Captured by Love (Michigan Brides #3)(31)

“At least I’m free of the attic.”

“So that’s why you didn’t meet me for fishing yesterday morning?”

“He wouldn’t let me out.”

Fresh anger pumped through Pierre, tightening his muscles. “You need to leave him, Angelique. Why are you still living with him?”

She spun around to face him, her features tight with anger of her own. “And where would I go, Pierre? Where could I possibly go to be safe from him? And even if I could find a place to live, what kind of work would I do?”

Pierre was well aware of the only kind of work available to homeless, single young women. He loathed the thought of any such fate befalling Angelique.

“You could live with Maman.” Maman desperately needed the supervision and companionship. Even if he could find hired help for the farm, she’d still be alone in the house all winter. If Angelique came to stay with her, he’d be able to leave with peace of mind.

“There’s no place I could go on this island that would be safe for me. If I defied Ebenezer, he’d come get me and marry me off to the first trader to offer him a good deal—just like he did with Therese.”

“He doesn’t own you.”

“My mother gave him guardianship. He can do whatever he wants, and there’s no one to stop him.” The haunted sadness of her expression spoke of the nightmare she’d lived through with her sister.

“I’ll stop him.”

She gave a faint smile. “That’s sweet of you, Pierre, but you won’t be here to help me. You’ll be long gone.”

He felt helpless. Ebenezer could do anything he wanted to Angelique, and he wouldn’t be there—hadn’t been there—to protect her. The only thing that could keep her safe was marriage to Jean.

Even though he still scoffed at the idea of Angelique marrying Jean, he was beginning to understand why she’d agreed to the plan, and it was all the more reason to fight for the Americans and help them win the upcoming battle for the island. If Jean could come home and marry Angelique, she’d be safe.

“Maybe I won’t be able to protect you from Ebenezer after I leave,” he said. “But I can help you now.”

She quirked a brow at him.

“Stay here,” he said, reaching for her arm and guiding her to the shade of a nearby oak. “I want you to rest while I go talk with the officer in charge of the duties.”

“I don’t think I should rest.”

He gently pushed her down so that she was forced to lower herself. “Promise me you’ll stay here and wait for me?” He was relieved when her shoulders relaxed and she allowed herself to sit back. She looked up at him, her eyes warm and trusting. “Promise you’ll be waiting for me when I get back?” he asked again.

“I promise.” She smiled, and the beauty of it lit her face. She was completely guileless and sweet, devoid of the seductive charms and games that women like Lavinia McDouall attempted to use on him.

It was freeing to know that with Angelique he could be himself, that she knew and accepted him for who he was, faults and all—except for his spying. But it was safer for her if she didn’t know.

He wasted no time in making his way up the hill. He spoke with the officer in charge and then returned to Angelique, who was sitting where he’d left her.

He held out his hand to her. “Let’s go.”

She slipped her hand into his cautiously. “I can’t just go, Pierre.”

“Yes you can.”

“What about the work?”

“I paid so that you can take an hour break.” He pulled her to her feet.

“Paid?” She shook her head and started to pull her hand from his. “No, Pierre. I can’t let you do that. Besides, isn’t that bribery?”

But he wound his fingers through hers and tugged her forward. “It’s not bribery. It’s simply me getting my way. Don’t you know I’m a rich man now?”

“You? Rich?” She gave a soft laugh. “I’d like to see the day when you can hang on to your money. The Pierre I remember was always giving away or spending any pennies he earned.”

“I’d give it all away to make sure you didn’t have to carry any more heavy stones.”

She pulled back. “Are you sure I should leave my work?”

“Oui, ma cherie, I’m sure. The British like me, and they won’t care if I take you away to rest for a while.”

When finally she fell into step next to him, the tension of the morning eased from his body. Maybe he needed a break just as much as she did. Since coming back to the island and discovering the true state of Maman’s situation, stress had been his companion.

For an hour, he wanted to be free—free of guilt and worry and the constant work of the farm. Free to enjoy the beauty of the island, to feel the warm sunshine upon his head and listen to the birdcalls. And he couldn’t imagine anyone else he’d rather spend the time with than Angelique.

They made their way to the limestone bluffs east of the island, to the arched rock formation they’d gone to when they were children. They climbed to the center of the rock and situated themselves with legs dangling over the edge.

The long drop below didn’t frighten him, not when he’d been climbing onto the ledge for as long as he could remember. And he was glad Angelique was the kind of girl who’d never been afraid to trail after him on his dangerous escapades.