—SEVENTEENTH CENTURY PROVERB
The conscious Lord Saint Leven was vastly different from the unconscious man Rafael had slung over his shoulder. Rafael saw the intelligence in his eyes, the strength, the character. This man wouldn't like to be in another man's debt. He knew well his own value, but he would accord the same value to another. He wondered what saving this man would cost him. Inevitably something. Rafael shook away his philosophizing, and stepped forward.
He said, extending his hand, "My lord, I am delighted to see you awake and your wits no longer scattered to the winds. I am Rafael Carstairs, captain of the Seawitch."
Lyon, who was now leaning back against the pillows of the bunk clothed in his burgundy dressing gown, nodded as he took the captain's darkly tanned hand. "I understand from Diana that you saved our respective hides. My thanks, Captain."
"He also saved us from a drunk doctor."
"It was fortunate that I was on hand. As for the doctor, he was so foxed I'm surprised he could even speak. It is also fortunate that our destination is St. Thomas."
"So Diana told me. I trust we are not discommoding you overly?"
"Not at all," said Rafael easily. He smiled at Diana. "You see, Diana, all your fretting for naught. I knew your husband would be back to excellent health very quickly. You are looking vastly relieved. It becomes you."
"Yes, vastly, and thank you."
Lyon wasn't blind. He saw the gleaming look of approval in the captain's eyes when he gazed at Diana. Lord, if he did tell him the truth, would he try to seduce her? He imagined that Captain Carstairs had quite a way with the ladies and he would see Diana as fair game were he to discover that he and Diana weren't husband and wife. What to do? And Diana was such an unpredictable chit and so nave that she made him grit his teeth. Would she succumb to the captain?
He cursed softly.
"Lyon?"
"'Tis nothing, Diana. Just a slight pain." And you're the source of the pain, damn you. He saw, however, that her look was one of intense worry for him, but again, on a voyage of six weeks, anything could happen between her and that captain. Pity the fellow wasn't at least sixty years old, or was blessed with rotten teeth and a crude manner. But Carstairs wasn't blessed with any of those things. He was about Lyon's age, muscular, lean, and very self-assured. The damned bastard was also handsome. He cursed again, this time silently. It made him feel no better. Perhaps he had a wife tucked away somewhere? No, not likely. After all, Carstairs could have left them; he could have taken all their money. But he hadn't.
Rafael was quite aware of being weighed by Lord Saint Leven, and wondered what conclusion he had reached. He grinned a bit, wondering if the man were also weighing his intentions toward his wife.
"Blick tells me you will be up and about by tomorrow. Indeed, should you wish some fresh air, I can ready a snug spot for you on deck."
"I should like that, Lyon, if you feel up to it," said Diana, unconsciously moving to the bunk. She laid her hand gently on his shoulder. He wanted to give her a look that bespoke his knowledge of her act, but he couldn't, at least not yet. Instead, he laid his own hand over hers and squeezed gently. Her eyes widened, and she gave him a shy, tentative smile.
"Unfortunately, your wife lost her wedding ring," said Rafael. "Did the thugs take anything of yours, my lord?"
"Only my dignity," said Lyon. He gave Diana's suddenly tense hand another squeeze.
Rafael chuckled. "Mine also has known occasional reversals. I try to forget those occasions as quickly as possible."
Damn, Lyon thought again, the captain was likable. He wondered if he were also honorable. Time enough to determine that. He would simply have to keep Diana close. He closed his eyes a moment.
Rafael said quickly, concern evident in his voice, "You are tired, and no wonder. All of us have been trooping in and out of here all morning. I will leave you to rest, my lord. Diana, inform Neddie when you and your husband wish to come up on deck."
"Yes, I shall. Thank you, Rafael."
Rafael!
Lyon added his thanks, in a less-than-enthusiastic voice, to be sure, but the captain didn't appear to notice anything amiss.
Once they were alone again, Lyon said, "You will stay away from that man. He is dangerous."
Diana removed her hand and backed away from the bunk. "Dangerous? Why, that is absurd. He saved us --- you!"
"I mean," Lyon said between clenched teeth, "that he is likely a very charming seducer of females. That, unfortunately, includes you."
"You are ridiculous. He is a gentleman."
"I imagine he will remain mostly a gentleman so long as he believes me to be your husband."
"Ah, so that is why you held your tongue. You are worried about my virtue."