Tender Fury Read Online Free PDF Page A

wife was so beautiful,” chided Captain Giscard after bowing over Gabby’s small hand. “But she is just a child, mon ami. How lucky you are to have captured beauty and youth in one small bundle.”
    “There was more involved than just mere luck, Henri,” Philippe stated as he directed a raised eyebrow at Gabby who flinched, fearing he would reveal the circumstance surrounding their marriage.
    Gabby breathed a sigh of relief when Captain Giscard cut in. “No matter, she will be a lovely addition to our little island. And you, Philippe, will be the envy of every man.”
    Gabby barely had time to acknowledge Captain Giscard’s gallantry before Philippe took her by the elbow and steered her to a cabin in the stern that was to be their home during the coming weeks. He told her that there were other cabins below deck on either side of a long companionway but that they remained unoccupied on this trip. Their cabin was the largest, and always ready should he decide to sail with the Windward on one of her many voyages. With pride in his voice he informed her that he owned the Windward as well as three other ships just like her.
    The cabin, though not luxurious, appeared comfortable enough at first glance, but try as she might, Gabby could not keep her eyes from straying toward the big bed that seemed much too large for the cabin. She noticed that her trunk had been carried aboard and placed next to a leather sea chest she supposed belonged to Philippe. A desk piled high with charts, a table and chairs bolted to the deck, and a washstand with the necessary accoutrements were the only other pieces of furniture in the room. The masculine odors of leather and tobacco assaulted her senses as well as a fresh, clean smell of sea spray and witch hazel. There was none of the cloying, sweet aroma of pomade and perfume she noticed about her father’s clothing and person.
    Gabby started violently at he sound of Philippe’s voice. “I realize these are rather cramped quarters, ma petite, but nevertheless, we must make do.” For the first time he became aware of her weariness and state of near collapse, and he drew the cloak from her shoulders, speaking more gently than he had at any other time since their marriage, but still not conveying the warmth of a newly wed man. “I have urgent business with the captain, so I must leave you. I will arrange for a supper tray and you can retire whenever you wish. The journey to Brest hasn’t been an easy one for you and I don’t relish having a sick wife on my hands.”
    Gabby stared at Philippe through wary eyes, unwilling to believe that he had no compulsion to consummate their marriage now that they were aboard his ship. But when she saw that he was indeed preparing to leave the cabin, she murmured tiredly, albeit gratefully, “Thank you, Monsieur, your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.” Too late she realized her slip of the tongue.
    Philippe stopped dead at her words, swept his steely gaze over her slight figure and was beside her in two strides, grasping her small shoulders in his large hands until her fear caused her to cry out. “My name, Gabby say it, damn you!” he growled. “Why do you continue to provoke me?”
    “Philippe!” she cried through chattering teeth, terrified by his sudden change of mood.
    “That’s right. I am Philippe, your husband. Don’t ever forget it,” he warned, releasing her so abruptly that she staggered backward a few steps. Then he stormed fiercely from the cabin.
    Alone at last, Gabby’s relief was immense as she sagged onto the bed, emotionally drained and scarcely aware of the pain caused by Philippe’s cruel fingers. For the first time in two weeks she gave vent to the traumatic upheaval she had experienced and began to weep uncontrollably, overcome with despair so overwhelming that were she on deck she would have thrown herself into the sea. Soon she drifted into the healing arms of sleep.
    Philippe’s inexplicable flash of anger cooled