocked his head. “Would you care to take a stroll with me later this evening? The moon is full, and there isn’t a cloud in the sky.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I’d love to. Just after we sup?”
He nodded. “I’ll see you then.”
Smoothing the tendrils of her hair behind her ear, she passed a glance over his body with a wink. When she turned toward the kitchen, she swung her hips seductively. As she glanced back, he lowered his gaze and backed away.
This won’t do at all.
At one time he might have had feelings for Lina. But they were nothing compared to the earth-shattering love he felt for Talia. The closer they got to New Orleans, the more he realized he couldn’t live without her. Why else would he follow her across the sea—with pirates, no less?
As he returned to the table to serve the boys, Antonia skipped toward him. “Mr. Barberry!”
Setting the food in front of them, Talon chuckled. She was so prim and proper. “How many times have I told you to call me Talon?”
“Mr. Talon.” She giggled. “Mama told me you were taking a walk together this evening.” She clasped her book to chest and sighed. “It’s so romantic.”
With a mouthful of food, Arden scoffed. “Don’t be stupid, Annie. Mr. Talon doesn’t like girls.”
She stuffed her fist on her hips. “Of course, he does. All men do.”
Arden barked a laugh. “Not me.”
Throwing his arm over Arden’s shoulder, Marcus said, “Me neitha’. ’Sides, Massa cain’t like your Mama. He done got it bad for the Miss.”
Antonia’s gaze narrowed. “Miss who?”
Clearing his throat, Talon swept the crumbs from the table and stuffed his hat on his head. “Enough. Finishing eating, and we’ll take a trip to the gun deck.” As the girl crossed her arms and squinted at him, Talon sighed. Aye, he needed to end Lina’s misconceptions about them sooner rather than later.
New Orleans—November 1798
“Dieu, it feels good to be home.”
Talia stepped off the ship and took a deep breath. After two weeks at sea, she was happy to be anywhere but stuck in that wretched cabin. Despite feeling ill, it had been a boring trip—especially without Talon’s antics and warm bed to cheer her.
“Please be careful, ma cherie.” Alex draped his arm over her shoulders and escorted her toward the shore. “You could fall.”
She wrenched out of his grasp with a snarl. Damn the man. His overprotectiveness was getting on her nerves. Holding her head high, she huffed. “Would you let me be? I hope someday you don’t stifle your own wife so.”
“I’m just trying to return you to your father in good health.” Alex’s face blanched as he pointed to the small bump at Talia’s midsection. “Mon dieu, he’s going to blame me for this.”
Talia grabbed Alex’s sleeve as onlookers stared. “Non, he isn’t,” she hissed. “Because we aren’t going to tell him.”
Alex snorted. “How will you hide that? You’re a slight woman. I don’t think Montrose is stupid enough to believe that you’ve gained a little weight.”
Talia silenced him with a murderous look. “The gowns in Paris are light and airy. I can go au naturel until my lying in. If I wear the muslin, it’s breezy enough to hide my form. Papa won’t notice. He has too much to worry about.”
Tapping Alex on the arm, she pointed to the women strolling fashionably in the midday sun. “You see?” Lightweight, empire-waist gowns with capped sleeves dominated the fancy French styles worn by the crème de la crème donning parasols to protect their skin.
“I’m still not sure it will work.” As they walked past the Rue de la Levee, Alex halted in the middle of the crowd. “Sacre bleu, I never knew New Orleans was so busy.”
“Oui, isn’t she beautiful?” With a sigh of contentment, she linked her arm in Alex’s. Her shoulders released as she inhaled in the sweet air of home. Ships filled with goods infiltrated the banks of the Mississippi as carriages transported passengers along the roadways. A few well-wishers greeted Talia warmly, welcoming her back to the city.
Alex scratched his temple. “These people are speaking French. Isn’t this city under Spanish rule?”
She hummed. “Oui, but French society still dominates most of our city.”
He directed her attention to the government stronghold in the park. “And what is that?”
Her mood darkened as she glanced at the giant domed building standing vigil in the town square. “The Cabildo. Ricardo’s pride and joy.” She clenched her jaw. “And that’s our first stop. That Spaniard has a lot of explaining to do.”
Alex stopped her mid-stroll. “You don’t plan on facing Ricardo on your own, do you? Non, I can’t allow it. We don’t have a plan yet.”
She gave him a hard gaze. “Bon. We’ll stay at my father’s city residence on Rue St. Ann until the morrow. I will talk to Ricardo before we leave for Temptation Hall. I deserve answers, Alex.”
“What if L’Archambeau has already reached your father? It could be dangerous to engage Ricardo.”
She shook her head. “Papa is well liked here. If he were hurt, someone would have informed me the minute we left the ship. Allons-y. Let’s find a carriage.”
They hailed a driver, and as they rode through the Vieux Carré toward Fernando Montrose’s townhouse, Talia relaxed. It felt wonderful to be home, although it didn’t resemble the same city she left months ago. Wrought-iron lattice work and balconies decorated the newly constructed, red brick infrastructure, lending a Moroccan feel to the Vieux Carré.
She shook her head. “I haven’t been home since they rebuilt this part of New Orleans. Everything has changed.”
Alex frowned. “What happened?”
“We’ve had two fires here. Most of the city was destroyed.”
“Two fires? Dieu!”
“Oui, but see how we bounce back?” She pointed to the workers tiling roofs and laying brickwork along the streets. With a giddy grin, she placed her hand on her churning belly. “It’s good to be home.”
The carriage halted in front of a two-story building labeled with a golden plaque: Fernando Montrose, Temptation Hall. Squeezed between two townhomes, the beige stucco edifice was similar in fashion to the newer construction of the city. A wrought iron fence sculpted with ornate scrolls separated the residences.
As the driver unloaded their belongings, Talia opened the gate and strolled between the buildings paved with red cobblestone. In the back, an expansive courtyard connected all three dwellings. Pink bougainvillea climbed trellises that towered above the attached balconies and vibrant hibiscus decorated flower beds encompassing young cypress and palms.
Two planter’s chairs sat on the back veranda, but the garden looked rather unused. Talia sighed wistfully. “I can break my fast in the morning sun.”
Pulling on Alex’s arm, she ushered him to the door. “I can’t wait to see the inside.” She scampered to the French-style doors at the front of the townhouse. Opening them tentatively, she stepped inside.
Alex inhaled sharply. “Sacre bleu, c’est incroyable!”
A gasp whispered from the top of the winding staircase. “Mam’zelle Talia? What you doin’ here?”
As the familiar middle-aged Black woman swept down the curved wooden stairs with her hand fluttering near her ample chest, tears stung Talia’s eyes. She hurled herself into the woman’s arms. “Minnie, it’s good to see you. I’ve missed you.”
The woman chuckled. “Lawd, chile, you’s not changed a bit.” Stepping around Alex, she summoned the whole household with a shout.
An older man graying at the temples hobbled toward them with a broad grin. He tipped his hat. “Mam’zelle. You be a welcome sight.”
Talia hugged her father’s trusted driver. “Thank you, Jacob.”
“Grab Mam’zelle’s bags and get ’dem upstairs.” As Jacob gathered their belongings, Minnie took Talia’s parasol and hat and tsked. “What was Massa Montrose thinkin’, lettin’ his little girl up and come to town by herself?”
Releasing the woman, Talia wiped her eyes. “Papa doesn’t know I’m here. We’ve just moored. We were sidetracked in the West Indies for a spell.” As Alex cleared his throat, Talia turned to him. “Alex, this is Minnie. She’s taken care of me since I was a girl. Minnie, this is my childhood friend from Martinique.”
Pressing her lips together, Minnie wrinkled her nose and gave him a sidelong glance. “M’sieu.”
Talia turned in a circle, admiring the tall, molded ceilings and ornate crystal chandelier. A fancy bas-relief bordered the top, gilded in filigree. A grand hall tree in the Louis XV style stood sentry near the door, along with a marble bench.
Talia traced a finger across the ostentatious gold mirror behind it. “We must have had a plentiful harvest.”
Minnie grunted. “Don’ know ’bout that. But M’sieu spent a fortune on this place an’ told ever’one who’d listen. They’s jus’ finished last week.”
Talia peered into a small doorway on the right. The baroque mahogany desk sat untouched. The library shelves were largely empty save for a few books. The rest were packed in crates by the window seat.
The portrait of her beautiful mother that her father had commissioned after their wedding hung above the mantel. At least they’d salvaged something from the fire. She sighed. “Dear Maman. Hopefully, she arrived in Paris safely.”
“Oui, mos’ likely. She been gone nigh on two months now.”
Talia frowned. “Is Papa still at Temptation Hall?”
“Oui. We be expectin’ him soon. Harvest is almos’ done. Me an’ Jacob be the only ones here right now, but he be sendin’ Charles and Millie in a few days. You needs me to have Jacob go for ’dem?”
Talia placed her hand on Minnie’s arm. “We’ll be fine with you two. Won’t we, Alex?”
Drawing her brow up, Minnie stepped in front of him and patted Talia’s cheek. “You need to rest. Look at ’dem circles under your eyes. Come, I’ll settle you in.” As Jacob descended the stairs, she gave Alex a stern look. “You go wif’ Jacob. He’ll show you where you sleep, sah.”
Tipping his hat, Alex followed the old man in the opposite direction. Talia followed Minnie up the stairs.
As soon as they were out of earshot of the men, the woman turned around, stuffing her hands on her hips with a snarl. “Mam’zelle, what you be playin’ at? Who ‘dat man? Your husband?”
“What?” Clenching her skirts, Talia shook her head. “Non! Alex is a friend, nothing more. He escorted me home.”
“Then whose baby is ’dat?” Minnie pointed at her tiny bulge.
Talia’s heart galloped against her breastbone as she cursed her absent-mindedness. She’d been so excited about being home, she’d neglected to hide her condition.
Tears blurred her vision as she grabbed the woman’s sleeve wearily. “Don’t tell anyone, Minnie. I only discovered it myself not long ago.” A sob escaped Talia’s throat. “I’m not dealing with it well.”
Her body trembled and Minnie gathered her in her arms with a soft croon. “My poor honey.” The old woman comforted her, rocking her back and forth. “I can keep my girl’s secret, don’ you never mind. I helped bring you into ’dis world an’ I’s do the same for your babe.” She handed Talia a clean handkerchief. “Now, you tell ol’ Minnie all about it.”
For the next hour, Talia sat in her mother’s room and retold her tale once again, leaving out the parts about her espionage work. In the end, Minnie was more than sympathetic.
Wringing the handkerchief in her hands, Talia sniffled. “I don’t know what to do. I cry all the time, my body is changing, I’m sore.” Touching her swollen breasts, she grimaced.
Minnie patted Talia’s hand with a chuckle. “You’s carryin’ a baby. You’s gonna be sore, and you’s gonna get big.” Talia wept harder, and the woman grabbed her in a fierce hug. “Ain’t all bad, chile. When you feel your babe kick for the firs’ time, you forget ’bout the bad stuff. You knows it ain’ ’bout you no more.”
Dabbing her eyes, Talia both sobbed and laughed. She hadn’t thought about herself for quite a while. Pushing out of Minnie’s arms, she patted the woman affectionately. “I’m glad you’re with me.”
Helping Talia into a sleeping shift, Minnie tucked her beneath the sheets of the four-poster bed. “You’s get some rest. I’s bring water for a bath an’ we’ll serve dinner ’round four.”
“Merci, Minnie.”
The midday light disappeared as Minnie closed the louvered shutters. When she quietly exited the room, Talia snuggled into the mattress, surrounding herself with the goose down blanket. She sighed in relief. For the first time in months, she was resting in a comfortable bed.
Unfortunately, Talon occupied her thoughts. Deep inside, she’d hoped he’d follow her. He and Jean-Jacques knew she’d sailed to New Orleans. Had he decided to return to England? If he had, he’d never know about his child.
Our child.
She placed a protective hand on the life growing inside of her, wanting nothing more than to feel Talon’s comforting arms around her.
“Please, God, guide him to us.”