A Stranger's Touch. Anne Herries

food.’

      ‘A gold coin. He was generous, for he has few possessions and only a few coins.’

      ‘He was grateful and insisted that I take it for my trouble. He said he would like to give you a present, but feared to offend you.’

      ‘I do not want his money.’ Morwenna frowned. ‘It is odd that the sea did not take everything from him. Unless …’

      ‘What are you thinking?’

      ‘There was driftwood in the cove the next morning—wood that might have come from a long boat. He might have come ashore that way.’

      ‘He did not fake the gash on his head.’

      ‘The rocks are slippery and treacherous when the sea is rough. He could have been washed off by a wave after he’d landed.’

      ‘Only a spy would come in that way.’ Bess looked at her. ‘If Michael guessed he didn’t come from the shipwreck he would find him and kill him. We gave him food and shelter, but if he came here to spy on your brothers …’

      ‘I know.’ Morwenna turned away, fighting her feelings. ‘I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to Jacques or Michael, of course.’

      ‘Well, let’s hope he’s truly lost his memory.’ Bess sent her a pitying look. ‘He was a fine strapping man, but I doubt you’ll see him again once he leaves these parts. Think of your brothers, girl. That man can never mean anything to you. He’s not one of us.’

      ‘I know.’ Morwenna blinked away her tears. ‘I’d best get on with the baking.’

      ‘We need more butter. Walk down to the farm and fetch some, lovey. I can manage here until you return. There’s not much needs doing I can’t manage.’

      Morwenna nodded and reached for her shawl, wrapping it about herself. She took some coins from the shelf and went out. It was windy again and the door whipped from her grasp and blew shut with a bang. Shivering, she pulled the shawl tighter about her as she set off toward the bottom of the cliffs and then turned away from the beach. The farm was about half a mile further inland, but she was used to the walk and it did not bother her. Bess was right, it would do her good to walk and help her to rid herself of the feeling of restlessness that had been with her for the past few days. Crying herself to sleep had done nothing for her, but the stranger had gone now and she would probably never see him again.

      Morwenna was lost in thought as she began her journey back to the house after making her purchases from the farm. When a man approaching on a horse suddenly halted and dismounted in front of her, she was startled until she realised who it was.

      ‘Captain Bird, good morning. I trust you are well.’

      ‘All the better for meeting you, Morwenna.’ The militia officer leered at her, his narrow eyes gleaming and his thick lips set in a look of satisfaction.

      His manner made her instantly uncomfortable, for he was obviously well pleased at finding her alone. At home she had always felt well able to cope with his official visits, but here alone on this windswept path she felt suddenly vulnerable.

      ‘Excuse me, I must get home for I have much to do.’ She attempted to walk on, but he moved to block her way.

      ‘Surely you can spare a little time for me? I thought we were friends. I’ve turned a blind eye to your brothers’ business many times. You might be a little grateful to me.’

      Morwenna shuddered inwardly. She lifted her head, giving him a straight look. ‘I do not know what you mean, sir. Now, I pray you, let me pass.’

      ‘Give me a kiss for my trouble. I’ve heard there’s folk asking in the village about the Morgan family. I intended to warn your brother to be careful. I’m not sure what business he’s mixed up in now, but it’s more dangerous than he realises and folk have become interested in him all of a sudden.’

      ‘What folk?’ Her heart raced. ‘I do not understand you.’

      ‘Your brother is a smuggler and well you know it. He’s escaped the law because I’ve helped him, but now there’s London folk asking about him and I thought he should know.’

      ‘London folk? How do you know they come from London?’

      ‘Because they came on official business, that’s why, mistress—and I can’t tell you more, except that Michael may be in trouble if he doesn’t watch his step. You tell him he owes me a debt for sending them on a false trail. He knows what I want from him.’

      Something in his eyes made her shiver and feel suddenly afraid. Had Michael promised him something—and did it concern her?

      ‘As you wish.’

      ‘You know I would not see you or your family come to harm, Morwenna.’

      ‘I thank you for your good intentions.’

      Once again she tried to pass, but he caught hold of her. His fingers dug into the soft flesh of her arm, but she did not cry out, merely lifting her head to look at him proudly. ‘Not so fast, sweet mistress. I deserve a kiss and I intend to have it.’

      ‘No! I do not wish for your kisses.’ She thrust him away, kicking his shin as he tried to hold on to her.

      ‘You little hellcat. I ought to teach you a lesson.’

      Morwenna screamed, though there was no one to hear her. ‘Lay a hand on me and you will be sorry.’

      ‘Michael told me I need only ask if I wanted you. I’ll marry you, Morwenna. You know I care.’

      ‘No, leave me alone. I don’t want you to touch me. Let me go.’

      ‘I should do as the lady asks if I were you, sir.’

      Morwenna was startled. She turned her head and saw the stranger from the sea glaring at her. Where had he come from? She had not seen him approach.

      ‘And who the hell are you?’ Captain Bird demanded, bristling at his interference. ‘This is between me and Mistress Morgan. Stay out of my business.’

      ‘Forgive me, but when I see a lady being molested it becomes my business.’ The stranger glared at him. ‘I suggest you get on your horse and leave now—before I teach you a lesson you’ll regret.’

      Captain Bird stared at him, then looked at Morwenna resentfully. ‘I don’t know who he is, but your brother has promised me I can have you if I can get you and you’ll be sorry for this.’

      ‘Michael would never force me to wed you or anyone else.’ Morwenna lifted her head proudly.

      His face a mask of fury, Captain Bird walked to his horse, mounted, then rode off without glancing back. Morwenna breathed deeply, shaking and clearly distressed until the stranger put out his hand to touch her. She flinched away, as if she’d been stung.

      ‘I’m not going to seduce you,’ he said, smiling wryly. ‘I’m not like that insensitive oaf. Last night I was tempted, though, when you fell into my arms.’

      ‘I tripped.’

      ‘Did you? Yes, I suppose you did, though it seemed to me that you were not exactly averse to finding yourself there.’

      ‘It was foolish of me. I was upset and … I shan’t deny I liked being kissed by you,’ she said, putting her chin up. ‘It gets lonely here when I hardly ever see anyone other than my brothers. Perhaps I shall go to my aunt—though she may not welcome me. She was not kind to my mother.’

      ‘If I could help you, Morwenna.’ He moved closer to her, his eyes intent on her face. ‘Believe me, I am not your enemy. If ever I could be of service to you I would—without asking for anything in return.’

      ‘I’m not sure that would work,’ she replied, but she was smiling now, because there was something about him that reached out to her. ‘I think you know I like you more than I ought.’

      ‘Believe