Бренда Джойс – The Prize (страница 25)

He said nothing. If he was at all moved by her plight, she could not see it in his expression, as not a muscle in his face changed.

“I am the only child. Sweet Briar is mine. But my guardian, the earl, is selling it in order to pay off my father’s debts.” She laid her hands flat on the table, gripping the smooth wood until her knuckles turned white. “I won’t allow it.”

He stared and it was a moment before he spoke. “I see,” he said flatly. “You will beat the earl about the head until he agrees to pay off your father’s debts and hand you the keys to the plantation.”

This was her last remaining chance. Virginia seized both of his hands and was stunned at the feel of them in her small palms and against her fingers, stunned enough by the contact not to see the surprise leap in his silver eyes. She looked up and spoke swiftly, hoarsely. “If my uncle has to ransom me, he will never be moved to pay my father’s debts. As he decided to sell the plantation without even consulting me, it will be hard enough to persuade him to change his mind without your ransom! Captain, don’t you see? I cannot survive without Sweet Briar. I have to go to the earl. There can be no ransom! Please, Mr. Harvey told me you are a wealthy man and that you hardly need this ransom. Please, let me go—take me to London where I hope I am expected. Please. I beg you.”

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