The Bargain: A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale: Episode 2 Read Online Free PDF Page B

take a hold of my Bible. I settle down with a Psalm. It's well with my soul. Here, read a little."
    She'd like to trust those wide hazel eyes, but only Eliza's were ever good to her. And Eliza's word was bond. What good was that book with the golden leaves? With all the bad in the world, it couldn't be a good book at all. "I think I need some air."
    The woman bounded up, tugging at Precious' grey robe, clasping her hand. "No, girl. You don't know how the men get up there. We haven't been to port in four weeks. A pretty thing like you could be in danger."
    Raising a brow, Precious searched her companion's face for guile but found none. "I don't understand."
    "These aren't regulars, soldiers bound to duty, but a crew of misfits put together by money. The Crown's hired mercenaries to try to keep the peace in South Africa." She tugged harder on Precious's fingers, as if keeping them would keep all of Precious safe. "We'll dock in another couple of days. Then you can stroll out, while they're onshore. Why do you think Lord Welling hasn't come for us?”
    Somewhere in the back of her mind, fear reached out and clapped her mouth, keeping her from uttering anything, just like it had before. Precious closed her eyes and shook her head, pushing away the bad memories of a small shed in the woods of the plantation. Almost panting, she pressed toward the door. "I have to have some air. I'll go mad if I don't."
    Her words sounded almost strangled, but another second in this confined place would pull her into the past, and this time she might not escape. Siphoning a breath, she unlatched the door. "I won't be long, Mrs. Narvel."
    "It's Clara, and do be careful. I'll take care of the little one till you get back."
    Jonas always slept long, like he was afraid of missing tomorrow's allotment. "Thank you. He'll be no trouble for you. And you won't miss me."
    Closing the door, Precious filled her lungs again. The cedar of the wood and the salt in the air already felt good, cleansing. Easing her way, with just moonlight as her guide, she found the ladder that led to the deck. Her eyes adjusted well to the night. They always had, more so now when she needed to see evil coming her way.
    For a few seconds, she put her hand on the rung. It didn't bite. It didn't latch hold of her, or scream for someone to catch her. She took another quick breath. Everything would be all right.
    Cinching up her muslin robe, she raised her head to the purpled bits of sky above. The peace of it called to her. If she stayed in the shadows, all would be well. Slowly, she took hold of the springy wood again and eased her way up. This part of the deck was empty. Maybe all the men Mrs. Narvel warned of were tucked into their hammocks, too. Feeling more confident, Precious pushed to the railing.  
    The water gleamed, reflecting distant stars. Hints of scarlet peaked within ribbons of ebony. The sky was beautiful. A new shiver, one of excitement, traveled up her arms.  
    But beyond, a good forty feet, was a wall of ebony. Nothing could be seen beyond it. She reached out a hand and tried to measure it between her thumb and index finger, but how could she size infinity?
    "Miss Jewell?”  
    The heavy voice sent a different vibration through her. She startled and clutched the rail.
    "Miss Jewell, do you remember my orders? Woman, what am I going to do with you?"
      Another emotion filled her, a mix of vexation and a desire to defend herself from being caught doing something naughty. She spun around.  
    Lord Welling stood a few paces away, shaking his head at her. His white shirt was open, exposing a few tuffs of black hair. His simple dark breeches blended into the night, silhouetting his thick form. There was a power about him now that she hadn't seen in London. Maybe it was hidden under the fancy ties and jackets.  
    Closing the distance between them, he folded his arms. "I thought I told you not to come out of your cabin. Did I not make it clear? Did I need to specify