Tell Tristan his wife is as brave and healthy as any islander.”
Aimee doubted he’d hear those words even if James shouted them. Only Diana’s silence and Tristan’s son’s or daughter’s thin cries would quiet his worry. She took Netta’s hand. “We can tell him together.”
“No.” Netta pulled away. “You go. I want to wait here.”
Only because Heath was with Tristan. Nothing Netta said or did could convince Aimee otherwise. They’d been together in their mother’s womb and each second they’d drawn breath. Netta was too ashamed of what a pirate had done to her to let any man close, particularly Heath, whom she desired. She’d rather hide from him forever than risk him spurning her.
Aimee pressed her mouth to Netta’s ear. “You saw how Heath looks at us. He wants both, not only one.”
“He looks at you, never me, unless he thinks I might be you. Then he wants me until he sees…” She cleared her throat and kept her voice low. “Go to Tristan then stay with Heath. I can help Simone and the others with Diana.”
“And leave you without any man to love?”
“Go.” She shoved her gently. “I need no one. I never will.”
“Not even me?”
Netta’s dark eyes filled. She embraced Aimee. Her scent matched the sweet flowers she rubbed on herself. As girls, they played at being young women and perfumed themselves to tempt the boys. Their giggles filled the air, as did their boasts about how they’d each capture the strongest and bravest man’s heart.
The pirates came and changed everything.
“Of course I will always need you.” Netta hugged her even harder. “But only when you can take time away from the man who makes you mistress of his house and fills you with his children. Heath’s young and handsome with kindness in his eyes. If he wins your heart, he may let me care for his sons and daughters while you and he take time for your love.”
“No.” Aimee gripped her. “Never talk that way. Your loneliness would kill me.”
Netta’s features grew stony. “You see sadness when there is none. I know what my future brings and what I can never have. I accept my fate.”
She cupped Netta’s chin. “You have to fight for what you want as you did when we were girls. No matter what the pirates did, you and I are the same. If Heath refuses your love, he can never have mine.”
“Foolish talk.” She pushed Aimee’s hands away. “Never again will I be whole like you.”
“None of the islanders or the Englishmen cares about that.” She lowered her voice further. “Royce adores Simone despite her scarred leg. Look at Adamo. He can barely see out of one eye. His face is disfigured, his arm limp from the pirates. Zola gladly became his woman because he proved to be a good man. She made him forget Canela’s cruel treatment and lies.”
“That may be enough for Adamo, but I want no one’s pity or disgust.” She turned away. “Go. See to Tristan. Speak to Heath. I know you want to.”
“Not without you.”
Netta joined Simone at the table. “Teach me what to do so I can help.”
“With Diana?”
“Other women too and the men. I can heal as you do. When Aimee’s time comes, I can keep her safe and present her husband with his new son.”
Simone glanced at Aimee, her gaze questioning Netta’s sudden desire to heal.
Netta had never shown interest before. Sickness frightened her. She, like the other islanders, had known too much death from pirates.
“What of your infant when you have one?” Simone regarded Netta. “Do you intend to look after yourself during that time rather than have my help?”
“For me, that time will never come. There will be no children or marriage to any man. Aiding others is all I ask. Make me a healer like you.”
Aimee’s throat constricted. Simone had saved many but she couldn’t give Netta back what the pirates had taken from her. Heartsick, Aimee left the birthing room and stilled.
Heath had remained with the other men.
He looked at her.
The world stopped and then spun too swiftly.
Sun blanketed his broad shoulders and turned his bronze skin to gold. Light brown hair fell in soft waves to his shoulders. Stubble shadowed his face, intensifying his masculinity.
She locked her knees. Her tightened nipples stung.
Even next to Tristan and Royce, a capitaine and a man of noble birth, Heath stood out. Hard labor on ships had sculpted his powerful body. Tall and sinewy, he had large hands that could destroy anything or provide great pleasure.
Instinctively, Aimee recognized his gentle nature and longed to see mischief and lust flare in his hazel eyes. For her to experience his protective embrace, heated skin, and breathtaking scent would be heaven.
Netta should be here, seeking what every woman needed, a good man to comfort and cherish her. Wasn’t fair or right to deny herself. Nor would Aimee let it stand.
Tonight, she’d change things for her sister, herself, and Heath. Somehow.
Uncertainty and her inherent shyness ate at her. She pushed her unease aside and marched to Tristan to tell him what she’d learned about Diana.
* * * *
Simone pointed. “Tell me what this is.”
Netta had no idea other than green leaves, similar to the others on the table. She hadn’t listened to Simone’s endless droning about plants that cured and flowers that saved lives. To Netta, blossoms made a woman smell good for a man. “Ah…”
Diana shouted vile oaths.
“You should go to her.” Netta gestured. “The pain seems worse. Her language certainly is.”
“The infant gets closer to its new life. Nothing to worry about. Pay attention. This is the soothing plant.” Simone shook it. “After I crush the leaves, I mix their juice with the others I showed you so I can…”
Tristan spoke loudly, the distance muting his exact words. James or Royce laughed. Others joined in. Perhaps Heath.
Netta ached for his voice, the briefest touch. Madness. Wanting him would only frustrate and hurt. He belonged to Aimee, looked at her alone. The few times he’d glanced Netta’s way, she hadn’t the courage to remain and search his expression. He’d never crave her. Men wanted perfect females, especially if those women weren’t white like the English.
Simone shook Netta’s arm.
She pulled away. “What?”
“I asked you about this plant.”
“Is something wrong with its leaves? Should it
