The Pirate's Willing Captive by Anne Herries Page B

England when we leave here.’
    ‘Well, if he gave yer his word he will.’ Peg laughed. She was a buxom woman, but still attractive though past her best years. ‘He is a good man. I owe me life to him, but that is another story—and one yer won’t hear from me. Yer can stay here if yer like. It may not be ter yer ladyship’s liking, but it is sanctuary on this island. All the scum of the earth frequents that waterfront, believe me. There are a few honest men forced to the trade what retain a sense of fair play, but most would slit yer throat for a handful of silver.’
    Maribel shivered. ‘I have heard that the waterfront can be a terrible place.’
    ‘Aye, it is that and more—but the brethren live by a code and most won’t break it. They know what will happen if they do—either a trial and a hanging or cast off on one of the tiny deserted islands in these seas. We’ve trees, water and food enough here, but some of the islands are little more than bare rock. There’s many a sailor been left to die on an island without a drop of water save the sea. It drives’ em mad in the end. Given the choice, most would rather hang than die that way.’
    ‘I suppose it is a kind of justice?’
    ‘’Tis the only law we have. If there were none there would be no living at all—and ’tis as fair as many of the laws in England, and Spain, I dare say. I wouldn’t like to be a prisoner of the Inquisition.’
    ‘No, nor should I,’ Maribel agreed and smiled. She had begun to like Peg even though the woman was coarse spoken and had killed a man in self-defence. ‘Shall I be a trouble to you?’
    ‘Lord’ ave mercy!’ Peg shouted with laughter. ‘Not the least, though yer’ll have to give a’ and now and then. Share the chores we all do, for there are no servants here. Yer woman is free to come and go as she pleases. If it suits her to help yer she may, but she can’t be forced to it. We are all equal here—though some of them think they can lord it over the rest of us…’ Peg scowled. ‘I don’t mean you, dearie. That black-hearted scum Captain Pike is in port. He is a murdering devil and would split a man in two as soon as spit. My advice is to stay out of his way. If he sees your pretty face, he’ll want yer. You may be under the protection of Captain Sylvester, but Pike is no respecter of property. If he wants yer, he’ll come for yer and take the consequences after. He has fought and won more duels than any other man I know.’
    Maribel felt sick. She shivered despite the heat of the day. It had been bad enough knowing she must marry against her will to an evil man who laid claim to the name of gentleman—but a ruthless pirate who cared for no man would be far worse! If he had taken her captive she would no doubt already be dead, for she would have taken her own life rather than let a man like that touch her.
    Peg’s words made her reflect on the treatment she had received from Captain Sylvester. He had given herhis protection and shown her respect and what had she offered him in return? She regretted her quarrel with him more than ever. Supposing he decided to leave her to her fate? She would be a prisoner in Peg’s house, for she would not dare to go anywhere alone while Captain Pike was in port.
    * * *
    Justin frowned. He knew that he had provoked Maribel to a sharp retort, but he had been annoyed with himself for bringing her to this place. He should have known that it was too rough and ready for a woman like her. She could never live happily on the island. He must see to his business here and leave for England as quickly as possible.
    ‘So you’re Sylvester…’ The bulky pirate placed himself square in Justin’s path, his narrow set eyes glinting with malice. Some of his teeth were black and rotten, and his breath foul. He wore a red scarf beneath a battered black hat and an overcoat with several pockets over his shirt; his breeches were salt-stained, his boots had never been polished and his