Come Looking For Me Read Online Free PDF

be in this new place … on this new ship. Someone had placed her in a cot next to a sealed gunport, and closed off her corner with the aid of two lengths of canvas suspended over a rope affixed to the ceiling timbers. Despite the noise overhead, she could hear moaning and weeping beyond the canvas. One or two people were moving quietly about, speaking words of reassurance to those who wept. A foul stench assaulted Emily’s nose and made her stomach queasy, but she had no desire to investigate its source; she was too preoccupied with her own sorrows and discomforts. Her mouth was dry, her left ankle throbbed, and there was a vicious pain in her right shoulder. How she longed for a cool drink of water, and the luxury of a real bed and a fat pillow. How she longed to forget everything that had happened to her in the past few weeks. Unable to tolerate the pervading smells of her surroundings, she buried her nose in her blanket and prayed that sleep would soon return.
    To her surprise, a little yellow-haired fellow suddenly appeared between the canvas curtains. He wore tight white pantaloons, a dark-blue frock coat, and a big grin.
    â€œAre you feeling better, ma’am?” he asked cheerfully.
    â€œNo, actually … my whole body hurts. And I feel ill, but perhaps that is a result of the horrendous smell about this place.”
    â€œI am sorry about that. Dr. Braden has opened all the gunports for you, with the exception of the one by your head, but I’m afraid, whether the ports are opened or not, most of the ship carries with it an awful odour.”
    â€œCould I ask you to open this port as well? It may alleviate some of my suffering.”
    Emily watched the boy closely as he worked to lift the heavy port into place. When he was done, the bracing air that instantly found her corner did much to improve her temperament.
    â€œDr. Braden says you broke your ankle and that you were shot in the shoulder. I hope it wasn’t one of our men that shot you.”
    â€œIt was definitely not one of yours.” She smiled up at him. “And what is your name?”
    â€œAugustus Walby, but everyone calls me Gus. May I ask yours?”
    â€œIt’s Emily, but I should like it if you called me Em.”
    â€œShould I not address you as Miss … something?” he asked, looking uneasy.
    â€œNo, please, just plain Em. Now tell me what it is you have in your hands.”
    â€œA novel. Mr. Austen gave it to me. Have you been introduced to Commander Austen yet?”
    â€œI may have been. Does he go by the name of Fly?”
    â€œHe does. Dr. Braden calls him that. I understand they have been friends for a long time; grew up in the same town in England. It was Mr. Austen that suggested you might like it if I read to you.”
    â€œAnd what is the title of your novel, Gus?”
    â€œ Sense and Sensibility . It was written by Mr. Austen’s younger sister, Jane.”
    Emily’s eyes brightened. “I know it! I would be happy to have you read it to me.”
    â€œIt would be my honour, ma’am.”
    â€œRemember, Mr. Walby, it is Em .”
    â€œI fear the captain would send me to the flogging post should he overhear me addressing you by your first name.”
    Emily narrowed her eyes. “He wouldn’t dare while there’s still breath in me.”
    Gus laughed, showing a line of perfect white teeth, a rare thing in the navy.
    â€œWho taught you to read?” she asked.
    â€œMy mother did when I lived in England. Mr. Lindsay and Mr. Austen help me now when they have some free time. They help all we young midshipmen with our letter writing, too. Mr. Austen is a particularly good teacher, although this war keeps him awfully busy. I don’t really care for Mr. Lindsay. He has no patience when we make mistakes.”
    â€œWhere in England does your family live?”
    â€œThey lived in London.”
    â€œLived?”
    â€œMy parents are both