Part 7 (1/2)
Those on the estate became used to seeing them riding together, and everyone could see how much in love they were. Even the match-making mamas could not deny it, even if Aaron's sudden marriage had destroyed hopes for their own daughters. No one could ever recall seeing the Captain so happy and light-hearted.
Those bright, sun drenched days were indeed the paradise Miranda had mentioned upon her arrival. The island inhabitants liked her, and her confidence had never been greater. She was happy, and three months after their arrival, she watched Aaron standing at the window of their16.
room, looking out at the bay. He had been looking out to sea often these last two days, she thought. Always when he thought himself un.o.bserved.
She crossed to put her arms around his chest, pressing her cheek against his back. ”You want to be out there.”
”No,” he answered quickly. Too quickly, perhaps. He turned into her arms.
”Oh, my darling. You have tried so hard not to let me see you looking out at the Sea Witch. We can set sail anytime, you know.”
He shook his head. ”I would - prefer that you remain here at Belle Mer.”
”Why?”
”You will be safe here.”
”And I would not be on the s.h.i.+p?”
He avoided her eyes and a direct answer. ”It will soon be time for the harvest. I need you here to oversee it if I am not back.”
”Aaron, do you think something is going to happen to you?”
”I do not know. Anything could happen. If I do not return-”
”Aaron!”
”If I do not return,” he said again gently, ”Belle Mer is yours.”
Miranda's arms tightened. ”Do not talk of such things. If you were lost, I would not want to go on. You must return, Aaron. And not just for my sake.”
Aaron drew back enough to see her face. ”What are you saying?”
She smiled tenderly. ”That we have another to consider. Our child.”
His eyes darkened. ”You are certain?”
She nodded. ”Marie saw it in the cards last week. They were correct.”
”And did she happen to see if it was a son or a daughter?”
”A son.”
His kiss was deep, soul rending. ”I will return, Miranda. If there is any way, I will return to you here.” He unfastened the gold chain and its fob from his vest. It had always fascinated Miranda, the fob being pure gold fas.h.i.+oned into a tiny replica of the
Sea Witch. ”Take this as proof of my love and of my word that we will be together again.”
She watched as he fastened the chain around her wrist to form a bracelet. The fob hung suspended like a talisman. ”But - it is your good luck piece.”
He smiled. ”I want you to have it.”