'Sara wouldn't let us disturb you,' Matthew explained. 'She said you were sleeping like the dead.'
'She was being… considerate,' Nathan muttered. 'I appreciate that.'
Matthew shook his head. 'She was bent on avoiding you, if you want my opinion,' he said. 'And after the way we each took a turn lighting into her yesterday when she came back to the wharf, well, we were all feeling a little guilty, and so we let her have her way today.'
'What are you talking about?'
'As soon as Jimbo saw Sara climbing out of that hack he started in lecturing her about the dangers of the city for an innocent woman traveling alone.'
'So?'
'Then Colin had to have a turn,' Matthew continued. 'Next Chester gave her what for… or was it Ivan? I don't recall now. God's truth, Nathan, the men were all lined up waiting their turn to lecture her. It was a sight I thought I'd never see.'
Nathan pictured the scene and couldn't help but smile. 'The men are loyal to her,' he announced. He started to turn back to the steps. He fully intended to go after his wife and bring her back. He paused suddenly and turned around. 'Matthew? How was Sara feeling this morning?'
The seaman glared at Nathan. 'She wasn't crying, if that's what you're wondering. Now, if you ask me how she was acting, I'd have to say she acted damned pitiful.'
Nathan walked back over to his friend and stood by his side. 'What the hell does that mean?'
'Defeated,' Matthew muttered. 'You've broken her heart, boy.'
Nathan suddenly pictured Sara's mother in his mind. She was certainly a defeated woman, and Nathan knew that her husband, Winston, had been responsible for breaking her spirit. God help him, was he just as bad?
That thought terrified him. Matthew was watching Nathan's expression and was astonished to see the vulnerability there. 'What the hell am I going to do?' Nathan muttered.
'You broke it,' Matthew countered. 'You fix it.'
Nathan shook his head. 'I doubt she'll believe anything I say. God, I can't blame her.'
Matthew shook his head. 'Do you still have so little faith in our Sara?'
That question gained a glare. 'What are you saying?' Nathan asked.
'She's loved you for a heap of years, Nathan. I don't believe she can stop so suddenly, no matter what dastardly thing you've done to her. You've only got to let her know you have faith in her. If you stomp on a flower, you kill it. Our Sara's heart is like that flower, boy. You've hurt her, and that's a fact. Best find a way to show her you're caring. If you don't, you'll lose her for good. She asked me if she could accompany me back to Nora's island.'
'She isn't leaving me.'
'You don't need to shout, boy. I hear you fine.' Matthew had to struggle to hide his smile. 'She mentioned that you'd mind if she left.'
'Then she realizes that I have begun to'-Nathan suddenly felt like an awkward schoolboy-'care.'
Matthew snorted. 'No, she hasn't recognized that,' he said. 'She's thinking you want the land and the treasure. She called herself the extra baggage that went along with the king's gift.'
In the beginning that was all he'd been interested in, but it hadn't taken him long to realize that Sara was far more important to him.
And he was losing her. He had broken her heart, but God help him, he didn't know how to fix it.
He needed advice from an expert.
After ordering Matthew to take charge of the Seahawk for the day he finished dressing and went into London proper. He knew Sara would be safe with Jimbo and Colin looking after her, and so he went directly to his sister's house. He didn't want to see Sara until he knew exactly what he would say to her.
Jade answered the front door. 'How did you find out so soon?' she asked her brother when he rushed past her.
'I've got to talk to Caine,' Nathan announced. He looked inside the drawing room, saw that it was empty, and then turned back to his sister. 'Where is he? Damn, he didn't go out, did he?'
'No, he's in the study,' Jade answered. 'Nathan, I've never seen you in such a state,' she added. 'Are you worried about Sara? She's all right. I just settled her in the guest chamber.'
Nathan was halfway down the hallway before Jade had finished her explanation. He turned around then. 'She's here? How did-'
'Colin dragged her back to us,' Jade explained. 'Nathan, please lower your voice. Olivia has just gone down for her afternoon rest, and I believe that if you wake her this time, Sterns will come after you with a hatchet.'
That statement got a quick grin from Nathan. 'Sorry,' he whispered.
He started back toward Caine's study. Jade called out, 'I've apologized to Sara because I shamelessly jumped to the wrong conclusion. Have you, Nathan?'
'Jumped to the wrong conclusion?' he asked.
She ran after him. 'No,' she snapped. 'I want to know if you've apologized for finding her guilty of betrayal, brother. I know she couldn't have done it. She loves you, Nathan. She's set on leaving you, too.'
'I'm not letting her go anywhere,' Nathan bellowed.
Caine heard his brother-in-law's booming voice. He sat down behind his desk and pretended to be absorbed in reading the dailies.
Nathan didn't knock. He barged inside, then shut the door with a slam from the back of his boot. A baby's shrill cry followed that noise.
'I've got to talk to you.'
Caine took his time folding his paper. He was trying to give Nathan a few moments to calm down. He motioned for him to sit. 'Would you like some brandy?' he asked. 'You look like you could use some.'
Nathan declined the offer. He didn't sit down either. Caine leaned back in his chair and watched his brother- in-law pace until his patience ran out. 'You said you wanted to talk to me?' he prodded.
'Yes.'
Another good five minutes went by before Caine tried again. 'Spit it out, Nathan.'
'It's… difficult.'
'I've already gathered that much,' Caine returned.
Nathan nodded, then resumed his pacing.
'Damn it, will you sit down? I'm getting dizzy watching you.'
Nathan suddenly stopped. He stood in front of Caine's desk. His stance was rigid. Caine thought he looked ready to do battle.
'I need your help.'
Caine wouldn't have been surprised if Nathan had lost his supper then and there. His brother-in-law's face had turned gray, and he looked like he was in acute pain.
'All right, Nathan,' Caine said. 'I'll help you any way I can. Tell me what you want.'
Nathan looked incredulous. 'You don't even know what I need, yet you immediately promise to help me. Why?'
Caine let out a long sigh. 'You've never had to ask anyone for anything, have you, Nathan?'
'No.'
'It's damned difficult for you, isn't it?'
Nathan shrugged. 'I've learned not to depend on others, but I can't seem to think straight now.'
'You've also learned never to trust anyone either, haven't you?'
'Meaning?'
'Sara says you expected her to betray you. Is she right?'
Nathan shrugged again.
'Look,' Caine said. 'When I married your sister, you became my brother. Of course I'll help you. It's what family's all about.'
Nathan walked over to the window and stared outside. His hands were clasped behind his back. 'I believe Sara might have lost some of her faith in me.'
Caine thought that had to be the understatement of the year. 'Then help her find it again,' he suggested.
