Elizabeth Meyette - [Love's 01] Read Online Free PDF

totally unaffected by what was happening.
    She noticed a familiar coach waiting by the gangplank, Michael Dennings’ coach. She leaned back and closed her eyes, drained, unable to face him. Her coach halted a few steps away and rocked as the driver descended. He opened the door and pulled down the steps to allow them to alight from the carriage. Michael was there at once offering his hand up to Emily, a look of grim determination on his face. Emily sighed, took his hand, and descended. He looked down at her.
    “Emily, I must protest. You cannot board that ship.”
    “Can I not, Michael?” she asked, feeling defeated and very tired.
    “No! I insist that you come back with me right now. I repeat my offer of marriage. This is terribly wrong, and you know it.”
    Emily caught a movement above Michael’s shoulder and, looking up, saw Jonathon leaning on the ship’s rail. Dressed in a deep green coat, crisp white cravat and tan breeches, he looked the part of a sea captain — at ease on the ship, yet obviously in command. His thick hair was tousled in the wind that swept across the water. She saw white teeth flash in a smile at her, and she could not deny the fluttering sensation in her stomach or the sudden weakness in her knees. Nonetheless, she raised her chin and affected an air of indifference. A strange excitement tickled within her as she sensed her resistance to this voyage waning.
    She looked at Michael. “Perhaps this is not as wrong for me as you might think, Michael. I would not be a wife content to live under the domineering rule of your mother. We would both suffer were we to wed, for you would find me rebellious and strong-willed,” she paused glancing up at the still-smiling Jonathon, “much as the colonies to which I sail. Perhaps I am better suited to them than to London. You will always be my dear friend. Good-bye, Michael.” Rising on her toes, she placed a kiss on his cheek. Head held high, she turned and climbed the gangplank.
    “Emily, please — ” Michael called after her, but she did not turn back. She heard the coach door slam and the wheels start down the cobbled street. She continued up to the ship. She had burned her bridges and was on her way to a new world.
    • • •
    Jonathon approached spreading his arms wide. “Welcome aboard the Destiny , Em,” he grinned. “Your beauty does her great honor.”
    Emily shot him a scathing look. “I hope she is a swift vessel for I want to be away quickly,” she said coolly.
    “Swift she is, my lady, and sound. We shall have a pleasant voyage made more so by your presence,” he bowed, smiling broadly. Though she knew that he was teasing her, Emily felt pleased, and strangely warmed by his words.
    She brushed past him with a derisive laugh. “Spare me your false flattery, Captain Brentwood.” She walked along the deck noting that the ship was well tended. Oiled wood gleamed and neatly coiled ropes lay along the deck. Sailors who passed touched their caps and smiled a welcome, but none lingered, for they knew their tasks and went about them. As she passed, though, many paused a moment to take note of her. Andrew had followed her aboard and was greeting Jonathon. As the two looked across the deck where Emily strolled, Jonathon clapped Andrew on the shoulder.
    “Do not worry, Drew; she will overcome her disinclination to depart. Much as she wants us to believe her reluctance, she would die of boredom with Michael Dennings. Note her eyes; you may catch a glimpse of anticipation. Now, shall we get to work?”
    Andrew smiled up at the Captain. “Aye, sir.”
    With the last of the provisions loaded, the crew hastened to raise anchor and set sail. Though each man had his own duties, they worked in a rhythm that mimicked a well-trained militia. One by one the sails were raised as men climbed rigging, set ropes and made ready. Slowly the Destiny began to glide through the water. Emily watched as everything familiar to her faded in the distance. The