Her Captain's Promise by Lucille "Lucy" McConnell

Author:Lucille "Lucy" McConnell [McConnell, Lucille "Lucy"]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Orchard View Publishing LLC
Published: 2024-04-11T00:00:00+00:00

Mischief danced in his gaze. "Since pretty words fail, perhaps your nerves might settle better...with a kiss?"

Laughing agreement drew me close, even as I placed a hand on his chest. I created the proper distance between us, smiling. Nathan’s touch trailed the back of my hand. “You leave me breathless in that gown, my darling. Beauty to inspire vow-breaking indeed.”

My eyes darted to Nigel, glowering from across the room. Nigel's presence tonight could only mean trouble. Since attending me tonight was Nathan’s declaration of his intent to court me properly, I worried over the outcome.

I gently guided Nathan away from Nigel's line of sight, mindful to maintain proper appearances. Though every fiber of my being wished to melt into Nathan's embrace without care, some battles called for patience and discretion. I would safeguard the haven we built together, even from the likes of Nigel.

Nathan seemed to read my thoughts. His eyes clouded, but he kept his tone light. “Oh, come now, even dour old Nigel knows better than to tangle with a sea captain.”

I clasped Nathan’s hand tightly, hiding them behind my dress and letting go just as quickly. With him beside me on uncertain seas, no challenge would prove impossible.

Soon, Nathan mingled affably with patrons who flocked eagerly to his magnetic presence. My unconventional escort enthralled them with vivid accounts of ventures abroad.

Soon, he mingled affably with patrons who flocked eagerly to his magnetic presence. My unconventional escort enthralled them with vivid accounts of ventures abroad—jewel-bright isles rising from azure waves, vines cloaking ancient ruins, filing unfamiliar ears with wonder bound tighter than any book.

Though polite distance stretched between us, Nathan's admiring gaze conveyed silent messages undeterred by swirling crowds. Shared triumph warmed the space whenever our eyes met briefly across gilded chambers. One invisible golden thread binding us fast through the glittering whirl.

I was no less sought after and hated by many, including a young maid who set her eye on Nathan only to be politely rebuffed or ignored. He only had eyes for me, which in turn made every other man suddenly look at me as if I’d appeared from a gilded lamp. My dance card was full, and my feet ached. Never had I enjoyed so much attention nor wished it away at the same time.

After a particularly harried waltz with an inexperienced partner that left my toes bruised, Nathan stepped beside me, his steely gaze warding off any would-be partners. “Their interest proves your true spirit, starlight, bright as any beacon above drab surfaces.” His searching look stripped further pretense away.

I leaned into him gratefully. “As you deduced, Captain. Their hunger to engage in dance and conversation pains me beyond bearing.” I lifted one foot to give it some respite.

As I rested against a pillar, I caught sight of Nigel Blythe watching me from across the ballroom. A slight shiver went through me as our eyes met briefly. He had always made me feel uneasy, with his possessive gazes and implications that my father wished to see us married.

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