“Oh, she’s a wicked one, she is,” Emmett cackled. On the heels of that, a huge swell of laughter and guffaws from the whole company of men rose to alarming levels. The quiet that followed her pronouncement was fraught with shock. Her statement, made during one of those unfortunate moments when every person in the crowd, for whatever reason, is silent all at once, carried across the entire breadth of the ship. As soon as the governor comes aboard, I will have an audience with him and will then be freed and on my way back to London.” The captain kidnapped me and is trying to sell me unlawfully. “Gentlemen,” she interjected, “this is really all quite unnecessary. I’ll give you two hundred twenty pounds for her.” Smelling a fight, the farmers on the upper deck had begun to crowd close.Įmmett slowly lowered his hands. “You’ll not touch her unless you pay for the privilege.” The man’s belly may have been round, but his arms and chest appeared to be solid rock. Without taking his eyes off Emmett, Woodrum handed his hat to his companion, removed his coat, and handed that over as well. “I ain’t makin’ no bid till I test the goods.” “Either up Drew’s wager or keep your hands to yourself.” “It’s clear that she is healthy and there is no padding beneath her garment.”Įmmett’s lip curled. “Leave off, Emmett,” Woodrum said, grabbing Emmett’s arm. “Ho, ho! Would you listen to that? A saucy one, ain’t she? ” Cackling, he rubbed his hands together. “Touch me and I’ll see you flogged before the morrow’s sun appears on the horizon.”Įmmett’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline.

“Well, ain’t that interesting.” He wiped his hands against his backside, then looked to the first mate. Sweat trickled down Emmett’s face and into his snarled beard. O’Connor went to collect his sot weed.”Īs far as she knew, that was an outright lie, but she couldn’t be certain. The capt’n wouldn’t release her or take her off the block before collecting payment. Constance didn’t know what game the first mate was playing, but she would hold her tongue for now. Emmett’s eyes took on an unnatural brilliance. Woodrum and his silent companion looked at each other, caution evident in their expressions. “She’s a gen-u-ine lady, mate, but no bloke’s a forcin’ you to claim her.

A bride in the bargain by deeanne gist