It was a pity Chase had not found such a bride. Of course, since Brandon had tricked Chase into accepting the infamous St. John talisman ring, chances were high that Chase might find his own true love. Or he would if he didnat leave Harry Annesley kicking his heels all over town, hinting to whoever would listen that Chase St. John had not honored a debt.

Such a thing had been known to ruin a man. To his surprise, Devon won yet another hand. He tossed his cards onto the table and called for his coat and horse.

d.a.m.n it all, where the h.e.l.l is Chase? And why did he leave town after signing a note to Annesley?

Chapter 9.

Starch makes the man.

The rather decrepit Lord Kilturn to his valet, Hobart, while standing before the mirror adjusting his cravat the evening of the Brookstone soiree Harriet could only stare at Mr. Gower. Surely the man didnat mean to suggest thata"he couldnat possibly mean to say that he and she coulda"that they would one daya"aYou must be jesting!a Mr. Goweras smile never wavered, but his eyes narrowed unpleasantly. aI meant every word. I have carefully considered all the available choices, and I have decided that you would be the most beneficial bride for a man in my position. Your connections could be just the thing to help my career.a Harriet couldnat believe what she was hearing. aI donat wish toa"a aPlease. Donat answer yet. I can see that I have startled you. But once you think about it, I believe youall agree that a marriage between us would be beneficial.a aMr. Gower, I do not wish to marry!a Mr. Gower raised his brows. aNo? What about the supposed Captain Frakenham?a Oh piffle! Harrietad let her astonishment freeze her brain into a block of useless ice. aI meant to say that I donat wish to marry you,a she qualified. aCaptain Frakenham is another matter altogether. Of course I wish to marry him; Iam engaged to him.a aIndeed.a It was one word, but the disbelief Gower managed to impart with that one word made Harriet pause. Oh dear no. If Mr. Gower suspected that there was no Captain Frakenham, everything was lost. For all that Harriet deplored Motheras invention of a suitor, the thought of losing Garrett Park just before the last payment was too galling for words.

Harriet smoothed her skirts nervously. aSpeaking of Captain Frakenham, did I mention that he sent some silk to Mother?a Mr. Gower lifted his brows. aDid he? How nice for your mother.a aA very nice length of it. He sent me some pearls and two strands of sh.e.l.ls for Sophia and Ophelia, as well.a aHmmm. I would love to see these items. Could you fetch them?a Blast it, what was she to do now? She hadnat expected him to be so rude, but something seemed to have come over Mr. Gower.

Harriet managed a shaky laugh. aOf course you may see them! Iam not sure where Mother put the silk, and the pearls are safely locked away. Perhaps when you come to visit another time, I will have them all out for your perusal anda"a The banker shook his head, smiling. aHarriet, you should know that I have wondered about this Captain Frakenham from the beginning.a She tried to swallow but could not. aOh? Wondered what?a aI do not believe that you are indeed engaged to a Captain Frakenham or that he will arrive with a hold full of gold and save your family from further embarra.s.sment.a Mr. Goweras smile bordered on the insulting. aThe other officials at the bank may believe what they will, but I am not so gullible.a aMr. Gower, I a.s.sure you that I am indeed engaged to Captain Frakenham. How dare you insinuate thata"a aNonsense. Harrieta"Miss Warda"let us be plain. There is no Captain Frakenham. As far as I can ascertain, there never was.a aAre you calling me a liar?a aI believe the falsehood began with your mother. I was curious from the first, so I wrote to London and made inquiries. There is no record of Captain Frakenham or his ship.a aYour research is incorrect, for I can a.s.sure you thata"a aYou can a.s.sure me nothing.a Mr. Gower captured her hand in his, his grip more than firm. aHarriet, I have been very patient with you and your family. You may rest a.s.sured that I have encouraged my superiors to accept your preposterous story about the good captain, and I will continue to do so.a His thumb stroked a path over her knuckles. aFor now.a Harriet barely contained a shudder. aI donat know what you are talking about.a She tugged on her hand, but he held it firmly. She wondered what he would do if she were to scream, jump out of the window, and make a mad dash for freedom through the garden below.

aHarriet, listen to me.a He stepped closer. aI may not have been born a gentleman, but I will be one before I die, as will my sons. I am asking you to marry me. You have everything to gain in this bargain.a aWhat? After next month, Garrett Park will be ours.a aYes, but what will you do then? How will you provide for your family?a She tried again to loosen his grip, tugging futilely. aPlease, Mr. Gowera"a aYou have the birth and connections I need to truly establish my name. I am willing to overlook the fact that your family is not financially responsible and that your brothers behave deplorably.a She stopped tugging on her hand, her irritation fanned into pure anger. aWhat about my sisters? Do you have anything ill to say of them?a Mr. Gower regarded her gravely. aIam certain that with a little guidance, they will learn some proper decorum. In time.a Harriet thought she would explode. How dare this man come to her home and insult her and her family in such a way? Especially after head spent the last year demanding payments and being such a nuisance that the sight of his carriage rolling down the drive made poor Mother ill with apprehension.

Harriet gave her hand one last yank, freeing it from his damp grasp. aMr. Gower, I didnat wish to say this, but you have forced me. Sir, you are a pain in the aa"a The door opened and Mother bustled in, a rustling of silks and lace, her cap plopped unceremoniously on her head. The second her gaze fell on Harriet, she said in a breathless voice, aThere you are, dear! Iave been looking all over for you!a Harriet frowned. aYou knew where Ia"a aYes, yes, of course!a Mother paused just inside the door. aAnd there is that sweet Mr. Gower with you.a Sweet? How about rude and overbearing? aMr. Gower was just telling me that he had to leave.a aBefore meeting Captain Frakenham?a Mother said, all smiles. aSurely not.a Harriet opened her mouth. Then closed it. Captain Frakenham? Goodness, had Mother gone stark, raving mad?

Harriet stole a peek at Mr. Gower and noted with some satisfaction that he looked as thunderstruck as she felt.

aCaptain Frakenham,a the banker said slowly. aMrs. Ward, there is no Captain Frakenham.a aNo?a Mother asked, blinking in apparent astonishment.

hi that instant, Harriet knew where Sophia had gotten her pa.s.sion for acting.

aMr. Gower,a Mother said with some asperity, ayou are sadly mistaken! There is indeed a Captain Frakenham. In fact, here he is now.a With that, Mother stepped aside.

A broad-shouldered figure filled the doorway to the sitting room. Harrietas heart pounded an extra beat. There stood their patient. He appeared pale, the bandage still wrapped about his head. Harrietas gaze moved slowly over him, noting the way his coat hugged his wide shoulders then tapered to a narrow waist. His waistcoat was an understatement of elegant simplicity, his snowy white cravat tied in a fascinating array of twists and knots. She had to admire his taste; it was impeccable.

Harriet tried not to look directly at him as he walked forward, every step holding a liquid grace that was somehow salaciously delicious.

If head been dangerously attractive lying p.r.o.ne in bed, he was lethal striding across the room, moving with all the grace of a very large, very masculine cat. Harriet found that she could not look away. Could not help but notice the way his powerful thighs moved beneath the material of his breeches. Could not help but feel a little breathless when his deep blue eyes rested on her, and her alone.

aMy dear,a he murmured, on reaching her side. He took her unresisting hands in his and brought them, one at a time, to his warm lips. aHow is my lovely fiance this morning? I trust you slept well?a Heat shivered up her fingers, through her arms, and directly into the pit of her stomach. Her whole body tightened in response.

She blinked up at him. aCaptain Frakenham? Buta"a aHarriet!a her mother said firmly. aPray ring the bell for some tea. Iam certain Captain Frakenham is in need of nourishment.a aSo I am,a the captain easily agreed, smiling down at Harriet. Though his expression was schooled into a mild greeting, Harriet was all too aware of a devilish gleam in his eyes. He was laughing at her. He knew she had to respond to his overture in front of Mr. Gower. And the wretch was enjoying every minute.

Harriet pulled her hands free, then, for good measure, tucked them behind her back. For a mad moment, she wondered what would be worsea"having to pretend to be on an intimate footing with the peac.o.c.k who stood before her, grinning as if delighted to have the opportunity to torment her, or listening to more of Mr. Goweras asinine declarations.

aOh dear!a Mother said. aI am so horrid at making introductions. Captain Frakenham, this is Mr. Gower, an officer from our bank. Mr. Gower, this is Captain Frakenham, Harrietas betrothed.a As Mr. Gower reluctantly took the captainas hand and the two exchanged greetings, Mother gripped Harrietas arm and whispered in her ear, aIt was the only thing I could think of.a aHow did you convince him to help?a aI didnat. I justa told him he was Captain Frakenham.a At Harrietas astonished look, Mother blushed. aHe doesnat remember who he is, so what difference will it make?a Harriet blinked. aButa what if he remembers his real name?a If he doesnat already know it. Blast it, what is Mother thinking?

Mr. Gower looked as if he wasnat sure if he was upside right or upside down. He kept shaking the acaptainasa hand, over and over as if unable to stop.

Chase didnat know what he was enjoying more, the obvious shock the banker seemed to be experiencing or the look of pure chagrin on Harrietas face. It was amazing, but Chase was beginning to believe he might actually get a little enjoyment out of this charade.

Truly, there was much to be said for a.s.sisting the Wards. For one thing, he was no longer a sanctioned member of society. He was free for once of the onerous St. John name. For this instant, he was a sea captain come to visit his beloved. An earthy, common sea captain, full of tales of excitement and derring-do, as far away from the confining restraints of what Chase St. John really was.

Chaseas heart took flight. He was going to enjoy this very, very much. He grinned at the banker. aMr. Gower, Iave heard quite a bit about you. Iam delighted we finally meet.a Chase looked down at where the banker was still mindlessly shaking his hand. aWould you mind releasing my hand? I may need it sometime in the near future.a Gower reddened and stepped away. aIam sorry. Itas just that youa"Captaina"I cannot believea"that is to say, I didnat think youa"a aDidnat think I what? Would return for my Harriet?a Chase reached over and slid his arm about Harrietas waist, grinning when he heard her sharp intake of breath. She was a tightly made little bundle, he realized with some pleasure as his hand grazed her hip. aHow could I leave such a tasty morsel alone?a Dead silence met his p.r.o.nouncement.

Mrs. Ward laughed a little uncertainly. aCaptain Frakenham, the things you say!a She fanned herself a little. aThe captain has been at sea a very long time.a aIndeed,a Gower said, his jaw set, his brows lowered. His gaze roamed over Chase a moment, then stopped on the bandage. aI see you are injured.a aA mere scratch.a aHow did you get it?a aPirates,a Chase said blandly.

At his side, Harriet stiffened, and he was hard-pressed not to laugh. Instead, he nodded safely. aA battle with pirates off the coast of India. Nothing serious, of course. We routed them in thirty minutes and captured their cargo.a aCargo? Was it a rich prize?a aMainly slave women.a Harriet pinned him with a hard glare. aSlave women?a aHarem girls, actually.a He held Harriet a little tighter, then winked over her head at Gower. aA healthy prize indeed, a hold full of slave women.a A sound suspiciously like a snort came from Harriet, who was still being held prisoner against Chase. He blinked innocently down at her. aDid you say something, dear?a aNo,a Harriet said flatly, her brown eyes sparkling with indignation. aNot yet.a Mother leaned toward the banker. aYouall have to forgive Captain Frakenhamas boisterous spirits. Heas been at sea for months and months anda"a aAlmost a year,a Chase agreed, tugging Harriet a little closer until her hip rested against his. aAnd I thought of nothing but you, my little flower.a That seemed to raise some hackles. Harrietas smile, already patently false, grew more strained and she said through her teeth, aItas a pity youall be returning to your ship so quickly, Captain Frakenham.a aReturn?a Chase said, feigning bewilderment. aOh no, sweetheart. I have no plans for returning to the sea for a while yet. In factaa"he released her and went to the settee, where he lay down, crossed his ankles on a small pillow and tucked his hands beneath his head, and said, aI plan on enjoying your hospitality for weeks and weeks to come.a His gaze found the empty tea tray and he frowned. aSpeaking of which, I am famished. Harriet, my love, bring me something to eat, would you? But no tea. I prefer stronger spirits. Some brandy would not be amiss.a A choked exclamation came from Harriet.

Mrs. Ward quickly intervened. aI will be glad to ring for a nice light luncheon. Meanwhile, I daresay Mr. Gower must be on his way. Heas a very important man and cannot linger for hours on end.a From his position on the couch, Chase gestured magnanimously. aOf course he canat! Anyone can look at him and see that he is not your average banker, by any means. Mr. Gower, I wish you good speed on your tasks today. May you foreclose on at least three separate properties.a Mr. Gower tried to smile, but failed. aI do not think I will be foreclosing on anyone today.a aNo? Perhaps tomorrow then. Good day.a Mrs. Ward opened the door. aMr. Gower, let me walk you out. Harriet can take care of the captain.a Gower did not seem to like that arrangement. He looked meaningfully at Harriet. aI will speak with you again, Miss Ward. Soon.a Chase watched closely. Something pa.s.sed between the twoa irritation on Harrietas part, and something else on Goweras. Had that been a warning? Chase frowned, determined to question Harriet the second he had her to himself.

Gower turned from Harriet to bow in Chaseas direction. aIt has been a pleasure meeting you, Frakenham. I hope I get to see more of you before you leave again. When is your ship due to sail?a aNot anytime soon. It is in port with repairs.a aIs it? Do you mind my asking which port?a Chase didnat even pause. aWhitby.a aAh yes. Iave been there. And the name of your ship?a aReally, Mr. Gower,a Harriet said, an air of tension clinging to her. aThereas no need to question our guest as if hea"a aNonsense,a Chase said easily. aMy shipas name is The Tempest. Sheas a three-masted rig, just returned from India.a Gower managed a more genuine smile, his eyes narrowed. aThank you. Good day, Captain.a aGood day, Mr. Gower.a Gower bowed once to Harriet, then followed Mrs. Ward out the door. And for the first time since head a.s.sumed the role of Captain Frakenham, Chase found himself alone with his fiance.

Chapter 10.

His lordship tells me the other day that starch makes the man. But let me tell you, atis silver that provides the starch. And thatas where my heart lies.

Lord Kilturnas valet, Hobart, to Ledbetter, the Earl of Greyleyas valet after a chance meeting at the tailoras Harriet eyed the man lying on the settee. He hung over both ends, his arms behind his head, his ankles crossed on one of the good cushions. Not that he seemed to care. He was too busy watching her through narrowed eyes, tension evident in his biting blue gaze.

Harriet sniffed. aYou, sir, were impolite.a aI wouldnat say that.a aI would. There you were, acting as if I was youra"a aFiance,a he said smoothly. aWhich you are, according to your mother.a He lifted his brows. aIsnat that what you are? Or did I miss something?a She choked. aThat isnat what I was speaking of. You donat remember who you are, and yet you came in here anda anda took liberties!a Yes, that described what head done. Head stepped far over the bounds of propriety. Even now she could feel where his hand had rested on her hip, his fingers warm through the thin material of her dress.

That touch, so simple and yet so possessive, had caused a reaction that lingered still. She smoothed her hands over her skirts, wondering if head felt that same flare of heat. If his body had also shivered with suddena"

She caught his gaze and colored, certain he could tell her thoughts. aYour actions were totally unnecessary.a aYou may not have needed a visible reminder of the fact that you are supposedly betrothed to me, but it seemed that Mr. Gower did.a aHe didnat believe there was a Captain Frakenham.a A faint smile touched the strangeras lips. aYet here I am.a Harriet eyed him a moment. Oh yes, there he was. Six-foot-plus of whipcord muscle and solid sinew, of hard blue eyes and breathtaking handsomeness, all wrapped into one unknown, yet very dangerous, man. Even lying on the couch seemingly at his ease, he emitted a sharp-edged, almost lethal quality. aTell me, sir, do you still not remember who you are?a aNot clearly, no.a He touched the bandage that wrapped about his head. aBut your mother says I am Captain Frakenham, soaa His eyes met hers. aWho am I to question such a thing?a Harriet opened her mouth, then closed it again. As mad of an idea as it had been to convince the stranger that he was Captain Frakenham, they were stuck with it for the moment. Especially since Gower had met the man and would be looking to prove him false.

Harriet clamped her teeth closed over a rather unladylike expression. What a horrid tangle.

The stranger raised his brows. aNow that I think about it, the fact that you and I are engaged to be wed puts our relationship in a whole new perspective.a aA whole new perspective?a she said pleasantly enough, though it was difficult to keep her teeth from clenching. She didnat care for the way he was regarding her, as if he thought her a specially baked pastry.

He pushed himself upright on the settee, his coat stretching briefly over his muscled arms. aAnd since we are to be married, then we are free to act as couples who are to be married do.a aOh piffle! What nonsense is that? Before you knew we were engaged, you hauled me into your lap and kissed me. What would you ask for now?a She held out a hand when he opened his mouth as if to answer. aNo. Donat say a word. Just know this; I will not tolerate such inappropriate behavior.a His lips quirked. aYouall have to excuse my earlier behavior. I didnat have my memory, nor did you attempt to enlighten me of my true ident.i.ty.a A frown rested on his brow. aAs a matter of fact, why didnat you tell me who I was and what we were to one another?a Mainly because she didnat have one-tenth of her motheras imagination. aI didnat tell you who you were because I thought it would be nice if you remembered it yourself. Not that it matters. Whether we are engaged or not, you do not have the right to be overly familiar.a aOverly, no. But as your fianc, I would a.s.sume Iam allowed certain liberties.a aLiberties?a The braggart waved a hand. aTouches, kisses, and such.a She didnat like the sound of that aand such.a But the other twoa the touches and the kisses, those caused definite reactions in her traitorous body. aI want no touches, no kisses, nor any aand suchesa from you, thank you.a His brows rose thoughtfully. aYou know, I wouldnat think a sea captain would be a timid lover. Yet somehow, you have the air of an untouched maiden.a Harriet stiffened. She took exception to his tone, to his expression, to everything about him. But she could hardly protest his calling her aan untouched maiden.a Piffle! This entire situation was untenable and it was all Motheras fault. First shead dreamed up the too-handsome Captain John Frakenham, then shead given him life and made him into a walking, talking nightmare. But her worst act had been to leave the lout stretched out on the sitting room settee for Harriet to deal with.

She pressed her fingertips to her brow. She had no time for this. There was shearing to worry about, and then packing the wool for market. And then the actual selling. If they didnat get a good price, all would be lost.

All would be lost, too, if aCaptain Frakenhama recovered his memory at an inopportune moment. Harriet had little doubt the man would be furiousa" and who could blame him? If, of course, head really lost his memory to begin with. She eyed him suspiciously but could tell nothing from his guarded expression.

Heavens, it was a complicated coil! And it was probably all for naughta"if Gower hadnat been suspicious before, he was now that head seen Motheras horrible rendition of Captain Frakenham.

For lack of an acceptable target for her frustrations, Harriet rested her gaze on the supposed captain. aIf youare waiting for me to bring you your luncheon, youall starve.a A sudden smile crossed his face as he pushed himself upright, his boots. .h.i.tting the rug with a m.u.f.fled thud. aYou are a p.r.i.c.kly thing, arenat you?a aIam just far too busy to wait on you hand and foot.a He stood, stretching as he did so. aWhat you are, my love, is difficult.a His gaze flashed over her, lingering on her face. aBut tasty, for all that.a Harriet couldnat help but note that he was amazingly trim, power emanating from his every move. With his dark hair falling over his brow in startling contrast to the white bandage, his blue eyes shadowed by long, black lashes, he almost took her breath away.

Almost. She still had enough calm, orderly logic to remember that just because he looked like a prince, he was probably anything but. aIam not trying to make anything difficult. You simply do not understand our position.a aAh, but I do. Your mother explained everything. The bank is breathing down your familyas collective necks for the final payment on Garrett Park, and the only thing that has kept them from being even more demanding is the hope that I, the good captain, will arrive with a cargo of gold coins.a aOne good coin might do us. We donat need that much,a she lied.

aThatas good to hear,a he said dryly, clearly unbelieving. aYour mother told me how important it was that Gower didnat suspect anything was wrong. So I simply pretended that I remembered things. Frankly, I thought I did a d.a.m.n fine job, considering how little I had to work with. Your mother was none too forthcoming with any useful details about, ah, my past.a Harriet sighed. aMother is rather vague about most things.a aSo Iave gathered.a aAnd I supposea I suppose I owe you a word of thanks for your efforts.a He grinned, s.e.xily impish. aNot if itas going to cause you to rupture something.a Oh, piffle. Why did he have to suddenly become so engaging? She preferred it when he was being an asinine jackanapes and her irritation could find an outlet. aThank you for your efforts, but did you have to make up so many details? The name of your ship, the port where sheas berthed?a Chase shrugged. She was a sharp one, Miss Harriet Ward. He hadnat meant to say anything so specific, but Goweras pompous certainty had needled him. aDetails make the lie all the more believable.a aYou seem to know a lot about lying for someone who has no memory to lie about. In fact, you do it so well it seems to be a natural-born talent.a aDonat all sailors tell sea yarns?a Her eyes narrowed. aI wouldnat know about all sailors, just one. And that one is one too many.a That did it. Chase was hungry and his head ached abominably. Worse yet, he was being harangued by a tiny sprout of a woman with a mouth so soft and full that it was all he could do to keep from tasting her then and there. aYou donat seem to hold me in a very loverlike esteem. Did we argue like this before I hit my head?a aI canat think of a time we didnat argue.a aHow depressing.a Her lips quivered, then widened into a grin, a deep chuckle tickling the air between them. It was the most sensuous laughter head ever heard. A heated shudder raced through him and he vowed to hear that chuckle more often.

Her gaze drifted slowly over him. aDid Mother show you all of the clothes we gathered from the forest?a aYes.a aDid you recognize anything?a aRecognize?a aYour belongings.a He opened his mouth to answer when he remembered that he wasnat supposed to remember who he was. aNo. Of course I didnat recognize anything.a Not that there was anything of value left other than my clothing. The thought rankled, and he had a sudden memory of his motheras ring, flashing in the sun.

His heart sank. How could he tell his brothers that head lost Motheras most prized possession? Perhaps he could return to the spot of the attack and look for it?

aDid the thieves take everything of value?a aSo it seems.a A flicker of a smile touched her lips. aWait here a minute.a She spun on her heel and left the room, the sound of her skirts swinging around her filtering back through the open door. Chase listened as her footsteps crossed the hall. A door was opened; silence followed, but only for a moment until she returned.

aThat was quick.a aI had this in the library. I almost forgot about it.a She walked toward Chase where he stood by the settee, her hand held out before her.

Chase glanced down, then froze. There, lying in the center of her palm, was the St. John talisman ring. The silver circlet gleamed as if it had been polished.

His heart thundered in recognition. His motheras ring. Safe. It was more than head dared hope. Thank G.o.d it hadnat been lost. Chase reached for the ring, but then he caught Harrietas knowing gaze.

He paused. aOh. Isnata isnat this mine?a She lifted her brows, daring him to make a claim. aIs it yours?a d.a.m.n it! She was playing games with him. Chase dropped his hand back to his side. aI thought it must be mine, or you wouldnat have offered it in such a manner.a Her fingers closed over the silver band, a faint smile on her lips. aWe found it near where you were injured. It could be yours, I suppose.a She regarded him from under her lashes. aBut then againaa She lowered her hand and dropped the ring into her pocket.

Chase had to fight to keep his expression blank. The little minx! Well, there was more than one way to get something out of a womanas pocket. If he had to, head divest the prim Miss Ward of her entire dress, pocket and all.

Yes, he decided, two could play at this game. And who knew? Maybe they both would win.

Harrietas face creased. aI suppose Iam not being very gracious. Youa you did help us.a aNonsense. I did nothing more than come in here, allow that imbecile from the bank to gawk at me, say enough to a.s.sure the man that I was indeed a real person and in charge of all my faculties, and then made certain he knew you, my love, were off bounds.a Her gaze caught his. aOff bounds?a aI saw the way he was looking at you.a Chase realized he hadnat liked it at all. Funny how just pretending something could make it seem real. aYour mother didnat tell me the banker had a liking for you.a aShe doesnat know. In fact, I didnat know until today.a Chase frowned, noting the downturn of her mouth. He had a sister, himself, and his protective instincts leapt to the fore. aAn unpleasant shock, was it?a aJusta unexpected.a She caught his gaze and colored. aNot that it excuses your behavior one bit. There was no need for you to be soa earthy.a aI like earthy.a And he had. He realized that in some way, living in London and being a St. John had removed quite a lot of earthiness from his life. aPerhaps I let myself get a bit carried away. I cannot remember what it was like to be a sea captain, much less an engaged one. I had to improvise.a aFor your information, Captain Frakenham would never have made such a spectacle of himself.a aNo?a aNever. He is a real gentleman.a aHe?a She colored. aI meant, you.a aPerhaps this b.u.mp on my head has loosened my inhibitions.a She gave an inelegant snort. aYouare incorrigible. You do realize that Mr. Gower will try to disprove all you told him. And when he discovers itas not truea"a aThen I will tell him I was mistaken. Itas not inconceivable that I might misremember something.a aSomething, perhaps. But for a captain to forget the name and location of his ship?a She had a point. He touched the bandage. aBut I hit my head. Very, very hard.a aYes, but we cannot afford to raise his suspicions where the captain is concerned or heall guessa"a She clamped her mouth closed and glared at Chase as if head done something horrid.

Chase straightened. Shead almost said ita almost. He closed in on her, wondering if perhaps he could get the truth out of her yet. aGower will guess what?a Her jaw tightened. aNothing.a From his superior vantage point, he couldnat see into her eyes, so he placed his finger on her chin and tipped her face up. aMiss Ward, why do I keep getting the feeling that neither you, nor your mother, is being honest with me?a She took a step back, breaking his contact, her brow lowered. aIf you feel that way, '

tis most likely because of that b.u.mp on your noggin. I daresay youave addled your brains a touch.a He took another step closer. She matched him move for move, backing away, her expression guarded. Her gaze flickered to the door.

aDonat even think about it,a he said softly. aRunning away will solve nothing.a She stopped moving then, standing firmly in place, her chin in the air. aThe Wards never run,a she said with a decided air of hauteur. aThough if I was thinking of making a dash for it, you couldnat do anything about it.a aCouldnat I?a He advanced again, only this time, he moved slightly to one side. She responded by stepping in the opposite directiona"and ended up backed against the edge of a small table, hemmed in by a large chair on one side, and Chase on the other.

aPiffle!a Her full mouth thinned. aPlease move out of my way.a She had the most engaging eyesa"large and appealingly shaped, with a delicate sweep of lash and brow. aTell me something, Miss Ward, am I really Captain John Frakenham?a She didnat even blink, the little jade. aYes. You are.a Harriet leaned forward then, her gaze narrowed, an earnest expression on her face. aAnd you cannot disagree, unlessaa aUnless?a aUnless you believe you are someone else.a Her brows rose. aAre you?a It could have been funny. And perhaps it was, in a way. She didnat believe him when he said he didnat remember who he was. And he didnat believe her when she said he was Captain John Frakenham. In order to prove her wrong, head have to admit his falsehood. In order for her to prove him wrong, shead have to admit to her falsehood.

It was a quandary of the highest order.

Chase, of course, knew d.a.m.n well who he was, but he couldnat tell this woman. Not without potentially causing a maelstrom of gossip that could possibly alert his brothers to his location. This was a small community, he reminded himself, thinking of all the tales that had apparently gone around involving the nonexistent Captain Frakenham. He could only imagine what they would say about a real, live, flesh-ana-blood St. John.

He simply couldnat risk it. All he really knew about Harriet Ward was that she was very, very good at lying. Almost as good as he was. aIf both you and your mother say I am Captain John Frakenham, then thatas who I am.a Some of the tension left her frame, and she nodded approvingly. aIndeed you are.a Chase didnat know whether to laugh or shake the wench until her teeth rattled. She was a bold piece, this little sparrow who dared cage a lion. It was possiblea extremely possible that Miss Harriet Ward might make for a very delightful dalliance despite her p.r.i.c.kly exterior.

He rubbed his chin as he considered her from head to foot. aHmmm.a aWhat?a aYou are a curvaceous thing, arenat you?a She flushed. aStop that!a aSurely youare used to me looking at you. And touching you, too.a Urged on by some imp of madness, he threaded his fingers through one of her curls where it lay against her shoulder, having escaped her bundled and bunched hair.

She immediately jerked away, and the soft silk tress slid from his fingertips. Unbound, he thought it would drape over her shoulders and down, curling possessively along the taut lines of her back. She was so small, without an ounce of plumpness to her except for the seductive curves of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s and hips.

He eyed her b.r.e.a.s.t.s for a moment. They were small, but well-rounded. They would just fit in his hand. His fingers curled at the thought, and he had an instant image of her naked and pliant beneath hima"

She plopped her hands on her hips. aLook, Mr.a"a aCaptain,a he corrected softly, forcing himself to meet her gaze.

Her cheeks stained bright red, her eyes flashing. aWhatever you are.a aDonat you mean whoever?a aNo,a she said flatly. aWhatever you are, you are being quite rude, staring at me as if I was a cow you were thinking of purchasing.a aI was trying to remember you, of course. I keep thinking that there must be somethingaa"he deliberately glanced back at her b.r.e.a.s.t.sa"athat might trigger my memory.a She crossed her arms over her chest. aI can a.s.sure you that youave never seen that much of me.a aNever?a aNever.a aHm.a He pretended to ponder this a moment. aYouare certain weave nevera"a aNever!a He pursed his lips and regarded the wall opposite as if in deep thought.

She stomped her foot, the heel making a solid thump on the rug. aWhat are you doing now?a aItas just thata well, I canat remember a lot of things, but I do know thata I know thataa He shook his head. aIam sorry. I canat say.a She huffed.

There was no other word for ita"a sigh would have been softer, and a hiss would have been sharper. No, Chase decided, it was a definite huff. He lifted his brows. aI beg your pardon?a aTell me.a aI would, but I donat want to shock you, and I definitely donat want your mother to think that Ia"a aMother has nothing to do with this, and I donat shock easily.a aI supposeaa He regarded her for a short time, then nodded. aVery well, then. I was thinking that it was strange that I should remember how a womanas naked body would look, but not remember yours.a She stiffened, outrage in every line. aThat is because youave never seen my body.a aThatas very strange. I hate to ask this, but aha is there something wrong with you?a Her mouth dropped open.

He placed a finger beneath her chin and closed it.

She snapped back to life. aWhat possibly could be wrong with me?a aI donat know; youall have to tell me.a He tapped his bandaged head. aIam the one who canat remember.a Her chin lifted another notch. aLook, Mr.a"a aCaptain.a She closed her eyes for a long moment, her jaw clamped tightly. aCaptain,a she managed to grit out. aYou and I were engaged, but nota not anything else.a He sighed as if disappointed. aI see.a aI believe weave said enough on this topic. Mr.a" Captain, if you will excuse me, I have things I must see to. Please make yourself comfortable. Mother should return shortly.a Chase didnat want to move, but he could tell Harriet meant business. There was a definite glint to her eyes that told him shead reached the end of her rope.

He moved out of her way and with that, Miss Harriet Ward gave him an infinitesimal nod, then swept from the room.

Chase had to stifle a grin. She really was a bundle of fire and sparks, this seemingly meager woman. He wondered how her barely contained pa.s.sion would translate in his bed. The thought hung in his head, tantalizing him with images of what could be, what might be.

At that moment, something clicked into place. It was as if the stars had aligned themselves for this one moment. Chase had been on his way out of the country, leaving behind all he held dear. Yet here he stood, cast in the guise of a carefree sea captain, arguing with a blessedly logical female about his own ident.i.ty.

Perhaps he wasnat meant to leave England yet. So long as no one in this little community knew he was a St. John, his brothers would never be the wiser. The thought of his brothers made his throat tightena he had to leave. Had to spare them from the scandal his actions had caused.

All of his earlier amus.e.m.e.nt fled. He would stay long enough to help the Wards convince the bank that there really was a Captain Frakenham, and then head be on his way.

After all, what difference could a few days make?

Chapter 11.

I thought I was in love once. Turned out it was just some bad mutton. Unfortunately, by the time Iad ascertained the true cause of my distress, I was already wedded, bedded, and headed for the worst ten years of my life.

The valet, Ledbetter, to his employer, the Earl of Greyley while helping that stalwart individual into his new coat Harriet retired to her room. Located on the second floor, it was pleasantly, if somewhat spa.r.s.ely, furnished, the bed old but serviceable, the dresser and washstand faded from so much waxing, the wardrobe mismatched. But the rug was thick and warm, and the curtains on the windows were new, presents from Ophelia and Sophia from a Christmas not long past.

Normally, Harriet took comfort in her room. But this time her heart was beating too thunderously for her to do more than stomp across the floor, drop onto her bed, and fall back against the coverlet.

Captain Frakenhama"or whatever his name really wasa"was the most exasperating, overbearing, and arrogant man shead ever met. He was also, she had to admit, a remarkably good actor. Head taken to the part of Captain Frakenham with astonishing ease. Almost with joy.

Oh, head overplayed certain parts. Rather like Sophia would do. But overall, head been quite believable. Harriet sighed, threw her arms over her head, and stared up at the ceiling. The stranger might not be Captain Frakenham, but he certainly looked the part. Tall, black-haired, broad-shouldereda for some reason, shead pictured the fict.i.tious captain just that way. She remembered the acaptaina lying on the settee, dwarfing the whole room with his presence.

It was so perplexing! Whoever he was, she was certain he was not common born. His accent was impeccable and his clothes made by a master tailor. He also sported an unconscious air of command, as if he was used to people obeying his every whim and whimsy. That air of command hung about him, an almost visible cloak of authority.

Drat it, who was the man? There had to be a clue somewhere. Harriet reached into her pocket and pulled out the ring.

Shead thought for a moment that the captain had recognized it. Theread been an unmistakable gleam in his eyes. But had it been an unconscious reaction? Or had he indeed known the ring as his own but not claimed it?

She fingered the smooth silvered surface, squinting at the decorative runes cut along the edges. It was certainly an odd piece, not at all the sumptuous bauble shead expect of a man like him.

Did he know who he was? Or was her skeptical imagination interfering with her usual calm logic?

She sighed. All she knew for certain was that she and her family desperately needed him to continue being Captain Frakenham, at least for a while.

Harriet slid the ring over her finger, the metal strangely warm. Her hand tickled as if a feather had run along it starting at the ring and ending at her wrist, where her pulse beat a steady rhythm. How odd.

The light from the window sparkled on the circlet, and Harriet found herself smiling. It was a pretty piece for all its simplicity.

Well, it would look very good locked in her jewelry box, for she wasnat about to leave it out where it might disappear, especially not if the acaptaina suddenly regained his memory and decided it belonged to him.