The Pirate's Debt (The Regent's Revenge Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

romance books.”
    “Only ye could make that comparison,” Jane exclaimed breathlessly.
    “The duke’s timing couldn’t have been more disastrous . . . and perfect that day.” Chloe covered her mouth with trembling fingers, haunted by the fact that Blackmoor had hauled Pru over his shoulder and attempted to kidnap his duchess right in front of a crowd of witnesses. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t bask in Markwick’s misfortune. It breaks my heart to think how he must be suffering even as we speak.” She reached out for her gloves, her elation at Markwick’s situation turning quickly to guilt. “And I cannot help but admit that I was angry at Blackmoor for dissolving Markwick’s hopes for a future with Pru, though it did open the way for me to win the earl’s heart.”
    “Who’s buried in your crypt?” Jane emoted, flailing her gloved hands theatrically, then clasping them in front of her. She dramatically quirked a brow. “Sound familiar?”
    Chloe grinned mischievously. “Of course, silly. I’ve lost count how many times you’ve asked me to reenact my involvement that day over the course of these four months.”
    “I cannot help myself.” Jane burst out laughing. “Ye can be very theatrical when ye want to be.”
    “I hadn’t intended to be so at the time.” The shock of Blackmoor being alive had affected everyone differently. “Besides, how was I to know that the assassin sent by the Marquess of Underwood to kill Blackmoor had been buried in the duke’s crypt instead?”
    But there had been more shocks on the eighth of April, as well. Underwood had planned to kill Pru after the wedding once he’d obtained the map in Pru’s possession, which detailed a large source of copper ore on Blackmoor’s unentailed estate. Desperate not to lose his nest egg, Underwood had surrounded the chapel with armed men as a precaution. His diligent planning ultimately forced Blackmoor into a fight that caused Markwick—the jilted groom-to-be—to choose between fighting with his father and against a friend over Pru. Chloe’s careworn heart had thumped to life that day, reviving her hopes for a future with Markwick.
    Jane’s laughter unsettled Chloe. Was she mocking her?
    “I am certain your presence will put a boon in the earl’s spirits right enough,” the girl said.
    “I vow to you,” Chloe began, “that when we finally find the earl, I will make it my mission to improve his spirits.”
    “Ye won’t be alone. I shall ’elp ye in any way I can, m’lady.”
    Chloe’s heart liquefied, sending a surge of warmth through her body. “Your companionship does me a world of good, Jane.”
    Jane dabbed at her eyes. “Then let us go topside before ye ’ave me spilling useless tears. Fresh air would do us both much good.”
    Chloe nodded happily. “I vow fresh air will definitely resuscitate our spirits.”
    She looked back at her letter lying crumpled and discarded on the deck, frustration warring with her good sense. She’d wasted another piece of expensive and coveted foolscap to write her dearest friend. Now she’d have to use another. After that, she would only have one left for future use. But transcribe her adventures she must. Pru would be terribly worried if Chloe didn’t get word to her soon.
    And I will never forgive myself if something happens to Pru’s unborn babe because I caused my friend unnecessary distress.
    Until she could see Pru again, Jane—however differently she might wish it—was her mainstay.
    “Are ye coming, m’lady?”
    With a turn, Chloe followed Jane out the cabin door. Together, they proceeded through the passageway, dodging lanterns and bypassing several crewmen who fisted their hats as they made their way to the companionway leading up to the main deck. Immediately upon stepping onto the upper deck, darkness enveloped them and a steady southwesterly breeze snatched at their hems.
    “I had no idea the hour was so late,” Chloe said, second-guessing her decision as she