Page 28 of The Duke's Treasure
“We can return at some point in time, I’m sure, but if you come with me now, you will be leaving all that you knew behind.”
“I know,” she repeated again, turning to him, her dark brown eyes intent upon him. “I thought my home was here, Edward, but the moment you began to prepare to walk out that door, I realized something.”
“What’s that?”
“That, as ludicrous as it sounds,youare my home now. When you left for the caves earlier, I couldn’t sit down, I was so concerned about you, wondering if I would ever see you again. But the truth is, if I let you leave for England without me, that will be the case regardless of what actually happens to you. Which leaves me only one choice. To accompany you.”
He looked over at her while still pushing his horse ever faster. “Will you marry me?”
“You’re asking me this now?” she said incredulously.
“Yes,” he said, his words nearly breathless as they pushed the horses, his words just in hearing before they were lost to the night air. “If you are intent on accompanying me, then I am intent on having you as my wife.”
“I…”
He waited breathlessly. He had always been a man set on the next treasure, the next chase, but he knew that all he needed now was Mariana. He just needed her to agree.
“Yes.”
He let out a whoop of joy, even though he knew now was not the time to be celebrating, for they had far greater concerns – such as being chased by pirates.
But right now, pirates, the British nobles, none of that mattered – Mariana was his.
And his first order of business was keeping her safe. They arrived at the docks to find the captain pacing as he waited for them. As they approached, one of his large eyebrows lifted in question, but he did not seem altogether too surprised by the two of them showing up, breathless on horseback for a last-minute sailing. It was likely the man had seen much untoward activity in his lifetime. He accepted them onboard, and as Mariana turned to speak with her servant, the captain stopped Edward.
“Best keep an eye on your woman,” he said. “I can trust most of my men, but one never knows for certain when temptation is possible.”
“Of course,” Edward said fervently. “She won’t leave my sight. How soon can we set sail?”
“Any minute. We’ve been waiting for you.”
“Good,” Edward said, his voice low. “If you sail as fast as you can, there will be extra for you, understood?”
“Absolutely,” the captain said, and Edward had to appreciate working with a man who understood the communication of coin, for he was easy to motivate.
Rodrigo was waiting for him, his arms crossed as he leaned back against the rail of the ship.
“She’s coming with us?” he asked, tipping his head toward Mariana.
“She is,” Edward nodded, and while he could tell his friend had additional opinions, he knew their time was short. The few sailors on the small ship rushed around to finish their preparations, and when Edward turned to Mariana, he found that she didn’t seem worried, but rather interested in all that was happening around her.
“Mariana?”
Edward watched as Mariana turned to the woman who had called her name. She was of similar age, standing on the docks with three children surrounding her. Mariana rushed toward her, and Edward followed, although kept enough distance between them to give her time without him.
“Where are you going?” the woman asked.
“It’s a long story,” Mariana responded, reaching out and taking her hands in hers. “I wish I had more time to explain, although I am so glad that I am able to say goodbye.”
“Goodbye?”
“I am leaving. I will write you, I promise, and explain all, but for this moment, please know, Raquel, that I value your friendship more than any other I have ever had. You are the only thing here that I know I will truly miss.”
She bent now, kissing the children, before wrapping her arms around her astonished friend. “I love you. And I will write to you soon.”
She turned, wiping tears from her cheeks, and Edward nodded to the aghast woman who obviously meant so much to Mariana.
Edward held out his hand to help Mariana aboard, her large skirts seeming out of place among the men who surrounded them. She leaned sightly into him while the boat lurched as it left the dock, and he held on tightly around her waist to steady her.
