Behind the Cloud (The Emilie Loring Romances) by Emilie Loring

Author:Emilie Loring [Loring, Emilie]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Lume Books
Published: 2021-03-03T00:00:00+00:00

XIV

Aboard the steamer Dr. Bentley joined Delight and Mason where they stood at the rail to watch the receding shore.

“I’ve settled Bertha in a double order of pillows and rugs in a chair below the wheelhouse, fed her the second dose of her favorite seasick remedy, and now I can enjoy myself,” he announced with an unconscious sigh of relaxation.

“Isn’t she a good sailor?” asked Delight, amused.

“Fair, as long as she doesn’t talk. When she does her stomach is apt to go on strike. Aboard ship is one place where she has deep respect for silence.”

“But if she’s afraid of being sick why did she arrange a trip like this?”

The doctor winked. “Between you and me, I think it was self-defense. Her sister Grace is coming to spend a month with us, and she’s just back from a winter in Paris. I suspect B.B. wanted to have a glacier to counter Grace’s tales of the fashion salons and Montmartre.”

He glanced at the lieutenant, whose silence was distinctly noticeable, and then at the girl. With a knowing grin he remarked conversationally, “This ought to be quite a voyage. You’ve got a mighty pretty girl to squire, Bill. Perhaps she’ll be able to make a dent in that walrus-hide heart of yours.” Before either could answer, if either could have thought of a suitable retort, he patted the girl’s arm. “Sure you’ve brought wraps enough? Our usual summer heat will turn to arctic chill when we reach the ice fields, you know.”

Welcoming the diversion she assured him, “Jim made me bring his lined trench coat as well as my leather jacket, and in spite of its size it fits me if I wear it over my own. I had to promise to take it with me if I left the ship for any reason.” She laughed in derision. “Do you suppose he pictured me doing a Little-Eva-Crossing-the-Ice stunt with a couple of polar bears after me?”

“In that event,” Dr. Bentley said smiling, “you won’t need either coat, believe me. Even if you only catch sight of a bear or a whale the excitement will warm you up. I know the first ones I saw gave me a real tingle. How about you, Bill?”

The sudden question jerked Mason from the depths of absorption. He had not needed the genial doctor’s earlier comment to call his attention to the girl, whom he had been studying covertly since their departure. Her face was alive with anticipation, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. He was admiring her suit of golden flecked tweed and the dash of orange scarf when Bentley’s abrupt words penetrated, and with no idea of what the two were discussing he said hastily, “Right, Doctor! Tweeds are just the thing for an ice trip, and her high boots are a good idea, too.” Then he wondered why Bentley exploded with laughter and Delight blushed most becomingly at this betrayal of his preoccupation.

“Good!” The doctor was still chuckling. “The lieutenant approves of your costume as Little Eva, so now all we need is the bear to chase you.

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