Captain Of Her Heart Read Online Free PDF

shrugged into her robe, belted it tight, and then strolled into the kitchen.  “If you would teach me, I could assist in your duties.”
    “I beg your pardon?”  Molly dropped her cooking utensil into the pan but quickly retrieved it.  “No offense, ma’am, but you do not appear suited to charwork.”
    “In that I cannot argue.”  With a chuckle, Alex lingered at the servant’s side.  “But it is never too late to learn untried skills, and I pride myself in my willingness to attempt new occupations.  And I should dearly love to confound my brother.”
    “I am not sure.  You have very fine things, and I would hate to spoil one of your beautiful dresses.”  Molly furrowed her brow, peered at Alex, grabbed her hand, and skimmed her palm.  “Just as I suspected.  No calluses and soft as a baby’s bottom.  I would wager your beau prefers you as such.”
    “Perhaps we can broker an agreement, something that would benefit us both?”  Alex retrieved a napkin and a fork from a drawer.  “You admire my perfume.  I shall make you a bargain.  A bottle of France’s finest scent, in exchange for your housekeeping expertise and best recipes.”
    “Oh, no.  That is not necessary.  If I help you, I will do so because I want to, not for personal gain.”  Molly frowned, as she seasoned the eggs and ham.  “And Cap’n pays a fair wage.”
    “I have offended you.”  Alex retreated and retrenched.  “I apologize, Molly, as I never meant to insult you.  I had thought to reward your services, in kind.”
    “Have a seat at the table.”  Molly dished the meal.  “And there is hot water in the kettle, if you wish to make tea.”
    “Perfect.”  Alex located a serviceable pot and a canister of tealeaves and then halted.  “How much should I use?”
    “You have never made tea?”  Molly blinked.  “You must live in a grand home, ma’am.  And I am not certain it is proper for me to use your given name.”
    “Nonsense, as I am no snob.”  Alex picked up a spoon and opened the canister.  “Now, how much tea for the pot?”
    “Mother says the rule of thumb is a spoon for you and another for the pot.”  After conveying the plate to the table, Molly retrieved a cup and saucer from a small cupboard.  “You should eat, before the food gets cold, ma’am.”
    “Will you not call me Alex?”  She pulled out a chair and sat.  “As I would dearly like us to be friends.”
    “Really?”  Molly poured a cup of tea and passed it to Alex.  “I have very few friends, as I do not socialize much, beyond my work or church on Sundays.”
    “How sad for you.”  Alex sipped the steaming brew and could have cried.  “Oh, the tea is wonderful, and I made it, myself.  I feel so powerful.  You simply must show me everything, as I would prove to Jason that I am self-sufficient.”
    “All right.”  Molly chuckled and settled in the opposite seat.  “I will make a trade, if you are willing.”
    “Name it, dear Molly.”  Alex attacked the eggs.  “I am at your disposal.”
    “It is embarrassing to admit, but I am a strain on my parents, and I would marry before my younger brother and sister suffer.”  The charwoman stared at the floor.  “As you seem a very fine lady, I wondered if you might help me catch a husband.”
    Alex choked violently.
    “Is something wrong with the food?”  Molly leaped to her feet, rounded the table, and smacked Alex on the back.  “Are you ill?”
    “Everything is delicious.”  Alex swallowed hard and downed a healthy gulp of tea.  “You caught me by surprise.”
    “I am sorry.”  The cook-maid shifted her weight and tugged on her long braid.  “Are you unfamiliar with the matter, as I know some may consider my request rather bold for a woman?”
    “Oh, I am quite versed in bold behavior, Molly.”  If only the poor servant knew the truth.  “So has a particular gentleman caught your fancy, or are you speaking in general terms?”
    “There