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

example. I will be happy to wear them to court. When the ladies there see your work, they will be lining up to hire you.” She faced the slack-jawed seamstress. “Why are you still here, Clotilde? Go!” She waved her hand.

“Yes, go.” I eased her out the door and shut it.

I turned to Jolie. “I can’t wait to see what you made for me.” I shuddered when I saw her pick up a monstrosity with enormous lace fans attached. “Tell me those aren’t supposed to be a collar.”

“Yes, madame.” Jolie picked up her scissors again. “But do not worry.” She got busy snipping. “You will like the rest of the bodice. Red and black beading. Pretty, don’t you think?”

What I thought was that we had one more mortal who knew what we were. It was a worry. I knew when too many people shared a secret, it couldn’t stay a secret for long. Flo and I finally left that workroom and walked up the stairs to Lady Anne’s solar and I said as much to her.

That was when I heard the scream.

18

“No! Let me go!” A well-dressed woman of middle years was struggling with a man in Lady Anne’s solar. He had a firm grip and was dragging her toward the door.

Flo hit me with her elbow. “That is Lady Rose, Lady Anne’s mother. That must be her husband, Baron Clyne.” She squeaked when Valdez picked her up and moved her out of his way. He charged into the room and pushed between Lady Rose and her husband, shoving the man back so hard Clyne staggered and hit a chair.

“Sir, clearly the lady does not want your hands on her. Lord Campbell does not countenance such rude behavior in his home.” Valdez stared down the baron when he seemed about to make another move toward the sobbing Lady Rose.

“I’ll treat my wife any way I damn well please. Who the hell are you?” The man puffed out his chest and straightened his brocade waistcoat. “Hired help if I’m any judge. Lay your hands on me again and I’ll see you discharged.”

“Lay your hands on the lady again and I’ll see you bleeding on the floor.” Valdez touched his sword. “I cannot worry about my position here when a lady is being threatened.”

“What is going on here?” I stepped forward and put my hand out to Lady Anne. She had managed to get between her mother and the irate baron and looked ready to take him on if necessary. “Sir? Valdez is right. We will not stand for abuse of any woman here, whether she is your wife or not.”

“Is that so?” The man looked me over and licked his lips. It was the kind of filthy survey that made me wish I’d worn a dress with a high collar. I did pull up my shawl then wished I hadn’t shown such a sign of weakness. “Who might you be?”

“I am mistress here, at Lord Campbell’s request. I would advise you to be careful what you say next.” I was not going to back down. I knew his type and had met men like him at court. He thought he was powerful because he’d inherited a title, but he’d gamed away any fortune that had come with it. His florid face and soft body spoke of a fondness for drink and long nights gaming. He treated his women and his servants poorly to make himself feel better about his own failures.

I glanced at Lady Rose. She’d been pretty once and could be again if she stopped crying and cringing away from the baron’s fists, so close to her. She was afraid of him. I couldn’t stand it.

“Gloriana, this is my, my mother, Lady Rose. And her,” Lady Anne swallowed. I could see how she despised him. “husband, Baron Clyne.”

“I met your mama in the hall.” Flo hurried forward, not about to miss a moment of the drama. She turned to the baron. “She will not go with you. She is staying here, with us!” Then came a bit of rapid Italian complete with a hand gesture that left no doubt as to her opinion of the man.

“Well! I have never seen such a poorly run household. Where is Lord Campbell?” Baron Clyne strode to the window and looked out. “I refuse to deal with a hireling and a group of out-of-control women.”

“Personally, I like my women out of control.” Jeremiah walked into the solar and put his arm around me. “Clyne. Your reputation precedes you.” He bowed toward the sniffling Lady Rose. “Madame. Please feel at ease. No one will force you to go anywhere against your will while you are under my roof.”

“Now see here!” The baron moved toward Jeremiah but Valdez stepped between them. His hand gripped his sword hilt as if he were ready to pull it out and use it. The message was clear.

“Lord Campbell, I presume.” Clyne sketched a bow. “Sir, that is my wife you are sheltering. Surely you understand my wish to see her home.”

“Madame? What say you? Are you ready to go with your husband?” Jeremiah spoke kindly, careful to approach the woman with his hands out by his sides. “You are most welcome here.” He smiled at Lady Anne. “Captain Burnett tells me he and your daughter are to be married tomorrow night in the chapel. I know you will wish to be here for that happy occasion.”

“I would. Truly.” Lady Rose curtsied then extended her hand for Jeremiah to take. “Thank you for your kindness, Lord Campbell. You have been wonderful to my daughter. She has told me how you have given her a home here. That she has found love again.” She glanced at her scowling husband who paced next to the window. “Is her Captain Burnett a kind man?”

“Kind? Is that all you care about, you stupid cow?” Baron Clyne exploded. “Is he in funds? Where’s the settlement? He asked for your daughter’s hand. Can