My Bonny Heart (Pirate's Progeny Book 1) Read Online Free

It looked a little swampy and wet, but people were out there moving around. Planting? She wasn't sure, but she would guess she would soon be a widow who made her fortune in farming and trade.
    Not accustomed to farming, she preferred trading, but she could learn for the sake of her children.
    This was all hers? It was hard to believe her father built this grand manor for her. But, what other explanation could there be?
    He’d far outdone her expectations.
    He’d disowned her after she’d run off with Calico Jack Rackham while married to James Bonny. But, he’d apparently forgiven her for the sake of her son. The fact William Cormac even knew of Holt, and his whereabouts, made her brow furrow.
    Many unanswered questions burned in her mind, and she’d ask them in due time. But for now, she’d allow herself the luxury of freedom and anonymity.
    An imaginary weight lifted from her shoulders, and she inhaled deeply. Magnolia trees dotted the scenery and their intoxicating scent swept through her nostrils.
    Shoulders squared, Anne lifted her chin and began the trek to the magnificent steps leading to the inviting door.
    A gravel-lined walkway began just before the steps and the stones crunched beneath her feet as she made her way to one side of the staircase. Raphael followed along with quiet ease; the gravel crackling behind her was the only sign he followed. She climbed the steps, and rapped three times upon the ornate door.
    Within moments, the door opened wide. A woman stood before her with grizzled hair and brown eyes that crinkled at the corners. Her gaze traveled from Anne’s head to the boots peeking beneath her gown. Those critical eyes finally glanced over the basket she carried with the babe inside.
    Anne waited, quite used to the once-over, and raised her eyebrows to the woman.
    “Who are you?” The woman was blunt, she’d give her that.
    Anne smiled. The woman’s ability to get straight to the point endearing her already.
    “I’m Anne. Anne Morgan. Widow.” She tried not to grin like an idiot over her most opportune new identity.
    The woman gave her a squinted look, deciding whether or not she was lying.
    “He said you’d have a mess of red hair. Boy, was he right. I can see it flying right out of that mess of a bun a’ yours.”
    The need to run her fingers over the hair frizzing out of her bun outweighed her usual character, and Anne laughed. “Oh, I’m going to like you.” The older woman was right cheeky for a housekeeper, but cheek was a trait Anne admired.
    After a stiff nod of approval, the woman stood aside and motioned Anne and Raphael inside.
    The woman cracked a sudden smile, revealing a missing tooth. “Aye, your uncle hired me for that purpose. He said you needed a firm hand.”
    “It’s certain he did.” Calling her father “Uncle” and being referred to as his niece would take some getting used to. But, keeping her identity a secret was worth the trouble.
    Anne walked past her into the entryway, Raphael on her heels, both of them still holding a basket.
    “My name’s Sarah.” She called from behind them as the door closed.
    Anne eyed the entryway with appreciation. The room expanded all the way to the third floor ceiling, two grand staircases on either side led to the second and third floors. Beautifully crafted settees rested on either side of the staircases. Two large, oak doors stood beneath the steps that, she guessed, led to the main entertaining areas of the home.
    “Good afternoon, Sarah.” She tilted her head to quiet man. “This is Raphael. He’ll be staying with us for a while, and he is not a servant. He’s got a great ear, but he’s not able to speak.”
    Raphael nodded as Sarah sized up Anne’s hulking, menacing companion. She nodded, making a sound in her throat.
    “He’s kind of scary looking, ain't he?”
    Anne laughed, seeing the hint of a twinkle in Raphael’s eyes. He may have even lifted a corner of his lips to smile.
    “I do believe that is the