Spanish wines we once imported that my father-in-law entrusted his daughter to your father. I am sorry to learn that the marriage was not a good one.’
‘I think my mother may have been unhappy, but I do not remember her. My stepmother was kind to me and I was happy enough until she died soon after my husband.’
‘You were married? We did not know that. How sad to lose a husband at your age.’
‘I was sad—but then I met Justin,’ Maribel replied, her mouth curving. ‘I think I shall be very content as his wife.’
‘His family are respected and wealthy,’ her aunt said. ‘Everyone knows of Lord Robert Melford and the important family he founded. I believe they are all well connected and popular at court, though we do not often visit London ourselves. My husband was never one to seek royal favour, though we have recently been honoured by a royal contract for our fine wines.’
Maribel was not sure whether her aunt sounded regretful or a little jealous of those who had the royal favour. She sensibly kept her silence. Since she had only just learned Justin’s true name it would not do to pretend to knowledge about his family that she did not have.
Glancing back, she saw him talking with her uncle. He seemed at ease and gave no sign of being anything other than he claimed to be. Clearly he had put the memory of his time at sea behind him, and she must too. She would have to be careful when answering her aunt’s questions—she did not wish to reveal that she had been a pirate’s captive.
‘I shall return for you as soon as I can,’ Justin told Maribel as he took his leave two days later. ‘At least I know that you are safe here with your family. Your uncle is truly pleased to have you here, as he has made plain to me—and I believe his wife to be a good woman.’
‘Lady Fildene is both kind and generous,’ Maribel admitted. ‘I like her very well. She is a good chatelaine and she loves her family. Her son Michael is expected home soon and I think he must be her favourite. Even so, I would rather come with you if I could, Justin, but I know I may not for I should only hamper you.’
‘I am sorry I must leave you, but I know you are safe here. I shall travel faster alone, my love—but I shall think of you often. As soon as I am free to do so, I shall return and take you to my home, where we shall be wed.’
‘I pray that you will return to me safely. You know that I love you.’
‘As I love you. Take care of yourself until I come to claim you.’
Maribel went to his arms, clinging to him until he disengaged, pushing her back. ‘Be careful, my love. It is not seemly to show such passion. We may be observed and I would not have your aunt lose her good opinion of you.’
Tears crowded in her throat. It was on the tip of her tongue to beg him to take her with him, but she knew that he would refuse. He had decided that she must remain here in safety with her aunt and uncle and she could not make him change his mind. Parting from him would tear her in two, but she must bear it as best she could and pray for his safe return.
Reluctantly she drew away, ‘I should not like to shock her. I am very careful how I answer her for she would be shocked if she knew where I had recently been.’
‘Be patient for a while. We shall soon be together.’
Justin touched her face lightly and then turned away. Higgins was waiting nearby with his horse.
‘Farewell, Justin.’
‘Farewell, my dearest one. I shall return.’
Maribel watched as he rode out of the courtyard. A breeze had sprung up suddenly, bringing storm clouds from the sea. The dark sky looked ominous and she shivered as she turned and went into the house. The time would seem long while Justin was gone. She hardly knew how to occupy her time, because the pretty sewing she had once delighted in for hour after hour was not enough to fill her days. She disliked the damp coolness of the English weather, finding the grey skies depressing, and thought wistfully of the time she had spent at the island and the long voyage back to England. Did the sun ever shine in this land? How many days would pass before Justin came to claim her as his bride—and how would she live if for some reason he never came? She thrust the thought away for it was unbearable. She must believe that he would return or she had nothing.
Justin was aware of a shadow hovering at the back of his mind as he rode the last few leagues to his father’s home. Higgins had wanted to accompany him, but he would not allow it.
‘If I am to be hanged as a mutineer and a pirate I will not take you with me, my friend. Remain near my lady and guard her until my return. I shall bring your pardon if I am spared. If not, you must take the ships and sail away. They will both be yours then.’
‘You risk your life for nothing, Justin. I have not found English justice fair in the past. I do not expect it now.’
‘You may well be right, which is why I ask you to remain with Maribel until…’ Justin shook his head. ‘If I do not return, she is safe enough with her uncle.’
‘Aye, she is safe enough.’
They clasped hands and then Justin mounted his horse and rode away. He had not looked back—it was costing him a great deal to leave Maribel. If his heart had ruled him, he would have turned back, swept her up on his horse and taken her far away. His head told him that he would never be at peace if he did not at least try to obtain his father’s blessing and the Queen’s pardon. He could not take her with him, but he had ridden off with a heavy heart.
Now that he was close to his family estate, Justin felt uneasy. What kind of a welcome awaited him in his father’s house? John Devere was an honest man. He had taught his son to live with honour. Would he be able to accept Justin for what he was—a mutineer and a pirate?
As Justin dismounted in the courtyard of his home a groom came running towards him. He hesitated as he drew near, stared at Justin in stunned disbelief for a moment, and then grinned.
‘God be praised!’ Tis Master Justin home at last.’ The groom took the reins of Justin’s horse. ‘We thought you dead, sir. Your lady mother has been grieving for you these past months.’
‘I was lost, Jedruth, but now I am found,’ Justin said and clapped him on the shoulder, feeling overcome by the man’s obvious delight. ‘Tell me, are my parents within?’
‘Your lady mother is at home, sir, but the master has gone this day to visit a neighbour. He should be back this evening.’
‘Thank you. I shall see my mother immediately.’
Justin went into the house to be greeted by a shriek from the keeper of the household as she saw him. ‘Lord have mercy!’ she cried and flung her arms up. ‘If it isn’t Master Justin—and the mistress crying her heart out for him day after day! Where have you been that you could not send a message to your mother? Wicked boy!’
‘Forgive me, Lizzie.’ Justin grabbed her in a bear hug. ‘There were good reasons why I could not let my family know where I was. Tell me, where is my mother?’
‘She is in her stillroom, of course. Where else would she be at this hour of the day?’
‘Bless you!’ Justin kissed her soundly on the mouth. She pushed him away and frowned at him, but smiled as he turned in the direction of his
