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A man in love is able to come up with such an ingenious plan to conquer the heart of his object of desire that you are simply amazed. Sometimes you have to create dangerous or ridiculous situations, but what can you do to find happiness in love. Joanna Lindsay introduces readers to such a story in Pretty Cheat. You read and feel emotional excitement, you worry about whether it will be possible to translate into reality a cunning plan. The characters turned out to be solid personalities - they have not only advantages, but also disadvantages, and this makes them even more sympathetic to the reader. Georgina is a sweet and charming girl. She attracts men with her easy naivety, but she is not stupid at all. Although not everyone is able to immediately see the difference. But lately, the girl is literally haunted by trouble. The biggest disappointment was the deceit of the groom, and then Georgina decided that adventures could distract her from her worries. Perhaps someone would consider the girl's plan too risky, but she needed it. Georgina changed into boyish clothes and got a job as a cabin boy on a ship departing from the coast of England. But the girl did not know that James Malory, the conqueror of ladies' hearts, was the captain of this ship. Can Georgina resist his beauty and masculinity? Although she is also not a simpleton, and she has something to interest a man, if necessary ... On our site you can download the book "Sweet Cheat" by Joanna Lindsay for free and without registration in fb2, rtf, epub, pdf, txt format, read a book online or buy a book in an online store.
Malory family - 3
Natashe Kealanoheaakealoha Howard
Georgina turned to her half-eaten breakfast, looked down at her plate, and pushed it away with a grimace of disgust. She'd give a lot for any dish Hannah cooked right now. During twelve years of work, Hannah had learned to accurately guess what to please each member of the family, and Georgina, throughout the entire journey on the ship, constantly yearned for her cooking. Since they had arrived in England five days before, Georgina had only once had a good meal. It was on the day of arrival. They were staying at the Albany Hotel, and Mac took her to a fancy restaurant. But they left the hotel the very next day and settled in much more modest rooms. And what could they do if, upon returning to the hotel, they found that all the money had been stolen from their suitcases?
In truth, Georgie, as her family affectionately called her, had little reason to blame the hotel for the loss of money. Most likely they were stolen while the suitcases traveled from the pier in the East End to the West End, where the prestigious Albany Hotel was located on Piccadilly. While the suitcases, watched by a driver and his partner, moved on a wagon to the hotel, Georgina and Mack took a carefree look at the sights of London.
Speaking of bad luck, it started much earlier. Arriving in England, they learned that their ship could not enter the port and that they would not be able to receive their luggage until after three months. It's good that at least the passengers themselves were allowed to go ashore. True, not immediately, but after a few days.
However, this should not have been surprising. Georgina was aware of traffic jams on the Thames, especially at this time of the year when traffic was dependent on unpredictable winds. Their ship was one of a dozen ships that arrived from America at the same time. In addition, hundreds of others have gathered here, from all over the world. Such traffic jams were one of the reasons why their family members involved in trade excluded London from their routes even before the war. In fact, no Skylark Line ship has been in London since 1807, when England began a blockade of almost half of Europe during its war with France. For the Skylark Line, trade with the Far East and the West Indies was no less profitable and much less troublesome.
Even after her country settled its disputes with England and signed a treaty at the very end of 1814, the Skylark Line refrained from trading with England, since warehousing remained a very serious problem. Often, perishable goods had to be left right on the pier. They became easy prey for thieves, and then the damage reached half a million pounds a year. If the thieves for any reason spared the goods, then he died under a thick layer of coal dust and soot.
In other words, it was more expensive to trade with England. It was for this reason that Georgina had not come to London on the Skylark Line, and for the same reason she could not return home now. The problem was that she and Mac only had twenty-five American dollars left—that was the money that the thieves didn't catch because it was with them and not in the suitcase. And now, as a result of all the misfortunes, Georgina found herself in this room, located above the tavern in Southwark.
Tavern! If her brothers knew... yes, they could kill her if somehow she managed to get back home, because she went on a journey without their knowledge when they were on business in different parts of the world. Or, in any case, they will not give her money, they will put her under lock and key for several years, and besides, they will also beat her up properly.
True, to be honest, most likely the matter would have been limited to the fact that the brothers would have scolded her great. However, when you imagine five angry older brothers justifiably unleashing their anger on you, you feel uneasy.
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Pretty cheat Joanna Lindsay
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Title: Sweet bastard
About Pretty Cheat by Joanna Lindsay
Joanne Lindsay is a novelist whose career began quite by accident. She loved novels and read them, moving away from reality into a world where there are no barriers to a wonderful feeling. Being a housewife and mother of three sons, the author decided to write her first book. It was called "Kidnapped Bride". The work was published in 1977 and gave the woman success. Many liked the unusual plot, many interesting lines and a special style of narration. Joanne is now an in-demand author who has written over 127 novels. The writer's works have been translated into many languages of the world and often became bestsellers. Many are attracted by love stories written by Lindsay, and they are happy to buy her works, plunging, like Joanne herself, into the world of dreams. Many consider the book "Sweet Cheat" to be one of the author's best works. It has a lot of intrigue, bright characters, well-written villains and many great jokes. Thanks to these components, many spend evenings reading the work of this wonderful writer.
Joanne Lindsay in the book "Sweet Cheat" tells the story of Georgina Anderson. This is a sweet girl with a charming smile and a wide open soul. She is in love and is about to get married. But when the wedding day came, the groom did not come to church. He cheated on her and left her. After that, life ceased to seem to the heroine kind and affectionate.
However, the girl did not feel sorry for herself forever. The heroine of the work "Sweet Cheat" decided to commit an unusual act. She disguised herself as a young man and entered the service on the ship as a cabin boy. Georgina decided that such a journey would help her heal her heart wounds, and she dreamed of plunging into a whirlwind of travel. Soon the heroine meets the captain of the ship. Lord James Malory turned out to be a stately handsome man and heartthrob. He deftly seduced women and threw them. However, they again and again threw themselves into his arms. The heroine also could not resist and fell in love with a proud sailor. But how can she, disguised as yoongi, win his heart? What will happen if her deceit is revealed? How will she justify herself to her beloved?
Joanne Lindsay in the book "Sweet Cheat" described an amazing love story. The heroine turned out to be brave, beautiful and decisive. She can do everything, but she is unlucky with love, but perhaps with the captain she will find long-awaited happiness.
On our site about books lifeinbooks.net you can download for free without registration or read online the book "Sweet Cheat" by Joanna Lindsay in epub, fb2, txt, rtf, pdf formats for iPad, iPhone, Android and Kindle. The book will give you a lot of pleasant moments and a real pleasure to read. You can buy the full version from our partner. Also, here you will find the latest news from the literary world, learn the biography of your favorite authors. For novice writers, there is a separate section with useful tips and tricks, interesting articles, thanks to which you can try your hand at writing.
Joanna Lindsay
Pretty cheat
To my sister-in-law Lori and her new joy
Natashe Kealanoheaakealoha Howard
1818 London
Georgina Anderson grabbed a radish from her plate, put it in a spoon, and fired like a catapult. True, she failed to hit a huge cockroach, but the radish hit very close to him. The cockroach considered it good to hide in the nearest crack. Which is what was required. As long as Georgina does not see these annoying creatures, she can pretend that they are not found in her home.
Georgina turned to her half-eaten breakfast, looked down at her plate, and pushed it away with a grimace of disgust. She'd give a lot for any dish Hannah cooked right now. During twelve years of work, Hannah had learned to accurately guess what to please each member of the family, and Georgina, throughout the entire journey on the ship, constantly yearned for her cooking. Since they had arrived in England five days before, Georgina had only once had a good meal. It was on the day of arrival. They were staying at the Albany Hotel, and Mac took her to a fancy restaurant. But they left the hotel the very next day and settled in much more modest rooms. And what could they do if, upon returning to the hotel, they found that all the money had been stolen from their suitcases?
In truth, Georgie, as her family affectionately called her, had little reason to blame the hotel for the loss of money. Most likely they were stolen while the suitcases traveled from the pier in the East End to the West End, where the prestigious Albany Hotel was located on Piccadilly. While the suitcases, watched by a driver and his partner, moved on a wagon to the hotel, Georgina and Mack took a carefree look at the sights of London.
Speaking of bad luck, it started much earlier. Arriving in England, they learned that their ship could not enter the port and that they would not be able to receive their luggage until after three months. It's good that at least the passengers themselves were allowed to go ashore. True, not immediately, but after a few days.
However, this should not have been surprising. Georgina was aware of traffic jams on the Thames, especially at this time of the year when traffic was dependent on unpredictable winds. Their ship was one of a dozen ships that arrived from America at the same time. In addition, hundreds of others have gathered here, from all over the world. Such traffic jams were one of the reasons why their family members involved in trade excluded London from their routes even before the war. In fact, no Skylark Line ship has been in London since 1807, when England began a blockade of almost half of Europe during its war with France. For the Skylark Line, trade with the Far East and the West Indies was no less profitable and much less troublesome.
Even after her country settled its disputes with England and signed a treaty at the very end of 1814, the Skylark Line refrained from trading with England, since warehousing remained a very serious problem. Often, perishable goods had to be left right on the pier. They became easy prey for thieves, and then the damage reached half a million pounds a year. If the thieves for any reason spared the goods, then he died under a thick layer of coal dust and soot.
In other words, it was more expensive to trade with England. It was for this reason that Georgina had not come to London on the Skylark Line, and for the same reason that she could not now return home. The problem was that she and Mac only had twenty-five American dollars left - it was this money that did not fall prey to the thieves, since it was with them, and not in the suitcase. And now, as a result of all the misfortunes, Georgina found herself in this room, located above the tavern in Southwark.
Tavern! If her brothers knew... yes, they could kill her if somehow she managed to get back home, because she went on a journey without their knowledge when they were on business in different parts of the world. Or, in any case, they will not give her money, they will put her under lock and key for several years, and besides, they will also beat her up properly.
True, to be honest, most likely the matter would have been limited to the fact that the brothers would have scolded her great. However, when you imagine five angry older brothers justifiably unleashing their anger on you, you feel uneasy. Unfortunately, this did not stop Georgina at the time, and she went on a journey accompanied by Ian McDonell, who had nothing to do with their family. Sometimes the thought came to her: had the Lord taken away the common sense of her entire family by the time she was due to be born?
No sooner had Georgina left the table than there was a knock at the door. She was about to say, “Come in,” because she had been used to the fact that if someone knocked on the door, it was either servants or one of the family members. In her twenty-two years, she had slept only in her own bed in her own room in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and for the last month in a hanging bunk on a ship. Of course, no one will be able to enter the room if the door is locked, no matter how much she says "Come in." Mac repeatedly and insistently reminded her to lock the door. However, this uncomfortable, neglected little room itself constantly reminded Georgina that she was far from home, that no one should be trusted in this inhospitable, criminal-infested city.
From behind the door came a phrase uttered in a strong Scottish accent, and Georgina recognized Ian McDonell. She opened the door. A tall, large man entered, making the room seem quite cramped.
Any good news? Sitting down in the chair Georgina had just been sitting in, he snorted.
Depends on how you look at it.
Again, you need to look for who knows who?
Yes, but I guess it's better than a complete dead end.
Of course, she agreed without much enthusiasm.
It was not necessary to count on more. Some time ago, Mr. Kimball, one of the sailors on the Portunus, owned by her brother Thomas, stated that he was quite sure that he saw her long-lost fiancé Malcolm Cameron among the crew of the merchant ship Pogrom when the Portunus and "Pogrom" met at one of the sea crossings. Thomas had no way of verifying Mr. Kimball's claim, as he only learned of it when the Mayhem was out of sight. It could be said with certainty that the Pogrom was on her way to Europe, most likely to her home port in England, although it could not be ruled out that before that she would visit other ports.
Anyway, this was the first news of Malcolm in six years since he was forcibly recruited as a sailor before the start of the war in June 1812.
The forced recruitment of American sailors by the English Navy was one of the causes of the war. Malcolm was terribly unlucky: he was taken away during the first voyage, and the reason for this was his Cornish accent, since he lived in Cornwall, one of the counties of England, for the first half of his life. However, by then he was already an American; his parents, now deceased, settled in Bridgeport in 1806 and had no intention of returning to England. However, the English officer did not want to believe this, and Warren, Georgina's brother and owner of the ship Nereus, where the forced recruitment took place, still bears a scar on his cheek, indicating the determination of the British side to recruit Malcolm.
Georgina had heard that the ship Malcolm had been taken to had been decommissioned and that her crew had been spread over several ships. She knew nothing more. What Malcolm was doing on the English merchant ship now that the war was over didn't matter, but at least Georgina was in a position to track him down.
Who and what told you this time? Georgina asked with a sigh. - Again, some stranger who knows someone who knows someone who might know something about him?
Mac chuckled.
Darling, you talk like we've been going around in circles for an eternity to no avail. We've only been searching for four days. You just need a little bit of that - the patience that Thomas has.
Don't talk to me about Thomas! I'm mad at him because he still hasn't done anything to find Malcolm.
He would find...
In six months! He wanted me to wait another six months for him to return from the West Indies! And how many months would it take to sail here, find Malcolm, and bring him back? I've already waited six whole years!
Four years,” Mac corrected her. "Nobody" would let you marry this guy until you were eighteen.
This is not relevant. If any of the other brothers were at home, he would certainly go here at once. Alas, only the overly optimistic Thomas, who, in addition, has the patience of a saint, turned out to be in place with his ship. That's how unlucky I am! Do you know how he laughed when I said that if I got a little older, Malcolm would give me up?
Mack couldn't help but smile at such a frank and innocent question. It is not surprising that at one time such reasoning of the girl caused laughter from her older brother.
Although so many years have passed, the girl did not heed the advice of the brothers to forget about Malcolm Cameron. The war is already over, and the guy; It would seem that he should have returned home. But he never returned, and she kept waiting. That fact alone might have told Thomas that she would not wait for her brother to return from the West Indies. They were members of the same family, and adventurism was equally inherent in all of them, but, unlike Thomas, Georgina did not possess patience.
Of course, to some extent, Thomas can be forgiven for not going after Malcolm. Brother Drew's ship was supposed to return before the end of the summer and stay at home for several months until the next voyage. And Drew could not refuse anything to his only sister. But the girl did not wait for Drew to return, but ordered a ticket for the ship, which departed three days after Thomas' departure, and somehow persuaded Mac to accompany her. True, he still could not understand how she managed to present the case as if it was not her, but his idea.
Okay, Georgie, given that there are more people in London than in all of Connecticut, there's no need to make things look bleak. The man I'm about to meet seems to know our Malcolm very well. The one I spoke to today said that Malcolm got off the ship with this Mr. Willcox. He can shed some light on where to look for the guy.
Sounds very encouraging, Georgina agreed. "Maybe this Mr. Willcox will even take you straight to Malcolm's, so... I think I should go with you."
You won't go! Mac snapped, frowning angrily. - I'm meeting him at the tavern!
So what?
You'll do God knows what else!
But Mac...
Don't even ask, girl," he said sternly. However, when he caught her glance, Mack knew that she would not back down. He knew very well that if Georgina decided something, it would be almost impossible to dissuade her. And the proof of this is that she is now in London, and not at home, as her brothers believe.
In the elite West End, which is located on the other side of the river, near a fashionable house in Piccadilly, a carriage stopped, from which Sir Anthony Malory got out. It had previously been his bachelor's residence, which could no longer be called such, for he was returning with his young wife Lady Roslyn.
James Malory, Anthony's brother, who lived in the house during his visits to London, heard the carriage drive up at such a late hour, went into the hall at the moment when Anthony carried the newlywed in his arms through the threshold. Since James was not yet aware of who she was, he cautiously said:
Guess I shouldn't have seen it.
I thought you wouldn't see," Anthony replied, walking around his brother and heading towards the stairs with his burden. - But as soon as you saw, then know that I married this girl.
So I believed you!
He really got married! The girl smiled a dazzling smile. “Do you really think that I will allow the first person I meet to carry me in his arms over the threshold?”
Anthony paused for a moment, catching his brother's incredulous gaze.
God, James, I've probably been waiting all my life for this moment when you don't have an answer. But I hope you'll forgive me if I don't wait for you to come to your senses?
And Anthony disappeared.
James didn't immediately close his mouth in surprise, but he did open it again to drain the glass of brandy he was holding. Incredible! Anthony put himself in shackles! The most famous rake in London! True, this fame passed to him after James himself left Europe ten years ago. And what made the brother take such a desperate step?
Undoubtedly, the lady was amazingly beautiful, but Anthony could have got her in some other way. As it happened, James found out that Anthony had already seduced her last night. In that case, what made him marry her? She had no family, there was no one to insist on marriage. Hardly anyone could have advised him to marry, except perhaps his older brother Jason, the Marquis of Haverston and the head of the family. But, however, even Jason could not force Anthony to marry. Hadn't Jason tried over the years to persuade him to marry?
No one put a gun to Anthony's head and forced him to such stupidity. In general, Anthony, unlike Viscount Nicholas Eden, could always resist pressure from his elders. Nikolaev Eden was forced to marry their niece Regan, or Reggie, as everyone called her. To be honest, James still regrets that he was deprived of the opportunity to tell Nicholas everything that he thinks of him. At that time, the family did not yet know that he had returned to England and was tempted to give the Viscount a thorough beating, which he, in his opinion, deserved for a completely different reason.
Shaking his head, James went into the living room and took a decanter of brandy, deciding that a couple more sips would help him understand the reason for his brother's marriage. He immediately discounted love. Since Anthony did not succumb to this feeling at the age of seventeen, when he first knew the sweetness of the fair sex, then, therefore, he is immune to this disease in the same way as James himself.
There is no need to take into account the need to have an heir, since all the titles of the family have already been distributed. Jason, the older brother, already has an adult son Derek, who over the years is catching up with his younger uncles. Edward, the second oldest of the Malory family, has five children, all of whom, except Amy, have reached marriageable age. Even James had a son, Jeremy - albeit an illegitimate one, whose existence he had learned six years ago. Before that, he had no idea whose son was raised by a woman working in a tavern. The son continued to work there even after the death of his mother. Now he was seventeen, and he followed in the footsteps of his father in terms of the fair sex. Anthony, the fourth son, did not need to take care of the perpetuation of the family - this was already taken care of by the three elder Malory.
James sat down on the sofa with a decanter of brandy in his hand. Sir Malory was well built, although he was not six feet tall. He again thought about the newlyweds and asked himself what they could do now. His beautifully defined, sensuous lips curved into a smile. But he never found an answer to the question of why Anthony got married. James himself would never make such a mistake. But he is ready to admit that if Anthony was destined to fall into a trap, then such a beauty as Roslyn Chadwick should have shut him ... however, now she was Malory;
James himself thought about hitting on her, although Anthony had already expressed his interest in Roslyn. When they were very young, it was not uncommon for sporting interest to take care of the same woman. The winner was the one on whom the woman had previously fixed her gaze. Anthony had a reputation among women for being devilishly handsome and irresistible, and James regarded himself as such.
Nevertheless, outwardly the brothers were strikingly different from each other. Anthony was taller and leaner, with black hair and dark blue eyes from his grandmother. Regan, Amy, and, sadly, James's own son Jeremy, who, even more annoyingly, looked more like Anthony than his father, were of the same suit. James had the typical Malory blond hair, greenish eyes, and stout build. “Big, blond, and insanely handsome,” Regan used to say.
James chuckled, remembering his cute niece. His only sister, Melissa, died when her daughter was only two years old, so the girl was raised and raised by all the brothers. They loved her like a daughter. But now she was married to that scoundrel Eden, and James had no choice but to endure this type. However, Nicolae Eden has already managed to establish himself as an exemplary husband.
Again, husband. But Eden had a reason. He adored Regan. As for Anthony, he adored all women. In this, Anthony and James were the same. And although James is now thirty-six years old, no woman has yet been born who could lure him into marital networks. To love women and leave them in time - this was his credo, which he adhered to for many years and did not intend to change in the future.
Ian McDonell was a second-generation American, but his Scottish roots made themselves known with red, carrot-colored hair and a burry R. But he was completely devoid of Scottish temperament: he looked reserved and calm, which, in fact, he had been all forty-seven years of his life. However, the night before and in the first half of this day, he really revealed his temperament.
As a neighbor of the Andersons, Mack has known their family all his life. He sailed on their ships for over thirty-five years, starting at the age of seven as a cabin boy with Anderson Sr. and rising to first mate on the Neptune, owned by Clinton Anderson. At least ten times he refused the rank of captain. Like Boyd, Georgina's younger brother, he didn't like taking responsibility. (However, young Boyd will inevitably have to do this.)
Five years ago, Mack said goodbye to the sea, but remained at the courts; now it was his responsibility to check the serviceability of every Skylark Line ship that returned to port.
When old Anderson died fifteen years ago, and his wife a few years later, Mack volunteered to take care of the children, even though he was only seven years older than Clinton. He followed their upbringing, did not skimp on advice and taught the boys, and to be honest, Georgina, everything that he knew about the ships himself. Unlike their father, who was at home only a month or two between voyages, Mack could spend up to six months a year on the shore before the wind of wandering again called him to go.
As is usually the case, if a person is devoted to the sea more than his own family, the birth of each Anderson child was marked by the fact that the father went to sea. Clinton was the first child and is now in his forties. The father traveled around the Far East for four years, after which Warren was born, who was six years younger than Clinton, and Thomas is four years apart from Warren, exactly the same amount - Drew from Thomas. Drew was the only child whose birth coincided with his father's stay at home. This was explained by the fact that a severe storm badly battered his ship and forced him to return to the port. The troubles that followed delayed the sailing for almost a year, and Anderson witnessed the birth of Drew and conceived Boyd, who was born eleven months after his brother.
And four years later, the youngest child was born - the only daughter. Unlike boys who had been raving about the sea since childhood and set sail early, Georgina stayed at home and greeted every returning ship. Therefore, it is not surprising that Mac was so attached to the girl, for he spent more time with her than with any of her brothers. He was well aware of her manners and the tricks Georgina used to get her way, and of course he should have been adamant when this unheard-of idea occurred to her. And yet Georgina was at his side now, in the bar of one of the most unprepossessing taverns on the port.
Mack would have been very glad if the girl had realized that her whims had taken her too far. She nervously looked around like a puppy, and even the dagger hidden in her sleeve did not add to her confidence and calmness. However, stubbornness did not allow her to leave until she saw Mr. Willcox. Fortunately, she was prudently dressed in such a way that it was difficult to suspect a woman in her.
Her thin, fragile hands hid huge, unkempt gloves Mac had never seen before. They were so large that she could hardly lift the mug of ale Mac had ordered for her. The picture was complemented by patched trousers and a sweater. The clothes borrowed from the junk dealer were disastrously large for her, but they did not make it possible to detect any suspicious bulges, unless the girl raised her hands. On her feet was a pair of her own, no longer repairable boots. Her chestnut hair was neatly tucked under a woolen cap pulled so low it nearly covered her eyes.
Georgina in this attire was a very pitiful sight, but she harmonized with the surroundings much more than Mac, dressed in his own clothes, although not very elegant, but nevertheless noticeably superior in quality to the clothes of the sailors in the tavern. At least until two gentlemen appeared at the door.
It's amazing how quickly a noisy, buzzing tavern can be silenced. In the momentary silence, there was only a heavy sniffing and Georgina's whispering.
What does it mean?
Mack didn't answer, gesturing for her to be quiet, at least while the visitors tried to gauge the intent and mood of the newcomers. Obviously, they simply decided to ignore them. The tables were bustling again. Mack glanced at Georgina, who was sitting with her eyes downcast.
These are not the people we are waiting for, but, judging by the appearance, gentlemen. They don't come here very often, as far as I know.
Georgina whispered in response:
Haven't I always said that these Englishmen have so much arrogance that they don't know what to do with it?
Always? Mac chuckled. - As far as I remember, you began to say this from the age of sixteen.
Only because I didn’t know about it before, ”Georgina objected in an unhappy tone.
She had a grudge against the English for taking her fiancé away by force; that annoyance hadn't lessened since the end of the war, and it wasn't likely to go away before she got the guy back. However, Georgina did not openly show her dislike, at least, so Mack thought. Here are her brothers, they did not hesitate to send curses to the British in vain long before the start of the war, when the blockade of European ports launched by England created great obstacles to trade. If anyone really had a grudge against the British, it was the Anderson brothers.
For ten years in a row, the girl constantly heard that the English were haughty degenerates, and although at that time it did not particularly affect her, she could listen and nod sympathetically to her brothers. However, when the English arbitrariness affected her personally, everything changed. True, she still did not speak out on this subject as passionately as the brothers. However, no one could doubt how much contempt and what antipathy she felt for everything English. She was just expressing her feelings in a polite way.
Georgina sensed Mac's astonishment without even seeing his surprised smile. Her legs trembled nervously, she was afraid to raise her head and look at this noisy crowd, and Mack found something to be surprised at. She was tempted to look at the gentlemen who entered, who were probably dressed up like dandies. Finally she said:
Willcox, Mac. Do you remember him? This is what we came here for. Maybe you need...
Well, well, do not fuss, calm down, - Mac interrupted her softly.
Georgina sighed.
Sorry. I just wish this guy would come soon, if he's going to be here at all. Are you sure he's not here yet?
He has several warts on his cheeks and nose, and more on his lower lip. This is a short, stocky, yellow-haired guy of about twenty-five. With signs like that, we won't miss it.
If only the appearance is accurately described,” said Georgina.
Mac shrugged.
It's all we have, at least it's better than nothing ... I'm not going to go around all the tables and ask everyone ... My God, your hair is out, girls ...
Shh! Georgina hissed, preventing him from uttering the dangerous word, and at the same time raising her hand to tuck into her treacherous lock of hair.
At the same time, the sweater covered her chest, giving out her belonging to the female sex. Georgina lowered her hand quickly, but her movement did not escape the gaze of one of the two gentlemen whose appearance in the tavern a few minutes ago had caused an unusual reaction from those present.
James Malory was interested in Georgina, although it was impossible to tell from his appearance. Today, together with Anthony, they have already visited eight taverns in search of Geordie Cameron, Roslyn's cousin, a Scot by birth. This morning, Anthony heard a story about how Cameron tried to force Roslyn to marry him, even kidnapped her, but she managed to escape. For this reason, in order to protect the girl from a vile and vulgar cousin, as Anthony put it, he married her. In addition, Anthony was determined to find the guy, give him a thorough beating, enlighten him that Roslyn was married, and send him back to Scotland, suggesting that he should leave his cousin alone. Did Anthony only want to protect the bride, or was there some personal interest behind this?
Whatever his motives, Anthony saw a red-haired man in a bar and decided he had found the man he was looking for. That is why they settled so close to the bar, hoping to draw additional information from the conversation of a man with his interlocutor. All they knew about Geordie Cameron was that he was tall, blue-eyed, had red hair and a strong Scottish accent. The latter fact came to light immediately when the man slightly raised his voice. James could have sworn that the man was scolding his friend. Anthony was the first to note his Scottish accent.
What I have heard is quite enough for me, - said Anthony, abruptly rising from the table.
James was better acquainted with the taverns in the port than his brother; he knew what a fight could lead to. It can be joined by almost dogs in the hall. And although Anthony was a first-class boxer (as, indeed, James), sports rules did not apply here: while you fight with one, you can very well get stabbed in the back by another.
Anticipating the likelihood of such a turn of events, James grabbed his brother's arm and hissed:
You haven't heard anything yet. Be reasonable, Tony. It is not known how many friends drink here at his expense. It's better to wait until he rolls out of here.
- You you can wait as long as you want. And I have a young wife at home, and I can't wait any longer.
But before his brother moved, James decided that it was prudent to call out to the seated man, hoping that there would be no answer and that this would be the end of it.
Cameron!
The answer followed, and what an energetic one. Hearing the familiar name, Georgina and Mac turned sharply in James' direction. The girl understood that by doing so she exposes her face to the entire tavern, but she was so hoping to see Malcolm! Perhaps this gentleman called him just now. As for Mac, when he saw how the tall black-haired aristocrat resolutely waved away the warning gesture of his blond friend, in whose eyes one could clearly read hostility, he instantly tensed and prepared for defense. In the blink of an eye, the brunette covered the distance separating them.
Throwing all precautions aside, Georgina stared in fascination at the tall brunette, the most handsome blue-eyed devil she had ever seen. It flashed through her mind that he must have been one of the gentlemen Mack had tried to tell her about earlier, and that he was quite different from the ones she had her own idea of. There was nothing of a dandy and a veil in this gentleman. Undoubtedly, his suit was made of expensive material, but at the same time there were no frills in it. If it weren’t for a very fashionable tie, one could would say that he dresses like any of her brothers when he wants to look a little more elegant than usual.
All this flashed through Georgina's head, but she did not become calmer, for the master's intentions did not look friendly at all. It was felt that he was possessed by a barely contained anger, directed for some reason exclusively at Mack ..
Cameron? the man asked in a low voice, turning to Mack.
My name is McDonell, mate. Ian McDonell.
You are lying!
Georgina was taken aback by such an accusation. She gasped as the man grabbed Mac by the lapels of his jacket and lifted him up from his chair. Their faces were inches apart, their eyes locked; Mac's gray eyes flashed with indignation. Georgina couldn't let them start a fight. Maybe Mack, like any sailor, enjoys brawling with scandal, but damn it, that's not what they're here for! And it doesn't do anything to draw everyone's attention to itself.
There was no time to think about what to do next, and Georgina pulled a knife from her sleeve. She did not intend to use it at all, but only wanted to frighten the elegant gentleman and force him to retreat. But before she could grasp the knife with her huge gloves, it was knocked out of her hands.
After that, Georgina was truly frightened, remembering too late that the man who attacked Mack was not alone. She didn't know why these people had chosen two in particular, although the hall was full and it was possible to have fun with someone else. But she had heard that arrogant gentlemen like to display their strength and power and scare people from the lower classes. However, Georgina was not going to silently allow them to swagger over her. No way! The fact that she needed to go unnoticed completely flew out of her head. An injustice like the one that caused her to lose Malcolm was being done.
Turning around, the girl desperately rushed to the attack, gathering together all the indignation and anger that she felt towards the British, and especially towards the aristocrats. She punched and kicked the man, but only her fists and toes suffered. It felt like she was hitting a stone wall. However, this only inflamed her. “And don’t hope,” she said mentally. "I will not retreat before you, Stonewall."
This must have gone on forever if Stonewall hadn't decided it was time to end it. Suddenly Georgina felt herself fly away like a piece of fluff, and - oh horror! The man's hand rested on her chest.
But it didn't end there. The brunet holding Mac suddenly exclaimed loudly:
My God, yes he, it turns out, a woman!
I know, Stonewall replied.
Mack made an attempt to stab the black-haired gentleman, but the latter's fist knocked his hand away and pinned him to the bar.
There's no need for that, McDonell," the brunet said. - I made a mistake. Wrong eye color. I apologize.
Mack was dismayed at how easily he was outplayed. He was as tall as an Englishman, but he could not wrest his fist from under his hand. Yes, even if he could, then, as he felt, nothing good would come of it.
He nodded prudently, indicating that he accepted the apology, after which he felt that his hand was free. Georgina, however, continued to be held tightly by the blond, whom Mack instinctively recognized as a more dangerous scoundrel.
Let her go, mate, if you don't want trouble.
Calm down, McDonell, - the brunette said in an admonishing tone. He won't hurt the girl. Can you walk us to the exit?
Not necessary…
You look around, dear friend, - the blond interrupted him. "Looks like there's a need, after my brother made such a mistake."
Mac turned his head and cursed. The eyes of all those present in the hall were fixed on the girl, who was held with an iron grip by a strong gentleman, advancing with her to the doors. But here's the miracle: she didn't scream or complain about the rough treatment. At any rate, Mack didn't notice anything of the sort, as her attempts at outrage died away as a strong hand squeezed her ribs. Mack also prudently fell silent and followed them, realizing that if not for this formidable friend who was carrying Georgina away, he and the girl would not have been able to get far from the tavern.
Georgina also knew that she could be in serious trouble if she didn't get out of here as quickly as possible. And it's all her fault. All this forced her to subdue her anger.
Suddenly, a pretty girl who worked in a tavern blocked their way. She unceremoniously touched the unoccupied arm of the man carrying Georgina.
Will you return here? Are you not for good? Georgina pushed back her hat to see how beautiful this girl was, and heard the voice of the Stone Wall:
I'll be back later, baby.
The girl's face brightened. She did not even consider it necessary to look at Georgina, who suddenly realized with amazement that she longed to be in the company of this caveman. What amazing tastes people have!
I finish at two,” she clarified.
So, at two.
Two girls for one is, I think, a bit much.
These words were spoken by a burly sailor who rose from the table and blocked the way to the door.
Georgina went cold. The sailor was clearly one of those who likes to bully and is good with his fists. And he surpassed the Stone Wall in height and dimensions. True, she forgot about the other gentleman, whom he called her brother, and who came up and stood beside her. Sighing, he said:
I don't think you should put her down and get involved in this, James.
Get out of here, mate, the sailor warned his brother. - He has no right to come here and take away not one, but two of our women at once.
Two? Is this little ragged woman your woman? - Brother looked into the face of Georgina, who met him with a murderous look. Perhaps for this reason he only after some hesitation asked: - Are you his woman, dear?
Oh, how she wanted to say yes! If only she could be sure she could get away while the sailor was wrecking the two. But she had no such confidence. She could be as angry as she liked with both gentlemen, and especially with the one named James, who seized her so indelicately, but she was forced to hide her anger and shake her head negatively.
I think the answer is exhaustive, - the brother said in a tone that did not allow for objections. "Now don't play the fool and get out of the way."
But the sailor rested:
He can't take her out of here!
Damn you,” the gentleman said in a weary tone, and his fist came into contact with the sailor's jaw, after which the sailor landed a few feet and remained motionless. From behind the table where he used to sit, a man rose with a menacing roar. There was a short direct blow, and the man flopped into a chair, covering his nose with his hand. Blood trickled down his chin from under his arm.
The gentleman slowly looked around at the tables, arching his black eyebrow questioningly. - Is there anyone else?
Behind him, Mack grinned, realizing just now how lucky he was that he didn't get into a fight with the Englishman. No one else in the room took the call. The denouement happened instantly. Everyone understood that they had a first-class boxer in front of them.
Well done, my boy, - James congratulated his brother. - I hope we can get out of here now?
Anthony bowed and pursed his lips into a smile.
After you, old man.
Coming out of the tavern, James lowered the girl to the ground. By the light of the lantern over the front door, she finally had the opportunity to get a real look at him for the first time. After a moment's hesitation, she kicked him in the shin and took off running down the street. Cursing loudly, he rushed after her, but after a few steps he stopped, realizing the futility of the pursuit. The street was dark, and Georgina was already out of sight.
He turned back and swore again, finding that McDonell had also disappeared.
Where did that damn Scotsman go? Anthony laughed.
For this we must thank you. I wanted to ask him why they both turned when they heard Cameron's name.
To hell with him, with Cameron, - snapped James. - Another thing, how can I find her if I don't even know her name?
Find her? Anthony chuckled again. - My God, you just do not feel sorry for yourself! Why do you need this fighter, if a beauty no worse is waiting for you now?
However, James suddenly lost interest in the beauty from the tavern for some reason.
She interested me,” James suddenly admitted and shrugged. - But perhaps you're right. That babe in the tavern can console me, even though she spent as much time on your lap as she did on mine.
But, having said this, he still cast a long glance at the dark street and, with a sigh, went to the carriage that was waiting for him.
Shaking, Georgina sat in the basement under the stairs. Where she was hiding, not even a ray of light penetrated. All around it was quiet and dark, as, indeed, and on the street.
You can't say she was cold. It was summer after all, and the weather was almost like New England. She was probably trembling from shock. Obviously, it was a belated reaction to the experience. But who would have thought that Stonewall could look at her like that?
She could still see his aristocratic face, his piercing gaze - curious, crystal clear, greenish, clear eyes. She was frightened by the word that suddenly came into her mind, although she did not understand the reason. These were eyes that can cause fear not only in a woman, but also in a man. Direct, fearless, merciless look. Georgina trembled again.
She let her imagination run wild. Was there simple curiosity in his eyes when he looked at her? No, not only. There was something more about them that she was still unfamiliar with and that she could not define in words. But it was something exciting and disturbing. So what is it?
However, does it matter? And why is she doing this nonsense, trying to analyze it? She had never seen him before - and thank God! And as soon as her toes stopped hurting (she kicked him really hard the last time), Georgina wouldn't think about him at all.
Is James a first name or a last name? What's the difference? And the shoulders - God, what broad shoulders he has. Stone Wall... A fitting nickname. A sort of mighty stone wall… made of beautiful stones. From beautiful? Georgina giggled. Well. The bricks are beautiful, even very beautiful. Oh no, no! What is she thinking? He's just a big monkey with beautiful features, that's all. And then he is an Englishman, too old for her, and even an aristocrat whom she hates. He must be rich, he can buy whatever he wants. Laws mean nothing to this man. Wasn't he acting outrageously towards her? A debauchee, a slut...
Georgie?
The whisper reached her from afar. She didn't answer right away.
I'm here Mac.
After a few seconds, she heard Mac's footsteps and saw a shadow fall across the top of the stairs.
You can go out girl. There is no one on the street.
I hear no one,” Georgina grumbled, going up the stairs. - Where did you disappear so much? I hope they didn't arrest you?
No, I just waited outside the tavern so they wouldn't follow me. I was afraid that the yellow-headed one would run after you, but his brother besieged him.
That's how he would have caught me, big bull, - snorted Georgina.
Be glad he didn't chase you," Mac said as he and Georgina went out into the street. "Maybe you'll listen to me next time..."
If you say it's all my fault, I won't talk to you for a whole week.
Maybe it will be for the best.
Okay, I was wrong. I admit. Do you forgive me?
Okay... These two gentlemen mistook me for someone else, so you have nothing to do with it.
But they were looking for Cameron. What if Malcolm?
How is this possible? They thought Cameron was me. Let me ask you, do I look like him?
Georgina laughed, somewhat relieved. Really. What common? When Malcolm proposed to her, he was a lean eighteen year old. Of course, now he has turned into a man, probably gained weight and grew a little. But his hair color remained the same as that of the haughty Englishman - a brunette with blue eyes, and he was more than twenty years younger than Mac.
Whoever this Cameron may be, I can only sympathize with the poor thing,” remarked Georgina.
What, he scared you? Mac chuckled.
He? But there were two.
Yes, but as I said, you only want to deal with one.
Georgina wasn't about to argue about it.
They're kind of...different, aren't they, Mac? That is, they seem to be similar, but different. Probably brothers, although you can't tell by looking at it. And there is something special about this James... However, all this is probably nonsense. I'm not sure myself.
It's amazing that you felt it, my dear.
What exactly?
Which of the two is the more dangerous. One had only to look at him when he entered ... And how he looked everyone in the eye ... How he treated those thugs from the tavern jokingly ... Dressed elegantly, and among the crowd he feels at home.
Did you determine this as soon as you looked at it?
Yes, girl. Intuition and experience… Yes, you felt it too. It's good that you run great.
What do you want to say? That he didn't want to let us go?
He doesn't need me, but he didn't want to lose you.
If he hadn't held me, I would have broken his nose.
As far as I remember, you tried to do it, but without much success.
You're making fun of me, Georgina sighed.
Your brothers haven't laughed so hard yet," Mac chuckled.
It was a long time ago, even in childhood, - objected the girl.
I remember how you were ready to tear Boyd to shreds and chased him around the house. It was quite recently - last winter.
He is still, one might say, a child and, moreover, a terrible mischief-maker.
But he's older than Malcolm.
Fi! -
Georgina overtook Mack. - You are the same as many others. Ian McDonell!
If you want to be sympathized with, then say so, ”he shouted, trying to contain his laughter.
To Hendon, a village seven miles northwest of London, they rode on two old horses that Mack had hired. The journey had been pleasant, Georgina admitted, though she continued to despise all things English. Picturesque forests gave way to valleys and hills, from which magnificent landscapes opened; here and there hedges of blooming hawthorn, rose hips and honeysuckle were visible, bluebells were bluebells along the roadsides.
There were dozens of pretty cottages in Hendon, a relatively recently built estate, and even a charitable house - a vast red brick building. A small hotel was also located here, in the courtyard of which there was such a revival that Mack preferred not to stop near it, but to go to an old church covered with ivy with a high stone tower. There he hoped to find out where Malcolm's cottage was.
The fact that Malcolm did not live in London was a complete surprise to Mac and Georgina. It took three whole weeks to find Mr. Willcox, Malcolm's supposed friend, who, as it turned out, was not at all. However, he gave a new tip, and finally they, or rather Mac, got lucky, and he found a man who knew where Malcolm was.
While Mack worked half-days every day to earn money for the passage and search for Malcolm, Georgina, at his insistence, spent all three weeks locked up in her room, reading and re-reading the only book brought from overseas. In the end, she got so fed up with the book that she threw it out the window, hit one of the tavern regulars, and nearly lost her room because of it. It was the only acute sensation she had ever experienced, and she sometimes wanted to climb a wall or throw something else out of a window to somehow enliven the monotonous days. Finally, Mac had arrived the night before, bringing word that Malcolm was living in Hendon, and she would be meeting him in a matter of minutes.
Her excitement reached its limit. In the morning, she prepared for this moment longer than it took to get here, although usually she paid little attention to her appearance. Georgina put on her best outfit, which she had brought with her, a yellow dress and a short, matching jacket. It is a pity that the dress was slightly wrinkled during the ride. She neatly tucked her thick brown hair under a silk hat, also yellow, although a few curls fell on her cheeks and forehead. Her face flushed and her lips were cherry red.
Seated spectacularly on an old horse, Georgina looked around, drawing Hampstead's attention. However, she did not notice any of this, being occupied with thoughts and memories of Malcolm. Although there were not so many episodes associated with him, they were very dear to her.
She met Malcolm Cameron the day she jumped into the water from the side of Warren's ship because she was tired of her brother's teachings, and six dock workers rushed to save her. Half of them were no better than her swimmers, and Malcolm was on the dock next to his father, and he wanted to look like a hero. As a result, Georgina got out of the water herself, and Malcolm had to be rescued. But his act made a strong impression on her. He was then fourteen, she was twelve years old, and she decided that he was the most beautiful, most amazing boy in the world.
These feelings didn't change much in the years that followed, although she had to be reminded of who she was the next time they met Malcolm. And then there was a night at Mary Ann's where Georgina asked Malcolm to dance and stepped on his feet several times. Malcolm was sixteen, he had matured during this time, and although he remembered Georgina, he seemed to be more interested in his age, Mary Ann.
Of course, Georgina was not going to appropriate him for the whole evening and did not betray with a single hint that her sympathy had grown into love. Another year passed before she decided to take some steps, and acted in this very prudently. Malcolm continued to be the best boy in town, but his prospects were not the brightest. Georgina learned that Malcolm dreamed of becoming the captain of his own ship. To do this, he had to work very hard and hard. She, like all brothers, shone with an excellent dowry - her own ship upon reaching the age of eighteen. It is true that she could not, as her brothers had done, be the captain of this vessel, but her husband could have taken the place, and she made it known to Malcolm.
The move was very precisely timed, and she even felt some remorse, especially when the plan worked. Malcolm began courting her a few months before her sixteenth birthday and proposed on her birthday. She is sixteen, she is in love and beyond memory happy! Not surprisingly, Georgina was able to quickly forget about the underlying guilt that she had bought herself a husband. After all, no one twisted Malcolm's arms. He got what he wanted, and so did she. And then, she was sure that he had certain feelings for her and that they would develop and eventually equal in strength to her feelings. So everything went fine, if not for the British, damn them.
Her brothers made an attempt to intervene. She learned that they agreed to meet her halfway and allowed the engagement to take place at the age of sixteen, hoping that before reaching the age of eighteen she would change her mind ten times. However, Georgina outwitted them. After the end of the war, the brothers repeatedly tried to persuade her to forget Malcolm and find another husband, especially since there was no shortage of offers. After all, she had a noble dowry. However, she remained faithful to her only love, despite the fact that it became increasingly difficult to explain and justify the fact that Malcolm did not return to her, although four years had passed since the end of the war. But surely Malcolm had a good reason for this, and today she would finally recognize her and get married before leaving England.
It should be here girl. Georgina fixed her eyes on a small cozy cottage with whitewashed walls and manicured flower beds full of roses. She shrugged her shoulders nervously and didn't even move when Mac held out his hands to help her dismount.
Maybe he's not at home?
Mack said nothing, standing patiently with outstretched hands. Smoke was coming from the chimney of the house, and both of them could see it well. Someone must have been in the cottage. Georgina bit her lip nervously, then squared her shoulders. After all, why should she be upset? She looked fine, much better than when Malcolm had last seen her. And he, of course, will be glad that she tracked him down.
Georgina let Mack take her off her horse and followed him to the door along the red brick path. It would have been nice to take a few seconds off to calm his heart, but Mack didn't care about such trifles. He knocked vigorously on the door and then opened it. And at the same moment Georgina saw Malcolm Cameron in the doorway. She managed to forget his face, but now she remembered, especially since it had not changed much, only a few wrinkles typical of a sailor appeared under her eyes. It seemed that he remained at the same age; in any case, he looked younger than twenty-four, although he had grown noticeably. Malcolm was at least six feet, about the same height as James. God, why did she suddenly drag James in here? But stretched up, he did not spread out in width, remaining slender, even somewhat lanky. Too wide chest and knotty muscular arms Georgina never liked.
Malcolm looked graceful, even more than graceful. He was still handsome. Georgina did not immediately notice in his arms a blond, grey-eyed girl of about two years old. Georgina's gaze was fixed on Malcolm, who was also looking at her and didn't seem to recognize her. But he must get to know her. After all, she hasn't changed that much. Of course, he was surprised, but it is quite natural. The last thing he could have expected was Georgina at the door of his cottage.
She should have said something, but her head didn't work well. Malcolm glanced at Mac. His expression quickly changed to a friendly smile, indicating that he recognized Mack. This hurt the girl who had made such a long journey to find him.
Ian McDonell? Is it you?
Yes ,
boy, it's me, in person.
In England? Malcolm shook his head in disbelief, then chuckled. - I can not believe it! Well come on! Damn it, what a surprise!
Yes, surprise. And for all of us, I think so, - Mack said dully, looking at Georgina at the same time. - Do you have something to say, girl?
Yes. Georgina entered the little hall and gave it a quick glance. Then her eyes rested on the groom again, after which she asked bluntly: - And whose child is this, Malcolm?
Mack coughed and looked up at the ceiling, as if the rough logs were his greatest interest. Malcolm furrowed his brows and lowered the girl to the floor.
Do I know you, miss?
Do you really not recognize me? Georgina asked with great relief.
Am I supposed to know you? Malcolm said even more puzzled.
Mac coughed again. Or choked this time? Georgina looked in his direction with disapproval, after which she displayed, perhaps, the most affectionate and gentle smile in her life.
Yes, I should, but I forgive you for not recognizing me. After all, it was so long ago, and I was told that I have changed a lot since then. Now I actually believe it. She laughed nervously. “I feel a bit embarrassed that I have to introduce myself to you. I'm Georgina Anderson, Malcolm, your fiancee.
Baby Georgie? Malcolm laughed, but his laugh was stifled and unnaturally muffled. - Can't be. Georgie?
I assure you…
But this cannot be! - he exclaimed, but in his words there was not doubt, but horror. - Such a beauty! After all, she was not ... that is, she did not look so ... Why, no one can change to such an extent.
I can't agree with you, said Georgina rather harshly. It didn't happen overnight, you know. If you had seen me constantly, you would have seen gradual changes… but you weren't there… Clinton, who had been away for three years, was amazed at the change, but still recognized me.
But he is your brother! Malcolm objected.
And you are my fiancé! she retorted.
Oh my God, I hope you don't think... Was it what... five or six years ago? I could not even think that you were waiting for me ... And then this war ... It changed everything, don't you understand?
No, I don't understand. You were on an English ship when the war started, but through no fault of your own. You were an American.
That's the thing... I never considered myself an American. It was my parents who wanted to settle in America, not me.
What do you mean by that, Malcolm?
That I am English and always have been. That's what I said when I was recruited and they believed I wasn't a deserter. I was allowed to take a job as a sailor on a ship, which I gladly did. I didn't care who I was swimming with. Gradually I made a career. Now I am the second assistant on ...
We know the name of your ship,” Georgina interrupted. - Thanks to this, we found you, although it took us a whole month. You have accounting and registration done very badly, here the Americans are great superior to you. My brothers always know where to find any member of the team when he is on the shore ... Well, that's just a word. So you sided with the British! Four of my brothers were privateers during the war, and you could have killed any of them!
Calm down, girl, - intervened Mac. - You know that he was forced to fight against us.
Yes, but he did it voluntarily! After all, he is a real traitor!
No, he speaks of love for the country where he was born. You can't blame a person for this.
No, no matter how much she wanted to. Damned English! How she hated them! Not only did they steal Malcolm, but they completely remade him. He was now an Englishman and seemed proud of it. But he was also her fiancé. And the war is already over.
Malcolm's face burned, either from embarrassment or annoyance at Georgina's contempt. Georgina's cheeks flushed too. Yes, this is not how she imagined meeting with her fiancé.
Mac is right, Malcolm. I regret that I took so much to heart that ... well, it doesn't matter anymore. Nothing changed. My feelings remain the same. And the proof is that I'm here.
Why did you come here? Georgina stared at him silently for a few seconds, then her eyes narrowed to slits.
Why? But the answer is obvious! The question is: why did I have to come here? However, only you can answer this. Why didn't you come back to Bridgeport after the war, Malcolm?
There was no reason for this.
There was no reason? She gasped in anger. - Let me disagree. There was such a trifle - we were going to get married ... Or did you prefer to forget about it?
Malcolm barely held her gaze.
I haven't forgotten. But I didn't think you were still waiting for me since I became an Englishman and all that...
You just didn't want me anymore because I'm American? Georgina asked point-blank.
That's not the point, he countered. “Honestly, I didn’t think you were waiting for me. My ship has been wrecked. I thought you were counting me dead.
My family is all sailors, Malcolm. The information we receive is usually accurate. Yes, your ship was wrecked, but there were no fatalities. We knew about it. We just didn’t know what happened to you after… as you were seen at the Pogrom quite recently. I'm willing to admit that you might have hesitated as to whether the bride was waiting for you or not. But in that case, it would be right to find out. If you didn't want to come, you could write. Now ties between the countries have resumed. One or two English ships can always be seen in our port.
She felt she was being overly sarcastic, but she couldn't help herself. Just think how many more years she could have waited for this man who had no intention of returning to her! She was wounded, did not want to listen to his explanations, and he did not even have the strength to look at her.
I wrote you a letter.
Georgina knew that this was a lie, an attempt to calm her wounded pride, a cowardly way to somehow get out of an unpleasant situation. Malcolm didn't know that she had long since given up her pride when she decided to buy it. His apology does nothing to improve the situation.
There was no anger in her, she was just terribly disappointed in him. So he wasn't perfect, he wasn't considerate, or even truly honest. She cornered him, and he tried to lie, sparing, as it seemed to him, her pride. But this can hardly be attributed to its merits.
Apparently, Malcolm, your letter was not destined to reach me. She listened to Malcolm sniffle and she wanted to kick him. - You must have written that you remained alive and well after the war?
And that you became a patriot of another country, unlike me?
Yes exactly.
And with that in mind, you release me from the obligations of engagement.
Or did you express the hope that you would still unite with me?
Well, of course I...
And then you decided that I wouldn't marry you when you didn't get a response from me?
Exactly. Georgina sighed.
What a pity that the letter did not reach. So much time wasted.
What do you want to say?
Why are you so surprised, Malcolm? I'm still going to marry you. That is why I am here. But just don't expect me to live in England, I won't even do that for you. But you can come here as long as you like. As captain of my vessel, the Amphitrite, you may trade exclusively with England, if you wish.
I... I... God, Georgie... I...
Malcolm! A young woman appeared at the door. - Why don't you tell me that we have guests? - Turning to Georgina with a friendly smile, she introduced herself: - I'm Meg Cameron, madam. Are you from the estate? They seem to be celebrating again?
Georgina stared at the woman for a while, then at a boy of about five, who had black hair like Malcolm's, blue eyes like Malcolm's, and a handsome face like Malcolm's, peeking out from behind her skirt. She then shifted her gaze to the boy's father, who was standing with a martyred expression.
Your sister, Malcolm? Georgina asked in her most pleasant tone.
No. - I also think not.
Without saying goodbye, without expressing any wishes, and without even sending the groom to hell, Georgina turned and left the small white cottage, parting forever with hopes and girlish dreams. She heard Mac speak, apparently apologizing to Meg Cameron for Georgina's impoliteness. Then he caught up with her and helped her onto the horse.
Mac didn't say anything to Georgina until they left the village. Georgina tried to squeeze some speed out of the poor animal, but in vain. Mack had time to look closely at Georgina's calm face. He had a bad habit of saying straight out what he thought, even when that directness was inappropriate.
Why don't you cry, girl?
She wanted to ignore his words, and if she chose to, Mac would never get anything from her. However, what was bubbling inside her demanded an outlet.
I'm too angry now. This miserable bastard got married, apparently, in the first port, long before the end of the war. No wonder he became a patriot of England. It's all his marriage!
Yes, it's possible. Although it could be different.
What's the difference now? While I sat at home yearning for him, he got married, had children and had a great time. Mac coughed.
Of course, you lost time, it's true, but you didn't yearn.
Georgina snorted indignantly, annoyed at being misunderstood.
I loved him, Mac.
You loved your dream that he would be yours. The guy is handsome. It was your childhood fantasy. You should have left her a long time ago. If you hadn't been so stubborn, everything would have been resolved a long time ago.
Is not…
Do not interrupt me! If you truly loved him, you would cry now, and you would be angry later, and not vice versa.
Everything is crying inside me, - she said sternly. - You just can't see it.
Thank you for sparing me. I can't stand women's tears.
Georgina gave him a withering look.
The men are all on the same block. Feelings in you, like a ... stone wall!
If you're looking for my sympathy, you won't get it, girl. Remember that four years ago I advised you to forget this man. Didn't I tell you that you'd be sorry if you came here? Here it is, your stubbornness! And what is the result?
Disappointment, humiliation, heartache...
And deceit.
Why are you making the pill even hotter? Georgina exploded.
For self-preservation, my dear. I told you I can't stand tears. And while you're yelling at me, you won't cry on my shoulder... Oh, for God's sake, don't do that, Georgie! - Mack was alarmed, seeing how her face wrinkled. Tears welled up in a powerful stream, and Mac had to stop the horses and hold out his hands to Georgina.
She moved over to Mack and nuzzled his shoulder. However, it wasn't enough for her to just cry. The anger that was bursting out of her broke out in sobs and cries.
These beautiful children should have been mine, Mac!
You will have your own, a whole brood!
Will not! I'm too old!
Is it at twenty-two? - Suddenly he nodded and, holding back a smile, said: - Actually, of course, the old one.
Georgina raised her head.
Well, we found something to agree with! Mack's red eyebrows rose in mock surprise.
Did I agree?
Georgina snorted and wailed again:
Well, why didn't this woman show up a couple of minutes earlier, before I made a fool of myself and told this stud that I still wanted to marry him?
Are you saying he's a male?
The ugliest and ugliest!
Well, now you've said everything you wanted to tell him. You got revenge, if you wanted revenge.
This is some kind of male logic that the female mind is not able to understand! I didn't get back at him! I experienced humiliation!
No, you showed him what he lost in your face. He lost a girl he didn't recognize because she became a beauty. Lost a ship to command, and therefore lost his dream. Yes, he is probably biting his elbows now and cursing himself with the last words!
Well, he may have lost the ship. And as for me… He has a job that he is proud of, beautiful children, a nice wife…
Pleasant, yes, but not Georgina Anderson, owner of Amphitrite, one of the co-owners of Skylark Line. Even though she does not take part in management, she has the same share income as everyone else. And again, everyone considers her the most beautiful girl on the entire east coast.
And it's all?
Isn't that enough for you?
No. The girl may be beautiful now, but she wasn't always like that. And besides, what's the use of it if she wasted her best years? - Mack tried to argue something, but she did not let him insert the words. - And even if she has her own money, and a pretty tidy sum, but now she has nothing to even buy a ticket home. And no matter how she looks, the fact remains: she is an ordinary gullible fool, does not understand people at all, and she has not a penny of mind.
You are already repeating yourself. Fool, mind not a penny ...
Don't interrupt me.
How not to interrupt you if you are talking nonsense! Well, you stopped shedding tears, and now try to see the bright side in all this.
They just don't exist!
It's you in vain! Think for yourself: would you be happy with such a nasty ... male?
Georgina tried to smile, but her lips trembled and the smile didn't come out.
I am very grateful. Mac, for trying to comfort me right now, but it won't help. I now want only one thing - to be at home as soon as possible, and God forbid that I never again meet a single Englishman with his disgusting correct speech, with his vaunted endurance and his treacherous sons.
It is regrettable, my dear, but in any country you can meet treacherous sons.
Each country has its own Stone Wall, but I do not intend to marry this wall.
Marry the wall? You are talking nonsense again. What is this stone wall?
Oh, Mac, send me home as soon as possible! Find a ship as soon as possible... Anyone! Not necessarily American, as long as he goes to America, and quickly. You can pawn my ring to buy a ticket.
Are you out of your mind, girl? Your father gave it to you. He brought it from...
So what? said Georgie obstinately. - Are you going to hunt robbery? We have no other way to get money for tickets. I'm not going to stay here until they can be earned. And besides, the ring can always be bought back when we get home.
You decided to come here too hastily. We must learn from mistakes, not repeat them.
You don't have to ask me to be patient. I endured for six whole years, and this was precisely my biggest mistake. From now on, I will be impatient in everything.
Georgie,” Mac began.
Why are you arguing with me? Until we sail, there will be a constantly sobbing woman next to you! I thought you couldn't stand women's tears!
Women's stubbornness is even worse, Mac thought.
Well, if that's how you put the question," he said with a sigh.
The forest of masts without sails against the sky in the port of London was by no means a guarantee that out of this huge number of ships at least one would soon head for America. Of course, we can assume that there is such a ship, you can even bet. But Georgina would have lost the bet if she had taken it into her head to keep it.
Most of the ships that arrived last month, one of which Georgina sailed, have already left the port. If we discount those ships that did not take passengers, then there were only a few American ships that were not supposed to sail until next year, which could not suit the impatient Georgina. There was a ship in port with a direct course to New York, which is very close to Bridgeport, but, according to the first officer, it is unlikely to go to sea anytime soon. The captain of the ship was besieging an English girl and swore that he would not set sail until he married her. Hearing of this, Georgina tore two of her dresses and threw the chamber pot out the window.
She desperately wanted to leave England immediately and was ready to agree to an eight - or even ten-month voyage on any of the American ships, provided that he went to sea no later than a week. When she told Mack about this on the third day, he named three English ships a few hours later that were going to sea the next week. He had previously hesitated to call them Georgina, believing that she would immediately reject them for the simple reason that they were English and were staffed by an English team, and her dislike for everything English was no less strong than her desire to get home as soon as possible. Therefore, even now, Georgina firmly and bluntly refused to deal with the English courts. After that, not without hesitation, Mack announced an alternative.
There is one ship that goes out to sea in the morning at high tide. The captain does not take passengers, but they need a boatswain and ... a cabin boy.
Georgina's eyes lit up, indicating that she was interested.
Do you think that you can quickly get home on it?
Of course, the journey will take a month or a little more, but still it's better than hanging out on the sea for six months with a girl for whom the main principle of life is to be impatient.
At this, Mac rolled his eyes so expressively that Georgina giggled. For the first time since Malcolm's betrayal, she seemed to find something funny.
Maybe I won't get so excited if we're on our way home... You know, Mac, I think that's a great idea! she spoke with unexpected enthusiasm. - Is this an American ship? He is big? And where is it heading?
Take your time, girl. It's not the ship you imagine. This is the "Virgin Anna" from the West Indies, a fast three-masted schooner. A real beauty! And in appearance it looks like a warship, although it belongs to a private person.
A merchant ship from the West Indies needs to have weapons on board, they certainly have encounters with pirates. Skylark Line ships are constantly attacked in the Caribbean.
That's right, Mac agreed. “But the Virgin Anna is not a merchant ship, at least on this voyage. It won't carry any weight. Only ballast.
What kind of captain is this who does not care about profit at all? Georgina asked, wanting to tease Mac, who had been sailing on a merchant ship for thirty-five years.
Mac snorted impatiently.
He is one of those people who swim where their soul takes them. So said one of his team members.
So he is the owner of the ship, and therefore rich if he can keep it for his own pleasure?
Looks like it, Mac agreed.
And what difference does it make to us whether the schooner comes with or without cargo? The main thing is that she takes us home.
Yes, but there is a catch. The ship is going to Jamaica, not America.
To Jamaica? said Georgina, disappointed. But after a moment she joyfully exclaimed: - But there are representations of Skylark Line in Jamaica! After all, this is one of the ports where Thomas comes. We may be there at the same time as him. And if we don't make it in time and it's not there anymore, there will be other Skylark Line ships - for example, Bond's ships, Drew's, not to mention mine. Georgina smiled again. “That will delay us for a few weeks at the most. But not for six months! It's better than staying here even for one more day.
I don't know, girl... The more I think about this possibility, the more I regret that I told you about it.
And I'm the opposite: the more I think about it, the more I like this idea. You can't think of a better way out.
But you have to work, Mac reminded her. - You will have to be the captain's liaison, serve food, clean the cabin and carry out any of his orders. You will be busy all the time.
So what? Or do you mean to say that I am unable to carry out elementary errands? After all, I scrubbed the deck, cleaned the guns, climbed the ropes ...
That was so many years ago, girl! Then you were not such a lady as you are now. Your father and brothers, when they returned to the port, let you do whatever you want on the ship. They even demanded that you learn to do jobs on the ship that you shouldn't be doing. And here it will be your duty, and you will be among strangers. This is not a job for a girl, you will have to forget that you are a girl if you decide to do it.
I understood everything perfectly. Poppy. I need to throw out dresses and put on trousers. And when you put on trousers... Dress the boy in a woman's dress, and you will see an ugly girl in front of you. And the girl in trousers looks like a pretty boy, It can be seen that I tore the dresses very conveniently yesterday.
Yes, you just have to open your mouth or look someone in the eye, and your masquerade will immediately open, - Mac reminded sternly.
Yes, but that time I was trying to impersonate a man, which was very stupid with my face. Yes you wait! Georgina cut off Mac's possible objections. - No need to complicate and confuse everything! Here things are different, and you understand that. Yunga is a boy, and a boy can have delicate features. It happens often. And by her height, figure, timbre of voice and ... - She glanced at her chest. - If you bandage it tightly here, I can pass for a boy of about ten.
Yes, it betrays you that you are too smart for ten years! Mac objected.
Well, let me become a twelve-year-old smart boy with a slow physical development! - And quite Firmly added: - I can do it, Mac. And if you yourself did not believe in it, you would not even begin to tell me about such a possibility.
I did a big stupid thing, now I don't doubt it at all. And who do you think is responsible for this?
Well, well, calm down! Georgina smiled. - Tomorrow I will become a little boy, and you will look at everything from the other side. And besides, the sooner I get home, the sooner you'll be free of me.
Mac grunted.
It is not that simple. You will have to play this role for a month or more. The problem will already be to find a place where to urinate when there is a man around.
Poppy! Georgina blushed. Being in constant communication with the five brothers, who sometimes forgot about her presence, she happened to come across things that were not intended for the eyes and ears of a girl. - I'm not saying that there will be no difficulties, but I have the mind to overcome them. Unlike most girls, I know the ship like the back of my hand, I also know the places that sailors try to avoid. I will not be afraid of the hold, chosen by rats. And then, even if the deception is revealed ... Well, what can happen? Do you seriously think that they will throw me overboard in the middle of the ocean? May they not do it! Most likely I will be locked up in a cabin, and when the ship calls at some port, they will simply land me on the shore. Well, that's what I'm supposed to do if I can't play my part well.
They argued for a long time, but in the end Mac gave in and said with a sigh:
Okay, have it your way, I'll try to negotiate with the captain about work as a boatswain for free, but on the condition that I take my brother with me.
Georgina's eyebrows shot up, then she burst out laughing.
Brother? No Scottish accent?
Well, let the half-brother, - Mack corrected himself, - who grew up away from me. This removes all questions, including about the age difference.
But I realized that they need a cabin boy! They may insist on it. I know my brothers never swam without a cabin boy.
I said I'll try. They still have half a day to find another boy. .
I hope they don't agree, Georgina replied. And she wanted it from the bottom of her heart. - For me, it's better to work than to mess around ... Especially if I pretend to be a boy. And I obviously should not call myself your sister, because in this case they may not take you as a boatswain and we will lose any opportunity to be on board this ship. We need to decide now.
You don't have boy clothes.
We can buy on the way.
You need to get rid of your things.
You can give them to the owner.
And what about your hair?
I will cut them.
Do not dare! Yes, your brothers will kill me! She rummaged through her suitcase and pulled out the woolen cap she wore to the tavern.
Here! she waved her cap in front of Mack's nose. - Stop inventing all sorts of fears! Send this very minute to the captain of the ship!
Just do not again this impatience! Mac said grumpily.
Georgina laughed and, opening the door, said:
We're not out to sea yet, Mac. Tomorrow I won't be like this. I promise!
Sir Malory signaled to the waiter for a second bottle of port, leaned back in his chair and looked at his older brother.
You know, James, honestly, I'm going to miss you. You had to settle all your affairs in the Caribbean first, and only then return home. And now you wouldn't have to start this journey.
How was I to know that the transfer of real estate would be so easy? James objected. - Do not forget, I came home only to settle accounts with Eden. How did I know that he was going to marry and enter our family clan and that the old people intended to restore my rights when I finished my past affairs?
The old people received another nephew as a gift, and that settled the matter. They are damn sentimental when it comes to family.
Are you not? Anthony chuckled.
Me too. But you will not keep yourself waiting long, and I hope? And then everything will go like in the good old days when you were here.
But indeed then, in our young years, there were glorious times.
Remember when we were into the same women? Anthony smiled.
And both received the same scolding from the old people ...
The brothers wished us well. Jason and Eddie took charge from a young age. They had no time to frolic.
There is no need to protect them, brother," James replied. “I hope you don’t think I have a grudge against them?” Frankly speaking, I condemned myself just as you condemned me.
I never judged you,” Anthony protested.
Drink up, my boy," James said curtly. “Perhaps this will help you refresh your memory.
I assure you, my memory is fine. I was furious when you disappeared that summer with Reggie. It was eight years ago. After all, you were hanging out on your damn pirate ship for three months, and the girl was only twelve at the time! But after you came back with her and I gave you a good thrashing that you obviously deserved, I forgot about it. And you, by the way, took the thrashing without indignation, and I still don’t understand why. Maybe you can explain?
James raised an eyebrow.
Do you think that I could do something one against three? You have given me more trust than I deserve, my boy.
But you didn't even try to fight that day. Maybe Jason and Edward didn't notice it, but I've been in too many rounds with you in the boxing ring to not feel it.
James just shrugged.
I knew that I deserved condemnation. I used to think that it was just a funny joke to take her away from under the nose of an older brother. I was mad at Jackson because he denied me even the opportunity to see Regan after I...
Reggie, - mechanically corrected Anthony.
Regan,” James repeated stubbornly, rekindling an old argument with his brothers about his niece's pet name. The fact is that James always wanted to do things differently, go his own way and follow his own rules. Now they both remembered it and smiled.
Okay, let her be Regan today. James clapped his hand to his ear.
I thought I was hearing something...
Damn you, - grumbled Anthony, unable, however, to hold back a smile. - Tell me your story before I fall asleep. Wait, there's another bottle here.
Do you want to make a fool of me again?
Even in my thoughts it was not, - said Anthony, filling the glasses to the brim.
I believe what you told me last time we were at the Whites. But as far as I remember, your buddy Amherst had to haul both of us home. By the way, what did your wife say about this?
So, trifles, nothing interesting, - Anthony said rather sourly.
James burst out laughing, which attracted the attention of many visitors.
I honestly cannot understand where your sophistication has gone, my boy. You lost the lady's favor already on the second day after your marriage ... But only because you could not convince her that the tavern girl, who was a little squirming in your lap, did not belong to you that evening.
Of course, it's damned unlucky that the beauty left a long hair on the lapel of your jacket, and the wife managed to find it. But why didn't you tell Roslyn that it was her who ended up in the tavern because you were looking for her ill-fated cousin Cameron?
I told.
Didn't you say that this girl was mine and not yours?
Anthony shook his head stubbornly.
I didn't say it and I don't intend to. Enough of what I said. I explained that nothing of the kind happened, that there was an offer from her side, but I rejected it. It's a matter of trust... but don't worry about my personal life. My Scottish wife will understand. I am working on this.
So let's get back to what you wanted to confess.
James reached for his glass.
Like I said, I was mad at Jason for not letting me see Regan.
Could he have allowed it? You've been pirating for two years now.
On the high seas, I could be anything, but in my heart I remained the same, Tony. However, he denied me confidence just because of my love of the sea, said that I would dishonor the family, although no one in England or abroad knew that Captain Hawke and James Malory, Viscount of Riding, were one and the same person. Jason stood his ground and was not going to give in, so what was I to do? Can't see her at all? Regan is like a daughter to me. We all raised and raised her.
You could have given up piracy,” Anthony pointed out reasonably.
James smiled slowly.
Submit to Jason's dictate? Yes, for nothing! Besides, I got a hell of a lot of fun playing pirates. There was risk, danger, and most importantly - I again joined the discipline, which had a beneficial effect on my health. After all, before leaving London, I led a very disorderly lifestyle. Yes, we had fun, but the whole interest was whether the woman could get under her skirt. And when you have already climbed there, then the interest disappeared, Anthony laughed.
You know, old man, I just like you, listening to this story. James poured more port.
Drink, fool. Your sympathies increase in proportion to the drink.
I never get drunk. I tried to explain this to my wife, but she did not believe ... So, you went to sea and led a clean, healthy life as a pirate.
A gentleman pirate,” James clarified. Anthony nodded.
Quite right. I would just like to find out what the difference is here.
I never sank ships, did not deprive them of the opportunity to resist. By giving the ships a chance to leave, I missed a lot of tidbits because of this. I never claimed to be considered a successful pirate, I can only be called persistent.
Damn you, James! For you it was just a game. Why did you make Jason think you were robbing people and feeding them to sharks?
Why not? Yes, he will feel unhappy if he has no one to condemn. It's better to condemn me than you, because I don't give a damn about it, and you take everything to heart.
Well, you took the position! Anthony said sarcastically.
Do you think? James chuckled and emptied his glass. Anthony hastened to fill it up again. - I don't see anything out of the ordinary.
That's for sure, - Anthony was forced to agree. - For as long as I can remember, you've always challenged Jason and provoked him.
James shrugged.
Otherwise life would be too bland.
It seems to amuse you when Jason loses his temper.
He's just great at times like this, don't you think?
Anthony laughed.
Okay, now it doesn't matter anymore. You were forgiven and accepted back into the bosom of the family. But you still haven't answered my question about the thrashing I gave you.
James raised his golden eyebrow again.
Is it? Probably because you interrupted me.
So what do you say anyway?
Well, judge for yourself, Tony. You just put yourself in my place, and the answer will be immediately clear to you. I wanted my beloved niece to see the world, and she saw it. But at the same time, I realized the stupidity of what I had done even before I brought her home. It's not even that I couldn't be a pirate with her. The fact is that the sea does not give guarantees. Storms, other pirates, enemies I've made, you never know! Although the risk was minimal, it was still there. And if something happened to Regan...
God, is the incorrigible James Malory feeling guilty? That's why I couldn't understand you then, - Anthony laughed.
James threw a disapproving look at his brother.
What did I say? Anthony asked innocently. - Do not attach importance. Let's have a drink. - He again poured into a glass from a bottle and said thoughtfully: - You see, it's one thing when I take our dear girl to me and introduce her to my friends, and another thing when she finds herself among a team of thugs ...
Who adore her and are a model of courtesy when she is on board.
Yes, with our help she received a good upbringing.
But how did it happen that she got involved with such a scoundrel as Eden?
But the baby loves it.
I see it myself.
Okay, James, calm down. You don't like him because he looks so much like us. Neither of us would have been a match for Reggie.
Let me disagree with this. This You you don't love him for it. As for me, I did not like him when he insulted me. He sailed home after damaging my schooner at sea.
But you were the first to attack him, ”said Anthony, who had heard something about that naval battle. He even knew that James's son was wounded in this battle, and this was the reason why James ended piracy.
It doesn't matter," James said stubbornly. - To everything else, he brought me to jail last year.
After you painted his face. We must give him credit for the fact that if you had not been arrested by his grace, then you would not have been able to organize Hawke's "death" so reliably and burn bridges behind you. And now you can safely walk the streets of London and not look around.
The foregoing deserved to drain another glass.
Since when did you protect this young rooster?
God, am I protecting him? - exclaimed Anthony, showing horror on his face. - Forgive me, my elder brother! It won't happen again, you can take my word for it. Yes, he is a complete jerk!
And he pays Regan for it in the face of it! James broke into a smile.
How?
If Regan suddenly finds out that he started an argument with one of us, she sends him to sleep on the sofa.
What are you saying?
Honestly! She told me herself. You should visit this couple more often while I'm at sea.
I'll drink to that! Anthony laughed. - Ideas on the couch ... Great!
The situation is no more amusing than you have with your own wife.
Let's not talk about it.
We will not. But I hope everything works out when I get back in a few months, because then I'll pick up Jeremy and you won't have any more buffer. You will be left alone with your Scottish baby.
Anthony smiled a self-confident and slightly vicious smile.
Hope you don't stay too long.
The whole family came to see James off: Jason and Derek, Edward and his whole brood, Anthony with his Scottish woman, who looked somewhat haggard, which was understandable, since she had recently informed Anthony that he would become a father. Shooter Jeremy was in a cheerful mood, despite the fact that for the first time in six years since he was found, he was about to be separated from James. Perhaps he was glad that now only Uncle Tony would look after him. True, he will soon realize that Jason and Eddie will also not take their eyes off him and will keep him more strict than in those days when he was in the care of James and his assistant Conrad.
The tide ended the goodbye. James had a headache after yesterday, and he blamed Anthony for it. He almost forgot about the note he had prepared for the Scottish baby, an explanation about the beauty from the tavern, because of which she accused her husband of infidelity. James called Jeremy over and slipped him a note.
Tell this to Aunt Roslyn, but always in Tony's absence.
Jeremy slipped the note into his pocket.
What is this, a love message?
Love message? James growled. - Oh, you puppy! Yes I you...
I know I know! Jeremy raised his hands. - I'll do everything right.
He ran downstairs without waiting to be scolded for his insolence. James watched him go, then turned and came face to face with Conrad, his first mate and his best friend.
What's the matter?
James shrugged, realizing that Conrad had seen him pass the note to Jeremy.
I decided to help him.
I thought you were going to meddle in their affairs,” Connie said.
After all, isn't he my brother? Although I shouldn't have taken care of him after he had drunk me to such an extent. - Seeing Connie's raised eyebrow, James, overcoming a headache, smiled. - To make me suffer like this during the sailing. Here is the beast!
But you didn't mind, did you?
No, of course not ... In a word, Connie, you will have to raise the anchor yourself. I'll be in the cabin. Let me know when we go to sea.
An hour later, Connie entered the captain's cabin, poured himself a whiskey and joined James at the desk.
Well, will you miss your boy?
For this bastard? James shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut against a headache, then took a sip of the tonic Connie had brought him earlier. "Tony will make sure Jeremy doesn't get into trouble." If anyone will miss him, it's you.
Perhaps so.
Report how many people are on board.
Eighteen. There were no problems with the replenishment of the team. Only with the boatswain there was a hitch, as I already told you.
So we left without a boatswain? It's going to be a heavy burden for you, Connie.
Yes, it would have been so, but I managed to find a person at the last moment. Or rather, he volunteered. He wanted to be taken as a passenger. Him and his brother. When I explained to him that the "Virgin Anna" did not take passengers, he offered himself for the duration of the voyage as a boatswain. I have never seen a more persistent Scot.
Scottish again? There are too many of them lately. I'm damn happy that your Scottish roots are so deep that you don't remember them, Connie. I still well remember the hunt for Lady Roslyn's cousin, and that little witch with the Scot accompanying her.
I thought you already forgot about it. Instead of answering, James gave Connie an angry look.
By the way, does this Scot know anything about sails?
I checked and I must say that he really knows. He said that he sailed as a quartermaster, ship's carpenter and boatswain.
Well, if so. Very well. Anything else?
Johnny got married.
Johnny? My cabin boy Johnny? Angry sparks flared in James's eyes. - Dear God, he's only fifteen years old! Does he realize what he did?
Connie shrugged.
He says that he fell in love and cannot leave his baby wife.
Baby wife? - mockingly repeated James. - Yes, this sucker needs a mother, not a wife. His head began to pound again, and he took another sip of the tonic.
I found you another cabin boy. Brother McDonell.
The tonic spilled onto the table.
Lord, what is the matter with you?
Did you say "McDonell"? Is his name by any chance Ian?
Exactly, Ian. Connie's eyes suddenly widened. - My God, isn't that the Scot from the tavern? James ignored Connie's question.
Did you get a good look at his brother?
Yes, to be honest, not really. Such a small, quiet boy, hiding behind his older brother. I didn't have a choice, because Johnny only announced two days ago that he was staying ashore. And you think that...
Think! James suddenly burst out laughing. - God, Connie, amazing! I was knocked off my feet chasing this little witch, but they both sank into the ground. And now on you - she herself fell on my knees.
Connie chuckled.
Well, I see you have a pleasant journey ahead of you.
You can be sure of that,” James grinned like a wolf. But we won't expose her right away. First I want to play with her.
You can be wrong too. What if she turns out to be a boy?
I doubt. But I'll find out as soon as she takes up her duties.
When Connie left, James sat comfortably in an easy chair. He continued to smile, still not daring to believe such a coincidence.
Connie said that at first they wanted to pay the fare, so they had the money. Why didn't they go on another ship? James knew that at least two English ships were leaving for the West Indies in the near future, and one of them was equipped with places for passengers. Why dress up a girl and put her at risk when at any moment this masquerade can be revealed? Is she really in disguise? Hell, the last time he saw her, she was in a man's suit too. She seems to be used to this... although no, then she was very angry when Tony said that it was not a man, but a woman. She hid her gender then, and she intends - or hopes - to hide it now.
Jung ... However, you can’t refuse her courage. James shook his head and chuckled.
It's interesting to see how she thinks of doing all this. It's one thing to be in a poorly lit tavern, it's another thing to be constantly here on the ship on clear, sunny days. However, she seems to have managed to trick Connie. Maybe James wouldn't have noticed if he hadn't met her before. But he met her and by no means forgot this meeting, he even remembered her very well ... a miniature back and tender breasts under his hand. She had delicate features, pretty cheeks, a piquant nose, plump, sensual lips. He did not see her eyebrows and hair, but as he carried her out of the tavern, the girl glanced at him, and he remembered that her eyes were brown.
For a whole month, James repeatedly made attempts to find her. Now he understood why his search had failed. No one knew anything, because Ian and this girl did not live in London and had never been here before. You can bet that they are from the West Indies and are now returning home. McDonell may be Scottish, but this witch is clearly not Scottish. James couldn't identify her accent, but he was willing to bet she wasn't from England.
There was some mystery in her that he intended to unravel. However, at first he was going to have fun and look at the expression on her face when he said that the cabin boy should sleep in his cabin. He would have to pretend he didn't recognize her, or let her think he didn't remember anything about the incident at the tavern at all. Of course, there was a possibility that she didn't remember the tavern herself, but that didn't matter. Until the end of the journey, she would share more than just a cabin with him. She will share a bed with him.
The galley was not the best place to hide, especially since it was summer and the ocean breezes were still far away. It would be cooler on the open sea, but now, when the huge brick stoves breathed heat, and steam rose from the cauldrons in which dinner was prepared, it was stuffy here, as in hell.
The cook and his two assistants threw off most of their clothes. Every now and then, members of the crew ran into the galley, one or two at a time, to have a quick bite to eat, since sailing hours on a ship are always busy and responsible. For a while, Georgina watched as supplies and equipment were loaded. But for her it was not new and did not cause much interest. Moreover, she was already fed up with England.
She settled herself quietly in a corner of the galley. From here she could see the corner where a barrel of liquor, large barrels, sacks of grain and flour were being loaded. When there was no room left in the galley, supplies began to be carried in the hold.
If not for the exhausting heat, Georgina would even have liked it here, especially since she had never seen such a clean galley in her life. And in general, the whole ship looked as if it had just left the slipway. She had already been told that it had recently been overhauled.
The place between the furnaces was occupied by a deep bunker filled to the brim with coal. In the center stood a long, almost brand new table with a cutting board on it. Like every galley, there were pots, lockers, cooking utensils, securely attached to the floor, walls, or ceiling.
The owner of all these riches was a black-haired Irishman named Sean O'Sean. He mistook Georgina for a guy and did not suspect anything. Sean was a benevolent fellow about twenty-five years old. galley, but he warned her that he might keep her busy. Georgina didn't mind, and she was assigned to do something every now and then, because the assistant cooks were busy. Sean was one of those who did not mind talking. He was ready to answer on any questions, but being new to the ship himself, he had little to say about the schooner or the captain.
Georgina had seen few of the crew so far, though she had spent the night on board with Mack. At the same time, she was not so much sleeping as pretending to be asleep. Tipsy sailors returning from the shore made noise on the forecastle all night, trying to find their berths in the darkness. What a dream it could be!
As far as Georgina understood, the crew consisted of people of various nationalities, which is not surprising for a ship that prowls all the seas and oceans, leaving and recruiting sailors in different yurts of the world. Of course, among them may be the British. And they really were.
One of them is First Officer Conrad Sharp, Connie, as the captain called him. Conrad spoke with a characteristic accent, restrained, almost like an aristocrat. He was tall and lean, with red hair, somewhat darker than Mac's, and a lot of freckles on his arms, and, apparently, not only on his arms. However, on a tanned face, they were not visible at all. The first time he looked at Georgina with his light brown eyes, she thought with a sinking heart that her masquerade had failed. Nevertheless, he took her to the ship as a cabin boy. He immediately ruled out the possibility of any trades. Either you swim as members of the crew, or you don't swim at all, he told Mack. Georgina was fine with that, and Mack reluctantly agreed with it.
She hadn't found any faults with Sharpe, at least so far, but she continued to dislike him purely out of principle. Of course, this was unfair, but she excludes all justice in relation to the British, whom she ranked among rats, snakes and other disgusting creatures. However, she kept all these feelings to herself. There is no point in making yourself an extra enemy. Yes, and the enemies should take a closer look. In the meantime, she did her best to avoid him and any other Englishmen on board.
She hadn't seen Captain Malory yet because he hadn't been in the galley. Georgina knew that she should seek him out, introduce herself, find out if she had any special duties beyond those normally assigned to a cabin boy. After all, captains are different. Drew, for example, demanded that every day a bath await him in the cabin, even if it was salt water. Clinton had to be served fresh milk before going to bed, and it was the duty of the cabin boy to take care of the cow. The cabin boy on Warren's ship had only to keep the cabin clean, since Warren always ate with the crew. Mr. Sharpe listed the cabin boy's duties, but only the captain can say what else is required of him.
The captain was busy all the time, and she couldn't muster the courage to introduce herself to him. But in the end, for her, the main task is to play a successful role in front of him, because he will see her more often than anyone else, and the first impression is the most important, because it cuts into memory and affects subsequent judgments. And if everything goes smoothly at the first meeting, she can relax a little.
Time passed, and Georgina was in no hurry to start searching for the captain. There were all sorts of "buts" that kept her in the hot galley. Her clothes began to stick to her body, her hair, taken up under a thick stocking and then hidden under a woolen cap, became wet. If the captain doesn't suspect anything unusual about her, everything will be fine. But what if he turns out to be too perceptive? If he uncovered the deception before they even reached the English Channel, she might just be put ashore. It is even worse if she is alone on the shore. After all, a boatswain is more needed on a ship than a cabin boy. And if the captain didn't let Mack get off with her, or kept him until he could, things would be very bad for her.
So while Georgina continued to sit in the galley, she was mistaken for Georgie McDonell. Sean interrupted her thoughts as he placed a heavy tray of food on her lap. When she saw the silver cutlery, she realized that the food was not meant for her.
Is he in his cabin? Already arrived?
Did you fall out of the sky, boy? Yes, he is always with him, as soon as he came on board. They say he has a terrible headache.
Damn it, why didn't anyone tell her about this? What if he was already looking for her and got angry because no one was serving him? It might be a good start!
Then I'm better ... yes, perhaps.
Of course, and quickly. My God, be careful with the tray! Is he too heavy for you? No? Come on, go. Yes, look, have time to dodge if he throws it all at you.
Dishes jingled on the tray as Georgina began to walk through the door.
And for what ... Lord, why would he throw this at me?
Sean shrugged and smiled broadly.
How should I know? I haven't even seen the captain yet. But when a person's head breaks, everything can be expected from him. So keep in mind, boy, and don't forget my advice.
Fabulous! Make the newbie more nervous than he was before. Georgina at that moment was unaware that Mr. Sean O "Sean has a subtle sense of humor, and he, the devil take it, was simply joking.
The way to the captain's cabin seemed terribly painful, especially since England was still visible on the right side of the board. Georgina tried not to look in the direction of the shore, but tried to look for Mac, hoping that if she exchanged a few words with him, she would feel more confident. However, he was nowhere to be seen, and the tray was getting heavier with every step, so she gave up trying to find Mack. In addition, any delay threatened to turn into trouble. Cold food is unlikely to bring joy to a gloomy, headache-tormented man.
Georgina stopped in front of the door of the captain's quarters and tried to shift the weight of the tray onto one hand so she could free her other hand and knock on the door. She felt fear pin her to the ground, her hands and knees shaking and the tray vibrating in time with them.
She shouldn't be so nervous. If the worst happens, it won't be the end of the world yet. She'd have the ingenuity to get home some other way... even alone.
Damn it, why didn't she bother to find out anything else about the captain besides the name? She had no idea if he was young or old, stern or good-natured, whether he was loved or just respected ... or maybe hated. She had heard of captains who behaved like real tyrants. It was necessary to ask someone else if Mr. O "Sean could not answer her questions. However, it's not too late. Just linger for a few minutes, exchange a few words with anyone who meets her, and perhaps she will find out that Captain Malory was a kind-hearted old man, and it was a pleasure to swim under him, and then her legs would stop trembling, and she would forget her doubts.
But as soon as Georgina turned to carry out her plan, the door of the captain's cabin creaked and opened.
Georgina's heart sank. The food tray nearly did the same when she turned abruptly to see the captain of the Virgin Anne for the first time. But it was not the captain standing in the doorway, but the first mate, who, it seemed to her, managed to look her up and down, although his light brown eyes did not look long at all.
Yeah, are you that guy? I'm surprised I didn't notice you when I hired you.
Probably because you were sitting… The words caught in her throat as the first officer took her chin and turned her face towards the light. Georgina turned pale with fear, though he didn't seem to notice.
Not the slightest gun on his face, - he said, as it seemed to her, in a dismissive tone.
When Georgina finally got her breath back, she expressed outrage on Yoongi’s face.
I'm only twelve years old, sir, she replied.
However, at the age of twelve, boys are even bigger. I swear this tray is almost as tall as you. He clasped her forearm in his hands. - Where are your muscles?
I'm still growing," Georgina grunted, furious at such an examination. Her fears suddenly evaporated somewhere. You won't recognize me in six months. “She was telling the truth, because by then all this masquerade will be over.
Is everyone in your family like this? Georgina was worried.
What do you have in mind?
Your height man. What else can I mean? Of course, not appearance, because you and your brother have nothing in common. And he suddenly laughed out loud.
I don't see what's funny about that. We just have different mothers.
There you go, and I thought you were different in some other way. Different mothers, you say? Is that why you don't have a Scottish accent?
I didn't think I had to tell the story of a lifetime for getting hired.
Are you so prickly, boy?
Stop it, Connie, - Georgina heard someone's low voice. "We don't want to scare the guy off, do we?"
Get rid of what? The first mate chuckled.
Georgina narrowed her eyes. Did she really think that she did not like this red-haired Englishman simply in principle, simply because he was an Englishman?
The food is getting cold, Mr Sharpe, she said sternly.
Well, come in, though I suppose the captain is not interested in food.
And suddenly Georgina became nervous again. She had just heard the captain's voice. How could she forget that he was waiting for her? Worse, the captain must have heard everything she said, how defiantly she answered the first officer. Of course, her insolence was forced, but hardly excusable. After all, she was only a cabin boy here, and she answered him like a peer, as if she were Georgina Anderson, and not George McDonell. A couple more mistakes like that and she can take off her cap and unbind her breasts.
After cryptic last words, the first mate motioned for her to enter and left. It took her considerable effort to move, but when she succeeded, she almost flew through the door and could only stop at the vast oak dining table in the center of the room, which could comfortably seat at least half a dozen members of the team.
Georgina did not look up from the tray even as she placed it on the table. Behind the table, against the wall, against the backdrop of stained-glass windows, a figure loomed. Georgina did not see, but rather guessed this figure, realizing that this was the captain.
Yesterday, when she was allowed to see the ship, she was delighted with these windows. The interior was truly royal. Georgina had never seen anything like this on any Skylark Line ship.
The furniture was luxurious. At the head of a long table was a single armchair in the style of the first French Empire, which combined bronze, mahogany and colorful embroidery on a white background of the back and sides. In addition to the armchair, there were five chairs around the table. Another object that struck with splendor was a writing table, which rested not on legs, but on massive oval pedestals painted with classical ornaments. The bed, covered with a white silk bedspread, could be called a true masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. High carved pillars and an even higher headboard were striking.
Instead of the usual marine locker, the cabin had a tall teak cabinet, similar to the one her father had given her mother right after their wedding, on their return from the Far East. The wardrobe was decorated with jade, mother-of-pearl and lapis lazuli. Nearby was a chest of drawers made of walnut with high legs. And in the wall between them hung a modern clock, the case of which was trimmed with ebonite and bronze. There were no separate shelves on the walls, but there was a cupboard decorated with gilding and carvings, eight shelves of which were lined with books. And behind a sliding screen embellished with English landscapes, at the far end of the room, was a custom-made enamelled tub, long and wide, and fortunately not very deep, since Georgina would most likely have to carry water into it.
The impression of disorder was created by the marine instruments laid out on and next to the desk. On the floor stood a bronze statue about two feet high, and behind a screen near the washstand was a copper teapot. The lamps, all completely different, were either attached to furniture or hung from hooks on the walls and ceiling.
If we add to this that the cabin was decorated with paintings and carpets hanging on the walls, it became clear that it would be more logical to imagine such a room in the governor's palace, and not on a ship. But all this splendor told Georgina little about Captain Malory, except that he was somewhat eccentric and liked to surround himself with beautiful things, not embarrassed by a hodgepodge of styles.
Georgina didn't know if the captain was looking at her or out the window. She did not yet dare to raise her eyes to him, but the silence became more and more unbearable. It would be nice now to quietly and imperceptibly leave, if, of course, he had not yet paid attention to her. But why doesn't he say anything? After all, he knows that he is in the cabin and is ready to fulfill all his orders.
Your food, captain... sir.
Why are you whispering?
I was told that you… that is, I heard that your head was splitting after yesterday's pere… - Georgina coughed and quickly recovered: - Your head hurts, sir. My brother Drew gets annoyed by loud noises when he--when he has a headache the night before, sir.
I thought your brother's name was Ian.
I have other brothers too.
One of my brothers tried to get me drunk yesterday. He would be very amused if I could not go sailing in the morning.
Georgina almost smiled. How many times her brothers did the same thing to each other. However, she also got it from the brothers: instead of hot chocolate in her cup, she found rum, then the ribbons of her cap turned out to be tied with some unthinkable knot, then her pantaloons fluttered on a weather vane or, worse, on the mast of another brother’s ship, so that it was impossible was to find the culprit of the trick. Looks like mischievous brothers existed everywhere, not just in Connecticut.
I sympathize with you, captain. Brothers can be so obnoxious.
She heard a note of irony in his voice, as if he had taken her remark as pretentious as it was for a twelve-year-old boy. She needs to think carefully about everything she is going to say. In no case should we forget for a moment that her behavior should correspond to the behavior of the boy. But it was so hard to keep that in mind, especially when she finally came to the conclusion that the captain spoke with an English accent. The fact is very unfortunate. She may avoid associating with other Englishmen on board, but it is not her choice to avoid associating with the captain.
End of free trial.
To my sister-in-law Lori and her new joy
Natashe Kealanoheaakealoha Howard
1818 London
Georgina Anderson grabbed a radish from her plate, put it in a spoon, and fired like a catapult. True, she failed to hit a huge cockroach, but the radish hit very close to him. The cockroach considered it good to hide in the nearest crack. Which is what was required. As long as Georgina does not see these annoying creatures, she can pretend that they are not found in her home.
Georgina turned to her half-eaten breakfast, looked down at her plate, and pushed it away with a grimace of disgust. She'd give a lot for any dish Hannah cooked right now. During twelve years of work, Hannah had learned to accurately guess what to please each member of the family, and Georgina, throughout the entire journey on the ship, constantly yearned for her cooking. Since they had arrived in England five days before, Georgina had only once had a good meal. It was on the day of arrival. They were staying at the Albany Hotel, and Mac took her to a fancy restaurant. But they left the hotel the very next day and settled in much more modest rooms. And what could they do if, upon returning to the hotel, they found that all the money had been stolen from their suitcases?
In truth, Georgie, as her family affectionately called her, had little reason to blame the hotel for the loss of money. Most likely they were stolen while the suitcases traveled from the pier in the East End to the West End, where the prestigious Albany Hotel was located on Piccadilly. While the suitcases, watched by a driver and his partner, moved on a wagon to the hotel, Georgina and Mack took a carefree look at the sights of London.
Speaking of bad luck, it started much earlier. Arriving in England, they learned that their ship could not enter the port and that they would not be able to receive their luggage until after three months. It's good that at least the passengers themselves were allowed to go ashore. True, not immediately, but after a few days.
However, this should not have been surprising. Georgina was aware of traffic jams on the Thames, especially at this time of the year when traffic was dependent on unpredictable winds. Their ship was one of a dozen ships that arrived from America at the same time. In addition, hundreds of others have gathered here, from all over the world. Such traffic jams were one of the reasons why their family members involved in trade excluded London from their routes even before the war. In fact, no Skylark Line ship has been in London since 1807, when England began a blockade of almost half of Europe during its war with France. For the Skylark Line, trade with the Far East and the West Indies was no less profitable and much less troublesome.
Even after her country settled its disputes with England and signed a treaty at the very end of 1814, the Skylark Line refrained from trading with England, since warehousing remained a very serious problem. Often, perishable goods had to be left right on the pier. They became easy prey for thieves, and then the damage reached half a million pounds a year. If the thieves for any reason spared the goods, then he died under a thick layer of coal dust and soot.
In other words, it was more expensive to trade with England. It was for this reason that Georgina had not come to London on the Skylark Line, and for the same reason that she could not now return home. The problem was that she and Mac only had twenty-five American dollars left - it was this money that did not fall prey to the thieves, since it was with them, and not in the suitcase. And now, as a result of all the misfortunes, Georgina found herself in this room, located above the tavern in Southwark.
Tavern! If her brothers knew... yes, they could kill her if somehow she managed to get back home, because she went on a journey without their knowledge when they were on business in different parts of the world. Or, in any case, they will not give her money, they will put her under lock and key for several years, and besides, they will also beat her up properly.
True, to be honest, most likely the matter would have been limited to the fact that the brothers would have scolded her great. However, when you imagine five angry older brothers justifiably unleashing their anger on you, you feel uneasy. Unfortunately, this did not stop Georgina at the time, and she went on a journey accompanied by Ian McDonell, who had nothing to do with their family. Sometimes the thought came to her: had the Lord taken away the common sense of her entire family by the time she was due to be born?
No sooner had Georgina left the table than there was a knock at the door. She was about to say, “Come in,” because she had been used to the fact that if someone knocked on the door, it was either servants or one of the family members. In her twenty-two years, she had slept only in her own bed in her own room in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and for the last month in a hanging bunk on a ship. Of course, no one will be able to enter the room if the door is locked, no matter how much she says "Come in." Mac repeatedly and insistently reminded her to lock the door. However, this uncomfortable, neglected little room itself constantly reminded Georgina that she was far from home, that no one should be trusted in this inhospitable, criminal-infested city.
From behind the door came a phrase uttered in a strong Scottish accent, and Georgina recognized Ian McDonell. She opened the door. A tall, large man entered, making the room seem quite cramped.
Any good news? Sitting down in the chair Georgina had just been sitting in, he snorted.
Depends on how you look at it.
Again, you need to look for who knows who?
Yes, but I guess it's better than a complete dead end.
Of course, she agreed without much enthusiasm.
It was not necessary to count on more. Some time ago, Mr. Kimball, one of the sailors on the Portunus, owned by her brother Thomas, stated that he was quite sure that he saw her long-lost fiancé Malcolm Cameron among the crew of the merchant ship Pogrom when the Portunus and "Pogrom" met at one of the sea crossings. Thomas had no way of verifying Mr. Kimball's claim, as he only learned of it when the Mayhem was out of sight. It could be said with certainty that the Pogrom was on her way to Europe, most likely to her home port in England, although it could not be ruled out that before that she would visit other ports.
Anyway, this was the first news of Malcolm in six years since he was forcibly recruited as a sailor before the start of the war in June 1812.
The forced recruitment of American sailors by the English Navy was one of the causes of the war. Malcolm was terribly unlucky: he was taken away during the first voyage, and the reason for this was his Cornish accent, since he lived in Cornwall, one of the counties of England, for the first half of his life. However, by then he was already an American; his parents, now deceased, settled in Bridgeport in 1806 and had no intention of returning to England. However, the English officer did not want to believe this, and Warren, Georgina's brother and owner of the ship Nereus, where the forced recruitment took place, still bears a scar on his cheek, indicating the determination of the British side to recruit Malcolm.
Georgina had heard that the ship Malcolm had been taken to had been decommissioned and that her crew had been spread over several ships. She knew nothing more. What Malcolm was doing on the English merchant ship now that the war was over didn't matter, but at least Georgina was in a position to track him down.
Who and what told you this time? Georgina asked with a sigh. - Again, some stranger who knows someone who knows someone who might know something about him?
Mac chuckled.
Darling, you talk like we've been going around in circles for an eternity to no avail. We've only been searching for four days. You just need a little bit of that - the patience that Thomas has.
Don't talk to me about Thomas! I'm mad at him because he still hasn't done anything to find Malcolm.
He would find...
In six months! He wanted me to wait another six months for him to return from the West Indies! And how many months would it take to sail here, find Malcolm, and bring him back? I've already waited six whole years!
Four years,” Mac corrected her. "Nobody" would let you marry this guy until you were eighteen.
This is not relevant. If any of the other brothers were at home, he would certainly go here at once. Alas, only the overly optimistic Thomas, who, in addition, has the patience of a saint, turned out to be in place with his ship. That's how unlucky I am! Do you know how he laughed when I said that if I got a little older, Malcolm would give me up?
Mack couldn't help but smile at such a frank and innocent question. It is not surprising that at one time such reasoning of the girl caused laughter from her older brother.
Although so many years have passed, the girl did not heed the advice of the brothers to forget about Malcolm Cameron. The war is already over, and the guy; It would seem that he should have returned home. But he never returned, and she kept waiting. That fact alone might have told Thomas that she would not wait for her brother to return from the West Indies. They were members of the same family, and adventurism was equally inherent in all of them, but, unlike Thomas, Georgina did not possess patience.
Of course, to some extent, Thomas can be forgiven for not going after Malcolm. Brother Drew's ship was supposed to return before the end of the summer and stay at home for several months until the next voyage. And Drew could not refuse anything to his only sister. But the girl did not wait for Drew to return, but ordered a ticket for the ship, which departed three days after Thomas' departure, and somehow persuaded Mac to accompany her. True, he still could not understand how she managed to present the case as if it was not her, but his idea.
Okay, Georgie, given that there are more people in London than in all of Connecticut, there's no need to make things look bleak. The man I'm about to meet seems to know our Malcolm very well. The one I spoke to today said that Malcolm got off the ship with this Mr. Willcox. He can shed some light on where to look for the guy.
Sounds very encouraging, Georgina agreed. "Maybe this Mr. Willcox will even take you straight to Malcolm's, so... I think I should go with you."
You won't go! Mac snapped, frowning angrily. - I'm meeting him at the tavern!
So what?
You'll do God knows what else!
But Mac...
Don't even ask, girl," he said sternly. However, when he caught her glance, Mack knew that she would not back down. He knew very well that if Georgina decided something, it would be almost impossible to dissuade her. And the proof of this is that she is now in London, and not at home, as her brothers believe.
In the elite West End, which is located on the other side of the river, near a fashionable house in Piccadilly, a carriage stopped, from which Sir Anthony Malory got out. It had previously been his bachelor's residence, which could no longer be called such, for he was returning with his young wife Lady Roslyn.
James Malory, Anthony's brother, who lived in the house during his visits to London, heard the carriage drive up at such a late hour, went into the hall at the moment when Anthony carried the newlywed in his arms through the threshold. Since James was not yet aware of who she was, he cautiously said:
Guess I shouldn't have seen it.
I thought you wouldn't see," Anthony replied, walking around his brother and heading towards the stairs with his burden. - But as soon as you saw, then know that I married this girl.
So I believed you!
He really got married! The girl smiled a dazzling smile. “Do you really think that I will allow the first person I meet to carry me in his arms over the threshold?”
Anthony paused for a moment, catching his brother's incredulous gaze.
God, James, I've probably been waiting all my life for this moment when you don't have an answer. But I hope you'll forgive me if I don't wait for you to come to your senses?
And Anthony disappeared.
James didn't immediately close his mouth in surprise, but he did open it again to drain the glass of brandy he was holding. Incredible! Anthony put himself in shackles! The most famous rake in London! True, this fame passed to him after James himself left Europe ten years ago. And what made the brother take such a desperate step?
Undoubtedly, the lady was amazingly beautiful, but Anthony could have got her in some other way. As it happened, James found out that Anthony had already seduced her last night. In that case, what made him marry her? She had no family, there was no one to insist on marriage. Hardly anyone could have advised him to marry, except perhaps his older brother Jason, the Marquis of Haverston and the head of the family. But, however, even Jason could not force Anthony to marry. Hadn't Jason tried over the years to persuade him to marry?
No one put a gun to Anthony's head and forced him to such stupidity. In general, Anthony, unlike Viscount Nicholas Eden, could always resist pressure from his elders. Nikolaev Eden was forced to marry their niece Regan, or Reggie, as everyone called her. To be honest, James still regrets that he was deprived of the opportunity to tell Nicholas everything that he thinks of him. At that time, the family did not yet know that he had returned to England and was tempted to give the Viscount a thorough beating, which he, in his opinion, deserved for a completely different reason.
Shaking his head, James went into the living room and took a decanter of brandy, deciding that a couple more sips would help him understand the reason for his brother's marriage. He immediately discounted love. Since Anthony did not succumb to this feeling at the age of seventeen, when he first knew the sweetness of the fair sex, then, therefore, he is immune to this disease in the same way as James himself.
There is no need to take into account the need to have an heir, since all the titles of the family have already been distributed. Jason, the older brother, already has an adult son Derek, who over the years is catching up with his younger uncles. Edward, the second oldest of the Malory family, has five children, all of whom, except Amy, have reached marriageable age. Even James had a son, Jeremy - albeit an illegitimate one, whose existence he had learned six years ago. Before that, he had no idea whose son was raised by a woman working in a tavern. The son continued to work there even after the death of his mother. Now he was seventeen, and he followed in the footsteps of his father in terms of the fair sex. Anthony, the fourth son, did not need to take care of the perpetuation of the family - this was already taken care of by the three elder Malory.
James sat down on the sofa with a decanter of brandy in his hand. Sir Malory was well built, although he was not six feet tall. He again thought about the newlyweds and asked himself what they could do now. His beautifully defined, sensuous lips curved into a smile. But he never found an answer to the question of why Anthony got married. James himself would never make such a mistake. But he is ready to admit that if Anthony was destined to fall into a trap, then such a beauty as Roslyn Chadwick should have shut him ... however, now she was Malory;
James himself thought about hitting on her, although Anthony had already expressed his interest in Roslyn. When they were very young, it was not uncommon for sporting interest to take care of the same woman. The winner was the one on whom the woman had previously fixed her gaze. Anthony had a reputation among women for being devilishly handsome and irresistible, and James regarded himself as such.
Nevertheless, outwardly the brothers were strikingly different from each other. Anthony was taller and leaner, with black hair and dark blue eyes from his grandmother. Regan, Amy, and, sadly, James's own son Jeremy, who, even more annoyingly, looked more like Anthony than his father, were of the same suit. James had the typical Malory blond hair, greenish eyes, and stout build. “Big, blond, and insanely handsome,” Regan used to say.
James chuckled, remembering his cute niece. His only sister, Melissa, died when her daughter was only two years old, so the girl was raised and raised by all the brothers. They loved her like a daughter. But now she was married to that scoundrel Eden, and James had no choice but to endure this type. However, Nicolae Eden has already managed to establish himself as an exemplary husband.
Again, husband. But Eden had a reason. He adored Regan. As for Anthony, he adored all women. In this, Anthony and James were the same. And although James is now thirty-six years old, no woman has yet been born who could lure him into marital networks. To love women and leave them in time - this was his credo, which he adhered to for many years and did not intend to change in the future.
