Pirate's Golden Promise Read Online Free

powerful torso to just above his knees. The medium-length sleeves were turned back to reveal a cream-colored shirt with scalloped edges, and his trousers were fashioned from the same brown velvet as the coat. Instead of stockings and shoes, he wore black boots, and though they were out of fashion, they were made of the softest leather.
    Wynter cast long, appreciative glances in his direction. Never had she seen a more perfectly formed man, or such a tall one either. The muscles of his back strained against the material of his jacket as if he were used to the outdoors and found the formal clothes somewhat restrictive.
    Lady Montgomery placed a manicured hand on the man’s arm and continued her conversation with Lucy. Wynter sauntered toward the group.
    â€œLady Montgomery, how pleasant to see you again.” Wynter sparkled like a sapphire in the candlelight.
    â€œAh, Lady Wynter. How you’ve grown.” The woman pecked her cheek, not seeming very pleased to see her. Estelle eyed her like a dog who intends to fight over a bone. “Soon you’ll be married, I warrant.”
    â€œI hope to marry quite soon.”
    â€œI’ll get a glass of punch,” Lucy said, aware that the conversation had shifted from her.
    Estelle shook her head sadly when Lucy walked away. “I had thought Lady Lucy would be well married by now. I understood from your mother that Lord Somerset had called on her twice. Perhaps a marriage will be forthcoming.”
    â€œPerhaps,” Wynter replied, but didn’t state who she thought the bride might be.
    â€œWill you introduce us, my lady?” The blond giant with a foreign accent spoke then, his tawny eyes having already settled on Wynter.
    Wynter blushed as Estelle made the introductions in seeming reluctance. “This is Captain Cort Van Linden, an acquaintance of my late husband.” She turned to the captain. “And this lovely creature is Lady Wynter McChesney, the birthday girl.”
    Wynter winced, disliking the way Estelle made her sound ten years old. Birthday girl, indeed! Very soon she’d be married to one of the finest catches in England, and she wondered what the winsome widow Montgomery would say then. However, Wynter hid her aggravation and extended her hand behind a facade of polite charm.
    â€œI’m pleased to meet you, sir,” Wynter said smoothly, though her heart raced as his mouth touched her hand in a lazy kiss. “The life of a sea captain must be quite exciting.”
    Slowly he withdrew his lips from her hand and she took it back, feeling suddenly as if she were ten years old under his intense perusal.
    â€œIt has its moments,” he said and smiled a dashing smile.
    â€œIs your ship a merchant vessel?”
    â€œYes.”
    She decided from his appearance that he must be a very rich sea captain. “Have you ever run across pirates? I’ve heard they’re quite fierce.”
    His smile broadened into an amused grin. “I have, and I think you’d be surprised if you met one face to face. Many of them are quite civilized and would fit into a gathering such as this with little problem.”
    At first she was wont to believe him, but she’d heard and read so many tales about sea pirates that she said, “I think you’re teasing me.”
    â€œNo, Lady Wynter, I am not,” he said in his Dutch accent. “Perhaps one day you shall meet one of these notorious pirates and learn for yourself.”
    Before Wynter could reply, Estelle tugged at the captain’s coat sleeve. “We must pay respects to Lord McChesney.”
    The captain nodded to Estelle and bowed formally to Wynter. “A pleasant birthday, little one.” He grinned, appearing to take as much delight as Estelle in treating her like a child.
    What’s wrong with them? Wynter pondered, the heat of anger scalding her cheeks red. She was 17 years old tonight. Not a child any longer, though she realized she was