The Keys of Love Read Online Free PDF

Captain’s table this evening ’ or something like that.”
    Henrietta slipped her feet over the side of her bunk.
    â€œI wonder why we’ve been invited, when as far as the Captain knows we are not important or interesting.”
    â€œWell, I just don’t know to be sure,” replied Nanny, “but I have accepted the invitation on your behalf.”
    â€œThat’s all right, Nanny. It will be an adventure.”
    Henrietta remembered that on the voyage out, she and her father had been invited to the Captain’s table, but not Nanny. Now, as the chaperone, ‘Mrs. Poody,’ she was to be included and Henrietta understood her delight.
    â€œThere’s a grey silk gown that will be just perfect for you tonight, Nanny, and you can borrow my pearls.”
    She was going to enjoy it all as much as Nanny!
    *
    Heads turned as she entered the dining room.
    Tendrils of blonde hair fell over her high pale brow and about her slender swan-like neck.
    Her eyes gleamed like huge emeralds and were full of life as she surveyed the scene before her.
    â€˜Why,’ she mused in surprise, ‘there’s Eddie Bragg at the Captain’s table!’
    Eddie rose with the Captain as they approached.
    â€œYou are most welcome, ladies,” boomed out the Captain jovially.
    They sat down and the Captain was soon chatting to Mrs. Poody, while Eddie leaned across to Henrietta.
    â€œI guess you’re wondering why my troop are all in Second Class while I’m in First?” he whispered.
    Henrietta nodded, as she sipped a glass of water.
    â€œWell,” explained Eddie, with obvious enjoyment, “the Captain just happens to be my cousin. He’s allowed the orchestra to travel at a reduced rate, but being a family member means I travel free, so naturally, I choose the best! The troop are a decent bunch they don’t mind if I sleep in a feather bed now and then!”
    â€œI see, but that doesn’t explain why ”
    â€œWhy you and the chaperone are here?” he finished for her. “Well, I arranged the invitation. Walter Captain Hanket, that is to say, is always happy to have a few pretty ladies at his table.”
    Henrietta blushed and then glanced at two laid but empty places at the table.
    Eddie followed her gaze.
    â€œAh, you’re wondering what other pretty ladies are to join us! Well, if you could see those place cards from where you’re sitting you’d realise what perfect specimens of beauty are scheduled to shine at us over the stew Miss Romany Foss and Lady Maud Butterclere !”
    Henrietta blenched.
    â€œOh, my goodness. You you arranged for them to be invited too?”
    Eddie chuckled.
    â€œHeaven’s, no. That was the Captain’s doing. But don’t worry they sent word that they cannot attend.”
    â€œThey’re not coming?” she asked in palpable relief.
    â€œNo,” replied Eddie with unmistakable glee. “Poor Miss Foss has motion sickness and Lady Butterclere can’t leave her side, so it leaves me with only one exquisite face to gaze on instead of three!”
    He winked at Henrietta.
    She lowered her eyes for she really did not know what to make of Eddie. She was never certain if he was genuinely complimenting her or merely teasing her.
    Most of the time, he seemed to treat her as an equal, almost as one of his troop.
    With a sudden frisson she realised that for once she was being taken exactly at her face value someone with enough to travel First Class, but not someone attached to one of the established and aristocratic families of England.
    â€œWhat are you smiling at?” asked Eddie softly.
    â€œSmiling? Was I?”
    â€œOh, yes.”
    To her consternation, he leaned his elbows on the table and clasped his hands under his chin to gaze on her.
    â€œYou remind me of a song I wrote recently.”
    Softly, Eddie began to sing.
    â€œ Your eyes sparkle, 
    like the sun on the