“I don’t mean to be selfish, Davy, but what if Lord Hammil refuses to let you stay by my side?” Miranda focused on Davy’s features, her concern for him bothering her ever since Lord Hammil had said the words.
“Have you been thinking about that the entire ride?” Miranda didn’t smile or smirk, but remained still and serious. Davy placed his hand upon Miranda’s and squeezed.
“You know I promised your father that I would take care of you when he was away. Even if you marry Lord Hammil, he cannot make me break my oath. I may not be by your side as often, but I will always be here for you if you need me.” Miranda placed her other hand on top of Davy’s and smiled, feeling reassured.
When the carriage stopped, Davy removed his hand from Miranda’s grasp and opened the door. He quickly helped her step out and then walked slowly to the door. When Miranda entered into the hall, Lord Hammil hurried over to greet her. He lifted her hand and grazed it with his lips. He then nodded his head in Davy’s direction.
“My dear, we have much to discuss. Shall we go into my study and talk before my guests arrive?” Miranda had no time to refuse as he placed her hand on his arm and walked her to the study. Lord Hammil casually walked her into the room and helped her sit into a chair in front of his desk. He then turned to Davy and asked if he would be so kind as to wait in the hallway. Davy glanced at Miranda who nodded her head, letting him know that she would be fine with it. Davy then turned and left the room, but not before saying, “I will not be far if you need me.” Miranda nodded her head and noticed the glance that Davy had given Lord Hammil. She saw the irritated look on Lord Hammil’s features and had to stop herself from smiling. Davy closed the door behind him.
Lord Hammil moved to his seat behind the desk and folded his hands to lay upon his flat stomach. His eyes glanced periodically up at Miranda who sat in her seat patiently, her hands lying in her lap, fingers clenched tightly together.
“You look beautiful tonight, Miranda. I appreciate you coming. I’m not ashamed to say how much pleasure it will give me in having you meet my friends. I will immensely enjoy seeing the envious looks upon their faces.” Miranda smiled politely at Lord Hammil’s comment, but didn’t respond. The nervousness she felt prevented her from speaking. Lord Hammil traced a long slim finger along the edge of the desk as he said, “Any news yet from your father?” Miranda refused to tell Lord Hammil anything about her family, especially the truth. However, she knew that by stalling him again, he may be put off, and she knew that her father would no doubt bless the union between them. Her father often spoke of her living a normal life with a wealthy gentleman instead of being a pirate renegade sailing the seas. Though the sea was all that she craved for, Miranda wanted to make her father happy, so she told a lie.
“I received a letter from him this morning and he has given his approval for us to wed. He’s sorry that he will not be able to say this to you in person.” Lord Hammil rose abruptly from his chair, almost knocking it over, and hurried to stand in front of Miranda, his features expressing his joy.
“Does this news please you, Miranda? I must know.” Miranda rose from her chair with confidence, arms hanging by her sides and her chin lifting firmly.
“Yes, Leonard, you are a fine man. It would please any woman to become your wife.” Miranda told Lord Hammil what he wanted to hear, knowing that her words would please him. She then relaxed slightly and smiled, but her joy didn’t reach her eyes. Lord Hammil failed to notice. He placed his hands upon Miranda’s shoulders and pulled her to him awkwardly. Surprised by the action, Miranda placed her hands between them to rest on Lord Hammil’s chest.
“I have wanted to do this for some time, Miranda,” and without warning he leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was not passionate or exciting, but pleasant. Having nothing to compare it with, Miranda thought the kiss to be very satisfying. Feeling that Lord Hammil was taking enough liberties with her, she backed away removing herself from his arms and taking several steps away from him. She wanted to put plenty of space between them.
“You have made me a very happy man, Miranda. I will see that you are taken care of properly. Everything you will ever want will be yours.” Lord Hammil grabbed the chair next to Miranda’s and pulled it closer so he could sit next to her. Miranda slowly sank back into her chair, fixing the folds of her gown with one hand while Lord Hammil grabbed the other and held it in his.
“I know we have spent much time together but there are some things which you may not know about me. I know that I may seem weak and docile compared to some other men, but I’m really not. It may look like I couldn’t protect you from harm but appearances can be deceiving. I have much power in this world of ours and I feel I could protect you and do it well. However, there are things that I expect out of my wife and these are qualities I feel you should be aware of. I enjoy the sight of you, it pleases me very much, and your demeanor and obedience is satisfying. I feel that my wife should also be trustworthy, obedient to my command at all times, and faithful. Do you have these qualities?” Lord Hammil stared into Miranda’s soft brown eyes awaiting her answer.
“Of course!” replied Miranda hesitantly, feeling a little uncomfortable at having her virtues questioned, but also knowing that she wasn’t quite sure if she was going to be able to live up to Lord Hammil’s expectations of her. He was expecting her to be a perfect person and in this world she knew that she was not. A smile rose upon his lips as he continued.
“Good, because I feel that you do as well. I am a jealous man at times and get angry when people touch the items that belong to me without my permission. I would kill someone if they touched you where only I will be touching you.” The image of Lord Hammil caressing her body and lips almost made her shiver with distaste. This feeling caused much concern for Miranda. Lord Hammil wasn’t an ugly man by any means, in fact, he was quite handsome, but she still could not believe the hateful words that were coming out of his mouth. She wanted to take back what she had said to him about her father agreeing to the marriage, but knew that now she could not. Her eyes ran over Lord Hammil’s form as he ran his fingers through his hair and over his mustache, as if it was a nervous habit. Miranda’s eyes widened as she saw his hands shake as he spoke.
“I must have order in my life and because I am a public figure I demand perfection. Do you understand what I expect from you?” Lord Hammil grasped her hand tighter in his. Miranda almost flinched from the pain.
“I understand perfectly your expectations of me,” replied Miranda as she tried to smile but couldn’t quite accomplish it.
“Good, very good, I’m glad we understand each other. Now, there is another matter I wish to talk with you about. I am leaving on a ship tomorrow to go to New Providence, in the Caribbean. I have an estate down there and wish to check on it, as well as to take care of some personal matters for the queen. Would you care to join me? I know it is short notice to expect you to be ready in time, but I thought perhaps we could marry at my estate down there. I can send word ahead to make it ready for our coming. I have always wanted to get married in a tropical and beautiful place like New Providence. Would you indulge me, my sweet?” Lord Hammil stared longingly into Miranda’s eyes, hoping she wouldn’t say no.
Miranda was stunned by the request and yet pleased by it. She still hadn’t heard from her father and was starting to get concerned for his welfare. By joining Lord Hammil to New Providence, she could find a way to Eleuthera Island to see if her father was hiding out there. The thought brought a brilliant smile to Miranda’s face.
“If that is your wish, Leonard, then I will obey. I have never been to the Caribbean,” Miranda lied smoothly. “You have made me very happy with your request.” Suddenly, Miranda leaned forward and placed a soft kiss upon Lord Hammil’s cheek. He caressed the smooth skin of