Pirates & Privateers: Mary Clayton's Books

Life in a harem, or ravishment at the hands of pirates – those are Mercy Penhall’s options. She refuses to show her fear. At least not until the pirate captain demands her as his share of the booty. All she wants is to join her stepbrother’s family as a spinster aunt, but her sinful pride brings about her present predicament. What can a small woman who can’t speak do against “a bloody-handed pirate”?

A reluctant pirate, albeit one who succeeds in securing prey, Edmond Gramercy dislikes his lieutenant, Elias Gorman, but his influence with the crew makes Edmond wary. That man’s brutality is why he protects the mute captive Puritan. As soon as he can, he will place her in safe hands ashore that can help her return to the Massachusetts Bay Province, as he has done for others. Until then, they must feign that she is his consort and remain locked in his cabin, or they will both die.

Eventually, Mercy reaches her brother’s home. Even though it’s 1704, twelve years after the Salem witch trials, some residents wonder whether Mercy is a witch like her mother. The minister, who prefers the old ways, waits for her to make a slip, but Mercy tows the line – until she learns Edmond’s been captured and will hang, just like her mother. She cannont forget that he showed her mercy, or how she feels when with him. She testifies at the trial, but to no avail. He will hang unless his friends can procure his escape, something they can’t do without Mercy’s assistance.

The Pirate and the Puritan is a captivating love story, replete with adventure and unexpected twists. Clayton’s research into piracy and the era shines through, but never intrudes into the story. Rather she deftly spins a tale that transports readers back in time and keeps them guessing as to how the hero and heroine will finally find the life they desire.