A Pirate's Love Read Online Free PDF

inside. Do not worry, the captain said! How could she not worry? She had heard vivid stories about pirates from other girls in the convent. Pirates were horrible, horrible men! They were the rogues of the sea, the Devil’s workers, who plundered, murdered, and raped. Mon Dieu , this could not possibly be happening!
    â€œMaddy, I am frightened,” Bettina cried, close to tears.
    â€œWe are not going to worry. This is an able ship, my pet. The pirates will not have a chance to board her. And besides, the other vessel may be friendly. You must not fear, Bettina. The capitaine will protect you, as will I.”
    Madeleine’s words were reassuring, but Bettina was still alarmed, and even more so when they heard cannonfire. Madeleine’s soft gray eyes widened as she stared at Bettina, who had turned suddenly pale. A thunderous blast echoed in the small cabin, and then they heard the cracking of timber and a loud crash. They knew that one of the Windsong ’s masts had fallen.
    Soon they felt a jarring, as of one ship coming up against the other. Shouting could be heard, and gunfire, and the sickening sound of screams—men screaming as they met their deaths.
    Madeleine sank to her knees to pray, and Bettinaquickly joined her. After a short while, the gunfire ceased, and they heard boisterous laughter. Perhaps the crew of the Windsong had won. Was it too much to hope for, that they were safe now? But then they heard English words among the laughter. The crew of the Windsong was entirely French, and spoke only French. The pirates had won!

“C ap’n! The wench I told ye ’bout, she’s got to be hidin’ in the hold or in one o’ them cabins.”
    â€œBlast it, man, we don’t have all day! Search the whole ship, but be quick about it.”
    Bettina felt the sweat of fear break out all over her, and she wanted to die.
    â€œWhy, oh why didn’t the capitaine give us a weapon?” Bettina whispered, clasping her hands to still their trembling.
    â€œHe did not expect to lose the battle,” Madeleine answered quietly. “But do not worry, Bettina. I will tell their leader that he can gain a great fortune if he will deliver you unharmed to Comte de Lambert. The comte will surely pay the price. He is a Frenchman and honorable.”
    â€œBut these men are pirates, Maddy!” Bettina cried. “They will kill us!”
    â€œNo, my pet. They won’t kill us without reason. You must not worry about that, and you must not act frightened when they find us. Pretend you do not speak their English. I will speak for you. And for God’s sake, do not lose your temper with these men,” Madeleine warned. “If you do, they will notthink you are a lady of good breeding and wealth.”
    â€œI am too frightened to lose my temper.”
    â€œGood. Now we must pray that their leader’s greed for wealth is more powerful than his lust.”
    â€œI don’t understand, Maddy.”
    â€œNever mind, ma chérie ,” Madeleine replied, her voice betraying her concern. “Just remember to say nothing.”
    The laughter and noise became louder as men moved back and forth in front of their cabin.
    â€œShe weren’t in the hold, Cap’n, an’ them other cabins were empty.”
    â€œTear down the last door,” replied a deep voice very near to the cabin, and the pounding started immediately.
    â€œDear God!”
    â€œHush, now,” Madeleine said quickly. “Remember to speak no English!”
    Bettina was beside herself with fear. She was sure she would meet her death this day, and Madeleine could do nothing to prevent it. After a few more moments, the door crashed in, and Bettina screamed when she saw the grinning, bearded men.
    â€œGlory, but them Frenchies sure turn out beauties!” said a short sailor with a patch over one eye.
    â€œAye, mate. I’d give me blessed mother to be the cap’n