Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)(82)

“What could he have said?” Teach asked.

Anne gave a short laugh, surprised by his obstinacy. “That I

used to be a maid in your house.”

“But you’re not anymore.”

She still refused to move. He made it sound so simple.

Looking at the duchess, Anne was intimidated by both her

elegance and her beauty. The older woman wore a gray gown

covered with the most exquisite lace Anne had ever seen. And

her eyes were as hard as the strand of diamonds around her

neck.

“Anne, these people are not any better than you. There’s no

reason to hide,” Teach whispered.

“I’m not hiding,” she hissed. He had no idea what he was

asking.

“Then come with me. Please. I secured your invitation. I’ve

known them for years.”

Taking a deep breath, she accompanied Teach as he strode

forward. She envied his confidence.

It wasn’t long before they stood in front of the impressive pair.

“Mr. Edward, it’s nice to see you again.”

“Thank you so much for your invitation, Your Grace. Allow

me to introduce you to Miss Anne Barrett. Miss Barrett, the

Duke and Duchess of Cardwell.”





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The duke tipped his white-haired head. “And where are you from, Miss Barrett?”

“I was born here in Bristol, Your Grace.” Although it was

the first time she’d ever met a duke, Anne could not help wondering if he always asked his guests where they were from.

The duchess’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?”

Anne fingered the pearls at her neck nervously, her face

burning beneath the intense scrutiny. Teach had sent the pearls to her room, and Anne had been touched by the gesture.

“She is the daughter of an old family friend, Your Grace,”

Teach said.

“Who are these old friends?” the duchess asked archly.

“I’m afraid they are both deceased, Your Grace,” Teach said,

no doubt sensing Anne’s unease.

Anne was grateful there were other guests waiting to greet the host and hostess, and Teach led her away. They approached the

buffet table, but Anne was too anxious to eat, aware of the many glances that followed her advancement through the room. Nobody said anything, because she was with Edward Drummond, but she

could see the disapproval in several faces, curiosity in others.

Anne had never felt so exposed, and firmly gripped Teach’s

arm. “I wish to leave.”

“Do not let them win, Anne.”

“Win? Do you think this is a game?” she asked, bristling when she saw William approaching. She did not understand how Teach could be his friend.





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“Ah, I see you’ve brought ‘the maid’ for me,” William said, taking Anne’s hand in his and bringing it to his wet mouth.

Anne’s toes curled with disgust. She could not escape his

grasp fast enough, and slid her hand behind her back, wiping

off on her dress the touch of his lips.

She did not imagine the steely gaze Teach gave his friend.

“She is not for you,” he said tightly.

William’s eyebrows rose. “Do I detect a hint of possessive—

ness in your voice? You can’t keep them all for yourself, old

friend. You are as good as married. Leave something for the rest of us.”

Teach stiffened at her side. “I am not yet married, and Anne

is my father’s goddaughter. She is therefore off-limits. Unless you would like to take it up with my father.”

William faked a laugh, but Anne could see the resentment

in his eyes. “Always so superior, aren’t you, Teach? And yet I am to be a duke and you are simply a merchant. When will you learn to relax a little?”

“When I am sure you mean Anne no harm, Lord Lorimar,”

Teach said coldly.

Anne was surprised at the animosity between the two

friends. She and Teach were William’s guests, after all, and yet Teach had just insulted his host.

He led her away and joined a small group of people with

varying titles. They were courteous, and she didn’t notice any censure in their expressions as Teach introduced her. It was





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obvious he felt at ease among them, and Anne felt herself relax somewhat.

It didn’t take long for Teach to be caught up in a conversation about the end of the Nine Years War and the treaty between France and the grand alliance of England, Spain, and the Holy

Roman Empire. The treaty had brought no real resolution to

the deeper issue of the balance of power between the warring

nations, but at least the fighting had stopped.

Anne listened as they debated what kind of an impact such

an event would have on the shipping industry. Of the individuals present, Teach appeared to be the most knowledgeable on

the topic. “I cannot predict the future,” he said tersely.

Anne hid a smile, for she had said the same thing to him.

“But I foresee some troubling times ahead,” he continued.