A Stranger's Touch
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‘That was my first thought.’ The stranger glanced at Morwenna. ‘I feel I owe your family something, because your sister saved my life. Once I regain my memory I may be able to repay her in some way.’
‘Morwenna wants for nothing. She does not need your money, sir.’
‘Perhaps there are other things more important to Mistress Morgan. I may know people who would sponsor her in town so that she could find a husband best suited to her needs.’
‘She has a suitor if she wants one.’ Jacques threw him a challenging look. ‘Captain Bird would be happy to oblige, would he not, Morwenna?’
‘I will thank you not to discuss me at table—any of you.’ She glared at her brother and then at the stranger, surprising a look that might have been concern or sympathy in his eyes.
‘Help yourselves to bread and cheeses and the oatcakes. There’s honey if you want it, sir. I’m going up to my room. I’ll come back later to clear up, Bess.’
She rose from her chair and walked from the room, her back very straight. Behind her there was silence until Jacques laughed.
‘I fear I have offended Morwenna,’ he said. ‘It was a mere jest, of course. Morwenna wouldn’t have that militiaman if he paid her his weight in gold.’
Hearing the stranger laugh in response to Jacques, Morwenna smarted with anger and humiliation. How dared the brother she loved and trusted discuss her in front of a stranger? How dared the stranger suggest that if he regained his memory he might know someone who would sponsor her—as if she were in need of his pity or compassion!
She had been shocked to learn that he planned to leave the next day and felt a sense of loss until Jacques invited him to stay—but after that remark she would be glad to see the last of him. The last thing she needed from anyone was pity!
Turning away from the stairs, she went outside into the cold night air. She was suddenly weary of her life and the duties she performed every day, rebelling as she realised that nothing was likely to change for her unless she made it change herself.
It seemed her only escape was to go to her aunt, but would it be a change for the better or would she be trapped in the house of a bitter old woman?
Tears stinging behind her eyes, she walked up to the top of the cliff and stood looking out to sea. The wind tugged at her gown and pierced her shawl, making her shiver in the cool night air. Autumn would soon be gone and then the winter would be upon them and it would be too dangerous to stand at the edge of the cliffs lest the lashing rain had made the soil loose. For a moment her eyes were blinded with tears, but then she saw a light flash from somewhere out at sea. She thought someone must be signalling with a lantern. As she stood, her nerves tingling, she saw a light from the shore, which appeared to be answering the ship. Was it the stranger? Was he indeed a spy and was he signalling to the ship in the bay?
Even as the thought came into her mind, she heard a sound behind her and turned to see a man walking towards her. It was the stranger and he did not carry a lantern. So it could not have been him on the beach.
‘I thought you would be here,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry if what I said at table upset you, Mistress Morwenna.’
‘It wasn’t your fault. My brothers think it is a great joke because Captain Bird makes no secret of his hopes.’
Since he wasn’t the one signalling to the ship, it must be someone else—and that person was likely to be Michael, who might not have gone abroad after all. If he was arranging for contraband to come ashore, it would be best the stranger did not see it. She moved towards him, pretending to trip and falling into his arms. He caught her and held her. She looked up at him and the heat in his eyes startled her. A fierce shaft of longing shot through her and she gasped. The next moment he had her pressed hard against his body and his arms were about her. She ought to push him away, but if she did not distract him he might notice the flashing lights.
Now he was bending his head, and his mouth was on hers, taking possession of her lips, exploring her mouth with his tongue, sending little thrills of heat racing through her body. She moaned with pleasure, unable to pull away or tell him to stop. It was as if a sudden fire had begun inside her and she was burning up with the need to allow his kisses and so much more. She wanted him to hold her for ever, to take her down here on these cliffs and kiss her senseless. She wanted to love him, to stand by his side and keep the world at bay.
No, how stupid of her. She was allowing her loneliness and her frustration to take over her mind. To lie with this stranger could lead to only one thing: her ruin. He did not feel as she did, even though his kiss had touched her soul. She must stop this now before it was too late.
‘No, you must not,’ she cried, though her heart rebelled and her senses screamed to be back in his arms. ‘I can’t … I can’t …’
Wrenching away from him, she ran back down the path to her house, as sure footed in the dark as she was when it was light. She would be a fool to trust a man who claimed not to know his own name. Instinct told her that to let the stranger into her heart could only lead to sorrow.
‘Morwenna, please.’ She heard his shout, but dared not look back. If she did, she would end by giving in to the need inside her, the need of a lonely girl to be loved.
Chapter Four
‘You look like a ghost,’ Bess muttered the next morning when Morwenna went into the kitchen. ‘Are you sickening for something?’
‘I didn’t sleep very well last night,’ she replied. ‘Where is Jacques?’
‘He went out this morning early. He didn’t tell me where he was going, but said he’d bring me a crab for supper or some fish.’
‘Has he gone out yet?’
‘If you mean “Adam”, aye, he’s gone to find a hostelry. He gave me a gold coin and thanked me for caring for him and for the food.’
‘A gold coin. He was generous, for he has few possessions and only a few coins.’
‘He was grateful and insisted that I take it for my trouble. He said he would like to give you a present, but feared to offend you.’
‘I do not want his money.’ Morwenna frowned. ‘It is odd that the sea did not take everything from him. Unless …’
‘What are you thinking?’
‘There was driftwood in the cove the next morning—wood that might have come from a long boat. He might have come ashore that way.’
‘He did not fake the gash on his head.’
‘The rocks are slippery and treacherous when the sea is rough. He could have been washed off by a wave after he’d landed.’
‘Only a spy would come in that way.’ Bess looked at her. ‘If Michael guessed he didn’t come from the shipwreck he would find him and kill him. We gave him food and shelter, but if he came here to spy on your brothers …’
‘I know.’ Morwenna turned away, fighting her feelings. ‘I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to Jacques or Michael, of course.’
‘Well, let’s hope he’s truly lost his memory.’ Bess sent her a pitying look. ‘He was a fine strapping man, but I doubt you’ll see him again once he leaves these parts. Think of your brothers, girl. That man can never mean anything to you. He’s not one of us.’
‘I know.’ Morwenna blinked away her tears. ‘I’d best get on with the baking.’
‘We need more butter. Walk down to the farm and fetch some, lovey. I can manage here until you return. There’s not much needs doing I can’t manage.’
Morwenna nodded and reached for her shawl, wrapping it about herself. She took some coins from the shelf and went out. It was windy again and the door whipped from her grasp and blew shut with a bang. Shivering, she pulled the shawl tighter about her as she set off toward the bottom of the cliffs and then turned away from the beach. The farm was about half a mile further inland, but she was used to the walk and it did not bother her. Bess was right, it would do her good to walk and help her to rid herself of the feeling of restlessness that had been with her for the past few days. Crying herself to sleep had done nothing for her, but the stranger had gone now and she would probably never see him again.
Morwenna was lost in thought as she began her journey back to the house after making her purchases from the farm. When a man approaching on a horse suddenly halted and dismounted in front of her, she was startled until she realised who it was.
‘Captain Bird, good morning. I trust you are well.’
‘All the better for meeting you, Morwenna.’ The militia officer leered at her, his narrow eyes gleaming and his thick lips set in a look of satisfaction.
His manner made her instantly uncomfortable, for he was obviously well pleased at finding her alone. At home she had always felt well able to cope with his official visits, but here alone on this windswept path she felt suddenly vulnerable.
‘Excuse me, I must get home for I have much to do.’ She attempted to walk on, but he moved to block her way.
‘Surely you can spare a little time for me? I thought we were friends. I’ve turned a blind eye to your brothers’ business many times. You might be a little grateful to me.’
Morwenna shuddered inwardly. She lifted her head, giving him a straight look. ‘I do not know what you mean, sir. Now, I pray you, let me pass.’
‘Give me a kiss for my trouble. I’ve heard there’s folk asking in the village about the Morgan family. I intended to warn your brother to be careful. I’m not sure what business he’s mixed up in now, but it’s more dangerous than he realises and folk have become interested in him all of a sudden.’
‘What folk?’ Her heart raced. ‘I do not understand you.’
‘Your brother is a smuggler and well you know it. He’s escaped the law because I’ve helped him, but now there’s London folk asking about him and I thought he should know.’
‘London folk? How do you know they come from London?’
‘Because they came on official business, that’s why, mistress—and I can’t tell you more, except that Michael may be in trouble if he doesn’t watch his step. You tell him he owes me a debt for sending them on a false trail. He knows what I want from him.’
Something in his eyes made her shiver and feel suddenly afraid. Had Michael promised him something—and did it concern her?
‘As you wish.’
‘You know I would not see you or your family come to harm, Morwenna.’
‘I thank you for your good intentions.’
Once again she tried to pass, but he caught hold of her. His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her arm, but she did not cry out, merely lifting her head to look at him proudly. ‘Not so fast, sweet mistress. I deserve a kiss and I intend to have it.’
‘No! I do not wish for your kisses.’ She thrust him away, kicking his shin as he tried to hold on to her.
‘You little hellcat. I ought to teach you a lesson.’
Morwenna screamed, though there was no one to hear her. ‘Lay a hand on me and you will be sorry.’
‘Michael told me I need only ask if I wanted you. I’ll marry you, Morwenna. You know I care.’
‘No, leave me alone. I don’t want you to touch me. Let me go.’
‘I should do as the lady asks if I were you, sir.’
Morwenna was startled. She turned her head and saw the stranger from the sea glaring at her. Where had he come from? She had not seen him approach.
‘And who the hell are you?’ Captain Bird demanded, bristling at his interference. ‘This is between me and Mistress Morgan. Stay out of my business.’
‘Forgive me, but when I see a lady being molested it becomes my business.’ The stranger glared at him. ‘I suggest you get on your horse and leave now—before I teach you a lesson you’ll regret.’
Captain Bird stared at him, then looked at Morwenna resentfully. ‘I don’t know who he is, but your brother has promised me I can have you if I can get you and you’ll be sorry for this.’
‘Michael would never force me to wed you or anyone else.’ Morwenna lifted her head proudly.
His face a mask of fury, Captain Bird walked to his horse, mounted, then rode off without glancing back. Morwenna breathed deeply, shaking and clearly distressed until the stranger put out his hand to touch her. She flinched away, as if she’d been stung.
‘I’m not going to seduce you,’ he said, smiling wryly. ‘I’m not like that insensitive oaf. Last night I was tempted, though, when you fell into my arms.’
‘I tripped.’
‘Did you? Yes, I suppose you did, though it seemed to me that you were not exactly averse to finding yourself there.’
‘It was foolish of me. I was upset and … I shan’t deny I liked being kissed by you,’ she said, putting her chin up. ‘It gets lonely here when I hardly ever see anyone other than my brothers. Perhaps I shall go to my aunt—though she may not welcome me. She was not kind to my mother.’
‘If I could help you, Morwenna.’ He moved closer to her, his eyes intent on her face. ‘Believe me, I am not your enemy. If ever I could be of service to you I would—without asking for anything in return.’
‘I’m not sure that would work,’ she replied, but she was smiling now, because there was something about him that reached out to her. ‘I think you know I like you more than I ought.’
‘Believe me, I like you too, far more than is good for me. I shouldn’t let my feelings interfere with my search.’ He hesitated, then, ‘I need to discover who I am and why I came to this part of the Cornish coast.’
Morwenna looked at him intently. ‘You gave Bess a gold coin … there was no need. You should keep what you have until you knowwhere you came from. That money may be all you have in the world.’
‘I dare say I can earn my living with my paints and crayons.’
‘Are you’re certain you can draw now?’
‘I proved it last night. I drew pictures of your brother and Bess. My work made them smile and Jacques has asked me to draw a picture of a house in the village as a gift for a friend. I am going to meet him and the owner now.’
‘I’ll walk a part of the way with you,’ she said and wondered why she was so pleased to meet him like this. It wasn’t just because he’d saved her from an unpleasant incident with Captain Bird. She ought to ignore him, to do all she could to make him move on, leave her house and the district, but somehow, all she wanted was to be with him. The memory of his kiss was melting her insides, making her long to be back in his arms. Yet she recalled Captain Bird’s warning about strangers from London—could this man be one of those sent to investigate Michael Morgan?
And what was Michael doing that the militiaman thought so dangerous? What business other than smuggling was her elder brother engaged in now?
She had known for a while that Michael was hiding something from them. He had always been secretive, but mostly the smuggling was an open secret within the house—this other work was different.
Could it have something to do with the signals on the beach the previous night? And where had her brother gone?
‘I’ll be travelling to London in a few days,’ the stranger said, breaking into her thoughts. ‘If you wanted, I would take you with me. You’d be safer travelling with me than alone and I could take you to your aunt’s house. If you stay here, your amorous friend might try to seduce you again and next time you may not have anyone around to help.’
‘He wouldn’t hurt me. Michael would kill him first.’ Morwenna turned her thoughtful gaze on him. ‘Why should you do that for me? Take me with you to London? I might be a burden to you, if you are still searching for your own life, your memories.’
‘You saved my life. If escorting you to London would help you, I should be happy to be of service, Morwenna.’
The way he spoke her name sent little spirals of sensation winging through her body. She turned her face aside, not wanting him to see how he affected her, because her need mustn’t show. It was a chance for a different life and something told her if she accepted his offer she would never get to her aunt’s house. If she gave into this feeling, this roaring heat she felt between them, she would end by becoming his mistress. She could feel the physical pull between them and knew that he was feeling it too.
Would it be so very bad? At least she would know a little happiness. She might see a different kind of life for a while, but in time he would tire of her and then she would be alone, unable to return to her old life. Her aunt would never take her in if she’d been this man’s lover. Yet it might be worth the risk to know what happiness was like just for a while.
‘Perhaps,’ she said and risked a look at his face. ‘I shall think about it.’
‘I should like to draw a likeness of you,’ he said, surprising her. ‘Would you meet me on the cliffs later this afternoon, after I’ve been to your brother’s friend’s house?’
‘Why on the cliffs?’
‘Because it’s how I see you, standing there looking out to sea, the wind in your hair and blowing your cloak about you. You are very beautiful, Morwenna—did you know that?’ She shook her head and he smiled. ‘Given the right clothes you would be a sensation at court.’
‘Do you often visit the court?’
‘I think perhaps I have in the past,’ he replied and his gaze slid away from hers. ‘I am beginning to remember a few things. I think my family has a house in the country, but spends time in London—and if they are of any consequence, therefore, at court.’
‘You do not seem the kind of man who would come here simply to sketch the views,’ Morwenna said. ‘I wish I knew who you really were and why you were here.’
‘I mean you no harm, believe me.’
She lifted her eyes to his. There was sincerity in his voice but his eyes were shadowed by doubts. She sensed that there were things he would not tell her, things in his past, perhaps, but what of his reason for being here?
‘What of my brothers? What do you mean for them?’
‘Why do you fear for them? Why should you think I might seek to harm them?’
‘What makes you think I do?’
‘You are defensive about them, as though you think they may be in trouble—or danger. I believe you care for them and particularly Jacques?’
‘Jacques is the closest to me, but I would not see harm come to Michael. He is not always kind, but he is my brother—at least, my half-brother. My father married again after his first wife died and I sometimes think that Michael resents me because of it.’
‘But you are close to Jacques?’
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