One pale, slender hand, weighted with his signet ringhow had that stayed on her finger?twitched. Within seconds, she jerked and coughed and vomited up what seemed like an entire ocean.
Thank you, God.
Simple words, but hed never felt them so sincerely. Groaning at the effort it tookall energy faded now that theyd been rescuedhe reached across to touch her heaving shoulder. He needed to feel the life flooding back into her. His desolation when hed thought her lost still fermented in his belly.
He sat up, although every aching muscle begged him never to move again. A sailor handed him some water and only after a few sips could he speak. Five men were on the ship.
Since the boat capsized, he hadnt seen MacGregor or the other crewmen. But hed focused solely on Pen. If John MacGregor had floated a yard away, Cam doubted hed have noticed.
The fellow who had tugged him from the water like a floundering haddock spoke through a beard of such thickness, Cam couldnt see his mouth. Theres another rescue boat out, but I dont old much ope for survivors. Its a terrible day, terrible.
Cam recognized the cruel truth of that. Can we search for them?
The mans snort might have contained amusement or express derision for someone stupid enough to expect anyone to brave this storm. Weve seen nobody else. And we need to get you and your lady to shore. Weve plucked two live uns from the waves. Reckon thats our bounty. He paused. The lads are done in. As dangerous for rescuers as for drowners.
While he recognized the sense in what the sailor said, Cams heart cramped with regret. John MacGregor was a good man, and the crew had been under Cams charge.
He moved closer to Pen. Gently, he turned her over and was shocked to see that she was barely covered. Drawing her into his arms, he spoke to the man who had saved him. Do you have a blanket?
Weve got some in the basket in the stern. No promises ow dry they be, the man said gruffly. Theyll warm your wife.
Cam didnt bother to explain that they werent married. The rower behind him passed word down. Soon Cam had wrapped Pen in a damp, prickly, but serviceable wool blanket.
Cam braced himself against the side of the boat. Pen only gradually returned to consciousness. She moaned and Cam pressed her icy face into the curve of his neck. He told himself he shared body heatshe was alarmingly cold and didnt feel much more alive than she had as a drifting wraith. But the truth was that he needed to touch her to fill the void inside him that had opened when hed thought her dead.
Youre hurting me, Pen muttered into his bare chest, her breath like a kiss.
Im sorry. Reluctantly he loosened his grip. How are you feeling?
He took a moment to recognize the choked sound she made against his skin as a laugh. God above, she was magnificent.
Awful. Her voice was scratchy, as if shed screamed for him again and again and he hadnt come. Despite her earlier protest, his hold tightened.
Im not surprised. He raised the flask of water to her lips. After she drank, choking a little, he spoke. What do you remember?
She showed no urge to move away. I remember hitting the water. I remember trying to swim, but the cloak was so heavy. I should have taken it off, but the strings were tangled. She leaned back to stare into his face. A jagged flash through the sky revealed a vulnerable expression. Thank you for saving me.
He gave her more water, pleased to see she managed better. How do you know I did?
Despite everything theyd been through, she found a smile. You always saved me. Even if it meant fighting an army of village boys for the sake of a flea-bitten cat. Dont you remember?
I remember. Around them, the men rowed like demons. Inches away, the sea clawed at their boat. But he and Pen were cocooned in intimacy. Dont speak, Pen. Rest.
For a woman who had nearly drowned, her gaze was remarkably steady. No, theres something I must say.
It can wait until were on land.
Please, Cam. She rested her hand over his heart, the heart that had cracked at the thought of losing her. Let me speak.
He already knew he wouldnt like what she said, but he wasnt proof against her pleading. Very well.
You will always be the dear friend of my childhood. Despite her hoarseness and her pauses for breath, her voice was as steady as her gaze. And now youve saved my life. Again.
He took no comfort from what she said. Her manner hinted that she spoke of endings, not beginnings. Rescuing you is my mission.
No longer. Regret stabbed him when she lifted her hand from him. Her lovely face was drawn and tiredand heartbreakingly sad. This journey hasnt been easy on either of us. But its over. Lets forget the anger, and remember one another with generosity. Lets say our farewells without rancor.
Penelope was right. And wise. Wiser than he.
He tucked her head under his chin and stared unseeingly toward the approaching coast. As Pen said, once they reached England, their dealings were done. His life would return to its assigned path. Playing the omnipotent Duke of Sedgemoor. Restoring some respect to the family name. Running his estates and investments. Marriage to Marianne Seaton.
He should be delighted. Instead, he felt like red-hot pincers ripped out his guts.
Chapter Thirteen
As the boat slid into the stone harbor, the cessation of pitching seemed a miracle to Pen.
Her body felt made of wet string. Battered wet string. Even breathing hurt. She was shaking and her teeth chattered, despite Cams best efforts to keep her warm. He must curse her for the loss of not only his yacht, but his crew.
He should have let her drown.
But of course he wouldnt. He was too honorable. The offer hed made before the ship foundered was the exception that proved the rule. Shed been so furious with him. Right now, having come so close to dying, it was hard to reawaken her outrage. Especially when hed nearly died himself trying to save her.
The boat bumped against the pier and rocked as the sailor at the bow tied it to a metal hook. Daylight gradually returned as the storm abated.
When Pen struggled to stand, her legs folded beneath her. Predictably Cam caught her.
Let me help you, he said softly.
Once they were safely on the dock, Cam swept her into his arms. She curled into his powerful body against the onlookers curiosity. Taking those first painful gasps of air after nearly drowning, modesty had been the last thing on her mind. Now despite the weather, a crowd surrounded them and she was grateful for the concealing blanket.
Come away to the Leaping Mackerel, sir, a man said at Cams shoulder. Theres food and a fire and well fetch the doctor.
Thank you. Cam sounded remarkably like his usual self, instead of the shaken man who had rescued her. He spoke over her head to the crew who had saved them. And thanks to you. We owe you our lives.
Its nothing, laddie, the bearded man said.
Pen couldnt imagine anyone calling haughty Camden Rothermere laddie since he was breeched. Probably not even before then. Nonetheless, your gallantry wont go unrewarded.
Thank you, she choked out.
The man nodded before turning away to stow the boat. Her hands tightened around Cams shoulders as he strode along the quay. Rain sheeted down, but they were already so wet it made little difference.
Cams ordeal had hardly been less taxing than hers. I can walk.
Dont be a fool. His grip tightened as if hed fight anyone for the right to carry her.
Pen surrendered to the forbidden luxury of his touch. She was too tired and sore to resist. Feeding her senses with his salty, clean scent and the heat of his body, she hid her face against his bare chest. For a dangerous interval, she floated in a world where Cams arms welcomed her forever.
Dont be a fool. His grip tightened as if hed fight anyone for the right to carry her.
Pen surrendered to the forbidden luxury of his touch. She was too tired and sore to resist. Feeding her senses with his salty, clean scent and the heat of his body, she hid her face against his bare chest. For a dangerous interval, she floated in a world where Cams arms welcomed her forever.
Cam marched through the crowd, responding briefly to congratulations and good wishes. Pens contentment was short-lived. The onslaught of noise and warmth when they entered the inn dazed her as if shed stumbled into civilization after being lost in the wilderness.
Is the doctor here? Cam shouldered his way through the packed taproom. Gently he placed her on a padded bench near the fire.
Aye, sir. A thickset middle-aged man appeared behind Cam. Ill see to the lady. Although she missed Cams arms, Pen sat quietly while the doctor took her wrist to check her pulse.
Shell want a nice cup of tea. And youll have brandy, Im sure, my lord. A woman who must be the innkeepers wife bustled forward with a brimming glass that she shoved at Cam. Im Mrs. Skillings. Welcome to the Leaping Mackerel, Ramsgates finest inn.
Cam looked like a ragamuffin, wet and filthy in his tattered clothing. But Mrs. Skillings hadnt mistaken his accent or bearing. Cam could stand naked surrounded by polar bears in Greenland and hed still appear exactly what he was, an English nobleman of the highest standing.
Thank you. He accepted the brandy, but instead of drinking it, he offered it to Pen.
Youre too kind. How true that was.
Wincing, she extended one hand from under her blanket to take the glass. She felt like shed been through twelve rounds with Tom Cribb. And the boxer had won. Now that she was safe, she felt the sting and ache of innumerable scrapes and bruises. Despite the fire in the hearth, she shivered. The chill extended to her bones. When she drank, the spirits settled in her belly and stirred her sluggish blood.
My lady needs a coat, Cam said to the room at large.
So do you, Pen said softly. Cam looked magnificent with his bare chest and torn breeches. Like a marooned pirate king. But hed been immersed in cold water as long as she had.
Mrs. Skillings addressed the man behind her, obviously the innkeeper. Take the lady to our best chamber, John. Ill bring her one of my dresses to tide her over.
Pen caught a flash of quickly hidden amusement in Cams eyes as she returned the brandy glass. Three of Pen would fit into anything that went around the womans ample figure.