Rebel Dreams by Patricia Rice

may know of the Adrian
Wellingtons in Somerset, an old family, high in the king’s favor. She will
bring you no shame. Her father left her a rich dowry. The sale of the warehouse
will more than double that amount. You have chosen well, and the advantage is
all yours.”
    Evelyn clenched her fingers around her handkerchief. Uncle
George was selling not only her but also her brother’s livelihood! She had
always known him to be a fool, but she had not recognized the depths of his
treachery. She would not complain if Hampton ran him through with a sword right
now.
    Unfortunately, she realized Hampton never wore a sword, and
she wondered again about his claim of not being a gentleman.
    It was impossible to gauge Hampton’s thoughts by his
expression. She had never seen him smile, but she was aware he possessed a
humor of sorts. Surely a man who owned a ship like the Minerva would not
consider her dowry a plum. She could see only the profile of his face, framed
by the thick coarseness of his black hair. The muscle over his cheekbone had
tightened, but his words were as cool as she could desire.
    “You mistake me, Mr. Upton. Miss Wellington’s very
respectable family would scream in horror should they hear of her betrothal to
me. I cannot imagine you would wish to sell your lovely niece to a rake and a
bankrupt. Let us forget this conversation ever came about. I will apologize for
being the cause of any rumors. I promise to treat your niece with all due
respect in the short time I remain here. I’m certain Miss Wellington’s name and
behavior are so far above reproach that no one will lend credence to any
further tales.”
    Evelyn would have smiled had she not been so fascinated by
these revelations. Bankrupt? Even she found that hard to believe. But he was
being more than reasonable, and for that she was grateful.
    She met Hampton’s appraising glance on her and felt a jolt
as his long-lashed eyes darkened, reminding her of their impetuous passion.
    The cynicism in his look shook Evelyn more than her uncle’s
threats. Surely he did not think she was responsible for this imbroglio! Of all
the conceited, arrogant . . . Of course, he did!
    Rising before her uncle replied, she straightened her skirts
and started toward the door. “I told you that, Uncle George, but you wouldn’t
listen to me. You are not being quite rational about this. Will Black saw
nothing but what was in his own dirty mind. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ve
been humiliated enough for one day. Mr. Hampton, are you ready to leave? I’ll
accompany you and extend my apologies for this scene.”
    Alex rose, scraped a brief bow, and offered his arm. “I
sincerely apologize for the trouble I’ve caused you, Miss Wellington,” he said.
Taking the crumpled handkerchief from her hand, he wiped her tear-streaked
face, ruining his polite apology with his usual carelessness. “I’ve always
wanted to do that.”
    She slapped his hand away at the same time her uncle came to
his feet. “I’m not through with you yet, you damnable cur! Evelyn, go on, and I
will take care of this.”
    She turned and eyed her furious relative with curiosity. “I
really cannot understand what you are about, Uncle George. Mr. Hampton has been
more than patient, and I’ve already explained everything thrice over. There is
nothing more to be said.”
    “There is this to be said.” He pointed an accusing finger,
looking at Hampton as if he were a bug in his soup. “You and the Minerva will not leave port until my niece is safely wedded. I have had a report that
you are carrying illegal brandy. The ship will be impounded and you will be
jailed until the matter is settled.”
    ***
    Alex heard Miss Wellington’s startled gasp. He did not
turn to her but held his gaze on the wily devil behind the desk. With practiced
arrogance he answered coolly, “I need only write Cranville to have the matter
settled well above your head. I’d rather spend three months in jail than a
lifetime