To Persuade a Privateer

By Heather C. Myers

She wanted a stable life, a good marriage, and a family. He stole her away to the sea.

Elinor is a woman of means, who is looking forward to her arranged marriage. As the eldest of three sisters, she wants to show her siblings that love, while ideal, doesn't need to be the main component to a successful marriage. Duty to the family is more important than duty to one's self. Her best friend, Samantha, doesn't quite agree, but Sam has always been ideal and never particularly cared about making a smart match for herself.

Jaime Butler is a Scottish privateer, sailing the Seven Seas for treasure and freedom. When he gets word that his long lost sister is in the Caribbean, he rushes to obtain her and bring her back to his home in Scotland. He doesn't think he would need to take her friend as well, an obnoxious English woman who wants everything done perfectly. At least he might be able to get a good ransom out of her - not that he needs it. He's wealthy in his own right and only takes on the role of privateer because he wants the excuse to sail the seven seas, taking what he wants for the English king (the bastard).

When forces collide, bringing these two opposites together, both will learn that love is more than they originally thought it would be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather C. Myers
• Release date: Oct 3, 2021

Heather C. Myers

Full disclosure: I am an acquired taste. I'm a typical blonde Orange County suburbanite who says 'like' more than necessary, laughs loud and probably obnoxiously, and loves to dance in the rain. I'm a 25 year old college graduate with more than a few tricks up my sleeve, and I also happen to be a pretty big Ducks fan. Oh, and I'm a writer. Like, for real.I recently signed with Anchor Group Publishing, which will see two of my series being published this year. I've self-published over 15 books, with more on the way, so I'm familiar with both a hybrid-traditional publishing method as well as self-publishing.I don't speak in third person (normally) nor do I wear glasses (except when I'm feeling particularly mischievous). I'm lucky to have found my soul mate at the ripe old age of 22, even though he frustrates me on purpose to get a reaction out of me. We live near Disneyland, have two rambunctious female puppies, and have a beautiful baby girl. He has two amazing boys, and has gotten me hooked on Smallville, watching soccer (okay, okay FOOTBALL - FC Barcelona, baby!), and Cancun Juice.

Book preview

Prologue

Two grey-green eyes watched from green bushes as he waited for the large white doors of the mansion to open. A basket with blankets messily thrown together was waiting in front of the door, and oddly, the blanket seemed to be moving to a very slow rhythm, up and down. It was his baby sister, Samantha. The boy himself was sixteen years old, with dark hair, light eyes, and already a bronze texture to his skin. He had seen many hardships in his sixteen years; his father had died nine months before, right after the consummation of his baby sister. The boy’s father was a pirate, and after that particular meeting with his wife, was caught by the Royal Navy, and hanged without mercy. When the boy’s mother, a commoner but extremely beautiful, heard about her husband’s death, her heart broke, and she died while giving birth to Samantha.

The boy knew that if Samantha would ever have a good chance of surviving, she would have to be taken care of by loving parents. He could do nothing himself; he was just a teenage boy well on his way of becoming a pirate himself, and he knew that life at sea for his younger sister would kill her. After a few days of heavy deliberating, the boy decided to take his sister to the Governor’s mansion. It was no secret that the husband and wife of New Providence could not conceive and had an infectious love of children. So why not give Samantha a good life, a wealthy one at that, with guaranteed love from her guardians? The boy was bittersweet about it, but he knew it had to be done. Once the doors opened and she was taken inside, she would be gone from him, and the only evidence that she was not the daughter of the wealthiest family on this island, was the chain dangling from the girl’s neck, with a medallion hanging from it. He didn’t know whether or not they would take it away but he hoped not. He wore a similar one around his neck, connecting them.

The door suddenly opened, and a butler appeared. Looking around, to his left and right, his eyes finally made it to the bundle of blankets that was Sam. He made a gesture, and maybe a call, and before the boy knew it, the wife of the governor herself made it to the door. When she saw the baby, the boy knew that she immediately fell in love. She picked up the card the boy had left in the basket, and he could see her read it aloud. My name is Samantha. The governor’s wife’s smile was clear; she would take in Samantha. The boy let out a sigh of relief, but stayed in his bushes until he saw the woman take Samantha in.

His work was done. He could leave and do whatever he wanted. He could follow in his father’s footsteps and be the pirate he was destined to become.

1

Sunlight cascaded through the nearly-closed velvet drapes and danced across a young woman’s face. Pushing her eyes closed even more, slight crinkles appeared on her smooth pale face as a small moan escaped her throat. Her thin eyebrows pushed together as her full, red lips formed a pout, which decorated her face. She crushed the pillow she was squeezing even tighter and shifted from her right side, to her left side, hoping to escape the intrusive sunlight. It didn’t matter, though; the young girl was awake, and sadly, she did not have the rare talent usually found in the opposite sex where if one found himself being awakened sooner than planned, he could simply turn to the other side, put his head back on the pillow and instantly fall back asleep, as though his slumber had never been interrupted in the first place. Blinking her eyes, she let out a humph of surrender.

Elinor Madison hated mornings. Throwing her long legs over the side of her bed, she bit her lip in preparation for the cold the tile would send throughout her body. She grumbled to herself as she made her way over to her coat hanger, adjacent to the window, and slipped on a silk robe. After tying it tightly on herself, she turned to the window and quickly opened the blinds, as she knew she must, cursing at the light. Her eyes still had not adjusted to the sun, but once they did, she would be on friendlier terms with the sun. Sounds from the nearby town lifted in the slight breeze and drifted into Elinor’s room. She glanced outside idly, a lazy smile adorning her heart-shaped face, as she listened to the chatter of the town’s people, the clucks and noises from the animals, the waves crashing onto the shore. Letting her mind wander, she looked out at the docks, the sea. She never really had the desire to leave the comfort of her home, nor did she concoct the romantic ideas of running away and meeting handsome pirates and living happily ever after.

But Elinor was perfectly content with her life in cozy Port Royal. And why shouldn’t she? As the oldest daughter of the Governor of Port Royal, she was spoiled since birth. Having two younger sisters had been trying on Elinor, but as the three got older, they began to develop lasting relationships. As the oldest, Elinor was supposed to set a good example, teach by example, and be responsible for them. Megan was the middle child, and bringing up the rear was Susan. They all contrasted and compared, and after Susan hit sixteen, things finally fell into place between the three girls. Governor Madison, their father, and his wife were very traditional, and they tried to teach that to their girls. Arranged marriages, proper attire, how to present oneself and much more were pushed upon the three since birth. Elinor responded positively to her lessons, respecting and appreciating years and years of tradition. Megan rebelled against it. She was a romantic, as one would say, believing in choice of marriage, and freedom to wear whatever she wanted. Susan followed in Elinor’s footsteps, only because of how badly Megan was being punished, but not because she really wanted to.

A knock interrupted the young woman out of her drabbles, and then the door opened. Emerald eyes rolled as Elinor recognized her sister Megan, bursting into her room without waiting for an answer. The younger sister’s eyes widened in surprised, seeing her sister already up, standing, and almost dressed. You’re actually up, Elinor, Megan said with enthusiasm and surprise.

Oh, do shut up, Megan, Elinor said, turning to her walk-in wardrobe to pick out what she would wear for the day. She threw Megan a backwards glance over her shoulder. I actually rather prefer waking up to the sun on my face than you coming in with that mouth of yours.

There’s nothing wrong with my mouth, Megan said, and plopped herself on her older sister’s bed.

Save for the fact that it’s rather large for a girl your age, Elinor responded dryly.

I am eighteen years old, thank you very much, Megan said, standing on her knees and making balls of her hands, resting them justly on her hips.

Elinor didn’t respond, but continued going through her various amounts of colorful and classy dresses. Giving each one a long hard stare, she leafed through, finding some sort of reason not to wear it for that day; it was too dull or too long or too high-necked, too low-cut… the list went on. Megan watched her sister, letting out an impatient moan. Just pick one already, she said. There’s no reason for you to do this every bloody morning.

Elinor jumped at the sound of a curse coming from her younger sister’s mouth. Megan, you know it is not becoming to swear, Elinor gently scolded but did not take her eyes from her attire. And for your information, the way one presents themselves, including the matters concerning how one dresses, is imperative to show a positive and sophisticated image to the outside world.

God, Elinor, no need to lecture me, Megan said, rolling her eyes.

And there’s no need to take the Lord’s name in vain, Elinor murmured back, holding a dress up to her small frame, staring intently at it in her full-length mirror.

Oh, dear sister, Megan said, lazily getting out of bed and walking over to her sister. Her clear eyes met her sister’s deep ones. I hope you realize there is more to life than how one dresses and speaks and eats and all that nonsense.

Now Elinor took her turn to roll her eyes. She took the dress from its hanger and brought it with her behind her dressing curtain to start getting ready for the awaiting day. Megan, do you realize that to acquire an upstanding gentleman as a husband you have to exceed at all of those things that you just mentioned? No right man will have someone who dresses inappropriately, who speaks with incorrect grammar, who spills easily, who can’t dress accordingly. Why would I settle for any less than what I deserve, Megan? Elinor was saying all of this as she was changing. Could you help me with the corset, please?

Megan went behind the dressing curtain and stared at her older sister with speculation. Her fingers gripped the lace as she tied it through the different holes, watching her sister’s already small waist decrease and her sister’s already full-breasts increase. Why do you wear corsets, Elinor? Megan asked, once she had finished.

Elinor took a few deep breaths to get used to the strained breathing a corset entailed, and then turned to her sister. It’s a sacrifice one has to make to look good, she explained.

But you already look good! Megan exclaimed. You’re so beautiful, Elinor, that any man would be lucky to have you, whether you chewed with your mouth open or not. Her cheeks turned bright red as they normally did when she got frustrated.

Elinor smiled gently at her sister as she adjusted the many layers of skirts this specific dress called for. You are sweet, Megan, she said, caressing her sister’s cheek and then swaying her round hips as she walked over to her small table, looking at herself in a different, half-length mirror. She grabbed her hairbrush and began to brush her long, golden locks.

Megan was not through trying to persuade her sister to finally come over to her side. She took a seat next to her sister, kneeling beside Elinor in her chair. Elinor, do you not wish to fall in love one day? she asked passionately. Maybe if her older sister agreed with her on this point, she would not seem so crazy to the other girls who were also cultured.

Love comes with marriage, Elinor said, gently getting a knot out of her wavy hair. Knots were quite common to Elinor, so she had developed the patience to sit through long periods of time to untangle them so no damage was done to her hair. I trust Mum and Dad to choose a husband for me that they know I will fall in love with, she continued. I may not fall in love with him at sight, and maybe it will take some time for me to love him, but I know I will. One day, at least.

"But you would be willing to sacrifice your freedom to choose the man you want to fall in love for the man you have to fall in love with?" Megan asked.

What freedom are you talking about Megan? Elinor asked, finally looking at her sister with confused eyes. She set her brush down and turned towards her younger sister. I’m not sure if you’re on the same page as I am, but since birth we were raised properly in order to obtain a husband. It is your duty to your parents to respect that!

But what about the duty to yourself? Megan asked. The most important person in your life is you because you know yourself better than anybody else. Sometimes one has to be selfish to fight for what’s owed to her.

What’s that? Elinor asked dryly, turning back to the mirror and brushing her hair once again.

Love! Megan declared, then took a quick breath. Okay, let’s look at this from a different perspective. Wouldn’t you rather be with someone who admires your beauty, your wits, all those habits that no one knows about except me and Susan… who’s totally in love with your soul, which, might I add, includes all of your flaws, and not just your last name, your wealth, and your body?! She looked pleadingly at her older sister. You must believe in something more, Elinor. Please tell me you do.

Elinor, now, was with pins in her mouth, her arms up, her fingers in her hair, pulling it this way and that, sticking a pin in here and there, twisting it and tucking it, styling it and brushing it some more, so that not only did it complement her face, but went along with her dress. I believe our parents know what is best for me, Elinor said firmly.

Megan sighed in defeat, and picked herself up from her kneeling position. I swear, Elinor, Megan said, turning to meet her sister’s eyes in the mirror before she exited her sister’s room, one day, you will fall uncontrollably in love, and then you will understand how indescribable, how amazing it feels to truly fall in love with someone you never expected to.

And how do you know all of this, Megan? Elinor asked, turning to look her sister face to face.

I just do, Megan said. I have faith. How does anyone know there is a God? You have faith. I believe what I believe, and that’s all I can say. Soon, you’ll believe what I believe.

And how do you know I will? Elinor asked with disinterest. She turned back to her mirror, putting some last finishing touches on it.

Because, Megan said with a smile, I have faith.

Elinor, that is a very becoming color on you, Mrs. Madison said once the Madison family sat down at the long dining table for the usual traditional breakfast. She smiled at her husband, taking a small bite of her porridge. Don’t you agree, my love?

I do, he said, smiling at her as well. You are becoming a very beautiful woman, Elinor. How old are you now?

Elinor smiled at her parents with pride while Megan shook her head with distaste while the youngest, Susan, watched the scene before her in silence, as she usually did. I’ll be twenty-one in November, Father, she said.

I was a bit younger than you when I became betrothed to your father, Mrs. Madison said after swallowing another small bite. I had my debut in the late summer, when I was introduced by my parents to your father. They literally said, ‘Meet your husband’, she said with a laugh. It was such a smart match. The daughter of a duke and the son of the governor of Port Royal.

Smart, indeed, agreed the Governor. He then turned to Elinor, his chubby cheeks red and shiny, like that of an apple. Now, Elinor, it is getting to be the season of debuts, as summer time usually is… we have set up your debut to be next week.

Elinor laughed aloud, slipping into an excited manner instead of the controlled young woman she was supposed to be. Very rare things like these gave Megan hope for her older sister. Elinor’s hands went over her mouth as her face turned an attractive light shade of red with happiness. Her smile was contagious, and soon Susan and even Megan were grinning with excitement. The three sisters had only been to other debuts, but never had the opportunity to have their own. Instead of eighteen, Governor Madison wanted to wait until his daughters were twenty to debut, and then marry at twenty-one. That gave them more time to learn more about the proper ways to behave, and him more opportunity to select the proper husband fit for each of his children.

Is Papa going to be there?! she asked with a smile. Oh, I haven’t seen him in such a long time! Can he come?! Please?!

Governor Madison chuckled deeply. Of course, my love, he said.

Now, Elinor, Mrs. Madison said, but even she could not help the smile that adorned her face. Tomorrow, the four women of the family will shop for proper attire for that night and then invitations must be sent.

Elinor could barely hear what her family was saying about everything, she was just too excited that her day had finally come. She was to meet her husband at her debut, get married and have children. She could hardly wait.

Breaking their fast finished ended, and the three sisters went back upstairs. Megan and Susan shared the largest room in the house, deep into the west wing. Elinor usually got ready before breakfast, and then afterwards, would go upstairs and help her sisters get ready for the day. She hoped dearly that everything she said to her sisters meant something to them, that when she helped them get ready, they retained and appreciated all that she offered to them. However, she suspected that Megan’s attention span decreased as soon as the girls stepped into the room, while Susan didn’t care one way or the other what she wore. If Elinor thought about it, the only thing Susan really cared about were her horses.

Megan made her way over to the open windowsill, closing her eyes and diving into the conversations of people on the street below her. She sighed, almost wistfully, leaning her head onto the sill and flattening her back.

Elinor, Susan said, going over to stand by her older sister. Megan’s going to fall asleep on the window sill again.

Elinor turned as Megan opened an eye. No I am not, she murmured, then stood back up, stretching. She glanced back out the window, however. They have it so much easier than we do, she said softly.

How? Susan said, swaggering her hips over to look out the window. We can have everything we wanted with the snap of our fingers. Her voice was low but articulate and mature for her young, ripe age of sixteen.

Megan threw a glance at her younger sister. Is that all you think about, Susan? she asked incredulously. The materialistic opportunities?

Susan quirked an eyebrow as she stared at the dirt roads, the pedestrians in ripped, ragged clothing and the beggars that hid themselves among the town’s people. Clearly, to anyone with sight, they were obviously beggars. What else is there to think about besides materialistic opportunities in this place? she asked.

What about your horses? Megan asked. Isn’t that more important than all of these dresses and whatnot?

My horses are more important than anything in the world! she exclaimed, a rare thing to hear Susan raise her voice.

Elinor grabbed a dress for Susan and handed it to her younger sister. Now, now you two, she said gently, a small smile upon her soft lips. Susan took the dress and went behind her dressing curtain.

Okay, Megan said. Okay. Susan, what do your horses represent to you?

Megan, Elinor said in a warning tone as she laced up Susan’s corset.

Freedom, Susan said after a moment. If I could be anyplace at any time, I would want to be riding. I can do anything…

Would you give up everything you own for your horses? Megan asked.

Susan nodded without hesitation. She couldn’t exactly breathe as Elinor had just finished tying Susan’s corset. Of course! she said after a moment.

Because they’re your freedom, Megan said in conclusion. And if a man Mum and Dad have arranged for you to marry were to take them away from you…?

I wouldn’t get married to him, Susan said firmly. He would simply have to accept the fact that horses are and will always be part of my life.

Exactly, Megan said, turning to Elinor and giving her a look. The town’s people are more accepting than these high class jerks they arrange for girls like us to marry.

"So you’re saying we should lower our standards and marry the