Chapter Four
She awoke to a timid knock. Rebecca lifted her head, realizing she slept on her stomach. She glanced first at the window in her cabin, noting the complete absence of light. She looked over to the ruined doorway, finding Nora hovering at the entrance. She rolled over, blushing when she remembered she was naked. She pulled the covers up to her neck. “Yes, Nora?”
“Will you be wanting dinner now, m’lady?” Nora held a bowl in her hand.
She nodded. “And a bath when I have finished eating.” She frowned at her companion. “There is no need to lurk in the doorway.”
Nora shuffled inside and placed the bowl on the table. She averted her eyes as Rebecca slid from the bed and lifted the emerald dressing gown from the planks where Christoph had tossed it for the final time earlier in the day. She noted it was now a few inches shorter, thanks to the strips Christoph had torn from it. She tried to be casual when she asked, “Have the pirates left?”
“The crew departed our ship several hours ago. The captain left at sundown, m’lady.”
Rebecca denied the dart of disappointment. Why would she care if he said goodbye? The man meant nothing to her. “I see. How long ago was that?”
“Nearly two hours. He left instructions that I should wake you about now for dinner. He said it would be alright to release the crew after you were up.”
She nodded. “I suspect he wanted to be long out of our reach in case we changed our minds.”
“Will we?”
“No. A bargain is a bargain.” She lifted her head from the warm stew, noting Nora’s distress. “Did he keep his word? You are…unharmed?”
“Yes, and the remaining crew is still tied in the galley, but otherwise unhurt.”
“Very well. You may release them now, Nora.” Rebecca frowned when Nora remained standing. “Was there something else?”
“Was it awful, m’lady? Has he hurt you terribly?” Nora’s eyes were wide with apprehension.
“Nay, it was bearable.” The aching in her thighs reminded her it had been much more than bearable.
Nora sighed. “This voyage was all for naught. The cargo is gone, as is your precious family heirloom.” A wail broke from her, which she quickly stifled. “Worst of all, you have lost your innocence and any chance at a good match.”
Rebecca winced but forced herself to be pragmatic. “None know of the incident but you and the crew. They do not move in the upper echelons of society. However, should their tales reach the ears of any gentleman offering for me, I am not overly worried.”
Nora frowned. “Why is that?”
“Do you remember Cynthia Summerland? Her papa caught her at an inn during a rash elopement attempt.”
“I remember.”
“The boy was sent to the Colonies, and she was packed off to the country estate for the remainder of the year. During the next Season, the rumors peaked within a month. By the end of that Season, she had three offers for her hand.” Rebecca’s brow furrowed. “I believe she settled on the viscount, deciding his wealth and vitality compensated for the lower title.”
“Yes, but what has that to do with your situation, m’lady?”
“Lord Summerland is quite wealthy.” She shrugged. “He bought acceptance for his daughter’s scandal. Mama shall do the same, if needs be.”
“You are most logical, m’lady.”
“How else should I be? It is done now, and I cannot alter events. I am who I was. Nothing has changed.” She ignored the clenching in her stomach that might have indicated otherwise. Rebecca looked pointedly at the tub. “Now, I suggest you free the crew so that I may have a bath sometime this evening.”
Nora curtsied, something she hadn’t done in years, and scurried from the room.
Rebecca returned her attention to the tepid stew but found it unappealing. She pushed herself away from the table and went to the trunk to fetch a change of her father’s clothes so the men could enter her cabin. As she lifted the lid, her breath caught in her throat. With a trembling hand, Rebecca lifted the velvet pouch, noting it felt lumpy. Her heart stuttered with anticipation as she opened it. The glittering diamond necklace spilled into her hands.