Real Vampires: Glory and the Pirates by Bartlett, Gerry (red white royal blue TXT) 📕

“Fergus’s ma wouldn’t let us leave Dollar without having her properly taken to church and put in front of the priest. A pillow would be lovely and any kind of gown, of course. You are too generous.” Maggie smiled at Lady Anne. “Don’t you look a treat holding the baby. Gloriana says you have been widowed more than two years. Time for you to look about you for a man to marry and start your own family, my lady.”

“I will.” Anne noticed me standing in the door. “Gloriana, isn’t the baby precious?”

“Yes, she is. I agree with Maggie. Time for you to get to work. The captain is in the great hall staring at Florence like he might gobble her up instead of the evening meal.” I took the baby from Anne and handed her to Maggie. “Fix your hair and take off that horrid apron.” I jerked down her bodice. At least she hadn’t put on one of her blacks, but the dull brown did nothing to flatter her.

“Oh, I am not used to wearing my dress so low.” Anne fluttered her fingers over the swells of her breasts. “He is staring at Madame daVinci, you say?”

“Yes, he is. But your bosom is as fine as Flo’s, I promise you. He seems to appreciate that in a woman.” I grinned at her flush but she looked down and put her hands by her sides, her shoulders back.

“Ralph always did say I had a fine figure.” She smiled.

“And so you do. Here now.” Maggie laid baby Anne in her cradle and picked up a fine piece of lace from her sewing basket. “I found this in Glory’s room. Torn from the hem of one of her new dresses.” She shook her head. “You are too careless with your clothes, my friend. But this is lucky for Lady Anne.” She pulled out a needle and threaded it. “I can attach this to the edge of your bodice and the color will bring out the roses in your cheeks, see if it don’t.”

“Trust Maggie, Lady Anne. She is magic with a needle, just like you are.” I walked over to tickle the baby’s tummy while the two women dealt with placing the lace and stitching it on. By the time they were done, Anne did look prettier, more alive. I ignored the stirring of my blood lust. Mortals, two of them, so close. No wonder I had a hunger. Well, I would be with Jeremiah later and had plans to make him very happy. He would surely return the favor.

“The men are going tomorrow by ship to attack the pirates.” I linked arms with Lady Anne. “Captain Burnett will be in danger. He could be killed!” I felt her stiffen. She did care for him.

“What can I do?” She stopped. “He must go, it is his duty. My years with Lord Ralph taught me that duty comes first.”

“Yes, a warrior must face his fears and often enjoys a good fight. But there will be real danger, Lady Anne. You might show him you care for his safety and offer to give him a fine fare-the-well.” I smiled and squeezed her elbow.

“Gloriana!” Her mouth dropped open.

“Come now. You are no shy maiden, Anne. He is handsome and has been seeking you out these past weeks, has he not?”

“Yes. We have had many delightful conversations. His father knew my father…” Anne’s eyes went soft. “He even grew up near my home. Someday he plans to go back there.”

“Perfect! Does his touch please you?” I watched color come into her cheeks then wash down toward the edge of her bodice. Anne did have a fine figure, full breasts and a slim waist. I’m sure the captain had noticed that.

“I have not minded when he takes my hand. He has even kissed my hand when he wished me good evening. He’s been everything that is courteous but he does seek me out. I thought he might be courting me but was afraid I was imagining it.” She closed her eyes. “A fine fare-the-well? Do you mean..?”

“You know exactly what I mean. You said you and Lord Ralph enjoyed lusty bed sport. Some women shrink from it but I don’t think you do. Am I wrong?” I was not going to say it. Flo would have, in her vibrant Italian and with hand gestures.

I took a breath. Warm blooded mortal. Stop it, Gloriana!

“No, I did like it. I, I miss it.” Anne gripped my hand. “What should I do?”

“It will be easy.” I did know men. “After the evening meal, invite him to your solar, ply him with brandy and let him know you wish to share your bed with him.”

“I couldn’t!” Anne gasped. “I have been with no one but Ralph. He was always the one who took the lead. What would I say? What would Malcolm think?” She shook her head. “He expects me to be a lady, not a brazen hussy, giving away my favors!”

I rolled my eyes. Spare me a lofty lady’s conventions. At least she had used his given name so the two must have made progress, become familiar. “Yes, he knows you for the lady you are. That you are lonely and have been faithful to the memory of your husband. You could tell him as much. Look into his eyes and lean toward him, inviting his kiss. Once that happens, you could take his hand and lead him to your bedchamber. Without words. The next move would be up to him. If he is the man I think he is, it will be a night for both of you to remember.”

“Oh, to be held in a man’s arms again.” Lady Anne sighed. “I will try. I can’t promise anything, but…” She started walking toward the great hall. “I will try.”

“That’s all you can do. Good luck.” By the time we got to where the men were gathered, I could tell Lady Anne was excited by the