RUNAWAYWALLFLOWER

BiancaBlythe

RunawayWallflowerCopyright©2017

Contents

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Acknowledgements

Blurb

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

ChapterTwelve

ChapterThirteen

ChapterFourteen

ChapterFifteen

ChapterSixteen

ChapterSeventeen

ChapterEighteen

ChapterNineteen

ChapterTwenty

ChapterTwenty-one

ChapterTwenty-two

ChapterTwenty-three

ChapterTwenty-four

ChapterTwenty-five

Epilogue

ConnectwithBianca

HowtoCaptureaDuke(MatchmakingforWallflowers,BookOne)

ARoguetoAvoid(MatchmakingforWallflowers,BookTwo)

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Acknowledgements

Thankyousomuchtoeveryonewhohelpedmewiththisbook!Iamsoverygratefultoyou.

Inparticular:

Editor–AllisonWright

Proofreader–DonnaRich

CoverArtist–AngelaWaters

Blurb

OneAwkwardAmerican

EversinceLouisaCarmichael’sbrotherunexpectedlyinheritedadukedom,hermother’sexpectationsfor

herhaveveeredinadistinctlyverticaldirection.Louisadreamsnotofglitteringballgowns,butof

exploringthetropicalwatersoftheCaribbeanwithherlatestinvention,anunderwaterbreathing

apparatus.

OneRoguishSeaCaptain

LordRupertHaywood,futureDukeofBelmonte,hasnodesiretomanageanestatewithhiscorruptfather.

Hepreferstoroamtheoceanwithhiscrewofruggedpirates.

OneForbiddenJourney

Whenhermotherarrangesamarriageforher,Louisadecidesshemightjustdonapairofbreechesand

discovertheCaribbeanindisguise.Theonlyproblemisacertainveryhandsomecaptain…

ChapterOne

OfftheCoastofJamaica

May1817

Hismenwerenotgoingtolikethis.

RupertstrodeoverthedeckofTheSapphirePrincess,clutchingtheletterArthurCarmichaelhad

givenhim.

“Listen!”Rupert’svoiceboomedoverthecrashingofazurewavesagainstthehull.“Ihavean

announcement.”

“Aye,Cap’n.”

Somepiratesclambereddowntherigging,andotherssteppedovertheropestrewndecktoreachhim.

Goldgleamedfromsomeoftheirfingers.Theirlasthaulhadbeenbloodymagnificent.

“Reckon‘e’sfoundusanothershiptoattack.”Fergusbrushedhisfingersthroughhisredbeard,the

lengthwilderandmoreunrestrainedthananythingtheRoyalNavywouldallow.“Practiceyourfigures,

men.We’llbecountingjewelssoon.”

Theotherpiratescheeredatthesailor’smusings,andtheireyessparkledastheirlipsspreadinto

toothygrins.Theyrubbedtheirhandsandevenceasedtheirincessanttobaccochewing.

“Whatbeit,Cap’n?Spanish?Portuguese?”Fergusasked.“Don’tsupposeit’s...French?”

“Nah.”Apirateshookhishead,andhisgoldearringsshimmeredinthesunlight.“Can’tbethat.

We’vechasedthemallaway!”

Laughterrumbledanddrownedthethunderofwavesandwind.

“WearegoingtoEngland,”Rupertannounced.

“Youbeaskingustoattackourhomecountry?”Onepiratehollered,andhisbottomlipmanagedto

droptoalevelitdidn’tevenreachwhengobblingmeatpie.“HisMajesty’sownterritories?”

Theotherpiratesquieted,andthewavesseemedtoonceagainroar.Saltyspraytoppledontothedeck,

asifNeptunehimselfwerecontemplatingsinkingTheSapphirePrincessatthesoundofsuchheresy.

“Ain’tallofourcountry.”Fergusglaredatthepatrioticpirate.“Someofusbehatingthatland.

StealinggoodCornishstock.”

Afewothersmurmured.Ferguswasn’ttheonlymantohavebeenimpressedintotheRoyalNavy.

Fergusplacedaroughenedhandoverhischest.“Don’tyeworry,Cap’n.I’llbehelpingyouattack

England.Jesyousee.ReckonthepistolsworkthesameontheEnglishastheydoonthosefrogs.”

“WhileIappreciateyourloyalty,thatwon’tbenecessary,”Rupertsaid.“Ihavesomethingelsein

mind.Wewillnolongerattackanybody.”

“Never?”Confusionriddledthefacesofhismen.“Buthowwillwesurvive?Wegottaeat,Cap’n.”

“Wewillbecometradesmen.Merchants.”

Themenfrowned.Sometiltedtheirheads,asifanewanglefortheirearsmightchangethewords

usheredfromRupert’slips.

“Wewillbecome...”Rupertsighed,andevenhischesttightenedatthewordshewouldneedtosay

next.“Decentpeople.”

Horrorscuddedoverhiscrew’sfaces.

“Myword.”Fergusstrodetowardhim.“Perhaps‘e’s‘adtoomuchsun.Boundto‘appen‘ereinthe

WestIndies.Jesneverthoughtitwould‘appentotheCap’n.Nowblessyour‘eart,Cap’n.Yousureyou

don’twannaliedown?”

“Idonottakeordersfromtheweather,”Rupertgrowled.“Ifanyoneofyoudesiretoremainpirates,I

willunderstand.I’mcertainwhenwestopinPortRoyalethatyou’llfindanothercaptaintoworkfor

givenallofyourimpeccablequalificationsforcausinghavocontheoceans.”

“Ain’tnobodythatain’taffearedofTheSapphirePrincess.‘Speciallyyou,Cap’nBrownBeard,”

Fergussaid,andtherestofhiscrewshoutedassent.“Yerthescariestcaptainofthemall.”

PridesweptthroughRupert,buthelimitedhimselftoasolemnnod.“Youshouldn’tcallmethat

anymore.Idoubtothertradesmenwilldesiretopartwiththeirgoodstoamanwiththatappellation.”

“Butwhatshallwecallyou?”

Hehesitated.Therewashisbirthnameofcourse,buthehadn’tgonecompletelymad,despitewhatthe

othersmightthinkofhim.Hesighed.“Youmaycallme,CaptainRosse.”

Hethrummedhishairthroughhisbeard.Ithadtakenyearsforhimtogrowittoitscurrentbushyand

intimidatinglength.“I’llbeshavingthisanyway.You’llallneedtogetcleaneduptoo.”

“IsupposeI’mjesaregularsailornow,”Ferguslamented.“Ah,it’sanendofanera.”

Rupertglancedagainatthesophisticatedscriptthatformedtheletter’ssignature.“It’sthebeginningof

abetterone.Men,setthesailsforBrighton!”

ChapterTwo

Brighton

July1817

Louisa’smothermayhavesuggestedtheyvisittheEnglishChannel,butLouisawascertainhermother

hadnotintendedhertoventureintoit.

Atleast,notwithoutasturdyhorsetohaulherbathingmachineintoasufficientlydeepportionofthe

water,andcertainlynotwithouttwotrainedguidestothrustherfromthemachine.Sistersofdukeswere

notsupposedtobevisibletothetelescope-wieldinggentlemenwhostrolledtheshoreforglimpsesof

youngladiesinflannelbathingcostumes.

Shewouldforegoanychaperone,eventheimposingfour-leggedvariety.

Raindropscontinuedtotoppledownward,andpebblesglistenedontheshore,abettedbytheconstant

drizzle.Graywaveslappedagainsttheshoreandmirroredthegraysky.Itmightbeafternoon,butthesun

seemedtohavevanishedlongago.She’dspentherwholeseasonlookingforwardtowhenshe’dnextbe

bytheocean,butBritishweatherhadn’tfailedtoaccompanyher.Still.Thefamiliarscentoftheseawas

unmistakable,andherlipsascendedupward.

Chalkycliffsadornedwithsheepcurvedaroundthetown,andshipssquattedonthehorizon.Thetown

lackedaproperharbor,thoughthatdidnotdissuadeshipsfromanchoring.Loutishsailorssatincutters

andsloshedtheiroarsthroughthefoamywavesinrhythm.

Besideherchaisesandbarouchesrumbledpastivorytownhousessonewthesaltsprayscarcely

sulliedtheirelegantexteriors,andtouriststhrongedbelowthedomesoftheMarinePalace.Theyfixed

theirgazesonthestructure,asifhopefultheregentwoulddeclareapassionforrainyweatherand

abandonhissumptuoussanctuarytojointhemoutside.

“Youshouldn’tbedoingthis,miss.”RaindropsdappledBecky’scap,thecoarsecottonandsingle

laceribbonanineffectualbarrieragainstthedrizzle.“Andyoumustn’tforgetthatyourmotherdesiresto

speakwithyou.”

Louisaswallowedtheself-reproachthatsurgedthroughher.“Imust.It’smylastchance.”

TheirfeetcrunchedovertheshinglescreenthatprotectedBrighton’sshore,andLouisarefrainedfrom

informingBeckythatshehadanothererrandafterthis.

“Becareful,”Beckysaid.

“I’msimplygoingswimming,”Louisasaid,thoughtheybothknewnothingaboutheractivitycouldbe

characterizedasnormal.

ThewindsweptagainstLouisawithmorethanitscustomaryvigor,andseaweedlayscatteredover

theocean,creatingasoggyborderthatonlyafewvaliantseagullsventuredtodipinto.

Andme.

Onanotherdaythethoughtmightmakehersmile,buttodaysheonlyclutchedherdivinghelmetmore

tightly.

Thisisthelasttime.

Sheplacedherdivinghelmetoverherheadandfastenedittothecollarthataccompaniedit.She’d

designedthehelmetherself,selectingthecoppermaterialthatwouldwithstandwater.

Shehandedthelongleatherhosesattachedtothehelmettohermaid.Onehosesuppliedairtothe

backofthehelmet,andtheusedairexitedfromasimilarpipeinthefront.

Becky’sexpressiondidnotechothejoythatcascadedthroughLouisa.“Youresemblesomesortof

soldier,miss.You’refortunatesomebodyhasn’tshotyou.”

“Iwouldneverpermitthattohappen,”Louisasaid,thoughthewordscameoutmuffled.Thewaves

rippledtemptinglybeforeher,andthesaltyscentfilledhernostrils.

Sheinhaledandsteppedintothegraywaves.Shestrovetomemorizethesoundofherfeetcrunching

againstpebblesandthecrisptemperaturethatenergizedherbody.Murkyshadowsofjellyfishflitted

about,contenttoindulgeinthewaterconstantly,andnotspurredbyapressinginclinationtoescapetheir

relatives.

Shestrodedeeperintotheocean,herstridesmademoreinelegantthannormalbyherheavybathing

costume.Thewaterrippledintotemptingbillows,butsheraisedherheadtothehorizon.

Steelcloudsrolledoverthesky,theirspeedunhamperedbytheweightoftheiryetunreleased

ammunition.Belowthemthedarkoutlinesofshipsheadingtolargerportsflittedthroughthebillowing

waves,thecrestslargerandmoreturbulentthanthatexpectedforaseasidetownattheheightofsummer.

Raindropsfellwithgreaterspeed,andfewbathersventuredintothewater.Onlyasmatteringof

defianttourists,perhapsdeterminedtoattainallofBrighton’sofferingsaftertheirlikelyuncomfortable

coachridethroughthecopiouslyclayladenlanesoftheWeald,hoveredbesidetheirbathingmachines.

Somesailorsrowedpassengerstothelargeshipsanchoredoutsidethecity.Brightonmightnothavea

properharbor,butitwasstillatownofever-growingimportance.Mostwerelikelyheadedtotheship

boundforDieppe,butLouisaallowedhergazetorestonalargership.TheSapphirePrincess.

NothingabouttheschoonerindicateditwasboundfortheWestIndies,butLouisastillinhaled,asif

shemightsmellthescentofpineapplesandtropicalflowers.

Sheflickeredhereyelidsdown,andhermindenvisionedturquoisewaterandceruleanskies.Warm,

saltywavesmightcrestabouther,andshealmostfelttheflutterofpalmtreesandglimpsedtheir

unchanging,consistentcolorsandtheirwideleavesthatfeathereddelicateshadowsoverthesand.

WerethefishintheCaribbeantrulyasdifferentaseveryonesaid?Weretheysimplymorecolorful

versionsofthetroutandhaddockwithwhichshewasfamiliar?Ordidtheypossessstructuralvariations

uniquetothoseislands?Andifthatwasthecase,asshesuspected,howcouldthathappen?

SomeRenaissancescientistshadinterestedthemselvesinsuchmatters,buttheinformationwas

outdated.Louisadesireddata,andherdivinghelmetwouldmakethegatheringofsuchinformationverge

ontheeffortless.

TomorrowMr.Thornton,amanwhometalltherequirementsofathleticismdemandedforadiver

coupledwithscholarlyability,wouldchangetheichthyologicalfield,andshewouldbeabletosayshe

performedasmallfunctioninaidinghim.Shecouldn’twaittomeethim.

Louisasankintothefrigidwaterbeforeanyoftheotherbathersmightexclaimattheoddityofher

contraption.Shewelcomedherdescent,shiveringonlyslightly,intentonenjoyingherlastminuteswith

thedivinghelmet.Waterremainedherpreferredplacetobe,buteversincehermotherhadreadacertain

unflatteringarticle,itwastheonlyplaceofanytolerance.

Especiallynow.

Hereyesnolongerhurtwhenshepeeredunderthesurface,herchestnolongerachedasitfoughtfor

airdespiteherdesiretoprolonghertimeunderwater,andherhairnolongerobscuredherviewwhenshe

swam:herdivinghelmetrenderedsuchproblemsobsolete.

Somefishstilled,asifsensingherpresence,butshewasn’tgoingtoharmthem.

ThiswasLouisa’sworld,onewherenoonechidedherforbeingtooshyorawkward.

Sheswamthroughseaweed,andbrownshrimpskirtedawayfromher.Mussels,clams,andcockles

dottedtheoceanfloor,theirpearlyshellsgleamingfromthedarksand.Largeyellowstarfishgrippedhold

ofrocks,asifconsciousofthecomfortoftheirpositionandtohinderafrightfulfateofbeingsweptupto

thesurface.Crabssteppeddaintilyoverthemussels,undeterredbytheirhighlegcount,andLouisa

smiled.

Ifonlythiswerenotthelasttime.

She’dspentsolongfabricatingherdivinghelmet,anditwouldtakehermonthstoreconstructit.The

copperexterior,inspiredfromthosewornbymenfightingfires,hadneededtobecommissioned

especially.She’dfoundmensuspiciousofdoingbusinesswithwomen,andshewouldneedtowaitfor

oneofherbrotherstoreturnforherrequesttobegivensufficientrespect.Evenasmallflawinthediving

helmetcouldbeperilous.

PercivalwasinSussexwithhisnewbrideandbaby,andArthurwasinJamaicaagainonsome

undisclosedbusiness.

Shesighed.AtleastMr.ThorntonwouldbeabletomakegooduseofthehelmetintheCaribbean.

Therewerelikelyallsortsoffishtodocumentthere.Tonightshewouldmeethim,andallherhopesfor

herresearchwouldcometrue.

“MissCarmichael!MissCarmichael!”Ahigh-pitchedvoiceinterruptedhercontemplation.

Louisa’sstomachtumbledinelegantly,andsheliftedherheadoverthesurfaceofthewater.

“MissCarmichael!”Hermaid’svoicebellowedthroughtheair,thestrengthuncommoninwomenof

herprofession,thoughonewhichLouisa’smotherannouncedasforemostinaqualitytomakeheragood

hire.

Beckyhurriedtowardher,draggingherhemthroughtheoceanasherbrowncurlstumbledfromher

whitecap.Agroupofinfirmpatientswhowerebeingurgedbytheircaretakerstowardthesea,likely

drivenbyvariousdoctors’assurancesthatthesensationoficywaveswouldsnapthemintosanity,stared

atthem.

“You’vebeeninthewaterforthirtyminutes,miss,”Beckyannounced.“Andyourmother—”

Louisaswallowedbackasighandforcedherselftosmile.“Thankyouforinformingme.”

ShestrodetowardBecky,eventhoughthewavesstillpushedagainsther,urginghertoflingherself

backintothesea.

Afewcaretakersglancedinherdirection,asiftoassesswhethershemightbecometheirnextcharge,

beforecontinuingtoberatetheirpatients’reluctancetoenterthefrigidwaters.Theyremainedresolvedto

beseenasattemptingtocuretheircharges’ailments,likelylesttheirpatients’wealthyrelativescease

theirsubstantialpayments.

Louisamarchedpastthem,strivingtoignorethesharpchillinessthatpervadedherandintensifiedas

herwetattirerubbedagainstherskin.ShehandedthedivinghelmetintoBecky’shands.“Takeextreme

care.”

“IwishIhadn’thadtohurryyou,miss.Butyourmotherdidrequestyourpresence.”

Beckyaccompaniedhertooneofthetinybuildingsontheshorerelegatedtochanging,andLouisa

dartedinsidetosliponadress.Atleastherhairremaineddry,andshehurriedtowardBecky.“Weneed

toboardaship.I’mdeliveringthedivinghelmettothescientistwhowillconducthisresearchwithit.”

Beckywastoowell-trainedtoremindLouisathathermotherwoulddisapprove,buther

eyesdidwiden,andhereyebrowsdidclamberupherfreckledface.

“It’simportant,”Louisasaid.

Shewrappedherarmsaroundherwaistandpressedherhandsagainstthetangerine-coloredfabric

hermotherhadchosenforherafternoondress.Louisawasstilldampfromherswim,andthebriskwind

chilledherfurther.

TheyheadedtowardtheboatsthatdepartedbetweenShipStreetandMiddleStreet,andLouisa

ignoredthequestioninggazesofthefishermen.Theygraspedholdoftheirfishingnetsandpoles,

signifiersthatthey’dmarkedtheirterritory,andsheabsolutelydidnotbelonghere.

FinallytheyreachedShipStreet.Sheaddressedonemaninashoreboatwhoseemedtobetaking

peopleacrossandpaidthefare.

“Come,Becky,”Louisasaid.

Hermaidshiftedherlegsandtightenedherholdonawoodenpoledespitetheunappealingshadesof

greenthatcreptoverit.

“Thiswon’ttakelong,”Louisasaid.“ButIcouldgoalone—”

Becky’sskinseemedtoleapseveraldegreesinpaleness,andshescrambledintotheboat.“I—I

couldn’tletyoudothat,miss.Iwouldn’tbedoingmyduty.”

Hervoicereachedsuchamournfulnote,thatworrysweptthroughLouisa.“Areyouill?Isittheboat?

Noteveryonelikesthewater—”

“It’snotthat,miss.”Beckybitherlip,andsheclutchedherfingerstogether.“I’mwell.Ipromise.”

“ThenIbeoffnow,”therowersaid.Heclonkedhisoarsintothewaterandpushedoff.“Thisiswhat

‘appenswithwomengoingonshipsalone.Jesain’tright.NotwhatthegoodLordintended,that’sfor

sure.”Hefrownedatthem.“CanyoupointoutintheBiblewherewomengotintoshipsbythemselves?”

“GiventhatthegreaterportionoftheBibleissetinthedesert,shipswouldseemtoberather

superfluous,”Louisareplied.

Thequestionseemedtobelongtotherhetoricalvariety,forthemansimplylaughedandconcentrated

onrowingthemacrosstowheretheshipwasanchored.

BeckyscootedclosertoLouisa,andwhenshespoke,hervoicewaslow.“Nobodyhasanybusiness

beingonTheSapphirePrincess.Leastofallawomanlikeyourself.You’reluckyiftheydon’tkidnapyou

andholdyouransom.”Becky’svoicetookonanawe-struckquality,asifalreadyrehearsingtelling

peopleofthatoccurrence.

ItwasalmostenoughtomakeLouisasmile.

Almost.

Shefrowned.“It’sjustaship,Becky.We’llbeononelaterwhenwereturntoAmerica.”

“Thatain’tnoship,”Beckysaid.Hercheeksflushed.“Isn’t.Pardon,miss.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Louisa’svoicewobbled,andsheglancedagaininthedirectionoftheimposing

hull,adornedwiththreemajesticmasts.

“Don’tyouknowhowthecaptaingotholdofit?”

“No.”Louisa’sstomachtighteneduncomfortably.

“Hewonit,”Beckysaid,andhervoicenowdefinitelyemanatedawe.“Inapirateraid.”

“That’snonsense,”Louisasaid.

“Isit?”

“It’sjustsittinginthebay.Youwouldthinksomebodywouldarresthim,if—”

“Youthinktheregentdon’tfancyfinegoods?Pineapplesandrum?Sugarandcoffee?Reckonif‘e’sa

pirate,hewouldn’tbeneedingtoforcetheregenttopaytheoutrageoustariffseveryonecomplainsabout.

Besides,”Beckytossedherhead,“There’sareasonwhyhe’sdockedinBrighton.”

“Oh?”Louisamayhavehadanaltovoice,butitwasdecidedlyapproachingsopranoterritory.

“Reckonthecaptainlikesthathecanmakeaquickgetaway.”

“Nonsense.EveryoneknowstheThamesisridiculouslycrowded.I’msurehe’sreallybeingquite

sensiblestayinghere.”Louisagavehermostadamantnod,evenashervoicefaltered.

“Perhaps,”Beckysaid,buthertoneindicatedabeliefthatsheassignedonlytheslimmestlikelihood

thatLouisamightbecorrect.

Louisa’sstomachtoppleddownward,andsheneededtoremindherselfthatthewaveswerewobbling

theboat,andtheworldwasnottrulyquiveringabouther.

Herplanremained.ShewouldgivethedivinghelmettoMr.Thorntonandthenshewouldbeoff.

Latershemightdiscussthemattermorewithhimattheball.

Sheclutchedherdivinghelmetclosertoher.Otherdaystheoceansparkled.Otherdaysthefoam

crestsofthewavesdazzledundertheforceofthesun.

Todaywasnotoneofthosedays.

ChapterThree

Rupertdidnothabituallysprawlovertheship’ssurface,butTheSapphirePrincessremainedmostly

empty.Thecargoandprovisionswereloaded,andthemenwereexploringBrighton,evenifthetown

didn’tpromisetosatisfythesailors’Dionysianinstincts,indulgedandstrengthenedbytheirfrequentstops

intheWestIndies.

Rupertmissedthecustomarydipandswerveoftheship.Lifeseemedlessenthrallingwhentheship

wasstill.Mr.Thornton,ascientistwhowouldbesailingwiththemtotheWestIndies,waslate.

Hislipstwitched.He’dneverhadtoworryaboutlatepassengerswhenhewasapirate.Any

passengershadembarkedonTheSapphirePrincessagainsttheirwill,andthey’dquicklypledgedtojoin

hiscrewunderthegleefulpressureofFergusandhisownmoresomberandintimidatingduress.Clearly

respectabilityinvolvedgreaterchallenges.

Fergusfrowned.“Itain’trightthatwe’re‘erenow.‘Tisnocountryforgoodfolks.”

“Itisourowncountry,”RupertremindedFergus,butheshookhishead.

“No,itain’tandyouknowit.‘Tisnopropercountrythatforcedusintothenavyatayoungage.”

Rupert’ssmilewobbledasFergusremindedhimoftheonce-toldlie.PerhapstheBritishshipshad

shownupatFergus’ssecludedhamletinCornwall,butthatwasnothowRupertjoined.

Nomatter.

Fergusdidn’tneedtoknowhowRupertcametobeworkingbesidehim.

Rupertrose.“I’mgoingtoworkinmyquarters.”

Fergusnoddedsolemnly.“Aye,it’sraining.Nevershouldhavecome‘ere.Wedon’t‘avetodeliver

finefurniturefromEnglandwhenwecould‘avebeendeliveringperfectlyrespectabletimberanddried

codfromMassachusettsandRhodeIsland.Notquiteasexcitingasbeingapirate,butIsupposeit’snice

nottoworryeachdayisourlast.”

“Nextjourney,Fergus.”Rupertsmiled.“ItwaseitherhereorScotland,andIdoubtyouwouldhave

appreciatedthatland’sevenlowertemperature.

“Scotland!”Fergusscrunchedhisforehead.“Idon’tmeannodisrespect,butI’msureyou’vegone

mad!”

“Notthat,Fergus.Donotfear.”Rupertroseandglancedattheexpensivetownhomesthatmadeup

Brighton’sskylinealongwiththeperegrinedomesoftheMarinePavilion.Elegantlyattiredpeoplepaced

theparade,theirfootstepsbriskerthanRupertsuspectedtheoccasiondemanded.Everythingseemed

overlypompousinthistown.

Orrather...almosteverything.

Atall,slenderwomaninanorangedressmarchedontheparade.Thickauburnlockscascaded

unbecominglyoverherback,asifshe’dcrushedthemunderneathahat.

Notthatshewaswearingahat.

Hesighed.Herhairwasnottheimportantpart.Rupertdidn’tmakeahabitofponderingwomen’s

hairstyles,evenifthisoneseemedremarkablypoorlyconceived.

Henoticedherbecauseshewashaulingahuge,awkwardpackageandamaid,evidencedbythestark

blackdressandwhiteapron,scurriedafterher.

ItmayhavebeenawhilesinceRuperthadvisitedEngland,ifnotquiteaslongashe’dtoldFergus,

buthedoubtedwomenhadtakentocarrythingsratherthantheirservants.

Hefrownedanddescendedthesteepstepsthatledbeneaththedeck.Noneedtoponderthe

idiosyncrasiesofwomen.

Hestrodethroughthecorridorandenteredhisquarters.Variousluxuriesglintedfromthewalls.

Polishedsilvergleamedfromthemahoganycabinetboltedtothewallfordinnerswithimportant

passengerstheshipnevercarried.PastelpaintingsoftheFrenchcountryside,anodtotheship’slast

captain,hungonthewalls,andcarvedfurnituredottedtheroom.

Rupertgrinned.Perhapsifthepastcaptainhadinterestedhimselflessinartandmoreinstudying

defensetactics,hewouldnothavesuccumbedsoquicklytoRupert’screw.

Rupertwasn’tunaccustomedtofinery,butthisroomsurpassedhisprevioussumptuoussurroundings

andservedasaparagonofwhathe’dachieved:himself,andnotsomeaccidentofbirth.Unlikethearmy,

wherewealthyparentswerepronetopurchasetheirsonscommissionsinsaferegiments,thenavy

remainedameritocracy.Sailingashiprequiredintricateknowledge,andtheRoyalNavy,theverybest

navyintheworld,wasnotgoingtoallowanyonetohavechargeofashipwithoutrespectingtheperson’s

talents.

Nomatterhowextremethecircumstancesoftheperson’sbirth.

Hislipstwitched,andhesatathisdeskandremovedhisledger.Hemightnolongerbeamemberof

theRoyalNavy,buthestillrespectedtheskillsithadtaughthim.Headdednewdetailsfromthesojourn

inBrighton,andhisshouldersrelaxedasheinspectedthecarefullyinscribedblacknumbers.

Aknocksoundedonthedoor,andhesetasidehisquill.“Enter.”

Thedoorswungopen,andFergustrudgedin.“Therebesomeonetoseeyou,Cap’n.”

Probablyamerchant.Rupertstraightenedhisjacket.Thiscouldbegood.Verygood.“Showhimin.”

“It’sa—woman,actually.”

“Awoman?”

Fergusgaveaforlornlook.

“Youshouldn’tbothermewiththis,”Rupertgrumbled.“Youknowwedon’tallowwomenonboard.”

“Shewas—er—ratherinsistent.Youknow‘owtheyget.”Fergusfrowned,andRupertremovedhis

gazefromthesailor’sface.Itwouldn’tdoforFergustoseehimsmile.

Ferguswasn’ttheonlysailortofindwomenintimidating.

“She’sonthedeck,Cap’n.”

“Hmph.”AtleastFergushadn’tbroughthertohisquarters,lestshestartundressingforhim.

He’dexperiencedthatbefore.Andthoughhewasn’timmunetothecharmsofwomen,hewantedto

preserveasenseoforderontheship.Ifwordreachedhissailorsthathe’dentertainedawomanofthe

night,whileforbiddingthemthesame,he’drisklosingsomeofthatcrucialrespect.

“We’renotthatkindofship.”Rupertstoodandexitedhisquarters,ponderingwhatkindofharlot

wouldbewaitingforhim.Hesethismouthintoagrimlineandmarchedthroughthenarrowcorridors.He

didn’thavetimeforthis.Heclimbedthesteepstaircasetothedeck,poundinghisfeetagainstthewooden

steps.

Hewasaccustomedtothematotherports.Somethoughtmeetingthesailorsontheirboatswouldbe

easymoney.Andintruth,theywereprobablycorrect—inmostcases.

ButRupert’saspirationswouldn’tbefulfilledifhewasgiventhereputationforindecency.Hispirate

dayswereinthepast,andthecompanieshewantedtoworkforpridedthemselvesonrespectability.This

washisfirstjourneyshippingBritishgoodstoBarbadosandJamaica.Ruperthadnourgetocaptainone

oftheslave-haulingships,andhedidn’tdesirehismentofindthemselvesworkingononeeither.

Hefixedhisfaceintoascowlandmarchedoverthedeck.

Twowomenstoodbeforehim,thoughneitherpossessedthegarishflourishhe’dexpected.

Herecognizedthematonce.

Thewomaninthetangerinedressstoodbeforehim,clutchingabulkypacketthatextendedfromher

armstoherface.Atleasthermaidhadthedecencytolookabashed.

“I’mafraidwedonotallowwomenonthisship,”hesaid.

“Sowewereinformed.”ShedartedanunpleasedlookinthedirectionofFergus.

“Yethereyouare.”

“I’mdeliveringapackage.”AfaintAmericanaccentflittedthroughhervoice.

Hegaveherahardstare,buthercheeksdidnotpinken,andshedidnotswinghergazeawayfrom

him.

Shewasthestrangestmessengerhe’deverseen,buthewouldn’tgiveherthesatisfactionofinforming

her.Thewomanmightfindhismentionofheruniquenessflattering.

Henoddedattheawkwardpackageshewasclutching.“Itakeitthat’sforme.”

“Foryourpassenger,”shesaid.“Mr.SebastianThornton,theesteemedscientist.Whereishe?I

demandtospeaktohim.”

Hefrowned.“Andwhatisyourname?”

Thewomanintheorangedresshesitated.

“Mynameisirrelevant,”shesaidfinally.

“Thisismyship,andI’lldecidewhat’srelevant.”Rupertnarrowedthedistancebetweenthem.More

thanonepersonhadtoldhimthesoundofhisbootsstrikingthewoodendeckresembledgunfire,andhe

resistedtheurgetosmileatthemaid’spredictablepaling.Hemightnolongerwearabushybeardand

earrings,buthehadn’tforgottenhowtointimidate.

Hecastasmuglookinthedirectionoftheorange-cladwoman,eagertowitnesshercapitulation,but

sheonlycastastonylooktowardhim.

Hefrowned,andthemaid’seyeswidenedfurther.“She’s—she’s‘isbrother!”

Theorange-cladwomanfrowned,buthislipsmovedintoasmile.Thiswashowthingsshouldbe.

“Verywell,MissThornton.”

“Idemandtospeakwithhim,”shesaid.

Hefrowned.Peoplewerenotsupposedtomakedemandsofhim,especiallywhenstandinguponhis

ship.

“He’snothere.”

Thewomanblinked,andherexpressionappearedratherlessdefiant.“ButyouareboundfortheWest

Indies.”

Henodded.

“AndthisisTheSapphirePrincess?”Shecastalookinthedirectionoftherower,asifhemight

havebroughthertothewrongship.

“Itisindeed.”

“Oh.”Worryflittedoverherface,butshesooncomposedherself.“Wellthen,heisboundtoarrive

soon.”

“Perhapshedecidedtowaittoboardtheshipuntiltomorrow,”Rupertsaid.“Sincethatisofcourse

whentheshipactuallydeparts.”

“Hesaidhewouldbehere.”

“Thenheistardy.”Hemustnothavemanagedtoconjureuprequisiteenthusiasmforthisman,forthe

womanfrowned.

“Youareveryluckytohavehim.Hisresearchwillbemostgroundbreaking.Everyonewillknowthe

nameoftheship.”

“I’mnotseekingfame.”

Infact,hewasavoidingit.

“Everyscientistwillknow,Imean.”Thistimethewoman’sfacedidflush,butshesternedher

expressionbeforehecoulddecidewhetherherpinkeningcheekswereanimprovement.

“WheneveryscientisttakestoimportingcargototheWestIndies,”Rupertsaid,“Iwillbemost

grateful.”

Thewomangavehimatightsmile.Thewoman’savidlaudationsofherbrotherdidnotdissuadehim

fromhisdistasteofoverlyeducatedtoffs.Thismanwasnotevenontime.Sailorsweremuchmore

reasonable.

“Assumingthatyourbrotherisasdeservingofmeritasyousay,Iwouldthinkhewillbehereshortly,

apologizingforhislateness.Scientistshaveagreatrespectfornumbers,andnumbersarecertainly

involvedinthetellingoftime.”

“Yes.”Sheglancedatthepackagestillwrappedtightlyinherarms.“IsupposeIshouldleavethis

here.Pleasetellhimthisistheequipmentherequires.”

“Certainly,”hesaid.“Fergus,takethatfromMissThorntonandputitinMr.Thornton’sberth.”

“Aye,Cap’n.”Fergustooktheoddlyshapedbundle.

“Becareful!”shecried.

“Wedon’tmakeahabitofdestroyingpackages,”Rupertsaid.

“Nope,”Fergussaidcheerfullyandhauledthepackageaway.

Thewoman’ssteelygazeremainedfixedonhim,asifassessingthelikelihoodthatFergusmight

buckleunderthemeagerweight.“Thecontentsareoftheutmostimportance.”

“Iassureyoutheywillbesafe,”Rupertsaid.

Hesighed.Hewouldbehappywhentheshipsetsailagain.Itwasraretofindawomansodevoidof

charm.

ChapterFour

ThecaptainmightnothavebeenthefirstattractivemanLouisahadmet,buthecertainlyrankedasthe

mostirritating.

Thiswouldbeeasierifhewereaproperseacaptain,thekindwithgraywhiskersandaface

reddenedmorefromdecadesofdrinkthandelightatthesun.

Seacaptainsweren’tsupposedtolooklikeMediterraneandeitiesrecliningingildedframesatthe

RoyalAcademy.

“HaveyoubeentotheWestIndiesbefore?”

“Naturally.”Thecaptainnarrowedthedistancebetweenthem.

Ifshe’dthoughthisfacedistracting,itwasonlybecauseshehadn’tbeenfocusingonhischest.

Whichwasnowveryclearlybeforeher.

Sheattemptedtoavoidwonderinghowhemanagedtoconveytheappearanceofstrengthsoentirely

whilebeingswathedinawoolentailcoat.Sheponderedthewidthofhisshouldersandhistowering

height.

Shewastallforawomanandwasaccustomedtolookingdirectlyataman,andnottiltingherhead

up,sothatshemightseehimwhiletakingintheheavens.Shewasonamissionandhadnotimefor

arrogantseacaptains,nomatterhowmuchtheirazureeyessmoldered,orhowelegantlytheystrode.

Hisblueeyestwinkledasifunabashedatthepleasurehefoundintormentingher,andsheavertedher

gaze.Nopointcontemplatingthesultrycurveofhislips.

Hermothermaypossessaproclivitytoattireherinridiculouslyhuedfrocksinaperhapsmistaken

efforttomakehermorenoticeable,butshenevertendedtomind.Nowthoughsheshiveredunderthe

captain’sscrutiny.

LackofnoticewasneverLouisa’sproblem.Hermothercouldclotheherinallthecanaryorcarmine

colorsshedesired,butitwouldn’tbringcallerstoLouisa’sdoor.

Louisarefusedtocontemplatethedescriptions,mostlycombinationsofaderogatoryadjectiveandthe

wordbluestocking,menused,notguiltyatthepossibilityshemightoverhear.

“Farewell,”sheannounced.

Hiseyebrows,swoopingdarkarches,sweptupward.Likelyhedecidedwhenheleftladiesandnot

theotherwayaround.

“Farewell,”thecaptainsaid,andsheforcedherselfnottolingeronthepleasingtoneofhisvoice.

Shesweptoverthedeck,maneuveringovertheassortmentofropesandknobsthatsignified

everythingmysterious,everythingmasculine,everythingthatLouisawouldneverknow.

Wavesrustledtheship,butshemaintainedherpostureandclimbeddowntheladdertotherowboat.

Raindappledherdress,andshebitawaythescowlthatthreatenedtospreadoverherface.Whereon

earthwasMr.Thornton?ShewishedBeckyhadnotliedandcalledhimherbrother.Sheglancedat

Becky’sstillface.Hadthescientistbeenscaredtoboardtheshipaswell?

Sheshookherhead.AmaneagertodiveintheWestIndieswasunlikelytobefrightenedbyany

sailors,evenofthepirateorex-piratevariety.Likelyhewassimplylate.Morethanonevisitorto

BrightonhadcomplainedoftheclayintheWealdthattrappedcarriagewheelswithahorrifying

regularity.Mr.Thorntonhadsaidhewouldalsoattendtheball,andshewouldseehimthere.

Atleastthepackagewaswaitingforhim,justastheyhadplanned.Hermothercertainlywouldhave

noticedifshe’dtriedtohaulherdivinghelmettotheball.Shesmiled.

Perhapsinafewmonths,shewouldbeabletoreadaboutthegreatdiscoverieshemadewiththe

divinghelmet.

Therowboatmovedthroughthewater,andsomegrayshadows,theirformsfamiliar,swambesidethe

boat

Whatwoulditbeliketoobservethefishthatflittedalongthecoastsoftheislands?Solittlewas

knownaboutthem.Thescientificinterestoftheislanddwellersseemedlimitedtotechniquesfor

achievinghighsugaryields,knowledgethattheyclearlyhadnotyetmastered,giventheirpropensityfor

raisingsugartariffsandmusingsonthebenefitsofconqueringnewislands.

Nooneseemedinterestedinobservingandrecordingthenewworldunderneaththeircrystalwaters.

Rumorsofjewel-tonedfishderivedfromsailors,andsomebroadsheetsoff-handedlymentionedfishmore

vibrantthananythey’dseeninbetweentheirlamentationsonthecorruptionrampantintheWestIndies

andtheprivateersthatferociouslyguardedeachislandagainstcorsairsandotherintrepidinvaders.

Shecherishedeachmentionofmarinelife,butitwastimeforsomeonetomakeascholarlystudy.If

therereallywerenovelfishthere,shedesiredtolearnaboutthem.Theirphysicaltraitsandbehavior

shouldbestudiedandrecorded.Everyichthyologistshouldhaveaccesstoknowledgeoffishoutsidetheir

locality.

Aftertheydisembarked,LouisaandBeckyhurriedovertheMarineParade,passingfinelyattiredmen

andwomenwhoseemedtoscoffattheirspeed,iftheslightraisingoftheirnosescoupledwiththedistinct

downwardcurvingoftheirlips,wasanyindication.Nomatter.

ChapterFive

Glidingalongwithcomposed,indifferentexpressionswouldhavetobeforanotherday.Louisa’smother

hadaskedtospeakwithher,andLouisadidnotwanthertowaitanylonger.Motherwasalreadyupset

Louisahadn’tfoundafiancé,andshehadnointentionofaddingaworryaboutherabilitytotelltimeto

hermother’salreadylengthywoes.

Louisarushedintothetownhouseherstepfatherhadrentedandscamperedpastsidetablesand

settees,chosenmorefortheirabilitytoresistdamagingpuddlesandkleptomaniactenantsthanstyle.Only

acrystalchandelierhunghighfromthetiledfloortoindicatethatthiswasafinerestablishment,worthyof

itsequallyhighfee.

Sheascendedthestairsbeforethebutlermightgreether.Somehowregalitycamemorenaturallyto

servantsthantoher,andshe’dnodesireforalecture,enhancedbycarefullytimedsniffs,onthegeneral

inabilitiesofAmericansandmother’sanxiousnesstoseeher.

Amirrorhunginthecorridor,makingthealreadygrandspaceappearevenmoreexpansive.Louisa’s

thinframeseemedevenmorestick-like,swallowedbyherbillowingdress,andtoppedwithfrizzy

locks.Fiddle-faddle.Shesmoothedherhairfrantically.

Afterinhalingalargebreathofthepotpourrifilledair,sheapproachedhermother’sdoor,braced

herselfforanypossiblebarrageofadmonishmentsandknocked.“Mama?”

Baritoneandsopranomurmurssoundedinside,andherchesttightened.Herstepfathermustbehome.

“Comein,darling!”Hermother’svoicerangout.

Louisasteppedintotheroomandforcedherlipstojutupwards.Athicksmelloflavenderandroses

pervadedthechamber.Ampleamountsofpastelcoloredpillowspiledoverthebedandseats,andcheery

embroideredquoteswithneatlystitchedflowersdangledfromthepicturerail.

Hermotherreclinedonafaintingcouch,attiredinasilkrobecontainingsuchacollectionofclashing

colors,thatitwouldnothavelookedoutofplaceifitwereusedaswallpaperattheMarinePavilion.A

deeprosestainedhermother’scheeks,eventhoughhermotherneverhadaproclivityforrouge-applying

accidents.

Herstepfatherbenthistorsoinapracticedflourish,andLouisadippeddownintoaratherless

imperialcurtsy.

“Howdoyoudo,MissCarmichael?”Heaskedinthesilkytonethatallthewomeninsocietyadmired.

“Well,”Louisareplied.“Andyou,CaptainDaventry?”

“Ialwaysdowell,MissCarmichael,”hesaidbreezily.“Whenoneworkstohavingagoodlife,that’s

alloneeverdoes.”

“How...splendid,”shechirped,andhergazedartedtohermotherwhowasgazingathimwithopen

admiration.

Herchesttightened.She’dstillnotgrownentirelyaccustomedtothecaptain,eventhoughhewasnow

herstepfather.Shecertainlyhadnotgrownaccustomedtothedewygazeshermothershothimwith

revoltingfrequency.ShedidnotbegrudgehermotheranewhusbandafterLouisa’sfather’sdeath,buttry

asshemight,shecouldnotrecallhermotherevergazingatherfatherinasimilarmanner.Wasshein

possessionofasimilarflaw,onethatleftmensimilarlyindifferenttowardher?

Thecaptain’seyesflickeredonceagaintohermother,andhesmiled.“Iwillleaveyoutwoalone.”

Hedepartedthroughtheadjoiningdoorintohischambers.Thetownhousemightbelarge,butthe

wallsdidnotmaskthesoundofthemansingingtohimself.

“Ishenotsocharming?”Hermothertiedherrobemoretightly.“Youmusttakeaseacaptainasa

loveratsomepoint.Afteryou’remarriedofcourse,”hermothersaidquickly,perhapsseeingsomething

likeshockinLouisa’sexpression.“Otherwiseitwouldbemostinappropriate.”

“IsupposeIshouldalsowaituntilIprocurethenecessaryheirandsparestoo?”Louisaasked.

Hermotherbeamed.“Yes,darling.Youunderstandperfectly.I’msopleased.Nowdositdown.”

Sincehermotherwastakinguptheentirefaintingcouch,asifpracticingtobepaintedasarobed

Venus,Louisasatgingerlyonthebed.Thebedspreadwasmorerumpledthanwell-trainedchambermaids

tendedtoleaveformothersofdukes,andLouisagavehermotheranuneasysmile.

“Mydarlingdaughter,”hermotherexclaimed.“Ihavenewsforyou.Youwillnothavetodoanother

season!”

“Oh!”Thistimeconjuringasmiletooknoeffort,andpleasuresweptthroughherwithalltheforceof

awave.HermothermusthaveunderstoodthatshedesiredtoreturntoAmerica.“That’swonderful.”

Hermothernoddedtriumphantly.“Don’tthinkIdidn’tknowyouweredreadingit.Amothernotices

thesethings.”

“I’msopleased.”Louisabeamed.“Thankyousomuch!”

Hermother’ssmilebroadened.“Sometimesitjusttakessomemotherlyattention.Butyourlifeisset

now,Ipromise.Ididn’twanttotellyoubefore.IwashopingIcouldtakecareofeverything,butIdidn’t

wanttogetyourhopesup.”

Louisasighed,consciousshemustappearridiculouslycontent.Thenewswaswonderful.Betterthan

she’deverdreamedofaskingfor.ShecouldreturntoMassachusetts.Shemightcontinueherresearch.She

wouldn’tbeforcedtosomeunknown,landlockedregioninEngland.

Itwouldallbefine.Marvelous,infact.

“Ihavefoundyouahusband,”hermothersaidbrightly.

“Excuseme?”Louisastammered,feelingthehappinessvanishing,asifbeingpulledbackwithalow

tide.

“You’retobemarried!”Hermotherclappedherhands,andherbracelets,presentsfromIndia,jangled

asthesilvercollided.

Thenewswasnonsense.Louisacouldn’tbeengaged.Shejustcouldn’tbe.

“Towhom?”Shestammered.

Hermotherfrownedandwavedahandloftilyintheair.“Doesitmatter?ButIassureyouhe’sperfect.

Thesonofabaronet.Notnobilityofcourse,butatleastheistheoldersonandwillbebequeathedwith

propertywhenhisfatherpasses.”Hermotherleanedclosertoherinaconspiratorialfashion.“Hisfather

hasexpressedagreatfondnessforgorgingongeese,soitmightnotbealongwait.”

“Mother!”

Hermothersettledbackagainstthepileoflusciouspillows.“Suchconsiderationsareimportant,my

dear.Youmightnotdesiretoadmitit,butsomeofusliveinaworldnotpurelyinhabitedbyseacreatures.

He’sevenacquaintedwithyourbrotherPercival!”

“Oh.”Louisa’sshouldersrelaxedsomewhat.

“You’llmeethimtonight.”

“Attheregent’sball?”Louisastrodetowardhermother’sbaywindow.Asliverofoceanstretched

appealinglyunderthesettingsun.Shardsofpinkandorangedancedontheedgeofthehorizon,lightingthe

graysky.“AndthisisthefirstIhearofit?”

“Ididn’twantyoutobedisappointed,”hermothersaidgently.“Iknowhowhardit’sbeenlately.I’m

sorryIwasn’tmoreunderstanding.Pleaseforgiveme.”

Louisawassilent,andhermothercontinuedhastily,hervoiceshaking,asifeagertonotdwellonher

daughter’sdisapproval.

“It’sreallyquitesimple.Andwonderful.Naturally.Well...afewdaysagoIreceivedaletterfrom

SirSeymourAmberly,abaronetinYorkshire.ApparentlyhereadaboutyouinMatchmakingfor

Wallflowersanddecidedyoumightbeperfectforhisson.”

“Hereadaboutme?”

Hermothersighed.“Iamafraidthatyouhavebecomeratherfamous.Iwassparingyouthetorment.I

thoughtyoumightdiscoveritonyourown,butitseemsyoudonotreadwomen’smagazineswith

enthusiasm.Hereisthearticle.”

Louisa’smothershovedapieceofpapertowardher,andLouisa’sstomachtighteneduncomfortably.

Shepickedupthepaper:

MatchmakingforWallflowers

Summer1817

TheDisastrousDebutante

Mrs.Daventry,newwifeoftheMassachusettsmagnate,weweepwithyou.

Nosorrowcanbeasgreatasthatofamotherwhosedaughterhasfailedtoimpressthegentlemen

oftheton.Yoursonmayhaveinheritedadukedom,butourEnglishmenrightfullydismissedyour

daughterasadisastrousdebutante.

ThesepagescannotrecallawomanwhoarrivedinLondonwithmoreadvantagesthanMissLouisa

Carmichael.Sistersofhandsome,heroicdukesarepresumedtopossessamodicumofcharmand

capabilities,andnotspeakinthatconsistentlycontemptibleex-colonialdialect,nomatterwhichside

oftheworldtheywereborn.

WecannotblameMissCarmichael’slackofahusbandonhermother’slackofenthusiasm.No

womanhasacceptedinvitationsatamorerapidpacethanMrs.Daventry.

MissCarmichaelmaypossesssomeadvantages,butnomandesiresawifewhoexpoundsuponthe

classificationoffishwiththeenthusiasmwithwhichsheshouldbetacklingdinnermenus.Havehope,

Englishroses.Youcanrisetogreatheightsonthemeritofyourvigorousstudyoftherulesof

thetonandthewhimsofyoursuitors.

Andwhateveryoudo...Pleaseleavediscussionsoffishtothefishermen.

–YourAllSeeing,AllKnowing,AlwaysAnonymousEditor-in-Chief

Louisa’sheartbeatthudded,andshepushedthepaperawayfromher.Howmanypeoplehadread

this?

“Iwasnotawarethatbaronetsreadpamphletstargetedtodebutantes,”shesaidfinally.

Hermotherwavedherhanddismissively.“Oh,everyonereadsit.ThisisEngland.Whatelsedoesits

highsocietyhavetodoexceptridiculethebehavioroftheirbetters?It’snotasiftheyarepermittedto

work!WiththeexceptionoftheHouseofLordsofcourse,thoughI’mnotconvincedtheydomuchof

anythingthere.Andtoomanyofthemrelyentirelyontheirestatemanagerstoruntheirpropertyand

wonderhowtheyfindthemselvesindirestraits.Onereallymustgiveestatemanagersmoreguidancethan

tellingthemnottochangeanything.”Shesmiled.“Mr.Daventry,ofcourse,ismuchmoreaccomplished.”

Louisareturnedhermother’ssmile.Evenifshe’dneveryetmanagedtohaveaproperconversation

withherstepfather,atleastshecouldrespecthim.Themanhadmademoneyasaseacaptain,andthough

hewasnowwealthy,helackedtheblandproprietyofaristocrats.Perhapsmotherwouldn’thavemarried

himifshe’dknownPercivalwouldbecomeaduke.Louisawasgladshehadn’tknown:thecaptain

seemedtomakehermothercontent.

IfonlyhermotherwouldwaituntilLouisametamanwhopromisedtomakehersimilarlyhappy.

“Sothisbaronetwastakenbythewriter’sdescriptionofme?”Louisaasked,consciousofthe

suspiciousnoteinhervoice.

“No,no,no.IbelieveactuallyitwasthefactthatyouarePercival’ssister.Butyourhusband-to-be

seemsquitekind.AndquitehappytobeshownaroundBrightonbythatniceyoungfootmanwiththe

angeliccurls.Idosolikeamanwhoisnotboundtoomuchbyclassrules.AlmostAmericanofhim.”

Louisapickeduponeofhermother’spillows.Shebrushedherfingersovertheembroideredfabric,

notinghowthesumptuousdesignstillmanagedtoberoughbeneathherfingers.“Irefusetomarrya

stranger.”

“Howverydramaticofyou,”hermothersaiddrily.“Noneedtofretthough.Hewon’tbeastranger

forlong,andtherewillbenoneedtodelaythematch.SirSeymourassuresmethatheisthemost

powerfularistocratinallYorkshire.Andyou’retobemarriedtohisson!”

“Sothispersonisnotelderly?”

“He’sontherightsideofthirty-five.”

Louisafrowned.“Rightsideforme?Orrightsideforyou?”

“Iwillnothaveyoureferencemyage,”hermothersaid.“Ihavesacrificedmytimetofindyoua

husband,soyouwon’tneedtostress—”

“Iknow.”Louisa’schesttightened.AlltheworldknewabouthowMr.Daventryhadsweptawayher

mother,eventhoughunmarriedmentendedtogoforyoungerwomen,andnotwidowswithfourchildren.

Everyoneknewthatthecaptainwasswarthyandmysteriouswithmanytalesoftravelingtoentertain

everyonehemet.Everyonedeclareditatravestythathermothercouldnotenjoyhernewlifewithher

newhusbandbecauseshestillhadtwounmarrieddaughtersathome,andonenewunmarried

stepdaughter.AndeveryoneknewthatLouisahadnothelpedmattersbynotfindingahusband.

“Anyway.”Hermothermovedtoherdressingtableandfluffedheralreadybeautifullyarrangedhair.

“He’sontherightsideofthirty-fiveifapproachinghisbirthday.”Hereyesgleamed.“Notthatitwill

matter.Ifhe’sanythinglikeyourstepfather,he’llbequitehappytofulfillhismaritalduties.”

Louisaknewshehadnoteatenanythinginhours,butherstomachconstricted,asifshe’dmanagedto

swallowabadshellfish.

“Youarepale,mydear.”Hermother’sperfectskincreased.“Iexpectedyoutoexpressmore

gratitude.You’vebeggedmeforsolongtonotdoanotherseason.”

“IhadhopedImightstayinMassachusetts…”

Wheretherewasanocean.Wheretherewerelakes.Whereshemightconductherresearch.

“Well,youimaginedwrong.Yourmarriagewillhelpyourfatherandme.Youmustn’texpectusto

keepyouhereindefinitely.Yourfatherisverykindforhostingyournewrelatives.”

“He’smystepfather,”Louisacorrected.

Hermothershrugged.“Isprecisionsoimportant?Finickinessisnotatraittobecultivated.You

wouldhavemarriedlongagoifnotforyourhabitofcorrectingmen.Asifanyoneisinterestedinyour

opinionsoffish.Theonlyusefulponderingiswhichsauceisbesttoslatherthemin,andeventhat

conversationisrisky,lestyourhostess’scookbeplanningtheminoneofyourlessfavoredways.”

Louisaattemptedtocontemplatealifetoofarfromtheoceantoavailherselfofthescentofsaltwater

andamblesalongtheseashell-strewnshore,butherchesthurt.

“Perhapshewon’tasktomarryme,”Louisasaid,moreforherbenefitthanhermother’s.

Somethinglikedisappointmentflickeredoverhermother’sface,butthensheshookherhead.“He

enduredaweek-longjourneytoaskforyourhand.Ifhecandothat,hecanmaketheshortdistancetothe

floorwhenheproposes.”

“Buthehasn’tmetme,”Louisasaidweakly.

“Youarethesisterofaduke.”

“Thesisterofanunexpectedduke,”Louisacorrected.

Hermotherwavedahand.“Niceties,only.Noonewillrememberthatintenyears.”

“WhichistragicforourcousinwhodiedatWaterloo.”

Hermother’sfacesoberedforamoment.“Let’snotdwellonthepast,darling.You’realwaystelling

ustolooktowardthefuture.”

“Thatwasaboutlaudingscience.Notaboutyousecretlyfindingmeahusband.”

Hermothershrugged.“Notsosecret.I’mtellingyou.Oneofmyfriendsdidn’ttellherdaughterthat

shewasgettingmarrieduntilshewasatthewedding.”

“Andwhenyousayfriend,youdon’thappentomeanyourself?”Louisaaskedcarefully.Shecouldn’t

becertainwithhermother.Shecouldn’tbecertainaboutanything.

NotafterherbrotherhadfoundhimselfDukeofAlfriston,andnotafterhermotherhadgleefully

packedthemofftoEnglandtobecomearistocrats.

HerbrotherPercivalmightbeaduke,buteveryoneknewitwasbecausetheircousinhaddiedat

Waterloo.Everyoneknewthattheirfatherhadbeentheyounger,unbelovedsonwho’dleftEngland.

EveryoneknewthattheirfatherhaddiedandthatLouisa’sstepfatherwasasfarfromthetonasitwas

possibletobe—hewasanAmerican,andnotonlyamerchantbutonewhodisplayedadistinctpridein

importsandexports.

ThetoninLondonwasalltoocleartopointoutthatitwassimplyatragedythatthepersongroomed

tobecomeadukehadfalleninWaterloo.Theymournedthatamanofsuchgoodbreedingcouldbe

replacedbyamanwithAmericansistersandamotherwho’dspentthelasttwentyyearslivingin

Massachusetts,theverycolonythathadrewardedcenturiesofcarefulmanagementwithattackingthe

scarlet-uniformedsoldierswhodefendedthem.AtleastPercivalhadmaintainedhisEnglishaccent.

ThetonhadshownsuspiciontowardLouisa,andshedoubtedthatIreneandVeroniquewouldreceive

betterreceptions.

EspeciallynotVeronique.

Hermothercontinuedtobustleabout.“WhatkindofweddingwoulditbeifIhadtokeepitsecret

fromeveryone?I’msothankfulyou’veatleastceasedspewingsuchnonsenseaboutoceans.Whocares

whatfishmightbethere?Theycan’tbeveryinteresting—otherwisethegoodLordwouldn’thaveput

themwherewecouldn’tseethem.”

“Itwouldbemisguidedtocharacterizemarinebiologyasnonsense,”Louisasaidcarefully.Theless

hermotherknewabouthercontinueddevotiontothesubject,thebetter.“IwasundertheimpressionthatI

wouldreturntoLondonforasecondseason.”

“Andyou’vebeencomplainingincessantlyaboutit,”hermothersaid.“Nowyoudon’thaveto.And

noonewillbeabletoquestionwhyyoudidn’tfindafiancéduringyourfirstseason.You’llbequite

respectable!”

“But—”

“Obviouslyyou’llstillattendballsinthefuture,butyouwon’thavetobeawallflower.”

“WhosaysIwouldbeawallflower?”

Hermotherwidenedhereyesandlaughed.Thecaptainhadreferredtohermother’slaughteras

seraphic,butthereseemednothingheavenlyaboutthesoundtoLouisa.“Darling,”hermothercontinued,

“Iwouldlovetopossessyourconfidence,butwebothknow...”

Louisasighed.

“Imean,”hermothercontinued.“I’vetriedtoteachyou.Andyourgovernesseshavetriedtoteach

you.Butyouweren’texactlyagoodstudent.”

Louisa’ssmiletightened.

Shewasagoodstudent.Shewasagoodstudentineverything.Everythingexceptwhatmatteredtoher

motherandtherestofsociety.

Shewasn’tprettyenough,afactthathermotherlaidentirelyonher,eventhough,surelyhermother’s

facialfeaturesandherfather’sfacialfeaturesmustbesomewhattoblame.ThoughtheEnglishseemed

fascinatedwitheverythingtodowiththeRomansandGreeks,theyseemedlessinclinedtofavortheir

downwardturnednoses,nomatterhowmanyporcelainstatuestheyperchedontheircoffeetablesand

theirbookcases,filledwithdoubtlesslyunreadbooks,thatdisplayedthatverysamecharacteristic.

Herhairdidn’tglistenlikeangels’feathers,andhergrayeyescouldneitherbecomparedtoverdant

meadowsnorceruleanskies.

Sheknewalot,butthesimplequestionsandsmalltalkotherpeopleoccupiedthemselveswithbored

her.

Sherubbedalockbetweenherfingers,notingtheslightcoarseness,andthemediumthickness.

Normallyhermotherwouldcriticizeherandremindherthatifyoungladiespaidtoomuchinteresttotheir

hair,gentlemenmightthinkthey’dhiddenanactualratthere.

Thistimehermotherjustgaveherablandsmile.“NaturallyIwouldnotwanttoforceyou.ButItruly

dothinkitisthebestoptionforyou.Youcan’tpostponetheinevitable.”

“I’ll...”Louisahesitated,butthensaid,“I’llmeethim.”

“Thankyou.”

Shewasgettingmarried.Andmovingfromtheocean.Andthoughshecouldsayno,thoughshecould

refusetoleave,shewasn’tsurethatshewould.

Becauseperhapshermotherwasright.Whatelsewouldshedo?

“But—”Louisa’schesthurt,eventhoughherchestneverhurt.Eventhoughshewasvery,veryhealthy

fromallherswimmingandherpropensitytoramblethecoast.

“Yes,dear?”Hermother’sfacewasinnocent,buthereyesflickeredwithsomethingthatlookedlike

guilt.

“I-Iwishtherewereanoceanthere,”Louisastuttered.Eventhoughshewasprecisewithherwords,

andhadexcelledatdictationanddebate—atleastwhenhergovernesseshadstilldeignedtoteachher

that,beforetheyconcentratedsolelyonflowerarrangementsandFrenchconversations.

“Perhapsyou’retoooldfortheocean,”hermothersaid.“Wecan’tbeyoungforever.”

“Buttheoceaniseverything.”Thesentencefeltlikeanunderstatement.Theoceanwasbigand

expansiveandsobeautiful.Theseacouldvarysoeasily,andLouisanever,evertiredoflookingatit.Or

swimminginit.Andobservingeverythingthatlivedthere.

“Harrogateistolerable.Ifyouinsistonreadingthosedreadfullydulltomes,youwon’tevennoticethe

lackofgoodcompany.Thoughyoursister-in-law’sfamilylivesthere,soyoushouldn’tfeeltoo

abandoned.InfactSirSeymour’sson,CecilAmberlyisFiona’scousin.”

“Oh.”Shesmiled.ShedidlikeFiona.SurelyFiona’scousincouldn’tbesoverydreadful,evenifit

didseemoddthatneitherFionanorPercivalhadmentionedhimwhenshe’dvisitedHarrogatelastspring.

“That’sallveryenlightening,”shesaidquickly.“I’ll—er—ponderit.”

“Seethatyoudo.”Hermother’sfacebrightened,likelysensingthatLouisawasnotgoingtoquarrel

withher,atleastnotnow.

“AndifIdonotlike—”

“Louisa,Ihopeyoudonotmeantosuggestnotmarryinghim.Youhadyourchancethiswholeseason.

YoumeteveryeligiblemaninGreatBritain.Noonedeemedyousuitableforthem—howonearthdoyou

expectthatyouhavetheluxurytoselectyourownmatch?”

Louisasighed.Shewouldneverfindabettermatch,andshewouldn’tbepermittedtostayathome.

Sheknewit.Everyoneknewit.

Louisapressedherlipstogether.Shewouldargue.Shepromisedherselfshewouldargue.

Butitwasdifficulttodothatwhenhermotherwascorrect.She’dbeengiveneveryluxury.Andshe’d

tried—honestly,she’dtried.She’ddancedfrequently,laughedattheyoungmen’sattemptatwit,and

allowedherselftobesqueezedintothegownshermotherdeemedsuitable.

Butthoughthemenmayhaveenjoyedthethoughtofhavingadukeasabrother-in-law,allofthem

seemedtofindsuperiorsatisfactionintheEnglishdebutantesscatteredateveryballwhocouldbetrusted

withnotintroducingirregularflatwarearrangementsforthehouseholdstaff.

Andperhaps...Perhapsalsoherconversationhadn’thelped.Perhapswhenthemeninquiredonthe

pleasantnessofthejourneyacrosstheAtlantic,theyhadn’treallyintendedtoreceiveacategorizationof

thenumberandtypeofwhalesanddolphinsshe’dseen.

Despiteherbestattempts,she’dfailedatfindingahusbandherself.Herfailuredidnotearnherthe

righttolivealifeasabluestocking,ensconcedinacozycottagewithtomesofleatherboundbooks

displayingfish.Shecouldn’texpecthermotherandstepfathertotakecareofherforever.

Hermothergazedather,andforamomentLouisaimaginedhermothermightexpresssomesentiment

ofregret.Insteadhermotherflickeredherhand.“Prepareyourself.”

Forwhat?Aballoralifetimeofmisery?

ChapterSix

Mr.Thornton,despitehissupposedsuccessatscienceandhispresumableunderstandingofhowtoreada

clock,hadstillnotappeared.

“Bloodypassengers,”Fergusscoffed.“Don’treckonweshould‘avegottenone.Ain’trightto‘avea

manonboardwhoain’tgonnabepillagingalongwithusandain’tgonnabeworking.”

“Workingisallyou’lldo,”Rupertremindedhim.“We’vebeenoverthis.We’rerespectable.”

“Youmay‘avepickedupafancyaccentfromyourhighandmightycaptainswhenyouwereacabin

boyto‘em,butwebothknowyouain’tfancy.”Ferguswinked.“Theydon’tbedraggingoffthechildrenof

gentryandaristocratstojointheRoyalNavy.Goodworkin’stock,”hesaidcheerfully.“That’swhatwe

are.”

Fergusgrinnedintothehorizon,andeventhoughtheman’ssmiletendedtobecontagious,andeven

thoughRupert’sstrengthwasfrequentlyremarkedon,theeffortofpullinghislipsintoasimilarsmile

seemedimpossibletoachieve.

Ishouldhavetoldhim.

Ishouldtellhimnow.

Heshookhishead.Somesecretsweretoolargetoshare.Hismenrespectedhimforbeingoneof

them.Whentheysawhim,theywantedtobehimoneday.PerhapsFergushadnoaspirationstocaptain

hisownship,butsomeofthesailorsdid.Howcouldhetellthemthathisbirth,hiseducationhadallowed

himtoleapintothepiraterole,eventhoughthatwastheverypositionthatshouldbemostopentopeople

oflessvauntedbirths?

Hedidn’twantpeopletogossipabouttheship,abouthisbirth.Hedidn’tdesiretofindhishull

burstingwithcratesfrommerchantswhosimplywantedtoimpresshisfather.

Therewasawaythatwouldrelievethecrew’sapprehension.

Heshookhishead.

Perhapshewasgivingupbeingapirate,buthecertainlywouldn’tabandoneveryinstinctforprivacy.

He’dworkedtoohardtomaintainhisanonymity.Hewasn’tgoingtostopthatnow.Notwithhisfather

stillalive.Notwhenhemightbedraggedtohandlesomeestateandpretendtonotnoticehisfather’s

boorishbehavior.

Notthathisparentsdesiredanythingtodowithhim.

No.Heshookhishead.

Somethingswerebestkeptsecret.

“Anyincomeisgood,”Rupertsaidsolemnly,andhislipstwitched.“Especiallysincehe’salready

paid.Ifhedoesn’tshowup,allthebetter.”

“Aye.Ain’tyoualways.”Thenhisfacebecamemorepensive,andFergusthrummedafingeroverhis

chin,asifstillexpectingtofindthebushyredbeardhe’dsportedtobethere.“It’sjustpiracydid‘avea

biggerincome.”

Rupertsmiled.FerguswasjustnervousthathecouldnolongerrunhisfingersthroughFrenchjewels

tophysicallyascertaintheirwealth.

“Iwouldthinkyouwouldbeatleastsomewhatrelievedtohavetheprospectofaviolentdeath

lessened,”Rupertsaid.

Fergusshrugged.

“Andyoualwayshavetheoptionofleaving.Younolongerneedtohonoryourpiratevow.”

Ferguswidenedhiseyes.“Andleaveyou,Cap’n?Iwouldsooner—”

“Haveapassengeronboard?”Rupertasked.

Fergus’scheeksdarkened.

“I’mgoingout.”Rupertdeclaredandthenloweredoneofthesmallerboats.

“Bouttime,Cap’n,”Fergussaid,recovering.“Reckonyou’llenjoybeingbackongoodoldEnglish

soil.”

Rupertgrunted.Enjoywasn’ttheproperword.

Despise,hate,abhorcameclosertotheemotionshewasanticipatingfeeling.

Hewasbeingunfair.

Hewaslookingforwardtohismeetingtonight.Buthewasalltooawarehecouldbedisappointed.It

couldbeatrap.

Nevermind.

Afewenthusiasticswimmersstillsplashedinthesea,andRupertgazedatthemalmostwistfully.

There’dbeenatimewhenhemighthavejoinedthem.

Thosedayswerelongpast.

Swimmingwasanoccupationforotherpeople,oneswithdifferentmemories.

Theskywaswhiteanddevoidoftexturefromcloudsasifallfocusshouldbeonthecoastaltown.

Perhapstheregenthadbribedsomeheavenlybody.Cordeliahadmentionedtheprincewasholdingaball

tonight,andthemancertainlyspentmoneyoneverythingelse.

Furtherinlandtherewouldbevalleysandwell-maintainedfields,butonlytheslightcurveofcliffsat

theedgeofthetownhintedatthecountryside.

Ruperthadn’tthoughthewouldmissthesculpturedhedges,groomedbycenturiesofgardenersthat

loopedaroundhisfather’sestate.

Myestate.

Hepushedthatthoughtaway.Theestatewasmilesaway.Hewasn’theretovisithisparents.His

father’sbehaviorhadassuredthat.

Soonhewouldbebackatsea,wherehebelonged.

Hecouldn’tletwordofhisaristocracygetbacktohiscrew.

Andhecertainlycouldn’tletwordgetouttothepeopleheworkedfor—hewantedtosucceedonhis

ownmerits,andnotonatitlegainedbyafatherwhooccupiedhimselfwithlendingmoneytoaristocrats

andthensendinghenchmenafterthemwhentheycouldnotpaythevastinterestrates.

Heclimbeddowntheladder,andoneofhissailorsrowedhimtotheshore,movingtheoarseasily

throughthestillwater.

Hislegswobbled.Ithadbeentoolongsincehe’dbeenonfirmland.Hemovedhisgazetotherows

ofnewbuildingsandpulledthebrimofhishatfurtherdown.

Itwouldn’tdoforanyonetorecognizehim.

HefeltsafefromthemerchantswhoputtheirwaresonTheSapphirePrincess.Butthisstreetwas

different.

Hewrappedhisarmstogether.Perhapshewasafooltomeetwithher.Perhapshewouldn’tfindher

atall.Perhapshe’donlyfindhisfatherandexperienceabarrageofwordsashisfatherchidedhimfornot

desiringtohaveanythingtodowithhisfamily.

Butiftherewasachanceitwasactuallyhissister,hewouldbloodywelltakeit.

Thestreetwasempty,andRupertgrinned.Itcouldnotbemoreevidentthattheregentwashavinga

ball.Thetontendedtocomplainabouttheroyalfamily,mockingtheroyals’valiantattemptstosqueeze

intothelatestfashions,despitetheirdecidedlystockyGermanfigures,aswellastheirevenfeeblergrasp

ofwarfareandworldpolitics.

Yetwheneveraballwasheld,theregentcouldnotfindhimselfalone,nomatterhowmuchhis

outrageousbehaviorappearedinthebroadsheetsandgossippapers.Theman’spositionhadonlybeen

elevatedsinceRuperthadlastbeeninEngland,despitethemultitudesofscandalsthatclungtohim.The

regent’sgleeatdestroyingbuildingsinthecenterofLondontoputupboulevardsleadingtoaneven

costlierpalaceforhimself,seemedtobeforgiven,justashisbrazenadulteriesandoutrageouslies

placinghimselfasaheroinawarhe’dneverfoughtin.

Rupertwouldnotcomplainthatthestreetwasquiet.HesaunteredupthemarblestepstoCordelia’s

townhouse,gavethelionknockerahardthudagainstthedoor,andwaitedforhisfate.

Aservantswungopenthedoor,andRupertsteppedinsidethetownhouse.Heswunghisgazearound

theroom,half-expectinghisfather.

Insteadahigh-pitchedvoiceshriekedhisname.

Heblinked,andinthenextmomentawomanrantowardhim,herblondehairbouncingagainsther

back.Abroad-shoulderedmanwithtwinklingeyessoonfollowedher.

“Rupert!”Thewomanexclaimed.

“Cordelia?”

Itwashissister.

Hislovelysister.

Whomhehadn’tseensinceshewasachild.

“You’reolder!”Thewordslackedthearticulatenessthatheprided,buthissistermerelysmiled.She

wrappedherarmsaroundhim,andthistimehedidn’tneedtobenddowntoreachherortoliftherinhis

arms.

Shewasawoman.

Amarriedwoman.Withahusbandrightbesideher.

“LordMetcalfe.”Themanbowed,andRupertnotedtheScottishbrogue.

Hesmiled.He’dneverexpectedhissistertomarryaScot.Heechoedtheman’sbow.“Lord

Rockport.”

“Ithoughtyouhaddied,”Cordeliasaid,hervoicemournful.Hisheartsqueezed.

“Iwouldn’tdothat,”hesaid,forcinghistonetobelight,butforamomenthethoughtofallthosetimes

he’dcomesoclosetodoingjustthat.

Warwasbrutal.

“Comeinside,”LordRockportsaid,smiling.

Rupertfollowedthemintothetownhouse,steppingovertheblackandwhitetiledfloor.Candelabras

illuminatedtheelaborateemeraldgreenwallpaperandshadowsflickeredoverthegildedchairsand

sideboards.

“Doyouownthisplace?”Rupertasked.

“We’rejustrentingitfortheweek,”LordRockportsaid.

“WespendmostofourtimeinScotland,”Cordeliasaid.

Itwasn’twhathewouldhaveexpectedofher.Hewouldhavethoughthissisterwoulddisplaythe

rigidmannerismsoftheladiesofthetonheknew.Themannerismsoftheirmother.

Butinsteadsheseemedhappyandjoyful.

“Idowishyouwerestayinglonger,”Cordeliamurmured.

Hesettledintoaseat.

Cordelia’sfacesobered.“Fatherwouldliketoseeyou.”

“Sothathemightchainmetotheestate?”Rupertscoffed.“Iamperfectlycontent.”

“That’sgood.”Shehesitated.“AndIunderstandifyoudon’twanttoseehimagain,butIshouldtell

youthatheisunwell.Youmaynothaveanotherchance.”

Oh.

Rupert’sheartsank.Deathwasalwaystragic.Heknewthat,eventhoughhe’dbestoweditonmany

peoplewhenbattlingonbehalfofthecrown.He’dnevertakensomebody’slifewithoutconsideringthe

hopesanddreamshewasslicingaway.

Hedidn’twanthisfathertodie.Butcouldherushtohisbedside,delayinghisship,andgivingupthe

lifehe’dworkedtoachieve?Couldhetrusthisfathertokeephispresencesecret?Andwouldhismeeting

withhisfather—amanwho’dalwayspridedhimselfonbeingunpleasantandvengefultoother,achieve

anything?

“PerhapsI’llvisitwhenIreturn,”hesaid.

Cordelianodded.“Iunderstand.”

“Themanlikeshisadventures,”LordRockportsaid.“Butnexttimestayforlonger.”

“Ihopeyoudidn’ttraveldownfromScotlandjustformybenefit.”Heshudderedatthethoughtofthe

longjourney.

“Wewouldhavecomedownanyway,”Cordeliasaid.“Thoughasithappenswewerehopingtospend

sometimewithsomeofourfriends.”

“Ah...”Rupertnodded.

“Iwishyoucouldmeetthem,”Cordeliasaid.“There’sonewomanwhoisquitefascinatedwiththe

sea—”

“Please,”Rupertsaid.“Donotattempttomatchmakeme.I’mperfectlycontent.”

LordRockportchuckled.“Iwasyouonce.Let’sspeakofotherthingsthen.”

“Yes!There’ssomuchtolearn,”Cordeliaexclaimed.

AstrangewarmthfilledRupert.Hewasn’tusedtobeingawayfromhisship,awayfromhiscrew.

He’dspentsomanyyearsdecryingEngland,thinkingofallhisfatherrepresented,butforthefirsttime,he

wonderedifhe’dbeenunjust.

Heratherwishedhewasn’tsailingtotheWestIndiestomorrowmorning.

*

RaincontinuedtosplatterupontheIndiandomesandminaretsoftheMarinePavilion,thoughnoneof

theguestsseemedparticularlyworriedatthepossibledestructionoftheircarefullychosenattire.

Debutantesstrolledtriumphantlyinside,graspingontothearmsoftheirfawningfiancésmorefromanurge

tobrandishthemthanfromworryoffalling.

“Don’tdilly-dally,”hermotherexclaimed,andLouisascrambleddowntheslipperystepsofthe

coach.

Somedebutantes,womenwhomshe’dchattedwithatthestartoftheseason,whenthey’dbothbeen

equallyhopefulandintimidated,flashedhersmuglooks.

They’dreadthearticle.

Louisaheldherheadinthemostregalmannershecouldemulateandattemptedtobrushpastthem.

“Oh,youareeagertomeetMr.Amberly,”hermothersaid.

Louisaattemptedtosmile,consciousofmoregazesdirectedatthem.

Ignoringtheotherdebutanteswouldbemorefeasibleiftheentrancewerenotquitesocrowded.No

matterhowmucheveryonedelightedinlaughingatthearchitectureoftheMarinePavilion,happytoassert

theirtastesassuperiortothatofaroyal,noonedeclinedaninvitation.

“Isthat—?”

“Fromthearticle?”

“Thefishgirl?”

Louisastiffened.Theywerespeakingabouther.Rightbeforeher.Asifthefactthattheywerenot

referringtoherbynamemeantthattheseveralfeetbetweenthemwerenonexistent.

Shedirectedhersteeliestgazeatthem.“Ialwaysbelievedspeakingaboutotherpeoplewasfrowned

upon.Butifthat’snotthecase—I’msurethereareplentyofthingsIcouldsayaboutyou.”

Shecouldn’tactually,buttheirfacesstillwhitened,andtheymurmuredquickapologiesandpushed

furtherintothethrong.

Shesighed.Shedespisedwhoeverhaddecidedtosellherstrugglesasentertainment.Hermotherwas

correct.Thefainthopeshe’dclungtothatshemightfindafiancéhaddissipatedafterthearticle.Noone

wouldwanttobeassociatedwithhernow.

NooneexceptthisCecilAmberly.

Uneaseprickledthroughher.IttrulywasmostoddthatPercivalhadnotinvitedhertomeetSir

Seymourandhisfamilywhenshe’dvisitedHarrogateearlierintheyear.Couldthismantrulybeas

wonderfulashermotherclaimed?

Shesighed.Likelynot.

AtleastshehadthemeetingwithMr.Thorntontolookforwardto.

Nextyearatthistimeshewouldbereadingthearticlesthathe’dpublishedfromhisscientific

research.Perhaps,ifshewereverylucky,shemightevenprovideassistance.Somescientistsexpressed

distasteforformattingcitationscorrectly,andperhapshemightcondescendtoallowhertohelp.

Shesmiledandfollowedhermotherinsidethepalace.

Sumptuousart,seeminglychosenmorefortheirdisparitytoanythingEnglishthantheirquality,hung

fromthewalls,andcompetedwithflamboyantlypatternedwallpaper.

Despitethelackofcarriagesgrindingovergravelandthedearthofprancinghorses,theinsideofthe

palaceexceededeventheoutsideinnoise.Womenwearingfeatheredheadpiecesjostledbesidetheirtop-

hat-adornedhusbands.Otheryoungladiesworedemurepastelandivorygowns.Onlytheoccasional

scallopedhemorchevron-stripedsleevesdifferentiatedthem.

Louisaknewbetterthantolinger.Shescurriedpastthem,notcaringiftheythoughtherimpolite.

“I’llmeetyouinside,”shecalledtohermother,onceshe’dmanagedtoweaveupsomeofthestairs.

Skinninessheldsomeadvantages.

Shewovethroughtheheavilyperfumedton.

Everyonelaughedmerrily,murmuringoverwhentheregentmightmakeanappearance.

Louisawasnotinterestedinwhentheregentmightdecidehe’dbeensufficientlyfedtogreettheguests

loftyenoughtobeinhisballroom,thoughnotofsufficientappealtosharehisfood.Therewasanother

personshewouldfarrathersee.

LikelyshewouldnoticeMr.Thorntonatonce,wouldbeabletospothisregalbrowandappealing

sensitivenature.Amanwhocaredaboutfishanddolphinswouldbesensitive.

Andofcourse,thismandove.Hewouldbeathletic—notlikethetubbyoldermeneagertoregale

guestsonmade-upadventuresoverseas.

Hersmilewidened,andshechangedintoherdanceslippers.

Herdressmightreflectmorehermother’stastethanthedictatesofcurrentfashion,butforthefirst

timeshedidnotworryatallthatothersmightfindthevibrantbluegarish.

Mr.Thorntonwouldnotbeconcernedwithherappearance.Hismindwouldbelofty,drawnto

importantdiscussionslikeanymanofideas.

Sheenteredtheballroom,consciousofhergownswishingagainstthefinelydressedguests.Her

shawldangledfromhershoulders,thoughnow,underthegazeoftheton,shewouldbehappierifit

coveredherentirely.Sheopenedherfaninanattempttoresemblesomeformofdemureness.

Meninglossyebonytailcoatschattedtooneanother,clutchingcrystaltumblersintheirhands.She

smiled,rememberingwhenshe’doncecaredwhetheroneofthesemenmightoffertodancewithher.She

wasn’tsearchingforsomeyoungaristocrat:shewassearchingforsomeonefarfiner—adistinguished

academic.Shebrushedpastthesilk-cladwomen,attiredincolorsfavorabletotheircomplexions,and

cranedherneckaroundtheballroomtoseeifshecouldspotamanoftheprofessionallusterworthyofa

maninpossessionofthescholar’svastqualitiesandsublimecurriculumvitae.

“Mydear!”Hermother’svoicebarreledtowardher.

Louisacringedandswiveledaround.

Hermotherrushedtowardher,nearlytumblingovertheundoubtedlyrecentlypolishedfloor.She

straightenedherturban,sotheebonyfeatherspointedtriumphantlyupward.“Youmustmeetyourfuture

husband!Theloveofyourlife!Thefatherofyourchildren!”

“I—”

“They’reupinHeavennow,anxioustobeborn!Youmustmeethim.Youcannottarryasecond!”

Louisablinked.

“Comeon.”Hermotherdraggedherthroughtheswarmofpeople,bumpingagainsttheguests’glossy

attire.Theviolinists’upbeatmusicswallowedLouisa’shurriedapologies,andshehadthedistinct,

uncomfortablesensationthatsomebodyhadsplatteredbrandyoverherdress.

Dashingthroughacrowdedroomfilledwithpeopleeagerlysippingdrinkswasunideal.

Finallyhermotherhalted.

“Behave,”hermotherwhispered,continuingtogripherwrist,asifwaryofLouisafleeing.

Thisishim.

IsthatMissCarmichael?”AnEnglishaccentsounded,andthesternbaritonevoiceprickledherspine.

Louisaswungaroundtomeetherfate.

Perhapshewasontherightsideofthirty-five,butifso,theEnglishmustagemostterribly.Hisfigure

wasexpansive,asifhe’ddecidedtoattainagravitasbysheerconsumptionoffoodratherthandeeds.

“Mr.Amberly?”Louisadippedintoacurtsy,thoughhiseyesseemedmoreintentonassessingher

techniquethanwelcomingher.Toolatesherememberedthatsheshouldwaittobeintroducedtohim

beforeaddressinghim.Motherwouldscoldherlater.Americansmightbeforward,butnot

Englishwomen.AndcertainlynotaristocraticEnglishwomen.

Bushyeyebrowsscrunchedtogetherbeneathawhitewig,andhisfaceseemedtostrivetomatchhis

pucewaistcoat.

“IamnotMr.Amberly,”hesaid.“IamSirSeymourAmberly.Thebaronet.”

“Yourfiancéisthere.”Hermotherpointedtoalargemanwearingalilactailcoat.Nograystreaked

hishair,andasurgeofreliefsweptthroughLouisa.

Justaverysmallsurge.

Shestilldidnotdesiretobemarried,andhisappearancedidnotcompelhertoabandonallher

dreams.

“Iamyournewfather,”SirSeymourannounced.

Shefrowned.Shehadafather—inHeaven.

Thebaronetnarrowedthedistancebetweenthem,andhisdarkeyescontinuedtoscrutinizeher.“Her

hairistoothick.Look,shecanbarelytieitback.Mostdisgraceful.”

Shestiffened,andherheartbeatleapedinsideherchest,asifdesiringtoescapefromtheman’s

unapologeticrudeness.

Agroupoffinelydressedwomendirectedtheirgazestowardher,notbotheringtocovertheirsmirks.

EventheirmusingsontheMarinePavilion’sdécorcouldnotoccupythemcompletelyinthepresenceof

suchboorishness.

“Iknowshemightnotappearmuch,”hermothersaidcarefully,andLouisadespisedthesudden

nervousexpressiononhermother’sface.

“Ha!”SirSeymourutteredaharshlaughandadjustedhisquizzingglass.Hescrutinizedher,hisgaze

coursingoverherbodywiththeexpertiseofamanpronetoevaluatingeverywomanhehappenedupon.

Finallyhesighedheavilyandslippedhisquizzingglassinhispocketasifhe’dresignedhimselftonot

havinganypleasantfeelingsafterthinkingofher.

“Herhipsarenarrow,”SirSeymourremarked.“Rathermannish.Areyoucertainshe’suptohaving

children?”

“Ihadfour,”hermothersaidaffronted.

“Well,that’sgood.”SirSeymourpausedandthenrolledhisgazeoverhermother.“Butthen,you,my

dear,donotlackforcurves.Whatabosom!”

HermotherpausedbutthengaveanawkwardgigglethatLouisahadnotknownhercapableof.

Everyoneknewabouthermother’scharms.ThecaptainhadproposedtoherbeforeallofBoston’s

highsociety,laudingherbeautywithsuchenthusiasm,thataBostonpaperhadchosentoprinthis

proposal,foreverimmortalizinghermother’scharms.

Somewhisperedthatitwasunfortunatethatherfatherhadnotbeeninpossessionofanequaldegree

ofhandsomenesstoguaranteethebequeathalofbeautytohischildren.Lamentationsfromthemore

gossip-pronemembersofsocietythatthecaptainwasnotherfatherandthatshehadn’tinheritedhiswide-

seteyesandregalbearinghadalsonotescapedherattention.Somepeopleevendeclareditawastethat

thecaptainhadlimitedhimselftoonechild,onehe’dhadwiththewrongwoman.

Hermother’scheeksremainedpink,andsheflashedatight,uncomfortablesmile.“Youaretookind,

SirSeymour.”

“Indeed?Idonotrecollectwitnessinganykindness,”Louisaremarked.

Hermother’sbrightblueeyeswidenedwithanalarmingrapidity.“Mydear!”

“Chit’sgotatemper,”SirSeymourmused,andsomeonlookerssmirked.

Humiliationsoaredthroughher,butsheclenchedherfingerstogether.

“Idon’tliketothinkwhatmygrandchildrenwillbelike.CarryingtheAmberlyfamilytraitsisamost

momentoustask.”

“Sheunderstandsit,”hermothersaidhastily.“Andthinkhowwonderfulitwillbeifyourdearchild

siressonswithher!Debateskillsareinmuchdemand.Why,Icouldseeagrandchildofyours,withmy

daughter’sassistance,reachingtheveryhighestheightsoftheHouseofLords.Perhapshemightevenbea

futureprimeminister!”

“Nodescendantofmineshouldtarnishhisfingersbyworryingabouttheproblemsofthelower

orders,”SirSeymourdeclared,andLouisa’smotherlowerlipwobbled.

Louisadespisedthathermotherseemedsoeagerforthematch.Shehadn’trealizedwhataburden

she’dbeen.

“Still...”SirSeymour’ssmilebroadened.“Ceciliscertainonlytosiresons.Hepossessesmy

virility.”

“Mostobviously.”Hermothernoddedvigorously.Sheglancedintothecrowd.“Nowwhereismy

dearhusband?Ah,thereheis.”

Louisahadneverbeensohappytoseeherstepfather.Hestrodethroughthecrowd,armedwithtwo

drinksandhandedonetoherandhermother.“Lemonade.”

Hermother’ssmilewobbled,andLouisahadthestrangestsensethathermotherwouldhavefavored

somethingstronger.

Louisatookthedrinkeagerly,happytooccupyherhands,lestshedosomethingmoredrasticwith

them—suchasslapherfuturefather-in-law.

“Itwouldbeusefultohaveagrandsonwhoisnotafraidtohavewordswiththemagistrate,”Sir

Seymourmused.“I’vefoundthatmylocalmagistrateismostreluctanttotrypeopleforpoaching.Such

soft-heartedness!Justbecausepoachingisacapitalcrime,themagistrateinsiststhatnomanistried

withoutbeingcaughtintheact.Bettersafethansorry,that’swhatIalwayssay!”

SirSeymourshookhishead,readjustinghiswigwhenittoppledtoomuchdownoneside.

“Perhapsitiswisetotrustthemagistrate’sjudgment,”hermothersaid.

Louisapeeredagainthroughthethrongsofsmartlycoiffedwomenandbroad-shoulderedCorinthians

towardherfuturehusband,themanwhowouldbeherclosestcompanion.

Intruth...ItwasoddMr.Amberlyhadn’tdisplayedanycuriosityinher,butthenagain,hedid

appeartobehavinganintentconversationwithanothergentleman,onewearingalavenderwaistcoat.

Perhapstheywereremarkingonthecoincidenceoftheirsimilarattire.Thatwouldexplainwhytheykept

brushingeachother’sshoulders.

Orperhaps—

Louisafrowned.Hadn’thermothermentionedthathe’dspentthedaywithanattractivefootman?That

wasn’tsomethingmembersofthetondidwillingly.Sheknewaboutcertainmen.Knewabouttheir

inclinations.

Shewasnotutterlynaive.

Perhapsshewasmistaken.

Andevenifshewasn’t...Itwouldn’tmatter.She’dneverexpectedromance.

Butforsomeindescribablefashion,alumpstillseemedtoforminherthroat.

Perhapsshehadn’texpectedromance,seeingthatmoreasthefuturefortheprettiermembersof

theton:theoneswithvioleteyes,delicatefeatures,andsilkyblondelocks.

Buthadn’tshehopedforit?Longedforitaswell?Evenwhenreasontoldhersuchdreamswere

bettersuitedforfairytalesandhersister’spennyromances?

Louisaraisedherfanandfluttereditoverherface.Clearlysomecleverpersonhadinventedthemfor

justthissituation—hidingfacialexpressionsfrominsufferableconversationpartners.

“HowareyouenjoyingBrighton?”Mr.Daventryasked.

“Ah...Brightonistolerable.”SirSeymour’sboomingvoiceinterruptedherthoughts.“Somany

foreignersthough.”

Hermotherglancednervouslyatherhusbandwhohaddevelopedastonyexpressiononhisface.

“I’veheardtheyshipFrenchmeninregularlyfromDieppe.”SirSeymourshookhishead.

“Disgraceful.Asifthereweren’tareasonthegoodLordcreatedachanneltokeepusfromforeigners.”

“Iamoneoftheseforeignersyouspeakof,”Mr.Daventrydrawled.

“Howunfortunate.Butnousedwellingonthematter,”SirSeymoursaidpatiently.

Mr.Daventryglowered,andLouisawaitedforSirSeymourtogrovel.

“Perhapsyoushouldgetyourselfadrink,”Louisa’smothersaidgentlytothecaptain,andtheman

stompedbackintothecrowdinthedirectionofthepunchtable.

“Atleastwecanavailourselvesoffinewineagain.”Louisa’smothersmiledbrightly.

SirSeymourshrugged.“Neverstoppedgettingthat.That’swhatsmugglingisfor.”

Louisablinked.ShemightnothavelivedinEnglandduringthewar,butshewascertainsmugglinghad

lackedlegality.

“Bloodyshameallthoseprivateers,attackingallthoseshipsbringinggoodFrenchandSpanish

productstoourshores.Raisingtheprices,that’swhattheydid.Mostdreadfulbusiness.”

SomehowtheimageofCaptainRosseinvadedhermind.Hermaidhadbeensofrightenedoftheman’s

supposedpiratingpast.Still,shefoundherselffrowningatSirSeymour’scontinuedtirade.“Butdidn’t

theRoyalNavypaythemtodothat?Andforbidsmuggling?”

“I’msuretheyjustmeanttodothatfortheriff-raff.Theplebeiansandsuch.Abaronetcannotbe

separatedfromhisdrink.It’sjustnotproper.”

“Isee,”Louisasaid,eventhoughthatwastheonethingshewasstrugglingtodoinSirSeymour’s

presence.

“Somanyforeignersfrownwhentheyspeakwithme,”SirSeymourlamented.“Isupposeitmustbe

thatmypresenceremindsthemoftheregrettheyfeelatnotbeingEnglish.”

“YouareratherEnglish,”hermothersaid.

SirSeymourbeamed.“Andyouneednotworry.Yourdeardaughterwillbemostcertainlytakencare

of.MywifeandIwillteachhertospeakEnglish.”

“IdospeakEnglish!”Louisaexclaimed,butSirSeymourhelduphishand.

“Notthatex-colonialvariety,”hesaid.

“IwouldnotconsiderAmericanEnglishimproper—”Louisaprotested,buthermotherfrowned,and

sheresistedtheurgetoargue.

“Mysonisgreatlyinterestedinculture.HeisalwaysinLondonandParisandhasmanyartistic

friends.HewasmostsaddenedwhenSirMulbourne,thatgreatartcritic,died.”

“Whatacaringnaturehehas,”Louisamurmured.

“Hehassaidthathewasreluctanttomarryearlierbecauseofhisgreatpassionforart.”

“Aworthypastime,”Louisasaid.

“Farbetterthan...Fish.Whowasitwhointerestedherselfinthat?Mostabsurd.”

Hermother’sfacewhitened.

Louisaloweredherfan.

Itdidn’tmatterifSirSeymoursawthefuryonherface.

Shedidn’tcare.

Thiswasherlife.

IftheAmberlysdidnotfindhersufficientlysuitablefortheirdearonlychild,shewouldnotprotest.

“Iaminterestedinfish,”Louisasaid.

“What?”SirSeymourfrowned.“Ah...Thearticle.Ofcourse!”

Hiseyestwinkled,andshehadtheuncomfortablesensationthathemayhaveattemptedtorileherup.

Well,ifso,hehadsucceeded.

“Marinelifeisfascinating,”Louisadeclared.

“Howamusing.”SirSeymour’slaughbarreledthroughtheroom,andhermother’sshoulderssagged.

“I’mameatmanmyself.Lambs,pheasants,I’mnotimpartial.IfIcanseethebloodwhenIcutintoit,all

thebetter.”Hescrutinizedher.“Doyounotfinditmostdistressingthatyoucannotseeanybloodwhen

youcutintoafishonyourplate?Itmakesthemealgreatlydecreaseinamusement.”

“Well,perhaps,ifthefishwerenotcooked...Andifyouweretoeatwhale—”

“Hmm...Perhapsthosefishermenhaveapoint.”Hebeamed.“Youmightbeagoodsortofdaughter-

in-lawafterall.”

“G-good,”shesaid.“NotthatIwouldadvocateeatingwhale.”

Whaleswereverylarge.Theirdeathswouldnotbepainless.

“Whalesareforlamps,notfood!YouAmericans.Andtheysaywe’vegotamadking.Don’tknow

whatsortofleadersyoulothavetofillyourmindwithsuchabsurdthoughts.”Hesmiled.“Tellyouwhat,

whenyou’reinYorkshire,I’llteachyoutoshoot.”

“Thatwon’tbe—”

Hesmiled.“NowIknowwhatyou’regoingtosay.You’regoingtosaythatyoucouldn’tpossibly

encroachonmytime.Thatshootingrequiresanagilityofmindandhandthatyoudonotpossess.”He

sighed.“Andperhapsyoudon’t.ButIwillstillstrivetoteachyou.Everyoneshouldbeabletoshoota

livingbeing.Can’tsayyou’relivingifyoudon’t.”

Louisafrowned.Sheknewhowtoshoot.Notthatshehadanydesiretodosowiththebaronet.

“Ipromiseyounow,evenifyoufindthatyouareincapableofthesturdinessofsoultoshoot,Iwill

makesurethatIwillteachyoursons—mygrandchildren—howtodothat.I’llmakesurethattheyhavea

guninthehandbeforetheycanwalk.”

Before?

“Thatwon’tbenecessary,”Louisaexclaimed,andSirSeymourfrowned.

Louisa’sheartwobbled.“PerhapsitistimeformetomeetMr.Amberly?”

Shehadn’tthoughtherselfdesiroustomeethim,butnowshecouldn’twaitforsomething,anythingto

distracther.

Andshehadtheuncomfortablerealizationthatshecouldn’timagineraisingchildreninthesamehome

asSirSeymourandhiswife.He’dinsultedherfamilyandhertoomuch.

“Cecil!Oh,Cecil!”SirSeymour’svoicethunderedthroughtheballroom.“Ihaveyourwifeforyou.”

Mr.Amberlytrottedtowardhisfatherandnoddedamiably.“Ah!Delightedtomakeyour

acquaintance.”

“Thepleasureisallmine,”shestumbledautomatically.

“Ihopemyfatherhasbeendiverting,”hesaid.

“Isupposehecouldbeattributedwiththatquality.”

“Splendid,”SirSeymoursaidandturnedtohisson.“I’mabitworriedaboutthesizeofherhips.”

“Oh?”Mr.Amberlyscrutinizedthem,andsherealizedthatunlikehisfather,he’dhardlyseemed

interestedinheratall.“Nothingwrongwiththem!”

“Butshe’shardlygotabosom,”SirSeymoursaid.“IfIdidn’tknowbetter,Imightthinkheraman

dressedinagown.Mostundignified.”

Hercheeksburned.Hermotherwasbesideher.

“Ah!”Mr.Amberlyassessedher.“No,shelooksallfemaletome.”

“Hmm...Thenyou’vegotakeenereyethanme,”SirSeymoursaid.“Theboy’sanexpert!”

Mr.Amberlyshruggedandturnedtoher.“Anyway,let’sgettheweddingoverwithsoon.Webetterget

thosebannspublished.Unlessthearchbishopisheresomewhere.”

“Whydon’twejustpopuptoLondon?Muchmoredignified.”Heglancedatthisfather.“Andfaster.”

“Sosoon?”Louisastammered.“Youhaven’tevenaskedme.”

SirSeymourlaughedloudly.“Betterdothat,boy!Theladyneedsaproposal.”

“Right.”Mr.Amberlyseemedunsureofwhattodo.

“Perhapsyoumeantoinvitehertothebalcony?”SirSeymoursuggestedandclappedhishandagainst

Mr.Amberly’sback.

“Exactly!”Hebeamed.“That’spreciselywhatImeanttodo!”

“Marvelous,”shemurmured.

Mr.Amberlyheadedinthedirectionofsomecurtains,andLouisascrambledafterhim.Sheneededto

getthisoverwith.ShestillneededtospeakwithMr.Thornton.

Theroomseemedfilledwithlessdistinguishedtypes,andshesighed.Shewouldfindhimlater.

Mr.Amberlyopenedthedoor.“IsupposeyoubettercallmeCecilnow.Whatwiththemarriageand

everything.”

Thefaintscentofrosesandfoxglovesfromthegardencouldnotlessentheunpleasantchillofthe

harsheveningbreeze,andthegigglesandmoansofothercouplescouldnotdistractherfromthe

significanceofthismoment.

Herhearthadn’tceasedsqueezingatthementionofmarriage,butshemerelynodded.“Mynameis

Louisa.”

“Iknow.”Cecilflourishedhishand,gesturingforhertostepontothebalcony.

“Isee.”Thedoorclosedbehindher,andshegazedatherhusband-to-be.Hebeamedbackather,asif

expectingpraisethathe’dresearchedherChristianname.

Thiswasn’tright.

Thiswasn’tanythinglikethecouplesinLorettaVanLochen’sstories.Andthoughsheknewmorethan

mostpeoplejusthowunrealisticandfar-fetchedthosestorieswere,justhowlittletheauthorherself

knew,shestillyearnedforamodicumofromance.

Shehadn’tevenfoundlogic.

“Andyoustilldesiretomarryme?”Shedidn’tdesiretocontinue.Shehadnodesiretoreflectonher

humiliationatall.Butshehadto.“ThearticleessentiallysaidIwasthewomaninEnglandleast

bestowedwithpopularity.”

“Well...”Cecilshiftedhislegsoverthestonebalconyandsqueezedtherailingwithhishand,

seeminglyunconsciousthathemightsullyhisivorygloves.“Thetruthis...”Hemovedhishandoverhis

elaborate,embroideredwaistcoatandthenruffledhishandthroughhisimmaculate,perfectcoiffure.He

focusedhisgazeawayfromher,thoughshewascertainhewasnotcontemplatingtheshrubs.“Thetruthis,

Idon’tmuchmind.Look.I’venevermetyoubefore.Andyou’venevermetme.Butyou’restillwillingto

marryme.Afterthatarticle,Ithinkyouwouldbewillingtomarryanyone.”

Helaughed,thoughshedidnotjoinhim.

“WhatI’mtryingtosay,”hesaid,“isifyoudesiretomarryforlove,youshouldn’tpickme.”His

voicefirmed,andhiseyeshardened.“Trustme.”

Shenodded.Sheunderstoodwhathewasn’tsaying.

Heshrugged.“ButIthinkthematchwillbegood.Myparentsaredesirousofamatch,andyouhaveno

oneelsetomarryyou.Yourconnectionswillgratifymyparents,andIpromisethatIwon’tbearound

much.”

Perhapshehadapoint.Hedidn’tseem...bad.Infact,heseemedrathernice.

“I’mnotsureyourfatherwouldbeagoodinfluenceonourchildren,”shesaid.

Hesmiled.“Idoubtwe’llhaveany.Noteveryonedoes.”

Sheblinked.“Oh.”

Well.

Thatsolvedthatissue.

Somewhat.

“Sowhatdoyousay?”heasked.“Shallwemakeagoofit?”

Herheartstillsqueezed,butshecouldn’tthinkofanexcuse.

Hermotherwasright.She’dfailedherseason.

Ifsheonlyhadsometime...

Thecaptain’sfacedashedthroughhermind,andshepushedawaytheimage.Chiseledcheekbones,

sturdyjawsanddeepblueeyeshadnorightinvadinghermind.

“Well.Isupposeyouhavenoobjections.”Cecilglancedtowardtheballroom.“Ibettergetoffto

thosechaps.It’snoteverydayyou’reinanewtown.”

“Isupposethat’strue,”Louisasaid,startled.Shefollowedhimfromthebalcony.

“Allsettled,”CecilannouncedtoSirSeymourandhermother.

“Darling,”hermothercriedoutandrushedtowardher.EvenSirSeymourmanagedtosmile.

Cecilgaveacurtnodandthenhurriedtowardhisnewfriends.

ChapterSeven

Louisahadneverassociatedhermotherwithstrength,butafterbeinghuggedbyher,shewasreassessing

herpreviousopinion.

Orperhapsshe’dmerelylostallherstrength.Herlegswobbled,asifunabletoholdthefurious

beatingwithinherchest.Herbloodseemedtothunderthroughherveins,asifwillinghertoescape.

WhathaveIdone?

“Well,”hermothersaid.“Iknowyoudon’tlikeballs,anditisgettinglate...”

Louisastraightened.Theycouldn’tleavenow.ShestillneededtofindMr.Thornton.Thiswasherlast

chancebeforetheshiplefttomorrowmorning,andsheneededtoexplainhowthedivinghelmetworked.

“Perhapsit’sbestifImingle.”

Hermothersmiledandreleasedherhold.“Ofcourse.I’msureyou’llwanttospreadthenews.”

“Y-yes.”

“Youcanholdyourchinhighnow,”hermothercalledafterher.

Louisasmiledweaklyandavoidedthemorecuriousgazesofonlookers.Shepushedthroughthe

crowd.

Soonshewouldmeetthescientistwhowouldaccomplishallherdreams.

Mr.ThorntonwouldtakeherdivingmachineandmakegreatdiscoverieswhileintheWestIndies.She

imaginedtakinghisresearchandanalyzingit,writingaboutit,publishingit.

Sheclosedhereyes,imaginingL.Carmichaelcitedingroundbreakingarticlesontheocean.

Itwouldn’tbethefirstnamecited,despiteitsdistinctalphabeticaladvantageoverThornton.

Infactitprobablywouldn’tevenbeabletobepublishedwithhernameonit,becausehonestly,she

wasawomanandshedidn’twantthatfacttohampertheseriousnessoftheresearchordivinghelmet.

Butwhensheclosedhereyes,whenshedaydreamed,hernamewasonthepapers,anyway.

Sheclutchedherreticuleandscannedtheballroomforamanofdistinguishedandathleticappearance.

Shegrabbedsomelemonadefromthebanquettableandstrovetoambleauthoritativelythroughthe

ballroom.

“Ibelieveitisappropriateformetosuggestthatthetwoofusdance.”Anolder,portlyman

interruptedherquest.

“No,thankyou.”ShecranedherneckandattemptedtospotThornton.

Theelderlygentlemanraisedhiseyebrows.“Idonotobserveyoudancingwithanyoneelse.”

“Forgiveme,”sheapologized.Herwallflowerstatusprovidedherwithlittleexcusestonotbeinhis

company.Certainlynooneelsewasofferingtodancewithher—notevenherownfiancé.

“Perhapslaterthen,”hesaid.

“I’mnotsure...”Forsomeonesoold,hecertainlywaspersistent.Evidentlyhe’dhaddecadesof

practiceofbeingfrustrating.

“ButyouareMissCarmichael,areyounot?”Hepushedawornquizzingglassoverhiseyeand

peeredather.

“I—”Shefrowned.“Havewebeenintroduced?”

“Well...Thatwouldbeunwise.Thisissupposedtobesecret,”hesaid,readjustinghisquizzing

glass.“Remember?”

Shechilled.

“You’remostscrawny.”

“Excuseme?”shestammered.

Heshruggedhisshouldersinalanguid,lackadaisicalmanner.“Doesn’tworryme.Iwasexpectingit.

Amancanhavedreamsthough,right?”

Hereyeswidened.“Areyou...”

Hecouldn’tbe.

Heabsolutelycouldn’tbethemanthatshe’dcorrespondedwith.Themanwhowassupposedtodo

researchintheCaribbean.“You’renot—”

“YouareMs.Carmichael?”

“Mr.Thornton?”Shesaidsoftly,andherheartseemedtoshatter.

“Iamdelightedtomakeyouracquaintance.”Hetotteredforwardintowhatsherealizedwassupposed

tobeabow.

Thiswasthemanwhowouldbeswimminginwarmwaterssoon,weavingthroughalgaeandcoral

reefs,andavoidingjellyfishandsharks?

Heshouldbeincredible.

Thismanwasn’tquitewhatsheexpected.

Shehadn’texpectedamanquitesoold.

Orquitesorotund.

Hopefullyhewouldsqueezeintoherdivingcostume.Shepressedherlipstogetherandcalculatedthe

spareinchesofmaterial.

Shequelledanydoubtsanddippeddownintoacurtsy.“Iampleasedtomeetyou,Mr.Thornton.”

“LordThornton,actually.”Hefixedhispaleblueeyesonherandranhisfingersthroughhisunctuous

grayhair.“Onlyamanofsomeimportancecanacquireaninvitationhere.Isupposeyoufavordirecting

yourattentiononthelowlifeof...oceans.Quiteadorable.”

Hersmilewobbled.

“Youaresoyoung.”Theman’stongueflickeredabouthislips.

Well,atleastitwasn’tjustshewhoimaginedanagedifference.

LordThorntonscrutinizedherwithathoroughnessthatmadethehairsonherarms,practicallybare

giventhefashionforcapsleeves,prickle.Shewrappedhershawlmoretightlyaroundhershoulders.

Perhapsshewasoverreacting.

Hopefully.

Ifhisgazewasthorough,thatonlymeanthecaredaboutthedetails,oneofthefirstrequirementsin

beingascientist.

“Ilookforwardtospeakingwithyou,”LordThorntonsaid.

“Good,”shesqueaked.

“Perhapswemightdance?”Hisgazedriftedonceagaintohermeagerbosom,mademoredefinedby

theshockinglackoffabriccoveringtheupperportionofit.

Sheshiftedherlegsoverthefloorboards,andtheycreakedbeneathher.

“Iwouldrathernot.”

“Ah.”LordThorntonnoddedknowledgeably.“Suchseriousness!Youarenotthefirstwomantosay

thattome.”

“Imean—Idoubtwewouldgetmuchconversationwhenweweredancing,”Louisahastenedtoadd.

“Allthosepatterns,switchingpartners.Nottospeakofthefactthatothersmightoverhearus.”

“Ah...Youdesireprivacy.Iapprovemostwhole-heartedlyinyourwantonAmericanways.”He

leanedclosertoher,comfortableininvadingherpersonalspace.“Thethoughtofyoucompelledmeto

journeytoBrighton.”

“Notthethoughtofscience?”

“Thattoo.”Hiseyeslingeredatherchest.

Perhapshewassimplytryingtofindsomethingthere.Sheabhorredtheflatnessofherchest.

Sheclearedherthroat,andhewithdrewhisgazefromherbosom.

Thefactdidnotseemtobeanimmenseimprovementsincehisgazewasquitedistinctlyrestingonher

lips.

Shehadnodesiretoponderwhatnonsensemightberatchetingthroughhermind,butshewasquite

certainthatwhateverwascausinghistonguetoglideoverhistoo-fulllips,wasnotappropriate.

Ponderingkissingmightbeafavorablequalityinapartner,butitlackeddesirabilityinamanover

twiceheragewithwhomshe’dbrokenetiquettetocorrespondovervitalscientificresearch.

Theyhadthechancetobeattheforefrontofadisciplinedevotedtomarinelifethatexpandedthe

workofclassicalandRenaissancescientists.UnlikeAristotle,whohadneversailedacrosstheAtlantic,

Thorntonwouldbeabletoobservespeciesoffishswimmingintheirnaturalhabitats,andnotgutted,

hauledupbysomefishermanalongwithcodandtrout.

Thorntonwouldbeabletoobservewhichfishswaminschools,andwhichfishventuredalone.The

divinghelmetwouldenablehimafarclearerglimpseoftheoceanthananyotherscientisthadbeen

offered.Whywashenotexcited?

Shesighed.Wasitpossibleshewasbeingunfair?

Hisroaminggazemighthaveasimpleexplanation:masculinity.Didn’teveryoneremarkonherlack

ofunderstandingofsociety?Perhapsthemannerinwhichcoldshiversrippledthroughherspinewasa

natural,yetunnecessaryunease,onpartingwithhermostprizedpossession.

“Ihopetheregentmakesanappearancesoon.”LordThornton’seyescontinuedtolingeronher.“Iam

eagerforbed.”

No.

Sherefusedtoexplainawayhisbehavior.Thisconversationneededtobecurtailed.

Immediately.

Onewouldthinkthatamanwithhisscholarlybackgroundwouldpossesssomesense.

“ShallwediscussyourjourneytotheWestIndiesnow?IhaveplacedthedivinghelmetonThe

SapphirePrincessaswediscussedinmylastlettertoyou.Itwouldhavebeenfartoounwieldytobring

here,andIwouldnotwanttheregent’sfootmentomisplaceit.Ifyouwouldlikemetoexplainhowit

works—”

“Oh,Iwould,”LordThorntonsaid.“Mostassuredly.”

Shesmiled,gratefulhefinallyshowedsomeinterest.

“Let’sexplorethispalace.“Perhapsthere’sasparebedroomupstairsinwhichwemightconverse.”

LordThorntonleanedclosertoher,providingherwithacloseviewofhisstarkcravat,assheattempted

nottoinhalehislavishlyappliedcologne.

Ifheweresofondofrosegardens,hecouldfindonetoexplore.Alone.

“Thatwillnotbenecessary.”Sheratherhadimaginedthey’dconducttheirdiscussioninprivate,had

ratherhopedthatthetightthrongofpeoplewouldshieldherfromhermother’swatchfulgaze,butnowthe

thoughtofbeingalonewithhimcausedherstomachtotightendisagreeably.

“Ileftsomepapersonthingsyoumightresearchwiththedivinghelmet,”Louisaspokerapidly.“You

werequitevaguewhenyouansweredmyadvertisementonyourparticularresearchinterests,butIcan

assureyouthehelmetwillbeequallyusefulifyouwanttodocumentdolphinsorlobstersorsimplefish.

Whateveryoudesire.”

“Iamgladyouarewillingtoaccommodatemydesires.”LordThornton’sthicklipswidened,asif

she’dsaidsomethingcharming,andLouisaforcedherattentionbacktohim.Hisbeadyeyeshadsoftened,

andthestrangedewylookmadeherspineprickle.

“That’snotwhatIsaid,”Louisasaidsternly.Herthroatseemedtodry,andshetookahastyswallow

ofthelemonade,beforerememberingthatshedidnotlikeit.Thesourdrinkdidnoteaseheruncertainty,

andalumpthickenedinherthroat.

“Donotargue,”Thorntonsaid.“Thequalityisunattractiveinwomen.”

Thebastard.

Herfistsclenchedtogether,andeverymuscleinherbodyseemedtosnap.Thetonmightcriticizeher

behindherback,butshe’dneveranticipatedthattheresearchscientistshe’dlongedtomeetallyear

wouldcriticizeheropenly.“Iamnotattemptingtobeattractive!”

“Obviously.”Thorntonnodded.“Thatdressisnotpretty.EvenIcantell.”

Heshouldbediscussingdiving,notdresses.

Shefirmedherjaw,andthrusthereyesintoadarkglower,thesortshe’dseentheDowagerDuchess

ofAlfristoncastonoccasion,butThornton’sfacedidn’tredden.“Atleastyouwouldnotrequireany

expensesforyourupkeep.”

“Myupkeep?”

Thorntonnoddedsolemnly.“ShouldIpropose.”

“Andyouplantopropose?”Outragecoursedthroughher,crashingthroughherveinsatagreater

speedthananytidecomingin.

“Ifyouimpressme.”Hesternedhisexpression,andhiseyebrowspushedtogetherasiftodemonstrate

cannonspushingthroughtheholesofaship’sdeck.“Mystandardsarehigh,andIwillnottolerate

disobedience.”

Distastesurgedthrough,breakingthroughherlastattemptatmaintainingsomefaçadeofclam.The

manwasabominable.

“Youaremostmistaken,mylord,”shesaidcoldly.“Ihavenodesiretomarryyou.”

Hedidn’tneedtoknowshewasalreadyengaged.Hedidn’tneedtoknowanythingabouther.

“Everyyoungladydesiresmarriage.Iwillswayyou,”Thorntonsaid.“Iswayedmylatewifetoo.”

HiseyesroamedherfigureoncemoreinthatabhorrentmannerwithwhichLouisahadalready

becomefartoofamiliar.Theman’sblatantinterestinherfigurerivaledonlyhisequallyblatantdisinterest

indiving.She’dbeenmisled.She’dspentsolongdreamingofthisman,andofwhathemightaccomplish,

butevenconversingwithhimprovedpainful.

“Iamnotsomeornamentforyoutogazeat,”shesaid,hervoicelowandsteely.

“Goodthingtoo,”themandeclared.“Foryouwouldmakeahorribleone.”Heglancedatherhair.

“I’msurethere’sabetterwaytowearthat.Iwouldn’twanttopassonthattraittomyunbornchildren.”

“Iwouldn’twanttogiveyouanychildrenatall.Wearediscussingdiving.”

“Youmeanthatcharminghobbyofyours?”

“Andthatseriouspursuitofyours.”Louisakepthervoicefirmthroughsomemiracleofself-control.

“Soyouclaim.”Thelastwordmayhavebeensomewhatsarcastic.Managingtonotsounddistraught,not

soundangry,notsoundincredulouswasanachievementmoreincrediblethanswimmingunderwaterfor

longperiodsoftime.

Themandidn’tevenprizeit.

“Doyouevenknowhowtodive?”

“GoodGod,no.Fartoocold.Impossible.”

“YoutoldmethatyoucoulddiveintheCaribbean,”hervoicewobbled,andnausearoseinher

throat.

“Thatfancifulnotionofyours?”Hescoffed,tiltinghisbulboushead,scarcelycoveredbyhis

smatteringofgrayhair.“Isimplysawyouwereawomanofsomecreativity.Theabilityforawomanto

occupyherselfisaqualitytobemosttreasured.”

Herlegsquiveredasifshe’dfoundherselftrappedonashipinthemiddleofatyphoon.Herheart

seemedtoscurryoffaheadofher,beatingaquickrhythm,asifitwereflappingitschambersinanattempt

tofly.

“Youliedabouteverythingyoutoldme.”

Theman’seyesnarrowed,afactabettedbytheirnaturalbeadiness.“Nowlookhere,youneedn’tget

allhuffywithme.Iknowwhatyou’rereallyinterestedin.Don’tplaycoywithme.”

Hechuckledandtookanoisyslurpofhisdrink.“Youdidn’texpectanactualscholartobeinterested

inyoursillyscheme?”

He’ddismissedherdream,herhours,weeks,yearsofworktoagirlishscheme.Allhereffortto

designadivinghelmetwasreducedtosomethingforamanofhisconsiderabledearthofcaliber,tomock.

Herstomachtumbleddownward,andshesteppedtowardthewall,asifthecoldwallpapermight

providesomeprotection.

“Advertisingforastrong,smartmaninajournal.”Hischuckleevolvedintoanopenguffaw.“Weall

sawyouwereawoman.Weallknowyouwerejustlookingforahusband.”

“That’sabsurd!Utterlyabsurd.”

“Lord,”hesaid.“Youreallydidn’tthinkIwasseriousaboutthat?”

“Wehadadeal,”sheremindedhim.“Iboughtaticketforyou.Withallmypinmoney!AndIputthe

divinghelmetontheship.It’sleavingtomorrow!”

“Nomaninhisrightmindwouldputonsomestrangeconcoctionthatawomanhadcraftedandsink

intotheocean.Theideaismad.Mad!”

Hewaswrong.Thehelmetworkedperfectly.She’dgoneoverthedesignwithsuchthoroughnessand

hadtesteditsomanytimes.Andnowitwasonboardaship,ashipthatmightbemanagedbycurrentor

formerpirates,andnooneeverwouldbeabletouseit.

Shesteppedforward,consciousthathereyesmustbeglaring.Furywoundherfiststogetheragainand

restrainingherselffromslappinghimseemedanimpossiblefeat.“Howcouldyoudothis?Icouldhave

gottensomeoneelse.”

“Truly?”Themanmanagedtomaintainaboredexpression.Didsomeoneelsecontactyouabout

desiringtoparticipateinyourinsaneexperiment?”

Sheblinked,absolutelyappalledthatthemanwas,foronce,correct.

Noonehad.

“Thoughtso,”hedeclaredsmugly.“Atleastthere’sstilltimetosampleBrighton’swomen.I’vefound

thatthere’salwaysmanyofferingswheretherearesailors.”Hegazedatheragain.“Itwillbenicetobe

withawomanwithanactualbosom.”

Sheinhaledsharplyandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.

ChapterEight

Louisablinkedfuriously.Noneedforanyonetoseehowshakenshewas.

Thecrowderuptedincheers,andforahorriblemomentLouisabelievedtheymighthaveheardthe

faux-scientist’swords.

“AllhailPrinceGeorge,”amanbellowed,andtensioneasedinLouisa’sshoulders.

Astocky,well-dressedmansherecognizedfromherbriefpresentationatcourtsaunteredforward,

andtheguestsnearhimdroppedintocurtsiesandbows.Thesuddenloweringoffinelyattiredtorsos

allowedhertospothermother,andshemarchedtowardher,awayfromallmemoriesofthefaux-scientist

demolishingallherdreamswiththecallousefficiencyofamanfiringmuskets.

“Thereyouare,darling!”Hermother’svoicesailedtowardher.“Whowasthatmanyouwere

speakingto?”

Sheturned,relievedtoseehermother,evenifshewasclaspingontothearmofthewell-dressedMr.

Daventry.

“Nooneofanyimportance,”Louisasaid.

Hermothernodded.“Good.Itwouldn’tdotomakeyourfiancéjealous.”

Louisatriedtosmile.SheratherthoughtjealousywasnotanemotionthatCecilwouldfeeltoward

her.Oneofmanyemotions.

“IthinkIwouldliketoleaveearlynow,”shesaid.

“Indeed?”Hermotherdartedalooktohernewhusband.“Isupposewecouldgo—”

“Youneedn’tworry.I’mquitecapableoffindingmywayback,”Louisasaid.“Ittakessolongtoget

thecarriageout,andthetownhouseisclosetotheMarinePavilion.Youshouldenjoyyourself.”

Hermotherbeamed.“Thankyou.Youcanbesoproudofyourself,mydear.Allsettledafterall.No

needtoworryaboutdancingwithanymoremennow.”

“Splendid.”Louisachirped.

Shemadeherwaythroughthethrongofpeople.Thestaircasewasnowempty,everyonegathering

insideforaglimpseattheRegent,andshequicklychangedfromherslipperstosomethingbetter

equippedtohandleBrighton’scobbledroads.

Theslamofcrispairagainstherwasalmostwelcome.Anythingtodistractherfromthefactthatall

herhopesforherresearchwerelost.She’dspentsolongconstructingandtestingthedivinghelmet.

AndsoonshewouldbeshippedofftoNorthernEnglandwithahusbandwhopromisedtoneverlove

herandwithin-lawswhowouldadamantlyawaitbabiesthatwouldnever,couldnever,arrive.

Becausetheterribletruthwas...shewasromantic.Eventhoughthefactembarrassedher.She

wishedshepossessedthecoldpracticalityofLadyCordeliaorevenofPercival’snewwifeFiona.For

thoughbothwerehappilymarriedneitherofthemhadexpectedtobe.Cordeliahadresignedherselftoan

unhappymarriage,andFionahadexpectednomarriageatall.Ithadn’tmatteredtoFiona—she’dhadher

research.

AndthoughLouisaadorednothingsomuchasdivingandrecordingherfindings,she’dalways

secretlylongedfor...more.Thaturgehadonlyintensifiedaftershe’dwitnessedthejoyherbrotherhad

found.

Ithadseemedsillytohertoforceherselfintoanuncomfortablerole.Ifsheshouldmarry,shouldn’tit

besomeonewithwhomshecouldconverse,whosecompanyshemightenjoy?

Perhapssheshouldnothavediscussedtopicsthatthemenwouldbeunfamiliarwith.Perhapsshe

shouldhaverestrainedhercommentstothatofhorsesandtheweather,venturingintoadiscussionof

politicsonlyaftershe’dassessedthelikelyopinionofherpotentialsuitorbeforehand,soastobestagree

withhim.

She’dalwaysadoredherfamily.Adoredhersistersandbrothers,despisingonlythatshesorarely

sawPercivalandArthur.She’dimaginedonedayhavingahousebustlingwithchildren.

Cecilexcludedthepossibilitiesofsuchdaydreamsturningtoreality.

Shewrappedherglovedarmstogetherandheldthemagainstherchest.

Ifonlyshecoulddelaythewedding!ShewascertainPercivalorArthurwouldnotdesirehertobe

miserable.Yetatthesametime—evenifherbrotherssupportedtheirspinstersister,shedidnotwantto

burdenthem.

Hersister-in-lawwaspleasant,butFionapossessedlittleinclinationtoattendballsandimmerse

herselfinthetonaswouldberequiredofaproperchaperone.

NowFionahadanewchildinadditiontoherarchaeologicalwork.

ShestrodepasttheEnglishChannel.Thewaves’familiarhumastheyclimbedtheshorenolonger

soothedher,andsheachedforthechancetoexploreoncemoreunderthesea’ssurface.

TheSapphirePrincesssatregallyinthesea.Moonlightshoneoverthemastsandriggings,andshe

longedtoonceagainsetfootuponthehullandsmellthescentofspruceandpineandrunherfingersover

theimmaculatelyshapedvessel.

“MissThornton?”Adeep,sultryvoicecalledout.

*

WhatonearthisMissThorntondoingthere?

Rupertsteppedtowardtheslenderwoman,swathedinagownthatglitteredunderthemoonlight.

She’dflungashawloverhershoulders,andthesilkedgesflutteredunderthebriskBrightonbreeze.

Anyotherwomanmightbewaryofstandingsonearthechannel,wherethewindwasknowntobe

strongest.Nochaperoneormaidseemedtobeinsight.

Perhapsshe’djustsaidfarewelltoherbrother,andheglancedatthebay.Someshoreboatspushed

throughthewaterinthedirectionoftheanchoredships.Themanmustbeononeofthem.

Thewomanremainedstill,andhewonderedifhe’dmadeamistake.Afewlinkboyscarriedtorches

fortheirwealthyclients,andthebright,flickeringlightsilluminatedherfigure.Itcertainlyappearedtobe

her,thoughthewomanhe’dmethadnotbeenclothedinsuchfinery.Thefrizzylocksherememberedwere

tamedintoabun,toppedwithsoftcurls.Herexpressionremainedsolemn,andherprofilestillcurvedin

thatfamiliarmanner:allsharpplanesdefinedbyhigh,soaringcheekbones.

“MissThornton?”Herepeated.

Onlynowdidthewomanturnaround,andthedefiantcertaintypresentinhergazepreviouslyseemed

tohavesubdued.

“CaptainRosse.”Shenoddedtohim.“Iwasdeepinthought.Allpreparedforthevoyage?”

“Aye,”hesaid.“Itwillbenicetobeundersomedecentsunagain.”

“TheCaribbeansoundsheavenly,”shemurmured.

“Maybeonedayyourbrothercantakeyou,”hesaid.

“Well—”Shelookedlikeshewantedtosaysomethingmore,butinsteadsheshookherhead.“That

wouldbeapleasantdream.”

Shelookedsowistfulthathealmosthadanurgetocomforther.Insteadheconsideredhislife.Hewas

anearl,thoughhewasquitehappyallowingmostpeopletobelievehehaddiedintheNapoleonicWars.

“I’vecometorealizethatit’sgoodtogoafterone’sdreams.”

Shesmiled,andsomethingabouttheslowupturningofherlipsmadehisheartswell.“Youarequite

right,Captain.”

“Lookingforaride?”Arowershoutedfromashoreboat,andRupertansweredintheaffirmative.

HeturnedtoMissThornton.“Yourbrotherisinsafehands.”

Sheseemedtohesitateagain,butsheonlysaid,“Iwishyouapleasantjourney.”

*

SheshouldhavetoldhimshedidnothaveabrothercalledMr.Thornton.Sheshouldhavetoldhim

thathewouldn’thaveapassenger.

Butshedidn’twanttoadmitittohim.Itseemedsopleasanttomaintaintheillusionthatshemightone

dayvisittheCaribbean.

Goodness!Shewouldadoresuchanopportunity.Notthatthecaptainwouldeverallowit.Even

steppingontotheshipthisafternoonhadbeendeemedeccentric.Nocaptaininhisrightmindwouldallow

anunmarriedwomantotravelbyherself,withoutthepermissionofherparents,onashipfilledwithmen.

Theresponsibilitytodefendhermaidenhoodwouldbefartoogreat.

Ifonlyshecouldgoherselfanddothework.Itwasn’tjustthatmenwereallowedtoperusescience

andwomenwerenot.Ifonly...Shesmiled.ThecaptainhadnevermetMr.Thornton.

Foronemomentsheimaginedwearingmasculineclothesandannouncingtothecaptainthatshewas

Mr.Thorntonherself.BeckyhadeventoldthecaptainthatMr.Thorntonwasherbrother.Ifshecould

somehowdisguiseherself...

Shebitaliptowithholdagiggle.

Undoubtedlythatthoughtcouldfirmlyberelegatedtotheabsurd.

Evenifshe’dneverpossessedthefemaleformdepictedinpaintings.Evenifherchestandhipsdidn’t

splayinamannermenfoundenticing.Evenifhervoicewasneverlikenedtothatofanangel,andsheand

hersister’sgovernesshadalwaysinstructedhertoplaythemaleroleinanyreadings.Evenif...

SirSeymourhadsaidsheappearedmasculine.Andthoughthefacthadinfuriatedher,perhapsshe

couldmakeuseoftheslimwidthofherhips.Perhapsforafewblissfulweeks,itwouldn’tmatterifher

complexionwasunlikelytobecomparedtorosepetals.

Perhapsthethoughtwasnotasabsurdasshe’dimagined.

Perhapsitwasactuallyfeasible.

She’dneedtofindtheproperclothes,butthereweremaleservantsinthetownhousethey’drented...

Allsheneededweresomebreechesandashirt.

Perhapshermotherwouldworry,perhapsshe’dbefurious,butLouisawouldbecontenttosufferthe

consequencesaslongasshefinallysawtheCaribbean,finallydidherresearch—thistimeherself,not

needingtotrustsomeoneelse.

AndifCecilstillwantedtomarryher...perhapsshecouldsuccumbtothatplan.She’dhavelived

herdream.

Forthefirsttimethatnighthopesurgedthroughher.

ChapterNine

Breechesdangledfromaneighboringhome’slaundryline.Thebreecheswereinthemselvesnotvastly

enticing.Thequalitywasunremarkable:likelythepairbelongedtooneofthefootmen.Butnowthey

seemedthemostdelightfulthingsintheworld.

Thebreechesswayedinthebreeze,shovedbetweenothermasculineitems.Theplainlinenmanaged

tosignifyeverythingmysterious.

She’dneverstolenbefore,andyesterdayshewouldn’thavethoughtitlikelyshewouldstartwith

wornattire.

Louisaraisedthesashwindowandclamberedovertheledge.Itwasnotthefirsttimeshe’dlefther

homeinthisfashion.Aforbiddenpassionforswimmingintheoceanratherdemandedaliberal

relationshipwithhouseexits.

Thewindbrushedagainsther,andseagullssquawkedtooneanother.Theycircledthecloud-strewn

sky,thesolewitnessestoheractions.Theservantswouldbeeatinginthekitchen,andhermotherwould

besleepingaftertheirlatenight.

Louisahoppedontotheground.Thehemofhergownbrushedagainstthesmatteringofflowers,still

dampwithmildewandlastnight’srain.

Shegrabbedtheunfamiliarmalegarmentsfromtheclotheslineandsprintedbacktoherbedroom

window.Herheartbeatsailed,asifbillowedforwardbypotentgales,andsheclamberedinside.She

hastenedfromthewindowandflungtheattireonherbed.

IfanyofLouisa’setiquettebookshadthoughtitpossiblethatawomanmightstrideaboutinbreeches,

thatpracticewouldlikelyhavegonestraighttothetopofthelistofthingswomenmustneverdo.

Insteadnoneoftheleathertomeshermotherownedforbadethebehavior.Theyhadn’tcontemplated

thatoneoftheirreadersmightevenpondersomethingsoscandalous.Theypreferredtoconcentrateonthe

dreadedpossibilityofeatingwiththewrongforkorstretchingone’sarmtoanunladylikeextentfora

sweet.

Louisahadbrokenrulesbefore,continuingtoresearchwhensheshouldn’t,commissioningthe

constructionofthedivinghelmet,butthisexceededeverythinginterribleness,butperhapsshe’dlongago

givenuptheattempttobearespectabledebutante.

Itlikelywasn’tagoodthingthatbreakingtherules,orevenbehavinginanunladylikemannercame

naturallytoher.

Thebreechesseemedtostarethreateninglyatherfromthebedspread,andshestretchedherhandtoit.

Justtouchingthecoarseclothmaterialseemedoutrageous,howcouldsheeverwearit?

Butifshedidn’t...

Noneofthesailorsknewthecontentsofthepackage.Noneofthemmightconductresearchwithit.

Andnoneofthemwouldcare.

Shestaredatthemirrorandliftedherhairbackexperimentally.Shesmiled.

ArthurwasinFalmouth.Shecouldjoinhimthere.Hermotherwouldbehorrifiedthatshe’dmadethe

journeytoJamaicaonherown,butshewouldatleastnotbearrivingintheWestIndiesonherown.All

shehadtodowasconvincethecrewofTheSapphirePrincessofhermasculinity.Giventhefactthat

nobodyhadseemedimpressedwithherfemininity,perhapsthiswassomethingshecoulddo.

She’dalreadytakentheclothes.Shemightaswellwearthem.Shestrodetoherbedandshedher

gown.Sheshiveredmorethantheweatherwarrantedandreachedfortheclothes.

Sheattemptedtoinhaledeeply,butherbreathseemedcaughtatthetopofherthroat,andherfingers

trembled.

Shefirmedherlipsandsteppedintothebreecheshastily.Shepulledtheshirtoverherhead,andher

fingersfumbledasshetiedthetop.Herheartbeatquickenedasifprotestingtheforeignfabriccut.She

smoothedthestrangeshapeoftheattireandturnedtowardthemirror.

Probablyshewouldlookridiculous.

Probablyshewouldhavetoreturnthefabric.

Probablyshe’dsuccumbedtofoolishdreams.

Howcouldshefeignbeingaman?

Andyet...

Whenshepeeredintothemirror,herreflectionwasnotasridiculousasshe’dfeared.Sheturned

slowlyinthemirror,butherhipsandchestwereofsuchanaturalnarrowwidththattheydidnotgiveher

away.

Sheturnedaroundagain.

No,thiswouldwork.Herface’ssharpangleshadneverseemedparticularlyfeminine,andifnoone

wonderedatthesmoothnessofherface,shemightbesuccessful.

Shecouldalwaysconfessanabhorrenceofsideburns.Herlipstwitched.

Sheturnedgingerly,asifanysuddenmovementsmightshattertheillusion.

Butthatwouldbeimpossible.Becauseitwasher.Inthemirror.Dressedlikeanaverageservant.A

servantofthemasculinevariety.

She’dneverfeltmoreexposed.Yardsoffabricwereabsent,andshe’dneverthoughtshe’dmissthe

vibrantcoloreddresseshermotherselectedforher,asifherlackofsuitorsresultedfromthefactthey

couldn’tspother.

Herlimbshadneverfeltmorevisible.Therewasagapbetweenherlegs.Anactualgap,andher

breecheshuggedherlegsinascandalousmanner.

Exceptitwouldn’tbescandalous.Notwheneveryonethoughtheraman.Itwouldbeperfectly

normal.Notworthasecondglance.

Shepulledherhairintoatightqueue,thoughthethickstrandsbulged.Queueswereold-fashioned,and

shehadadecidedpreferencefortheshorthairthecaptainwore,butnooneneededtothinkher

fashionable.Theyjustneededtothinkheraman.Atleasttheausterehairstyleemphasizedtheanglesin

herface,andforthefirsttimeshewasthankfulfortheplainnessofherappearance.Herlipsmightbetoo

thin,herjawmightbetoowide,hercheekbonestoolow,butthatdidn’tmatter.

Hervoicewasanaturalalto,butnowsheaddressedherreflectioninanevenlowerpitch.“Good

morning.”

Sheblinked,takenabackbyherresemblancetoaman.Sheswiveledbeforethemirror,andthenher

eyesscrutinizedherchest.

Thoughherfiguretendedtowardthenarrow,afactthathermotherfoughtbyputtingherintoover-

sizedgownsinamisguidedhopethattheextramaterialmightcreatecurves,hershirtdidcurveina

dangerousfashion.Fiddle-faddle.

Sheneededsomething,anything,tobindherbosomandbroadenherwaist.Clearlytheservanthadnot

includedanythinglikethatinhiswardrobe.Butperhaps—hergazelandedonhertablecloth.Theplain

whitecotton,displayingapuritanicalausterity,temptedherinamanneritsmakerwouldhavebeen

appalledby.

Sheremovedtheobjectsfromthetableandliftedthecloth.Sheremovedhershirtandpulledthethick

fabricaroundherchest.Theslopeofherbosomandcurveofherwaistdecreased.

Perfect.

Shepulledhershirtoverhertorsoagain,loopedthecravatintoasimpleknotandturnedinfrontof

themirror.

Herfamilywouldbeconfused,perhapsevendistraughtatherdisappearance.

Butshecouldn’tnotdothis.Shecouldn’tabandonherdivingmaterialonthatshipwhennoscientist

wastheretomakeuseofit.Shecouldn’tjustallowhermothertomarryheroffinamatchalwaysdoomed

tobeloveless.

Iftheyweresoenthusiastictoridthemselvesofher,herleavingfortheWestIndieswouldcertainly

suffice.

Shestaredathertightlydrawnbackhair.Thestylecouldnotbepraised.

Shesighed.Theywouldjusthavetothinkherunstylish.Scientistswerenotrenownedfortheirfashion

sense,andshewouldjusthavetohopethatsailorswouldbeequallyunfashionable.

Theroomlightened.Soonthesunwoulddashupwardinfullforce,lightwouldspreadoverthe

horizonandLouisamightbediscovered.Shepennedaquicknotetohermother,tellingherthatshehad

gonetovisitherbrother.Likelytheywouldthinkshe’dgonetoseePercival,notbelievingshewould

venturetoJamaicabyherself.

Shesnatchedhersatchelandthrusthermosttreasuredtextsinsideit.Ifonlyshehadmorechangesof

clothes...Shefrowned.Perhapstherewasoneadvantagetothefactthatherstepfathervisitedher

motheratnight.

Sheopenedthedoortohisroomcarefully.Ifhecaughther...Butthebedwasempty,andshequickly

grabbedsomeclothesandthrewthemintothebulgingsatchel.Shesnuckbackintoherroom,raisedthe

sashwindowandscrambledoutside.

Forthefirsttimetherewasnoneedtoliftherhemasshesteppedovertheflowers.Shehastenedover

thestreet,accompaniedonlybytheclonkingofhertoo-largebootsagainstthetilestones.Ifonlyshe’dhad

theforesighttostuffstockingsinsidethetoes.

Vibrantrosesandpeoniesflutteredinthebreeze,nothamperedbytheirlimitedplots,perhapseven

benefitedbytheirproximitytotheirminders’doors.TheGeorgiantownhomesthattheelitesofsociety

rentedwhentheyfelttheurgetoleaveLondonloomedbesideher,andshefocusedhergazeahead,wary

thataboredaristocratmightdrawbackadrapeandrecognizeher.

Themembersofthetonwereclearlystillinbed.Eventhosewhohadn’tsecuredaninvitationatthe

MarinePavilionwouldstillbeexhaustedfromprivatesoirees.Someservantsscurriedpasther,andshe

duckedherheaddownandattemptedtoblendwiththem.

Soonshewouldbethere.

Sooneverythingwouldchange.

Hopefully.

Nowaywouldsheallowherselftobesentbackhomenow.Notwearingbreeches.Thatwasenough

todamageherreputationirreparably,morethananymonth-longabsence.Theairgrewsaltier,andshe

inhaledandroundedthecorner.

Theoceanlaybeforeher.Shoreboatsthrusteasilythroughthewaves,andsailorsswarmedoverthe

deckofTheSapphirePrincess.

Pilesofdriedseaweedsquattedonthedock,likelythrownfromaparticularlybadstorm.Fishermen

swarmedoverthewoodenplanks,andLouisatensed.

They’dseenhervisitthedockeverydaythisweek.Ifevenonepersonrecognizedher—

Shedidn’twanttocontemplatesuchacatastrophe,andshefocusedhergazeontheshipthatsoared

beforeher,bobbingintheashenwaves.

Herheartscuttledandscamperedagainstherribs,butsheconsciouslyslowedherpace.

Scientistsweren’tknownfortheirhabitofrunningthroughthestreets

Shestrodepurposefullytowardtheship,andherheartthuddedwithasoundthatrivaledherboots

strikingtheplanks.Shepeeredatthetallmastthatseemedtotowerovertheotherships,withtheir

journeyslimitedtothecontinent.

Shecoulddothis.

Shedirectedoneofthepeopleontheshoretorowhertotheship.Shehalf-expectedthemantomock

her,butheseemedoblivioustothestrangenessofherattire.

Shereachedforherskirtasshereachedtheladderthatledtotheship.

Butshedidn’thaveone,andshesmiled,wonderingatallthethingsmendidnotneedtoconcern

themselveswith.Sheascendedtheladderandpokedherheadabovethedeck.

“Morning!”Asailorboomedagreetingtowardher,andsheforcedherselftowave,asifitwerethe

mostnormalthingintheworldforhertobeboardingashiptotheWestIndieswearingbreeches.

Somehowshe’dassumedthesailorswouldbeportly,beardedfellowslikethefishermeninSalem.

Butthesesailorsweren’tstrandedintinyboatsforlonghoursoftheday,withonlyfoodanddrinkto

comfortthem.Thesesailorshadgoldenskinandmovedwithconfidenceoverthedeck.

Herheartthuddedinherchest,andsheclutchedthesideoftheshipwithanunnecessaryvigor.

Theonlymenshe’dseenwithouttheirshirtshadbeenstonestatues.

Shepulledherhatslightlymorefirmlyoverherheadandavoidedstaringatthesailors’muscular

torsos.Atleastshedidn’tspotthered-headedsailorandtheoverlyarrogant,definitelyoverlyhandsome,

captain.

She’dfoundthatmenhadahabitofclaimingthemostspacetheycould,perhapstomakeupforthe

dearthofflowingfabricdrapedaroundwomen,andshestrovetomimictheconfidenceoftheirwalk.

Fortunatelyherdanceinstructorshadalwaysremarkedonherlackofelegance,andittooklittleeffort

forhertomimicaclumsystride,oneunconcernedwithwhichdirectionhertoespointed.

Thesailorsemittedprofanitiesascarelesslyasmostpeopleusedregularwords.Thelanguagegrated

onherears,butsherefusedtofalter.Menwereaccustomedtothis.

Sheglancedtowardthedock,butnootherpassengersfollowedherontotheship.Shewasalone.

Withabouttwentylarge,brawnymen.

Thetoweringmastssentathrillthrottlingthroughher,andherheartthuddedhappilyassheambled

beneaththeelaboratelyarrangedrigging.

Shewonderedateachcarefullyconstructeddetail,enhancedaftercenturiesofexperienceonthe

sevenseas.

“Don’tjuststandthere,”agruffsoundingvoicebarked,andshejumpeddespiteherbestattempts.

Perhapsmenwerealwaysshoutingatothermen.Perhapsthatwassomethingthatwouldn’tirritatethemin

theleast.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Thesailorcontinued.“Cometodeliveranything?”

“No.”

Heswepthisgazeoverherandscowled.Hewastall,andhisskinwassodarkshesuspectedhe

mightpossesssomeCaribbeanblood.Perhapsapiratefatherhadbeddedoneofthedark-skinnedwomen

depictedonillustrationsinherbooksontheWestIndies.“We’reabusyship,lad.We’reabouttoset

sail.”

“Iknow.”Louisaswallowedhardandglancedattheshoreboat,stillnearby.

Theywerestillanchored.

Shecouldfetchthedivinghelmetandreturnhome.

Butthiswasherchance.HeronlychanceinalltheworldtovisittheWestIndiesandconductresearch

herself.Shehadn’tbeenabletotrustMr.Thorntonandperhapsshewouldneverfindanyonewiththe

capabilitiestocarryoutherresearchtobelieveher.

Thiswasthemoment.

“I’mapassenger,”shesaid.

Hisbrowsscrunchedtogether.“You’reMr.Thornton?”

“Indeed,”Louisasaidinhermostauthoritativevoice,strivingtomaintainadeeppitch.“Iam

expectedhere.”

Thesailorpeeredatheragain,andhislipscurledintoafrown.Thefaintscentofrumandtobacco

andallthingsforbiddenwaftedtowardher.

Onlyafewfeetseparatedthem,andshewidenedherstancetomimictheterritorialinstinctofthe

othersex.Shemethiseyes,carefulnottohidebehindflutteringeyelashes.

“Reckonyoulookawfullyyoungtobeadoctor,”thesailorsaid.

“It’smyskin.It’squitedecent.”Shehesitated.“TheknowledgethatIobtainedasascientisthelpedme

maintainit.”

“Hmph,”thesailorsaid.“Don’tknowscientiststhatdesiretolookyoung.Wouldhavethoughtyoulot

wentmorefortherespectablelook.Beardsandsuch.”

Louisafrownedandchanneledtheeasilyenticedoutragedofaman.“Ihopeyoudonotmeanthatyou

findmelackingrespectability?”

“No,er—”Thesailorshookhishead.“I’ll—er—showyoutothecaptain.”

Louisatensed.

She’dmetthecaptain.They’dspokentogether—evenifshehadbeenattiredverydifferently.Ifhe

recognizedher—

She’dhopedthatshemightavoidseeinghimuntilitwastoolateforhimtodismissherfromtheship.

Shewavedherhandloftily.“Idonothavetimeforyouradministrativematters.Pleasedirectmeto

mycabin.”

Thesailorfrowned.

“Itakeityouknowwheremyroomis?”Louisaasked.

“CourseIknowjeswhereitis,”hesaid.

Theoutragedtonemadeherlipsswerveupwardinvoluntarily.Menseemedtobeinaconstantstate

ofdefendingtheirpride,andthissailorwasnoexception.

“I’ll—er—showyoudownstairs.”

Hebelievesme.

Sheturnedawaylesthestartleatthehappinessthatmustbevisibleinherfacialmuscles.

She’dspokenwithhim,andthoughhe’dgrowledandgrumbled,hehadn’tfoundfaultinthepitchof

hervoiceorthecurveofherbody,andhecertainlyhadn’taccusedherofanymisdeeds.

“We’re‘appyto‘aveyou‘ere,”thesailorsaidgruffly,avoidinghereyes.

“Excuseme?”

“Isaidwe’rehappytohaveyou,”thesailorrepeatedatahighervolume,stillavoidinghereyes.“The

captaintoldmetotellthepassengersthat.”

“Howkindofhim,”Louisasaidafterapause.

“PersonallyIthinkitwouldbebettertohavenopassengers,”thesailorgrumbledandgesturedforher

tofollowhim.“Passengersaremoretroublesomethancratesoffurnitureorbarrelsofrum.”

Shescurriedaftertheman,descendingthesteeplyslopedstairs.

Shestretchedherhandstoherthighsasshedescendedthestepsbeforerememberingthatshehadno

hemtolift.Thesailordidnotremarkonherinelegantgait.Menwerelikelynotadmonishedforany

overhastywardrobedecisionsorspurtsofclumsiness.Eventheclankingofherbootswasobscuredby

theheavierthudsfromthesailorsworkingabovedeckandthunderingthroughthepassageways.

Whentheydescendedthestairs,theyduckedtheirheadsunderneaththelowceiling.Thesailor

marchedforwardunperturbedbytheconstrainedspace.Shesupposedhewasaccustomedtodoeven

moreathleticactivitiestofulfillhisdutiesthanduckhisheadonoccasion.

“You’reouronlypassenger,”thesailorannounced,stoppingbeforeadoor.

“Splendid,”shereplied,keepingherpitchlow.

Probablythedearthofotherpassengerstointeractwithwasagoodthing.Nopassengersmeantmore

timetoperuseherbelovedtomesandlesstimeworryingaboutwhetherherappearancelackedsufficient

femininity.

Louisashiftedherfeetagainstthefloorboards,andthesailorknockedonthedoor.Louisastiffened.If

thiswasherroom,whyexactlywasheknocking?Aqueasyfeeling,notoneexplainedbytheslightdipas

waveslappedagainstthehull,pervadedher.

*

Rupertswungopenhisdoor.

Conradstoodbeforehimwithsomeskinnymaninapoorlytiedcravat.

“Thisisourpassenger.”ConradjerkedhisthumbatthestrangerandflashedRupertawidegrin,the

kindusuallygivenreluctantlyduringconsultationswiththeship’ssurgeon.

Thescientisthadarrived.

Brilliant.

He’dhopedformorepassengersandhadworriedwhenhe’dreturnedtotheshiplastnightandnot

findMr.Thornton.Butonepassengerwasastart,andmaybethemanwouldleadtomorepeople.

Anythingtokeephimfromsuccumbingtohaulingthemorequestionableanddownrightdreadfulcargo

fromtheWestIndiesthatsomecaptainswereforcedtodo.

Rupertwasdeterminedtoshowthismanagoodtime.

“Mr.Thornton,”hesaid.“I’mCaptainRosse.”

“Butwe‘erejescallhimCap’n,”Conradsaid,somewhatunhelpfully.

Thescientist,whogreatlyresembledhissister,avoidedhiseyes.Likelyhewastakenabackby

Conrad’sblatantfamiliarity.Heknewtheupperclass.Heknewwhatpridetheytookinstringent

hierarchies,defendingthemwithavigorbettersuitedfordefendingtheever-expandingbordersofthe

BritishEmpire.

“Wedotendtowardinformalityhere,”Rupertexplained.

Theonlythingheregrettedwasnotbreakingthoseoutdatedsystemsearlier.Anyofthesemenwere

worthmorethanthebrandyswishinggentlemenwhomhe’dgrownupwithwhospenttheirtimemoaning

abouttheirservants

“I’vemetyoursister,”Rupertsaid.

“G-good.”Thestrangergavehimawobblysmilethoughhiseyeshadthesameexpressionthatfoxes

had—orshouldhave—rightbeforetheyweregoingtobeshot.

Rupertgrinned.Thiswasgoingtogoawholelotbetterthanhethought.Themanseemedtoomeekto

betoodemanding.He’dsuspectedyesterdaythatthewomanonboardhadexaggeratedherbrother’s

strengths.

“Followme,”Rupertsaidmagnanimously.“I’llshowyoutheship.Everbeenononebefore?But

you’reAmerican,andinEngland,soyoumusthave.”

Thescientist’seyeswidenedasifhehadn’texpectedtobethefocusofanyconversation.

Hiseyesandthecurveofhisnoseresembledhissistergreatly.

Notthathecouldseemuch.Mr.Thorntonseemedintentonfiddlingwithhiscap.

“That’syourcabin.”Rupertgesturedtothedoorbesidehisquarters.

“Wonderful,”thescientistsqueaked,andthencoughed.“Itrustmy—er—packageisthere?My—er—

sisterdroppeditover.”

Rupertnodded,andhisshouldersrelaxedthoughhestillseemedjittery.

“It’sperhapsbestifIascertainformyself.”

Rupert’slipstwitched,andhegesturedforFergustoopentheroom.Hehesitatedatthedoor,unsure

whatMr.Thorntonmightmakeofthesparselydecoratedroom,butthescientistonlystrodetothebrown

packageandunwrappedit.

Ruperthoveredinthecorridor,notusedtobeingsothoroughlyignored,butMr.Thorntonsoonturned

aroundandbeamed.“It’shere.”

“Naturally,”Rupertsaid,smilingbackathim.

Thescientist’ssmilewobbled,andhiseyeslowered.

PeopleRupertencounteredgenerallydidnotsufferanytimidity.Thatwasnotatraitthatledpeopleto

boardshipsdestinedtofarcornersoftheglobe.Mr.Thorntonseemedtobeevenintimidated,andforone

horriblesecond,itoccurredtoRupertthatthemanmightknowhisposition.

Butthatwasunlikely.He’dbeensocareful.

Scientistsweresupposedtobetheverybesttypesofpassengers.Sodevotedtotheirworkthatthey

didn’thaveamomenttoconsideranythingelse,andsoaccustomedtobeingteasedfortheirtendencyto

findthemostobscurethingsappealing,thattheyrefrainedfromdisparagingothers.

“Youarewelcometostayand...read.Butyoualsoarewelcometojoinmeonthedeck.”

HeknewwhichanswerThorntonwouldchoose.Ruperthadbeenonshipsforsolongthatheknew

whenapersonfoundshipscompellingorwhentheysawthemasaformoftransporttobetoleratedwith

onlyagreattiradeofcomplaints.

Thismanbelongedtotheformercategory.He’dseenthepleasurethathadcrossedoverhisfacewhen

enteringthecabin,andhowhiseyeshadlingeredonTheSapphirePrincess’sdesign.

“Andseetheshipleavetheport?”Thescientist’sexcitementcompelledRuperttosmile.

“It’salwaysmyfavoriteportionofthejourney,”Rupertconfessed.Mostcaptainsprofesseda

preferenceforcalmwaters,andintruth,heenjoyedthetimeswhenthesailswerealreadyout,whenthe

windwasstrong,whenthesailorswereintheirberths,thathemightstrideaboutonthedeck,andimagine

theshipbelongedentirelytohim.Buttherewassomethingthrillingaboutwhenthesailorswerehoisting

everythingintoposition.Theywereinamachine.Everyportionoftheshiphadbeenthoughtabout,

refinedfromyears,decades,centuriesofexperienceonthesea.

“I’llexplaineverythingtoyou,”Rupertsaidbenevolently,andConradtiltedhisheadinobvious

bemusement.

“Splendid,”Mr.Thorntonrepeated.

“Somepeoplewillcometothedocktowave,”Conradsaid.“Jealousbuggers.”

Mr.Thorntonseemedtoflinch,butthenheshrugged.“OnsecondthoughtI’lljustremainhere.”

“Youdon’twanttoseetheshipdepart?”Rupertasked.

“No.”Mr.Thorntonflashedthemanotherwobblysmile.

“Perhapshe’sseasick,”Conradmused.“That’swhywedidn’twantnopassengers.Passengers

alwaysgetsick.Andweain’tcleaners,we’resailors.Ifwewantedtoclean,wewouldhavebeenborn

women.Whichweain’t.”Conradpointedinadownwarddirection,andhislipsspreadintoawidegrin.

Mr.Thornton’sfacepaled,andheloweredhissatchel.Itseemedtobebulging,andlikelywastoo

heavyfortheman.

“Lethimgetsettled.”RupertclappedConradontheshoulder.

Mr.Thorntonnodded,andhishandstretchedtohisear,asifhedesiredtotuckastrandbehindit,and

theman’sfacepinkened.

PerhapsConradwasright,andthescientistwouldbeconfinedtohiscabinfortheremainderofthe

journeywithseasickness.

ChapterTen

Theshiprolledandbeganglidingfromthetown.Louisastaredatthecloseddoor.Nofuriousfootsteps

sounded,andhermother’sstridentvoicedidnothollerhername.

She’ddoneit.

She’dactuallydoneit.

Shewasontheship,sailingtotheCaribbean,andnoneofthecrewhadthoughtthefactunbelievable.

Noonehadnoticedshewasawoman.Noteventhecaptain,thoughhehadseemedtolookather

strangely.Noonehadquestionedherrighttobehere.Noonehadevenmockedherforherresearch.

Shesettledontothebed.Sheneededtobecarefularoundhim.Theurgetomeltunderhisgazewas

overwhelming.

Itwouldbenicetobeonthedeck,butshewouldstayinhercabinuntiltheywerefartherfrom

Brighton,ontheoffchancethatafishermanmightrecognizeher.

Andsheneededtodosomethingaboutthespacebetweenherlegs.Thesailor’slewdgesturetoward

hisownheftymasculinityhadmadethatclear.Shegrabbedhersatchel,gratefulshe’dpackedhersewing

kit.Shewouldneedtosewafalseappendageontoherbreeches.

Sheunpackedandremovedsomescientificjournals,butforthefirsttime,shecouldn’tconcentrateon

thearticles.

Whenshereturnedshewouldbedisgraced.Sodisgracedthatperhapsevenabaronet’ssonin

Yorkshireinneedofawifemightthinktwiceoftyinghislifewithher,nomatterhowpowerfulher

brothermightbeinEngland.

Shesmiled.Thatwouldbejustfine.

InafewweeksshewouldseeherbrotherArthuragain,andhewouldknowwhattodo.

Shewouldcontemplateherfuturelater.Nowshewouldenjoythepresent.

Aknocksoundedonthedoor,andLouisaleapedup

Woulditbethecaptain?Shebrushedherhandagainstthetightlydrawnqueue.Thenoveltexturemade

herfrown.

“Mister?”Avoicecarriedthroughthethindooreasily,andLouisasighed.

Sherememberedtodeepenhervoice.“Onemoment.”

Sheunhookedthelatchandswungopenthedoor.Asailorstoodbeforehercarryingatrayofcold

meatsandbread.Theman’sgingerhairwasunmistakable.

Fiddle-faddle.

She’dmethimbefore.He’dbeenthesailorontheshipwhomsheandBeckyhadmet.

“I’mFergus.Welcome.”Theman’sgazenarrowed,andheseemedtoscantheplanesofherface.

“I’mMr.SebastianThornton,”shesaid,maintainingadeepvoice.Herheartpoundedwiththeuneven

ferocityofarowboatcaughtinastorm,andshestrovetocomposeherfaceintotheblandexpression

demandedfromdebutantesatballs.Hecarriedatraywithanarrayofbread,cheese,andcoldmeats.

“You’vebroughtfood.”

“Aye.”Themannodded,asifshe’dnoticedsomethingclever.“Cap’nRossethoughtyoumightbe

hungry.”

“Oh.”Shesmiledandtookthetray,anglingherheadawayfromtheman.“Howverykindofthe

captain.”

“Ah,he’sagoodcaptain,”themandeclared.“I’vebeenwithhimfromtheverybeginning.”

“Hownice.”Shewonderedifthatmeantthatthetwomenconfidedineachother.

“Pardonme,sir,”Fergussaid,andhervoicetoppleddownward.“Butyoulookmightyfamiliar.”

Tensionshotthroughherbody,butsheforcedherselftogivealackadaisicalshrug,eventhoughthe

effortseemedtorisksnappingherspine.“I’msureIwouldrememberyou.”

Themanbarkedalaugh.“That’swhateveryonesays.Wasusefulinmy—er—pastcareer.Scaryand

such.”

Shetiltedherhead,unsurewhybeingnoticeablehadbeenanadvantage.Mostpeopledesiredpeople

toblendintothesurroundings,notfrightenthem.

Becky’swordsranthroughhermind.Hadthisreallybeenapirateship?

Theman’sgazeremainedfixedonher,andsheshivered.Shewasprettysureitwasabadideatolie

topirates.Itwasn’tgoodtolietoanyone,butpiratesatleastlikelyveeredtowardviolentinclinations

wheninsulted.“Mysisterbroughtmydivinghelmet,”sherushedtosay.“Perhapsyoumether?”

“You’reright,mister.”Ferguschuckled,“SoIdid.Youbelookingawfullysimilar.”

“Ah,”Fergussaid.“Thatmustbeit.”

Louisanodded.“Quiteeasilyexplained.”

Shetookthetrayoffoodandplaceditontheonlytableintheroom,movingthearticlesandbooks

thatshe’dalreadyplacedtheretotheside.

“Thislooksgood,”shesaid.

Themansmiledandrevealedalineofgailyyellowedteeth,varyinginshadeandshape.

“’Tistheman’sjobtolookafteryou.Yerthefirstpassengerwe’vehad,”hedeclared.“Ishouldtell

‘imyouthink‘e’sdoingagoodjob!”

Louisa’seyebrowsdartedup.Howodd.ShewonderedwhyLadyRockporthadrecommendedMr.

Thorntonsailonthisship.Themarchionesshadbeensohappytorecommendit.

“’Esaysyertodinewith‘imtonight,”Ferguscontinued.

“Oh?”Louisa’sthroatdried.Dinnerwiththecaptainwasnotunusual.Pitythattheman’sapparent

inexperiencewithpassengershadnotpreventedhimfromthatknowledgeofpropriety.

WhenMamaandshehadsailedtoEngland,they’dalwaysdinedwiththecaptain.Thenthey’dalways

beeninthepresenceofmanyotherpassengers.Nootherpassengers,muchlesswomen,wereonboard

thisship.

Shecouldn’tsimplydinewithhim.Thethoughtwasabsurd.Shewasstillawoman.Spendingtime

withhimmightleadtodiscovery.Andwomenwerecertainlynotsupposedtodinealonewithmen.

Andyettherewasnoreasonintheworldtodeclinehisinvitation.

Couldshefeignseasickness?Notforafive-weekjourney.Andshecertainlydidn’twanttomake

anyonesuspicious.

“I’llbethere,”shesaidweakly.

“Jollygood.”Thesailorbeamedandthenhesitated.Hedippedhistorsointoanawkwardbowand

thenwalkedbackwardfromtheroom.

Theyaren’tusedtopassengershere.

Shesettledatthetableandbitintothebread.Thecabinhadnowindow,andthecrampedspaceand

swayingfloorweretheonlyindicatorsshewasatsea.

Timepassedquicklynevertheless,andsoonitwastimetoseethecaptain.Shewaswondering

whethertherewasindeedanexcuseshemightmake,whenaknocksoundedagain.

“Mr.Thornton!”Thecaptain’sstrongvoicecarriedthroughthethindooreasily,andtensionshot

throughLouisa.

Sheunlockedthedoor,consciousoftheslighttremorofherfingers.

Hepeereddownather,hislipssetintoawidesmile.

Ifonlyhewerenotquitesohandsome.

Hewastallerthanmostothermen,andhishairmayoncehavebeentermedbrown,thoughhe’d

clearlyspentmostofhistimeunderahotsun.Someofthestrandswerecaramelcolored,andsheforced

hergazeawayfromcontemplatingtheshadesofgold.Hiseyeswereadeepbluecolor,asifshewere

lookingintotheoceanontheveryloveliestday.Sheturnedherheadaway,consciousthatherheartrate

wasescalatingataratenotbefittingthatofamalepassengerconversingwithhisalltoomasculine

captain.

AdoniseswerebestsuitedtorecliningincloudspaintedbyItalianartists.Theyweren’tsupposedto

bestaringatherfrombelowacaptain’shat.

Sheclearedherthroatandwidenedherstanceintoamasculinepose.Thegestureseemedridiculous,

butshe’dwitnessedothermenadoptasimilarposition.

Shewasn’tgoingtogiveherselfawaynow.Notwhenshewassonearhavingherdreamfulfilled.

Thecaptaindidn’tblinkthoughLouisacouldn’tallowherselftorelaxinhispresence.Relaxingmight

meanthatshespokeinhernaturaltone.Relaxingmightmeanshelingeredhergazeonhisforlongerthan

appropriate.Shesmiled,thoughthegesturefeltmoretightandawkwardthanshewouldhavedesired.

Thecaptainglancedatthetableandstackofarticles.“Youmustshareyourresearchwithme.”

“Oh!”Sheblinked.“Iwouldbehappytodoso.”

Shewasn’taccustomedtopeopleexpressinginterestinherwork.

“Let’sdine.”Henoddedmatter-of-factly,andshefollowedhim.Therewasnoexcuseforhertomake,

anddespitethedangerofbeinginhiscompany,shewasdrawntohim.

Thecaptainswungopenthedoortohisroomandsteppedinside.Shefollowedhim,enjoyingthe

noveltyofholdingthedooropenherself.

Thecaptain’squarterswereclearlythenicestpartoftheship.Lightshonefromarowofwindows,

andblue-greenwavescrestedbelowanowbluesky.

“Howmarvelous,”shesaid.

Thecaptainsmiled.“Pleasesit.”

Thewallsstillseemednarrowandtheceilinglow.Orperhapsitwassimplythecaptain’spresence

thatexudedthroughouttheroom.

Shesettledatalongtable,pullingthechairforherself.

She’dneverbeenaloneinthesameroomwithamanbefore.

Theywerebothmen.

Shewashisonlypassenger.

Itwascompletely,utterlynaturaltobealonewithhim.

Andyetitdidn’tfeelnaturalatall,andshewascertainhermotherandallthehighsocietywouldfind

onlythingstocriticizeofthelackofotherpeoplearoundthem.

Exceptshewasn’tadebutanteanymore.

Sherestedherhandsoverthetableandglancedatthefood.BrightcarrotsandBrusselssproutswere

piledonplatters.Thesmellofsteakemanatedthroughtheair.

“Itoldcooktomakesomemeat,”hesaidcheerfully.“Theadvantagesoffreshprovisions.”

Herlipstwitched.Theirmeetingwaslikelyoflessinteresttothecaptainthanthefoodspreadbefore

them.

Thoughsomemen’scoatsdidseemtoripplewiththedisplayofmuscles,fartoomanyseemedto

rippleonlyfrompastfeastsoflamb,andtheirelaboratecravatsseemedmerelytomasktheirmultitudeof

chins.

CaptainRossedidnotsufferfromthataffliction.

Sheforcedhergazeawayfromhim,searchingforanything,absolutelyanything,todistractherself

fromthedeepblueshadeofhiseyesandthefriendlycrinkleofhisskinwhenhesmiled.

Hepouredsomedrinkintoherglass,andshehesitated,regardingtheburgundy-coloredliquid.Finally

sheraisedittoherlipsslowly.

“Stop.”

Shehaltedtheascenttowardherlips.Whathadshedonewrong?Buthesimplyclinkedglasseswith

hers.Shetriednottonoticethemannerinwhichhismusclescurvedevenunderneathhisattire,andshe

certainlytriednottomulloverthecurveofhiscockygrin.

“Sotellmeaboutyourresearch,Mr.Thornton.”Heslicedintohissteak.Shesmiledandfollowed

suit.

“Imightboreyou,”shewarned.

“IcanalwaysaskFergustomakecoffeeifmattersgettoodifficult.”

Shelaughed,andhershouldersrelaxed.Thispartwaseasy.She’dimaginedthispartallherlife.

“Istudymarinelife,”shesaid,andherheartthumpedmoreforcefullywhenhemerelynodded.Hedid

notjokethatthesubjectmightbeseenasunbecomingtoawoman,andhiseyesdidnotwidentoan

extraordinarydegree.Thestatementwasonlyonetoberespected,andnottobewonderedat.“InfactI’ve

createdadivinghelmetthatwillallowpeopletoseeunderwater.”

“Indeed?”

“Yes.”Shesmiled.

“Andyoufeelthereisaneedtoseeunderwater?”

“Ifonedesirestoobservethelifethere,”shereplied.“Thereareagreatmanyspeciesoffish.”

“Andyoufinditimportanttoobservethem?”

“Alllifeisfascinating,CaptainRosse.WhenIusethedivinghelmet,Iamexploringanewworld.”

“Youarefearless.”

“Itakeprideintheconstructionofmydivinghelmet.Ihavetesteditrepeatedly.”

Hesmiled.“Iwasreferringtothemanybeastsintheocean.Thepoisonousfish,thesharks,andthe

strengthofthewavesthemselves.”

“Oh.”Sheblinked,andthenherlipssoaredupward,andshehadtohastentotakeanothersipofher

drinklestshespendtherestofthenightmarvelingathim.

Hewasthefirstpersoninheracquaintancetoraisethepossibledangersofherwork.Hermotherhad

warnedherrepeatedlyofthedangerstoherreputation,andhersiblingsandfriendshadexpressedpolite

interestinherwork,butithadnotseemedtooccurtoanyonethatshemightbeindanger.

“Iamcareful,”shesaid.

“MostpeoplewhotraveltotheWestIndiesdonotdescribethemselvesinthatmatter.”

“PerhapsIdohaveanadventurousstreak,”sheadmitted.

CaptainRossedidn’tknowtheextentofit.

“ButIfindthereisgreatvalue,”shecontinued,“inlearningaboutothers.”

“Evenwhentheotherscannotspeaktoyou?”

Shesmiled.“Evenso.InfactIintendtoillustrateanynewspeciesIfind.”

“Youpaint?”Thecaptainsethisforkandknifedownandstaredather.“Howfascinating.”

“Iamnottheonlyscientistdoingthis.”

“AndyetIimaginetherearenotmanyscientistsdepictingmarinelife.”

“Perhapsnot,”shereplied.Iftherehadbeen,Mr.Thorntonwouldnothavebeentheonlypersonto

contacther.

“Iamhopeful,”shemused,“thatthewarmerwaterintheWestIndiesindicatesawidervarietyof

marinelife.Ihaveheardreportsoftheincreasedvarietyofbirdsthereandameagertoexamineunderthe

ocean’ssurface.”

Hetiltedhishead,andhisdarklocksrearrangedthemselvesintoanew,equallyenticingpattern.“You

musttellmewhatyoufind.Youcanshowmeyourdrawings.”

Shebeamedandthenquicklydirectedhergazetoherplateandthetaskofslicinghersteak.Itwould

notdotospendtheentireeveninggazingathiminrapture.Nobodyhadshownherstudiessuchinterest

before.

Shenodded.“HaveyoutraveledtotheWestIndiesoften?”

“Somewouldsaytoooften.”

“Itmustbedifficultforyourparents,”shemused,andthecaptain’seasy-goingexpressiontightened.

Shecursedherforwardness,butthecaptain’sfacesoonrelaxedashebeganspeakingofthewonders

oftheislands,andshevowednottopresshim.

Noteveryonehadparents.

Herfatherwasdead—sheshouldhaveknownbetterthantoassumethathiswerealiveandconcerned

abouthim.

“YouwillenjoyourjourneytotheCaribbean,”thecaptainsaid.“Youwillfindmuchofinterestthere.

WewilllandinBarbadosfirst,theoldestoccupiedBritishisland.”

“Ah.”

“Andthenwe’llvisitSt.Lucia.”Thecaptaingrinned.“Personallythatismyfavorite.”

“BecauseBritainhasjustrecentlywonit?”

“I’maproudEnglishman,”hedeclared.“AndhappythatwefreeditfromthosewretchedFrench.”

“AndthenFalmouth?”

Henodded.“We’llcirclebacktotheotherislandsthough.”

Shewishedshecouldjoinhimontheentirejourney,butArthurwasinFalmouth.

“Iamlookingforwardtothevoyagewithallmyheart.”Hercheekswarmed,anditoccurredtoher

thatmenmightnotbespeakingabouttheirheartswithasgreatfrequencyaswomendid.

Heonlygrinned,andsheconcentratedagainonherplate.

Theyspokemoreofthevariousislands,andheregaledherwithtalesofpastbattles.Shegatheredthat

he’dfoughtfortheRoyalNavy.

“Soyou’renotapirate?”sheaskedfinally.

“Ah,you’vebeenhearingtherumorsthen.Isupposethat’sbefittingofascholar.Youmustpossessa

greatloveforresearch.”Hiseyessparkled.

“Areyougoingtotellmeiftherumorsaretrue?”

“DoIlooklikeapirate?”Hegrinnedfurther.

“Well.No.”Helookedquiterespectable,notthatmusingaloudonthecaptain’sappearancewouldbe

remotelyappropriate.

“Good.”Thecaptainleanedtowardhim.“Weweretechnicallyprivateers.Wepassedaportionofour

winningstothecrown.Themainthingwas,wehelpedkeepforeignshipsfromlingeringtoonearour

islands.”

“I’mnotconvincedthatwasrespectable.”

“Thenyouhavegoodinstincts.”Thecaptaingrinnedandtoreoffhiscravat.Darkhaircurledfromthe

openingofhisshirt,andLouisafoughttheobscureurgetotracehisneckwithherfingers.

ChapterEleven

They’dfinishedsupper,andgenerallywhendiningwithothersRupertwouldeventuallyclearhisthroat

andmentionsomethingaboutwork.

Thistimewasdifferent.Rupertfoundhehadnourgetousherthescientistout.Somethingaboutthe

manamusedhim,andhepouredsomerum.

Heclinkedhiscrystaltumbleragainstthescientist’s.“Cheers.”

“Cheers.”Thescientisttookagenerousswallow,andthenhiseyeswidened,andheplunkedthe

crystaltumblerdownwithsuchforcethattheamberliquidsloshedovertherim.“Itburns.”

“Aye.”Ruperthadtobiteawaytheurgetolaugh.Whatpersonhadnotdrunkspirits?

Therewassomethingfamiliarinthescientist’slargegrayeyes,andhiseyelashesseemeduncommonly

long.Hischeeksdarkened,andheseemedmoreintentonponderingtheassortedartworkfastenedontothe

wallthandirectinghisgazeatRupert’s.

Rupertrelaxedintohischair.Perhapshispassengerhadmadeanameforhimselfstudyingmarinelife,

butheseemeduncommonlyillateasewiththepracticesofactuallife.

Mr.ThorntonremindedhimofthemorededicatedstudentsatHarrow,theoneswhoseemedto

genuinelydelightinrecitingLatinpoems,andwhoseemedspurredonforanactualdesireforknowledge

ratherthanavoidingthetutorsoftenbrutalwrath.

Thefactmadehimsmile,andhesippedmorerum.Hehadn’truminatedonhistimeatschoolinyears.

He’dpreparedhimselfforthepontificationsofascientist,andhe’dsteeledhimselffortheeasy

disparagementsofamanwhodeemedthosesurroundinghimlacking.Inhisexperience,so-called

intellectualssufferedfromadearthofknowledgeonalllifemattersnottamperedbyaninsistenceoftheir

superiority.

Andyetwhenhespokewithhim,hedidnotmourntheabsenceofamerchantorotherseaman.

Peoplebecamescholarsbecausetheywereabletoreasonbetterthanothermenwereandbecause

theyfoundtheirstacksofbooksprovidedcomfort.TheydidnotrequiretheglorythatsomanyofRupert’s

navycomradeshadsought,theglorythatRuperthadsoughthimself.

Hisfatherhadbeenreluctanttolethimgo.He’dbeentooawarethatRuperthadn’tsiredanheir,and

eventhethreatsofBonapartebargingontoBritain’sbordershadn’tdispelledhisfather’snotionthat

Rupertwouldbebetteroffathome,amemberofthelocalmilitia,butcertainlyneveramemberofthe

army.

WhenRuperthadjoinedthenavy,hisfatherwishedhe’djoinedthearmy.

Hisfatherwouldhavelikedtohavepurchasedhimanofficer’sposition,usinghisinfluencetostation

himwithotherwell-bornmenwhomightbecomeusefultohim.

Thenavywaseverythinghisfatherhaddespised.

Thenavywasameritocracy,andthesailorshadscoffedwhenRuperthadappearedinhisearly

twenties.Mostsailorshisagealreadyhadtenyearsofexperience,andRuperthadstruggledthosefirst

months.

Hesmiled.

He’dlearned.Andofcourse,he’dhadJasperbyhisside.Hischestclenched,asitalwaysdidwhen

heconsideredhisformerbestfriend.

Intruth,mostofthementravelingtotheWestIndieswererabidopportunists,happytospendthe

eveningitemizingtheirlandacreage,whentheyhadsome,ordetailingextensivelytheirdreamsof

acquiringthevastwealththattheCreoleshadattained.Theireyesglistenedwhentheyspokeofsugar,and

heknewitwasnotthesweetnesstheywerecontemplating.Theyspokedisparaginglyofsomepeople’s

desirestopurchasesugarsfromFrenchandDutchcoloniesandoftheidealistswhohopedtocurbthe

slavetradewhichtheplantationsdependedon.

ThemanreturnedhisgazetothepaintingsoftheCaribbean.

“ThatoneisofFalmouth,isn’tit?”Thescientistpointedtoone.

“Youareknowledgeableinthingsbesidesfish.”

Thescientist’scheekspinkened.Thegesturecausedhimtowonder.Hedidn’texpectsuchmodesty,

andsomehowthegestureseemedcharming.

“Youarefarmorewell-traveled,”Mr.Thorntonsaid.“Iamenvious.ThereissomuchIwouldliketo

see.”

“MoreeventhanvisitingtheWestIndies?”

“Muchmore.”Hesighed.“ThoughIwillcontentmyselfwiththat.ThosedestinationsaremorethanI

couldeverhavehopedforinlife.”

Rupertchuckled.“Mostpeoplecountthedaysuntiltheycanleavetheship.”

“Thenmostpeoplearefoolish.”

“Thatislikelythecase.”

Rupertwinkedandunwoundhiscravat,andMr.Thorntonblushedagain.

Perhapshehadsomeskinaffliction.

Theman’seyesseemedfixedonhim,andthenheswallowedhard.“I-Ishouldretire.”

“Thisisthefirstnightonyourjourney.Surelyyoucanenjoyyourself.”

“Well...”Thescientistbithislowerlip,andRupertpulledhisgazeawayfromthesuddencrushing

ofwhiteteethagainstpink.Thevulnerablegesturestirredsomethinginhim.Somethingheassociated

morewithbeinginthepresenceofwomen.Hefrowned.PerhapshewasconfusingMr.Thorntonwithhis

sister.Thatwouldmakesense,sincehe’dmetherfirst.

Hisshouldersrelaxed,andheallowedhimselftosmile.“Tellmeaboutyoursister.”

“Mysister?”Themansoundedstartled.

“Imether,remember?”

“Ah,yes.”Themangaveanuneasysmile.

Thorntoncertainlylackedtheeasybrashnessofmostpassengers.

Butthenagain,thismanwasascientistandwaslikelyunaccustomedtopeople.Helikelyfavoredtest

tubesandneatlywrittenrecords.Justbecausethemanwasenthusiasticatbeingatseadidnotmeanthat

themanhadridhimselfofallhisshyness.He’dtoldhiscrewtotreatMr.Thorntonwithhonor,butthe

poormenweremoreaccustomedtoplunderingandinspiringfearinothers,anditwasinevitablethatthey

mightseemintimidating.

Hefrowned,hopinghedidnotseemintimidatingeither.Perhapstherewasmoretobeingagoodhost

thanshavingone’sbeard.

“Thisisyourhomenow,”Rupertsaid,seekingtoreassurethefellow.“Justimaginethatthisisyour

parlor,andIamyourbrother.”

Astrangeexpressionflittedoverthescientist’sface,buthenodded.“Yes.”

Rupertsmiled.Theshipswayedasitcutthroughthewaves,andhetookanothersipofrum.Heshifted

onhisseat.

BloodyFrenchchairs.Hewishedhe’dhadtheforesighttoseizeaDutchship.Dutchmentendedtobe

large.

Heleanedback,stretchinghisarmsoverhisheadandarchinghischest.

Mr.ThorntongaspedandwithdrewhisgazeawayfromRupertwithsuchhastethatRupertwondered

ifhe’dspilledfoodoverhisshirt.Butwhenhelookedinthemirror,everythingseemedordinary.

PerhapsThorntondidnotcareforEnglishmen.Hewouldn’tbethefirstAmericantofeelthatway,and

thatwouldcertainlyexplainhisobviousdiscomfort.RuperthadfoughtagainstAmericansintheWarof

1812whenAmericahadcontinuedtosendshipstoFrance,asifcompletelyincognizantofthedestruction

thatBonapartewasmakingoverallofEurope,alltheworld.Perhapsallthetalkaboutbattlinginthe

RoyalNavyhadmadethemanuncomfortable.

RuperthadbeenproudtoserveBritain,butheknewsomeAmericansfeltlessforgiving,evennow,of

thewar.Mr.ThorntonwouldhavegrownupdespisingtheEnglish.Naturallyhewouldfeelamodicumof

discomfort.

Hesighed.

Naturallythatwouldbethecause.Hehadtoadmittosomefeelingsofprejudicehimself.Itwas

foolishforthemtoactotherwise.WhoknewhowmanyofMr.Thornton’srelativestheRoyalNavyhad

slain.Mr.ThorntonmightbefromNewEngland,mightbefromaregionoftheformercoloniesthatnever

desiredwar,butthatcouldnotmeanhewasinsensitivetoitseffects.

Hedespisedthathe’dfeltasimilaruneasewithAmericans.Naturallythemanmustbeuneasytobe

withaBritishman.Thewarhadscarcelyended.

“Let’sgetthisintotheopen,”Rupertsaid.“Iknowyoursecret.”

Thescientist’scheeksdarkened,andforamomenthislowerlipwobbled.

SomestrangewaveoftendernessratchetedthroughRupert.

Mr.Thorntontiltedhishead,furtherexposinghistightlydrawnqueue.Goldencandlelightflickered

overhissoftfeatures.

Rupertpulledhisgazeaway.“Iknowyourbehavior.It’s—well,Idon’twantyoutodoit.Idon’tthink

thereshouldbeanysecretsbetweenus.We’regoingtobespendinglotsoftimetogether.”

Thescientistsquirmedinhisseat,andhiseyesseemedtowidenevenfurther.

“Youmustn’tworry,”Rupertcontinued.“Infact,Ishareyoursecrettoo.”

“What?”Thorntonblinked,hishorrorevident.MoresympathyrushedthroughRupert.

“Thesedaysit’squitecommon,”Rupertsaid,contemplatinghisexperiencefightingAmericans.

Foralongmomentthescientistjuststaredathim.Finally,hebrokehisgaze.“Youdon’tshowit.”

“Iwouldhopenot!Iwouldn’tbeabletodomyjobifIdid.”Heintendedtocontinuetaking

passengersoverseas,eveniftheywereoftheformercolonialvariety.

“Icanimaginethat,”thescientistnodded.Andthenhegaveawarmlaugh.“Idon’tbelieveyouatall.”

“Youshould,”Rupertsaidmorequietly,andhistonesobered.“IwanttoapologizeifIseemed

intimidatingbefore.It’sjust—I’mnotusedtobeinginsoclosequarterstoaperson—”

“Likeme?”Thescientist’swrysmilepainedRupert’sheart,andhewrappedhisarmstocoverhis

chest.

Rupertnodded.“It’snotyourfault.”

“Somepeoplewouldsayitwas,”Mr.Thorntonsaidmiserably.

“That’sdreadful!Youcan’thelpwhatyou’reborn!”

“Goodnessme!”Mr.Thorntonburiedhisfaceinhishands.

Rupertabsentmindedlynotedtheslendernessandalmostdaintinessoftheman’shands.Perhapsthey

weremoresmoothbecauseheworkedwithhismind.

Somethingstirredinhisbody,butRupertignoredit.Afterall,itwasnaturalforhimtoadmirea

person’shandswhodidn’twork.Purecuriosity.

IthadsimplybeenalongtimesinceRuperthadsocializedwithnon-sailors.

Mr.Thorntonwouldn’tbetheonlymanhemetwhosharedthistrait.Merchantsweren’tknownfor

boutswithphysicallaboreither.Nowthathenolongermadehisfortuneasaprivateerhewouldbecome

acquaintedwithmoremenwiththisfeature.Rupertwassimplymusingonthatfact.Lifechangestendedto

makeonereflective.

Hepouredhimselfanotherdrink,thoughthefamiliarsplatterofamberliquidagainstcrystaldidnot

easethequickenedthumpingofhisheart.

Hismindhadsoughtstrangeplacesthisevening.

MaybehereallyshouldreturntoEnglandforgood.

He’dbeenonashipfortoobloodylong.

Heenjoyedhiswork,butmaybeitmadesensetohavesomething...more.

Thescientist’sfaceseemedtohavegoneanunnaturallylightpallor.

Blast.

“Forgiveme.Ishouldn’thavetoldyouthatInoticed,”Rupertsaid.

“Oh.I-Isupposeit’sgoodyoutoldme.”Thescientistbowedhishead,andhisfingerspattereda

nervousrhythmoverthewoodentable.“Doyouthinkanyoneelseknows?”

Rupertponderedit.He’dliketosayno,butthatwouldn’tbequitehonest.Everyonerememberedthe

war,andthescientisthadlockedhimselfinhisroomallday.Hestrokedhischin.

“Probably,”headmitted.

“Fiddle-faddle!”Thescientist’snarrowshoulderssankfurther.Heseemedsoweakcomparedtothe

othersailors,thoughRupertalreadyknewthatMr.Thorntonoutshonetheminknowledge.“Noonesaid

anything.”

“Ihaveapolitecrew,”Rupertsaidwithsomepride.Perhapsothershipsmighthavelessreasonable

crewmembers,whocouldnotunderstandthemeritsoftolerance.

“Anextraordinarilypoliteone,”hesaid,andhiseyeswidenedinsomethingthatresembledawe.The

openadmirationwarmedRupert.

“Well!”Rupertgrinned.“Perhaps.”

Thescientist’seyessparkled,andRupertturnedhisgazeaway.Itwasperhapsunusualtocontemplate

theirresemblancetothestars.

Probablyhisconsciencewasremindinghimthatheshouldgoondeckbeforetoolong,wherehemight

seesomeactualstars.

Yes,exactly.

“Howdidyoutrainthemsowell?”Mr.Thorntonasked,hisvoicestillincredulous.

“Togivethemcredit,Ineveractuallydiscusseditwiththem,”Rupertadmitted.“Buttheyknowto

giveeventhepeopledifferentfromthemnotrouble.”

“That’swonderful.”

Histoneseemedtohaveattainedahigherpitch,underscoringhissurprise,andRupertdirectedhis

eyeselsewhere.

“It’snothing,”hesaid,butsomehow,underthefullforceofthescientist’sstarry-eyedgaze,hisheart

squeezedasifitwereimportant.“Theyknowyoucan’thelpbeingAmerican.Iknowitmustbestrange

foryoubeingonashipwithnoAmericans,justwithyourformerenemies,but,thewarisovernow.”

Mr.Thornton’sforkclatteredonhisplate,andhischeeksdarkened.

“I’msorry,”Rupertsaidhastily.“Perhapsyouwantedtokeepthatasecret—butwithyouraccent,I

amsurprisedyouwouldhavethoughttheywouldn’thavefigureditout.”

Themanonlysmiled,andhisshoulderseasedasifrelieved.

ChapterTwelve

ShewasAmerican.Andshemightbeuncomfortablebeingaroundherformerenemies.

That’swhathe’ddiscovered.

Notthatshewasawoman.

Louisawaitedforthetingeofpleasureatremainingundiscovered.

Intruthhershouldersdidrelax,andwhenshesmiled,herlipsdidnotwobble,andherheartdidnot

careenwildly.

Butforafewmoments,she’dactuallybelievedthathe’ddiscoveredherdeception...andaccepted

it.Forafewstrangepreciousmomentstheweightofhersecrethadbeenlifted,andshecouldmerelybea

womanpassionateaboutmarinelifespeakingwithamanshedesired.

Herburden,theoneshe’dvoluntarilysubjugatedherselftoward,remained.

Atleastshehadn’trevealedhersecret.Thecaptain’sjovialhumorwouldcertainlyhaltifshe

confessedherdeception.Themanhadn’tevenlikedhavingheronboardhisshipyesterday,andthathad

beenwithaservant.

Thoughshetrustedhimnottotakeadvantageofherfemaleformwerehetodiscovershewasmerely

indisguise,itwouldnotdoforwordtospreadontheshipthatawomanwasonboard.Shehadnodesire

forahoardofroughenedsailorstodiscovershewastheonlyfemalewithinhundredsofmiles.

Despitethecaptain’searlierdismissivedemeanor,hewasnotentirelywithoutsomegoodqualities.In

fact...heseemedinpossessionofverymanygoodqualities.

Goodqualitiesthatitwouldbequeathhertoignore,lestshefindherselflaughingtoohardathisjokes

orfindhereyessofteningtoomuchwhenhegrewmoreserious.Norwoulditbeadvisableforher

attentiontolingeronthebroadnessofhischest,thepleasingcurveofhisneck,andthebrightnessofhis

eyes.

Resistingthattemptationseemedmoreinsurmountablethanevenconductingherresearch.

Shewouldstrivetonotdoanythingtosubjectherselffurthertohissuspicions.

Onthisship,shewasaman.That’sallthecaptainneededtoknow,despitethestrangeurgeshehadto

tellhimeverythingaboutherlife.

“SowhatisyourimpressionofusEnglish?Besidesbeingterribleofcourse.”CaptainRosse’sdeep

voicefilledtheroom,andhislipscurvedinaroguishgrinthatseemedtohaveadirectlinktothe

patteringofherheart.

Thecaptainmovedtofetchmorerum,andhisdark,polishedbootsgleamedunderthecandlelight.His

breechescurvedinasinfulmanneroversinewythighs.Themasculinescentofcedarandrumpervaded

theroom,andthedarkfurniture,swathedinshadows,variedsomuchfromthespacious,lightparlor

roomstowhichshewasaccustomed.

Shetookanothersipofrum,butthealcoholstillburnedherthroat,andshestillcoughed.

Thecaptainsmiled.“Isupposeyou’renotusedtotheCaribbeanvariety.”

“Oh.Yes.SupposeIshouldhavetakenthebrandy,”shelied.

Shehopedbrandydidnothaveasimilarburn.

CaptainRosseremainedsilent.

Sheneededtothinkofsomethingapartfromthebroadnessoftheman’sshoulders.Orthesucculent

curveofhislips.Orhisknowingsultrygaze.

Itdidn’tmatterifhisfeatureswereperfectlysymmetrical,orifhistousledhairgleamedinthe

candlelight.Itdidn’tmatterifhismasculinescentwaftedoverher,anditcertainlydidn’tmatterthatthe

hintofsweatandsandalwoodseemedthemostimpressivethingintheworld.

Itdidn’tmatterbecauseshewasaman.

“SohowdidyoufindEngland?”thecaptainasked.

Shecouldhavekissedhimformakingherthinkofsomethingelse.

Hmph.

Nowshewascontemplatingkissinghim.Andeventhoughshe’dneverkissedanyonebefore,the

thoughtofkissinghiminundatedhermind.Ifonlyshe’dneverreadherstepsister’sbooks.

Shesighed,andherheartfluttered.

“Ienjoyedmyvisit,”shesaid.

Mostly.

Hervoicemayhavesqueaked,andshetookcaretocough.Shestretchedherlegsandcrossedher

armsoverherchestintheauthoritativemannerthatallmenseemedtohold,eventhoughifawomanhad

doneit—ifshehaddoneit,hermotherandgovernessandbothsisterswouldonlyscoldher.

Shetookanothersipofrum,andthistimeshepreparedherselfforthealreadyfamiliarburn.“The

countrysidelookedbeautiful.”

“Muchtamerthanyourundevelopedwoodsandfields.”

“Yes.”Shepressedherlipstogether.Sheconsideredherselfintelligent,butsheseemedtohave

displacedhernormallyextensivevocabularyinfavorofasmatteringofpositive,enthusiasticwordsthat

shedidn’tknowifsheshouldattributetotheEnglishcountrysideortothecaptainhimself.

Hewasbeautiful.

Mostdefinitely.

“Andthepeople?HowdoyoufindusEnglish?”Eventhoughhewasonlyacaptain,hisaccent

seemedrefined,andshefoughttheurgetosighandsaytheywerethemostamazingpeopleintheworld.

Thetemptationwasstrong—ridiculouslystrong,butitwouldn’tbecorrect.

She’denjoyedspendingtimewithLadyRockport,eventhoughthemarchionesshadseemedcold

whenthey’dfirstmet.

Similarly,she’denjoyedspendingtimewithFiona,herbrother’sbride,thoughshe’danticipated

enjoyinghercompany.SheandPercivalsharedthesameparents,andtheirsimilartastecouldn’tbe

shocking.

ButtherestoftheEnglish?Apartfromtheoneswhosecompanyhadbeenmeticulouslyselectedby

herbrothers?

Shesighed,recollectingtheextenttowhichshe’dstrivedtomeetherfamily’sdemands,andhow

openlyandpainfullyshe’dfailed.She’dmasteredtheetiquetteanddancesteps.She’dpracticed

pianofortesotobestentertaingentlemenathouseparties,trainingherfingerstoflyovertheblackand

whitekeystotheunfamiliarimperialisticBritishsongs.Yetithadnevermattered.

EverypotentialsuitorsimplysawherasanAmerican.Afterwordspreadofherinterestinmarine

life,they’dbeeneagertodemeanherfurther,askingherquestions,andthenratherthanlaudingherability

toanswerthem,theydeclaredherabluestockingoftheveryworstsort.Whenhadknowledgebecomea

thingtodespise?

No,shewasgladtobeoutsideBritain’sborders,nomatterhowstrikingthewhitechalkcliffsthat

linedthecountry,orhowimpressivethebrickandlimestonemanorhomesscatteredaboutthehillsand

dales.

“WhatdidyoudoinEngland?”CaptainRosseasked.

“Iattendedsomeballs.Somehouseparties.”

“Asascientist?”Thecaptainraisedhiseyebrows.

Shesquirmedandimbibedmorerum.Shefocusedonthewarmtaste,andnotonthequickeningpace

ofherheart.“Justafewballs.”

She’dgonetoeverysingleone.Everysinglemajoronethatseason,andnothing,absolutelynothing

hadhappened.

Sheclosedhereyes.Shedidn’twanttorelivethehumiliationofdiscoveringthattheEnglish,even

thoughthey’dactedpleasanttoher,hadbeenlaughingthewholetime.Shedidn’twanttorememberthat

dreadfularticleinMatchmakingforWallflowers.

Goodness.

Ifthatgleefullymalevolentarticlehadneverbeenpublished,thenSirSeymourwouldneverhaveread

itandwouldneverhaverushedtoBrightonwithhisunmarriedson.Hewouldneverhavebeenableto

convincehermotherthathissonwasLouisa’sonlyoptiontoeaseherhumiliation.

Ifonlyshe’dbeensomewhatprettier.Ifonlyshehaddisguisedherintelligence,feigninginterestin

horseracingandfoxhuntingastheotherdebutantesdid.

“Tobehonest,”sheadmitted,“IdidnotfindtheEnglishoverlypleasant.Perhapsthemoreregular

onesarefine—buttheupper-classpeople,theyweredreadful.Theton.I’mproudthatmyneighborsin

MassachusettsfoughttoleaveBritain.”

“AtrueAmerican.”

Shebeamed.“Yes.”

“Thoughsurelyyoucouldn’thavehadmuchtodowiththeton?”Hisgazedroppedtoherwrinkled

breeches,andsheplacedherhandsonherlap,consciousoftheplainfabric.Heatrushedtohercheeks,

andsheglancedatthecrystaltumbler.Theamber-coloredliquidhaddecreased.

She’dbeenmoreforthcomingthanshe’dintended.

Shedidn’treachfortherumthistime.

Shecouldn’ttrustwhatwouldhappenifshedid.

“Forgiveme,”shesaid.“Ishouldn’tinsulttheton.You’reEnglish.Youmaybefriendswith—”

“I’mjustnobody.”CaptainRosseinterruptedher.“Notimportantatall.”

Hisfiststightened,andherheartseemedtoconstrictatasimilarlyunwantedrate.

“PerhapsIshouldretire,”shesaid.

Henodded.“Untiltomorrow.”

“Yes,”shesaid.

Shetriedtowalkwiththeassertiveswaggerofaman,buttherollingwavesbeneaththeshipandthe

rummadeanyattemptatwalkingdifficult.

Thecaptainsmiled.“We’refarfromEngland’scoastnow.Thisistheopenocean.”

Shenodded,andthenthecaptainwrappedhisarmaroundherwaist.Hisstrengthstabilizedher,and

shesmiledathim,distractedbythescentofsweatandseaspray.Shestrovenottoleanintohim.She

strovenottoappearasifitwereanythingunusualatalltobestridingsonearaspecimenofsuch

undeniablemasculinity.

Andhewasn’tjusthandsome.

Hewaskindandentertaining.

Hewasintelligent—onedidn’tbecomeacaptainifonewasn’tcomfortableguidinghiscrewonthis

expensiveconcoctionofwoodandsailsandropesthoughstormandbattle.Themanwasresponsiblefor

keepingitoncourseandmanagingthecrew.

SheconsideredSirSeymourandthepridehe’dshowninhavingasonwhodidn’tneedtowork.She

admiredCaptainRossefarmore,andnotdespitehisoccupation.

Shesankdeeperintothecaptain’sarms,andawarmchucklesoundedinherear.“Don’tfallasleepon

me.”

Shetriednottomoan.Shethoughtshe’dmanagedtobesilent,buthelaughed.Fiddle-faddle.

Aclicksounded,andthedoortohercabinswungopen.

Thecaptainambledwithhertothesmallbed.“You’rethemostlightweightpersonI’veeverseen.”

Hercheeksflamed,butshefelthimslideherintothebed.

“Oh,”shemurmured,blissfully.“Youprobablylikescientiststhen.”Shehadtheimpressionthatshe

mightbeslurringherwords,butifthecaptainfoundfault,hedidn’tsay.

“Idolikescientists.Especiallyintelligentones.”

Hereyesshotopen,butthedoorclosed,andshewasalone.Inanewroom.Onanactualship.Very

veryfarfromhome.

ChapterThirteen

Rupertmayneverhaveconsideredhimselfpronetoexcessiveamountsofsmiling,buthislipsseemedto

veerpermanentlyupward,asifthey’dfoundagravitationalpulltowardthesky.

OrMr.Thornton.

Heshookhishead.Hehadn’tthoughtofhimselfaslonely,butlastnighthadamusedhim.Fish.Who

studiedfish?Hesmiled.

Mr.Thorntondidn’tresemblethetypeofpassengertotheWestIndieshe’dexpected.Hehadn’tonce

confidedinRuperthisdesiretomakehisfortuneandtobuildahomeinEnglandthatrivaledthatofthe

otherWestIndiansugartycoons,andhehadn’tdisparagedthosewhodidnotexpresssimilarmonetary

andlandowningambition.Hecertainlyhadn’tlamentedtherisingcostofslavesasmorethanone

distinctlyunpleasantlandownerhadinoneofBarbados’spublichouses.

No,Mr.Thorntonwasdownrightagreeable,eventhoughthemanwasAmerican.Ruperthadbraced

himselfforthetypicalsmugnessex-colonialiststendedtofeelwhenfacedwithanEnglishman,spouting

sentimentsaboutfreedomandindependence,wheneveryoneknewthattheEnglishhadsimplynotseenthe

coloniesvaluableenoughtoputupaproperfightfor.

They’dneverhavelettheirsugarplantationsintheWestIndiesgo.

Rupertsmiled.Healreadycouldn’twaitforwhentheywouldhavedinnerlatertonight.

Mr.Thorntonhaddraggedachairfromhiscabinandplaceditonthequarterdeck.Heseemednotto

carethatfoamywaterfromwavessloppedontothevessel’ssurfacewithregularity.Hegazedatthe

horizonwithanunabashedjoythatmadesomethinginRupert’schestache.

Thorntonclutchedanotebook,andhishandflewashesketchedthewaves.Heresemblednoone

Ruperthadeverencountered.

TheAmericanshe’dmethadbeenbrashandburly,eagertoflaunttheirsuccessesinthepastwars.

Thefewscientistshe’dencounteredhadbeenpale-facedfellowswhoblinkeduncertainly,asifsurprised

toseethesun.Andthoughhecouldn’tdenyThornton’sdefiniteawkwardness,orhowatcertainmoments

he’dcaughtthemanjerkinghisheadawayfromhim,asifunpleasedtoseehim,he’dnevermetascientist

whoexpressedsuchpassionforhisfield.

“Didn’tknowyouwhistled.”Fergus’svoicebrokethroughhiscontemplation.“Whatdoyouthink

aboutthenewpassenger?”

Rupertjumped.“Youstartledme.”

“Oh.”Ferguschuckled.“Neverdonethatbefore.Usuallyyou’realwayssoquick,Cap’n.”

“MaybeI’mcatchingacold,”Rupertsaid,andheavertedhisheadbeforehecouldcatchFergus

scrutinizinghimagain.

OrremarkingthatRupertdidn’tappeartohavetheleastbitofacold.

“IfI’dknownyouhadapassionforwhistling,Cap’n,Iwould‘avesuggestedyoujoinuswhenweall

playtogether.BetterthanOleJeremiah’ssinging,that’sforbloodysure.”

“Idon’thaveapassionforit,”Rupertinsisted.

“Ah,justbreakintospontaneoussong?Ratherromanticlike.”Fergussmirked.

“I’mnot—”RuperthaltedhisblusterasFergus’ssmirkwidened.Hischeeksheated,eventhough,

withthiswind,heshouldn’tbefeelingtheleastbitwarm.“Nevermind.”

Thewordswereafaintrebuke,andFergus’ssmiledidnotdisappear.

Fergusremainedbesidehim,andRuperttorehishandthroughhishair.

“Thescientistisagoodpassenger.Quiet,”Rupertsaid,addressingFergus’sinitialquestion.

“Didn’tseemquietlastnight,”Fergussaid.“ThinkIcouldn’thearyoutoolaughingthen?”

“I—”

“Don’tthinkI’veseenyousocontentsinceyou’vebeenwithawoman.”

Rupertgrunted.“You’renotsupposedtospeaktoyoursuperiorinsuchterms.”

Fergusshrugged.

Themanwassilent,Lordblesshim,buthiswordshadalreadymadehimthinkfartoomuch.

Hescrunchedhisfingersaroundtherailoftheship,andthebreezerippledoverhim.

Perhaps...Heshiftedhislegsoverthedeck,consciousofthesailors’occasionalquestioningglances

athim.

Therewassomethingstrangeaboutthescientist.Somethingalmostfascinating.Hefrowned.

He’dneverattributedamanwiththatparticularqualitybefore.Intelligence,perhaps.Confidence,

certainly.Butnotbeing...fascinating.

Hefoundhisgazedriftingtowardthescientistagain.Thorntonwasconsumedwithhissketches.It

mightonlybethewavesnow,butheknewthemanwoulddrawfishwhentheyreachedtheCaribbean.

He’dexplainedhowhisdivinghelmetfunctioned,thoughwhenRuperthadsuggestedhedemonstrateit

beforehim,he’donlyblushed.

Wasitpossiblehemadehimuncomfortable?

Rupertalmostlaughed.

Hecertainlyhadn’tmeanttointimidateMr.Thornton.

Unless...

Heblinked.

TherewassomethingabouthowthelightstruckMr.Thornton’scheeks...Somethingabouthow

Thorntontilteduphishead,asiftowonderattheheightofthemaststhatmadeRupertdesiretotouslehis

hair.Itwasthesortofgesturethatthecompanyofawomanmightinspireinhim.

Lastnightthey’dbeeninadarkroom,butnowhisappearancewasclearlyexposed.Hisbodywas

slender,perhapsexplainedbytheman’sinclinationtostudybooksratherthanthehardlaborthesailors

tookon.

Theman’shair,tiedbackalmosttooharshly,seemedtohighlighthischeeksmore.Oratleasthe

seemedtobespendinganinordinateamountoftimemusingabouthisheart-shapedface.

Heappearedalmost...feminine.

Afactthatshouldhavebeenadisagreeablequality,atleastinaman,andyetRupertwasmost

certainlynotthinkingunflatteringthoughts.

HeknewMr.Thornton’ssisterhadbroughtthedivinghelmetontheship,butinthestarklightofthe

sun,theresemblanceseemedevenmorepronounced.

Hehadn’tnoticeditinthedimlightbelowdeck,buthisskinlookedlikeitdidn’tevenneedtoseea

razor.

Odd.

Distinctly,definitelyodd.

Unless...Thorntonhadsmall,daintyhands.Herecalledthemomentslastnighthislaughterhadrung

withahigherpitchqualitylikethatofaboywhosevoicehadn’tshifted.Themanlookedyoung,buthe’d

certainlyadvancedpastvoicechangingage.

Hewantedtolaugh.Thewomanwho’dbroughtthedivinghelmetcouldn’tpossiblyhavedisguised

herself,couldshehave?

Hestaredatthescientistagain.Hewishedhe’dpaidmoreattentioninBrighton.

“Ishouldseetothepassenger,”Rupertsaid,movingfromFergus.

Itwasn’tpossible.

Mr.Thorntoncouldn’tbeawoman.

Thethoughtwasridiculous,confinedtohallucinationsbetterexplainedtothirstymeninthedesert.

Andyet...

Hemarchedtowardthescientist.“MayIspeaktoyouinprivate?”

Mr.Thornton—orwhoeverthispersonwas—raisedhiseyebrows.

Rupertnotedtheywerethinnerthanthebushybrowsthatadornedthesailors,thoughthescientist

wouldnotbethefirstmantopayattentiontohisappearance.Rupertmaynothaveattendedaballamongst

thetoninyears,buthe’dnotentirelylostallmemoriesofthoselavish,overtlysumptuousoccasions.The

meninthosefestivitieshadbeenattiredinenoughvelvetandsatintorivalanywoman,andthecutoftheir

pantaloonshadrevealedtheshapeoftheirlegs,ostensiblytobestshowtheirmasteryofthecomplex

dancesteps.

Rupertfrowned.He’dneverfoundthosemenappealingandhadgreatlyfavoredminglingwiththe

women,lingeringonfullbosomsandlusciouslockswhenhehadthechance.

Blast.

Ifhe’dbeentricked.

He’dbeenapiratecaptain.He’dtrickedenemyships.He’dbeensneakingandcunning...Ifsome

chithadliedherwayonboard,evenwhenitwasexpresslyforbiddentotravelalone—

Heshookhishead.

Hebetternothavebeenfooled.

Ontheotherhand—whatwomanwouldbefoolishenoughtoventureontoashiponherown?

EspeciallyoneboundfortheWestIndies,ofallthedangerousplacesintheworldtochoose?

“Youhaven’tbeenhonestwithme,”Rupertsaid,andthescientist’seyesflickeredtohisside.Rupert

knewguiltymen.He’dmetenoughofthem.Onedidn’tbecomeacaptainwithoutbeingabletonotewhen

asailorwaslapsingonhisduties.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Mr.Thornton’svoicewobbled,andheflushed.

Rupertrefusedtocontemplatetheadorablenessoftherosyshadeadorningtheman’scheeks,andhe

firmedhisjaw.“Belowdeck,now.”

Thescientistwidenedhiseyes,andhejumpedup.Hisbooksandpapersremainedpiledonthedeck,

andvibrantillustrationslaybesideduller,carefullyinscribednotes.

“You—er—shouldprobablytakeyourthingswithyou.Iwouldn’twantthegusttoblowintothe

ocean.”

Themannoddedandpickeduphispapers.Rupertpeeredovertheman’sshoulder,notingimpeccably

drawnwaves.Withafewstrokeshehadseemedtoencapsulatethesettingperfectly.

Hefrowned.Hewassupposedtobeinterrogatinghim.Notadmiringhisartisticprowess.

“Followme,”Rupertsaid,hisvoicegruff,andheheadedtowardhisquarters,relievedtohear

scamperingbehindhim.

Hedescendedthesteepsteps,marchedthroughthecorridor,duckinghishead,andpushedopenthe

doortohisquarters.Thetablehadlongbeencleared,andhecringedatthememoryoftheirevening

together.

He’dconfidedtoomuch.HetiltedhisheadatMr.Thornton.MissThornton?

“HowcanIhelpyou?”Thornton’svoicewobbled,andforsomeabsurdreason,thefactmadehis

heartsqueeze.

“Youtellme.”Hefirmedhisjawandstaredintowide-setgrayeyes.“Idon’tbelieveyouarewhoyou

sayyouare.”

HestaredatThornton’scheeks.Theyappeared...soft.Notscruffylikealltheothermen’safter

they’dscrapedarazoragainstthem.Hischeekslookedsmooth,almostfeminine,andheplacedhishand

onthem.

*

AngerglintedfromCaptainRosse’seyes.Hisnostrilsflared,andLouisa’sheartbeatratcheted.The

man’shandremainedonherface,sendinganunwelcomeheatsurgingthroughher.

“Putyourhanddown,”sheordered,buttheman’shandscarcelywavered.

“You’vebeenlyingtome,”hesaid.

Shesteppedback,andherspineslammedagainstthewoodenwall.Thecaptainnarrowedthedistance

betweenthem,andhisclearblueeyessparkedwithanger.

Thiswasn’tgood.

He’dfoundherout.

Shecouldn’tletthishappen.Shecouldn’tbediscovered.Shecouldn’tadmitthatshewasawomanon

boardashipfilledwithmen.Shecouldn’tgiveupthepossibilityofdoingresearch.

“You’reawoman,”thecaptainsaid.

Shestruggledfromhisgrip,buthisholdtightenedaroundherwaist.

Dreadfilledher.

Howdidheknow?She’dattemptedtobesocareful.

He’sonlysuspicious.

Andsherefusedtoconfirmhissuspicion.

Shewidenedhereyescarefullyandtookcaretokeepherpitchlow.“Nonsense!”

Hesmiled,asifhe’dexpectedhertoprotest.

Hermindscamperedandskipped,desperatetothinkofsomething...anythingtokeephimfrom

confirminghissuspicions.

“It’strue.”Herthroatseemedtothinkshe’dsteppedintotheSaharainsteadofhisquarters,andshe

struggledtospeak,butsheforcedherselftocontinue.“I’mnotwhoIsaidIwas.”

Hegaveashort,harshlaugh.“Ibelieveyou.”

“I’m—notascholar.”Sherefusedtheinclinationtoresthergazeanywherebutonhimandhis

darkeningeyes.

Heblinked,andshecarriedforward,heartenedbyhishesitancy.

“Iliedabout...that.”

“Oh.”

Sheforcedherselftolaugh.“Iamtooyoung,butIwantedvalidation.”

“Oh.”Hestaredatheragain.

“Iwouldhopethatyouwouldn’ttellanyone...”Sheattemptedtosmile.“ButI’mcertainlynota

woman.Imean,”shelaughed,hopingthewobblewasnotasapparenttohimasitsoundedtoher,“That

wouldberidiculous.”

“Idon’tbelieveyou,”hegrowled.

Hisgazedroppedtoherchest,andawildideaoccurredtoher.

Herheartratehammered,butshehadtoconvincehim.Herbosomwasalwaysmeager,butnowitwas

bound.Shegrabbedhishand,ignoringthesharpheatthatjoltedthroughheratmeetinghisskin.Hiseyes

widenedforamoment,andsheignoredthedesiretogazeintothem.

Insteadshejerkedhishandtoherchestandplaceditagainstherflattenedbosom.Sun-kissedskin

touchedwherenomanhadevertouched,andherlegsweakenedbeneathher.Thewoodenwallpressed

againstherashisfirmhandexploredher.

Thebindingwastight.

Shewassafe.

Thecaptain’sconfidentexpressiongavewaytoconfusion.“You’renot—”

Sheraisedherchin.“Naturallynot!Thatwouldbeutternonsense.”

“Butyourface—”Heswallowedhard.“Imeanyourskin,yourdemeanor—”

“Ihaven’tevenbeentouniversity.I’mtooyoung.Sopleaseremoveyourhandfrommychest.”She

tiltedherheadandallowedherlipstoscrunchintooneofthosedreadfulsmirksotherdebutantesmade.

“Unlessyou’reoneofthosemenwhoenjoysdoingsuchthings?”

“What?”Thecaptainjerkedhishandaway,andhisshouldersslumpeddown.“Of—ofcoursenot.”

Hischeekswereadefinitedarkershadethanthey’dbeenbefore.

“Good.”Shesmiledtightly.“Iwouldratheryourefrainfromanyurgetotouchmylengtheither.”

Thecaptain’seyeswidened,andshegesturedtoherbreeches,andthespaceinsidewhichshe’dsewn

amasculineappendage.

“Forgiveme.”Thecaptainsteppedbackwardbetweenthem,andshesighed,relievedhe’drefrained

fromgropinghertheretoo.Thefabricshe’dsewntheremightberatherlessconvincingtoamanfamiliar

withitsappropriateanatomy.

“IfIwereawoman,”shesaid,“mysister,asyousay,Iwouldnothaveintroducedmyselftoyouasa

womanfirst.”

“Isupposenot,”headmitted.“Whoareyou?”

“Mr.Thornton,”shesaid.“Mr.SebastianThornton.Now,”Louisasaid,eagertoleavehim,“Ishould

returntomyresearch.Youhaveashiptocaptainandnotapassengertogrope.”

Hischeeksreddenedfurther,andshebrushedbyhimquicklybeforeshecouldmakefurthereye

contact.

*

Thetablewasset.

Fortwopeople.

Rupertfrownedattheplacesetting.Hewasn’tpreparedtoseeThorntonagain.Perhapsthescientist

hadinflatedhisaccomplishments,butthoughthatmightbeacrimeinacademiccircles,itwasn’toneon

thisship.Hislipstwisted.Rupertknewmoreaboutmisrepresentingbackgroundsthananyone.Just

becauseheliedabouthispast,didnotmeaneverypersonwhowanderedontohisshipdid.

Hischeeksstillburnedattheafternoon’sincident.He’dspentthewholemorninglookingforwardto

diningwithMr.Thorntonagain,andnowhedesirednothingsomuchastoavoidhim.

Wherewasaferociousstormwhenheneededone?

He’dhumiliatedhimself.Gropingtheman’schest.Whatwomaninherrightmindwouldpossibly

disguiseherselfasamanandboardashipfilledwithmenheadedtowardtheWestIndies?

Notabloodysingleone.

Women’ssensibilitiesexcludedthepotentialforsuchoutrageousactions.

Hesuckedinadeepbreathofair.IfhecouldfaceAmericansinthemidstofwar,ifhecouldattack

Frenchshipsandstealtheirlootforhiscountry,hecouldcertainlyfacethescientist.

Theoretically.

Evenifhehadaveryclearmemoryofnearlytearingofftheman’sshirt,andevenifhe’dalmost

thoughthe’dfeltsomethingmoreontheman’schest.Thathadbeenfantasy.Amereglimpseattheman’s

breecheshadrevealedthat.

“CaptainRosse?”Thornton’svoiceinterruptedhismusings.

“Forgiveme.Ididnothearyouenter.”Rupertforcedhimselftosmile.

ThegesturedidnotseemtoassureThornton.Hestillhadn’tmethiseyes.LikelyThorntonwas

terrifiedRupertwouldforcehimselfonhimagain,shovinghimagainstthewall,and—

HeatburnedRupert’scheeksagain.

“Idon’thavetoeat—”

Blast.

Theman’sdiscomfortcouldalmostbedescribedasadorable.Rupert’ssmilecamemorenaturallythis

time.“I’msureyouhavetoeat.”

“Imean—Ineedn’teathere.”Helookeddownward,andRupertwasstruckbythelengthoftheman’s

sootylashes.Doubleblast.

“Nonsense.”Rupertsettledintohischair,moreforhisbenefitthanThornton’s.Hegesturedtotheseat

oppositehim.

Thorntonsatdowngingerly,asifworriedRupertmightdecidetoaccosthimagain.

Rupertforcedhimselftofocusonhisfoodandnotthemannerinwhichthecandlelightflickeredover

Thornton’sface.

Hescowled.He’dbeensocertainThorntonwasawoman.Somethinginhischest

tightened.Disappointment?

“Sotellmeaboutyourdeception,”Rupertsaidfinally.

Thorntonwidenedhiseyes,andhishandsshookashetoreapieceofbread.

“Overstatingyourscientificbackground,”Rupertprompted.

Thorntonseemedtoexhale.“Ishouldn’thavedoneit.”

“Thenwhydidyou?”Rupertasked

Hehesitated.“Ithoughtitmighthelpmegetaplaceontheship.”

Rupertchuckled,andthetensioninhisbodyeased.“We’renotveryelitisthere.Youdidn’tneedto

worryaboutthatatall.”

Thornton’suncertainsmilewidened.“Itjustseemedlikesuchadream.VisitingtheWestIndies.”

“I’llhavetoshowyouaround,”Rupertsaid,andhegrinnedastheman’sfacepinkened,andhis

eyelashesswoopeddownward.

*

Louisahadexpectedtheworstwhenshe’dbeenusheredtothecaptain’squartersagain.Shewould

neverforgetthememoryofhishandsonherwrists,hisbreathagainsthisear,andhiseyesroamingover

her.

Hiseyesnowseemeddeterminedtolookanywherebuther.

“WhenwasthefirsttimeyouvisitedtheWestIndies,”shesaid,eagertodiscussanything,absolutely

anythingexceptthematteronwhichtheywerenodoubtbothdwelling.

“IjoinedtheRoyalNavytenyearsago.”

“Ah.Soyourememberwhenwedefeatedyouatsea.”

“Youknow,”thecaptainmused,“Icouldremovethatfoodfromyourplateafterall.”

Shesmiled.“Inallfairness,weneverexpectedtodefeatyou.”

“I’mnotconfidentyoudid.Someofyourgeneralswereappalling.”

“Perhapsinpartsofthecountry.NearCanada.Notontheocean.”

“SoafterspendingyouryouthlaughingattheBritishwhenreadingaboutusinthebroadsheets,you

decidedtoactuallyvisitBritain?”

Shesmiled.“ClearlyI’minneedofcontinuedamusement.”

Heflushedagainandtookadeepsipofwine.Perhapsthemanwasthinkingofhisactionstoday,and

herheartsqueezed.Shewishedshecouldeasehisembarrassmentandtellhimthatallhissuspicionshad

beenutterlycorrect.

“Whatreallybroughtyouthere?”Thecaptainasked.

Shehesitated.Shecouldn’ttellhimithadbeentofindahusband.

“IwouldhavethoughtyoumighthavebookedavoyagetotheWestIndiessooner,”thecaptainadded.

“SurelythefishinEnglandcannotdiffersogreatlyfromthoseinMassachusetts.Oraretheregreat

examplesofmarinelifenativetoEnglandofwhichI’munaware?”

“Youdon’tseemtohavemuchfaithintheappealofyourhomecountry,CaptainRosse.”

“ActuallyIhadapleasantexperiencethererecently,”hemused.“Ihopetoreturnsoon.”

Theyspokelonger,andtheuneasyrhythmofherheartbeatsteadied,andshefoundtheintervals

betweenhersmilesnarrowing.

ChapterFourteen

WindblusteredoverRupert,andtheshipdippedupanddown.Foamywavescrestedagainstthehull,and

sharpgustsswallowedthesailors’shouts.

Theairwaswarmer,andtheseawascrisper,clearer.Theweekshadpassedfartooquickly,andsoon

theywouldbeinBarbados.Sailorsrushedabout,eagertobedocked,andhespokewiththemand

ascertainedthecourse.

RupertwaspainfullyawareofThornton.Thoughhepridedhimselfonknowingwhatwashappening

abovedeck,hewascertainsomuchtimeshouldnotbespentonreflectingonthescientist’severymove.

Eacharchoftheman’snecktomorecloselyobservethedolphinsthatleapedfromtheoceanseemedto

sendatingeoflongingthrougheverysingleoneofhisnerves.

Hedescendedthenarrowstaircaseandreturnedtohisquarters.Hadhedevelopedsomeformof

strangeobsession?Perhapsderivedfrombeingsolongatsea?.Blast.Hadheforgottenwhattruewomen

lookedlike?Orwashesodesperateforthemthatheoptimisticallyinvestigatedundertheattireofmen?

Hesettledontohischairandremovedhisledger.Imagesofthescientistfloatedthroughhismind

insteadoftherowsofblackdigitsbeforehim.Heshiftedhisbodyagainstthehardwoodenbackofthe

chair.

Clearlyheneededtoseesomewomen,actualwomen,notsimplymenwhoseslenderfeaturesmade

himcontemplate...

Moreimages,naughtierimages,dashedthroughhismind.

Theman’ssoftskin,perhapssimplyatestamenttohisyouthandfamilytraits,seemedtoshineinhis

mind,andonmorethanoneoccasionhe’dfoughttheurgetobrushhisfingersoverthesumptuous

smoothness.Hewantedtodelvehisfingersintheman’slocks,andheyearnedtotracehisfingersoverthe

scientist’schiseledfeatures,andperhapsunravelhisalwaysappallinglytiedcravat.

Ruperthadalwaysenjoyedkissingnecks.

Energysurgedthroughhim,andhesprangupfromhisseat.Thecabinwastoonarrow,too

constricting,anditwastootemptingtoconsider—

Bloodyhell.

Heslammedhishandagainstthewall,asifthejoltofpainmighttumblethethoughtsfromhismind.

Hisnostrilsflared,andhemarchedbackupstairs.Hecraveddistraction.

Heinhaledthesaltyaireagerlywhenhereenteredthedeck.Heavoidedthegazesofthesailors,asif

theymightbeabletoascertainhisinnermostthoughts.

ByGod,heneededawoman.

Heneededsomenormalcy.

Heremindedhimselfthathewashappy.Thiswaswhyhedidn’treturntoEngland.Thiswaswhyhe

didn’tseekawifeandpromptlyattempttosireanheirandspareswiththevigorsuitedtoafutureduke.

Butthestrangeenergycontinuedtosurgethroughhim,andhecontinuedtopacethedeck.

Aship’senvironmentwasinherentlyunnatural—afactofwhichRuperthadneverbeensopainfully

aware.LikelyThorntonalsomissedthecompanyofwomen.

Sadnesssurgedthroughhim,andRupertshookhishead.Heneverfeltsad.Thatwasanemotiontofall

others,withlesssteelycontroloftheirspirits.

RupertvowedtoatleastshowMr.Thorntonagoodtime.Thatwastheveryleasthecoulddo.Andon

theisland...Rupertsmiled.Heknewexactlywherehewouldtakehim.

*

WhenLouisahadlastbeenintheAmericas,theleaveshadalreadybeenintheirfinaldeaththroes.

Thetreecolorsweremurky,andmoreleaveshadadornedthegroundthanbranches.Eventhegrasshad

paled,andtheoncevibrantwildflowershaddied,theirstiffcorpseswavingawkwardlyinthewind.

Nosuchfatehadbefallenthenaturehere.Perhapslaterintheyear,thecloudswouldbecomegray,

andtheflowerswoulddisappear.Notnow.

Palmtreesdottedthecoast.Theirleaves,longerthananyshewasaccustomedtofannedinthesoft

breeze.Theturquoisewatersparkledunderthestrongsunbeams,butthevibranttreesandbushesmanaged

toequaltheintensityofthebeauty.

Hereyessparkled.“We’realmosthere.”

Theshipnearedtheport.Theywouldstayonthisislandforoneweek,beforeheadingtoJamaica,

whereshewouldbeabletofindArthur.Herbrotherwouldbeabletoarrangetransporthomeforher,

thoughhopefullyshemightstaywithhimlongeranddomoreresearch.

Shesighed.ThethoughtofseeingArthuragainshouldhavebroughtherjoy,andshetoldherselfthatit

stilldid,butshealsocouldn’tshakethesorrowthatshewouldneedtoleaveCaptainRosse.The

SapphirePrincessalreadyfeltlikemoreofahometoherthananyactualhomeeverhad.

Tomorrowmorningshewouldsneakofftheshiptodoherresearch.Onlyafewmorehourstogo...

Andthenshewouldbeswimming.Underwater.Withallthefishshe’dalwaysdreamedofseeing.

Thesunbeatdownonher,andshesighedinthepleasantwarmth.Hersecretremainedundiscovered.

Shewouldgetawaywiththis.

Shetriedtoshakethefeelingofguiltatherfamily’sinevitablebewildermentwhenthey’ddiscovered

hermissing.

“Imayhaveasurpriseforyou.”CaptainRossebeameddownather.

“Indeed?Youdidnotneedtodothat.”Hereyessoftenedasshegazedathim,wonderingathowhe

managedtoappearsowonderfulandremainsoconsiderate,andhelookedawayhastily.

Hestretchedhishandtohiscollarandmovedhisgazetowardthehorizon.Apale,eversoenticing

stripofsandseparatedthepalmtreesfromtheturquoisewater.LikelyCaptainRosse’seagernesstoland

equaledhers.

“Youshoulddressnicelytonight,”hesaid.

“Areweinsuchgoodcompany?”SomethinginLouisa’shearttightened.Itwasn’tproperforhimto

holdsuchaneffectoverher.

CaptainRossesmiledsecretively.“Goodisnottheproperword.”

Herlipsspreadintoasimilarsmile,andjoysurgedthroughher.Hishappinesswasthedearestthing

toher.Shepeeredupathim.Sunbeamsshoneoverhim,highlightingeverygoldenlockofhishair.

Shecouldthinkofamyriadofnotgoodthingsabouthim.

Itwouldbenicetoimaginethathedesiredtostrolltheseashorewithherandwatchthesunsetwith

herathisside.

Hiseyescontinuedtotwinkle,andhercheekswarmed,andsheavertedhergaze,herheartbeat

thunderingatthethoughtoftonight.

ChapterFifteen

Thesuntoppleddownward,andtheskyturnedorange.Theverdantleavesthatcrownedeachtree

darkenedintoashadethatmostresembledebony.Pinkandlilaclightdabbledovertheclouds,moving

overtheonceazuresky.CaptainRossemanagedtobeonceagainthoroughlycorrect,Louisamused.

Goodcertainlywasnottheproperword.

He’dtakenhertoabrothel.

Oratleastthat’swhatLouisaassumedfromtheabundantcollectionofscantilycladwomenandthe

unmistakablesoundsofmoaningcomingfromthehuts.

Theleavescontinuedtoflutterinthebreeze,butthelandscapehadtransformed,andthescentof

incenseandspicesseemedtothickeninthealreadyheavyair,asifnolongeremboldenedtocompetewith

theoncecolorfulscenery.Torchesflickeredonthebeach.Dark-skinnedwomenreclinedonchairs,

swathedinjeweledfabrics.

“Thisway.”Hestrolledtowardthebrothel.

Louisa’sfeetsankintothesoftsand,andshestruggledtofollowhimwithequalforce,evenifshewas

certainshewantedtobenowherenearsuchanestablishment.

Starssparkledfromthesky,butnomanadmiredtheheavensatthistime.Othersailorsfromtheirship,

andotherwhite-skinnedmen,mingledwiththedark-skinnedwomen.SheturnedtoRupert.Hemustbe

embarrassedthatthey’dhappeneduponsuchanunsavorylocation.

Butnoembarrassmentflickeredoverthecaptain’sface.“Ithoughtyoumightenjoythis.”

“Oh?”Louisa’svoicesqueaked,andshecoughedfuriously.“Thisis...thesurprise?”

Goodness.

She’dhopedforsomethingelse.Hehadsentherknowinglooks,andforsomeridiculousreasonshe’d

believed...

She’dbeenanabsolutefooltoimaginetheremightbeanotherreasonhedesiredhercompany.He

mighteatwithheratdinner,onthosenightswhentheseawascalm,andhispresencewasnotrequired

abovedeck,butthefirsttimetheysetfootonactualland,heusheredhertosuchadisreputable

establishment.

“Ithoughtyoumusttireofourdiscussionsinmyquarters.”CaptainRosselaughed,butthelaugh

soundedforcedandalmost...pained.

Sheswallowedhard.

“Icouldnevertireofthem,”shesaidsolemnly.

“Oh?”

Shenodded,notavoidinghisgaze,eventhoughsheknewsheshould.

Rupertflushed.“We’vebeenatseaalongtime.Ithoughtyoumightappreciateadiversion.”

Therewasatraceofuncertaintyinhisvoice,andLouisaremindedherselfthattherewasnoneedto

ponderthereason.Itwaslikelysomethingtodowithsailingorsomepastexperience.

Nother.

Certainlynother.

Amanwhobroughthisfriendtoaharemofwomendidnotpossessanyfeelingstowardhisfriend.

Thesewomen,withtheircurvedbodiesglintingwithjewelsandexoticfabrics,didnotresembleapale,

thinNewEnglandscientist.

Herstomachtightened,butshestrovetoretainacheerfuldemeanor.“Thisismarvelous.Awonderful

surprise.”

“Youlikeit?”Hisvoicewobbled,andshenoddedvehemently.Shedidnotwanthimtothinkshehad

anyinappropriateaffectionforhimherself.

“Naturally,”shesaidairily.“Theyarebeautifulwomen.”

“Ah,yes,”thecaptainsaid.

“Thesailorsseemquitehappywiththem,”shesaid.“Er—goodsign.”

“Indeed.”

Someonewasbeatingdrums,andthealreadyhumidairseemedtothicken.Thewomen’sattire

revealedmosteverything,andsheforcedhergazeawayfromsplayinghipsandgenerousbosoms.

Sheshivered.Wasthiswhatmendesired?Certainlythosewomenwhomthesailorsjoyfullymetwith

couldnotvarymorefromher—evenwhenshewasattiredinthetraditionalfemalemanner.

“They’renotwearingverymuch,”shesaidbeforehercheekswarmed.Shecoughed.“It’s—er—good

tosee.Naturally.”

Thecaptainnodded.“Ithoughtyouwouldlikeit.”

Shesmiledtightly.

Shedidn’tlikeit.

Sheabsolutelydidn’tlikeit,butshetriedtoimitatesomeofthelustfulgazesactualmenmightgivein

thissituation.Certainlytherewereenoughmenaboutexpressingtheirdelightatthesituationtoimitate.

“QuitedifferentfromwomenupinNewEngland,”shesaid,tryingtosoundauthoritative,and

realizingtoolatethatauthoritativemightnotbetherightnoteexpected.“Imean—theiranklesareon

display.”

“Quitemorethantheirankles,”thecaptainresponded,andhumortingedhisvoice.

Thiswashowshelikedhimtobe.Happyandjoyful.

Yetshedidnotwantthatjoytobecausedbythehalf-nudewomensplayedoverthebeach.

“Youmayhaveapoint.”Shecastanotherglanceatthewomen.“Er—awfullygood.”

Sheshivered.Thewomencouldn’tresembleherless.Shedespisedtheclothshe’dwrappedtightly

aroundherbosomtobindit.Shedespisedherbreechesandshirt.Shedespisedthatshe’dwornherboots,

whichmadehergait—neververyelegant—evenclumsierastheysankintothesand.Sheevendespised

theheatandhowitcausedthebackofhernecktoprickleandsweattoslidedownherbrow.

Thoughperhapsitwasunfairtoentirelyblametheheat.

Herfoolishexpectationsandthecaptain’sforcefuldelightathislocationseemedmoreatfault.

“Areyoufine?”ConcernsoundedinCaptainRosse’stone,andherheartached.He’dbeensweet—in

afashion.

“Splendid.”Sheusedherdeepestvoiceandattemptedtoconjuresomethinglikedelight.Shepaused

andthenrubbedherhandstogether.“I—er—justwanttograbthem.”

“Oh.Metoo.Er—naturally.”I-Ididn’tknowwhatyouwouldthink.Buttherearesomeroomsinthe

backifyouwouldlikesomeprivacy.”Hetookadeepbreath,andhisfacecontortedintoanexpressiona

paintermightusewhendepictingaherorightbeforeherodetohisdeath.“Whichwomanwouldyou

like?”

“I’lljusthavealookaround.Wouldn’twanttogetthewrongone,right?”Shegavehermostconfident

nodandthenlaughed.

Thecaptainjoinedher,thoughhislaughsoundedweakerandmoreuncomfortable.“Verywell.”

Shehadthestrangestsensationthatshe’dgiventhewronganswer.She’dtriedtomaintaintheillusion

shewasaman—butwashetestingherforanotherreason?

“I’llmeetyouattheship,”CaptainRossesaid.“Canyoufindyourwayback?”

Sheblinked.She’dratherassumedhe’dwanttopartakeintheactivities,butinsteadhisfaceappeared

ashen.

Shenodded.“Naturally.Wemenarequitecapableofthat.Quitean—er—masculinetrait.”

Thecaptainnodded,tensionstillvisibleinhisface,andhepaddedawayfromher,hisshoulderssunk.

Shewasalone.

Withabouttwentyladiesofthenightandevenmoresailors.

*

Hewasn’tthinkingaboutthewomen.

Theircleavagemightbedisplayed,theircheeksmightberougedandthecurveoftheirhipsevidentas

theysprawledonthebeach.

Othersailorssprintedtowardthem,asiftheywerethefinestsirens.

Therewasonlyonepersonwithwhomhewantedtospendtime.Andunfortunatelyhewantedtodo

rathermorethantospendtimewithhim.

FrustrationratchetedthroughRupert,andtheoceanlappedinrhythmicwavesatoddswiththe

careeningofhisheart.Hesankontothesandandpeeredatthedarkwaves.Onepersonwas

swimming.AnotherthingIdon’tdo.

Thiswassupposedtobehappiness.Thiswasthedayhissailorsanticipatedwitheagerness—thefirst

dayaftercrossingtheAtlantictheywereonsolidland.

“CaptainRosse?”Thornton’svoicesoundedbehindhim.

“Gototheparty,”Rupertgrowled,keepinghisgazeontheshoreline.Hecursedthathisentirebody

seemedridiculouslyawareoftheotherman’spresence.Theveryhairsonhisarmsprickled.

“Youoverestimatemypassionforbrothels,”Thorntonsaid.

“EvenforthefinestwomenintheCaribbean?”

“SomehowIdoubtthat.Thoughevenifthatwerethecase...”Thorntondidn’tfinishthethought,and

astrangedisappointmentsurgedthroughRupert.

Thorntonsettledbesidehimonthesandandglidedhishandsthroughthedelicatesand.“Inever

thoughtI’dbeabletoexperiencethis.”

“Mm...hmm.”

Themanstretchedhisarmsoverhishead,perhapstoremainlackadaisical,butRupert’sgazewas

directedathischestandthemannerinwhichhisattiretightenedaroundit.

Hecursedtheflickeringlightsofthelanterns,andhisthroatdried,asiftheonlythinghisblastedbody

wascapableofdoingwasregardingthescientist.ThememoryofpressinghishandagainstThornton’s

chestseemedtosoarthroughhim.

“Whydidn’tyouliketheentertainment?”Ruperthadn’tmeantforhisvoicetoquiver,andhecoughed.

“Doyour...tastesdifferfromthatofothermen?”

Thorntongaveanawkwardlaugh.“PerhapsyouarecorrectthatIdonothavemuchincommonwith

theothersailors.”

HopeforsomethinghedidnotunderstandrosethroughRupert.Werethepinkeningofcheeks,the

tuckingofhairbehindhisear,thesuddenavertingofhisgazeawayfromhimimportant?Couldthat

indicate...interest?

He’dneverexperiencedsuchathingbefore.He’dalwaysbeenmorethanhappytobedwomen.Had

neverdesired,orevencontemplated,doingthesamewithaman.Perhapsstoppingbeingapiratehad

softenedhim.

Tensionroseinhim,andhewastooawareofThornton’sslenderfeetstretchedbeforehim,andthe

mannerinwhichhisbreecheshuggedhisslenderthighs.

Hegrittedhisteethandstaredstraightbeforehim.Itdidn’tmatterthatthemansmelledvaguelyof

vanilla.Itdidn’tmatterthathefeltsomestrangeurgetopullhimtowardhim.

HeglancedatThornton’sface,andofhowthescientist’slipswerepulledintoabraveexpression.

Thornton’ssmallhandlayonthesand.

Itfeltwarmandsoftbelowhisfingers.

Heblinked.

HadheclaspedontoThornton’shand?Butthereitwasbeneathhim.Softerandsmootherandmore

enticingthananyman’shandhadarighttobe.

Asharpintakeofbreathsoundedbesidehim,andhischeeksheated.InthenextmomentThornton

movedhishandfrombeneathhim,andRupertshiveredatthelackofcontactbetweenthem.

“Comparedtothesailors,”Thorntonsaid,“Imaybemore...academicallyinclined.”

Oh.

SimplybecauseThorntonpossessedtoomuchhonortoindulgeintheisland’sfamedvices,didnot

meanhecastasidethewholefairersex.

Rupert’scheeksflamed.

“Ishouldgo.I-Ihaveresearchinthemorning.”ThorntongaveastiffwaveinRupert’sdirection,his

facenotquitemeetinghiseyes,andhurriedaway.

ChapterSixteen

Louisaslippedfromhernarrowbed.Theshipbarelymovedinthewater,areminderthattheywere

anchored.ShemightfinallyuseherdivinghelmetintheCaribbean,justasshe’dalwaysdreamed.

SheglancedinthedirectionofCaptainRosse’squarters.Whathadhemeantlastnight?

Sherememberedtheshortblissfulsensationofhishandoverhers,andthevaguesensethatsheshould

havesaidmoretohimlastnight.

Sheliftedthedivinghelmet.Shewishedshemightwearherdivingcostume,butshecouldswimin

breechesandashirt.Shewouldn’tbethefirstpersontodoso,evenifallthesailorstendedtoswim

shirtless.Shedressedquicklyandexitedtheroom,clutchingthedivinghelmet.

Acreaksounded.

Wasitthecaptain?Shehurrieddownthecorridor.Shehadnodesiretospeakwithhim.Shehadno

ideawhatshewouldsay.Notconfidinginhimnowfeltwrong.

Sherememberedshehadn’tputonherbinding,butsheshookherhead.Itwasforthebest.Itwould

taketoolongfortheclothtodry,andshewouldneedtowearittherestoftheday.

Herhearthammeredassheclambereddowntheledgeoftheshipintotheturquoisewaves.She

fastenedthelongtubesontothesideoftheshipandpulledthedivinghelmetoverherhead.

ThewarmwaterrustledaroundLouisa,andshedovedeeperintotheocean,carefultokeepherbody

vertical.Aschooloftangerinefishflittedbeforeher,swishingtheirfinswithanelegancesheassociated

morewithswaggeringtonmembers.Somelarger,moreindependent-mindedfishhoveredbesidethehull,

asifhopefultheirjeweledcoloringmightblendintothemurkywoodbeams.

Blackstripedfishskirtedoutofherway,skippingmerrilyoverthecoral.

Shedovedeeper,immersingherselfintothiswonderfulnewworld.

Theworldshe’dneverimaginedshe’dsee.

Herheartthuddedmerrilyatthefishbeforeher.Everywhereshelookedwasglorious.

Itshouldhavesufficed.

Yethermindlingeredtothemomentlastnightwhenthecaptainhadtakenherhandinhis.Herheart

stillthunderedattherecollectionofhislargefingersandroughenedpalmsettlingoverherhand.

Shedovedeeper,asifthejeweledfishflittingintheaquawaterspasthermightdistractherfromthe

captain.

Splashingsoundedaboveher,andshestilled.Perhapsadolphinhadjoinedher?

Orashark?Fishscurriedaway.

Adarkshadowloomed,andthewaterrippledaroundit.Sheglancedatthetubestiedtotheshipand

swamtowardthesurface,lestsomebeasttearthetubes.

Noteethorlargeeyesconfrontedher.Aboatlumberedthroughthewater.Oarspiercedtheidyllic

haven,andherheartbeathaltedasanewrhythmcrashedthroughthegentlerippleofthewaves.

Shewasnolongeralone.

Shefrozeasifitweretheleastbitpossibletoimaginethattheclearwatercouldkeepherhidden.

Butinthenextmomentaburlyhandgrabbedhershoulderanddraggedhertowardthesurface.She

kickedherlegs,andherheartquickened,asifdesperatetheextrabeatsmighthelpherflee.

Unfortunatelythearmwasstrong,theironholdimpossibletoevade,andLouisa’sheadwasdragged

overthesurface.

Theturquoisewater,theschoolsoffish,thecoral,werereplacedwithaglaringface,redwith

obviousrage,andCaptainRosse’sblueeyesboredintoher.

“Whoareyou?”Eachwordseemedtobepunctuatedwithasneer,andhiseyeslingeredonher

bosom.

Sheswallowedhardandglanceddownward.Thewhite,thinmuslinclungtoherbodyindecently,the

fabricappearingfartoosheer.

Shejerkedherarmoverhertorso.

Fiddle-faddle.

Panicswelledthroughher.Sheneededtothink,neededtosaysomething,buthermouthdried,andair

caughtinherlungs.Sheattemptedtodivebackintotheocean,anythingtoescapetheman’sdisapproval,

butCaptainRosse’sarmsfastenedaroundhershoulders,andhehauledherovertheledgeoftherowboat.

Waterpooledoverthewoodenplanks,andshescrambledtotheseat.

“Answer,”hegrowled.

“Th-thornton,”shestammered.

Helaughed,butnothingabouttheharsh,hollowsoundwaspleasant.

“You’relying.”

Shehuggedthecopperconcoctionagainsther,asifthebarrieragainsttheoceanmightalsooffer

protectionagainstthedarkeningofthecaptain’seyesandthefearthatsurgedthroughher.

“IamThornton,”sherepeated.“SebastianThornton.”

CaptainRosse’sexpressionremainedhardandunwavering.“Stoplying.”

“You’renotevenaman.”Hishandgesturedtowardherbody,towardthemannerinwhichherwet

attireclungtoherform,highlightingeverycurveinanindecentmanner.

“I—”

Buthewasright.Therewerenoanswers.She’dliedaboutheridentity.Shecouldn’tdenyit.She

avertedhereyes,hatingthatshecouldn’tlookathimassheadmittedthateverythingshe’devertoldhim

wasafabrication.

“You’reright,”sheadmittedsoftly.

Hishandsweptoverherface,andhisfingerstracedherfeatures.“Whatwomandisguisesherselfasa

man?”

Sheyankedherlegstowardher,andtheboatwobbledbeneathher.

Heclaspedholdoftheoars,andhisknuckleswhitenedaroundthehandle.“Youshouldhavetoldme.”

“Icouldn’t.”Shewasn’tcertainiftheunsteadinessofherbodyortherelentlesslappingofthewaves

causedtheworldtotilt.

“Tellmeyou’renotaspy.”Hegrowled.

Shegaveaharshlaugh.“Ofcoursenot!WhywouldIbe?We’renotevenatwar!”

“Didmyparentshireyou?”Hejerkedhisoars,andsaltwatersplashedovertherimoftheboat,

thoughtheydidnotsucceedincoolingLouisa’swarmingcheeksorthefirefromhiseyes.

Louisatiltedherhead,uncomfortableundertheharshsunbeamsthatbeatoverthecaptain,crowning

himasifheweresomewrathfulking.“Parents?Ithoughtyouwereimpressedintothenavy...”

“Right.”Thecaptainstiffenedandsettledbackintohisseat.Theboatceaseditsdangerousrocking.

“Whoareyouthen?WhyinGod’snamedidyoupretendtobeaman?IsthereevenaMr.Thornton?”

Hershoulderssagged.Whenshespokeagain,hervoicewaslow,andsheavoidedhisgaze.“He

couldn’tgoontheship.AndI—Iwantedtodomyresearch.It’smydivinghelmet.”

“Idiocy,”hemuttered,andsheflinched.“Youcouldhavebeenkilled.”

“Butmyresearch!”

Hisexpressionsoftened.“Youarereallyjustinterestedinscience.”

Shewaitedforacontinuationofhistirade,butinsteadhecrashedhisoarsintothefoamyseaand

rowedthemtotheshipinlarge,sweepingmovements.

Itwasoddthathe’dchosenaboattofetchherin—shehadn’tswumfarfromthehull.Inthenext

momentheusheredherontotheladderandfollowedherontoTheSapphirePrincess.

Onlyafewsailorswereonthedeck,andsheheldherdivinghelmetoverherbosom.Heusheredher

downstairs,andherheartthumped,consciousthateverythinginthenewworldshesolovedhadchanged.

Wouldthecaptainthrowherofftheship?Wouldheneverspeaktoheragain?

ChapterSeventeen

Rupertdidnotthrowthiswomanoverhisshoulderandmarchhertohischambers.

Thatdidnotmeanhedidnotconsidertheoption.

Herculeshimselfhadnotfoughtagreaterbattle.

Blast.

Somewomanhaddisguisedherselfasascientistandwrangledherwayonboard,smatteringalllaws

ofpropriety.She’dstolenaway,thoughunlikeotherillegalpassengerswhohidincrooksandcrannies,

she’ddoneitwithhisfullknowledge.

Hehadn’tevenrealizedit.Insteadhe’dledhertothemostdangerousplaceontheislandand

practicallydemandedshedisplayenthusiasm.

Thedistancetothedoorofhiscabinseemedtobeinterminable.Notthatachievingprivacywithher

wouldsolveanyproblems.Notthatlockingthedoorbehindthemwouldsolvetheacheinhisheart.

He’dlikedThornton.Morethanheshouldhave.He’dtoldhimmorethingsthanhe’devertoldanyone

elsebefore.Butthiswomanwasastranger,anintruder.

Shehadn’tevenbotheredtoconfidehergendertohim.

Thethoughtshe’dentertainedmusthavevergedsofarfromhers.

Hesoughttocalmhisbreath,buthishandsfumbledonthedoorknob.Thewoman,thisstranger,

waveredbesidehim,eventhoughshe’denteredhisroommanytimesbefore.

Butthenhealsotendednottofumblewhenconfrontedwithadoorknob.

Finallyitswungopen,andhepulledthiscounterfeitThorntonintotheroom.Heslammedthedoor

shut,notcaringifhewokethewholeship.Thedoorwasclosed,hewasthecaptain,andnoonewould

thinkitunusualforthescientisttoentertheroom.

Heblinkedatthefamiliarfurniture.Thepaintingswerestillfastenedtothewall,incognizantthat

everythinghadshifted.

Mr.Thorntondidnotexist.

Mr.Thorntonwasawoman.

Rupertscrutinizedher.

Hebloodywellbetterfindoutwhattocallher.“Tellmeyourname.”

Hercheekspinkened.“Thatmightnotbewise—”

“Noneofthisiswise,”hesaidimpatiently.

“It’s—I’mLouisa,”shesaid.“LouisaCarmichael.”

Louisa.

Hetestedthenameinhismindandthenrolleditsoftlyoverhislips.ItwasagoodAmericanname.

Respectable.Notthenameofapersondestinedtostrideontoshipswearingbreeches.

Heturnedtoher,conscioushisnostrilswereflaring,conscioushemightevenbeshaking,conscious

theBritishreservehepridedhimselfinseemedentirelynonexistent.

Heinhaledandgesturedtothesofa.“Sit.”

Louisawidenedhereyesandsettledhastilydown.

Hesatinthearmchairoppositeher.“Tellmeexactlywhatyouaredoinghere.”

“Research,”shesaid.

Shedidn’tlowerhervoicethistime,andheblinked.Heneededtogrowaccustomedtothehigher

pitch.

“YouranawaytotheWestIndiestoconductresearch.”Hefeltlikeafoolforrepeatingherwords.

“Isupposeitmustsoundinsane.”

“Yousupposecorrectly,”hegrowled.“Itakeityoudeliveredthedivinghelmettotheship.”

“Itwasmydivinghelmet,andtheretrulywasaMr.Thornton—buthe...backedout.”

“Soyouthoughtdisguisingyourselfwastheacceptableoption.”

Sheflushedbutnodded.

“You’vealwaysstruckmeasapersonofparticularintelligence.Howcouldyouriskyourreputation?

Yourfamilymustbesoworried!Howcouldyouriskyourfamily’sreputation?”

Shewassilent.“Myfamily’sreputationissecure.”

“Noone’sreputationissecure.”Hethoughtofhisfatherandtheman’smisdeedsandgrimaced.“Why,

youwouldhavetoberelatedtoaduke!”

Shegaveanawkwardlaughanddirectedhergazetowardherlapandherfiddlingfingers.

Somethinginherflushedfacemadehisstomachclench.“You’renotrelatedtoaduke.Yourrelatives

—yourwell-offEnglishrelatives,theycouldn’tbe—”

“I—”Sheruffledherhandthroughherfartooshorthair.“Surelyit’snotimportant.”

“Ofcourseit’simportant!”

“Well.”Shemovedherhandstoherlapandfiddledwithherfingers.“Thetruthis,”shepaused,and

hetookanabsurdpleasureinthefactthatthisconversationwasdifficultforheraswell.“Thetruthis

thattechnicallyPercivalisaduke.”

“Whatonearthdoestechnicallyhavetodowiththeveryhighestofpeers?”

Hercheekspinkened.“Itsimplymeansthatpeopleaddresshimas“YourGrace.”

“GoodGod!”

Sheshrugged.“Accidentalreally.Ourcousinhappenedtodie,andPercivalinherited.Mamapacked

meofftoEnglandtofindahusband.”Herlookbecamemoreunsettled.

“Andyoufoundone.”

“Indeed,”shesaidprimly.

“AndthenabandonedallyourdutiestofleetotheWestIndies.”

Shesighed.“Ididn’tintendtogo.Imean,Idreamedofgoing,butIneverexpectedtobeabletogo.”

“Noonewasforcingyou.”

“Myresearchwasonthisship.WhenMr.Thorntonturnedouttohavemisrepresentedhimself,I

decidedtotakehisplace.”

“Youriskedyourlife.”

“Thiswasmoreimportant.”Sheuntiedherhairfromthatridiculouslyharshqueue,andherlocks

tumbleddownwardinadecidedlyfemininefashion.Howhadheeverimaginedhertobeamanbefore?

Hisfingersitchedtobrushagainstthecontoursofherface.

“Hogwash.Yoursafetyismoreimportantthananynotebooks.”Hesmileddespitehimself.“ButI

admireyourspirit.”

Shestaredathim,hergrayeyessobeautiful,andsomethinglikehopestirredinhischest,despiteher

flagrantbetrayal.

“Howdoyouintendtoreturn?”heasked.

“MyotherbrotherisinFalmouth,andIwantedtojoinhim...”

Hesighed.“I’lltakeyoutohimwhenwearrive.”

“Thankyou.”Worryhadbarelyshiftedfromherface,andsomethingshe’dsaidearlieroccurredto

him.

“YourlastnameisCarmichael?”

Shenodded.

Blast.

“You’reoneofArthurCarmichael’ssisters,”hesaidmiserably.

“Youknowhim?”

Heavertedhisgaze.“I’veconductedbusinesswithhim.”

PerhapsthewordbusinessmightencompassallthethingsArthurmeanttohim.Therewasnoman

he’dtrustedmorethanArthur,andfindingsomeonetotrustwasmostimportantwhenhe’dworkedasa

privateer.SomebodyneededtohandlethegoodsRuperthadobtainedanddeliverthemtothecrown.

Somebodyneededtoauthorizehismoves.NeitherofthemwantedRuperttoattackashipfromoneof

Britain’sallies,nomatterwhattreasuresmightlurkinthelockedandboltedhold.

Louisatiltedherhead.“Ineverknewmybrotherworked.Healwaysgavetheimpressionthathejust

flittedaboutandenjoyedapleasurablelife.”

Rupertsighed.Arthurbelongedtothehonorablesortwhowouldn’twanthisfamilytoworry,and

knowledgeofhisoccupationwouldcertainlycompelthemtodoso.Blast.Howonearthhadhemanaged

tohaveArthurCarmichael’ssisteronboard?

Hissisterhadtoldhimthatshe’drecommendedMr.ThorntontakeTheSapphirePrincess.“Doyou

knowLadyRockport?”

Shenodded.“We’refriends.ItwashersuggestionthatIbookapassageonthisshipforMr.Thornton.

..”

“Iknow,”hesaid.

Sheblinked.“Buthow—”

Hehesitated,consideringsharinghissecretwithher.Perhapshewould...later.Nowheneededto

learnabouther.Hewavedhishandinadismissivefashionhisfatherhadoftendemonstrated.“Ihavemy

sources.”

LikebeingLadyRockport’sbrother.

“You’llhavepeoplelookingforyou.”

Shesighed.“Ileftanote.”

Hehadlittlefaiththatafewscribblesonpaperwoulddissuadeanyonefromfollowingtheship.

Sistersofpeershadfamilymemberswiththeresourcestofindthem.

AndIwantedtokeepmyidentitysecret.

Hewantedtorileagainsther.Hewantedtotellherjusthowmuchshe’dsurprisedhim.Howmuch

she’dallowedhimtolethisdefensesdown.

Heconsideredhisconfusedemotions.He’dlikedhersomuch.Hestilldid,despiteeverything.“You

shouldhavetoldme.”

Guiltmanagedtoflickeroverherface,andhershouldersdroopeddownward.

“AndIshouldhavenoticed,”hemurmured,thoughthewordsstuckinhisthroat.

He’dswornbeforeher.He’dgivenherdrinkandtakenheroutatnight.He’dtreatedherlikeafriend.

He’dcompletelyabandonedeveryruleofetiquetteandpropriety.Shehadn’tbotheredtomentionthatshe

wasingravedangerbyboardingashipfilledwithmen,andshe’dnevertoldhimthattheirlongmeetings

werescandalous.

“Peopleseewhattheyexpect.Idoubtyoucouldhaveanticipatedthatoneofyourpassengerswasa

woman.”Shesmiled.“AndIdorememberyoubeingmostsuspiciousatonepoint.”

“IthoughtIimaginedit.Butwhenyouplacedmyhandonyourchest,Ithoughtmy...desireforyou

wasblindingme.”

Hereyeswidenedattheworddesirebeforeherlonglashesswoopeddowninamostadorable

fashion.

“Iwasbindingit,”shesaidmatter-of-factly,asifthatcouldpossiblybeconsideredanormal

statement.

Heglancedatherstillwetformandsmirked.“Butnotnow.”

Hercheekspinkened,andshedrewherarmsaboutherchest.“No.Ididn’twantthefabrictogetwet

andthoughtitsoearlythat—”

“Ashipneversleeps,”hesaid.

“Isee.”Hegesturedtothebulgingfallfrontonherbreeches.“Andthat?”

“Isewedit.”Shesmiled.“Therehadtobesomegoodreasonmygovernessesmademedevoteso

muchtimetosewing.It’slikelynotcompletelyanatomicallycorrect...”

Hislipstwitched,andheforcedthemtosturdyandvowedtorefrainfromlaughing.

Shehadtoknowthatwhatshe’ddonehadbeencompletely,utterlyinappropriate.

“Isimplycouldn’timaginethatawomanwouldactually—”

“DisguiseherselfasamantogototheWestIndies?”Hervoicewasslightlybitter.“Interestherselfin

scientificpursuits?Dosomethingbesidesmarryherfiancé?”

She’dsaidmanyinterestingwords,buttherewasonlyonewordhe’dheard.

Shehadafiancé.

Howhadheallowedhimselftoimaginethatshecouldbeunattached?Shewasbraveandintelligent,

everythingdesirable.

Thewordhoveredintheair,butsheseemedoblivioustoitssignificance.

“Thepoorman,”hemurmured.

“Becausehehastomarryme?”Hurttorethroughhervoice,andsheinchedawayfromhim.

Heblinked.“Becausehe’sseparatedfromyou.”

Shedrewinherbreath,andherskinpinkened.Herhandmovedtoherthroat,andhelongedtohelp

her.Helongedtobrushhisfingersagainstthesmallhollowofherneck,andhelongedtokissit.He

longedtosucktheflesh,butinsteadheonlygaveherawobblysmile.

Hedespisedhissenseofhonor.Piratescertainlyhadabetteridea.Notthathewouldever,couldever,

doanythingtoharmher.

Heshouldbeangry,butrightnowtheonlythinghewantedtodowaspullhertowardhim.Whoever

hadplacedthearmchairsofarfromthesofahadbeenamadman.

Hedesiredher.Hecravedher.

She’dstirredfeelingsinhimevenwhenhe’dthoughtheraman,butnowthatherwetattireclungto

herslenderform,nowthathecouldseethesoft,femininecurvesofherbody...

Hecouldn’tbeinthesameroomasherponderingthefaintvanillascentthatalwaysemanatedfrom

her.Hecouldn’tpullhertowardhimandundressher.Hecouldn’tdoallthethingshelongedtodowith

her.

Hewantedtobeinsideher.Hisheartbeatthuddedagainsthisribs,andbloodpulsedthroughhisbody.

Heshouldn’timagineit.Herefusedtopicturehimselfguidingherontohisbed,eventhoughhisbed

wastantalizinglyclose.Herefusedtoimaginepullingthatbathingcostumefromherbodyandrestingher

goldenfleshagainsthiswhitesheets.Herefusedtoimaginetakingherinhisarms,andhecertainly

refusedtoimaginethrustingintoherslickwetness.

Hedeservedtobegivenamedalforhiscurrentshowofself-restraint.

Shecamefromagoodfamily.Heconsideredherbrothertobehisverydearestfriend.Shewasa

debutante.Andfromthemannerinwhichhereyeswidened,shewasaninnocent.

Louisabitherlowerlip,andhergrayeyes,theoneshe’doncedismissedascolorlessswelled.Her

longlashesflickered,andheachedtoremovethedoubtfromhergaze.Heachedtopullhertowardhim,

buthehadnorighttodesiresuchathing.Shewouldthinkhewassimplytakingadvantageofhergender,

doingallthethingsthathewarnedherthatother,lessermenmightattempt.

Wetbreechesclungtoherskin.Shewasthemostscandalousthinghe’deverseenbefore.Saltywater

curledherhair,framingherfaceinadeliciousmanner.Hewantedtotracetherollofdropswithhis

tongue.Hewantedtotearoffhershirt.Theopeningpartedinamannerthatwasnotmeanttobeseductive

butwasthemostenticingthinghe’deverseen.

“Louisa.”Histongueseemedtothicken,lessmalleableinherpresence.Nevermindthatnoneofhis

tutorsinrhetorichadcomplainedofhisabilitytocommunicate.Nevermindthateventhepresenceof

piratesandFrenchmenonhisshiphadn’thinderedhisabilitytoshoutorderstohiscrew.Nevermindthat

theclangingofswordsslashingandthethreatofcannonballsandcoursingbulletshadn’thaltedhisspeech

patterns.

Herskinwassmoothandnewlygoldenfromthevastamountsofsunshine.

Awomanlikethatwasn’tsupposedtositprimlyonhissofa.Awomanlikethatwassupposedtolie

splayedonhisbed.

Theflushthathadbeenadorninghercheeksspread.Hewantedtofollowthecolorasituncoiledover

herbody.

Shestumbledtoherfeet.“Ishouldundress.I-Ineedtochangemyattire.”

Damnation.

Shewasshivering.He’ddraggedherfromthewaterandhadn’tallowedhertheopportunitytodry

herself.TheairmightbewarmerthaninEngland,butthatdidn’tmeanapersonshouldspendtheirtime

drapedindampattire.

“Onemoment.”Hegrabbedawoolenblanketfromhisbedroomandpulledhertoherfeet,notingthe

mannerinwhichhereyeswidened.

Thewomanhadturnedintoatemptress.Anditdidn’thelpthatshe’dbeguntospeakofundressing

withaninnocencethatbelongedtodiscussionsofcutleryandflowerarrangements.

Hewantedtokissher.Itseemedacrimethathislipswerenotonherwidegrin,thathishandswere

notwrappingaroundherwaist.Hewantedtocrushherlithebodytohisbroaderone.Buthewasthe

captainandsheapassenger.Shewasunderhisprotection,andkissingherwasnotsomethingthatwould

helpher.Especiallywhenhedoubtedhecouldstopatkissingher.

Thevisionofherforminvadedhisthoughtswiththeforceofawarrior.Notthatanywarriorrivaled

Louisaincharm.Herhigh,pertbosomseemedembeddedinhismind,notshakenbyhowevermuchhe

urgedhismindtoconsiderotherissues.Herlegsstretchedendlessly,andherwaistwastinyandmore

curvedthanhe’dthought.

Helongedtorunhisfingersoverherskin,tomemorizeeverycurvewiththethoroughnessofanartist.

Hewantedtobrushhislipsagainstherbodyandtastehersun-kissedskin.Beadsofwaterdrippedfrom

herhairtomoreinterestingportionsofherbody.He’dneverbeensoenviousoftheocean.Herskin

remainedflushed,perhapsfromthemorningexercise,orperhapsfromhercurrentdiscomfort.

Hewasalltooawareofhowherbreechesandshirtclungtoherformininterestingmanners.The

woman’shaircurled,andhelongedtorunhishandsthroughthedarkstrands.

Hegazedather,stillclutchingthewoolenblanket,andhereyeswidenedasifinfear.Heclearedhis

throatandrememberedtowrapthethickwoolaroundherbody.“Thisshouldwarmyouup.”

“Thankyou.”

“Whoisthis...fiancé?”Rupertscowled.Theactofformingthewordfiancéseemedtorivalthe

challengesofconductingwarfare.

Hedidnotwanttospeakaboutsomeothermanwithher.Whatevermanithadbeenhadbeenan

absolutefoolforeverlettinghergo.Ifhe’dbeenthatman,Rupertwouldneverhavesurrenderedherto

someshipvoyage.

“Mymotherdesiredmetofindahusband.SheisEnglishyousee,eventhoughshe’sspentthepasttwo

decadesinAmerica.MyfatherwasAmerican,butbothmybrotherswenttoEnglishboardingschoolsand

—”

“Andyourmotherfoundyousomeonetomarry.”Heturnedandpacedtheroom,asifthesoundofhis

feetpoundingagainstthewoodenplanksmightdistracthimfromhisthoughts.

“Indeed.”

Hetoldhimselfitdidn’tmatterifshemarriedornot.Hecertainlycouldn’tofferhimselfasa

substitutehusband.

Hehadnointentionoffollowinghisaristocraticpeersintomarriage,nomatterhowmuchitmight

pleasehisparents.He’dlongagovowednevertohaveawifeworryabouthimwhenhewasatsea.

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Shegiggledsoftly,thoughthesoundmanagedtognawathim,andhereyesno

longersparkled.“Idoubtwe’reengagedanymore.”

“Mycondolences.”

Louisagaveasadsmile.“Ihavelikelybrokenmymother’sheartbynotleapingintohisarms,grateful

hemightunburdenmefrommyparents.”

“Butdoesthethoughtofnotbeingwithhimbreakyourheart?”Heaskedcarefully.

“No,”shemurmured.“Notatall.”

Oh.

“Andwhydidyouagreetomarryhim?”

Sheflushed.“Iwasn’texactlyconsideredprizematerial.”

Heshookhishead.Hedespisedtheton.Hecouldjustimaginehowthey’dhandledbeingaround

Louisa.Hetookherhandsinhis,tryingtoignorethesharpsurgeofheat,thatthreatenedtocareentheonce

regularrhythmofhisheart.Hefocusedhisgazeonher.“Youaresmartandbraveand...beautiful.Never

forgetthat.”

Thephrasedidn’tbringthesmugsmirkthatnormallycamewhenhecomplimentedwomen.Shedid

nottiltherheadandcoylycomplimenthim,andshedidnottossherhairandmockhimfornotcomingto

thatrealizationsooner.

Insteadsheavertedhergaze,andsomethinginhisheartached.

“Youmustn’texaggerate,”shesaid.

“Imeanit.”Hestrokedhishandoverherdarkhair.Someofthestrandswerelighter,perhapshelped

bythegleamofthesunandLouisa’spracticeofspendingalldayondeck.

Theyweresoclose.

Hepulledhernearertohim,feelinghercurvesandherlonglegsagainsthisown.Onlyinches

separatedherfacefromhis,andeventhoughallreason,alldecencytoldhimheshouldabsolutelynot

narrowthegapbetweenthem,thethoughtthatshecouldbeinchesaway,whensheshouldberightnextto

himseemedimpossible.

*

CaptainRosse’sheadfilledeverythinginhersight,andsherealizedamomenttoolatethathewas

goingtokissher.

Eventhoughshe’dneverbeenkissedbefore.

Eventhoughherhairwastousledinadistinctlyunfemininemanner.

Eventhoughshelookednothingliketheelegantdebutantesshe’dbeensurroundedbyallseason.

Jewelsdidnotsparklefromherneck,andperfectlycurledlocksdidnotframeherface.Herlipswere

nevercomparedtorosebuds,andhereyeswerenevercomparedtotheskyormeadow.Sheworenosilk

gownthatgleamedundermoonlight,helpedbystonessewnintoherbodice,andherfreckledskincould

neverbecomparedtoalabasterorporcelain.Herbosomdidnotcurveinamajesticmanner,andherhips

wereofasimilarlyungenerousformation.Herlockscouldneverbecomparedtogold,andwerestill

somewhatdamp,stillsalty.

Thosefactsdidnotdampentheheatinthecaptain’seyes.

Hebrushedwarmfingersreverentlyoverherface,andhisbreathlingeredagainstherlips.

Herheartlurched,asifbeingtossedthroughastorm.

Shedidn’tdarebreathe,didn’tdareeventoblink,lestshediscoverhimtobesomemirageandhis

chiseledfeaturesshatterandmovetothedreamstatetowhichtheyundoubtedlybelonged.

Yetthatdelicioussaltyscentstillpervadedtheroom,andthewarmthofhishandsseemeddistinctly

lifelike.Mostunsuitableforamirage.

Hiseyesdarkened,andthen—heavens—hesweptherintohisarms.Fireshotthroughherveinsasshe

nestledagainsthisfirmmusclesthatbulgedpleasinglyfromhisshirt.Hepulledherontohislap,andthen

hislipswereuponher.Theycapturedherswitheverybitthesameforcethathemusthaveusedwhen

battlingtheenemy.

Hiskissdeepened,strengthened,asifhewereimbibingher.

Thesparkscoursingthroughherintensified,thesparkswilder,larger,moremagnificent.Sheranher

handsoverhim,butnolongertoascertainhispresence:therewasnothingaboutthecompilationofhard

musclesandhotmasculineskinthatshecouldhaveconjured.Candlelightflickeredoverthem,casting

goldenlightfromsconcesandcandelabras,utterlyunawareofthemagnificentformwhichtheyso

casuallyilluminated.

Theshipcreaked,andshestilled,herheartlurching.Theyweren’talone.Sometwenty-oddmenwere

ontheship,andeachoneofthempossessedtheabilitytoruinherfurther.Shestillworemasculineattire

andherbreeches-cladlegstangledwithhis.

Aknocksoundedonthedoor.“Cap’n?”

“Damnation.”Thecaptain—Rupert—steppedawayfromher.“It’stimetosetsailfromBarbados.”

Sheprobablydidrememberhowtospeak,butrightnowallshecouldfocusonwasthememoryofhis

lipsonhers.Rupert’seyessoftened,andhesqueezedherhandagain.

“I’llberightthere.”HecalledtoFergusandexitedhisquarters,leavingLouisaalone,assherealized

everything,absolutelyeverythinghadchanged.

ChapterEighteen

Mountainsjuttedfromthecoast;theirsidesangleddownwardwiththestraightnessofthepyramidsinher

geographybooks.Palmtreesflutteredinthebreeze,andLouisapushedherfeetintothegoldensandofSt.

Lucia.

Lastnightastormhadhappened,andConradhadbroughthersomefoodtohercabin.She’dspentthe

nightlisteningtothecaptainandhissailorsshoutabovedeckasrainpummeled,andwavesjerkedthe

shipintowildsways.

Theskyhadshiftedfromdarkgraytoapleasingblue,andLouisasearchedforanearbycove.She

hadn’tabandonedherbindingthistime,andshe’dchosenasturdiershirtandbreechesinwhichtoswim.

Rupertflashedasmileatherashestrodefromthewatertowhereshelaystretchedonthebeach.

Somesailorswereabout,andshestrovetofirmherexpressionasifshedidnotfinditspecialatallthat

thecaptain’shairglintedinthesunlight,orthathistorsowasbare.Hisgrinbroadened,andhesettled

besideher.

Sheturnedherheadawayasheneared,tooconsciousofhisenticingscentofseawaterandleather.

Thesoundwasdeepandwarm,andshelongedtoburyherheadagainsthischest.

Shedoubtedthatwouldcountasbeingdiscreet.,soinsteadshegraspedholdofherdivinghelmetand

pusheditoverherhead.Rupert’seyeswidened,butthenhelaughed.

“I—Ishouldgo.”Herlegswereunsteady,andthehelmetmuffledhervoice.Atleastthehelmet

managedtomaskthewarmththatsoaredoverhercheeks.“Caretojoin?”

Shehadn’tthoughtthequestionoverlyforward,butRupert’sfacepaled,andheavertedhisgazefrom

her.

“I-Iwouldrathernot,”hesaid.

“Oh.”

Ofcourse.They’dsimplysharedakiss.Andthoughthekisshadmeanteverythingintheworldtoher,

themanwasexperiencedandhadlikelysharedmorekisseswithwomenthanhemightcount.Whyshould

hedesiretojoinher?

Shefocusedonthecrystalwater.Theplacemanagedtoexceedthebeautyshe’denvisioned.She

shouldbecontenttofocusonthat,butherattentionwasdistinctlyfocusedonacertainseacaptain.

Shequickenedherpace.Theturquoisewaveslappedaroundherfeet,andseashellssparkledfromthe

shore.

Thecaptainreclinedonthesand.He’dstrippedhisshirtoff,andsweatgleamedfromhisbaretorso.

Shewishedhemightjoinher.Hisdistasteforthewaterseemedatoddswithhisprofession,though

perhapshewasnottheonlyseamantohaveamistrustoftheocean.Afterall,themanspentsolong

workingonkeepinghisshipuprightinthewavesthatitmustseemunnaturaltosubmergeintothevery

watersheworkedsohardtopreventhisshipfromtopplinginto.

Shelengthenedherstrides,evenasthewatermadethefactmoredifficult,andfinallydoveintothe

ocean.

Amyriadofvibrantcolorsconfrontedher.Jeweledfishflittedovercoral.Thiswasaworld,asclear

andasdistinctastheoneshe’djuststeppedfrom.Schoolsoffishswamtogether,movingmatter-of-factly.

Louisawasn’tcertainwhattheycouldsee,thesetinycreatures,butshecouldwonderatthisdistinct

world.Theblueskyseemedanunequalpartnertotheoceanbelow.Eventhebirdsthatflappedtheir

colorfulwings,theparrotsthatsquawkedfrombranches,eventheycouldnotrivalthewondersinthe

ocean.

Shewantedtoimmerseherselfinthewarmwatersforeverandexitonlytorejointhecaptain.

*

Thechitlackedanyideaofhowbeautifulshewas.Hedidn’twantanyofthesailorstofindoutthat

therewasawomanonboard.Theyshowednohesitationinbeddingtheleastattractiveharlots,andhe

didn’twanttothinkaboutthestrengthoftheirvigorweretheytobedawomanofactualbeauty.

Forwhateverhe’dthoughtofLouisabefore,andhe’ddespisedtheuncharitablethoughtstowardher,

largelyascribedtoherhideouslycoloredoversizeddress,hecouldnotdenyherbeauty.

Temptationherselfwasonthisship.

Hekeptwatchoverherasshesankdeeperintothewater.

Ishouldjoinher.

Shehadn’tunderstoodwhyhehadn’twantedtoaccompanyher,andhewrappedhisarmsaroundhis

chestandfocusedonthefamiliarlandscape.Theaquawaterlappedupthewhitesandyshore,andbright-

coloredbirdswaddlednearthewavesorperchedonthebranchesoftropicaltrees.

Perhapsifhestaredatthesapphireexpansebeforehim,hemightforgetthepoolofpinkintheocean,

andhemightforgetcallingJasper’snametonoavail.Perhapshemightforgetthefranticsearchthrough

theever-expandingpoolofpinkuntilhepulledhisbestfriend’sbullet-riddenbodyfromthewaves.

HegrittedhisteethandcontinuedtokeepwatchasLouisaexploreddepthshenevermight.

ChapterNineteen

Thecaptainhadstayedontheshoretheentireday,workingunderthepalmtrees.

Louisareturnedtohimandtookoffherdivinghelmet.

Sheknewherhairmustlookhorrid,butthesmilehegaveherseemedalmosttender.

“Let’sreturntotheship,”hesaid.

Shenoddedandfollowedhimoverthesand.Heatswirledthroughherbody,astheywalkedtoThe

SapphirePrincess.Thesailorsgreetedthem,andRupertannouncedthattheycouldfindhiminhis

quarters.

Themoodshiftedinexplicably,asifherbodyhadonlynowrecognizedthehumidity.Theairseemed

heavy,andthespacebetweenthemseemedimpossiblylong.

Shestoppedatherdoor,buthishungrygazeswoopedoverher.“Joinme.Wehaveadiscussionto

continue.”

Heopenedthedoortohisquarters,andshefeltasifshewerestandingonaprecipice,andeverything

thatwassensibleurgedhertoretreattoherwindowlesscabinadornedonlywithresearchmaterials.

Herbreathseemedtrappedinsideherchest,caughtbytheever-ratchetingofherheart.“Verywell.”

Sheenteredhisquarters,andheclosedthedoorbehindthem.

Hisblueeyesrestedonherwithalltheforceoftheoceanonawindyday.Hisjawwasset,andhis

knucklestightenedoverthesidesofhischair.Heremovedhiscoat,andthebuttonsglitteredinthe

candlelight.Shadowsdancedbeneaththewarmraysofthecandlesastheshiprockedgentlyinthewater,

andsheinhaledthefaintsmellofsalt.

Sheswallowedhard.“Wh-whatdidyoudesiretospeakabout?”

Hissmilebroadened,andhisgazewouldnothavelookedoutofplaceonatiger.

“IbelieveIwastellingyouhowbeautifulyouare.”

Henearedher,andshewasconsciousofthedarkhairthatcurledfromhischest;themenshewas

accustomedtocoveredtheirnecksinintricatelytiedcravats.“Ifoundyoudistinctlymoreappealingthan

anyofthoseladiesatthat...establishment.”

“Oh,”shebreathed.

“EvenwhenIthoughtyouwereaman,Istillfoundyouappealing.Eventhoughthefactwasmost

confusing.”

“Andnow—”

“Istillfindyouappealing.”Hechuckled.“Extraordinarilyso.”

Thestatementshouldhavemadehersmile,butherbodyseemedtobefarmorepreoccupiedinnoting

thefactthathewasstridingtowardher.

“Youhavenoideatheself-restraintI’mdrawingupontonottakeyouintomyarms,tonotravishyou

utterlyandcompletely.”

“Oh.”Thewordcameoutasathroatymoan.“Truly?”

“Truly.”Henodded,andherheartsqueezedagain.She’dneverbeensoconsciousofitinherlife.

“Perhapsthatwouldnotbesodreadful.”

Hiseyeswidened,andsheswallowedhard.She’dsoundedjustlikeabrazenharlot.

“MydearLouisa,”Rupertsaid,andhiseyessparkled.“Youmaybeaninnocent,butyouareentirely

correct.Itmustbeallthatscientifictrainingyoudo.IfyoufindyourselfshywhenIcomplimentyour

appearance,Ihaveanothersolutionforhowwemightcontinuewherewewerelastinterrupted.”

“Oh?”

“Kissingyou.Wecouldcontinuekissing.”

Eventhoughshestillworebreeches,eventhoughhestillworebreeches,pleasureratchetedthrough

herbody.Shewrappedherarmsabouttheripplingmusclesofhisback,theoutlinehardlyhiddenbythe

thinshirt,andgraspedholdasifshewereatriskoffloatingaway.

Andthenshereallywasfloating,andsherealizedhewascarryinghertohisbed.

Themattressessankundertheirweight,aidedbythelooseropemesh,andhelayclosertoherthan

proprietywouldallow.

Hischestcrushedagainstherbosomandsomethinghardandlongandvery,verymasculine,settled

againstherstomach.

Rupert’seyesgleamed,theforcegreaterthanthatofthesunshinecascadingoffthewavesearlier,and

hedirectedhishardness,soitpressedagainsthermostintimateplace.

“Please,”shegasped,adjustingherbody,sothatdelicious,sinfulpleasurewouldmorethoroughly

pressagainsthercenter.

Herbreathbecamemoreunsteady,minglingwithhisequallyunevenpant.

*

Thewomanwascladinbreechesandashirt.Herlonglegsstretchedtounspeakableheights.Herstill

dampwhitestockingsemphasizedtheslendernessofherankles,andhelongedtotracethesoftcurveof

herankletothemoredistinctcurveofherhips.Thebuttonsonherfallfronthighlightedtheunusualnessof

herattire,butheknewthatwhathewouldfindifheweretounbuttonthosetwobuttonsbelowherwaist

wouldbeallwonderful.

Aprettypinkascendedhercheeks,dancingwithherfreckles,andhegazedbackather.Hewouldbe

contenttogazeatherforalongtime.

Hetiltedhishead,andthepinkcolordarkened.Shethrustherlashesdownward,andshefiddledher

delicatefingers.

RupertmovedhishandoverLouisa’sshirt.Thesleevespuffedinasimilarmannertohisown,andhe

longedtoseeherform.HeuntiedLouisa’scravat,findingtheperspectiveodd,ashegraspedholdofthe

crisplinenashewouldhisown.

Themirrorimageendedthere,fortheneckthatwasexposedwasmostcertainlynotofthemasculine

variety.Herlongwhitethroatgleamedinthecandlelight,unmarredbyanythingsomasculineasan

Adam’sapple,andheloweredhislipstothebarefleshandsucked.

Heclaspedhermoretightlyinhisarms,asifthetiniestofdistancesbetweenthemwasunseemly.He

despisedthecutoftheshirt.Atleastwomen’sdresseswereeasilylowered.Thetailorforthisshirthad

clearlynotsoughttogivethisitemofapparelsimilaradvantages.

“Up,”hegaspedandpulledhertowardhimandremovedhershirt.

Fabricstillboundherchest,andhecursedtheswathoflinen.He’dneverdespisedthematerialso

muchinhislife.Hisfingerstrembledasheunfastenedthetightlywoundfabric.

Ifhe’dhadanylingeringdoubtsofherfemininitybeforethis,they’dcertainlyvanishedwhenheset

asidethelastofthelinen.

Herbosomarchedbeforehim.Thoughhe’dseenthecurvethroughherdampshirtwhenshe’dswum,

thatwasnothingtothesightbeforehimnow.

Hecapturedtheminhishands,caressingthem.Heroundedherbeautifully-formedbosomwithhis

fingers,circlingthewarmflesh.Herrose-redpeakspebbledandfirmedbeneathhisfingers,andhe

dippedhisheaddowntooneofthepinkareolasandcaptureditwithhismouth,whilehishandcontinued

toteaseandencircletheotherone.

“Rupert,”Louisamoaned,andthesoundofhisnameonhertonguecausedhisexcitementtogrow.

Herfingerspulledhimclosertoher,playingwiththeshortstrandsofhishair,andhemovedhismouth

overher,enjoyingthemannerinwhichshewrithedbesidehim,enjoyingasherbreathgrewincreasingly

unevenandfranticashesoughttomemorizeeverypartofherbodywithhistongueandfingers.

“Please,”shemoaned,hervoicerough.

Desirecoursedthroughhisbody,movingwiththesortofrapidityhemoreassociatedwithships

fleeingpirates.Hemovedhisfingersbelowthewaistofherbreeches,cursingthatLouisahadevidently

stolenagarmentnotdevoidoffashion,foritsopeningstretchedtoherwaist.Hescrambledupand

flippedherover,sohemightunfastentheflapsatherbackthattightenedaboutherwaist.

“Tellmeifyouwouldlikemetostop,”hesaid.“Icanstop.”

Sheshookherheadadamantly.“No.Never.”

Never.

Thewordechoedinhismind,andheremovedhersocksandglidedherbreechesdownward.Herlong

legssplayedbeforehim.

Heskimmedhishandsoverherlegs.Theyfeltsilkybeneathhistouch.Theywereperfectlyformed,

strongerthanthatofmostwomenofthetonwhomaintainedtheirfiguresbydeprivingthemselvesoffood,

strollingthroughballrooms,theirpacealwayshamperedbythethrongofthetonsurroundingthem,and

moreoccasionallybymanagingtonottopplefromtheirhorsesastheyambledthroughHydePark.

No,he’dneverbeenwithawomanlikeLouisa.Ofthat,hewasabsolutelycertain.

“Mydarling.”Hesmiled.Mosthighersocietywomenbeddedwiththeirclotheson.Louisa’s

unconventionaloutfithadnecessitatedanunconventionalapproachtolovemaking.

Hercheeksflushed,perhapsatthetermofendearment,andpridepulsedthroughhim.Heslidhisshirt

offhim.

Inthenextmomentherhandswereuponhim,runningherfingersovereverymuscle.

*

Louisabrushedherlipsagainsthischest,capturinghistawnypeaksashe’ddoneforher.Theman

moanedbeneathher,causingherlipstoturnup.

Perhapsifsheconcentratedonkissinghim,shemightpretendthatshewouldalwaysrememberthe

saltytasteofhisskinandthatshe’dalwaysrememberwhatitfeltliketobeclaspedinhisarms.Perhaps

shecouldpretendthathewouldneverleaveherinFalmouthwithherbrotherArthur,andtheymightbe

togetherforlonger.Much,muchlonger.Rupertremovedhisbreechesandflungthemonthedesk.They

contrastedwiththeneatlyorganizedpapersandbooksalready,andshesmiled.

Andthenhewasuponher,claimingherwithhislips.

Sherealizedshehadn’trealizedtherealforceofpositiveadjectives.Wonderfulandsuperbtookon

new,greatermeanings.

Hisfingerscontinuedtobrushoverherashecontinuedtomarkherbody,dwellingonareasthatshe’d

foundutterlyuninteresting.Hekissedthearchofherneck,movingtowardherear.Hepulledherearlobe

intothemouth,andeverynerveinherbeingseemedtosing.

Hiseverymovewasskilled,perfect.

“Please.”Shedidn’tknowwhatshewasbeggingfor.Heloweredhismouthandtrailedkissesover

herstomachtothetenderskinonherinnerthighs.Hislongfingerssweptoverthejunctureofthepulsating

corebetweenherhips,andshegasped.

Hisfingersstrokedhercenterandsentbloodtingling.Herbodythrobbedaroundhisassertivefingers,

andsheeagerlysoughthismouthwithhers.

Firmmusclespressedagainsthersoftcurvesanddroveherdeeperintothebed.Herheartlurchedinto

anewrhythm,dictatedbythedancehisfingersmade.

“You’resomoist.Sowarm,”hesaid,aweinhisvoice.

Hestrokedherhairtenderly.“Somewomensaythisportioncanbepainful.”

“Thensobeit.”

“Fortunately,”hemused,andhislipsspreadintoacockygrin,“Youareinexcellenthands.”

Hetiltedherhips,andshefelthimpushintoher.

Hewaslarge.

Hewasfirm.

Andhewasinsideher.

Sheinhaled,andhepaused,strokingherhairassheadjustedtothesensationofathrobbing,pulsating

memberinsideofher.OfRupertinsideher.She’dcastasidehermaidenhood,herlastshredof

respectability,butonlywondersoaredthroughher.

Hepulledherintohissturdyembrace,andsheclutchedholdofhisnowslickshoulders.Asheenof

sweatglimmeredoverhistorso,managingtomakehimappearevenmoreAdonis-like.

Hebegantorockinsideher,andthenhisthrustsgrewstronger,moreforceful.“You’resolovely.And

so...tight.”

Shesmiledathim,uncertainwhatwascausinghiseyestosoften,buthappythatthemomentseemedto

bringhimpleasure.

Somethingrippledinsideher,someneedawakenedbyhisrhythmicthrusts,andshepushedherhips

forward,meetinghim.Thefirespread,andRupert’spacequickened.

Morefrantic.Morefast.More...fantastic.

Thefrenzyheightened,andenergysurgedthroughher,washingthrougheverynerveofherbeing.She

breathedin,andthen,ashecontinuedtothrustinsideher,continuedtobrushagainstherverycore,she

gasped.

Pleasurecascadedthroughher,andsheclungtohisneck.Hecontinuedtopushintoher,inanever

morefrenziedrhythm.Hespreadkissesoverherface,“Mydearest.”

Sheglidedfromhercrestofbliss.Satisfactionsurgedthroughher,mingledwithasuddentiredness.

Hisgazeseemedtogrowmoretender,andhispaceslowed.Hislipsonceagainfoundhers,andtheir

tonguesseemedtospeakinawaythattheycouldnot,caressingeachother.

Shemovedherhandsoverhisbody,enjoyingthetexturesasherhandstraveledfromhisshorthairto

thestubbleofhischeeks,tohismultitudeofmuscles.

Hewrappedhisarmsmoretightlyaroundherback,pullinghimselfdeeperintoherbody,asifthat’s

wherehebelonged.

“You’resowarm,sotight,so...amazing.”

“I’myours,”shesaid,andthewordsseemedtojolthim.Hethrustinsideher,growingmoreforceful.

Hepushedhimselfinandout,desperationevident.Hegroanedandgrowled,asifsomeanimalpossessed

him,asifhe’dletherseehisinnerbeast.

Hefinallymoanedandpulledhimselffromhercore.Hotseedsoaredfromhislength,spillingover

herbellyandbreastsandhecollapsedontopofher,onceagainkissingher.

“Mydearest,”hemoaned,pullinghertightlytowardhim,asifhecouldn’tfathomthethoughtoftaking

thetimetocleannow,nowwhenhemightbeholdingherinhisarms.

Shesmiledatthehappinessinhisgaze,andherheartleapedashecontinuedtocrushhertowardhim,

ashiseyelidsflickereddownward.Eveninsleephedidnotseemtodesiretobepartedfromher.She

gaveintotheblissfulsensationandrelaxedinhissturdy,encompassingembrace.

ChapterTwenty

Aknocksoundedonthedoor,andRupertreluctantlyslidfromher.

“Onemoment,”hisvoiceboomedeasilyandauthoritatively,butthenhekissedherlipsandgavehera

boyishgrin.

Hesmoothedhistousledhairandtightenedhiscravatsothathelookedlikehe’dbeendoingnothing

improper.

Heshutthedoor,andsheloungedoverthesheets.She’dneverfeltmorewanton.

Voicessoundedaside,andshepulledthesheetoverher.

Closinghereyesonlybroughtupimages...Imagesofbareskinandfirmmuscles,ofsweatdripping

fromsun-kissedskin,ofallthingsabsolutelyforbidden,allthingsunthinkableforniceyoungersistersof

dukes.

“We’regonnagobacktothegirls,captain.Wannacomewithus?”

“Ihavedecidedtostayonboard,”Rupertsaidmorestiffly.

“Butwe’vehardlyseenyou!Andwhoknowswhenwe’llnextseesomanyladies!”

Louisa’shearttumbleddownward.

“Notthistime,”Rupertsaid.

Louisasatup.

Soonshewouldbegone,andhewouldbefreetovisitthemostdeprivedsectionsoftheWestIndies.

Shewassomethingforhisamusement,somethingofgreaterclosenessandpracticalitythanthewhoreson

theisland.

Shepulledonhershirtandslidbackintoherbreeches.

Shewasbehavingfoolishly.Thiswasheroneescape,heroneadventure,andsheshouldbegrateful

thatRupertdesiredtospendtheirlastdaystogetherwithher.Butdespiteallherlogic,hercheststill

managedtoclench.

Butperhapsheartswereneverknownforbeinglogical.

Shemovedfromthebedandsatdownatthedeskallthesame.Sheneededtogiveherselfsome

semblanceofpropriety.Rupertcontinuedtospeakwiththesailor,laughingwithhimaboutvariouspast

misadventures.

Shesettledontothechairandflickeredhereyestothedesk.Ared-sealedletterwassplayedopen.

Shedidn’tmeantoreadthename,buttheaddresswassounexpectedthatitseemedtoimmediately

searintohermind.

Ruperthadtoldhertocallhimbyhisgivenname,andbeforethatshe’dreferredtohimas“Captain,”

buthe’dneveroncetoldhertocallhim“MyLord.”Noneofhismanysailorsreferredtohimlikethat.

Andyet,hereonthepaper,thecurvedwordswereclear.Hewasalord.Andevenmorethanthat—he

wasanearl.

Goodness.

HewasLadyRockport’sbrother!Cordeliahadspokenofhim.

Hemusthavethoughthersofoolish.Confessingthatnomaninthetondesiredher,despiteher

connections.Theman’sfatherwasaduke.

Herchesttightened.She’dstoppedbeingawareoftherockoftheship,butnowshefelteverywaveas

itpummeledthehull.Theshipseemedtolurchuneasily,andshebuttonedherclothes.

He’dgivenhergrieffornotsharinghersecretwithhim—butevenaftershe’drevealedthatshewasa

womanindisguise.Evenwhenshe’dmadeherselfincrediblyvulnerablebyconfessingthatshewasa

woman—oftheyoung,unmarriedsort,hundredsofmilesremovedfromanychaperone,hehadn’tshared

hissecret.

Andwhyshouldhe?Hewasanearl,hewouldbecomeaduke,andshewasmerelyasillygirlwho

couldn’tlandadancepartner,muchlessaparagonofmasculinitylikehim.

Themurmuringsslowed,andshebecameawareofRupert’sfootstepsapproachingher.She

swallowedhard.

Sheshouldreturntothebedandfeignignoranceoftheletter.Sheshouldjustaccepttheirremaining

daysforwhattheywere.

Butinsteadherstomachtightened,andshefeltthatifsheweretostand,shewouldstruggletodoso

forlong,likethefemaletravelersshe’dseenonherjourneyacrosstheAtlanticfromEngland.

Sheclutchedtheletterinherhandandsmoothedthecorners.Shestaredatthewords,buttheletters

didnotshift,shehadn’tmisread,andinthenextmomentthedoorswungopen.

“Loui—”Rupert’svoicehalted.He’dnoticedtheletter.

Louisa’slipsfirmed,andshesetthenotedown.

“Yes,MyLord?”Sheattemptedlevity,butsarcasmrippledthroughhervoicedespiteherbest

attentions.

“Ishouldhaveputthataway,”hesaid.“Howidioticofme.”

He’dchidedherforherdeception,buthe’dneverbotheredtotellhimhistruename.Oratleastnot,

histruelastname,andshe’dbeenmoreintimatewithhimthananyone.

Shedespisedthehesitationoverhisfaceandsighed.“ObviouslyIwon’tshareyourtitlewiththe

othersonboard.”

“Oroffboard.”Hisspeechwascarefulasifhewerehandlingherwiththeattentionhemightgivean

unrulypuppyamongsthisbestboots.

“Naturally.”Shepulledherarmsoverherchest.

“SoCaptainRosseisjustanameyou...invented?”

Hesighed.“Iamacaptain.”

*

Rupertsighed.

Sheknows.

Allhisinstinctstoldhimtoleaveitatthat.Shewasnodding.Shewouldacceptthat.Butthis

wasLouisa.Andeventhoughhe’dvowedtotellnoonehisrealname—thoughhisfamilyhadmanagedto

trackthemdown,usingtheirvastwealthtofulfilltheircuriosity,hefoundthatheactuallydesiredtotell

her.

“JasperRossewasmybestfriend,”Rupertsaid.“Hisparentswereservantsononeofmyfather’s

estates.Igrewupplayingwithhiminthefieldandcreeknearby.”Hesmiled.“Weusedtoplaysailors—

rowalittleboatupthecreekandsingsailors’tunes.”

Louisasettledbackonthebed.Hedidn’tdeservetheunderstandinglookshegavehim.

“Jasperalwayswantedtobeacaptain.Whenthewarhappened.Well,itwassimple.Wejoinedthe

navy.”Hesmiled.“Mysisteralwaysthoughttheshipsimpressiveanyway.”

“Hewasyourbestfriend?”

“Yes.NotthatIhaveonenow.”Hehesitated.Thestatementfeltwronginhismouth,andherealized

hedidhaveabestfriend—Louisa.Howhadthathappened?Womenweren’tsupposedtoholdthat

position.Heshookhishead.ThepointoftheconversationwasnottomulloverLouisa’simportanceto

him.“Jasperalwayswantedtobeacaptain.Andhewouldhavebeen—I’msureofit.Hewasgood.

Reallygood.Completelyfearless.Hewouldclimbtheriggingsinthemiddleofastormwhenother

sailorswouldbeparalyzedwithfear.Hewassmart,andeveryonerespectedhim.Butthen—”

“Hedied?”Louisaaskedsoftly.

Henodded,andhishearttwistedasitalwaysdidwhenheconsideredit.

“Itwaswar.AnAmericanshipattacked.Ourshipwasdestroyed,andwehadtojumpoff.”

“Andthen?”

“Acannonmusthavestruckhim.Onemomenthewasbesideme,andthenext,thewaterwasfilled

withbloodandhisbody...”Heglancedaway.

“I’msosorry,Rupert.”

Heshrugged.“Igottolive.”

“Andyoutookhisname?”

“Tohonorhim.Henevergotachancetobeacaptain,butIwantedtomakesurehegotthechanceto

beone.”Heburiedhisheadinhishands.“Itsoundsfoolish.”

“Itsoundslikeyouwereagoodfriend.”Shefrowned.“Isthatwhyyoudon’tswim?”

Henodded.“Iknowhowtoofcourse.AndIstillfinditpretty.Butthethoughtofbeinginthesalty

water,inthewaves—Ican’tdoit.”

Shetookhishandinhers,andherwarmfingersrubbedagainsthispalm.Thegesturesoothedhim.

“Ishouldn’tcomplain,”hesaid.“I’mluckytobealive.”

“I’mveryhappyyou’realive,”shesaid.“ButIknowhowharditistopretend.Itmusthavebeenso

difficult.”

Herfingerscontinuedtoplayagentlerhythmoverhishands,buthetookherintohisarmsandmelted

intoherastheykissed.

*

Shewascertainlynolongeraninnocent.

They’drepeatedtheirlovemaking.Overandoveragain.

Shetakentoresearchingduringtheday,capturingfishinbucketsandrecordingthemwhentheship

sailedtowardFalmouth,anddivingintotheoceanwhentheshipwasanchored.Weekspassed.

Butatnight,shewenttohisroom,gratefulthesailorsontheshipknockedonherdoorwithless

frequencythanthechambermaidsinhermanorhomes.

Anditwasalwayswonderful.

ShetiltedherheadatRupert.

Candlelightflickeredoverthehardplanesofhisbody,castinghiminagoldenglow.Shestrokedthe

linesofhismuscles,comfortableinbrushingherfingersoverareasthatshouldbewhollyunnaturalfor

her.“Iamenjoyingthisadventure.”

“Iwishyoucouldstay.”Helaughed.“AtsomepointIwouldbeboundtogivemyselfaway.Icanonly

showsomuchfascinationforfishbeforeFergusgrowsevenmoresuspicious.”

“Fergusfindsyoulackinginintellect?”Sheraisedhereyebrows,andherespondedbyslappingher

withapillowandthenpullingherintohisarms.

Thenextmomentsinvolvedrathermorekissing,andherheartwasoccupiedwiththefeelofhis

againsther.

“Iwishitcouldbetrue.”Hebrushedhishandsoverherhair,andhiseyesflaredashecontinuedto

exploreherbodywithhishandsasifhesoughttomemorizeeverycurve.“Iwishyoucouldstaywithme

forever.”

“Andwhywoulditnotbepossible?IfIstayedas...me?”Herheartpatteredmoreuncomfortably

now,asifconsciousherquestionmightbeperceivedasunfeminine.

“You’reserious?”Hehaltedhisexplorationofherbody,andshedidn’trealizehowmuchshecould

cravethesensationofhisfingers.“Mysweetdarling.Thatwouldbe...amazing.”

Herheartbeatfaster,butthenhisfaceclouded.“UnfortunatelyIwouldnotconfineyoutothefateof

someseacaptains,forcedtogazeouttheirwindowsinhopesofseeingtheirhusbands’ships.”

“AndwhatifIcontinuedtosailwithyou?”

“YoumeanasMr.Thornton?”

“No.”

Realizationflickeredoverhisface.“Iwouldlovetohaveyoubymyside.Butit’simpossible.The

WestIndiesisnoplaceforawoman.Thisshipisnoplaceforawoman.”

“ButIenjoyit—”

“NelsoncalledthisregionHell.Therearemany,manyrisksinvolvedintravelinghere.”

“Thatwashisopinion.”

“Peoplerespecthisopiniongreatly.”

Louisatriedtogiveanonchalantsigh.ShesuspectedthisconversationhadnothingtodowithNelson

atall.Hedidn’twanther.Itwasthatsimple.

“Look.”Heinhaled.“Thereareallsortsofdiseaseshere.Malariaandsuch.IntheRoyalNavy

nobodywantedtobeassignedhere.Fewpeopleevenwantedtojointhenavyatall—that’showpeople

likeFerguswerepracticallykidnappedbythegovernmentinordertoworkontheboats.”

“Andyet,hereyouare,”shesaid,hervoicebitter.“Andyourmenseemcontent.”

Heshrugged.“Acoincidence.Besidesyouwouldgetboredhere.Nowiveslastlongonships.Not

thatmanyattemptalifebesidetheirhusbands.Youwouldn’tbeabletodecorate,youwouldn’tbeableto

haveyourcookmakeyouthelatestdishes.Therearesailorsalwaysaround.It’sadreadfullife.That’sfor

certain.”

Shesmiledtightly.“Itwasjustamusing.Justasillydaydream.Iwasn’ttheleastbitserious.”

“Oh.”

“I-Iwasn’treferringtostayingwithspecificallyyou.”

Hefrowned,andhercheeksburned.Naturallyhehadn’tbeentakeninbyherlie.Naturallyhesawher

asjustanotherfemale,takenbyhischarm.He’dlikelyhadthisconversationwithotherwomen,women

moresuitedtotiethemselvestohim.Womenwhodidn’tdressasmen,whodidn’tmarvelatmarinelife

withtheenthusiasmtheyshouldbegivingtheirownappearance.

Shelaughedweakly.Shewasglad—sogladheenjoyedhercompany,butshewonderedwhetherit

waspossiblethathejustthoughtheraplaything.Shedidn’twanttobejustawomanhe’dbeenclever

enoughtodiscoveronboard.

Shewantedittobemore.Butwasn’tthatthoughtnaïve?Louisapridedherselfonherlackofnaivety,

butcouldtherebeanythingmorefoolishthanimaginingthatRupertcouldbeanythingmorethan

momentarilyintriguedbyher?Itwasprobablymoreatestamenttohisvirilitythanherattractivenessthat

heevendeignedtospendtimewithhernow.

She’dmetothermen,andallofthemhadbeenhappytoabandonherwhenitbecameclearthatanother

womanwasavailableforthemtospeakto.Dancingwithherhadbeenachorethey’dseemedtohate,asif

thefacttheywereforcedtochitchatwithherwasaproofofaninabilitytocharmanyoneelse.

Shewaitedforhisshoulderstorelax,buttheydidn’t.

“IsupposeIshouldgobacktomycabin,”shesuggested.

“Nonsense.”Heblewoutthecandleandpulledhertowardhim.“Iwouldnothaveyoumakemeso

distressed.”

Shenoddedandleanedintohisarms,unsureofeverythingashetightenedhisgrasparoundher.

*

Somethingseemedtohavechanged.

She’dstoppedteasinghimwithherhands,andherbodyhadgrownmorerigid.

Hepulledherclosertoher,ranhisfingersthroughherhairasifthatgesturealonemightbringback

someofthatearlierease.

Hetriedtoignoreherwords.

Shehadn’ttrulymeantamarriage.

Hewassureofit.

Becauseshewasthemostintelligentpersonheknew.Shecamefromagoodfamily,andshehadbetter

thingswaitingforher,whatevershemightthinknow.

He’dabandonedhisfamilytoohastily.Hewantedhertothinkmorebeforeshedidthesame.Andhe

couldn’tbeartoaskhertostaywithhim,knowingtheriskthatshe’dplaceherselfintodoit.Hisbest

friendhadbeenwithhimintheWestIndies,andhehaddied,rightbeforehim.Ruperthadn’tbeenableto

protectJasper—howwashesupposedtoprotectLouisa?

No,itwasbettertopretendthatshe’dneversaidit.

Bettertoenjoythemomentnowandnotworryaboutthefuture.

ChapterTwenty-one

ThewideexpanseofskyandoceannolongercomfortedRupert.Knowledgethattheworldwasgrander

andmorebeautifulthananythinghe’donceimaginedinHampshiredidnothalthismusingsthatheshould

doeverythingpossibletokeepLouisabyhisside.Forever.

Theoceanmightresembleliquidsapphire,thefoamthatcrestedoverthewavesmightsparklewitha

vigortypicallyfoundindiamonds,butnoneofthatmeantanythingwithoutLouisa.Theywereapproaching

Falmouth,andsoontheywouldseethefamiliarpastelbuildings.

Hisheartclenched,andevenLouisaseemedtofavorstandingbesidehimthandoingherbeloved

research,eventhoughthiswouldbeanoptimaldaytoconductit.

“Ahoy!There’sashipyonder.”Asailorshoutedfromthetopofthemast,andRupertandConrad

turnedtogazeatavesselinthedistance.

“Reckonthatmightbeapirateship.”SuspicionfilledConrad’svoice,andRupertgazedthroughhis

telescopeatthefast-movingboat.Itwasdistinctlyoddthattheshipwasheadingdirectlytowardthem.

“Pirates?”Louisa’svoicewobbled.

Rupertsighed.PirateswerejustthesortofreasonwhyheandLouisashouldnotbetogether.“Lifeis

dangerousonsea.”

Therewasn’tanythingromanticaboutit.Whycouldn’tthewomanseethat?Mostsensiblepeople

stayedawayfromtheWestIndies.EventheadventurerspreferredtowhileawaytheirtimeintheAlpsor

thePyrenees,tooawareoftheeaseofcontractingmalariahere.Deathcameinmanyformsinthe

Caribbean.

No,hecouldn’tletLouisabeanypartofthat.

Hestaredatthevessel.“ThereareallsortsofpiratesintheCaribbean.”

“AlotofthemareBritish,”Louisasaid.“AndIbelieveyoucallthemprivateers.”

“DidyoutellMr.Thorntonaboutourpast?”Conradasked.

“Idoknowsomethings.”Louisainsisted.Shegrabbedthetelescopeandpeeredattheboat.“So

what’stheprotocol?Doweallgetpistolsnow?”

“Weneedtoascertainwhotheyarefirst.”Heforcedhisgazeaway.Itwouldn’tdoifshesawhislips

twitch.

“Naturally,”Louisasaid.“Iratherthoughtyouwouldpossesstheexpertiseforthat.Now–arewe

lookingforaparticularflag?Theycan’tallhaveaskullandcrossbonesonthem.”

“Theydon’t.”ThistimeRupertcouldn’tkeephissmilefromspreading.Hecoughed.“Buttheycanbe

dangerousallthesame.Youshouldgobelowdeck.”

“Andleaveyouwithoutanotherpairofhandsondeck?”Shefrowned.“I’vebeentoEngland.IfIcan

shootfoxesandpheasants,Ibloodywellcanshootpirates.Itwillbringmemuchmorepleasure.”

ConradandFerguslookedstartled.Theyhadn’thadthepleasureofspendingasmuchtimewith

LouisaasRuperthad.

“TheymustmakethemeninMassachusettsverybrave.NowondertheystartedtheRevolutionary

War,”Fergussaid.

“Don’tforgetwealsowonthewar,”Louisasaid.

“Idon’tthinkanyEnglishmancanforget,”Fergussaidmiserably.

“AndthenwestartedtheWarof1812,”Louisasaid,“Andwebeatyouagain.Eventhoughwehadto

buildournavyfromscratch.”

“Thatmightbeaslightexaggeration,”RupertinsistedandtookthetelescopefromLouisa’shands.

“YoudidloseCanada.”

“Fiddle-faddle,”Louisadeclared.“WeneverhadCanada.Wecan’tbesorrywedon’thaveitnow.”

“IfwecouldonlygetsomeviciousmenlikeyouinCornwall,”Fergussaid,viewingLouisain

wonder.

Rupertsmiled,buthisgazeremainedfixedonthespeedingvesseldirectedstraightatthem.

Jamaicawasinsight,adestinationfilledwithsugar,sandybeaches,agroundthatdidnotswayand

rock,andimposingmountains.

ButthevesselwasheadedforTheSapphirePrincess.

Hescowled.He’dliketoseethevesseltrytoattackthem.Itwouldn’tbethefirsttimepirateshad

daredtotargethiscrew.

NotthathewasgoingtodetailhispastexperienceswithLouisanow.Hemightnotpossessmuch

sanitywhenitcametoher,butbyGod,hewouldhangontothefaintmodicumofithestillpossessed.

“Fergus,takeMr.Thorntondownstairs,”heordered.

“But—”Louisa’svoicewasmorehigh-pitchedthanshetendedtousewhenwearingbreeches,andher

faceflushed,andshecoughed.

“Now!”HegrowledatFergus,andthesailorreturnedasolemnnodbeforeheyankedholdof

Louisa’sarm.

“Thecaptainprideshimselfontakingcareofhispassengers,”Fergussaid.“If’e‘adwantedhis

passengerstofightpirates,‘ewouldn’t‘aveaskedforafare.”

Rupert’sshouldersrelaxedsomewhatasLouisa’sfootstepsbecamefainter,butheretainedhisfocus

onthestrangeship.

Hiscrewcouldtakeanyattackers;hewascertain.

Still...ThisservedasagoodreminderthatheneededtoprotectLouisa,andthathecouldn’tgive

intotheinsurmountabletemptationtohaveherbyhissideforever.

Hischestsqueezed.

Blast.Whydidhefeellikehewasmakingamistakeevenwithpiratesinobviousproximity?

Hewithdrewhispistolandconfirmedwiththegunmenthatthecannonswerereadytobefired.

Butastheshipapproached,heonlysawtheflagofthebloodyformercolonials.Hefrowned.Wasthe

UnitedStatespreparingtostartathirdwaragainstBritain?Hewouldn’tputsuchanactionpastthe

blastedupstarts,thoughitwouldbebloodybadluckiftheex-colonialsbeganwithhisship.TheSapphire

Princessmightbegrand,butitwasn’texactlyTheChesapeake.

Thevesselcutthroughthewater,sendingstreamsofsparklingsapphiresoaringthroughtheair,andthe

peopleondeckscowledathimwithaferociousnessthatevenmanagedtoexceedhisexperiencewith

pirates.

“Hey!Hey,you!”AmanwithastrongAmericanaccentwavedatthem.“Youbetterstop!”

“Wecommandyouhalt!”Amiddle-agedmanintightbreechesthundered,hishairsimilarlytousled,

hisgazesimilarlyirate,thoughhisvoicewasdistinctlyBritish.

Itwasthesortofupper-classaccent,honedfromschoolatEtonorHarrow,thatRupertimmediately

recognized.

Becauseatonepointhe’dhadthesameaccent.

Thesemenwerenotfriendly,andhethankedheavensagainthatLouisawasbelowdeck.

“You’vetakenmyson’snewbride,”theBritishmanshouted.

Rupertscowled,evenashisstomachtoppleddownward,eventhoughhewasn’tpronetosuffering

fromseasickness.Heglaredatthepompouslyattiredmen.Theywerefoolsiftheythoughthewouldever

giveLouisaup,nomatterhowmuchtheyshouted,andhowclosetheirvesselcametohisown.

“Weain’tgotnowomanhere!”Fergusleanedovertheledgeandhollered.HeturnedtoRupert.

“Thosemenmustbemad.”

Ruperttightenedhislips.

“Nonsense,”theEnglishmanbellowed.“Theship’snameispaintedinbrightcolors.Whoisthe

captain?”

“Iamtheship’scaptain,”Rupertthundered.“CaptainRosse.”

Rupertfrownedatthefamiliarlie,butifhewasgoingtostarttellingthetruth,hebloodywellwasn’t

goingtostartwiththisabominableman.

“NotthatTheSapphirePrincesshasanythingtodowithwomen,”Fergusvolunteered.

“Don’tworry,lad,”themansaid.“You’reaplebeian;youwouldn’tunderstand.IamSirSeymour

Amberly.Youmayhaveheardofme.IamabaronetfromthegreatcountyofYorkshire!”

Fergusblinked.“ReckonI’veheardofYorkshire...Ain’tthatwayupnorth?”

SirSeymourbeamed,evidentlyundeterredbythebrightsunbeams,andsquintedtowardthem.“Finest

partofEnglanditis!Nowonderyou’resailinginthispartoftheworld.Youdon’tknowwhatyou’re

missinginYorkshire.”

SirSeymourturnedawayfromthem,andRupertnoticedtwonicelyattiredmenintheshadows.Their

faceswereobscured.

“Cecil!Cecilmyboy,”SirSeymoursaid.“It’sgoingtobefine.Papa’sfoundthemanwho’sstolen

yourbride.”

SothiswasLouisa’sfiancé.Louisahadsupposedtheengagementwouldbeover,butinsteadher

fiancécaredsomuchforhewaschasingheracrosstheocean.

Hestaredatthemanwho’dplannedtomarryLouisa.Hewantedtodespisetheman,thoughhewasa

paler,weakerversionofhisfather.Heworearuffledfrockcoat,adeepauberginecolorthatexplained

someofthesweatdampeningtheman’sfacesinceactualpassionorangerdidnotseemtobedisplayed.

Hisstarchedcravatfailedtomasktheman’sweakchin.Themanlookedburnedbythesun,and

Rupertwasonceagaingratefulthathiscomplexiondidnottendtosufferfromthatparticularaffliction.

“I’mtellingyou,weain’tgotnowomanhere,”Fergusshoutedagain.

“Liar!”SirSeymourvoicebarreledthroughtheair.“Myson’sfiancéeisonthisship!We’vetracked

youdown!Themarriagewilltakeplace.”

Thebaronetremovedamusket,asifheintendedtoshootRupertrightthereandthen.

RupertsmirkedandraisedhispistolanddirecteditcalmlyatSirSeymour.Thebaronetwasmadifhe

thoughthe’devermanagetodefeatTheSapphirePrincess,nomatterifhecamefromYorkshire.

Musketswerenotlaudedforanabilitytofireatlongrange,andhewascertaintheirrangewouldnot

beimprovedwhenheldonaswayingship.Heglancedathissailors.“Thinkyourememberhowtoattack

aship,lads?”

“Aye,aye,Cap’n!”themenshoutedwithglee,andhesmiled.Theywereabloodygoodcrew.

“Directthecannonsattheship,”hecalledout,hisvoiceroaredoverthewind.

SirSeymour’sfacewhitened,andhetossedthemuskettohisson.

“Father!”Theman’spalefleshhadpinkenedunderthebrightsun,andheslickedbackhisdamphair.

Hisdiscomfiteddemeanorwasnotlessenedbyhisfoppishattire.

“Thatwouldbeaverybadidea,”Rupertannounced.“Oneshotandthesecannonswillblowyour

vesseltobits.”Hescowled.“Smallbits.”

“And‘e’sgoodatducking,”Fergusannouncedproudly.

Rupertgrinned.“I’mgoodatlotsofthings.”Heturnedtohiscrew.“Now.”

Thesailorschuckledandshoutedcurseswithglee.Theyhauledropeontothemast,tyingittightly,and

thenonebyonetheygrabbedholdoftherope,ran,andthensailedthroughtheairuntiltheydroppedonto

theothership.Theywithdrewknivesfromtheirbelts,aweakersubstitutetotheirformerswords,but

weaponswhichstillmanagedtomakethefacesontheothershipswhiten.

“Nowlineup,”Conradorderedthecrewoftheothership.“Idon’tlikesurprises.”

“NeitherdoI,”Fergusroared,andhisredhairglintedundertheharshCaribbeanlight.

Themen’skneesontheothershipseemedtoquiver,andheassessedLouisa’sfiancé,themanwhohad

moreclaimtoherthanhedid.Themansquintedathim,thoughhedidnotdirectthepistoltowardhim.

Rupertsmirked.ClearlySirSeymour’sprogenyhadreachedhigherheightsofvirtuethanhissire,forhe

removedtheammunitionfromthemusketandloweredthebarrel.

“Quiteintelligent,”Rupertsaidcoolly.“Now.OncemymenreturnIwantyoutoturnyourboataround

andgoasfarawayfromusandasquicklyawayfromusasyoucan.”

“Youdon’twanttostealanything?”FerguseyedSirSeymour’svelvetoutfit.“Reckonmenlikethat

mighthavesomefancythings.”

“Sir!”TheAmericanmanlookedoutraged.

“Cecil!”SirSeymourordered.“Tellthemanabouthowyourheartisbroken!Howyou’llfightthe

mantothedeath!How—”

“Youwanttofightmetothedeath?”Rupertraisedhiseyebrowsandrolleduphissleeves.

Mr.Amberly’sfacemerelywhitened.

“No,”Rupertsaid,glancingagainatMr.Amberly.He’dalreadytakensomethingquitevaluablefrom

theman.“We’llletthemgo.”

Fergussighed.“It’snofunbeingdecent.I’lltelltheothersailors.They’llbemightydisappointed.”

Rupertshrugged.

“Themanneedstoreturnsomething,”amalevoicedeclared.

Rupertpaused.Heknewthatvoice.

ArthurCarmichaelsteppedoutfrombehindamast.“Ialwaysdidwanttoseeyoucaptureaship.

Congratulations,it’severybitasimpressiveasthereports.”

NormallyRupertmighthavesmiled,buttherewassomethingaboutthegleamintheman’seyesthat

didnotappealtohim.“Whatareyoudoinghere,Carmichael?”

“Ithinkyouknow,”hislongtimefriendsaid.

“ShouldIshoot‘im?”Fergusasked.

Rupertsighed.“Holdyourfire.Allofyou.”

Hismenletoutadisappointedwail,buttheyobeyed.He’dtrainedthemwell.

HemadehiswayontotheothershipuntilhefacedArthurCarmichael.

Themangloweredathim.“Where’smysister?”

“Shedoesn’twanttoseeanyone.”

“She’snineteen,”Carmichaelsaid.“Shedoesn’tknowwhatshewants.”

“She’shappy,”Rupertinsisted.“We’rehappy.”

“Truly?”Carmichaelsoundedstartled,andhiseyessoftened.

Foramoment.

Hesoonfrowned.“Youcan’ttakeher.Youknowwhatlifehereislike.”HegesturedtoMr.Amberly.

“Thismanwantstomarryher.Hecanofferagood,safelifeinconsiderablecomfort.”

Rupert’sheartsqueezed,butheloweredhisvoice.“Didyoutellthemaboutme?”

“Ivowednevertobetrayyourtrust.”

“Iwouldn’twantthemtofindoutI’manearl.”

“Damnation.”Carmichaelsighedandgentledhisvoice.“Didnobodytellyou?”

Rupertfrowned.

“Youmusthaveleftjustbeforethenews,”Carmichaelmused.“Isupposeit’suptome.Yourfather’s

dead.Sotechnicallyyou’readuke,andIwouldadviseyoutogobacktoEnglandtoclaimyourestate.

Fatherisdead?

Hehadn’tseenhimonelasttime.Hisfatherhadaskedtoseehim,andhe’drefused,notwantingto

delayhisjourney.Lordknewhe’donlygivenhimselfashortsojourninBrighton,justsohewouldn’t

succumbtoanytemptationtomakethejourneytoHampshire,sothathewouldn’tfeelfoolishifhisvisit

withhissisterwasuncomfortableoratrap.

I’vebeenafool.

“Thisdoesn’tchangeanything,”Carmichaelsaid.“Justbecauseyou’readuke,itdoesn’tmeanyou’re

fittomarrymysister.You’retoowild,toounpredictable.Ican’thaveyoubreakherheart.”Carmichael

glancedatCecilAmberly.“Whateverthatman’sfaultsare,hewon’tbreakherheart.”

Themanwasright.Rupert’slifewastoodangerous.

Jasperdied.

Itmightbebeautifulhere,butitwasdangerous.

Carmichaelfixedasteelystareathim.

Rupertwantedtoresist.Hecouldresist.He’dalreadytakentheirvessel.Itwouldbeeasytosailon,

keepingLouisaathisside,rightwhereshesaidshewantedtobe,rightwherehewantedhertobe.

Happinesswassoclose.

Heswallowedhard.Carmichaelwasright.Hecouldn’tsubjectLouisatosuchalife,nomatterhow

muchhewouldmissher.Hisheartached,butheturnedtoFergus.“PleasebringMr.Thornton.”

ChapterTwenty-two

Aknocksoundedonthedoor.

“Mr.Thornton.You’rewantedabovedeck.”

Louisawidenedhereyes.Theywantedhertofightafterall.Sheswungherdooropen.

Thiswasaboutprotectingtheship.Theyneeded...her!

Itwasoddthoughthatthey’dchosenabroad-muscledmanlikeFergustofetchher.

Anditwasodd,shepondered,asshefollowedhimupthestairs,thatshedidn’thearthesoundsof

fighting.She’dheardnoisesearlyon,butnoweverythingseemedstill.

Perhapstheothervesselwasn’tfilledwithpirates.

SheturnedsharplytoFergus.“Whatisgoingon?”

“Ican’ttellyou,sir.Allamysterytome,itis.Theybewantingtospeaktosomegirl.Butwedon’t

‘aveoneonboard.Iwouldknow,”Fergussaid.“Wishtherewerealassieonboard.”Hisvoicewas

mournful,andheturnedtoLouisa.“Betyoudotoo.”

“Well—”IfLouisahadbeencapableofspeechbefore,andhermindseemedsuddenlyfoggy,soshe

wasn’tsureatall,shecertainlywasnotcapablenow.

Theywantedher.

Shewasn’tsurehow,butshemusthavebeendiscovered.

Icespreadthroughherbody,andthoughshe’dneverneededtherailingbefore,herfingersclutched

holdofitasshefollowedFergusupthestairs.

Perhapshewantedhertobehereasproofthatnomenwereonboard.Butwouldn’tthemenbe

conductingasearchthemselvesthen?Foralltheyknewtherewasaswarmofpeopledownstairs.

Itprobablywasn’therfamily.

Thatwouldbe,well,thatwouldbeveryunlikely.

“Louisa!”

Shestilled.Sherecognizedherstepfather’sbrashvoice.

Heavens.

ThiswastheWestIndies.ThiswasfarawayfromEngland.FarawayfromMassachusetts.Howhad

themaneverfoundher?

“MayIcomeoutnow?”Ahigher-pitchedvoiceshriekedandwasansweredintheaffirmative.

Mama?

“Whereismydaughter?”Hermothermarchedoverthedeck.Sheappearedmoretousled,withnot

nearlyasmanylayersofattireandjewelsdrapedoverher,butshewasstillquitedefinitelyhermother.

Hermotherblinkedather,andthenrecognitionseemedtostrike,forshehowled.“Louisa.Whatare

youclothedin?”

Louisasmoothedherbreeches,andforthefirsttimeinalongwhile,sheconsideredtheirutter

impropriety.Herlegswereondisplay.Andshe’dbeenconsortingwithmenforweekswithnochaperon

insight.Shefeltabsurdinhermasculineattire.

She’dtriedsohardtofindsomeindependence,butnow,nowafterithadseemedsoclose,she’dlost

everything.Tearsinvadedhereyes,andsheblinkedfuriously.

SheglancedatRupert.Hisfacewasturnedtowardherstepfather,andsherelaxed.Hewashere.It

wouldbefine.

Ofcourseitwasfine.

Andofcourseshe’ddonetherightthingincominghere.

Butdreadstillsurgedthroughherasshesteppedtowardherstepfather.Shestillswallowedhard,and

—

“It’sher!”Anothervoice,thistimewithaBritishaccent,sounded.

Sheblinked.Itsoundedverymuchlike...SirSeymour.Thefatherofthemanshewassupposedto

marry.

“Look,son!”Thevoicecontinued.“It’syourbride.Itoldyouwewouldfindher.LeaveitalltoPapa,

that’swhatIsaid,andwefoundher.”

Shespottedthem.

Herlegswobbled,andsheclutchedholdoftheledge.

“Yep,it’sher,”SirSeymourcontinued.“Nowthereareprettierchits,but—”

“Don’tinsulther,”Cecilsaidatonce,asifsheweretrulygoingtomarryhim.

“Louisa,”aharshvoicesaid,andsheturned.

Atall,muscularmanwithhaircolorthatresembledherownscowled.

“Arthur?”Herbottomlipdroppeddownward,andshehadthehorriblesensationshewassimply

blinking.

Theman’sgreeneyes,theonesthatnormallycrinkledinpleasurewhenhesawher,glared.

“Whatonearthareyoudoinghere?”shestammered.

“Ithinktheappropriatethingtoaskiswhatareyoudoinghere,”Arthursaid.“You’refortunateour

stepfathercametofindmeinFalmouth.”

“Andattiredinthatoutrageousgetup.”Herstepfatherheavedaheavysigh,oneunfortunatelynot

shroudedbyeitherwavesorwind.Headjustedhisspectacles.“Irecognizethatshirt.Andthose

breeches.”

Herheartthumpedwildly,asifwillinghertoflee,buttherewasnowheretogo.

Herdreamhadended,andthemansheloved,themanwho’dfoughtpiratesandmerchantswithease,

wasgivingherup.

“Theydidn’tthinkwewouldfindyou,”SirSeymourinterruptedherstepfather’scontinued

admonishments,hisvoicegleeful.“ButItold’emwewouldcatchyou.Findingchitsissortoflike

hunting.”

“Fathercanshootpheasantsforhourseachday,”Cecilexplained.

“Enoughchatter,”herstepfathersaid.“Weshouldgo.Getinthevessel!”

“YoumeanMr.Thornton’sagirl?”Fergusastonishedvoicerangoutbehindher,andshecringed.

Herstepfatherpulledtheribbonfromherhair,andherqueueunraveled.Thewindbrushedagainsther

locks,liftingthemup,inafashionlikelynotabletobedescribedasmasculine.

“Chitneverdidhavemuchofabosom,”SirSeymourdeclared,andLouisa’scheeksheatedwithsuch

force,shewouldn’thavebeensurprisedifthey’dsailedintoHadesitself.Herbodystiffened,asifeach

limbwasseparatefromtheother,resemblingsomeimproperlyconstructedpuppet.

Thesailorsgawked,theireyebrowsraised,andtheirmouthswidened.

“Idon’tunderstand,”Fergussaidslowly.

Shesoftenedhervoice.“I’msosorryfornottellingyou.”

Fergusclutchedontohiscap,asifascertainingthathisheadwasstillintact.“Butyoudon’tlooklikea

girl.”

Herlegswobbled,andtearstoppleddownhercheeks,rightbeforeeveryone,sealingherhumiliation.

“Oh,shedoes,”Rupert’slovely,baritonevoiceboomedbehindher.

Footstepsstrodetowardher,andhernervestingledinthatnowfamiliarfashionwhenevershewasin

hispresence.

Sheturnedtowardhim,buthisgazeremainedgrim,andhiseyesdidn’tlingeronher.Theyclouded

everybitasopaqueasthatofasculptureoroneofthepaintingsshe’dfirstthoughthebelongedin.

Rupertclearedhisthroatandturnedinthedirectionofherfamily.“Iwasshockedtodiscoverthefact.

IassureyouIhadnoideawhensheboardedtheshipthatshewasnotinfactaman.”

Humiliationhadneversurgedthroughherwithsuchstrength.

“IcanassureyouMissCarmichaelwascompletelytakencareofonboard,”Rupertcontinued.“The

menneverevendiscoveredheridentity.”

“That’sforsure,”Fergusassentedloudly,andshewishedhewerenotnearlyasaccomplishedat

raisinghisvoiceoverthewaves.“Neverwouldhaveguessed.Notinamillionbillionyears.”

She’dbeenswarmedwithemotions,enhancedbytheseaandthesunshine.She’dthought...Her

cheeksflamedfurther.Well,shecertainlyhadn’tthoughtthatafterallthosenightsinthecaptain’s

bedroom,allhisprotectivegestures,thathewouldbestandingbeforeherstepfatherandtellinghimitwas

amistakeshe’devergottenonboard.

He’dcalledhertoallthesepeople,eventhoughheknewherattirewouldbefoundscandalous.

“Doyoujustmeantogivemeovertothem?”ShewhisperedfiercelytoRupert.“Justlikethat?”

Hisfacewasrigid,almostunrecognizable,andhisgazenevermetherown.Itwasfoolishtohope,not

whentheRupertshe’dknownappearedsodifferentfromthisman,butwhenhenoddedinaffirmation,her

minddidnotceaseswirling.

“I’mnogoodforyou,darlinggirl.It’sbetterthisway,”hewhispered.“Theoceanisnoplacefora

woman.Andtheycameallthisway—they’lltakecareofyou,you’llsee.”

Shewasvaguelyconsciousofpeoplemurmuringaroundher.Somebodywasusheringhertotheother

vessel.Sheblinkedhard.

“Goodbye,”Rupertsaid.

“Goodbye,”shestammered.Sheturnedtohim,buthiseyeswerefixedtothehorizon,asifthefaint

smatteringofcloudsweremoreinteresting.

Hewaslikelyrelievedtoberidofhersoquickly.

Goodness.Hadhejustusedherforhispleasure?

He’dusedherforhispleasure.LikethosehorriblepamphletslikeMatchmakingfor

Wallflowerswarnedwomenof?

Ithadbeenexactlylikethat.

Andshe’dthoughtofmarriage.Nowonderthemanhadseemeduncomfortable.

Sheblinkedhard.

“Whywereyoudressedasaman?”Ferguscalledafterher.

“Toprotecthervirtue,”Rupertsaidatonce.

“See!”SirSeymourelbowedCecil.“Yourbrideisstillvirtuous!WhatdidItellyou?Iknewitwas

goodtogoafterher?Papaknowsbest.”

Shestaredattheseabelowherasshemovedovertheplankthatjoinedthetwoships,atleast

temporarily.Thewavesseemedtourgetheshipstoseparate.

Itwasonlylatersherealizedthatshe’dleftherresearchonTheSapphirePrincess.

Herchesttightened,butshestruggledtothinkofareasonwhysheshoulddashafterit.

Everythinghadchanged.

Shewasgoingtogetmarried.ToCecil.Justlikebefore.

She’dhadherholiday,she’dmetthemansheloved...Buthedidn’tloveherback.

Sheblinkedhard.

*

RupertwatchedLouisadescendtheshiptakinghisheartwithher.Remainingfirmhadtakenhuge

amountsofreserve.

Butshecouldn’tstayhere.Itwouldn’tbedecent.TheWestIndieswasadangerousplace.Itwasno

placeforawoman;Arthurwasright.

“Let’sgo,”hesaidtothesailors.“We’restillboundforFalmouth.”

Thesailorsblinkedathim.

“Ican’tbelievethatshewasawomanallthistime,”onepersonmoaned.

“Ofcourse,shewas,”Rupertsaid.“Andanextremelyintelligentoneatthat.”Hesmiled.“Notthatit

wouldhavetakenextremeamountsofintelligencetofoolyoulot.”

“Ithinkitwouldhave,”Fergusinsisted,clearlyoutraged.“I’msureshewouldbe.Why,Ireckonshe’s

thesmartestpersonI’veevermet.”

Henodded.“Ithinkyoumightbecorrect.”

Hestillhadmemoriesofher.Thatwouldhavetosuffice.Becauseheabsolutelycouldnotputherin

danger.Shesaidshelikedtheocean,butitwasapassionthatmanywomenclaimedtohave.Many

womentookpleasureinlookingatthevariouscolorsandstrengthofthewaves.Butthatdidn’tmeanthat

theyweresuitedforlifeonboardaship.

He’dhadtobefirmforher.

BecauseIloveher.

Hemulledoverthethought.Wasn’tlovesupposedtomakepeoplehappy,andnotcausehisheartto

acheasifabutcherhadrecentlymistakenitformeat?

ChapterTwenty-three

Louisasteppedontothenewship.

Anunfamiliarcrewpointedinherdirection,musingloudlyoverher.Onceagainshefeltexposedin

herbreeches,consciousofeverycurve,orlackofcurve,thetightfabricrevealed.

Shemovedgingerlyoverthenewdeck.Howwasitpossibleforittoresembletheothership,yet

differsoentirely?

Someonewaswashingthedeck,buttheperson’sragswerethewrongcolor,andthespacesbetween

thestepswerethewronglength.

Louisastrovetoraiseherchin,eventhoughthetaskseemedtodemandastrengthfoundmore

commonlyinwrestlers.Shestrovetokeeptearsfromfloodinghereyes.

Shetriedtosmile.Itshouldn’thavebeensoeasytodisguiseherself.Thereseemedtobenogreater

sign.

“Younglady!”Herstepfather’sbrashvoicebarkedather.“Yougaveyourmotherquiteafright.You

couldhavebeenkilled.”

“Orworse,”hermothershrieked,claspingherheart.

“I—I’msorry.”Shehadn’twantedtocauseanyonepain.Butherlastfewweekshadseemedtoshow

thattherewasnogreatersignthatshewasunsuitedtoalifefilledwithdressesandcoiffures.“Ilefta

note.”

“Knowingwhereyouarelocatedisnotenoughtokeepyourmotherfromworrying.Notwhentheonly

womenwhoventurealoneonshipsarewhores.”

Shetensed.She’dneverheardthatwordfromherstepfather’slipsbefore,buthesmiled,asiftaking

gleeinthefactthathe’dmanagedtoshockher.“Yourmaidtoldusyouboardedtheshipthedaybefore

youwentmissing.WewentstraighttoArthur,andwewereluckythemanwasabletotrackdownThe

SapphirePrincess—yourbrotherwassurprisinglygoodatfindingit.Atleastoneofyourmother’s

childrenmademeproud.”

“Oh.”Sheglancedoveratherbrother,butArthurhadfixedhisfaceintoascowlingexpression.

Clearlynoonewasforgivingheranytimesoon.

“You’reluckyIhadthisvesselwithme,”herstepfathercontinued.“You’realsoexceedinglylucky

thatMr.Amberlyremainswillingtotakeyouon.Mostmenwouldn’t.”

“Youshouldbehappytobeoffthatboat,”SirSeymoursaid.“Landismuchbetter.Muchlessswirling

about.”

“Thetwoexperiencesarequitedifferent,”Louisasaidsolemnly.Atonepointshemayhavelaughedat

herfuturefather-in-law’sstaunchidiocy.

SirSeymournoddedrapidly.“Cleverchit.Cleverchitindeed.Knewtherehadtobesomeadvantages

toyourappearance.Can’tbetoocarefulaboutpoortraitsgettingintothebloodline.”

Louisasmiledtightly.

“Goodthingwerescuedyou,”SirSeymourmused.“Goodthingindeed.Couldhavehadactualpirates

gettoyou.Thatwouldhavebeentragicindeed.”Hesmoothedhisfrockcoat.“IratherthinktheDukeof

Alfristonmightseemequitefavorablynow.Quitefavorablyindeed.”

“Howmarvelousforyou,”shesaid,hervoicecold.Sheglancedattheothers,buttheyhaddrifted

fartherawayfromher.Hernewfiancéseemedmoreinterestedinreadingabook,andArthurandher

stepfatherstillscowledwhenevertheycaughthergaze.

“TheDukeandIare,youknow,greatfriends.”SirSeymourleanedinclosertoher,andsomestrange

floralconcoctionwaftedoverher.Clearlythebaronethadnotgonewithouthiscologne.“Ithinkit’s

becausewearebothveryimportantmenintheregion.Whatwithbothbeingaristocratsandall.”

“Mybrother’sestateisinSussex.YoursisinYorkshire.”

Themandidn’tevenblush,eventhoughshewassurethathemusthaveatonepointglancedatamap

andnoticedthatthetwocountieswereseparatedbyhundredsofmilesfilledwithhills,rivers,andlarge

cities.

“Hiswifeismyniece.”SirSeymourdidn’texactlypoundhischest,buthishanddidcomeverynear

thatregion,andhistorsoswelledwithwhatshecouldonlyassumewaspride.

Louisafrowned.Herbrotherandsister-in-lawcertainlyhadnotseemedequallyeffusiveaboutthis

neighborandrelative.

“Obviously,weareascloseascanbe.Andnowwithmysonmarryingtheduke’ssister...”Sir

Seymoursmiledfondly.“Well,I’msureallthetoncanforgivemysonforchoosingawomanofsome

eccentricity.Butthat’swhathappenswhenyourbrotheronlyhasoneleg.Thesethingshappen.People

willunderstand.”

Louisablinked.“Mybrother’sinjuryisnot—”

“Somethingthatshouldbediscussed.”Arthurstrodetowardthem.

“Iagree,”Louisasaid.

“Sensiblewoman.”SirSeymourraisedhisvoiceandturnedinthedirectionofhisson.“Cecil,did

youhearthatIthinkyou’vepickedyourselfagoodwoman?”

“Er—yes,”Cecilsaidloyally.

“It’sthatgreattastethatmadehimwaittochooseone,”SirSeymoursaidproudly.

“Howextraordinarytofindthatyouchasedmesofar,”Louisasaid.

“Well.Wearehappytocultivatearomanticinstinctinourson.Themanreadssomuchpoetry!Andhe

prideshimselfonhisfashion,”SirSeymourboasted.“YouwouldthinkhewasBrummel’sshadow.The

wayhisgazefollowedBrummel’sbackwhereeverthemanturned.”

“Justadmiringtheman’sfabricchoices,”Cecilsaid.Hisfacewaspinkerthanithadbeenpreviously,

andLouisaponderedhernewhusband-to-be.

“I’llmakeyouhappy,”Cecilsaidmoreseriouslyasifreadinghermind.“I’llgiveyouthefreedomto

doyourresearch.Yourmaidexplainedtomehowpassionateyouwereaboutit.”

“Shedid?”Louisasmiled.“Thatwaskindofher.”

Cecilgrinned,andLouisa’sshouldersrelaxed.“I’llhonoryourdesires,”hecontinued.“Ifyouwantto

liveinAmerica,orhere—”

“Well,youshouldgetaroundtohavingbabies,”SirSeymoursaid.

Cecilshrugged.“Whatevermywifedesires.Ican’tpromisehereverything,but—ifshewantstodo

research,shecan.”

Itwaskindoftheman.

Itwascertainlymorethanshe’dhopedforinamatch.

She’dalwaysyearnedforromance,butnever,infact,expectedit.

Veroniqueseemedtobesufficientlyromanticforbothofthem.

Andnowshewouldmarry,beridofhermother’sfrenziedsearchforafiancéforher,andshewould

stillbeabletodotheresearchshe’dalwayslongedtodo.

Itshouldhavebeeneverything.

Itshouldhavebeenhappinessitself.

SheglancedatTheSapphirePrincessasitcutthroughthewaves,somedistanceaway.Thetallmasts

adornedwithbillowingsailsmadesomethinginherheartache.

ShesuckedinabreathofthesaltyseaairandforcedherselftosmileatCecil.“Iappreciateyour

wordseversomuch.NowImustretire.”

“Surething!”SirSeymoursaidcheerfully.“Mustbeupsettingforagirllikeyou,asisterofaduke,to

beforcedtoliveinsuchreducedcircumstances.Oneatleastwantstostrideonagroundthatisn’t

swaying.ThegoodLordcreatedgroundforustowalkuponmostofthetime.Don’tseewhysailorshave

toabandonit.”

“Mmm...Hmm.”

“You’llprobablybespendingthewholenightcryingtearsofjoy.”SirSeymourbeamedagain.“But

it’sallright.Mysonisheretomarryyou.Yourtemporaryinsanityhasbeenforgiven!”

Louisanodded,nottrustinghervoicetoremainsteadywereshetoattempttospeak.Sherushedtothe

accommodationsandtriedtofeelgratefulthattheyweren’tonsea,butshecouldn’tmusteranyjoyatall.

Somehowshe’dalwaysthoughtRupertwouldfightforher.She’dbeenpreparedtofightalongside

himwhenshethoughttheotherboatcontainedpirates,andnotherrelativesandrelatives-to-be.

Allheneededtotellthemwasthathewantedhertostay.Thathedidn’twanthertomarry.Thathe

wantedtomarry...her.

Butthenotionwasinfantile.Rupertwashappysailingonhisownwithhiscrewfindingdiversionsat

everyport.

Perhapshermotherhadbeenright.PerhapsLouisahadhaditallwrong,allalong.Perhapssheshould

havefocusedonherappearance.Perhapsithadbeenfoolishforhertofocusonherresearch.Perhapsit

shouldhavesimplybeenahobbyaseveryonecondescendinglysuggested.

Forthoughshe’dnevermentionedthewordlove,shehadnodoubtthatthatwaswhatshefelt.And

thoughshecouldnotforceRuperttofeelsimilarly,she’dthrownawayherreputationandanyfuture

chancesoflove.

Cecilwaskind,butevenheadmittednervouslythathewouldneverbeahusbandpronetothemore

typicalpassions.Andeventhoughsuchamarriagewouldoncehaveseemedtolerable,shenowlonged

for...More.

She’dneveragainmeetRupert’seyes;she’dneveragainfeelhisarmswraparoundher,andshe’d

neveragainhearthesoundofhislaughter.

Herfeaturesgrewrigid,andshelockedthedoortohercabin.Shesanktoherfloor,wrappingher

armsaroundherchest,asifitmightprotectherheartfrombreaking.

Butitwasnouse.

Italreadyhad.

*

Shewasgone.

Herquarterswereempty,andnoslenderfigurewiththickauburnhairlaypressedagainsthimwhen

hewoke.

MemoriesofwatchingLouisabeinghauledoffinvadedhismind.

Shehadn’twantedtoleave.Herfacehadbeensopale,hergrayeyessowide,andhershouldershad

tensedsomuch.Guiltratchetedthroughhim.

Itwasforthebest.Herownbrotherhadsaidso,andArthurhadworkedwithhimforyears.Heknew

Rupert’sfaults,hislies,betterthananyoneelse.

Hehadtolethergo.Herrelativesmightbeeccentric,buttheywerewell-intentioned.Theycaredfor

her,andtheywouldkeephersafe.CecilAmberlycouldbringhisbridetosomemanorhouse,andkeep

herensconcedfromalltherealpiratesthatroamedtheCaribbean,allthediseases,allthestorms.

Yethisguiltdidnotabate.

Hevowedtoatleastbringherresearchtoherandstrodethroughhisquarters.Heavoidedglancingat

thesofaanddiningroomtable,asifavertinghisgazefromtheareaswhereLouisahadsatandlaughed,

mightbanishthepainfulmemoriesthatfloodedthroughhismindwithaforcemorecommonlyfoundin

typhoons.

Hestrodetoherroomandopenedthedoortohercabin.Herdivinghelmetlayonthetable,andhe

sighed.Hewouldneedtogiveittoher.Heknewhowimportantitwasforher.

Heranhishandoverthematerial,ponderinghowlongitmusthavetakentodesignandgetthe

costumemade.

Itwasincredible.

Mostincredible.

Apersonwhodidthathadmorethanapassingpassionfortheocean.

Apersonwhomightactuallywanttospendherlifeonaship.

Justlikehim.

Blast.She’dattemptedtotellhim.She’dtriedtoreasonwithhim.Buthe’dbeentoothick-headedto

realizetheveracityofherstatements.He’ddismissedherdesires,justaseveryoneelsedid,evenwhenhe

claimedtowanttoprotecther.He’dgivenintoomuchtohisfears,eventhoughhepridedinchoosinga

lifeofbraveryforhimself.

Hegrabbedholdofherjournal.Hewasawarehewasbreakingallsortsofprotocol,butheneededto

besure.

Hereadthroughherresearch.Througheverypainstakinglyrecordeddetail.

Thewomanwasincredible.

Andhe’dtossedheraside.

Hischesttightenedasifsomeboaconstrictorhadslitheredoverfromtheshoreandwrappeditself

aroundhim.Whatmustshethink?

Heroseabruptlyandstuffedthejournalintohissatchel.Hisheartthumpedwildly,buthewasn’t

goingtolingertogiveittimetorecovernow.

Therewasonethingitneeded.

Onethingheneeded.

Louisa.

AndshewasabouttogetmarriedtosomepaleEnglishmanwhowouldn’tloveher.

Herefusedtopermitthat.

Herushedfromhercabin,andthedoorslammedbehindhim.Thenoiseboomedthroughthecorridor,

andmorethanonesailorholleredathim.

“Youfine,Cap’n?”Fergusasked.

Hesmiled.He’dneverbeensomiserableinallhislife.

Butmaybe,justmaybehecouldchangethat.

“I’mgoingout,Fergus.”

Themanblinked.“You’regonnagotothatwedding?”

“What?”

Fergusgrinned.“Someofthecrewwastalkingaboutit,Cap’n.Heardaboutitatthepublichouse.

Mightyfast,ain’tit?”

Hisstomachtumbleddown.“Isupposethemaritallawsarelaxerhere.”

Ferguslaughed.“ApparentlytheygottheArchbishopofCanterbury’spermissionhimselfbeforethey

left.Fancythat.Wewastalkingwithsomeonewhoknewthearchbishop!”

“Whattimeisthewedding?”heaskedcarefully.

“Reckonyou’lljustaboutmakeit,”themansaid.“Ifyourun.”

Damnation.

“Don’tbetoohorrified,”Fergussaidhastily.“Youcanrun.I’veseenyoudoit!”Hesighed.“Just

pretendtherearepiratescomingafteryou.OrAmericans,beforethewarstopped,andyouhadtobenice

tothemagain.”

“Yes.”

Fergusscrutinizedhim.“MightIsuggest,sir,thatyouwearajacket?ThosepastyEnglishmenmight

thinkitabitoddthatyou’renotwearingashirt.Whatwithitbeingaweddingandall.Andwhatwith

thembeingpasty.Reckonthesun’sneversetitsraysontheirskin.”

Rupertrememberedtobreathe.“Ididn’tthinkyouwouldgivemefashionadvice.”

Fergusshruggedsheepishly.“It’sokay,sir.Iknowyerjeslikeme.Youraccent’sjustabitnicer,but

reckonitmustbejesasstrangeforyouasme.Whatwithbeingsoldintothenavyatsuchayoungage.”

Fergusshookhisheadmournfully.

Damnation.Thefamiliarguiltswirledthroughhim,andherushedtohisquarters.

“Gettingyershirt?”Ferguscalledafterhim.

“Yes.”Butashehastilypulleditoverhim,healsograbbedhisletter.

He’dbeentoosecretive.

Hewasgoingtochangethat.

Hewasgoingtochangeeverything.

ChapterTwenty-four

Herbrotherhadarrangedforoneofthelocalwomentodoherhair,andLouisasatinachairastheperson

brushedherlocks.Adresshungonthedoor.

Myweddingdress.

ItwasplainerthananythingshewouldhaveworninEngland,butitseemedSirSeymourwasnot

goingtoallowanotherchanceforhertoescape.

Notthatshewould.She’dthoughtRuperthadcaredforher,butshe’dneverbeensomistaken.

SirSeymourstrolledtowardthem.Histophatgleamedunderthestrongsunbeamsshiningthroughthe

window.

“You’reabouttobemarried.”Thewomansmiledasifthatwastheonlypossiblereactiontothose

words.“Iloveweddings.”

“Ah,yes!”Hermotherclappedherhands.

Louisalaughedweakly,butifhermothernoticedtheweakstrengthofherlaughter,shedidn’tremark

onit,andherownlaughbarreledforcefullyenoughforbothofthem.

“Areyoucertainitwouldnotbebettertowaituntilwereturn?”Louisaasked.

“Wemustgotothechurch,”shesaid,andCecilnodded.

Helookedasnervousandasuncomfortableasshedid.

Shesighed.Shecouldhaveworsehusbands.

Shetriedtopushawaythethoughtthatshecouldalsohaveabetterone.

ButRupertwouldbefirmlyrelegatedtothepast,asdreamlikeastheturquoisewaterthey’dfloated

on,andthepalmtreesthatflutteredevennowinthebreeze.

*

RupertranthroughTheSapphirePrincess.

“Somethingwrong,Cap’n?”onesailorshoutedathim.

“Bloodyeverything!”

Thesailor’seyeswidened,andRupertcalledout.“Butcarryon.Asnormal.”Whatdidhisheartmean

tothesemen?

Herantowheretheshoreboatshouldbe.Whereitalwayswas.

Whereitbloodywellwasn’tnow.

Hecursed,andFergusstrodeuptohim.“What’sthematter,Cap’n?”

Rupertgesturedtothewater.“Theboat.Theboatisnotthere.AndIneedtogoonshore.Ineedto

stop—”

“Theboat’sontheshorenow.Reckonitwillbebacksoon.”

Rupertswallowedhard.Hedidn’thavetimeforsoon.Heneededtostopawedding.

Howlongdidceremoniesnormallylast?Certainlynobodyelsebuthimwasplanningtospeakupor

foreverholdhispeace.

HetossedthepackettoFergus.“Whentheboatreturns,yougotothechapel.Withthese.”

Heblinked.“Ofcourse,CaptainRosse.”

Rupertcouldn’trememberthelasttimethemanhadcalledhimCaptainRosse.Atleastheseemedto

havesomeideaofthemagnitudeofhistask.

“I’llbetheresoon,”Fergussaid.

“Metoo,”Rupertsaidcurtly.Heclamberedtothetopoftherailing.HenoticedFergus’smouthstart

topart,buthedidn’twaittoseehowlowitwouldfall.

Heknewhenevereverdove.Thelasttimehe’dbeensubmergedinwaterwasbecauseAmericans

wereshootingathimandbecausetheshiphadcollapsedbeneathhim.Thelasttimehe’dbeensubmerged,

Jasperhaddiedand—

Hemustn’tthinkofthat.Hesuckedinadeepbreathofairanddoveovertheledge.

Asplashsounded,andherealizeditwashimself,sinkingintotheocean.Thewaterwrappedaround

him,ripplingaroundhimlikeanicyblanket.

“Captain?”Fergus’svoicesounded,muffledinthedistance,andRupertrememberedthatheneededto

kickhisfeet,neededtomovehishands,neededtoswimtogettoLouisa.Tosaveher.Tosavehimself.

Heforcedhimselftoswimupward,kickingawaytheplantsthatgrewintheocean.

Onethoughtwasinhismind:

Louisa.

Hehadto,hadto,getthereintime.

Hestillswam,andafterfewerthanahundredstrokeshetouchedtheland.He’dneverbeensohappy

tobeinFalmouth.

Sunbeamssplatteredoverhisface,andhesquintedintothebrightlightandsprintedtowardthe

chapel.

Hewishedhe’dnottakenthetimetoputonashirt.Whatifshewasalreadywed?Itwouldn’tmatter

howfancytherufflesofhisshirtwerethen.

Notthathewouldlookanythingbutamessnow.

TowardLouisa.

Towardhis...love.

Hewasvaguelyawareofthelocalsblinkingupathiminbemusement,peeringathimastheyhauled

cratesofsugartotheothershipsintheport.

Hefirmedhislipsandwasgratefulwhenhisfeetpoundedagainstthefirmlypackeddirtthatsignified

he’darrivedatthemainroadofthetown.

Hewovethroughwheelbarrowsandmorelocals.Andfinallyhedashedupthestairsofthechapel,

pushedopenthedoorofthechapel,and...

Hischesttightened.

Theywerethere.Theyallwere.SirSeymour,Mr.Amberly,Mr.andMrs.Daventry,Arthur

CarmichaelandhisownLouisa.

Theyallseemedtonoticethathewastheretoo.

“Whatonearth?”SirSeymour’svoicethunderedthroughthechapel,thesoundamplifiedbythe

evidentcarefulnessthearchitectshadtakenintheroom’sacousticssothateventhemostmild-mannered

minister’swhisperswouldconfrontthecongregationwiththeforceofacannonballfiringintoenemy

soldiers.

“Stopthewedding!”Rupertshouted.

Thepeopledidnotseemlessconfused.HelookedatLouisa,butevensheseemedstartledtoseehim.

Nevermindthatnow.Hestumbledtowardher,onlynowbecomingawareoftheridiculousnessofhis

appearance.Hebrushedseaweedfromhisattire,andwaterdrippedontotheaisle.

“Areyoumarriedyet?”heasked.

Hisheartstopped,fearhaltingeventheroutineprocessofbreathing,butthenhervoicecameout,

strongandsteadyasever.“I’mnot.”

Reliefsurgedthroughhim.

ChapterTwenty-five

Theyweren’tmarriedyet,buttheywouldbesoon.

WhatonearthwasRupertdoinghere?

Louisastaredathim.

Didheintendto...watch?Thewordscythedthroughher,andsheblinked,asifthemotionmight

succeedinhaltingthetearsthatthreatenedtospreadthroughher.

Thiswasherwedding.Shedidn’tneedRupertheretodisturbit.Shewouldonlyhaveone,andshe

didn’twanttospendtheshorttimethinkingaboutsomeonewhowasn’tthegroom.

Evenifthegroomwaslikelynotthinkinganyromanticthoughtsabouther.

“Ithinkyoushouldleave,”Louisasaid.

Hisexpressionsobered,buthestrodenearerher.Lordhelpher,butshecouldn’tstopherselffrom

ponderinghisnaturalswagger,thebreadthofhisshouldersandthestubbleonhisfacethathintedthattheir

timeapartjustmay,justpossibly,haveaffectedhimtoo.

Heambledtowardher,andhisblueeyeswerepleading.Shelookedawayandtriedtofocuson

Cecil’sblandexpression,contentedlybemusedthatanuninvitedguest,thesameonewhohadspentweeks

alonewithhiswife-to-be,washerebeforethem.

“Youdon’thavetodothis,”Rupertsaid.

Hewaswrong.Itwaskindofhimtodesiretoimbueherwithself-confidencetolivelifeonherown,

butshe’dtriedthatbefore.Ifshedidn’tmarryCecil,itwouldhavetobesomeoneelse.Sheshudderedto

thinkwhosuchafuturehusbandwouldbe,likelybribedheavilybyherstepfathertotempertheeffectsof

herutterdisregardofherreputationandhercompleteabsenceofrespectabilityifsheeverreturnedto

Massachusettsinanunmarriedstate.

“Youdon’tunderstand,”shesaid.“Ido.”ShetriedtosmileatCecil.Sheneededtomakehimseethat

shewouldbehappy.Shedidn’twanthimtoworryabouther.Sheneededtomakehimseethateverything

wouldbefineandthatheshouldn’tfeelguiltyfornot...lovingher.

Herthroatdried.

Shewishedtheyservedwateratceremonieslikethis.

“Youshouldleave,”SirSeymoursaid,hisvoicecold.

Perhapsshesuspectedsomethingafterall.Perhaps,evenwhenherheartwasbroken,evenwhen

Rupertsignifiedeverythingthatmadepaintumblethroughherbody,perhapsevenstill,shedrankhimin,

asifhemeanteverythingtoher.

Evenwhenhewasneversupposedtomeananythingbutacasual,verytemporarybreakfromthe

constraintsofsociety.

He’dbeenanadventure,andadventureshadnoplaceatanythingsosolemnasawedding.

“Ican’tleave,”Rupertsaid.“NotwithoutmakinganoffertoMissCarmichael.”

Hisvoicewassolemn,hisgazeserious,butshetoldherselfthatshecouldn’thopethathefeltanything

towardher.Shecouldn’thopethathereturnedanyofherfeelings,forthatwouldn’tchangethathedidn’t

wantherbyhisside.

Heneededtoleave.

Insteadhedroppedtothefloor,kneelingintheaisle.Hisfaceremainedsolemn,butsomethinglike

nervousnessseemedtoreachhiseyes.“MissLouisaCarmichaelwillyoudomethehonorofbecoming

mywife?”

“Butshe’smarryingsomeoneelse,”SirSeymourshrieked,hisvoicereachinganunmanlyheight.

“Can’tyousee?”

“Lethimspeak,”Cecilsaid,smiling.

Louisasmiledback.Sheblinked,butRupertwasstillthere,stillkneelingrightinthemiddleofthe

aisle,rightinthemiddleofthechurch,rightinthemiddleofherwedding.

“Iamcompletelyandutterlyinlovewithyou,”Rupertsaid,hisvoicegainingstrength.

Helovesme.

Rupert’swordsrushedoverherlikeawarm,blissfulwave.Herlegstrembled,asifsheweresinking

intothesand,butthefirmrockofthechurchfloorwasbeneathher.

Thisisreal.

“Pleaseforgiveme,”Rupertsaid.“Ishouldneverhaveletyougoyesterday.I’mso,sosorry.Please

givemethechancetomakethatuptoyoufortherestofmylife.I—Ibegyou.”

“Soitdoesn’tmatterthatyou’reacaptain?”sheaskeduncertainly.

“I’lltakeyouwithme,”Rupertpromised,andLouisa’sheartexpanded.“Perhapswecanstop

eventually,butIknowyoulovetheocean.Ishouldneverhavemadethedecisionwithoutyou.”

Louisa’sheartswelledfurther,andshegazedatRupert,stillkneelingonthestonecobbles.

“It’sfine,”Cecilwhisperedbesideher.“Iwon’tmind.Ipromise.”

“I’msorry,”shewhisperedback.

“It’sbetterthisway.Forbothofus.”HegrinnedandglancedatRupertagain.“Especiallyforyou.”

Shelaughed,andthistimeshedidn’tsquelchthejoythatcascadedthroughher.

“Thankyou,”shesaid,andthengesturedtoRupert.“Comehere.”

“Wait!”hermotherexclaimed.“Idon’tknowwhothis...seacaptainis,buthecertainlyisnot

marryingmyoldestdaughter.”

Louisablinked.

Shehadn’tanticipatedresistance.Thehappinessthathadsurgedthroughherhaltedabruptly.She

didn’tneedhispermission,butsheverymuchdesiredit.

“Aseacaptainisnotsuchanunworthyoccupation,”shesaidcarefully.“Mr.Daventrywasonetoo

afterall.”

“Ourstepfatherwasnotthekindofcaptainthismanwas,”Arthurinterjected.

Rupert’sfacepaled,buthestillstrodetowardthem.“Iloveher.Iwilltakecareofher.Ipromise.”

“Theprofessionshowsdefiniteskillandbusinessacumen,”Louisacontinued.“Indeedmanyof

Salem’shighestbredmenarecaptainsand—”

“Theprofessionisstillnotasgoodassomeonewhodoesn’thavetoworkatall,”SirSeymour

interrupted“LikemyCecil.Neverworkedadayinhislife.Couldn’tmakeafatherprouder.”

“Wehaveanagreementwiththebaronetandhisson,”herstepfathercontinued.“Weshouldhonorit.

HowcanyougiveupyourchancetoconverseregularlywithEnglishroyalty?”

“Well,myfatherissimplyabaronet,”Cecilsaidcarefully,butherstepfatherandmotherstormedfrom

thechurch.

Louisa’sheartsank.Sherushedafterhim,pickingupherskirtstonottripoverthelongfabric.

*

RupertfollowedLouisafromthechapel.Hisfeetpoundedoverthetilestones,stillwetfromhis

entrance.Theothersshoutedbehindhim,buthefocusedhisattentiononLouisa.

Shewasdressedinadress,whichhecouldonlyassumeshe’dborrowedfromhermother.Butshe

wasthemostbeautifulbeinghe’deverseen,shealwayswas.

Hepushedopenthedoorstothechapelandexited.Hesquintedintothebrightlight,consciousofthe

shoutsofthelocals.

“Cap’n!”Oneofhissailorsshoutedathim,andheturnedhisgaze,puzzled.

He’danticipatedFergus,butthey’dallcome.Thefactmadehimsmileuntilherememberedthatthere

wouldbenothingtosmileaboutunlessLouisaagreedtomarryhim.

Whichheseemedmuchlesscertainabout.

Hewascertainwomenweren’tsupposedtofleefromthemenwho’djustproposedtothem.

“Iknowyou’rereluctanttoletmemarryyourstepdaughter,”Rupertsaid.

“You’rejustaseacaptain.”Mrs.Daventry’snosewrinkledindistaste,andRupertsuspectedthere

werebettertimestocomparehimselftoherhusband.

“IthinkyourwifewouldbepacifiedtoknowI’mnotmerelyaseacaptain.”

Louisa’seyeswidened,andsheshookherhead.“You-youdon’tneedtospeakofthat.”

Ido.Ishouldhavelongago.”

“Look,”Mr.Daventrysaid.“Iknowthatyouweretakenfromyourhomewhenyouwerejustachild.I

knowyou’vebeenspendingyourwholelifeonships.Andthat’sgood...Foryou.Butthat’snotgoodfor

myoldeststepdaughter.AndIcannot,simplycannotpermitamatch.Nomatterhowsharpyourriseto

captainingashipofyourown.”

“Iliedbefore,”Rupertsaid.

Louisalookedsaddened.“Youdon’thavetotellhim—”

“IknowexactlywhereIcamefrom,”Rupertsaid.“EvenifIdon’talwayslikeit.Evenifmyfather

wasnothingtoemulate.”

“Iknewit,”Mr.Daventrysaid.“Iknewyouwerejustsomeover-sizedstreeturchin.”

“Myfatherhasdonemuchwrongintheworld.”Rupertgrimaced,thinkingabouthowthemanhad

loanedmoneytopeers,andthensenthenchmenafterthemtopaytheexorbitantinterest.Dukesdidnot

answertothelawlikeotherpeopledid,andhisfatherhadalwaystakenfulladvantageofthat.Hesighed.

“ButIamnot,norwasIever,astreeturchin.Mytitlewasquitedifferent.”

“Well,it’stobeofahigherstatusthanastreeturchin,”Mr.Daventrygrumbled.“Butthatcertainly

doesnotmean—”

“Iamaduke,”hesaidquickly.

Mr.Daventryblinked.Theotherswerebusygaspingandlookingshocked.

Rupertshiftedhislegsovertheunevensand.Itwasareactionhewasaccustomedtoreceivingasa

youth.Itwasareactionhehadobservedsooftenthathe’dvowedafterhe’dbeenpresumeddead,after

he’dbeengivingachancetochoosehisownlife,nevertotellanyoneagain.Hedidn’twanttoponder

whetherthereasonforhisriseasaseacaptainwasbecauseofsomemerchants’desirestogainfavor

withhisfather.

“Youclaimtobeaduke?”SarcasmrippledthroughMr.Daventry’svoice.

“That’sacleverthingtosay!”Fergussaidamomentlater.ThemanputhisarmaroundRupert.“Yep,

theman’saduke.”

Rupertappreciatedtheman’ssentiment.Evenifitwasobvious,hedidn’tbelieveawordofit.

NeitherdidMr.Daventry.

“Ah...”SirSeymourclearedhisthroatnoisily.“ThoughIappreciatethatyouwereinspiredbymy

aristocraticappearancetofeignbeinganaristocratyourself,youforgetthatwearetooclevertobelieve

you.”

“Ithoughtthat,”Rupertsaid.

SirSeymourbeamed.“Foramanbornonthestreets,youpossessashrivelofintelligence.”

“Perhapsitwasoneofthenicerstreets,”Cecilsaid,hiseyestwinklingmorethanhethoughtpossible

foramanwhosebridewasabouttobestolenfromhim.

SirSeymourlaughed.“You’reright,Cecil.Itmusthavebeenoneofthenicerstreets.NearParliament

perhaps?”

“IwasnotbornnearParliament,”Rupertsaid.“IwasborninHampshire.MyfatherwasthelastDuke

ofBelmonte.AndIam—”

“Hisson!”Cecilgazedathiminshock.“IthoughtIrecognizedyou.”

“Oh,that’swhyyoukeptonglancingathim.”SirSeymourclappedhishandstogetherandthenturned

toRupert.“Youwerelostatsea.”

Cecil’scheekspinkened.“Er—indeed.”

“Soallthistime...”

“...Whileyourparentsthoughtyoudead,”SirSeymour’svoicewasstern.“Youwerealive!”

Rupertlookeddown.Hisparentshadknownhewasalive.He’dbeenimprisonedbytheAmericans

forlongerthanhedesiredtoponder,butoncehe’dbeenfreed,he’dwrittentothemandtoldthemthathe

wouldretireafterexploringtheareaabitlonger.Hecouldn’tfacethecrowdatAlmack’sorWhite’s,

whenhisbestfriendhaddied,whenhe’dseenrealwar.Andwhenhelearnedmoreofhisfather’s

corruption,thestoriestravelingallthewaytotheWestIndies,hisdesiretostayhadonlystrengthened.

Hisparentshadn’tunderstoodhisdesiretostay.They’donlybeenashamedofhim.

Andsohe’dremainedintheWestIndies,andthey’dcontinuedtocallhimdead,tooembarrassedto

admitthathe’dspenttimeimprisonedbyapeoplegenerallyviewedasincompetent.He’dtoldpeoplehe

hadnoparents,andthey’dassumedhe’dbeenimpressedintothenavy,likesomanyothers.

“You’rereallyaduke?”Fergusasked,hiseyeswide.

“Truly.”

Fergusdroppedhishandfromhisshoulderimmediately.“Idon’tevenknowhowtocallyou.”

“Captainisfine,”hesaid.“Ormygivenname,ifyoudesiretoteaseme.”

“Ah,”SirSeymoursaid,andRupert’sshouldersstiffened.“Imighthavesomeopinionsonthatmatter.

I’mwell-acquaintedwithdukes.Infactmyniecemarriedadukeherself.Andmyotherniecemarriedan

earl.Heactuallyusedtovisitmewhenstillunmarried.LordSomerville,I’msureyou’veheardofhim.”

Fergusblinked,butSirSeymourcontinued.“Themanhadtheoptionofchoosingbetweenallthegreat

pleasuresofLondon,allthedelightsthrustuponahandsome,aristocraticman,buthechosetowhileaway

histimeinmyhouse.”SirSeymoursmiled.“Iammoreentertainingthanallthetonputtogether!Itisa

greathonorthatyouallhadthepleasureofmeetingme.”

Theothersshiftedtheirlegsandseemedpreoccupiedingazingattheocean.

“Didyouknowhewasaduke?”Mrs.DaventryaskedLouisaloudly.“Canitreallybetrue?”

“It’strue,”Louisasaid.“Ididn’tknowhisfatherhadpassedaway,butIknewhewouldinherit.”

“AndIhavethepaperstoproveit,”Rupertsaidhastily.“It’snotjustachancelikenesswithalong

passedawaywarrior.”HenoddedtoFergus.“IfIcouldhavethesatchel.”

Themanhandedittohimhastilyandthengavehimaquickbow.HeturnedtoSirSeymour.

“Wasthatdeepenough?”Fergusasked.

“InyourpositionIwouldgodeeper.Muchdeeper.He’sfarmoreimportantthanyou,”SirSeymour

explained,andRupertdidhisbesttoavoidstranglingtheman.“RemembertocallhimYourGrace,”Sir

Seymourcontinued.

“Right,”Fergussaid.

“Youdon’tneedtosaythosethings,”Rupertsaid.“That’snotwhyIrevealedmybirth.Itwassimply

towinMissCarmichael’shand.Iamcompletelyandutterlyinlovewithyourdaughter.”

Louisa’scheekspinkened,andhermouthparted,andhereyesshone.“Iloveyoutoo.”

Rupertbeamedandpulledhertowardhim.“Mydarling.”

“Louisa?”Hermotheropenedhermouth.“Idon’tknowwhattosay,I—”

“Justsaywecanmarry,Mama,”Louisasaid.

Hermother’slipsmovedupward.“Verywell.”

Rupertgrinnedandpressedhertohim,soakingherbodyagainsthiswetattire,andkissedher.

“Mydarling,Louisa.”

Andlifewasmorewonderfulthaneverbefore.

Epilogue

ExcerptfromMatchmakingforWallflowers

July1818

AllofLondonisexcited.

ThenewDukeofBelmonteisarriving—butreaders,hewillbecaptainingaship.TheSapphire

Princessisheadedtoourdelightfulport,andeventhefinestladiesofthetonareinquiringonthesafest

spotsontheEmbankmenttogreethimandhisnewwife.

Youngdebutantes,takeheart,theDuchessofBelmonte(néeCarmichael)provedoureditorswrong.

Eveninthehigheststrataofaristocrats,eveninthemostrefinedranksofHarrow-educatedwarriors,it

maybepossibletofindamanwhowilllistentoyourramblesonobscurefacts.Evenifyourpassionis..

.fish.

ThoughtheDukeofBelmontemaybeexcusedforhisunconventionalmarriagebytheabsenceof

competingfemalecompany,weareassuredbytheverybestsourcesthattheiraffectionisunfeigned.

WehavebeenprivilegedtointerviewSirSeymour,abaronetwhoassuresusofhisutter

respectabilityinYorkshire,thatmysteriousprovincetotheNorth,whereonlythebraveorsocietally

challengedventure.

Welamentedwithhimthathisonlyson,Mr.CecilAmberly,hasswornofffuturemarriages.Mr.

Amberly’sfirstintendedfiancéeisnowtheDuchessofAlfriston,andhissecondintendedfiancéeisnow

theDuchessofBelmonte.Wecrywithhimthattragedyhassofrequentlybefallenhiminhispursuitof

love.Fortunatelyheisbeingdistractedbyvariousyoungdandieswhofrequentthetheater.Thoughthe

conversationofthesefashion-adoringyoungmenmustmakeapoorsubstitutionforthatofthecountry’s

preeminentarchaeologistandmarinebiologist,themanisatleastshowingabraveface,andwehavenot

onceseenhimwithoutawidesmile.

TheEnglisharethebravestpeopleinthisworld,anditistragicthatthereisnowarcurrentlyforthem

toshowtheirvalor.Still,wearecertainthedebutantesaregratefulfortheabundanceofmenatballs,

eveniftheplightofthefewwallflowersremainspuzzlingandlessexcusable.

PerhapstheywilllearnsomewisdomfromtheformerMissCarmichael,awomanweprideourselves

inthatwepointedouthereccentricitiestoyou,ourdearestreaders.Shehaslandedadukethoughwe

mournwithherthatshehasbeenforcedtoaccompanytheDukeofBelmonteonallhisjourneys.Even

wivesofother,lessaristocratic,captainsexpressedsurprisethatshe’dselectedtospendherlifeona

rockingshipratherthaninahousethatlookedovertheoceanonstableground.Wecanonlysurmisethat

Americanslackanyconventionality.

ThoughsomemerchantsclaimtorefusetoworkwiththeDukeofBelmonte,seeinghisnewbride’s

presenceontheshipasapotentialtargetforkidnappers,onesuspectsthattheymaybemerelyjealous.

Thevastmajorityofmerchantsseemtodelightintellingtheiracquaintancesoftheirbusinessdealings

withaduke.

WeatMatchmakingforWallflowerswillbeminglingwiththecrowdontheEmbankment.Fearnot

readers,weremainanonymous.Thereisaspecialjoythatfillsthemindsofthemostconfirmedcynics

whentheywitnesstruelove,andeverymerchanthasassuredus,thattheirloveisgenuine.

Takeheart,wallflowers.Havehope,andifallelsefails,youmayconsiderstealingyourservants’

breeches.

ConnectwithBianca

BorninTexas,WellesleygraduateBiancaBlythespentfouryearsinEngland.Sheworkedinafifteenth

centurycastlethoughsadlythatdidn’tactuallyinvolvespottingdukesandearlsstruttingaboutin

Hessians.

ShecreditsBritishweatherforforcingherintoalibrary,whereshediscoveredherfirstJuliaQuinn

novel.Sheremainsdeeplygratefulforblusterydownpours.

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HowtoCaptureaDuke(Matchmakingfor

Wallflowers,BookOne)

AlsoAvailableinAudio–PerformancebyRosalynLandor

Allshehadtodowasfindafiancé.Infourdays.Inthemiddleofnowhere.

Onereclusivebluestocking…

FionaAmberlyismoreintriguedbytheRomanruinsnearhermanorhousethansheisbyballs.When

herdyingGrandmotherworriesaboutFiona’sfuture,Fionastammersthatshe’ssecretlyengaged.Soon

shefindsherselfpromisingthatshewillintroduceherhusband-to-bebyChristmas.

Onedutifulduke…

PercivalCarmichael,newDukeofAlfriston,isinahurry.He’sofftoproposetoLondon’smosteligible

debutante.AfternearlydyingatWaterloo,he’svowedtospendtherestofhislifelivinguptotheton’s

expectations.

Onefallentree…

WhenFionatriestowarnapassingcoachaboutatreeintheroad,thedrivermistakesherfora

highwaywoman.Evidentlyhe’snotusedtoseeingwomenattiredinclothesonlysuitableforarchaeology

wavingknives.Afterthedriverflees,Fionadecidesshemayaswellborrowthehandsomepassenger…

Excerpt

December1815

Yorkshire

Crispjingleschimedthroughthecoldair,mergingwiththerhythmictrotofhorses,andFionaAmberly

hadneverbeenmoreconvincedofherutterabhorrenceofChristmas.

Shepokedherheadfromthearchaeologicalsite,brushedahandsmudgedwithclaythroughherhair

andpeeredinthedirectionofthesound.

Acoachbarreleddowntheslope,pulledbytwopairsofprancingwhitehorses,andherthroatdried.

Redandgreenplumesperchedfromthehorses’headgear,anunnecessarynodtotheapproachingholiday.

Thesunglowedovertheglossyblacksurfaceofthecoach,flickeringoveritsvibrantlypaintedwheels

andgoldencrest.

Shetightenedherfistsaroundtheslabsoftimbersheusedtofortifythepit.

Onlyonepersonhadthreatenedtovisither.

Madeline.

Fionahauledherselfupandrushedtotheroad,draggingherdressthroughmoremud.Thecoach

thunderedtowardher,andshewavedbotharmsaboveherhead.Nowwasnotthetimetomuseonthe

ridiculousnessofherappearance.

“Halt.Halt.”

Thecoachslowed,andshehastilybrushedsomedirtfromherdress,managingtoremoveafew

specks.

“Whatisit,MissAmberly?”Thedriverwassufficientlytrainednottoopenlygawk,buthisgazestill

dartedtoherraggedclothesandthepileofexcavationmaterials.

Nevermindthat.Red-headedwomenwithfreckleswereneverdestinedtopossesselegance.

“IsLadyMulbourneinside?”

Thedrivernodded,andFionarushedtothedoor.Thequestionwasfoolish:onlyhercousinwould

haveaskedforhercoachtobedeckedoutinsuchfineryforafive-milejaunt.

Madelinepokedherheadthroughthecarriagewindow,andFionahastilybrushedafewmorespecks

ofsoilfromherdress.

“HappyChristmas,”Madelinechirped.

“Er...yes.”

“Youhavearemarkableabilitytoneverchange.”

Fionashiftedherfeet,andherbootscrunchedoverdriedleaves.

“Sounconstrainedbythepullsofeventhemostbasicfashionrules.”Madeline’seyesflickeredover

her,roamingovereverybuttonandpleatwiththeeagernessofageneralscrutinizingamapofenemy

territory.“Andstillinhalf-mourning,Isee.”

Fionastiffenedandpulledherhandsback.Noneedforhercousintocommentonthefrayedhemof

hersleeveaswellashergraydress.

“Wouldyoulikearide?I’monmywaytoseeGrandmother.”

Fionadidn’twantaride.Shewantedtoworkmoreonthesite.Winterwasapproaching,andifthe

farmerswererightabouttheirgrumblingsregardingtheshadeofthesky,theplacewouldbecoveredin

snowsoon.

ButeversinceFionahadblurtedouttoGrandmotherthatshewasengagedtothemostbrilliantmanin

theworld,itwasvitalthatshenotallowGrandmothertobeleftalonewithMadeline.

Thecaptainwaseverythingamanshouldbe:handsomeandbrave,smartandfunny,andsincethe

NapoleonicWarshadended,finallylivinginEngland.

Atleasthewouldbeifheexisted.

Availableonamazon.

ARoguetoAvoid(MatchmakingforWallflowers,

BookTwo)

TheonlythingLadyCordeliaandLordRockportcanagreeonistheirmutualabhorrence.

LadyCordeliawassupposedtobetheperfectdebutante.Butthreebrokenengagementslater,she’sthe

subjectoftittersratherthanlaudations.Nowrelegatedtothewallflowersectionofeveryballroom,she

doesnotwantanythingtoplummetherfurtherintoscandal.Sheabsolutelydoesnotwanttohaveanything

todowiththetoohandsome,tooroguish,tooScottishMarquessofRockport.

GerardHighgate,MarquessofRockport,isnotthetypetoattendballs.Butwhenheischasedintoahome

inHarrogate,hedecideshemustblendin–evenifthatmeansdancingwithLadyCordelia.

AvailableonAmazon.