An Unexpected Love Read Online Free PDF

advances, but he said my declaration would not deter him. He believes that by journey’s end I will return his feelings.”
    Amanda wagged her head. “He is certainly bold.”
    “And much too self-assured for my liking,” Fanny replied. “He said I am not yet married and he plans to convince me that he is a better match for me.”
    Sophie leaned back against the cushioned seat and considered Daniel’s remark. “He is far too full of himself. I believe he needs a good comeuppance.” She giggled. “And no one can do that any better than the three of us. It is, after all, our duty to teach Daniel there are consequences for improper social behavior.”
    Paul scouted the upper deck looking for Fanny and Daniel. He thought it rather strange that Amanda and Sophie should have worried so much about the couple slipping off for a walk. After all, he had the impression they were intended for each other, and it seemed only natural.
    He slipped in and out of the crowd but saw no sign of anyone he recognized. With a sigh he turned back. His thoughts went to Sophie and the way she had flirted with a complete stranger only moments ago. She seemed destined to put herself in harm’s way.
    It was easy for Paul to see the need in Sophie. His own father had never been all that attentive, and he knew what it was to try desperately hard to gain favor with someone who didn’t seem to even remember you existed. His father had always been consumed with work, just as Sophie’s father was. Paul had tried to talk to Quincy Broadmoor about his inattention to Sophie on more than one occasion, but his employer’s attitude had been that Sophie knew he loved and cared about her, whereas the destitute at his Home for the Friendless had no one else.
    “I’m not at all sure that she knows he loves her,” Paul muttered. He supposed it was for this reason he held a spot in his heart for the selfish girl. For all the times his mother had assured him of his own father’s love, Paul had never been convinced. He couldn’t imagine that Sophie was convinced of Quincy’s affections, either. Sophie was the kind of woman impressed by actions, not words. Unfortunately, given her current state of affairs and flirtations, the actions she brought upon herself might not be at all beneficial.

3
    Aunt Victoria fluttered into the room late that afternoon. Excitement shone in her eyes, and a faint blush colored her prominent cheekbones. “We’ve been invited to sit at the captain’s table for the evening meal.” She sat down beside Amanda, fanned herself, and looked at the three girls with an air of expectancy. “Well? Are you not pleased? This is quite the fait accompli. I don’t believe we’ve ever been invited to sit at the captain’s table on our very first night at sea.”
    Sophie sighed. She would much prefer to sit at a table surrounded by eligible young men who were interested in her. Fawning over the ship’s captain held no appeal. Personally, she thought the custom of dining with the captain silly. An invitation to dine at his table was given far too much significance. He was, after all, no more than a man performing his duties; there were men of much greater import aboard the ship. Yet those travelers invited to dine at the captain’s table were especially esteemed and envied by the other passengers.
    “If it pleases you, Mother, we are delighted,” Amanda replied.
    Her cousin had chosen to respond in diplomatic fashion, but Sophie cared little about the subtle art of tact. “Must we, Aunt Victoria? I believe the three of us would much prefer to dine somewhere other than the captain’s table. However, I’m certain that Daniel, as well as Paul and his mother, would be pleased to accept the captain’s invitation.”
    Her aunt frowned. “I have already sent our acceptance, and I shall expect all three of you to be on your best behavior.” She glanced at Amanda and Fanny. “I know I can depend on the two of you.” Quickly shifting, she