The Captain’s Lady and the Pirate
Historical Romance
by Rachel E. Rice
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Published by Rachel E. Rice
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Copyright 2011 Rachel E. Rice
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Cover copyright by Jimmy Thomas
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Smashwords Edition
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“You Always Kill the One You Love”
– Oscar Wilde
Chapter 1
Rachel and Captain Butler married in a little church on the island of Sebastian, in the Caribbean Sea. She beamed as she stood near her father, and he handed her hand to Robert. She wore white cotton and silk gown, and a diamond and ruby necklace with a diamond tiara in her hair. The tiara had been promised to the Queen of England.
Robert stood straight and proud in full regalia—his blue uniform adorned with silver buttons, and every naval medal presented to him by the Queen. Medals he received for his heroism when he saved his crew during a long murderous fight protecting England from naval assaults by Spain.
Nervous and excited, Rachel passed her left hand over the diamond and ruby necklace. She did not hear all the words the minister pronounced, only the ones that said, “…all my worldly goods I thee endow.” The only thing she wanted was his love and to be his wife. “I now pronounce you…” She longed to hear those words. Staring into Robert’s handsome face, she realized that it was the first time she took in the splendor of his looks.
Robert’s brown eyes with specks of green, glowed with pride and hopes for a long life with his love—Rachel, the most beautiful and loving young woman. Their eyes mirrored the affection they both felt for each other to the point that they could see no other.
Robert’s story was written on his face and in his heart. He will love her until time ends.
Rachel was blind to everyone standing to celebrate her marriage, as she and Robert ran from the church. She did not see her mother and father who beamed with pride. She could see only Robert Butler, and how exceedingly handsome he appeared in his captain’s uniform. She knew beyond all doubts, he was a man with honor, not the cad she thought, and he would protect her from harm, and fulfill her dreams.
Robert promised Rachel everything he owned in the world. He was now the recipient of a wonderful life he would never have known with the many women, which held his attention with lust and sex. He never knew a woman such as Rachel. She was strong, and she knew what she wanted, and did what was necessary to accomplish her dreams. And what man would not be happy with a young woman as beautiful as Rachel? He thought.
He could not believe how lucky he was now that he found Rachel and she had his child in her womb. He would have a child and a beautiful woman to anchor his life.
Leaving the church, Robert kissed Rachel’s cheek. She turned to gaze at his face with a smile. “My love, I have a gift for you.” He held her hand sitting in the carriage. “I have informed your parents of my plans for our honeymoon. I will take you to an island near the Americas, where we can be alone, and you can have many days to rest. I feel badly about how we met and our first night. I want to make everything up to you. If it is alright with you, we will go directly to the ship and sail tonight.”
“My mother informed me about your intentions and I have said my goodbyes to my parents. They know how important it is for me to be with you. I cannot wait to be alone with you.” She placed her head on his shoulder. Robert gazed down on Rachel with her silk raven hair flowing, as the wind brushed it side to side.
Robert took in her unique smell that seduced his senses. A smell of youth and sex surrounded him, it was the smell of a woman who is loved, and desired by her husband. She is worth more than gold or silver, he thought.
“I was hoping you would agree to head back to England immediately,” he stated, as he passed his fingers threading her hair. He sat up in his seat with pride and loosened the buttons on his white shirt and ascot. The ride took them through the shanty town, passing huts on their way to the docks.