Maiden Pirate

By Adi Ray

Ariana Wexford, newly introduced to society, wanted to blend into the crowd. She wasn’t there to fall for the handsome and wealthy men that wanted to treat her as a possession. She was there to try for a new life, one that she could have while simultaneously continuing to do what she loved. It only took one man to expose her secret, but she wouldn’t give her heart away so easily. Not without a fight. But would she lose herself in the battle?
Christopher Locksley was known for going through the female population one by one. With his devastatingly handsome face and commanding presence, every woman wanted his heart. But he wasn’t one to be tied down. His thoughts were consumed by leaving the stifling, gossipy town he was born in and finding the one woman who would value his restlessness: Oceana, Queen of the Atlantic. It was a pirate’s life that he wanted. And he always took what he wanted. This novel is perfect for young adults who love adventurous female heroines and a bit of romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adi Ray
• Release date: Jun 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301812134

Book preview

Maiden Pirate

By: Adi Ray

Copyright 2013 Adi Ray

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

For my family, who put up with me having my nose always in a book. Thanks for encouraging me when I finally found my own story to write. And for all readers who want to escape reality even for just a little while.

Chapter 1

Details. Details were the most important things in life besides breathing. The only things that kept the world from fraying at the edges and becoming one big unrecognizable ball of dirt and water. Chris Locksley had an eye for detail. He noticed the oak wooden tile of the great room floor, the deep sage green of the enormous curtains, the golden sheen to the rims of the wine glasses being passed from ringed hand to hand. Not that anyone would ever know that he discerned such things. He was an expert at deceiving people into believing he was apathetic. After all, where did feeling get anyone? It was far more amusing to play the enigmatic young man and have everyone leave him be. Well almost everyone.

Have you heard? Miss Ariana Wexford has arrived into town. I expect that she will accept Mrs. Bloom’s invitation to join us tonight. It should be a very pleasant experience, wouldn’t you say Rogers? Mr. George Sareton conversed as dancing couples whirled by in the great ballroom. The crystal chandelier was brightly lit, hanging about fourteen feet above the crowd. It was meant to be a show of wealth and to be a piece for conversational purposes. It provided the additional benefit of casting a warm glow about the room. There was just room enough for people to move about comfortably without suffocating in the crowded Brighton estate. And suddenly Chris didn’t have a taste for detail anymore. All the lines were blurring; all the dresses becoming one color. The room was dull, no longer a place of excitement, but one of stifling familiarity.

Indeed George. I hear she’s quite a beauty. I should like to think that you will have a great interest in this matter Christopher. The elder man turned his bushy white eyebrows towards the brooding young man beside him.

She has inherited quite a fortune, he continued, waiting for a response.

And why should a fortune matter in the slightest to me Rogers? I am in no need of money, Chris answered, smiling slightly. Rogers studied him thoughtfully.

My boy, you have become a very successful young man. However, there is a certain success that you have not yet conquered. Your mother—

"Is dead Mr. Sareton. I know that she would want what’s best for me, as do all of you, but I have everything that is best for me. I do not need a wife. If you hadn’t noticed, I’m doing quite well as a bachelor." Chris was perhaps being rude, but he was in no mood to talk of the marriage mart.

A bachelor? Poppycock! Mrs. Sareton, whom could have sprouted bushy eyebrows to rival that of her husbands’ if she really had a mind to, interrupted him.

Christopher darling you are only at the age of six and twenty. You are not a bachelor until you’ve reached the age of forty at the least. Besides, I do believe you’ve had at least three proposals offered to you in the last two weeks. Bachelor indeed! she huffed, causing her deep purple dress to swirl about her ankles. Chris fought not to roll his eyes at her dramatics, which was a difficult feat considering lately he rolled his eyes at almost everything.

Good evening Mr. Locksley! A chorus of young girls passed by at that moment, giggling and batting their eyelashes at Chris. He nodded politely to them like he always did. If he were in a better mood, he could have used one of them as an escape. But even the girls must’ve recognized his more-than-usual brooding mood, because they didn’t stop to flirt. Mrs. Sareton crossed her arms and stared at him pointedly, as though he was letting those girls down. Yes, he was almost sure he was letting society down by not getting married.

There you are, old goat! Henry Shafford, Christopher’s energetic best friend and the only reason for remaining in this smothering hell hole of bodies, came loping over to the group, saving Chris from having to respond.

Take a look at the bosom on that one! It’s extraordinary! Henry wondered aloud, as usual, forgetting to censor his thoughts. It was the reason the two were such good friends.

Henry! Mrs. Sareton scolded. She hoisted her hands to her hips in that stern way she had. Her foot was most likely tapping also, but you couldn’t tell beneath all those layers of skirts, which was probably for the best.

Pardon me, Mrs. Sareton. Henry cleared his throat most unapologetically and pulled Chris through the crowd. Chris allowed himself to be dragged along, a smile pulling at his mouth.

Which one will it be tonight C? Henry asked when they were out of earshot of their rigid elders.

Henry, I told you I plan to keep to myself tonight. You on the other hand, are an entirely different story. They faced each other, Henry looking ready to bounce away at any second. His energy tired Chris sometimes, but also balanced out their relationship. Chris was the stern one and Henry was the class clown. One of the drawbacks of Henry’s personality was that he didn’t understand the concept of ‘no’. Chris didn’t have to wait long for the argument to come.

Aw Chris! We’re the two best looking blokes in town! This is a well-established fact. Well, I happen to be just slightly more handsome than you, but that’s not the point. He joked, brushing imaginary lint from his friend’s shoulder.

So why not give one of these beautiful ladies one little kiss to last them the rest of their lives? Henry batted his eyelashes, doing an impressive impression of a coquette.

You’ve a very high opinion of us don’t you? Chris frowned, turning his lips downward in disapproval.

Well of course.

Henry, not tonight.

Henry pursed his own lips and also frowned thoughtfully. He swept his eyes across the crowd and then jerked his finger in the air in such a quick motion that Chris almost jumped.

Ah-ha! You’re saving yourself to snag the mystifying Miss Wexford, aren’t you, you devil. Henry leered at him, smiling idiotically. Chris pushed him away.

"Henry, not that it’s any of your business, but Miss Wexford is going to be just like all the rest of these pompous over-bred ladies. There has been so much talk about her, that I actually feel bad for the girl. There’s no way she can possibly live up to everyone’s expectations. I am not interested in hearing her name mentioned again. Is that clear?" Chris spat, the oppressive stench of cheap perfume and the crowd finally getting to him. Henry stared at him a second, judging the seriousness of his friends’ outburst.

Ooohh, touchy. Fine if that’s how you want it. But I’m not going to be your replacement girl tonight, that’s for certain, Henry said and winked at him.

"Oh shut up. I have to get out of this town." He picked up his pace heading for the door.

Out? Why? Henry trotted to keep up with him.

"Because I’m going to go insane. There has to be something else. This can’t be all there is. Don’t you ever want something different?"

Well, yes. Which is why I’m planning on sampling that girl over there for some variety— He stopped with a gasp when Chris elbowed him in the stomach.

Honestly? That’s all you can think about?

Um. Yes. Is that a problem? Henry rubbed his stomach.

"Yes. Lord, have you nothing important to think of? No dreams?" They’d reached the outside balcony and Chris threw his arms in the air.

Well. Last night I dreamt of an elephant, but it had the body of a zebra—

Arrgh! Chris shook his head and stomped away. Smiling, Henry followed.

Chapter 2

I hate you for making me do this. Ariana powdered her nose and stared at herself in the mirror of the vanity. She felt a strange urge to bite her fingernails, something she hadn’t done since childhood. Silly nerves. She should be old enough to be able to think about socializing with strangers without wanting to turn and hide under a table. Clearly, one didn’t grow out of it with age. She finally rose from the stool she had been perched on and faced the man in front of her.

"Yes, I know. But your father would hate me for not allowing you to awe the civilized world with your manners. Now please just do this for me. If not for me, then for your father, God bless his soul," Davie Trewell pleaded. He was a large man with a gruff disposition, except when he was around Ariana. She was like a daughter to him. He could never deny her anything if the way his face was lined with anxiety at her unhappiness, was any indication.

Fine. But if I make a fool of myself, I will be saying ‘I told you so’.

He laughed at her declaration. The girl was extremely low maintenance. He knew whiny daughters that wanted the sun and the moon piled in with their fancy dresses and jewels. But not Ariana. She rarely asked for anything from him, though she knew he would give her whatever was in his power to give. Davie kissed her cheek reassuringly and escorted her to the carriage that was waiting outside the inn. She’d never quite gotten used to skirts and corsets, something she hoped wouldn’t show. But she wasn’t one to run away from a challenge.

Ariana’s heart was beating unnaturally fast inside her chest as the carriage bumped along. I’ll never make it through this night, she thought. I’ll trip on the stairs in this ridiculous dress. I’ll look like a fool in front of everyone. The carriage pulled up after what seemed far too short of a ride to properly get her nerves under control and stopped at an immensely large house, jolting her back to reality.

Well here goes everything, she muttered as Davie handed her down from the carriage.

***

Christopher, you are an intimidating dancer, the girl he was dancing with, giggled. Chris had already forgotten her name.

Well I think it only proper since you are an exceptional dancer yourself. He fake-smiled and again fought the urge to roll his eyes. She giggled again, oblivious to his boredom. He should give her another chance. After all, she is pretty, he reasoned. Her low-cut white gown made the dance more bearable and she definitely wasn’t shy. Perhaps she wouldn’t open her mouth again.

Christopher… Or maybe she will. He continued to smile and nod while whirling about the room. He scanned the faces of the crowd for someone worth looking at. He found no one. Wait, what about her? No, he dallied with her last month. How about—no she was from last week. Why was life so bloody boring? Where was the originality of it all? He mentally scolded himself for jumping from girl to girl. It was his own fault that there was no one left to interest him. The women who were mature and had sense enough to hold a conversation were already married and ten years his senior. He certainly didn’t dally with married women, much as it pained him to restrain himself when one of the more interesting and bewitching ones turned an eye on him. But that left him with chits—ones who were bent on marriage. Ones who were too young to be interesting but too old to be naïve. As the music ended he said a silent prayer of thanks and bowed to the girl. They stood clapping politely while he thought how to phrase his exit. A movement at the entranceway caught his eye, distracting him. Well, well, well. He didn’t recognize the woman standing there, taking off her wrap. It could only be the long awaited Miss Ariana Wexford. His breath caught in his throat for a moment, something that had never happened to him before. He’d known plenty of beautiful women, but never had he experienced such a physical reaction to one. She was indeed beautiful. Her dark brown hair was curled on the top of her head, with soft tendrils hanging down framing her face. Her short sleeved pink gown hugged all of her curves like a well fitted glove, lace covering her chest. It was a relatively modest dress, but she carried herself in a way that suggested she was not so modest. He watched as she impatiently tossed a strand of hair away from her face, her eyes assessing the room. Miss Wexford was most certainly a woman worth drooling over. If he were the type to drool. She wasn’t tiny but she wasn’t large either, but rather rounded in a womanly way. Chris noticed men almost falling out of their chairs trying to get to her, as they saw she had no male escort but a man that could be her father. A blush set over her cheeks, making her look practically glowing, even from across the room. Chris noticed that her skin was darker than was considered fashionable by the ladies in the town, as though she spent a good deal of time in the sun. However, none of the men seemed to have any qualms over the matter. It gave her an exotic look that set her apart from the others. It matched the sudden frown she wore at having so many vie for her attention at once.

Blimey, Henry breathed, coming up beside him, You sure you don’t want her?

Positive. Chris set his jaw and exhaled. She was probably pampered and grouchy, anyway.

Well, then please excuse me mate. Henry pushed through all the men confidently and extended his arm to Miss Wexford. He whispered something and she took his arm, visibly relaxing. The men standing around looked like children that hadn’t gotten what they wanted for Christmas. The women, however, were staring her down. He noticed looks of jealousy covered by disdain as well as curiosity and an almost eagerness to be introduced. Or rather, an eagerness to be able to say, "Miss Wexford spoke to me". She laughed at something Henry said and Chris rolled his shoulders back. Her smile made her entire face transform into an almost angelic countenance. It appeared to be a real laugh, rather than the tittering that so many girls used. He mentally shook himself. Why am I getting so worked up just because she’s dancing with him? I don’t want her. She’s surely like all the rest of the pretty faces in this room. Even if her smile did seem genuine. Even if her laugh made him want to run over and pick her up in his arms.

***

Miss Wexford, you’ve been a long awaited breath of fresh air to us all. In fact, I’ve been tortured by the wait of your arrival.

Ariana smiled at Henry while suppressing a laugh. It really wasn’t a very clever line. But it produced the intended smile on her face. When he had asked her to dance, she’d quickly agreed, thinking that he looked much safer than any of the other men vying for her attention. She felt the eyes of some of the others roam over her as if they didn’t care if she saw. Their stares made her uncomfortable. But Henry was buoyant; you could almost see the excess energy floating off of him and affecting everyone nearby in the most positive way. She liked the energy and it made her feel safe and not worry quite so much about whether or not she was behaving correctly. It was difficult not to want to smile into his reddish- blonde hair and green eyes.

You’ve got quite a silver tongue on you Mr. Shafford. He was so distracting that she actually forgot to worry about her dance steps.

Yes it does seem to feel very heavy when you’re near, my dear, he responded gravely.

Well, I do apologize for causing you any discomfort, she said and laughed outright. He spun her out and back in again in such a dramatic fashion that she laughed once more.

"Do not apologize for that, however, perhaps you could apologize for being so beautiful," he said giving her a wink.

Hmm, I wonder how I should reply to that?

My darling, you do not have to reply at all if you wish not to.

In that case, I don’t think I will. The two continued to dance and laugh through the next song. It was a wonder that Davie was even able to teach her how to dance. She was considered to be naturally graceful somehow, but dancing wasn’t something that she had an occasion to practice often. Or ever.

Henry was handsome in a boyish way and he made her laugh, but Ariana could not see herself with him in any way but friendship. She feared she would never want anyone more than friendship. How could she openly love someone with the secret she kept?

Suddenly distracted, her eyes met with a man standing against the wall. He was strikingly handsome, with perfect features and disheveled, but stylish, bronze colored hair. He was tall with a strong build, she could tell that from underneath the perfectly tailored black coat he was wearing. He turned his eyes upon her and she almost missed a step. She was forced to break eye contact with him when Henry spun her around. When she looked again, the handsome man was gone and she could once again concentrate on dancing.

Later, she was conversing with a few ladies her age whom were introduced to her by Henry. She was having a decent enough time. It had been ages since she had spent time with females just gossiping and laughing. It was refreshing, though she didn’t feel knowledgeable enough to contribute much to the conversation. And a certain unknown handsome gentleman kept distracting her thoughts.

What do you think, Miss Wexford? The pretty, petite brunette next to her asked, interrupting her daydream. She quickly brought her gaze back to the group in front of her.

Er… Sorry, what was the question? she asked politely.

Oh dear. I’m afraid your attention has wandered over to Mr. Locksley, the willowy blonde to her right said and smiled ruefully. Ariana thought her name was Lindsay.

Who? Is that the gentleman brooding over there? Ariana questioned nonchalantly. She’d found the dark-eyed man again, standing with a group of men, not saying anything to his companions as far as she could tell.

Indeed it is. Christopher Grayson Locksley, our town charmer. This brought on a chorus of female excitement.

Our town rake, surely!

Oh isn’t he just dreamy?

Amelia, shut your mouth, I daresay you’re drooling!

My word.

Ladies please! Let us have some sense of rational behavior, I beg of you! Lindsay called over everyone, clearly irritated.

I take it you all desire to be with him? Ariana asked dryly.

"Hmm… Define be with. You see, Chris isn’t the settling down type."

I suppose that’s logical. He’s not very old. She snuck another glance at his chiseled profile.

Oh but he’s old enough! If he would just take the time to really look at me—, one girl started.

Charlotte, don’t waste your breath! Lindsay snapped, fanning herself lightly.

Well.

"Lindsay, I’m certain that you’re angry he’s never came after you."

Me? Really, I’m like his cousin! You know I grew up with those boys and if you think I would give up Hugh, you’re sadly mistaken!

Hmm, yes we forgot about good ole Hugh…

Lydia, say one more word! Lindsay threatened and clinched her gloved hand.

Well it’s a shame he’s never satisfied with anyone, Ariana commented to change the subject.

"God knows what he’s looking for. Who he’s looking for."

Ariana—May I call you Ariana?

Of course.

"I’m afraid that you shall be his next aim." Lindsay laid her hand on Ariana’s wrist and leaned forward.

Me? Ariana squeaked most uncharacteristically.

Yes. You’re new. Fresh meat, so to speak. And absolutely gorgeous.

Um…T-thank you? But I don’t plan to be any aim, I assure you. She straightened her spine and met Lindsay’s eyes straight on.

Maybe not, but sometimes we can’t help ourselves.

Well consider me warned then.

Aye, that we will, Lindsay smiled softly and brought up a new topic of conversation which immediately brought on another round of arguing. Ariana smiled to herself and released a small breath. She had actually missed witnessing trivial quarrels over which shop had the best fabric. Although she was sure it was done with good intentions, warning her about a man she’d never even met? Warning her? Honestly, she could laugh at the idea.

***

I’ve gone bloody mad. Just because she looked at me, I’ve become all flustered and excited. Chris groaned. He paced back and forth in the garden out back. The cobblestone ground made a tapping sound when he walked. A stray shrub had grown a bit long and it laid in his path. He kicked it with feeling. Hearing laughter, he glanced behind him towards the doors. He spotted Henry leading Ariana out towards him. Chris ducked behind a tree. If he’s brought her out here to kiss her I will surely throw up, he reflected.

Are you sure you’re alright? Henry was asking her.

Yes, I’m fine. It’s just all that spinning, you know, she replied fanning herself.

Stay right here and I’ll get you some wine.

Water please, she requested. When he was gone, she slumped against the garden rail mistakenly thinking she was alone.

Are you alright, Miss? Chris stepped out of the shadows. She immediately straightened. Then she recognized him as being the man standing against the wall earlier and her cheeks became hot.

Oh, um, yes, fine thank you. Just getting a bit of air, she managed not to stutter.

Of course. I’m Christopher Locksley, by the way. He extended his hand smoothly.

Ariana Wexford, she replied and grasped his hand. He could not help but like the feel of his hand gripped solidly against hers.

Ah, the mysterious woman everyone’s been talking about. I imagine you’re tired from your trip from…? he started hoping she would fill in the blank.

India, she supplied. He was looking at her intently, focusing on her eyes unlike the other men she had previously encountered. He seemed to be different in some way. He was easily the most handsome man she had ever seen, though there was something else about him that interested her. Something that she didn’t feel at liberty to explore.

Really? May I inquire as to what your purpose was there? Business or pleasure? If you don’t find my question rude.

Oh not at all. I was—, she quickly thought of what Davie told her to talk about.

I was there searching for a rare diamond, she finished. He nodded slowly, his eyes losing their intent focus.

Well, I hope you succeeded. If you’ll please excuse me Miss Wexford. It was a pleasure meeting you. He left abruptly, leaving her to stare after his retreating back.

Chris knew she was just like all the others. Only after money in life. Never thinking of anything important. He felt a pang in his chest at having to be disappointed again. Up close, she had been even more beautiful with deep brown eyes and thick lashes against smooth skin. And her mouth—never mind. It didn’t matter. Beauty was not everything.

***

How strange, Ariana thought when she was alone. We were having perfectly decent conversation, weren’t we? What did I say? It was a wonder that she was able to speak at all around him. He was truly a beautiful man. Well, fine then. He already knows that he’s gorgeous. That’s his problem. He’s overconfident, therefore I do not like him. Right? Henry arrived at her side with a glass of water and his trademark smile.

Thank you. She remembered not to gulp the water; instead she took a dainty sip.

Was that Chris I saw you talking to? he questioned, glancing around.

Mr. Locksley? Yes. He was making sure that I was alright.

I’ll bet, Henry mumbled.

He left rather abruptly. I do hope everything is well. She tried to fish for information.

Um, Chris is a… complicated sort of man. He is of course my best friend, so I have to tolerate him, he joked.

Oh? The two of you went to school together, then?

Yes, in Yorkshire for university. I fear that you have taken a liking to him. How very sad for myself, he said gravely and took a sip of his own drink.

Mr. Shafford, I assure you that I have not taken a liking yet to anyone but yourself and Mrs. Bloom, she said and smiled.

Well then, splendid. Shall we go inside so that I may introduce you to the rest of the herd?

Hmm. Interesting word choice. Let’s go, by all means. She once again took his arm, momentarily forgetting about Christopher.

Henry gently lead Ariana around the room, introducing her to all that he knew. The girl was absolutely perfect as far as he could tell. Her manners were impeccable, her behavior calm. Her beauty was of course out of this world, but she blushed every time someone complimented her on it. Bullocks. I can see myself marrying this girl, he thought. And he had planned on being single until at least thirty. It was hard to believe that Ariana had not taken an immediate liking to Chris. He was more thoughtful and intriguing than Henry. Henry usually got what Chris didn’t want. And for tonight, that was wonderful because Miss Wexford had already captured his heart.

Miss Wexford, you simply must join us for dinner tomorrow night, Mrs. Shafford, Henry’s lovely mother spoke. Her blonde hair held no gray in it yet and she had a round face that, like her son, was prone to smiling. They were all standing in the middle of the room, beneath the crystal chandelier.

Oh Mrs. Shafford, I regret that I’m already engaged tomorrow night, Ariana replied regretfully. She had to think about the words before she spoke, trying to remain formal and educated-sounding.

How about Sunday, then?

I would absolutely love the honor of dining with you on Sunday. She enjoyed the Shafford family; they made her feel welcome and wanted. Mr. Shafford was an even-tempered man that didn’t say much, but the affection he harbored for his wife was obvious to everyone that beheld them together. It was the type of love that Ariana wanted for herself, but despaired of ever finding.

***

Chris, who was standing near the back of the group, panicked. He lived with the Shaffords, as they were his adopted family. And he didn’t care enough yet to get his own place. Well, he would just have to make other arrangements for Sunday night. He glanced at Ariana. Or maybe he would just sit staring at her like a bumbling idiot all night. Ariana then accepted an invitation from some bloke to dance. He saw Henry watching her.

You know, I want her to like you. I don’t want her hating the best man at our wedding, Henry teased.

What do you mean? She doesn’t like me? Chris raised an eyebrow.

Well, she mentioned you were a little strange earlier. Try to tone it down, will you?

Whatever. Does she know that you’re planning her future? What are you, going soft on me?

Apparently, Henry replied. Chris rolled his eyes, not bothering to restrain himself.

Go on. Ask her to dance. It will seem rude if you don’t, Henry prodded.

I do not care to dance right now, Chris said haughtily and stood his ground.

Christopher, take this next dance with Miss Wexford, Mrs. Shafford told him. She lifted her eyebrow and dared him to refuse. She was his second mother, so of course he wouldn’t refuse.

Yes ma’am. Chris sullenly glared at Henry who was laughing. Chris steeled himself to approach Miss Wexford. Should he act the part of a suave debonair? Or a humble, respectful, young man simply awed by her presence? She was making her way across the room, so he walked swiftly through the mass of bodies.

May I please have this dance, Miss Wexford? He stood in front of her, blocking her way. She seemed a bit surprised that he would ask, but nodded after a few seconds.

Certainly, she answered taking his outstretched hand. All his carefully planned lines failed him as soon as their hands touched.

I hope you will forgive my rude exit outside in the garden. I—had some important business to attend to.

Oh, don’t worry. I was at fault for detaining you, she graciously supplied. Politeness had been drilled into her since she was able to speak. She would most certainly not mess that part up. At least, she wouldn’t if she could manage to control the wobble in her voice.

Miss Wexford, the fault was entirely my own. I am not usually so preoccupied.

Mr. Shafford said the two of you went to university together, she mentioned, groping for some conversation that went beyond apologies.

He paused, grasping her waist and beginning the dance. He hadn’t ever been this close to her. He tried to calm his breathing and reply to her statement.

Yes, we did. We roomed together four years.

Really? It must be nice to have someone you know you can count on. She looked at him. He was momentarily distracted by her eyes.

Almost as much as his eyes distracted her. She tried very hard to concentrate on the dance steps without looking like a fool.

Um, yes it is. If I have a problem I can always go to him. But enough about me. Tell me about yourself Miss Wexford.

Me? Oh I don’t have a very extraordinary life. I just… live each day. With schooling and knitting and such. She almost crossed her eyes when she realized what she had said.

Knitting? Are you an accomplished knitter, Miss Wexford? Chris made himself ask. He kept his face a cool mask of disinterest.

Um, well not as accomplished as some, she replied. Knitting, she thought. I cannot knit worth anything. She wasn’t at all sure about all the lies she was weaving. His eyes were veiled; she had no idea what he was thinking. He most likely was thinking that she was a psycho let loose from the ward. Her inability to look him in the eyes and speak at the same time wasn’t helping her case, she was sure. Bother.

And to find your diamond in India? Did you have a team to assist your search? He found that her beauty was not enough to hold him to the conversation. Perhaps if they weren’t in such a public place, he wouldn’t let it bother him. He would just kiss her and say goodnight like he always did with everyone else.

Heavens no, I went with only Davie, my guardian. She snapped her head up.

I mean… I went with Davie at first and we met up with a crew. Of course I wasn’t digging. Not me, not at all, she said hurriedly, trying to fix her fumble.

Chris attempted to decipher her words. She’d strongly said that she went alone; she even seemed offended by the idea of accusing her of not finding the diamond on her own. But then she’d seemed appalled at the idea of her doing any manual labor. He looked at her gloved hands and couldn’t decide if she was telling the truth.

Aw, I’m making a bloody mess of things, Ariana thought, trying to keep her own face smooth and unbothered. But a scowl was still starting to form between her eyebrows.

What type of ship did you sail on? He asked curiously.

A black sloop, she automatically answered. Wait, a civilized woman of high class would not know that answer. She inwardly groaned, knowing she should have named a trading ship instead that was meant for leisure. He looked impressed, which made her feel worse.

That was a joke! I really have no idea what sort of ship it was or what any of that jarble means. I stayed below deck the whole time anyhow. She laughed falsely, doing a perfect imitation of some of the young ladies she had met earlier in the night.

Oh. Of course. The dance ended and he bowed to her slowly, keeping his eyes locked on hers. She curtsied in return and made sure he couldn’t see the disappointment in her face.

Thank you for the dance. Have a lovely evening Miss Wexford.

The same to you, she managed to get out. God, what was wrong with her? Couldn’t she be a normal flirtatious female for once in her life? She hated herself at that moment as she watched his strong back retreat into the crowd. She tried not to remember the way his broad shoulders had felt underneath her hand. I knew that I shouldn’t have come tonight, she thought ironically. Hang it all! She squeezed through the crowd to find Davie. Her old bed in her cabin sounded mighty attractive to her tired feet. Her departing thought was that she had never seen Chris smile.

***

Chris went back with the Shaffords later that night to their home. The girl really was a mystery. He didn’t know what to make of her… Blurting out the name of a ship is not usually something a lady would do, even as a joke. Perhaps there is more to the lovely Miss Wexford than meets the eye. He couldn’t sleep that night. Her face would not leave his mind. He asked Mrs. Shafford about her the next morning, attempting to be nonchalant. She answered him with eyebrows raised and that knowing expression that she had.

"Well, rumor has it that both her parents have passed away and she is now in the care of her father’s trusted business partner. I do not know much else about her, I’m afraid. But she certainly impressed me last night. I believe she is only one and twenty. Quite a young age to be without parents, poor thing, but I’m surprised she hasn’t already been snatched