Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(80)

gathering the papers scattered across its surface. They were her father’s, the ones Mr. Cogswell had given her.

Teach bent and retrieved the book from the floor, then

came to stand by her side. “You’re not the only one who can

run away, you know. If you truly wish to leave England, I will accompany you. It’s far too dangerous to travel by yourself.”

Clutching the papers in her hands, she glared at him. “You

think I’m running away?”

“Aye, I do. You’re afraid to trust someone. But you have

the means to be independent, and I have no desire to hold you

back. If you truly wish to find your mother’s family, I will help you search for them.”

Struggling against the pull of his words, Anne looked once

more at the desk and the papers on it. Everything he said was

true. It would be hazardous for her to travel alone. Even if

she secured a lady’s maid, they would be on a ship for several months. The uncertainty of the weather alone was enough to

give her pause.

And once she reached her destination, who knew what

kind of circumstances she would find herself in? Even if Mr.

Cogswell was in a position to help her, he didn’t have time to send a message to any contact before she left. It would be a





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relief to know she didn’t have to undertake this daunting task alone.

But the most important reason for her to agree with him

was that she could not think of anyone else she’d rather have

by her side.

“Let me come with you,” he said, his voice soft. Urgent.

“Please.”

Anne sighed. “All right,” she said, looking up. “If that is

what you truly wish.”

Teach’s eyes glowed with triumph, and he slid his arms

around her. He bent his head to kiss her, but she stopped him, her fingers on his lips.

“But we will wait until after the ball to leave. I do not want your father to go back on his word. Once my money is secure,

then we will go.”

“Agreed.”

“And you will not kiss me until that time.”

Teach drew back, his eyes wide. “What?”

Anne pushed at his chest. “Technically, you are still

betrothed to another.”

“Yes, but—”

“Those are my conditions.” She felt a small sense of victory

at the flash of irritation in Teach’s eyes, glad that she was able to unsettle him as well.

“All right. We will wait until after the ball tomorrow night.

But I will secure our passage on a ship.”





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“Shouldn’t we wait until the Deliverance sets sail?”

“Why?”

Guilt caused her voice to be sharp. “Because you are your

father’s only son. It’s bad enough that you’re leaving him. I

would hate for our departure to ruin his moment of glory.”

“The Deliverance sets sail in twelve days, Anne. I have no intention of waiting that long.”





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C H A P T E R 2 9

Anne

Anne drew in a deep breath, wishing Sara hadn’t pulled the

stays so tight in her ivory gown. Now that Anne didn’t work her fingers to the bone every day, her shape had softened. She had curves in places that before had been sharp angles. She waited dutifully as the maid pinned the last pearl clip into her hair, the design matching the pearl choker around her neck. Her hands were slick with perspiration.

“You look beautiful, Miss Anne,” Sara whispered, taking

a step back to look at the girl before her. “Don’t pay attention to what anyone else says about you. You’re a lady, no doubt about it.”

Anne had confided some of her fears to Sara about the

upcoming ball. There would be no way to stem the tide of gos—

sip and speculation her appearance would create, but in order

to gain her inheritance, Anne was willing to face the vultures.





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Turning toward the looking glass, Anne’s eyes widened in surprise. Her skin glowed against the creamy fabric, while her hair hung in luxurious black curls that Sara had painstakingly set and pinned. The combination was mesmerizing, and Anne

couldn’t help the surge of pleasure that ran through her, as she involuntarily wondered what Teach would say.

She’d not seen him since they’d agreed to leave together.

There had been several raised voices and slamming doors from

the Herveys. No doubt the conflict had to do with Anne’s presence in the house.

She’d kept to her room, reading over her father’s papers and

writing a list of things she would take with her when she left. It still seemed unreal to her.

Giving herself a slight shake, Anne turned. “Thank you for

your help, Sara. I shall miss you while you’re gone.” She was

glad Sara had agreed to spend some time with her mother. She

was leaving tonight, and John would escort her home, since

Sara lived in an unsavory part of Bristol.