Sail Away Read Online Free PDF Page A

given him. Perhaps he should have stayed at the inn, after all!
    Facing Miss Lancaster across the breakfast table was going to be a challenge after cavorting so shamelessly with her in the ocean of his dreams. What a treat that would be, though. If they were to marry, and he was able to find a secluded spot, would he be able to persuade her to frolic with him in the water?
    There could be only one way to find out.
    * * * *
    Morning dawned bright and clear, with a tang of autumn in the air. The leaves on maples and chestnuts showed that the chill of the night before had been no illusion. Conversation around the breakfast table, as though by mutual consent, stayed on harmless topics. Cynthia was pleasantly surprised by the fact that every time she glanced in the direction of Commander Smith, she found him watching her with a distracted expression on his face. She did not want to jump to conclusions, but thought that perhaps her Grandmama was right about his interest. Grandmama herself chatted with that gentleman quite pleasantly, describing various local sights that he might wish to see during his visit.
    Cynthia's father seemed uninterested in conversation. He ate his eggs and mush with a single-minded determination that suggested he had important business awaiting him. Mr. Lancaster ate quickly and rose, but just before he turned away, he mentioned offhandedly that he was planning to invite young Humboldt home for dinner. While he was off in his study fetching some papers he needed, Cynthia excused herself and followed him.
    She rapped lightly upon the half-open door. “Papa?"
    His brows drew together, but he said only, “Yes, Cynthia?"
    What she had to say was incredibly difficult, so she took refuge in the commonplace. “Is—is there anything you would particularly wish me to prepare for dinner?"
    He brightened—with relief, she thought. “Oh! Oh, well, if you happen to find a nice piece of whitefish at the market, that would be pleasant. I was thinking of inviting Mrs. Humboldt, as well, and I believe she is partial to fish."
    "Shall I send the invitation around to her, then, so she will not be troubled with preparing a meal?” If she did not, she could be quite certain that her father would wait until the end of the day to invite Evelyn, leaving his mother with a meal prepared and no one to eat it.
    "Excellent idea, my dear. You are a fine hostess. Is that all you needed to ask?"
    She had to speak. “I am afraid not, Papa. After last night's conversation—please, please tell me you do not mean to order Mr. Humboldt to propose marriage to me!"
    His look of mingled surprise, embarrassment, and anger told her that her fears were well-founded. “See here, Cynthia, you know I have your best interests at heart."
    "I know that you do. But—Papa, being a man, perhaps you have no idea how humiliating it would be to know that someone had been commanded to ask for my hand!"
    "I'm sure he means to, daughter. I've had him hard at work preparing for the removal—too hard, perhaps, if I've left the lad no time for courting."
    Cynthia nearly stamped her foot in frustration. “Papa, what do you mean to do? I can only imagine the list you might make for poor old Evelyn!” She closed the door behind her, to be sure her impertinence did not carry outside the room. “Things to Do,” she said. “'One: Check Bills of Lading. Two: Put Files in Order. Three: Pitch Woo to My Daughter.’ Papa, I do not believe that Mr. Humboldt wishes to marry me, or he would have taken some action of his own accord."
    "Now, dear, you can hardly blame the young man for being reluctant to take advantage of his position."
    "Once you gave him permission, he would have no reason to hold back—unless he had other plans of his own. Did you ask if his affections were engaged elsewhere?"
    Her father cleared his throat, obviously taken aback by her vehemence. “Of course not! His mother assured me that he is quite fond of you, and he himself agreed that