The Gift

Chapter Eleven

The day they dropped anchor in the deeper waters surrounding Nora's Caribbean home Sara found out her husband had more than two titles. He wasn't just the Marquess of St. James and the Earl of Wakersfield.

He was also Pagan.

She was so stunned by that bit of news, she literally collapsed on the bed. She hadn't deliberately set out to eavesdrop, but the trap in the ceiling of her room was open and the two seamen were talking rather loudly. It was only when their voices dropped to whisper level that Sara began to pay attention to what they were talking about.

She refused to believe what she heard until Matthew entered the conversation and spoke matter-of-factly about the booty they'd divided from their last raid.

She had to sit down then.

In truth, she was more terrified than horrified by the revelation. Her fear was solely for Nathan, though, and every time she thought about the chances he took when he set out to pirate another ship she got sick to her stomach.

One black thought led to another. She pictured him walking toward the gallows, but only once would she allow herself to imagine that terrible possibility. When the bile rose in her throat and she knew she was about to lose her breakfast she forced herself to stop her black thoughts.

Sara would have been in complete despair if not for the last comment she overheard Chester make. The seaman admitted he was damned happy his pirating days were behind him. Most of the men, he added, were ready to take on family life, and their illegal savings would give them all a nice start.

She was so relieved she started to cry. She wasn't going to have to save Nathan from himself after all. He had apparently already seen the error of his ways. Lord, she prayed he had. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him. She'd loved him for so long, and life without him grunting at her and shouting at her-and loving her-was too devastating to think about.

Sara spent most of the morning worrying about Nathan. She couldn't seem to rid herself of her fear. What if one of his men betrayed her husband? The bounty on Pagan's head was enormous at last posting. No, no, don't think about that, she told herself. The men were a fiercely loyal lot. Yes, she'd noticed that right away. Why borrow trouble? What would happen would happen, no matter how much fretting she did beforehand.

No matter what, she would stand beside her husband and defend him any way that she could.

Had Matthew confided his dark past to Nora? And if so, had he also told her that Nathan was Pagan? Sara decided she would never find out one way or the other. She wasn't about to tell anyone, not even her dear aunt, what she'd learned. That secret was going to go to the grave with her.

When Nathan came down to the cabin to collect his wife he found her sitting on the side of the bed, staring off into space. It was as hot as the inside of a furnace, but Sara was shivering. He thought she wasn't feeling well. Her face was pale, yet the more telling symptom was that she barely spoke a word to him.

His concern intensified when she sat quietly in the rowboat that took them to the pier. Her hands were folded in her lap, her gaze downcast, and she didn't seem to be at all interested in her surroundings.

Nora sat beside Sara and kept up a steady stream of conversation. The elderly woman mopped her brow with her handkerchief and used her fan to cool herself. "It will take a day or two to get used to the heat," she remarked. "By the way, Nathan," she added, "there's a lovely waterfall just a half mile or so from my house. The water comes from the mountain. It's as pure as a baby's smile. There's a gathering pool at the bottom, and you simply must make time to take Sara up there for a nice swim."

Nora turned to look at her niece. "Sara, perhaps now you can learn how to swim."

Sara didn't answer her. Nora nudged her to gain her attention.

"I'm sorry," Sara said. "What did you just say?"

"Sara, whatever are you daydreaming about?" Nora asked.

"I wasn't daydreaming." She stared at Nathan when she made that remark. She frowned, too.

Nathan didn't know what to make of that. "She doesn't feel well," he told Nora.

"I feel perfectly well," Sara countered.

Nora's concern was obvious in her expression. "You've been terribly preoccupied," she remarked. "Is the heat bothering you?"

"No," Sara answered. She let out a little sigh. "I was just thinking about… things."

"Any special thing in particular?" Nora prodded.

Sara continued to stare at Nathan. He raised an eyebrow when she didn't immediately answer her aunt.

Nora broke the staring contest when she asked her ques tion once again. "I was suggesting that now would be an excellent time to learn how to swim."

"I'll teach you."

Nathan volunteered for that duty. Sara smiled at him. "Thank you for offering, but I don't believe I want to learn how. There isn't any need."

"Of course there is," he replied. "You'll learn before we leave for England."

"I don't wish to learn," she said again. "I don't need to know how."

"What do you mean, you don't need to know how?" Nathan asked. "You sure as hell do need to know how."

"Why?"

Because she looked so genuinely perplexed, he lost a little of his irritation. "Sara, you won't have to worry about drowning if you know how to swim."

"I don't worry about it now," she countered.

"Damn it all, you should."

She couldn't understand why he was getting so irritated. "Nathan, I won't drown."

That statement gave him pause. "Why not?"

"You wouldn't let me." She smiled.

Nathan braced his hands on his knees and leaned forward. "You're right," he began in a reasonable tone of voice. "I wouldn't let you drown."

Sara nodded. She turned to Nora. "There, do you see, Nora? There really isn't any need-"

Nathan interrupted her. "However," he announced in a louder voice, "what about those times when I'm not with you?"

She gave him an exasperated look. "Then I wouldn't go into the water."

He took a deep breath. "What if you fell into the water by accident?"

"Nathan, this is sounding very like the argument you gave me about defending myself," she said, her voice full of suspicion.

It's exactly the same argument, he countered. "I don't want to have to worry about you. You're going to learn how to swim, and that's the end of this discussion."

"Nora, do you notice how he yells at me all the time?" Sara asked.

"Don't try to draw me into this discussion," her aunt said. "I won't take sides."

Husband and wife lapsed into silence. Not another word was exchanged until they reached the pier.

Sara finally took time to notice her surroundings. "Oh, Nora," she whispered. "Everything is even… greener and lusher than I remembered."

The tropical paradise was vibrant with every color in the rainbow. Sara stood on the pier and stared up at the rolling hills in the distance. The sun pierced the palm trees, shining bright upon the multitude of delicate red flowers sprinkling the way to the top of the mountain.

Clapboard houses painted in pastel shades of pink and green, with copper-colored tiled roofs, stood regal against the background of hills overlooking the harbor. Sara wished there was time to take her charcoals and paper in hand and try to capture the God-created canvas. She realized almost immediately that she couldn't possibly duplicate the masterpiece, and she let out a little sigh.

Nathan walked over to stand beside her. The innocent wonder on her face took his breath away.

"Sara?" he asked when he noticed the tears gathering in her eyes. "Is something the matter?"

She didn't take her gaze away from the hills when she answered him. "It's magnificent, isn't it, Nathan?"

"What's magnificent?"

"The painting God's given us," she whispered. "Look up at the hills. Do you see how the sun acts as the frame? Oh, Nathan, it truly is magnificent."

He never looked up. He stared down at his wife's face for what seemed an eternity. A slow heat seemed to permeate his heart, his soul. He couldn't stop himself from reaching out to touch her. The back of his finger slowly trailed a line down the side of her cheek.

"You are magnificent," he heard himself whisper. "You see only the beauty in life."

Sara was stunned by the emotional force in his voice. She turned to smile at him. "I do?" she whispered.

The unguarded moment was gone. Before she could so much as blink Nathan's manner changed. He became brisk when he ordered her to quit dallying.

She wondered if she was ever going to understand him. She walked by her aunt's side along the wooden planks that led to the street while she considered her husband's confusing personality.

"Sara dear, you're frowning. Is the heat beginning to bother you?"

"No," she answered. "I was just thinking what a confusing man my husband is," she explained. "Nora, he actually wants me to become thoroughly self-sufficient," she confessed. "Nathan has made me realize how dependent I try to make myself. I only thought I should," she added with a shrug. "I thought he was supposed to take care of me, but perhaps I was in error. I believe he would still cherish me even if I could defend myself."

"I believe he'd be very proud of your efforts," Nora answered. "Do you really want to be at a man's mercy? Consider your mother, Sara. She isn't married to a man as caring as Nathan."

Her aunt had given her something to think about. Sara hadn't considered the possibility that Nathan might have turned out to be a cruel man. But what if he had?

"I must think about what you've just said," she whispered.

Nora patted her hand. "You'll work it all out in your mind, my dear. Don't frown so. It will give you a headache. My, isn't it a lovely day?"

There were several men loitering along the pathway. They all stared at Sara when she strolled past. Nathan scowled at their blatantly lustful looks, and when one overly appreciative man let out a low whistle Nathan's temper ignited. When he walked past the man he casually slammed the back of his fist into the bastard's face.

The blow toppled the man into the water. Sara glanced back over her shoulder when she heard the splash. It was an absentminded action, for she was also trying to concentrate on what Nora was saying to her. She caught Nathan's eye. He smiled at her. She smiled back before turning around again.

All but one of the other men moved out of the way when Nathan walked past. The less cautious individual had a twiglike nose and a squint. "She's a fetching one, ain't she?" he remarked.

"She's mine," Nathan announced in a low growl. Instead of hitting the insolent man he simply shoved him off the pier.

"Boy, you're getting a mite protective, don't you think?" Jimbo drawled out. He grinned when he added, "She's just a wife."

"The woman doesn't realize her own appeal," Nathan muttered. "She sure as hell wouldn't walk like that if she noticed how the bastards were leering at her."

"Exactly how is she walking?" Jimbo asked.

"You know damn well what I'm talking about. The way her hips…" He didn't continue his explanation, but turned his attention to Jimbo's last remark. "And she isn't just a wife, Jimbo. She's my wife."

Jimbo decided he'd baited Nathan long enough. The boy was working himself into a fury. "I can already see from the looks of the place that we aren't going to be able to get the supplies we need to repair the mast."

That glum prophecy turned out to be true. After sending Sara with Nora and Matthew to get settled in Nora's house, Nathan went with Jimbo to explore the tiny village.

It didn't take Nathan long to agree that they'd have to sail to a larger port. According to the charts, the nearest supply port was a good two days away.

Nathan knew his wife wouldn't like hearing about his departure. On his way up the hill, he made the decision to tell her at once and get the inevitable scene over and done.

He was a bit surprised when he reached Nora's house. He'd expected to find a small cottage, but Nora's residence was three times that size. It was a large, two-story structure. The exterior was a pale pink. The verandah that circled the front and sides was painted white.

Sara was sitting in a rocking chair near the front door. Nathan climbed the steps and announced, "I'm leaving with half the crew tomorrow."

"I see."

She tried to control her expression. She was suddenly filled with panic. Dear God, was he going away on another raid? Nora had mentioned that her island home was close to the pirates' nest located just a little further down the coast. Was Nathan going to meet up with past associates and go on one last adventure?

She took a deep, settling breath. She knew she was jumping to conclusions, but she couldn't seem to stop herself.

"We have to sail to a larger port, Sara, in order to get the supplies we need to repair the Seahawk."

She didn't believe a word of that story. Nora lived in a fishing village, for God's sake, and the seamen would certainly have enough supplies on hand. She wasn't going to let Nathan know what she was guessing, though. When he was ready to tell her he was Pagan, he would. Until then she would pretend to believe him. "I see," she whispered again.

Nathan was surprised by her easy acceptance. He was used to arguing with her over every little matter. The change in her manner actually worried him. She had been acting peculiar all day long.

He leaned against the rail and waited for her to say something more. Sara stood up and walked back into the house.

He caught up with her in the foyer. "I won't be gone long," he told her.

She kept right on going. She'd reached the second story when he grabbed hold of her shoulders. "Sara, what's gotten into you?"

"Nora has given us the second chamber on the left, Nathan. I only packed a few things, but perhaps you'd better have some of the men fetch my trunk."

"Sara, you aren't going to be staying here that long," Nathan countered.

"I see."

And if you're killed at sea, she wanted to scream at him. What then, Nathan? Would anyone even bother to come back here to tell me? Lord, it was too horrible to think about.

Sara shrugged off his hands and continued. Nathan once again followed her.

The bedchamber assigned to them faced the sea. Twin windows were open, and the lulling sound of the waves slapping against the rocks echoed throughout the spacious room. There was a large four-poster bed situated between the windows with a lovely multicolored quilt covering it. A large overstuffed green velvet chair sat at an angle near the wardrobe adjacent to the door. The color of the drapes matched the color of the chair exactly.

Sara hurried over to the wardrobe and began to hang her dresses inside.

Nathan leaned against the door and watched his wife for a minute. "All right, Sara. Something's the matter, and I want to know what it is."

"Nothing's the matter," she said, her voice shaking. She didn't turn around.

Damn, he thought, something was certainly wrong, and he wasn't going to leave the room until he found out what it was.

"Have a safe voyage, husband. Good-bye."

He felt like growling. "I'm not leaving until tomorrow."

"I see."

"Will you quit saying I see?" he bellowed. "Damn it, Sara, I want you to quit acting so damned cold with me. I don't like it."

She turned around so he could see her frown. "Nathan, I've asked you countless times to quit using blasphemies in my presence because I don't like it, but that doesn't stop you, does it?"

"That isn't the same," he muttered. He wasn't at all irritated with her near-shout. The fact that she was getting her temper back actually pleased him. She wasn't acting cold or uncaring.

Sara couldn't understand why he was smiling at her. He looked relieved. The man didn't make any sense to her at all. Nathan had obviously spent one too many days in the hot sun.

A plan formed in her mind. "Since you like using blasphemies so much, I shall have to assume that you gain immense satisfaction when you use such ignorant words." She paused to smile at him. "I've decided I'm going to use sinful words, too, just to test this theory. I'm also going to find out if you like hearing your spouse talk so commonly."

His laughter didn't bother her at all. "The only foul words you know are damn and hell, Sara, because those are the only blasphemies I've ever used in your presence. I was being considerate," he added with a nod.

She shook her head. "I've heard you use other words when you didn't know I was on deck. I've also heard the crew's colorful vocabulary."

He started laughing again. The thought of his delicate little wife using foul words was extremely amusing to him. She was such a feminine thing, such a soft, sweet lady, and he couldn't even begin to imagine her using a crude word. It just wasn't in her nature.

A shout from Matthew stopped their discussion. "Nora's wanting both of you in the drawing room," he bellowed up the stairs.

"You go on down," Sara ordered. "I only have two more gowns to finish. Tell her I'll be right there."

Nathan hated the interruption. He had been thoroughly enjoying himself. He let out a sigh and started out the door.

Sara had the last word. Her voice was amazingly cheerful when she called out, "Nathan, it's a damned hot afternoon, isn't it?"

"Damned right it is," he called back over his shoulder.

He wasn't about to let her know he didn't like hearing her talk like a common wench. What Sara said to him in private was one thing, but he knew good and well she'd never use such blasphemies in public.

He was given a chance to put her to the test much sooner than he'd anticipated.

There was a visitor sitting beside Nora on the brocade settee in the drawing room. Matthew was standing in front of the windows. Nathan nodded to his friend, then strode over to Nora.

"Nathan, dear, I'd like to present the Reverend Oscar Pickering." She turned to her guest and added, "My nephew is the marquess of St. James."

It took all he had not to start laughing. The opportunity was simply too good to pass up. "You're a man of the cloth?" he asked with a wide smile:

Nora had never seen Nathan so accommodating. Why, he actually reached out and shook the vicar's hand. She'd thought he would be as ill at ease as Matthew. That poor dear looked as if he had a rash paining him.

Sara walked into the drawing room just as Nathan sprawled in one of the two chairs facing the settee. He stretched his long legs out in front of him and grinned like a simpleton.

"Oscar is the newly appointed regent for the village," Nora was telling Nathan.

"Have you known Oscar long?" Nathan asked before he spotted Sara standing in the doorway.

"No, we've only just met, but I did insist that your aunt call me by my given name."

Sara walked forward, then made a perfect curtsy in front of their guest. The new government official was a skinny man with rounded spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose. He wore a starched white cravat with his black jacket and breeches, and his manner was most austere. He seemed a little condescending to Sara, for his head was tilted back, and he was looking down through his spectacles at her.

He kept giving Nathan quick glances. There was a noticeable look of disdain on his face.

Sara didn't like the man one bit. "My dear," Nora began, "I would like to present-"

Nathan interrupted. "His name is Oscar, Sara, and he's the new regent for the village."

He'd deliberately left out mention that the man also happened to be the vicar.

"Oscar, this lovely young lady is my niece, and Nathan's wife, of course. Lady Sara."

Pickering nodded and motioned to the chair next to Nathan. "I'm pleased to meet you, Lady Sara."

Sara dutifully smiled. The man's spectacles must have been pinching his nose tight, she thought, as he had an unusually high, nasal voice.

"I should have sent a note requesting an audience," Pickering said, "but I happened to be out on my daily walk, and I couldn't restrain myself when I saw all the commotion going on up here. My curiosity, you see, got the better of me. There are several unsavory-looking men sitting on your verandah, Lady Nora, and I would advise you to have your servants chase them away. Mustn't mingle with the inferiors, you see. It isn't done."

Pickering frowned at Matthew when he made that last comment. Sara was quite astonished by the man's rudeness.

He wasn't as schooled as he'd have them believe, she knew, because he hadn't bothered to stand up when she'd walked into the room. The man was a fraud.

In her agitation she picked up a fan from the table, flipped it open with a flick of her wrist, and diligently began to wave it back and forth in front of her face.

"No one's chasing anyone away," Nathan announced.

"The men are part of the marquess's crew," Nora interjected.

Sara walked over to stand beside Matthew. It was a show of loyalty on her part, and Matthew's slow wink told her he knew what her game was. She smiled in reaction.

Then Nathan drew her attention. "My wife was just remarking on the heat," he drawled. His gaze was directed on Sara. His smile, she noticed, was devilish. "What was it you said, wife?" he innocently asked.

"I don't remember," she blurted out.

The look of satisfaction that came over her husband changed her mind. "Oh, yes, I do remember now. I said it was damned hot. Don't you agree, Mr. Pickering?"

The spectacles fell to the tip of the regent's nose. Matthew looked just as startled. Nathan, she noticed, had quit smiling.

Sara sweetened her smile. "The heat always gives me a hell of a headache," she announced.

She added up the reactions once again. Matthew was looking at her as though he'd only just noticed she had more than one nose on her face.

Her dear husband was glaring at her. That wasn't good enough. She was after total defeat, and with it the promise that he would never use foul words again.

She prayed Nora would be understanding when she explained her shameful conduct. Then she let out a loud sigh and leaned back against the window ledge. "Yes, it's a real pisser today."

Nathan bounded out of his chair. Like a man who'd just heard a foul suggestion and couldn't quite believe it, he demanded that she repeat herself. "What did you just say?" he roared.

She was happy to accommodate him. "I said it's a real pisser today."

"Enough!" Nathan shouted.

Matthew had to sit down. Nora started in coughing in a bid to cover her laughter. Mr. Pickering was out of his seat and hurrying across the room. He clutched a book in his hands.

"Must you leave so soon, Mr. Pickering?" Sara called out. Her face was hidden behind the fan so he wouldn't see her smile.

"I really must," their guest stammered.

"My, you're in a hurry," Sara said. She put the fan down and started for the foyer. "Why, you act as though someone just kicked you in the-"

She never got in the last word since Nathan's hand suddenly covered her mouth. She pushed his hand away. "I was only going to say backside."

"Oh, no you weren't," Nathan countered.

"Sara, whatever in heaven's name came over you?" Nora called out.

Sara hurried over to her aunt. "Do forgive me. I hope I didn't upset you overly much, Nora, but Nathan does like to use crude words, and I thought I'd give it a try. I didn't particularly care for this new government official anyway," she confessed. "But if you wish it, I will of course chase him down and apologize."

Nora shook her head. "I didn't like him either," she admitted.

Both ladies were pretending not to notice that Nathan was standing in front of them. Sara scooted a little closer to Nora. She felt as if she were going to be pounced on at any moment.

She didn't care for that feeling at all. She cleared her throat in a nervous action but valiantly held onto her smile when she said "What was that book I noticed in Mr. Pickering's hands? Did you lend him one of your novels, Aunt? I don't believe I'd trust him to return it to you. He doesn't seem the reliable sort at all."

"It wasn't a novel he was carrying," Nora said, her smile gentle. "It was his Bible. Oh, heavens, I really should have explained much sooner."

"Explained what?" Sara asked. "Do you mean to tell me that condescending man carries a Bible around with him? If that isn't hypocritical, I don't know what is."

"Sara, most of the clergy do carry Bibles."

She was slow to catch on. "Clergy? Nora, you told me he was the newly appointed regent."

"Yes, dear, he's a government official, but he also happens to be the pastor of the only church in the village. He stopped by to invite us to attend his Sunday services."

"Oh, my God." After wailing out those words Sara closed her eyes.

No one said a word for a minute. Nathan continued to glare at his wife. Sara continued to blush, and Nora continued to struggle not to laugh. Then Matthew's deep voice broke the silence. "Now that, Lady Sara, is a real pisser."

"Watch your mouth, Matthew," Nathan ordered. He grabbed hold of Sara's hand and pulled her from the settee.

"I can just imagine what the topic of his sermon is going to be come Sunday," Nora announced. She started laughing, and within a flash she needed to mop the tears from her cheeks. "Oh, Lord, I thought I'd die when you so casually remarked-"

"This isn't amusing," Nathan interjected.

"Did you know?" Sara demanded at the same time.

Nathan pretended ignorance. "Know what?"

"That Pickering was a man of the cloth?"

He slowly nodded.

"It's all your fault," Sara cried out. "I never would have disgraced myself if you hadn't prodded me. Now do you understand my point? Will you quit using blasphemies?"

Nathan threw his arm around his wife's shoulders and hauled her up against his side. "Nora, I apologize for my wife's foul mouth. Now give me directions to this waterfall." He glanced down at Sara. "You're going to have your first swimming lesson, Sara, and if you use one more obscene word, I swear I'll let you drown."

Nora led them through the back of the house as she gave her directions. When she suggested she have the cook prepare a nice picnic luncheon for them, Nathan declined. He grabbed two apples, handed one to Sara, and dragged her in his wake out the back door.

"It's too hot for a swim," Sara argued.

Nathan said nothing.

"I'm not suitably attired for the water," she continued.

"Too bad."

"I'll get my hair wet."

"That you will."

She gave up. His mind was set on this course of action, she supposed, and it was wasted effort to try to reason with him.

The broken path was narrow. She held onto the back of Nathan's shirt when the climb became steep. She was just beginning to get weary of their hike when the sound of the waterfall caught her attention.

Eager to see a bit of paradise, as Nora had called it, she passed her husband and took the lead.

The foliage was dense around them, and the sweet scent of wildflowers filled the air. Sara felt as though she was in the center of a kaleidoscope of colors. The green of the leaves was the most vivid color she'd ever seen, save for Nathan's beautiful eyes, she told herself, and the pink, orange, and bright red flowers sprinkled about by Mother Nature's whim seemed to blossom before her eyes.

It really was a paradise. That admission carried with it the worry of a serpent.

Nathan had just lifted a fat branch out of the path and motioned for Sara to go ahead.

"Should I worry about snakes?" she asked him in a whisper.

"No."

"Why not?" she asked, hoping he'd tell her there weren't any of the horrid reptiles on the island.

"I'll worry for you," he said instead.

Her fear increased. "What will you do if a snake bites you?" she asked as she passed him.

"Bite him back," Nathan drawled.

That ludicrous remark made her laugh. "You would, wouldn't you?"

She came to an abrupt stop and let out a gasp of pleasure. "Oh, Nathan, it's so lovely here."

He silently agreed with her. The waterfall poured down over the smooth rocks and fell into a froth in the pool at the bottom.

Nathan took hold of Sara's hand again and led her to the ledge behind the waterfall. The area was very like a hidden cave, and when they'd reached the center the water became a curtain shielding them from the world.

"Take your clothes off, Sara, while I see how deep it is here."

He didn't give her time to argue with that command but turned to lean against the rock to take off his boots.

Sara took his apple, added her own, and placed both on the rock behind her. She put her hand out to touch the water flowing down and was surprised that it wasn't overly cold to the touch.

"I'll just sit here and dangle my feet in the water," she announced.

"Take your clothes off, Sara."

She turned to argue with her husband and found he'd stripped out of all his garments. Before she could even blush he'd disappeared through the curtain of water into the pool below.

Sara folded her husband's clothes and put them way back against the wall. She then removed her dress, her shoes, her stockings, and her petticoats. She left her chemise on.

Then she sat down close to the edge and let the water pour over her feet. She was just about to relax when Nathan caught hold of her feet and pulled her into the water. It felt too wonderful to protest. The sun was bright, and the drops of water seemed to glisten on Nathan's bronzed shoulders.

The water came to the middle of his chest. It was so clear, she could see to the bottom. Nathan's muscular thighs drew her immediate notice. He was such a fit man, she thought to herself. He was terribly gentle with her when he pulled her into his arms.

She wrapped herself around him and rested the side of her face on his shoulder.

"You're very trusting," he whispered. "Stand up. Let's see if the water covers your head."

She did as he requested. The water reached her mouth, but when she tilted her head all the way back she could breathe without difficulty.

"This is nice, isn't it?" she asked.

Nathan was trying to concentrate on the swimming lesson he was about to give, but her soft body kept getting in his way. The thinner-than-air chemise she wore clung to her breasts, and all he really wanted to do was make sweet love to her.

Hell, he thought, he had the discipline of a gnat when she was near. "All right, then," he began in a brisk, no-nonsense voice. "The first thing you're going to learn is how to float."

Sara wondered why Nathan was frowning so, then decided he was being brisk so she wouldn't try to argue with him. "If you say so, Nathan."

"You're going to have to let go of me, Sara."

She immediately did as he ordered. She slipped under the water when she lost her anchor and her balance, and she came up sputtering. Nathan lifted her up by holding her around the waist, then ordered her to stretch out on her back.

Sara was floating without his assistance in little time. He was more pleased over her accomplishment than she appeared to be. "That's enough instruction for one day," she announced. She grabbed hold of his arm to balance herself and then tried to nag him into taking her back to the ledge.

Nathan pulled her into his arms. His touch was gentle as he brushed her hair out of her face. Her soft breasts rubbed against his chest. He took his time lowering the straps. Sara didn't realize her husband's intent until her chemise was down around her waist.

She opened her mouth to protest. He silenced her with a long wet kiss. The sound of the waterfall drowned out his low growl of desire. Her knees went weak when his tongue moved inside her mouth. He swept her resistance completely away. She threw her arms around his neck and held him tight.

Nathan worked the chemise down her legs, then lifted her higher until he was pressed tight against the junction of her thighs. She felt so incredibly good to him. Kissing her wasn't enough anymore. He pulled back and looked into her eyes.

"I want you."

"I always want you, Nathan," she whispered.

"Now, Sara," he said. "I want you now."

Her eyes widened. "Here?"

He nodded. "Here," he said in a low groan. "And now, Sara. I don't want to wait."

Even as he told her his intent he was pulling her legs up around his waist. He was kissing her wildly, demanding her response.

Oh, how easily he could make her want him, she thought. Sara was trembling with raw need when he asked her if she was ready for him. She couldn't even speak. Her nails scraped his shoulders in answer, and she let out a little sigh of pleasure when he began to ease inside her.

Nathan captured her mouth for a long kiss, and when her tongue touched his he thrust deep inside. She tightened around him.

They both almost drowned. Neither minded. And when they found their fulfillment they were both left spent from the bliss they'd just shared.

Sara didn't have the strength to walk to the ledge. Nathan carried her there and placed her on the rock next to the waterfall. The sun beat down on her, but Sara didn't mind the heat. She was still feeling happy and lethargic from their lovemaking.

Nathan lifted himself up on the ledge and sat beside Sara. He couldn't stop himself from touching her. He kissed the top of her head, then the ticklish spot behind her ear. She fell back against the rock and closed her eyes. "It's quite remarkable what happens when we make love, isn't it, Nathan?" she whispered.

He rolled to his side, propped himself on one elbow, and stared down at her. His fingers slowly circled her breasts, smiling when he saw the goosebumps his touch caused.

Sara had never felt so wonderful. The heat from the rock against her back wanned her, and her husband's touch made her shiver at the same time. She didn't think it was possible for her to want him again so soon, but when he began to nuzzle the valley between her breasts desire flared again.

She couldn't stop herself from arching up against him. He was driving her mad with his light, teasing caresses. He bathed each breast with his mouth, his tongue, and when he next looked into her eyes he saw the passion there, the need. His fingers tickled a path down her stomach. He teased her navel. She drew her stomach in. His hand moved down lower, and when his fingers slipped inside her she let out a low groan.

"You're wet for me, aren't you, Sara?"

She was too embarrassed to answer him. She tried to move his hand away. He wouldn't let her. And then he leaned down and began to make love to her with his mouth. His tongue made her lose her control. She writhed beneath him. She never wanted the sweet torture to end.

Her movements made him hard again. Just when he felt her tighten around him he moved between her legs and thrust deep inside her. Sara found her release then. The climax was so shattering, so consuming, she thought she'd died and gone to heaven.

Nathan was there with her. He let out a low groan and poured his seed into her.

Sara was too weak to move. Nathan thought his weight must be crushing her. With extreme effort he braced himself up with his elbows.

When he saw her bemused expression he smiled. "If we fall into the water now, we're going to drown."

She smiled up at him through her tears. She reached up and touched his mouth. "You wouldn't ever let anything happen to me. Do you have to go away tomorrow?"

He had started to turn away from her but her question stopped him. "Yes," he answered.

"I see."

God, she sounded forlorn. "What exactly do you see?" he asked. He nudged her chin up when she tried to turn her face away. "Sara?"

Because she couldn't come right out and ask him if he was going pirating, she decided not to say anything at all,

"Are you going to miss me, wife?" he asked.

She was nearly undone by the tenderness in his gaze. "Yes, Nathan," she whispered. "I will miss you."

"Then come with me."

Her eyes widened in astonishment. "You would let me come with you?" she stammered out. "But that means you aren't going… I did jump to conclusions. You have put it all behind you."

"Sara, what are you rambling about?"

She pulled his head down for a kiss. "I'm happy you would let me come with you, that's all," she explained. She sat up and leaned against his side. "I don't need to go with you now. It's quite enough to know you'd let me."

"Quit talking in circles," Nathan ordered. "And while I'm thinking about it, I want you to explain what was going on in your head earlier today. You were upset about something. Tell me what it was."

"I was afraid you wouldn't come back for me," Sara blurted out. It was a lie, of course, but her arrogant husband couldn't possibly know that. In fact, he looked quite pleased by her statement.

"I would never forget to come back for you," he countered. "But I'm talking about before, Sara."

"Before what?"

"Before you even knew I was leaving to get supplies. You were acting oddly then."

"I was feeling sorry for myself because my time with Nora was soon going to end. I shall miss her, Nathan."

He gave her a fierce look while he tried to make up his mind if she was telling the truth or not. Then she smiled at him and told him she was once again ready to go back into the water. "I haven't quite mastered this floating business yet," she said.

Husband and wife stayed in the pool most of the afternoon. They ate their apples as they made their way back down the mountain. Sara's delicate skin was already beginning to burn. Her face was as red as the sunset.

When Nathan put his arm around her shoulder she let out a squeal. He was immediately contrite.

Nora met them at the kitchen door. "Matthew and Jimbo and I held dinner so that… goodness, Sara, you're as red as a beet. Oh, child, you're going to suffer tonight. Whatever were you thinking of?"

"I didn't think about the sun," Sara replied. "I was having such a good time."

"What were you doing? Were you swimming all the while?" Nora asked.

"No," Nathan answered when his wife glanced up at him. He smiled at her and then turned back to Nora. "As a matter of fact, we were-"

"Floating," Sara blurted out. "I'll just be a minute, Aunt, while I change my clothes and brush my hair. You really shouldn't have waited for us," she added over her shoulder as she rushed toward the stairs.

Nathan caught her at the bottom step. He slowly turned her around, then tilted her chin up and kissed her. It was a long, lingering kiss that made her feel she was going to swoon. It wasn't like him to show such affection in front of others, she realized, and he never kissed her unless he wanted to make love to her… or shut her up, she knew. Since he looked too exhausted to make love again, and since she hadn't been arguing with him, she could come to only one conclusion. Nathan was being affectionate just because he wanted to.

She was further confused when he leaned down and whispered into her ear, "I thought what we did all afternoon was called making love, wife, but if you prefer to call it floating, that's fine with me."

Her face was too sunburned for anyone to know if she was blushing or not. She smiled up at him even as she shook her head at him. He was teasing her. Good God, Nathan had a sense of humor, too. It was too much to take in all at once.

Then he gifted her with a slow wink. She knew she'd died and gone to heaven then. The sunburn didn't matter any longer, nor did her audience of Jimbo, Matthew, and Nora. Sara threw herself into Nathan's arms and kissed him soundly. "Oh, I do love you so," she cried out.

She wasn't even disappointed when he grunted in reply and didn't shout his love for her then and there. It was too soon for him to tell her what was in his heart, she decided. The feelings were too fresh, too new, and Nathan was quite stubborn. It might take him another six months before he could finally say the words she wanted to hear. She could wait, she told herself. She was, after all, patient and understanding. Besides, in her heart she already knew he loved her, and the fact that he wasn't ready to know it didn't bother her at all.

She didn't make it downstairs for dinner. Once Nathan had helped her remove her gown she seemed to swell up, and the thought of putting any clothing against her burning skin made her want to scream.

Nora provided a bottle of green paste. Sara carried on something fierce while Nathan gently applied the sticky lotion to her back and shoulders. Fortunately the front of her hadn't been burned. She slept on her stomach, and when she couldn't stand the shivers she slept on Nathan.

The next day Nathan didn't make a single rude remark when he kissed Sara good-bye. He pretended he didn't mind looking at the mask of green paste covering her face.

Sara spent the next two days with her aunt. The Reverend Mr. Pickering came back for a second visit. He was much more civil. Sara explained the reason she'd used such foul words in his presence. Pickering broke into a smile. He looked relieved by her confession, and his manner toward Aunt Nora warmed considerably.

During the course of their visitation the reverend mentioned that there was a ship leaving for England the following morning. Sara immediately went to her aunt's desk and penned a letter to her mother. She told all about her adventure, how happy she was, and boasted that Nathan had turned out to be a kind, considerate, loving husband. Reverend Mr. Pickering took the missive with him to give to the captain of the vessel.

When Nathan came back the following morning Sara was so happy to see him that she burst into tears. They spent a peaceful day together and fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms.

Sara couldn't believe it was possible to be so happy. Being married to Nathan was like living in paradise. Nothing could ever destroy their love. Nothing.

She wished everyone could be as happy and made that remark to Nora and Matthew late one evening. The three of them sat in wicker chairs on the verandah while they waited for Nathan to return from an errand.

"I believe Matthew and I know exactly what you're talking about," Nora announced. "One doesn't have to be young to experience love, my dear. Matthew, are you ready for a brandy?"

"I'll fetch it," Sara volunteered.

"You'll stay put," Nora countered. She stood up and started for the door. "Your burn's still tender. Keep Matthew company. I'll be right back."

As soon as the door closed behind Nora Matthew whispered, "She's too good for me, Sara, but I'm not going to let that stand in my way. As soon as I put my affairs in order I'm coming back to live out my days with your aunt. How are you feeling about that?"

Sara clasped her hands together. "Oh, Matthew, I think that's wonderful news. We must have the wedding ceremony before we leave for England. I don't want to miss the celebration."

Matthew looked uncomfortable. "Well, now, Sara, I didn't exactly mention marriage, did I?"

She bounded out of her chair. "You'd best mention it now, Matthew, or you aren't ever coming back here. A single night of passion is one thing, sir, but a plan to live out the rest of your days in sin is quite another. Think of Nora's reputation!"

"I am thinking about Nora's reputation," Matthew defended. "She couldn't marry me. It wouldn't be right. I'm not worthy enough."

The seaman stood up and stared out toward the sea. Sara walked over and jabbed him in his stomach with her finger. "You bloody well are worthy enough. Don't you dare insult yourself to me, sir."

"Sara, I've led a… speckled life," Matthew stammered.

"And?" she asked.

"And I'm only a seaman," he said.

Sara shrugged. "Nora's first husband was a groom. He was probably just as speckled as you think you are," she added. "Nora was blissfully happy with her Johnny. She must like speckled men. Nora confessed to me that you are a dear, tenderhearted man, Matthew. I know you love her. She must love you, too, if she let you into her bed. As I said to Nathan not long ago, this would solve many problems. Uncle Henry wouldn't send anyone after Nora if he knew she had someone strong to protect her. You'll look after her interests. And I would be so very proud to call you Uncle."

Matthew was humbled by her faith in him. He let out a happy sigh. "All right," he said. "I'll ask Nora. But you have to promise me you'll accept it if Nora says no. All right?"

Sara threw her arms around Matthew's neck and hugged him tight. "She won't say no," she whispered.

"Wife, what the hell are you doing? Matthew, unhand her."

Both Sara and Matthew ignored Nathan's brisk order. Only after she'd placed a chaste kiss on Matthew's cheek did she move away from him. She walked over to the top step where Nathan stood and gave him a sassy grin. "We have to go upstairs now, husband. Matthew wants to be alone with Nora."

She had to pull him into the house and up the stairs. He wanted her to explain why he'd found her draped all over his seaman. "I'll explain everything when we're in our bedroom."

They passed Nora on their way across the foyer. Sara bid her aunt goodnight, then went upstairs. She paced while she waited to find out if Matthew had asked his question and if Nora had given him her answer. When Nathan grew weary of watching her wear out the carpet he captured her in mid-pace, tossed her on their bed, and made wild, passionate love to her. They fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms.

The announcement was made the following morning. Nora had agreed to become Matthew's wife. Sara guessed that much as soon as she saw her aunt's radiant smile.

Matthew explained that he would have to return to England for a short while, in order to straighten out his affairs and sell his cottage. He wouldn't take Nora with him, of course, for her life would be in jeopardy if the Winchesters sniffed out her presence in England. The older seaman wanted to get married before he left, and since Nathan was determined to set sail within a week, the wedding was scheduled for the following Saturday. It was a simple ceremony. Sara wept her way through the event and Nathan spent most of his time mopping at her tears.

He thought she was the most exasperating woman.

Nathan stood there watching his gentle little wife as she whispered and laughed with her aunt, and he realized then the joy she brought to others.

He heard her tell Matthew that her most fervent wish was that their marriage would be as perfect as hers was. He laughed then. Sara really was a hopeless romantic.

She was ridiculously tenderhearted.

She was outrageously innocent.

She was… perfect.