“D
oesn’titsounddivine?Imagineseeingareal-life dolphin!”
Fraser Castwell, the Earl of Stanton, tried to make his smile look less like a grimace and more similar to the enthusiasmthathisfaircompanionwasexhibiting,buthewasfindinghisexcitementhaddimmedimmenselythemomenthe’d calleduponGodiva,LadyAshefeld For thepastfew days,he’dbeenonholidayatthepopular seasideresort Hehadbeen tryingtocurrythelady’sfavor inthehopesofdeepeningtheir acquaintance Hehadlongadmiredher curvaceousfigureand herupturnednose,butsadly,that’swherehisinterestwaned.Shewasquitelovelytolookat,andmostcertainlytobed,butit wouldnevergofurtherthanthat.Therehadbeenatimehehadhopedshemightbehisnextmistress,butnotwiththatsortof talk.
Dolphins, indeed
Themomentshe’dmentionedtheexcursionshe’dplannedthatafternoon,Fraserhadseizedupfromtheinsideout Itwas all he could do to appear unaffected bythe prospectofbeingona boatthatwas tossed aboutonthe Bristol Channel inthe hopesofspottingafin.Hecouldthinkofsomanymorethingsthatwouldbepreferable,butifhehopedtowinheracceptance, heknewhehadnochoicebuttoagreetoherproposal.
The problemwas that beinganywhere near the water made himfeel a bit green Veryfew people knew that he’d been traumatizedasachild Until thatpoint,hehadn’thadaproblemthrashingaboutinthewater,butattheageoffive,henearly drownedinthepondonhisparents’estate.He’dbeentoldwhenhewaspulledfromthewaterthathe’dalreadystartedtoturn blue.
Sincethen,Fraserhadaparticularaversionwhenitcametobeingonthewater,fearingthathewouldfindhimselfflailing hisarmsandfightingforbreath Thoseterrifyingmomentsbeforehe’dgoneunderthesmooth,glassysurfacewouldbeforever imprintedonhisbrain.Nearlythirtyyearslater,hewasstillfightingtheurgetoshakeinpanic.
Sincehecouldn’tlooklikeacowardinfrontoftheladyhewantedtoimpress,hehadtoswallow downanyanxietythat threatenedtochokehimandputonabraveface.Ifhecouldn’ttakealittleboatrideoutforacoupleofhours,thenhowmight shefeelcomfortablewithhimasherprotector?
He resisted the urge to sigh Sometimes he wondered if he shouldn’t just find a bride like his friend, the Duke of Rosewood,haddone.Thenagain,herealizedthattheproblemwas likelybecausehehadyettofindthesortofwomanwho madehisheartpoundinhischest.HesawthewayThorpelookedathisnewbride,anditwassomethingtobeenviedforsure. Hewishedthembothnothingbuthappiness,buthe’dneverfeltanythingremotelysimilartothesameadoration.Itdidn’thelp thathisreputationprecededhim Hewasknownasarake,butifThorpecouldbereformed,thenperhapshecould,too Butit would have to take someone special for him to change his ways He was rather content with his current bachelor status,
althoughhedidlikesomeonetowarmhisbedatnight. Thus,thecruxofallhisproblems.
HeresistedtheurgetopinchthebridgeofhisnoseasheofferedLadyAshefeldacharmingwinkanddepartedherrented rooms.Heheadedforoneofthelocalpubs,becauseheknewthatsomebrandywouldbeinorderifhewastosurvivethisday. HewalkedintothetaproomoftheOldPierandhadtoeasehiswaytothefront.Itwascertainlyachangefromtheprevious summer,proofthatthetownhadstartedtobecomequitepopularamongthepeeragedowntothesimplecommoner.BurnhamOn-Sea turned into the one place where people, no matter their stationinlife, could rub elbows withone another Itwasn’t properlikeLondon,norhadthecongestionfromsomanycarriagesandsmokychimneysthatcoveredtheskyinamurkyhaze Fraserlikeditsomuchthathe’drentedroomsnearthebeach,sothathecouldwalkalongthesandeveryday.Helikedthat partbecauseitwasstillontheground,andheratherenjoyedthefeelofthewarmsandbetweenhistoes.Therewassomething comfortingaboutitwhendeathlayjustbeyondthewavescrashingbesidehim.
Hemanagedtocatchthebarkeep’sattentionandorderedabottleofbrandytotakeintotheprivatediningareajustoffthe mainrooms Itwasabitlesscrowdedthere,butstill rather overpopulatedfor histastes Nevertheless,heknew itwoulddo himsomegoodtokeephismindoffwhatwastocome.Perhapssomeraucouschatterwouldhelptorelievehiscurrentunease. Standingofftothesideoftheroominashadowedalcove,heobservedtheproceedingstakingplace.Atfirstitappearedas thougha heated debate might be occurring, but whena gap appeared inthe commotion, he saw that it was actuallyjust an intensegameofhazard,anditseemedasthoughonegentlemaninparticularhadtakenmostofthewinnings
Atleast,heassumeditwasagentleman,butthecurveofthederriereinthosetrousersdidn’tappeartobeverymasculine. Liftingabrow,heglancedatthebrandyinhishandandwonderedifperhapstherewasn’tsomesortofhallucinogenicmixedin withthealcohol,butwhenheglancedbackatthattanexterior,hedecidedthathewasn’tsufferingfromanillusion.Whenthe hatwaswhippedoffthe“gentleman’s”headandheldintheairwithasatisfiedshoutofvictory,allowingawaterfallofdark hairtoflowfreely,Fraserfoundhimselfratherintrigued
“Sorry,gentlemen,”sheannouncedproudlyinalilting,Welshaccent.“Butitappearsthatyourluckisstillnotquiteasgood asmine.”
“Bloody cheat is what you are,” someone grumbled, obviously a bit sore about losing his blunt. However, in Fraser’s experience,onedidn’tgamblewithwhatonedidn’tintendtoloseincasethecards ortherollofthedice weren’tinyour favor Anditwascertainlyinpoortastetocallaladyout
He startedtomove forward,butthe womanwas aheadofhim.She pausedinthe process ofretrievingher winnings and faced the man as boldly as any other. “Come now, Frederick, you know it’s not polite to question my honor. And I can guaranteeIhavemoreinthispinkyfinger” heheldituptodemonstrate “thanyoudoinyourentireperson.”
Fredericklookedasthoughhemightdebatethematterbutendedupshovingahandthroughhishair “Aye,youmadeyour point,”hegrumbledasheshuffledoff
Fraserwasspellbound.He had togainanintroductiontothisunusualcreature. He sethis brandyona nearbytable and sauntered over to her. Now thatthe partywas startingto breakup, he found it particularlyeasytomakehiswaytoherside.Shedidn’tevenlookupwhenhepausedbesideherbutcontinuedtostashaway hercoininabrownsatchellikesomesortofpiratewhohadjustplunderedaship “Thatwasanimpressiveshow,mylady.”
Shesnortedandstilldidn’tglanceup.“I’mnotinthehabitofperformingforentertainment,justforprofit.”
“PerhapsyoumightreconsideralifeonthestageasIhavenodoubtyouwouldbeanincomparable.”
“No,thankyou I’mquitecontentwithmycurrentcircumstances”Atthatpoint,shefinallyglancedupandmethisgaze Fraser was struckbyher classical beautyand the directness ofher browneyes The smatteringoffreckles onher nose, whichproved that she enjoyed time inthe sun, was charmingmore thandistasteful. Most of the ladies of his acquaintance wouldbehorrifiedbysuchanimperfectionontheirporcelainskin,butitwasobviousshedidn’tcareabouttheusualstandards thatmostlivedbysoreligiously.Butthen,the factshe was wearingmen’s clothes andlefther hair unboundprovedthatshe wasn’tlikeanyoneelseheknew
Hewaitedforthesharpgaspthathegenerallyreceived Hewasn’ttoohumbletoadmitthatmostwomenfoundhimquite
handsome. With his sandy blond hair and piercing blue eyes, he was considered quite a catch. As a bachelor, he was continuouslyhounded bythe debutantes inLondon, eveniftheir chaperones eyed himwitha strictglare inlightofhis lessthan-savoryreputation
Unfortunately,thiswomandidn’tappeartosufferfromthesamemalady.Shedidn’tevenbataneyewhensheturnedaway andscoopedtherestofhercoinintohersatchelandslungitoverhershoulder.“Ifyou’llforgiveme,IhavesomeplaceIneed tobe.”
Shewashalfwaytothedoorwhenhefoundhisvoiceagain “Ididn’tcatchyourname” Shepausedandturnedbacktohimwithasmirk “That’sbecauseIdidn’tofferit”Withthat,shesaunteredoutoftheroom andlikelyoutofFraser’slife.
MissTassandraDevenportleftthepubwithslightlylessofagrinthanshenormallyworewhenshebestedthelocalsathazard Theythoughtthat,justbecauseshewasawoman,thatshewasstruckwithbeginner’sluck.Thenagain,theyhadbeenclaiming thesamethingforthepastyearsinceshe’dmovedtotheSeasideSocietyboardinghouseinBurnham-On-Sea.
Todaywasdifferentfrommostothers,however.Beforenow,shehadyettoseeanyoneliketheblue-eyedAdonisthathad approached her Most menwithsucha blatant, rakishdemeanor generallylooked for preymore to their tastes at the local bawdy houses. Tassy was the first to admit she wasn’t a conventional lady, but she supposed it might be expected in her situation.Growingupacross the channel inCardiff,she hadalways admiredthe sea.Comingfroma longline offishermen, startingwithher great-grandfather,thetraditionhadbeenpasseddowntoher father.Withher mother’sdeathatanearlyage, Tassyhadclungtoherfather Sheenjoyedspendingtimewithhim,andshediscoveredthatmostofthatwasspentontheirboat Shecouldswimalmostbeforeshecouldwalkandhadquicklyescheweddressesinfavoroftrousers,sinceitwasmucheasier toclimbaroundamovingvesselwithoutthefearoftrippingoverherskirts.
Itwasonlyondayslikethisthatiteverbotheredherthatshewas…different.
However,Tassywouldn’ttradetheexperiencesshe’dhadwithherfatherbecause,afterhedied,theywereallthatshehad lefttoremember himby Usingher expertise onthe water hadhelpedher tosustainherselfafter he was gone,notonlywith fishing,butnow thatBurnham-On-Seawasstartingtobecomeapopularholidaydestination,shefoundthatshecouldexpand herknowledgeoftheChannelintopersonaltours.
Shehadonescheduledthisafternoon,butfirst,shehadtomakeastopattheboardinghouseforsomelunchandtostashthe moneyshe’dwonfromthegame.Ifshecontinuedtomakethissortofprofit,shewouldn’thavetoremaininBurnham-On-Sea. Shecouldbuyalargerboatandhireafull-timecrew,perhapseventraveltheworld She’dvisitedlittlebeyondtheChannel thathadbecomeherhome,andshelikedtheideaofventuringabroad
Fornow,shewascontentwithhercurrentoccupation.
Andherlodgings.
She hadn’tconsidered leavingWales until she’d come uponanadvertisementaboutthe Seaside Society. Intrigued, she’d written to the proprietresses of the establishment Miss Alexandria Grantham and Miss Josephine Stratford When she’d receivedareplyacceptingherrequest,Tassyhadbeenequallyexcitedandnervousabouttheprospect.Butshedecided,atsix andtwenty,thatitwastimeshestoodonherowntwofeet.Notonlyhadshebeenstayingwithcousins,butshewasstartingto feelthegloomsettlingoverherwitheachpassingday.
Now,ayearlater,shedecidedcomingtoBurnham-On-Seawasthebestmoveshe’devermade Shehadrediscoveredher independence and her freedom, and her fellow boarders were like family Iona had recentlymarried now the Duchess of Rosewood andleftasorrowfulabsenceinherwake,butTassywasconfidentthattherewouldsoonbemorewomeneagerto takeherplace.
MillieandRoseweredoubleboarderswhohadalsomovedintotheir ownresidencerecently.Withthelocal seamstress unabletokeepupwiththerecentdemand,theywereabletorealizethedreamofowningtheirownshopandwerehavingquite abitofsuccesswithit
OtherthanTassy,onlyMissVanessaCarterremained.Shehadhopeofsustainingalivingbyherartworkandwasalreadya favoriteoftheirbenefactor,EloiseLafontaine,CountessBeauvais,aFrenchwidowofacomtewhohadbeencastoutafterthe endofthewar AsafavoriteofthePrinceRegent,shehadbeeninstrumentalingettingtheboardinghouseonitsfeet,because theydidn’tchargeroomandboardforanyoftheirrentersuntiltheywereabletomakesomesortofprofit.Tassywastheonly onewhohadnotroubleofferingsomecoinwhenshe’darrived,becauseshehadalreadybeenestablished.
Whenshereachedtheboardinghouseonthestrandwithits whitewashedexterior,thelargemahoganydoor,andthesign swingingabove toproclaimthe Seaside Society, Tassycouldn’thelp butsmile inpride and a touchofamusement Iona had beentheonewho’ddubbedittheSeasideSocietyofSpinsters,anditheldastruethenasiteverhad Mostofthewomenwho passedthroughthesedoorsweredeterminedtolivelifeontheirownterms,withoutthestricturesofmarriageorthepressures ofsocietytobehaveinacertainmanner.
“I’mback!”hervoicerangout,andMissStratfordreturnedthegreetingfrominsidethemainparlor.
Tassy made her way there and saw the red-haired woman looking through the latest fashion plates Although she was always dressedinthe heightoffashion,the ladyhadnever beenprone topore over the Paris designs as she didnow Tassy knewthatshewashopingtopassonsomenewdesignideastoRoseandMillie.
Whensheenteredtheroom,however,hermiddle-agedfacebrokeoutintoawelcomingsmile.“Howdidyoufaretoday?”
Ratherthanscoldherforhergamblinghabits,TassyfounditquiterefreshingthattheladiesoftheSeasideSocietyactually encouraged her abilities Unless, of course, it started to turn sour Their establishment was about gaining success, not sabotagingit.
Tassy slid the strap of the satchel off her shoulder and held it up before her, proudly making the coins inside jingle. “Anotherprofitablereturn.”Sheopeneditandreachedinsidetowithdrawasinglecoin.ShetossedittoMissStratford,who caughtitmidair Itwasalltheladieswouldevertakefromherwinnings,althoughshe’dtriedtooffermore “I’mgladtohearit”Shetuckeditawayinthepocketofherskirts “Iassumeyou’rereadyforluncheon?Ihaveitalready prepared.ShallIsendittoyourroom?”
Tassyexhaledinappreciation.“Youarea saint.Yes,please.IwouldeatwithyouifIdidn’thavesomewhereelsetobe.” MissStratfordwavedoffherexplanation.“I’mjusthappythatyouareabletobroadenyourtrade.”
Theychatted for a few more moments, whereas the ladytold her that theyshould be expectinga couple ofnew tenants withintheweek Tassywasn’tsurprisedtohearthis,andalthoughshewasinandoutratherfrequently,sometimestakingtothe waterformorethanaweekatatime,shewaseagertomeetsomenewfaces.
AsTassyenteredherrooms,shesetdownhersatchelwithasigh.Shewouldn’tneeditforhernextexcursion,andshewas gratefulforit.Shewouldemptythecontentsofitlater.Shehadalockonherdoor,butsheknewifsheforgottosecureit,Miss Carterwouldn’tdisturbherthings Sheseldomlefttheboardinghouseunlessitwastowalkdowntotheshorewithhereasel andpaint
Thus far, she had beena mysteryto everyone there, butTassyhad feltenoughgriefand painthatshe could notice when someonewassuffering,andVanessacarriedbothinabundance.Tassyhadthoughtofapproachinghermorethanonce,butthe lastthingTassywantedtodowasupsether,soshehadkeptherquestionstoherself.Nowthatshehadwaterridestogivethe touristswhowerestartingtocometoBurnham-On-Seaindroves,hertimewasnolongerherown
AknockatthedoorcaughtTassy’sattention,andsheopenedittoseethehousemaidstandingtherewithacoveredtraythat smelledpositivelydelicious,andacupofsteamingteatotheside.“Godblessyou,”Tassymurmuredasthemaidwalkedin andsetitonasidetable.
Itdidn’ttakelongbeforeTassywasdivingintothemealwithgusto Sheshouldhaveprobablytakenhertimeandchewed each piece of the hamwith delicate precision, but growing up among men her whole life, Tassy had formed some rather unladylikehabits.Shewouldn’tsayshewasparticularlymessywhenitcametoeating,butneitherdidsheknowthedifference betweenforks.Theywereallthesametoher.
Whenshewasdone,shepreparedtoleaveonceagain.Aswasherhabit,sheglancedinthesmallmirrortomakesureshe lookedpresentablebeforeshetookherleave Today,shefoundherselfhesitatingforadifferentreasonentirely Shenarrowed herdarkeyesinacriticalmanner Liftingherchin,shegatheredherhairintoamassandsetitatopherhead,adoptingapose
similartothoseshewitnessedonadailybasis.Hernosescrunched,andshereleasedtheholdshehadonherhair.Itfelldown tothemiddleofherbackinawaveofcurlsthatwerepermanentlyshapedbythesprayofthesea.
Sheshookherheadandheadedoutthedoor Mostofthetime,comportingherselflikeanyoneelsewasn’taconcern She didn’tknowwhyitsuddenlymatteredtoday.Itwasthesameasanyother.
Exceptforapairofstrikingblueeyes.
“I
canhardlycontainmyexcitement!”
“Indeed,”FrasermutteredfrombesideLadyAshefeld.Headoptedalazyposeasifhewasn’tactuallycontemplating runningbacktothepubasfastashiscowardlylegscouldcarryhim.Hefeltlikehewasgoingtocastuphisaccountsevery timehelookedattheboatbobbingonthewater.
Miss Mercury That was the name proclaimed on the side of the sloop He wasn’t sure if that was good or bad In astronomy,theplanetthatwasclosesttothesunwasnamedaftertheRomanmessengergod.Itwasalsothesmallestandfastest toorbitthesolarsystem.Ifitsailedthroughthewaterwithprecisionspeed,hemightjustmakeitbacktoshorewithhispride intact.
Fraserlookedondeckandspiedatleastsixmengettingthingsreadyforthegroupofeightpassengerswaitingonthedock Allofthemwereeagertoenjoythesunnyday,exceptforFraser,whodecidedthatthebrandyhe’ddrankearlierwasn’tsettling verywellafterall.Itwouldbejusthislucktodiscoverthathewasseasickontopofbeingterrifiedofbeingonthewater.
Heclosedhiseyestoregaincontrolofhiswaywardthoughts,picturingeveryinstancewheretheycapsized.
“Goodafternoon,ladiesandgentlemen,andthankyouforchoosingtorideonthe Miss Mercury!I’myourcaptain,Tassy, andIpersonallywelcomeyouaboard”
Fraser’seyesinstantlypoppedopenastherewasalightroundofapplauseandthepatientguestsstartedtomaketheirway upthegangplank.Ifhedidn’tknowbetter,thatliltingvoicesoundedoddlyfamiliar…
Curiositypropelled himforward. Atfirst, the sundecided to blind himwhenhe would have gained his firstlookatthe captain,butwhenheshieldedhisvision,herealizedthathissuspicionshadbeenabsolutelycorrect.
Asmilestartedtobloomonhisface Perhapsthiswouldn’tbeajourneyofdeathafterall Hisspiritswerestartingtolook up
The lady Tassy greeted eachofher patrons inturnuntil she methis gaze. He adopted his bestrakishdemeanor as he smiled broadly at her. Lady Ashefeld had already made her way onto the deck, so it gave himample time to bedevil his gamblingvixen.“Howprovidential.Fatesmilesuponusagain,itwouldseem.”
Shesetherhandsonherhipsanddidn’tappearamused Shelookedevenmorebeautiful thanbefore,hersunkissedskin moreappealingthanhemighthaveimagined.“Goodafternoon,sir.Weexpectsmoothseastoday,soyoushouldhaveapleasant ride.”
He had to give her creditfor actingas thoughshe didn’thear a flirtatious word he’d said. “I’mglad to hear it, Captain Tassy”Hepaused “OrisitjustTassy?”
Hesawherclenchherjaw “It’sCaptain”
FraserchuckledmildlyashejoinedLadyAshefeld.Therewerethreewoodenbenchesnaileddownontheupperdeckof thevessel togainthebestopportunityforviewing.ItremindedFraserofwhyhewashere,andhemighthaveturnedslightly greenashesatdownandstartedtopray.
Asthemenaroundthembegantountieropeskeepingthemsecuredtothedock,makingtheboatrockabitmorethanFraser was comfortable with, the captainstood infront of the guests and set her hands onher hips, her trousers clad legs spread
slightlyapart.Withthewindflowingthroughherlonghair,itwasobviousthatshewasusedtothissortoftortureonaregular basis.
“Welcome aboard the Miss Mercury TodayIwill be takingyouall around the Channel, and withanyluck, we will spy somedolphins,aswellasporpoisesandothermarinelifethatiscommonatthistimeofyear.”
Agentlemanraisedhishandinthefrontrow.“Areyoutrulythecaptain?”
Frasersawherlipstwitchinamusement.“IfyouareaskingifI’mqualifiedforthisexcursion,IcanassureyouIhavebeen incommandofafishingvesselforthepasteightyears Beforethat,Iwasfirstmatetomyfatherandhavebeeninnearlyevery sortofweather conditionyoucanimagine Fromsmoothseas where the water appears like glass, to roughseas thatwould makethestrongeststomachclench,Ihavebeenthroughitall.Wesailoutnearlyeverydayduringthesummerwithfineladies andgentlemenlikeyou.Youareperfectlysafeinourcapablehands.”
She waved a hand to encompass her crew, who gathered around her withobvious respect. As she introduced themall, Fraserhadadifficulttimepayingthemenanyrealattention Hisfocuswasrivetedontheirleader
Sheclappedherhandstogetherandshouted,“Let’sbeoff!”
There was a round of applause fromthe assembled, and even Fraser had to clap, but mainly because he had a rather enticingviewofthecaptain’sbacksideassheclimbedtotheoppositesideoftheslooptotakeherplaceatthehelm.Ifthiswas whathewassubjectedtoforthedurationofthejourney,itmightnotbeaterriblehardshipafterall.
However,asthesailswereunfurledandthevesselstartedtopickupspeed,Fraserhadtograspthebenchoneithersideof him.HesmiledatLadyAshefeldasshelookedathimwithagrowinganticipation.Inturn,heprayedthathedidn’tembarrass himself.
Doinghisbesttoseemjustasexuberant,hegraspedthewooduntilhisknucklesturnedwhite,buthekepthissmilefirmly inplace
Of all the luck. Of all the vessels in the harbor.
“Youalright,Captain?”
Tassyturnedtofaceher firstmatewhohadtakenhis placebesideher now thattheywereunderway LiamKlatcher was oneofthefirstmenshedaredtoplacehertrustinafterherfatherhaddied.Hehadturnedouttobeavaluableassettohercrew andadearfriend.Inhismidfortieswithathick,blackbeardandashavedhead,helookedlikeapirate,buthewasalsoone ofthekindestmenshe’dhadthefortunetomeet.“Ofcourse.Whywouldn’tIbe?”
Liamlookedatherwithafirmglance “I’veknownyoufromthedayyousetfootonEnglishsoil Ihavesailedunderyour commandforoverthepastyear IthinkIwouldknowwhensomethingisdisconcertingtoyou”
Tassy hated that he was right. “If you must know,” she grumbled. “There is a passenger on board that I find rather… disconcerting.”Withoutanyotherwaytoputit,sheusedthesamedescription. “Ah,youmeanyouhavetakenafancytothegent?”
Sheexhaledinannoyance “Iwouldn’tgothatfar” Heturnedhisheadtoscanthegroup.“Whichone ” “Areyoumad?”shehissed.“Don’tstare.Youknowthateveryonegetsunnervedaroundyoubecauseofyourappearance.” He stroked his beard with obvious pride. “Oh, you mean this thing? I could no sooner part with it than I could your charmingcompany”
Sherolledhereyes “Don’tyouhavethecrewtocommandinmystead?”shesnapped “Iwouldgivespecialattentionto ournewestmember,Marcus.”
Heofferedamockbow.“Aye,aye,Captain.”
Tassyofferedasnortashewalkedaway.Perhapsshemightrecantherearlierobservationaboutwhatakindmanhewas. Hecertainlyknewthebestwaytogetunderherskin
Straighteningher shoulders, Tassyheld firmto the spokes ofthe woodenwheel thatpropelled themforward Itwas the
sameonethatherfatherhadtakenoverthesesamewatersforallthoseyears.Therewereplacesthatthewoodwasstartingto wearbecauseofhowmanytimesithadbeenhandled.Shewouldalwayshavefondmemoriesofhertimeonboardthisdeck, butshewasdeterminedtosail theworld Itwasher father’sdream,andnow itwashers,andsheintendedtoseeitcometo fruition.Butsheneededalargershipinordertodothat.
Withanyluck,bytheendofthesummer,shewouldhaveenoughtomakethepurchaseofherveryfirstvessel.
Sheclosedhereyesforamomenttorevelinthefuture,andthensheopenedthemtoenjoythegrowingsprayoftheseaas theystartedtogatherspeed Aglanceatthesailsaboveherprovedthatthewindswerestillintheirfavor Ittrulywasaperfect daytobeout Ithardlyseemedlikeanyworkatallonthesejourneys Buttheycouldbefewandfarbetween Shehadfought thethrashingangeroftheseabefore,anditwasnotpleasant.Butthevictorytobehadafterwardwasworthitall.Itwaslike winningafiercebattle.Thebloodhummedinher veinsandmostofthetimeshewassoakedthroughwithrainwater,butshe alwayspumpedafistintheair,knowingthatshehadovercomeanotherimpossibletask.Therewasnootherfeelinglikeitin theworld
Afinpoppedoutofthe water aheadandshe nearlyforgotthe reasonshe was there Puttingher fingers toher mouthand emittedasharpwhistle,themeninstantlysettowork,holdingbacksomeofthesail.Assheattemptedtosteerthevesselcloser tothesharkthathadmadeanappearancejustahead,sheheardLiamannounceittothegroup.
Oneofthecrewmencameovertorelieveherofthehelmasthesloopsloweddown.Theeagerspectatorswalkedoverto therailandchattedandpointedatthegrayfinthatwasswimmingnearby
Tassydidn’tbothertocutinontheirenthusiasm.Shehadwitnessedplentyofsharksinherlifetimetolastfortherestofher days.However,shenoticedthatonemandidn’tseemasimpressedbythesightastherest.
Againstherbetterjudgment,shewalkedovertothemanfromthepub.Shestilldidn’tknowhisname,althoughhenowhad thebenefitofhers “Don’tyouwanttogetacloserlook?”sheasked “I’mquitewellhere,thankyou”
Therewassomethinginthetoneofhisvoiceandtheslightlypalepallorthatheworethatmadehertiltherheadtotheside. “Doyounotlikewater,sir?”
Hisblueeyessnappedtoherimmediately.“Whatgaveyouthatimpression?”
Sheshrugged “Ihavelivedmostofmylifeonthesea Icanrecognizethesigns”Hedidn’tseemcomfortedbythat,soshe added,“It’snothingtobeashamedofifyouare Menmuchstrongerandmorevirilethanyouhavecriedlikeanewbornbabeat thefirstsignofseasickness.”
“Iappreciatethat,”heswallowedvisibly,andshewonderedifhewastryingtoholdbackamockingretort,or ifhewas doinghisbesttokeepdownhisluncheon.
Feelingsorryfor him,shewalkedover toachestthatshekeptspecial herbs andspices in Takingoutaginger root,she tookitbacktohim “Here Thisshouldhelptoalleviatesomeofyourdiscomfortuntilwemakeitbacktoshore”
Helookedatherasthoughshehadgrownasecondhead,butheacceptedit.“Thankyou.” Shenoddedandreturnedtoherpostatthehelm.
Fraserdidn’thavethecouragetotellherthatitwasn’tstomachupsetthatwascausinghisfrustration,butthathemightaswell haveencounteredaspiritualapparition.Itwasn’toftenthathewasfacedwiththissortofparalyzingfear,butpastexperiences neverfailedtoriseupandthreatenedtostealthebreathfromhislungseverytimehewastransportedbacktothattimeinhis youth Hecouldstillrecall,withvividclarity,howithadfelttoclawhiswaytothesurfacethatslowlystartedtofillhislungs andeclipsehisconsciousness…
Hebitoffachunkofthegingerrootandstartedtochewfuriously.
WhentheexcitementofthesharkhadwanedandLadyAshefeldreturnedtohissidewithaslightpout,shepausedwhenshe noticedwhatheheldinhishand “Whatisthat?”
“It’sapieceofgingerrootthecaptainofferedme”Hepaused,asiftryingtodecidehowmuchheshouldtellher
acasualpose,headded,“IfearIhaveatouchofseasickness.”
Immediately,hereyeswidened,andentiredemeanorchanged.Shestartedtocoooverhim,andherealizedthathe’dfound theperfectsolutiontohispanic Hejusthadtoattributehislackofexcitementtoinwardupsetrelatingtohisstomach,rather than his own wayward thoughts. And considering the way she was looking at him, he had no doubt he could play on her sympathiesallthewaytothebedchamber.Hecouldlethercurehis“ailment”inthemostenjoyablefashion.
Hisfocusturnedbacktotheladyatthehelm,steeringthemwithexpertprecisionthroughthewaters,andrealizedthathis pursuitofLadyAshefeld wasn’tquite as strongas ithad once been He realized justhow shallow she seemed, battingher lashes athimandtwirlingthe ribbons ofher bonnetina flirtatious manner, her conversationthe same emptyflatteryhe saw everytimehewenttoasocietyfunctioninLondon.
Ashiscompaniondronedonabouthowmuchfunshewashaving,hefoundhisattentionremainedonanothertarget,mainly becauseshewassounique.CaptainTassydidn’tcareaboutthelatestfashions.Itwasobviousshewasmoreathomeonthis boatthananysortofballroom Hewonderedaboutherfamily,herchildhood,andmuchmorethanheshouldn’tbefantasizing aboutregardingthatroundedposterior
Nevertheless,itwasreadilyapparentthatshewouldn’tbewonoverbyemptypromisesorfalsepoetry.Hewouldhaveto useintelligenceratherthancharmtowinherover.
Throughoutthe remainder ofthe journey, while LadyAshefeld and the other occupants would rushto the rail to see the latestwildlife,Fraserremainedseatedinordertostudyhislatestprey Henotedthatinsteadofjoiningtheothersattherail, sheconversedwithamanhevaguelyrecalledwasher firstmate.Fraser narrowedhisgazewhenshelaughedoutloud.Was thatmanherlover?Forsomereason,thatideadidn’tsettlewellwithFraser.Ofcourse,hewasprogressiveenoughwherehe didn’tcareifawomanwasuntried.Inhisexperience,womenwhohadbeenintroducedtothemarriagebedweremuchbetter lovers Virginswereentirelytoomuchtrouble Theygenerallygotemotionalandthenexpectedmorethanjustasinglenightof pleasure It’swhyFraseralwaysavoidedinnocents Widowsandladiesofthenightweremoretohistastes
However,hemightmakeanexceptionforthecaptain.Knowingthathewouldbeherfirsttointroducehertopassionwas quiteastrongmotivation.Again,heremindedhimselfthathewouldhavetotreadlightly,becauseifthesemenwereasfiercely loyaltoheronboardthisvesselastheywereonland,Frasermighthaveabitofaproblem.
Itwasagoodthinghewasn’tonetopassupachallengewhenonewaspresentedtohim Anideaabruptlycametohim Itmightsolvetwoproblemsatonce
Hemightdespisewater,butifhecouldfindawaytoconvincethiswomantogivehimpersonal lessonssothathecould conquerthisdread,whileatthesametimeundertakingasubtleseduction,hecouldachievemorethanonevictory.
Hesatupabitstraighterashismindstartedtowhirlwiththeprospects.
“Areyoufeelingbetter?”
Fraser had nearlyforgottenabout his companionat that point He smiled at her ina tolerant manner, knowingthat they wouldpartwaysafterthisday.“Indeed.”Hisgazeshiftedbacktothecaptain,andhisgrinwidened.“Verymuch.”
Fortherestofthejourney,Tassydidherbesttoignoretheblue-eyedman,butallshecouldthinkofwashowhiseyeswerethe perfectcoloroftheseaneartheshoreandhowhislighthairmatchedthesandontheshore.Ifshecouldmoldherfavoriteparts abouttheBristolChannelintoaperson,hewouldbetheepitomeofherdesign.
Itwastoobadthathewasarake,becausethewayhewouldengagethelovelyladyathissidewasproofenoughofthat Shemighthavebeenabletosaythatshewashissisterorsomesuchnonsense,butwhenshereturnedhisregardwithanopen, heatedinterest,Tassy’ssuspicionswereconfirmed.Sheneitherhadthetimenortheinclinationtoentertainanaffair.Shehadn’t allowedherselftofall intothattrapfor thepasttwenty-sevenyearsandshedidn’tintendtodosonow,notwheneverything she’d ever hoped for was withinher grasp. She wouldn’tdo thatto herself, her father’s memory, or to her crew, who were eagertotravelwithherwhenshewasabletoupgradetoalargership
It wouldn’t just be a pleasure cruise, but filled with fishing and visits to all the different lands It would truly be the
adventureofalifetime,andnoonewouldmakehersquanderhertime,norhereffortsonanythingelse.
Whentheyfinallystartedtoheadbacktotheharborasthesunwasstartingtoset,shelookedoutoverthehorizon.Thiswas always her favorite time ofday,whenthe sunturnedthe water intoa mesmerizinginfernoofyellow,red,andorange There wasnothingelsethatshecouldcomparetosuchgloriousmajesty.ItwasasifGodreacheddownandpaintedthewaveswith carefulprecision.
“Anothersuccessfultour,don’tyouthink?”
SheglancedoveratLiamwithasmile “Ibelieveso Idaresaythedolphinsneverfailtoimpress Ifthingskeepmovingin thisdirectionandwordspreadsaboutthe Miss Mercury,Ihavenodoubtwewillbeseeingmanymorehorizonslikethis”She wavedahandinfrontofthem.
“Aye,”Liamsaidsoftly.“Itisratherimpressive.”Hepausedandthenadded,“Ijusthopeyoudon’tregretsailingoffinto thatsunsetwithmeandtherestofthesescallywags.”
Shesnortedandthencorrectedhim “Ican’tthinkofanythingIwouldlike better Youaremyfamilynow” “Andwewillalwaysbehereforyou,”henoted Somethinginhisvoicecausedhertoturntohim.“Ihopeyoudon’tmeantoinferthatIshalltireofthesea,becauseIcan assureyouthatthesaltisinmyblood.Weareoneandthesame.”
“Notatall,Captain.”Helookedathersteadily.“Ijustwonderiftheremightbeotherthingsyoumightwishtopursue.” Tassystiffenedbecausesheknewthathewasreferringto that gentleman “Hewon’tbeaproblem” Therewasanotherpause.“It’sallrighttohave…needsthatyouwantfulfilled ” Sheheldupahand.“Please,stopthere.Iknowyou’retryingtolookoutforme,andyoufeelit’syourresponsibilitytotake ontheroleofthefatherfigure,butIamquitecapableofmakingmyowndecisions.TheonethingIwantmostinthislifehas nothingto do withcourtship or anythingbeyond that I amperfectlycontent uponthe water for the rest of mydays I shall probablydieclingingtothiswheel”
Liamheld up his hands as he backed awayslowly. “Forgive me for suggestingsomethingso derogatory. Don’tmake me walktheplank.”
“Wedon’thaveaplank.”Herlipstwitchedassheglaredathim.“Yet.”
As the sloop returned to the dockand the crew secured themto the wood, Tassystood bythe railingand offered the passengersapartingsmile.Someevenpausedandmentionedhowmuchtheyhadenjoyedthetour.Theprettycompaniontothe unnamedmanwasoneofthemwhogushedabouthowsheintendedtorecommendTassytoallherfriends.
Tassyinclinedherhead.“Ishouldappreciatethatverymuch.”
Theladystartedtoheaddownthegangplank,andthegentlemanmadetofollow,buthepausedtomurmurasinglewordthat madeherheartstutterinherchest.“MynameisFraser, Captain.Justincaseyouwanttodreamofmetonight.”Heoffereda partingwinkthatfurtherunnervedher,butshewasabletomaintainhercalmdemeanoruntilhe’dleft.
“Issomethingwrong?”Liamaskedwheneveryonehaddeparted.
Shelookedsharplyathim “Whydoyouask?”
“Yourhand It’sclenchingtherailsotightI’msurprisedithasn’tcrackedyet” Immediately,Tassyreleasedhergripandcrossedherarmsoverherchest.“I’mperfectlyfine,butIdoneedtoreturntothe boardinghouse.Itrustyoucansecurethingsbeforeyouleave?”
Liamtouchedafingertohisforeheadinasalutebutwalkedawaywithasmirkonhismouththatshequitedetested.
Gatheringthefewitemssheneededtotakebacktoherrooms,Tassywalkedpurposefullydowntheharbor Shemadeher wayalongthestrand,lostinherownthoughts
Fraser. Itwasaparticularlynicename,butonesheshouldnotbeponderingintheleast.Itannoyedher thathe’doffered thatpartinginformation,andmoresoknowinghe’ddoneitjusttofrustrateher.Shethoughtshe’dmadeitquiteclearthatshe didn’twanttohaveanythingtodowithhim.Itwaslikelythatslightolivebranchshe’dofferedwiththatrootthathadmadehim assumethatshewasfairgametopursue Healreadyhadsomeonewhowasinterestedinhim,sowhatpurposedidhehaveto disturbher?
Unfortunately,thatwas whatmadetheperfectdefinitionofalibertine.Hewas thesortwhofounditamusingtoseehow manywomenhecouldcoerceintohisbed.
Determined to push himout of her mind for good, she spied a familiar figure approaching. She stiffened because she recognized Fraser rightaway Hestillworethesamefashionableclothesashehadearlierintheday,bufftrousersandadark blue jacket with a matching waistcoat topped with a perfectly tied, white cravat. However, his smile was easier now, his attitudemoreofthedevil-may-carerakehell.
“MindifIjoinyou?”
Tassydecided itwould be bestifshe didn’tanswer that Withoutslowingher pace, she keptwalking He fell into step besideher
“Iamgoingtoassumethatisyourwayofsayinggoaway,butIhadratherhopedtospeakwithyouaboutaproposition.”
Atthis,Tassygroundtoanimmediatehalt.Turningtohimwithhermouthagape,shehissed,“Doyouhavenoshame?”She glanced around to where there were several other couples enjoyingthe eveningair. “We are inpublic where anyone might overhearyourlewdrecommendation!”
wrongimpressionaboutme,Captain,butIwantedtoaskyouaboutlearningtosail.”
Tassyblinked.Itwasn’toftenthatshereadasituationquitesowrong orwithsomuchembarrassment.“I…er…”
“IcanseeI’vecaughtyouoffguardwithmyrequest Shallwecontinuewalking?Iwouldbemorethanhappytoexplainin furtherdetail.”
“Of course,” she murmured. No matter what he said now, she couldn’t refuse to listenafter she’d made sucha cake of herself.
Hewasquietforamoment,asifdecidingthebestwaytoapproachthesubject,butthenhesaid,“Whenyoupeggedmefor havinganaversiontowater,youwereabsolutelycorrect Ihavenevercaredmuchforit,butIhopethatImightovercomemy dislikeofit.ThatiswhyIwouldliketohireyou.”
“Hireme?”Tassyasked,stillinastateofshockthathemightapproachheratall.
“Indeed.”Heclaspedhishandsbehindhisbackandspokeinaserioustone.“Yousawmewithaparticularladytoday,and Iwouldverymuchliketoimpressher Shefindssailingquiteappealing,soinordertogainherfavor,Ifeel Ineedtofinda waytolearntosail Ithinkitwouldimpresshergreatly,don’tyouagree?”
Tassywasn’tsurehowtoreplytothat.Theonlythingsheknewwasthatshe’dgottenitallwrongearlierwhensheassumed he was pursuingher. But surely, she hadn’t imagined it whenhe’d told her to dreamof him? Confusionmarried her brow, althoughhersilencemusthavepromptedhimtobelievethatmeantacquiescence.
“Mornings are preferable for me, and I would like to start as soon as possible Shall we say eight o’clock tomorrow morning?”
Tassy’sheadwasstartingtospin.Hewasspeakingasifshewasjustaseagerashetobeginwhenshehadyettoagreeto anything.“Onemoment,Mr.Fraser.”Sincethatwasallshehadtogoon,shedecideditwasbesttogowithformality.“I’mnot sureIhavethetime ”
He stopped so abruptlythatshe nearlyraninto him “Would youfind the time ifIsaid Iwould payyouhandsomelyfor theseprivatelessons?Say,fivepoundseachtime?”
ThisgainedTassy’sattention.Shedidn’tevenearnthatmuchfromanentiretourgroup.Shewantedtoknowhowhemight have that sort of blunt at his disposal, but since it wasn’t her place to pry, she also didn’t want to appear too eager when acceptinghim “MightIhavetheeveningtoconsiderit?”
Hesmiledinatolerantmannerthatmadeherthinkofasnakeslitheringinthegrass Shewasn’taltogethercertainthatshe couldtrusthim.“Don’twaittoolong,becauseImightchangemymindaboutthe Miss Mercury. ”
Withthat,hesaunteredoff,leavingTassytostareafter him,beforethespell wasfinallybrokenandshecontinuedonher way.
“Areyou mad?”Tassyrolledher eyes whenshemadeher waytotheharbor thenextmorningjustafter dawnandtoldLiam aboutMr.Fraser’s proposition.“The opportunitytolive your dreamandsail aroundthe worldhas beenhandedtoyouona silverplatter,andyouthoughttorefuse?”
She was walkingaboutthe vessel to make sure everythingwas inorder for the nextgroup ofvisitors thatafternoon, but whenherfirstmatekeptfollowingher,hisvoicerisingwitheverystephetook,shefinallyspunonhimandsetherhandson herhips.“I’mnotsurethatItrusthim.”
He blinked in surprise as if she’d delivered a right hook to his jaw, rather than her own reservations “What does it matter?”hecountered “Ifhe’sapayingcustomer,thenthat’sallyouneedtoworryabout You’regoingtohavetolearntotrust people,eventually.”
“No,Idon’t,”shesnappedinreturn.“Butyes,you’reright.ThatwouldensureIhadeverythingIeverwanted,butwhoisto sayhewillactuallyfollowthroughonhispromises?I’llhavenochoicebuttodemandpaymentupfront.”
“Fine,”Liamagreed “That’sassumingthathewillevenshowupthismorningatall”
Sherolledhereyesbecauseshedidn’tthinktherewouldbeanydangerofthat However,sherealizedthatLiamwasright
Shehadnever beenverytrustingofanyone,butthen,shesupposeditwas becauseshe’dgrownupwithher father andsince theywereouttoseamostofthetime,shedidn’treallyknowhowtotakepeopleattheirword.Allowingpeopleonhervessel andtakingthemonanexcursionwasdifferentbecauseshewasstilldoingwhatsheloved Shedidn’thavetointeractwiththe guests that much. For the majority, she was commandingthe vessel, and the sea life was stealingthe show. As longas she securedpayment,offeredasmile,andanicewordortwo,thatwasit.
WithMr.Fraser,itwouldbeinfinitelydifferent.Notonlywouldshehavetointeractwithhimonapersonallevel,butshe wouldalsobesubjectedtothosebrilliantblueeyes
Closinghereyes,TassytoldherselfthatLiamwasright IfMr Fraserwaswillingtopaythatmuchtoimpressalady,then who was she to stand in his way? Knowing that he was doing all this for another woman should give her the fortitude to withstandanyofhischarmingflirtationandconcentrateonthewater,theonethingthathadalwaysbeenconstantandtrue.
Atthesametime,sheintendedtomakesureheearnedmorethanjustexperience.
Aslow smile creptover her face as she considered the bestwayto approachthis day She was determined to turnthis unwantedawarenessofhisvirilityintoalessoninhumility
Assheglancedaroundthedeck,sherealizedthatoneoftheircrewwasmissing.“Where’sMarcus?”sheaskedLiam. “Lateagain,”hemutteredcrossly,likelystill perturbedaboutMr.Fraser.“Youmightneedtohaveatalkwithhim.Heis startingtomakeahabitoutofhistardiness.”
Thusreprimanded,Tassyfellintotheroleofcaptain WhenMarcusshowedupashorttimelater,shehadasterntalkwith him. Feelingthat one problemwas settled, Tassydecided that she was firmlyprepared for Mr. Fraser’s arrival. However, whenheappearedondeckjustbeforetheeighto’clockhourinapairofbufftrousers,shinyblackboots,andawhitecambric shirt that was open to reveal the strong column of his neck and upper chest with its crisp, curly blond hairs, she was momentarilydumbstruck Hedidhaveadarkbluejacketdrapedoverhisarm Liamwastheonewhogreetedhim,thusgivingherthetimesheobviouslyneededtotakecontrolofherself “Gooddayto you,Mr.Fraser.”
“Goodday.Liam,wasit?”Thatsmoothbaritonerolledoverherskin,andshehadaslightshiverofawareness.Clenching herfistsathersides,shegrittedherteethastheycontinuedtoconverse.Sheactedasthoughshewasfinishingupsomefinal ropeinspections,butherattentionwasfirmlytunedtohim
“Aye Youhave a good memory” Liamchuckled “Thatwill serve youwell inyour training The captainis notanidle taskmaster.”
“Ithoughtasmuch.”Hisgazeshiftedovertoherandastheireyeslocked,Tassygavehimabriefnodandwentbacktoher “task.”“ItiswhyIwishedtosecureherexpertise.”
“Youhavedefinitelycometotherightplace Tassyhasbeenonthewatersinceshewasababe” “Hasshe?”hemurmured,andshedidn’tmissthenoteofinterestinhisvoice
“Aye.She’sanexpertwhenitcomestohandlinganyproblemsthatmightariseonthewater.ShehailsfromalineofWelsh fishermen ”
Tassyknew itwas time to intercede, or Liamwould be tellingthis stranger her entire life story. As she walked toward them,sheannounced,“IdoubtMr Fraserwantstohearallaboutmyhistory Ithinkhesawenoughyesterdayduringthetourto ascertainthatIammorethanqualifiedtoteachhimthewaytosailacrossthewaterwithease.”
Liamlookedatherwithatwitchtohislips.“Ofcourse,Captain.”Heliftedabrowashesaunteredoffandleftheralone withhernewpupil.
She put her hands onher hips and dared to allow her attentionto drop to his shirt “Aren’t youbeinga little bold this morningtoeschewawaistcoatandcravat?”
Heshrugged.“Ifit’sgoodenoughforyoutoignoretheproprieties,IthoughtImightbeallowedtodothesame.”
Shesnorted.“Ihaven’twornadressinyears.Thelasttimewaswhenmyfatherpassedaway,whichwasmorethantwo yearsago.ItismucheasiertowalkonthedeckdressedasIamthantotrytofightwithadressandunderskirts.”
Hiseyesnarrowedslightly “Andyoudon’tcarethatyouflauntconvention?”
“WhyshouldI?Idon’tintendtomarry,soit’snotasifIhavetoimpressanyone Andmymencertainlydon’tcarehowI’m
attired, so longas Icancommand the Miss Mercury. ” She waved a hand to encompass the sloop. “Iama commonwoman dedicatedtohercraft,andindependenceissomethingthatIadmireaboveall.Idon’twishtobetiedtooneplace.Iwanttosee theworld”
Henodded.“Thatisagranddream,indeed.PerhapsIcanachievethesamemyselfsomeday.”
Tassyeyed himwithmore thana touchofskepticism. “Are youquite sure aboutthat? Youlooked rather uncomfortable yesterday.”
Thesmileheofferedher was broadandabsolutelymesmerizing “Yes,butwithyour kindandpatienttutelage,Ihaveno doubtIshallbeeagerlytreadingthewatersinshortorder PerhapsImightevenpurchasemyownyacht”Heheldupahand “Thatreminds me. Iowe youfor myfirstlesson.” He gathered his jacketand reached into one ofthe pockets. Withdrawing severalcoins,hehandedhertheagreed-uponamount.“Fivepounds.”
Tassy wondered, yet again, what he did to acquire such funds. “Thank you,” she murmured, knowing that when she’d extendedherhandandacceptedtheofferingthatshehadalsoacceptedhisproposal
Tuckingitaway,shelookedathimandsaid,“Shallwebegin?”
The easypartwas over, Fraser decided While the captainmighthave beena bitmore difficultto winover to his side than someotherladiesofhispastacquaintance,atleasthe’dsurmountedthathurdle.HewouldhavetothankMr.Klatcherforhis kindassistanceinthematter.Nowcametheparthewasn’tverykeentoundertake theactuallessonsthathewaspayingforin ordertoseducethelady.Heprayedthatitwouldn’ttakelongtocoerceherintohisbed,becausehewasn’tsurehowlonghe couldholdtogetherhiscontrol
Beforehe’darrivedattheharborthatmorning,he’dnearlycastuphisaccountsjustthinkingofthedayahead Hehaddone some rather asinine things inthe hopes ofimpressinga lady, butthis had to top the list. However, he knew itwas the only excusethatsoundedplausibleenoughtogainher attention.Heshouldhavejustforgottenthisfoolishendeavor now thathe’d finallysecuredLadyAshefeld’sregard.Orrather,he had.Hewasn’tsosureaboutherapprovalanymore,notafterhedeclined heroffertoreturntoherapartmentsanddeepentheirrelationship
Fraser could onlyclaimthathe’d had a temporarylapse into madness, because to turndowna prize like LadyAshefeld wastheheightoffoolishness.MorethanonemaninLondonhadbeenlustingafterthewidow,anditwasrumoredthatshewas inthemarketforaprotector.Frasercouldhaveeasilysecuredthatrole,andyet,he’dthrownallthathardworkawayinorder tochaseafterthisslipofawomaninmen’strousers.
CaptainTassywasn’twithoutherappeal,butwasitenoughforhimtogotosuchextremestogainherattention?Thatwasa subjectthatwasstillupfordebate
Headoptedhismostcharmingsmileandrubbedhishandstogetherasifhewereexcitedtogetstarted.“Shallwestartat thehelm?”
Shelaughedasifhe’dmadesomesortofjest.“Thatisthelastplaceyouneedtobegin,Mr.Fraser.”Hewincedinwardly everytimeshecalledhimbyhisname,buthedecideditwasbestifshecontinuedtothinkofhimasacommoner Itmightbe easier to earnher trustbefore itwas broken. Withanyluck, whenshe learned who he reallywas, he would have no further needofher.
Turninghisattentionbacktoherinstruction,shewalkedovertoherfirstmate.“Liamwillteachyoueverythingyouneedto knowbeforeyoutakeoverthewheel Youwilllearnhowavesseloperatessoyoucanguideitthroughthewater” Heliftedabrow “Isn’tthatwhatthecrewisfor?”
“Thecrewistoassistthecaptain,thatistrue,butinordertobeagoodcaptain,youmustfirstworkyourwayuptheranks. Sinceyouareunfamiliarwithanythingpertainingtoavessel,itwillbesometimebeforeIletyouanywherenear my helm.”
Fraser’s mouthkicked up atthe corner. He could see how she had earned the respectofher men. She was a formidable womanwho was confidentofher abilities He puta hand over his heart “Ofcourse, Captain Where would youlike me to begin?”
ShelookedoveratLiamwhobroughtforthabucketfullofwaterandaholystone.“Doyouknowhowtoproperlyswaba deck?”
FraserreluctantlytooktheitemshewasgivenandwonderedifTassywasthismuchtrouble However,whenhenoticedthe sparkleofvictoryinhergaze,heimaginedthatsamelookinthosebrowneyeswhenshekneltdowninfrontofhimandtookhis hardcockintohermouthandstartedtosuckeagerly.
Clenchingtheretortthatlingeredonhislips,Fraserwalkedovertoacornerofthedeckandstartedtowork.
Nearlyfourhourslater,asthesunwasstartingtoshinebrightabovehim,sweatdrippingdownhisfaceanddampeninghis shirt,Fraserstoodupwithanairofaccomplishment Thedecklookedinfinitelyimproved Whenthe soundofslow applause came frombehindhim,Fraser turnedtosee Tassyleaningbackagainstthe rail.“Well done,Mr.Fraser.IdaresaythewoodlooksbetterthanthedayIprocuredthe Miss Mercury. ” Hetossedherthestone.“ThenIwouldsayIexcelledatmyfirsttask.”
“Indeed Especially considering there are much easier ways to clean it these days” Fraser narrowed his eyes at the mockingtoneinhervoice “Notonlydoesacompetentsailorneedtolearntheartofhardwork,theyalsoneedtoappreciate trueservility.”
Hefroze.Henearlykickedover thebucketofdirtywater inthebucket,knowingnow thatshewasonlytoyingwithhim. Butherefrainedjustintime.Hewouldallowherthisslight,butthatwasallhewouldallow.“Touché,CaptainTassy.Ibelieve youhavearuthlesswayofinstruction,butyouwillfindIamnoteasilybroken”
“Idon’tintend to breakyou, Mr. Fraser.” She walked toward himand tossed the stone into the air before she caughtit neatlyinhergrasp.Standingclosetohim,sheleanedforwardandwhisperedinhisear,“Iintendtohumbleyou.”Movingpast him,shetossedoverhershoulder.“Seeyoutomorrow.Ifyouhaveitinyou.”
Tassyreturnedtotheharborthefollowingmorning,expectingforMr.Frasertobenowhereinsight.Sheintendedtoappreciate themoneythathewouldbringtoherventure,butshewasn’tgoingtomakeiteasyonhim.Ifhereallywantedtoimpressthis lady, he was going to have to work for it starting at the bottomlike everyone else While she despised his reasons for learningtosail,ifhewantedtowastemoneyinthatfashion,shewouldbegratefulforhisignorance
Whenshewalkedupthegangplank,sheliftedabrow,becauseher new pupil wasalreadyleaningontherail ofthedeck andwaitingforhernearlytwohoursbeforehewasduetoreturn.Hewaswearingclothessimilartothedaybefore,excepthis trouserswereblack.Ifanything,theyonlyaccentuatedhislighthairandpiercing,blueeyesastheylitonher.“Mr.Fraser,”she greetedcurtly “I’msurprisedtoseeyouhere Andthisearly”
“Ithought Iwould continue workingonthat servilitythat youfind so important” He glanced at Liamwho turned away almost guiltilythe moment she spied him. “Your first mate was kind enoughto informme what time youget here and start preparingfortheday.Ialsohadthepleasureofmeetingtherestofthecrew Henry,Alfie,andMarcus whomyoufailedto introducebefore.”
Sheignoredtheslightandaddedinstead,“Andyouthoughtyoumightjoinus?” “Indeed.”Hegrinnedbroadly.“Ican’thaveyoucomplainingthatI’mnotpunctual.” Shesnorted.“Idon’tseethatwouldbeaproblem.Yourpride,however,isanothermatterentirely.”
“Mypride?”heaskedinallinnocence.
“Yes Youhaveanabundanceofit”Shestaredboldlyathim “Tobeagoodsailor,youhavetowithdraw someofyour highhanded nature to earnthe respectofthose workingaround you Itis importantto be their equal before youcanbe their leader.”
Fraserhadtoadmitthatshehadavalidpoint,buthewouldbedamnedifheletherknow that.Therewasjustsomething aboutherthatmadehimyearntobedevilher.Perhapsitwastheideathatshedidn’tthinkhewasperfectlikeeveryoneelsedid thathewas flawed Hecrossedhisarms “WhatchoreshallIstartwiththismorning?”
Fraserwithheldasnortashefollowedherenticingbacksidebelowthetopdeck.Hismindracedwiththepossibilitiesthat presenteditself,butwhenshewalkedintoaroomwithoutacot,whichheldtheothercrewmen,someofhisexcitementburst.
“This is where youwill be spendingyour morningtoday, Mr Fraser I hope youare adept whenit comes to sewinga straightline.”Shewavedahandtoindicatethelargepieceofcanvasstretchedoutonatablebeforethem.“Atthemoment,our modest mess is being taken over by a new section of canvas that we are trying to complete, so we can replace our worn headsail.SinceIhavesomeerrandstorun,Ithoughtthiswouldbetheperfecttimeforyoutolearntheartofsailmaking.”
“Didyounow?”hemurmured,althoughFrasertooktheemptyspace “Bethankfulit’snotthemainsail,”Henrygrumbledfrombesidehimwhiletheothertwomen AlfieandMarcus nodded their assent. “That would take muchlonger to complete. Some of the vessels inthe Royal Navytake nighover a monthto finish.”
Atthisbitofinformation,Fraserglancedupatthecaptain,whoonlywinkedathimwithasmirkonherface.Heoffereda silentsalute,thenturnedhisattentiontothemanathisside Withagrin,heasked,“WheredoIstart?”
hatareyoudoing,Tass?”
SheglancedupatLiamwhowasstaringathermuchlikeherfather didwhenhewascross.“Idon’tknow what youmean,” she mumbled, althoughshe couldn’t quite meet his eyes as she made her wayacross the maindecktoward the gangplank Therereallywassomewhereshehadtobethismorning “You’regoingtorunhimoff”
“Who?”
He muttered somethingunder his breaththat sounded suspiciouslylike anobscenity. “Don’t playthe fool withme. You mightbe the captain, butIhave knownyoulongenoughto ascertainwhenyouare tryingto rid yourselfofa problem. The questionis,whydoyouwanttoputMr Fraserinthatcategory?”
Tassy could tell that this was one argument he wasn’t going to let go Knowing that she had to give himsome sort of reasoning,otherthanthetruth,thathedisturbedherpeaceofmind,shesaid,“Idon’ttrusthim.”
Hesnorted.“Youdon’thavetotrusthim,solongashepaysyou.”
Shewasgrowingimpatient.“Thisismyvessel,andIshalltrainhimtorunitasIseefit.Therestofthecrewhadtoendure thesameprocess,asdidyouandme Iseenodifferencenow” “Hewantedtolearnto sail,”Liampointedout.“Youhaveyettotakehimoutonthewater.”
Tassylosthertemper.“Thatisaprivilegethatmustbeearned.Iamnotgivingupmyhelmtojustanyone,andcertainlynot toamanwhomerelywantstolearnhowtonavigatejusttotakeanunsuspectingwomantohisbed!”
Liamblinked,andsherealizedthatshemusthavegonetoofar,revealedtoomuch,becausehebackedoff “Ah,Isee” Shenarrowedhereyes “Whatisthatsupposedtomean?”
Heshrugged.“ItjustmeansIunderstandwhyyouaresoreluctanttoentertainhimyourself.You’reattractedtohim.” Shesnorted,butagain,shecouldn’tquiteseemtolookathimdirectly.“Don’tbeabsurd.” “Is it?” he asked,andthenhe gentledhis tone,whichmade things somuchworse.“There’s nothingwrongwithdesiring someone ”
Sheheldupahand “Stoprightthere Mycircumstancesaredifferentfromanyotherlady NotonlydoIsnubconvention, butwherewoulditleadotherthananemptyaffair?Ihavenodesignsonmarriageorchildren.Youknowmyheart’sdesire.” “Thingscanchange,”Liamsaidsoftly,andsomethinginhistonemadeherwonderiftheywerestillspeakingabouther. “Liam,hassomethinghappened ” “Don’tconcernyourselfwithme,Tassy Youjustliveyourownlifeandstayoutofmine”
Heturnedaroundandwalkedaway,leavingherstaringafterhimquitespeechless.SincethedayshehadmetLiam,hehad hisbaddaysjustlikeanyofthem,buthe’dneverbeenthatcurttoherbefore.Hisbehaviormerelyconfirmedhersuspicions thattherewassomethinghewasn’ttellingher.Ithurtthathehadn’tconfidedinherifthatweretrue.Hewasherfirstmate,but more thanthat, she considered himone of her closest friends a luxurythat she generallyhad inshort supply As a child, spendingmostofhertimewithherfatherontheseahadn’tleftmuchroomforhertochatwithmanyofthelocalvillagegirls
Whenherfatherdaredtogoonajourneywithouther,leavingherwithherauntsothatshecouldattendschoolandhavesome sort of educationand trainingincomportment, she had always felt awkward, because she didn’t fit inwiththe rest of her cousins,northeotherchildren Sheneverhadanyonetoreallytalkto,andsoshe’dlearnedhowtobeonherown
Whenshe’dmovedacrosstheChannel toEngland,sheimaginedthattherewouldbemoreseclusion,butshehadfounda commongroundwithLiamandhercrew.Theywereherfamilynow.
ThesamewentfortheSeasideSociety.Withoutthepatroness’skindpersuasionandeagernesstobringherintothefold,she mightnothavedaredtoventureoutonherownuntilyearslater,whenshehadbeenabletoaffordalargervessel Shehadn’t thought of taking out her little sloop for the enjoyment of others until Miss Stratford and Miss Grantham had made the suggestion.Nodoubttheirbenefactor,LadyBeauvais,hadhelpedwiththataswell.Thethreeofthemtogetherwereaforceto bereckonedwith.
Feelingthetugsofguilt,Tassytoldherselfthatsheneededtospendmoretimewiththeladiesoftheboardinghouse.She thought there was someone supposed to arrive, but she got home rather late the night before and didn’t have the chance to introduceherself NowthathermorningswerefullyoccupiedwithMr Fraser,andherafternoonsweretakingvariouspleasure seekersaroundtheharbor,mostofhertimewasnolongerherown.
However,shevowedthatshewouldtrytofindanafternoonverysoontovisitwithsomeofherfriendsontheshore.
Fraserstretchedthekinksoutofhisback,butconsideringhe’dbeensittinginthesameposition,slouchedoveranawfulpiece ofheavycanvas for mostofthe morning, itwas no wonder he was startingto feel the effects. Fortunately, his efforts hadn’t beeninvainbecausethecrewapprovedoftheskillshehadn’trealizedhe’dhad,andtheycommendedhimforajobwelldone It was rewarding to know that someone appreciated all the work he’d done It was merely unfortunate that the captain wasn’ttheretomarvelinhisexpertiseaswell.
Withhispaidinstructionatanendfortheday,heheadeduptothetopdeck.Ashedid,hewonderedhowhe’dmanagedto bekeelhauledsoeasily.Hewassupposedtobecharmingthecaptainintohisbed,insteadoftakingontasksthatheshouldhave beenpaidfor,nottheotherwayaround Ifthiswasthetorture,hemustwithstandinordertogethernakedbeneathhim,hehad toconsideriftheembarrassmentwasworthit
Ashecaughtthebrightlightofthesun,hehadtosquintagainsttheblindingrays.Afterbeinginadarkspacewithadim lanterntoseebyforthepastfewhours,ittooksometimeforhiseyestoadjust.Whentheydid,hefrozewherehestood.
WithTassy’s trouser clad legs braced apart, and her brunette locks wavinglike a long, curlybanner downher back, he understoodhis questnow more thanever before Was there a womansofearless? Soconfidentandsure ofher place inthis world?Mostoftheladiesofhisacquaintancewereinterestedinthethingsthatmoneycouldbuy Hehadtheconfidencetosay thatTassydidn’tcareaboutmaterialthings.Sheenjoyedthebeautyoftheworldaroundher,andthatwasmorealluringthanthe finest silks and satins. Althoughhe did imagine what she might looklike attired ina dress. Althoughher darkeyes nearly matchedthecolorofherhair,hehadtothinkthatshewouldlookremarkableinblue,likethewavesthatflowedontotheshore athightide
He blinked. Dear God, he was startingto sound like a poet, or atthe veryleast, like his cousin, EastonAlden, Viscount Fane.Thelasttimehe’dvisitedhisrelationinIreland no,thatwaswrong.Thelasttimehe’d attempted tovisithiscousin, themanhadspentmoretimeathiseaseltryingtoreproduceamasterpiecethanspeakingtoFraser.Hiscolorful,stainedfingers wereproofenoughthathewastryingtofindtheperfectsubjecttodrawinspiration
Frasercertainlyhadn’thadtogofar Heonlyhadtolookdirectlyinfrontofhimtofindtheinspirationhesought,although hedoubteditwasthesamethathiscousindesired.
Whensheturned,thesuncaughtthehighlights inher hair justrightandmadeitlookas thoughshehadahaloaroundher head.Buthedidn’twantanangelunlessshewaswillingtogetabitdirtybetweenthesheets.
“Didyouhaveaproductiveday,Mr Fraser?”
The torrid fantasy in his mind popped like a bubble He smiled tightly “Quite The sail is nearing completion as we
speak.”
She inclined her head witha brilliantsmile thatbroughtsome ofthe imageryfloatingbackthroughhis mind, especially whenshewalkedtowardhim “Wonderful Idaresaytomorrowwillbejustasfruitful”
“Idaretoimaginewhatsortofchoreyouhaveformenext,”henoteddryly. Sheshrugged.“Isupposewewilljusthavetowaitandseewhenyouarriveinthemorning.”
“Ishallanticipatethemomentwithbatedbreath.”
Hewas temporarilytakenoffguardwhenshe laughed Itquicklydied,as ifshe was shockedbyher reactionas well “I shallbidyougoodday,Mr Fraser Ihaveatourtoprepareforinacoupleofhours”
Fraserdidn’tknow whatcompelledhimtospeak.Itwasasifhe’dcompletelyforgottenthathehatedbeingonthewater. Thus far, the Miss Mercury had beenmoored atthe harbor, so he had beenhandlinghis time withthe captainwithrelative ease.Buthewassurethatwouldchangethemomenthefeltthewavescrashingagainstthehull.“PerhapsIcouldjoinyou?”
Shesnorted “Forwhatreason?”
Sincehecouldn’treallysayhehadanearcripplingfearwhenitcametobeinganywherenearalargebodyofwater,hehad tocomeupwithsomesortofexcusethatsoundedplausible.“Toobserve,ofcourse.IfI’mtosail,shouldn’tIalsobeprivyto themechanicsofthevessel.Whentounfurlthesails,andofcourse,howtocombatseasickness.”
Frasersaw herweightheoptionsinhermind.Sheglancedatherfirstmatewhomerelyshrugged.Withaheavysigh,she nodded “Verywell ButIexpectyoutopaylikeanyotherpatrononboard,orelseearnyourpassage” “Iwouldn’texpectanythingless,”heagreed.“ShallIreturntothesailmakingclassbelow?”
Shenarrowedhergazeathisattempttomakeajestandwalkedovertoapileofropesittinginacornerofthedeck.“Do youknowhowtotieasailor’sknot,Mr.Fraser?”
Heglaredatthecoarsehempandthoughtofthehours he’dspentinhis father’s study,poringover theestateledgers and learninghowtotakeontheresponsibilitiesofanearl “I’mafraidnot”
Shesatdownononeofthetourbenchesandsaid,“Allowmetodemonstrate.” Tassydidn’twanttoadmitthatMr Fraserwasratheradeptwithhishands,butshecouldn’tdenythetruthwhenitwasrightin frontofher.Notonlythat,buthewasaquickstudy.Sheshowedhimwhattodoonce,andhepickeduponitasifhe’ddoneit allhislife.
She would never tell Liamjusthow intriguingshe found the gentleman, nor how muchshe would like to tumble into his armsandmakehimforgetabouttheprettyblondeonhisarmthatday Abrief,maddeningthoughtpassedthroughhermindas she contemplated asking him if he’d like to become part of her extended crew She would have to take on more men to commandalargership,butTassyintendedtobeverycriticalofwhoshedecidedtotakeon.AmanlikeMr.Fraserwouldbea terriblechoice.Notonlywouldtheircloseproximitycausehertothinkofdangerousprospects,buthewouldlikelydriveher insane.Hewasarrogantandself-centered,everythingthatshehadlongtriedtoavoid.Buthewasalsointelligent,charming, andratherwitty,allqualitiesthatshehadadmired
Whenhepausedinhistasktoglanceather,sheshiftedhergazeawayquickly,sohedidn’tknowshehadbeenstaringatthe waythe wind blew his sandy-colored hair, nor the wayhis strongjawline clenched whenhe was concentrating. Butitwas thosestronghandswiththeirpronouncedveins,hisfingersdeftwiththeireverymovement,thathadkeptherfocusrivetedon him
“AmIdoingitright?”heaskedsoftly Tassy’sheartbegantobeatswiftly.“Yes.You’reanatural.”
Hesnorted.“DareIhopethatwasacompliment,Captain?” “Perhaps.Justdon’tgetusedtoit.”Shetriednottosmile,butshecouldn’thelpherself.Itwasactually…nicetoconverse soeasilywithsomeone Anddaresheeventhinktheremighthavebeenaslightflirtation?
Whenhewasfinishedwithhistask,heheldtheropebacktoher “DoesthismeanI’veearnedmyspotthisafternoon?”
“Isupposeitdoes.”Forasplitsecondthatseemedmuchlonger,theireyeslockedandheld.Itwasn’tuntilhisfocusfellto hermouththatshebrokecontactandstood.“Ineedtogetthingsreadyforourguests.Youarewelcometomovefreelyaboutthe upperandlowerdecks,butthecaptain’squartersareoff-limits”Shelookedathimpointedly “Wewilleataboutthirtyminutes beforeweheadout.”
Tassyturned and walked backto the helmofthe vessel where Liamwas lookinginto some possible adjustments to the rudder. She’d been noticing some trouble steering the past few cruises they’d taken along the Channel. “How bad is the damage?”sheasked
Liamlookedathergrimly,tellinghereverythingsheneededtoknow “Ithinkallwillbewellfornow,butweneedtogetit lookedatbeforelong.”
“Iwasafraidofthat,”Tassyrepliedwithaheavysigh.
Althoughherbelovedsloophadkeptthemafloat,quiteliterally,forthepastseveralmonths,theagedvesselwasstartingto showsignsofwearfromitsmanytravelsbeforeshe’dtakenitover Shehadknowntherisksofbuyinganolderboat,butshe hadneededaship,andthepreviouscaptainhadbeeneagerforhertotakeitoffhishands He’dgivenheradealshecouldn’t passup,likelybecauseheknewtheworkthatwouldhavetobeputintoit.
Thusfar,Tassyandhercrewhadmanagedtokeepeverythingrepairedwithouttoomucheffort,butthingswerestartingto become a bit more concerning. Not onlywas the rudder beginningto fail, but she could see evidence where the tiller was sufferingdamage as well Iftheylostthe capabilityto steer, thatcould definitelycause a problemintheir currentmonetary circumstances. By summer’s end, she suspected she would have enough funds to buy a proper vessel the larger one she requiredtosailaroundtheworld butnotifshehadtosinkalotofmoneyintothisonenow.However,shecouldn’thelpthe passageoftimeandwhattheseawaterdidtoassistthedeterioratingprocessofwood.Althoughtheyhadcoveredthelower deckswithtartokeepoutthemoisture,itwasonlyatemporaryfixtoalargerissue
Shepinchedthebridgeofhernose,andLiamcameoverandsetacomfortinghandonhershoulder “Wemayjusthaveto putoffouradventuresforanotheryear,”henotedquietly.
Tassyshookoffhisembrace.“Wearen’twaitinganylonger,”shesnapped.“I’vebeenwaitingtoolongasitis.Iwilljust havetofindalternatewaysofbringinginmoreblunt.”
Hiseyesflashed “Ihopeyou’renotthinkingofjoiningtheunderground,”hewarned Heshookhishead “Iforbidit”
Shesnortedatthat “I’magrownwoman Youcan’tforbidmetopartakeinagamethatIamwellversedinplaying” Hesethisjaw.Shecouldtellthatthiswasgoingtobeabattle,butonehewouldn’twin.“Engaginginaheatedroundwith a few rowdy men at the pub isn’t the same as what goes on at Mike’s. That is a dangerous hell, dedicated to the biggest gamblerswhodaretowalkthroughthedoor.Onlyaselectfewevenknowwhatactuallytranspiresbehindthosedoors.Some menwhogoinsideareneverheardfromagain,theirbodieseventuallywashinguponshore”
“Iamwellawareoftherisksinvolved,”shereturnedfirmly “Butifyouthinkthatshalldiscouragemefromgoing,thenI fearyouhavedeludedyourself.Atthispoint,Ihavenootherchoice.”
“Andwhathappens ifyoubecome fodder for the sharks? Itwill be difficulttoachieve your dreams ifyou’re dead.” He turnedawayfromherandpacedafewstepsawaybeforeturningbacktoherandsettinghishandsonhiships.
Tassywantedtobeangryathim,butshecouldn’tfinditwithinhertoholdagrudgeagainstherfirstmate Sheknewthathe wasmerelytryingtosafeguardher,andshecouldn’tfaulthimforcaring.Gentlinghertone,shesaid,“IalwaysensurethatI’m prepared.Ihaveadaggerwithineasyreachinthetopofmyboots.”
“WhataboutthatincidentinWales?”
Immediately,sheyearnedtodiscusssomethingelse,anythingbutthatchillingreminder Shehadreluctantlyconfidedinhim aboutthecloseencounter Hewastheonlyone,otherthanherattacker,whoknewanythingaboutit Duringtimeslikethis,she almostregrettedtellinghimanything.“I’velearnedtobecautious.”
“Haveyou?”hecountered.“Becauseitseemstomethatyou’rewillingtojumprightbackintothelion’sden.”
Witha narrowed glare athim, she gathered her satchel fromthe helm. “Ithinkthat’s enoughI’mwillingto listento, Mr. Klatcher” His mouthturneddown,because he knew she onlycalledhimthatwhenhe hadsteppedover the line “Ishall be downstairsinmycabinuntilluncheon ThatisamatterthatIshallleaveinyourcapablehands”
Fraserhadn’tnecessarilymeanttoeavesdropontheheatedexchangethathadpassedbetweenTassyandherfirstmate,but whenhehadreturnedtothetopdeckstoaskaquestionaboutthesails,hesawthetensedebate.Heslidintotheshadowsuntil Tassywalkedawaywitharigidsettoherexpression.
HewonderedifheoughttoaskLiamaboutwhathadtranspired,buthewasn’tsureifhehadearnedthisman’sregardjust yet Then again, anger was a powerful motivator, and considering the man wore a dark scowl, perhaps this would be the perfectopportunitytolearnmoreaboutthelady,aswellasthebestwaytoseduceherintohisbed.
Consideringhowtoapproachhim,Fraserstrodeforwardasifnothingwasamiss.“Therestofthecrewwaswonderingif ”HehesitatedwhenLiamstartedtogrumble.“Pardon?”
“Stubbornwomen!”Liamsaidclearly “Thedeviltakethemall”
Fraserclearedhisthroat “I see ”
The firstmate continued speaking. “The captainthinks she knows everything, thatshe cantackle anythingthatcomes her waybecauseshesurvivedthedangeronce,butshe’snotimmunetotheperilsthatawaitheratthatdamnedplace.”
Fraser’ssensesinstantlywentonalert.“Ifearyouhavemeatadisadvantage,”hereturnedevenly.“Whatsortofdangerare wereferringto?”
Ratherthanappearreluctanttospeak,Liamleanedforwardandbecameveryforthcomingwithhisfrustrations “BurnhamOn-Sea is not the sparkling retreat that most would like to believe. There is evil lurking in the shadows, like London or Birminghamor anywhere else in England. Mike’s is a gaming hell for cutthroats and thieves, and she is determined to go there.”
Fraserfrowned HewasinclinedtoagreewithLiamthatitwasaprospectthatdidn’tsettlewellwithhimeither Hehad yettoknowmuchabout“Mike’s,”butheintendedtodosobeforethenightwasover “Whereisthisdenofiniquitylocated?” Liamshookhishead.“Itishighlysecretive,andthelocationmovesallaroundtown.It’sgenerallyneverinthesameplace twice.Youcanonlyfinditbypersonal invitation,andshe’sdeterminedtogainone.”Heshookhishead.“It’sabadideafor her to engage ina highstakes matchofhazard, butIcan’ttalkher outofit. She did the same thinginCardiffand made the mistakeoftellingmeaboutthenear-deathexperience Shebelievesthatshewillescapewithherlifeagain,butI’mnotsosure thesemenarethatforgiving.”
HavingwitnessedtheskillwithwhichTassytossedthedice,Fraserhadnoideathatshewouldcomeawaywithsomeextra coinsinhersatchel,butifthisplacewasasbadasLiammadeitsound,therewasthegoodchancethatshewouldn’tkeephold ofanywinningsforlong Thethoughtthatsomeonemightslitherthroatandleaveherinadirtyalleytodiedidnotsettlewell withhim “Whatdoesittaketoreceiveoneofthesecovetedinvitations?”
Liam shoved a hand through his hair. “It could be anything from reputation to wealth. I pray that she never gains the opportunitytopassthroughthosedoors.”
“Whyisshesosetonthiscoursewhensheknowswhatmighthappen?”
Liam’s expressionimmediatelyshuttered, and Fraser could tell thathe wouldn’tbe learninganythingmore fromTassy’s loyalfirstmate “Ifthatissomethingshewantsyoutoknow,shewilltellyou”
Fraser’sjawtightened.“Itwouldbeinyourbestintereststoconfideinme.”
Thoseskepticaleyesnarrowed.“Whatcanyoudo?”
Fraser had gone this longwithoutrevealinghis true identity He wasn’tsure he wanted to gainthis man’s confidence by revealingthelienow.“AllIcansayisthatwebothhaveherbestinterestsatheart.Andwouldn’titbebetterifshehadtwo peopletolookoutforherratherthanjustone?”
Liamfellsilentasheglancedoutoverthewater.HeseemedtobeweighingthebenefitsoftrustingFraserornot.Finally, he turned backto himand said, “Idon’tsee thatIhave muchchoice Idon’twantto learnofher demise whenher bodyis pulledfromtheChannel”
“That won’t happen,” Fraser said firmly. Something kicked in his chest at the image of her lifeless corpse. His fists clenchedathissides,andhesawred.Theseverityofhisreactionmomentarilystartledhim.Heinhaledheavily.“Ifyouwould givethecaptainmykindregards,IregretIwillnotbeabletojointhetourthisafternoon.”Withoutwaitingforaconfirmation, he turnedandheadedfor the gangplank Surelywithhis status as a peer ofthe realm,he mightfindmostcloseddoors were willingto openfor him Inaddition, he had a particular reputationnot onlyfor pursuingthe opposite sex, but also for his monetary value. By the time night fell, he had no doubt he would discover the current location of Mike’s and become a respectedguestbeforethelady,thussavingherfromadarkerfate.
Tassytoldherselfthatshedidn’tcarethatMr.Fraser haddepartedsooner thanexpected.Shetriedtothinkofhiminapoor light,butLiamassuredherthathe’dhadanemergencythathadtakenhimawayabruptly.
That angered her even more because she could picture the pert blonde he’d had on his arm that week, likely pouting becausehehadbeenspendingtoomuchtimeawayfromher
Inspiteofherfrustration,shehadtoforceasmileonherfacewhenthetourarrived.However,shemustnothavebeenas convincingasshe’dthoughtbecausemorethanonewaryglancewassentherway.Shepursedherlipsanddidherbesttosteer the vessel through the rough waves. The tide had come in earlier than usual, and she could tell by the dark clouds on the horizonthatastormwouldbeblowinginsoon Wavescrashedagainstthehullbythetimetheyhadreturned,andmorethanone passengerlookedabitgreenastheydisembarked
“Tourswilllikelybecanceledtomorrow,”TassytoldLiam.“Bythelooksoftheredskiesthismorning,Icantellthatwe areinforsomebadweather,nottomentionthatangryhorizon.Theseaswillnotbeverypleasantforthenextcoupleofdays.” Liaminclinedhishead.“WhatofMr.Fraser’slessons?”
She stopped to consider thatfor a momentand thensaid, “We could use some more tar below decks Letthe instruction commence”
Shecouldtellthathedidn’tapproveofherstatement,buthedidn’tcontradictherassheheadeddownthegangplank. Ratherthangoinghome,Tassyturnedtowardtheoppositeendoftownwhereherfavoritepub,TheOldPier,waslocated. Sheknewsheoughttoheadtotheboardinghouse,asthesunwasalreadystartingtoset,butshewouldnevergetaninvitation toplayintheundergroundifshedidn’tletsomeoneknowthatshewasinterestedinahighstakesmatch
Whenshewalkedinside,thecacophonyofvoicessurroundedherimmediately.SinceBurnham-On-Seawasstartingtogain popularity, the visitors each year continued to grow. The summer months were well attended because the breeze off the Channelofferedsomerelieffromtheyardsofmaterialmostofthemenandwomenwerewonttowear.Tassyhadneverthought tocarewhethershewasattireddifferentlyfromanyoneelse,butwhenshemadeherwaythroughtheassemblage,thesalacious glancesthatweresentherwaymadeherveryawareshehadwalkedrightintotheheartofthelion’sden
Asthedayworeonanddarknesssetupontheland,spiritsranfreely,alongwiththeboldnatureofmost.Butagain,how wouldsheencountertherightpeopletogainentréeintoMike’sifshewasn’tbold?
Takingaseatatthebar,itwasn’tlongbeforetheinnkeeper,Archie,walkedovertoher.“I’llhaveanale,”sheannounced. Heglaredatherbutsetamugoftherequesteddrinkinfrontofher “Whatareyethinkingtocomehereatthishour,Tass?” hehissedwithanurgentwarning “Yeknowscoundrelscomeoutindrovesatnight”
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Hennings' face split into a wide grin and his arm lifted in the same salute, with fifty others following him in the gesture by a split second. Murdock rolled up the window, and the big trick began moving across the field, heading toward home and the hogs. Behind him, the band played on, but he wasn't listening.
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