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

rain had ceased, but the air was heavy with moisture. The mist surrounded Emily and joined the salty tears on her cheeks. Her throat ached with sobs to which she would not yield. A heaviness lay on her chest crushing her with the weight of her own sorrow. Quickly brushing the tears away, she squared her shoulders and set her jaw. She would face this new life challenge with courage and dignity. She became aware of the activity around her.
    Men hurried about climbing the masts, working the rigging, and setting the proper sails. Emily turned, searching for her brother. At first, she did not recognize him as he had changed from his breeches and longcoat to loose pants and a heavy woolen shirt conducive to tending a ship. She almost passed him thinking he was one of the crew.
    “Andrew?” she gasped.
    “How do I look, Em?” He laughed.
    “Whatever are you doing dressed like that?”
    “Jonathon said I could join his crew. By the time we reach Virginia, I shall be a seasoned sailor.” He puffed out his chest proudly.
    “Where is Captain Brentwood?”
    “May I be of some assistance, Miss Wentworth?” A tall, lean man approached. His gray hair curled about the nape of his neck, and a beard of the same color lent him a distinguished look. “I am Mr. Gates, second in command.”
    “I am looking for Captain Brentwood,” she answered. “Would you please take me to him?”
    “Of course.” He gestured toward the quarterdeck, and Emily followed him there. They reached the door of the Captain’s cabin; Mr. Gates rapped loudly. Jonathon bade them enter, and after doing so they stood and waited for him to finish writing and look up.
    “Captain, Miss Wentworth asked to see you,” Mr. Gates informed him.
    As Jonathon rose, a crooked smile crossed his face. “Mr. Gates, Miss Wentworth is always welcome in my quarters.” He eyed her from head to toe causing Emily to blush profusely. Mr. Gates cleared his throat strangling a chuckle.
    “Aye, Captain,” he said, looking at Jonathon expectantly.
    “Thank you, Mr. Gates. That will be all.” The door closed quietly.
    Although small, the room was handsomely furnished. A large mahogany desk covered with charts and ledgers commanded one corner lit by windows that lined the wall behind it. The dreariness of the day was chased out with cozy lanterns. A single bed fit snugly against one bulkhead and precious space had been made at its head for numerous books. An ornately decorated sea chest and a small armoire held Jonathon’s personal things, and a table and two chairs completed the furnishings. All were polished to a high sheen, and the room was invitingly neat and clean.
    “Will you join me in a brandy? I know your penchant for the drink,” Jonathon grinned wickedly.
    Emily glared at him, painfully reminded of her inability to manage that libation on their first meeting.
    “No, thank you, Captain. I have come to talk about Andrew. He tells me that you have allowed him to join the crew. I must protest for he is too young to be climbing around working a ship. I fear for his safety.”
    “He is a good sailor. He has been working the ship since I put in to port. Let him be, Em. Your father would have brought him along on his next voyage, in any case.”
    “Please, Captain Brentwood, I have lost everyone who is dear to me save Andrew. If anything should happen to him, I do not know what I would do. Please do not allow him to do anything dangerous.”
    “For a sea captain’s daughter, you are a mite skittish,” he mocked.
    “The sea claimed my father, Captain,” she replied. Jonathon looked into her eyes for a long moment.
    “All right, Em. I shall make sure he is careful.”
    Emily nodded her thanks and swept out of the room. Jonathon tossed down his brandy. It was going to be a long voyage.
    • • •
    The drizzle lasted into the next week. When the sun broke through one afternoon, Emily realized that her spirits lifted as well. The fresh, salty air was invigorating and