How to Marry a Rogue Read Online Free PDF Page A

not to shame you should we meet anyone.”
    She scowled. “I know you would not shame me, Jack, even if your nose looks a bit smashed. And what is that bruise beneath your brow? Did you walk into a door?”
    His eyes narrowed. “You have a sharp tongue, Georgiana. I’m not certain if I like this grown up version of the little doll I once knew.”
    “That doll is gone, Jack. I am quite the adult now. I even walk downstairs by myself.”
    “Well, that is a relief.” He grinned slowly. “I can see we are to have ourselves an enjoyable time. I’m tired of women who cannot keep a conversation going, unless it is to try and convince me to give up my scandalous ways.”
    “Are you saying you enjoy being insulted every five seconds?”
    “Coming from you,” he said, sighing, “I take it as a compliment.”
    Silence overcame them, and she wondered if it would be proper to close her eyes and sleep, as Aunt Adele had done. She met Jack’s gaze, her stomach twitching when she realized he was still looking at her. “How much further, do you think? It seems like we’ve been cooped up in this coach for ages.”
    “Goodness, Georgie. Are you going to complain the entire crossing?”
    She blushed at his familiar teasing. “I merely inquired. If you do not have the answer, you may say so.”
    “About three more hours. The sea crossing will be tons more enjoyable. You’ll be able to walk around the deck and take the air. With a proper escort, of course.”
    She rolled her eyes, making him smile. “I’ve never been on a ship before.” She sat up straighter. “Will it be a rough crossing, do you think?”
    “Not too bad, I suppose. But you will have to contend with the sea monsters. If you’re very good, I’ll toss you overboard so you can swim with the mermaids.”
    “Are you going to insist on treating me as if I were six years old?”
    “Come now, Georgiana! Who else entertains you as well as I?” He reached across the coach and patted her hand. “We will have an enjoyable crossing and an equally marvelous journey to Bordeaux. And I will be there to protect you, should you require it.”
    “You are every inch a gentleman, Jack Waverley.”
    He pulled the brim of his hat down over his eyes, and she knew she would not be able to disturb him this time.
    “Why do you and your brother always say that with a hint of mockery and not a little surprise?”
    ****
    The deck heaved and rolled beneath her feet. Georgiana lost her footing and hurtled against the railing where she banged her hip. Her gloves and most of her pelisse were soaked with the sea spray springing up from the waves every few seconds, but she held on grimly. Standing on the deck of the packet ship Essex was the only thing that kept her from joining the other passengers, below in the cabins, seasick and miserable.
    She’d left Aunt Adele doubled over a bucket but realized the open deck wasn’t a better choice. Glancing around the crowded deck teeming with sailors and a few other like-minded souls, she searched for Jack but didn’t see his telltale figure anywhere.
    The ship slammed into a higher wave, and she sank to her knees, her cheek pressed to the rough wood that smelled of fish and saltwater.
    Strong arms lifted her, and she turned to protest but sagged against Jack as he lifted her to her feet. “I thought you said the crossing would be smooth.”
    His laughter vibrated from his chest. The roar of the sea and the noise of the crew had drowned out any sound. He bent his head, and a breath of warm air skimmed her forehead.
    “Alas, I have no skills in predicting bad weather or seas. It is a smooth crossing, relatively speaking. A sea captain once told me about rounding the Horn. Now, that is a voyage you would never wish to take.”
    She gripped his coat while he led her to a bench between some sturdy looking barrels, where they sat. She fell forward when the ship rocked again, and he reached his arm around her waist to steady her.
    “I must