Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(67)

jaw, considering what to do. With Barrett gone, there went any

hope of confronting him, demanding answers.

Taking slow, measured breaths, he looked outside. The rain

had already stopped, as if the sky couldn’t make up its mind.

After several more minutes he headed in the direction of

the gardens.

The wind blew and buffeted, but Teach pressed on through

the manicured lawns, until he reached the trail leading behind

his father’s property into the nearby woods. He drew to a halt at the two weeping willows. As a child he’d loved playing near the





2 3 9


trees, pretending he was an explorer, discovering new worlds and different cultures.

It was the same place where he had vomited on Miss

Patience, and where Anne had appeared out of nowhere to help

him. He liked to think that had been the start of their friendship, but it had since grown into something stronger.

As if his thoughts had conjured her, he felt her presence at

his side before he saw her. She wore a dark blue cloak that fell to her ankles in long folds, and despite the mud soaking her hem, she looked every inch the queen.

“I’m going into town,” she said.

“Oh?” Although he’d encouraged her to do just that, Teach

couldn’t hide his disappointment. There was something calm—

ing about Anne, and at that moment he craved tranquility.

“Yes, I’m going to find someone to take Mary’s place.” Not

only was she intelligent and beautiful, but she possessed an air of efficiency. Teach had the feeling that when she set her mind to something, there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do.

“While you’re at it, do you think you could find a replace—

ment for the groom as well?” Teach asked, only half joking.

His father hadn’t been gone for even a day, and already the

household had fallen apart. “I’d accompany you, but I have

the feeling my father wouldn’t appreciate my efforts.”

“I believe I can find someone to replace the groom. Elizabeth

has several siblings. I’m sure they would be more than willing to work for your father.”





2 4 0


“Let me ready the carriage for you,” he said.

“There’s no need. I prefer to walk.”

“You’ll do no such thing. It’s about to rain again.”

Anne squared her shoulders. “I assure you, I’ve walked in the

rain before. And the snow. And the ice. I’m perfectly capable of walking to town. I used to do it every day.”

Teach hated the thought of Anne being exposed to all sorts

of elements, both human and otherwise. “I do not doubt that,

but I would prefer it if you took the carriage. And have Sara

accompany you.”

“Elizabeth is coming with me. And she prefers to walk as

well.”

In spite of his annoyance, Teach couldn’t help a faint

smile. She would fight till the last. “I thought we were past

this, Anne.”

“Past what?”

“Arguing.”

“We’re not arguing. I simply came to tell you where I was

going. You’re the one who insists on telling me what to do.”

“Good. Then I’m simply telling you I will see to the carriage.” Teach turned to head back to the stable, but Anne’s next words stopped him.

“I saw John leave. I know he came to bring you some kind

of news. What was it?” There was no mistaking the concern in

her voice.

“He’s gone.”





2 41


Anne lifted her skirts and moved to stand in front of him, forcing him to meet her eyes. “Who is?”

“Your brother.”

Looking away, she was quiet for a moment. “What does

that mean? Will they continue with the inquiry if he’s not here?”

Teach sighed. “I don’t know. I don’t know what any of this

means.”

“We still have to wait to hear from your father.”

Teach rubbed the back of his neck. “You place an awful lot

of faith in his abilities.”

“And you, not nearly enough. Despite what you think, I

know he loves you.”

“You keep telling me that, but we must have a different

understanding of the word.”

“And what is your definition?” she asked.

“I believe if you truly love someone, then the most important thing should be their happiness, not yours.”

“You’re saying your father cares more for his own happiness.”

“Yes.”

Anne stepped toward him, her face flushed. “And I believe

if you truly love someone, you let that person know you will

always be there for them, no matter the circumstances. That is

precisely what your father is doing.”

“And you?”

Anne’s breath was faster than usual, a pulse beating in her

neck. “What?”