Deverill grimaced. “Regrettably, yes. She approached me, though, and when I rebuffed her advances, she grew vindictive and claimed I had violated her. Louvel and I ended up fighting a duel with swords, which is how he obtained the scar on his cheek.”
During the first part of the drive, Kate quizzed him about his plan to meet Louvel, and Deverill explained.
“I could
hire men and boats in Royan, but it’s better to involve Louvel and secure his collaboration than have him as a certain enemy. If we can come to terms, I intend to stay in St. Georges to supervise the salvage effort. He is fairly honorable as far as pirates go, but given our history, I don’t wholly trust him. As for you, I want you to remain in Royan.”
“You must be jesting.”
“Not in the least.”
“I did not come all this way to be useless or play a passive role. If you think to leave me behind—” Kate began, only to bite her tongue as she realized a sweeter tone would go further to change his mind. “Only a short time ago you challenged me to become more wild and adventurous. Well, this is a prime opportunity.”
“I was speaking of carnal adventures. And I never meant to encourage more risk-taking at the price of your safety.”
Kate eyed him in consternation. “You expect me to let you face danger alone? When you are acting on my behalf? What kind of coward do you take me for? No, don’t answer that,” she hastened to add, remembering how she had quailed during the storm.
For a moment she sat there debating what to say. She was very grateful that Deverill had taken on her mission to properly lay her parents to rest, and even appreciated that he was willing to fight her battles for her. A part of her relished the fact that he wanted to protect her.
Yet she wanted to protect him as well. More crucially, she simply could not allow Deverill to risk danger for her sake while she remained safely out of harm’s way. She would never forgive herself if something happened to him.
“You aren’t certain Louvel will respond with anger,” Kate finally said.
“I would lay odds on it.”
“Have you considered that I might actually be of some use in negotiating with him? I have a great deal of experience handling difficult men.”
“And you could be a liability as well. Louvel could see you as the means to enact revenge on me.”
“If so, then we will deal with it. In any event…” Kate’s jaw firmed. “I am not remaining behind.”
Their argument lasted for the remainder of the drive. Deverill was one of the few men whose force of will matched her own, but in this instance, she was adamant. And by the time they reached the inn, she had convinced him that she would go to St. Georges on her own if he refused to take her.
As she descended from the carriage, Kate heard him muttering under his breath about stubborn females.
While Deverill saw to horses and weapons for Halsey’s men, she went upstairs to repack her valise for an extended stay in St. Georges and to confer with her aunt and uncle.
Perhaps because she refrained from mentioning the possible danger, they were not averse to the plan. Uncle Cornelius agreed to have her mother’s headstone delivered to the church while she was away.
Just as surprisingly, Rachel made no objection to letting her niece accompany Deverill unchaperoned. She herself was still too ill to travel but hoped to recover enough by tomorrow to slowly stroll the sandy beaches, saying that the sun and warmth would do her good.
Not for the first time did Kate suspect her aunt of exaggerating her condition so that the engaged couple could have more privacy. And Kate was certain of it when Rachel sent Cornelius away to see to the luggage and handed Kate a small silk bag. “This is from your aunt Isabella.”
Puzzled, Kate opened the drawstring. Inside were several sponges with thin strings attached, and two small vials of liquid. “What is this?”
“The means to avoid getting with child. You must soak a sponge in vinegar or brandy and place it deep within your woman’s passage.”
Kate didn’t know whether to feel embarrassed or not. Before she could reply, Rachel continued.
“Isabella and I both wished to prevent you becoming enceinte in the event you and Lord Valmere became lovers. She felt certain it would be needed. I would say she was right. You are lovers, are you not?”
Kate felt a blush heat her cheeks. “Is it so obvious?”
“Only to me. I don’t believe Cornelius has an inkling.” She paused. “I do not mean to judge or criticize, Kate. I simply don’t want you to follow my path.” A look of sadness crossed Rachel’s face. “If I had known of this method, I could have been spared great heartache, having to abandon my daughter to my brute of a husband.”
She shuddered, then steeled her spine as if drawing on some hidden strength. Visibly shaking off her bad memories, Rachel smiled kindly. “I know how difficult it is to resist a handsome man when your heart is wholly engaged. I was in love with Cornelius, just as you are with Valmere.”
Kate gave a start. “I am not in love with Valmere,” she protested.