Prize of My Heart by Norato Lisa

Author:Norato, Lisa [Norato, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: FIC042030, FIC042000, Massachusetts—History—1775–1865—Fiction, FIC042040, Family secrets—Fiction
Publisher: Baker Book Group
Published: 2012-02-29T16:00:00+00:00

Brogan stood with Jabez at the end of the fitting wharf, waiting for the Huntley household to say their good-byes. Word had spread throughout Duxborotown, and a curious crowd had gathered on shore.

Full of smiles, Drew lugged a ditty bag nearly as big as himself.

“What have ye brought there, young lad?” Jabez asked.

Drew attempted to heave the bag over his shoulder. “I have brought my sling. In case of danger I shall be ready to fight. And Captain Briggs must come with me. Captain Briggs knows everything about sailing ships.”

“Aye, a fine sailor,” Brogan agreed. “Briggs is welcome aboard, but you must both understand, there is only one captain aboard the Yankee Heart. What say you, Master Huntley and Seaman Briggs, are you prepared to obey my command?”

The child stuck his finger in his mouth and nodded.

Brogan inclined an ear. “Eh? What is that? I did not hear a proper answer.”

Drew glared, then straightened, removing his finger to say, “Yes, sir.”

Nathaniel Huntley pushed his way forward to stand before him. The shipbuilder eyed Brogan closely. “Are you certain, Captain, that Drew shall not prove a distraction for you? He has the tendency to get underfoot and is prone to asking many questions.”

At Brogan’s side came Drew’s quick intake of breath, followed by a pitiful moan of “nooooo.” He felt the lad’s pudgy hand press against his thigh, Drew’s fingers clawing at his tight-fitting trouser leg as though clinging to Brogan for dear life. Nothing could have pleased him more.

“I assure you, Mr. Huntley. Drew is no burden. No harm shall come to him under my watch. You can depend upon me to protect him with my life. On that I give you my word.”

The uncertainty in Huntley’s expression washed away, though not replaced by his usually jolly grin. “I believe you, Captain. In truth, I’d be lost without your assistance. My daughter is worth my very life, and all that I have means nothing without her. I promised her mother before she died that I would protect her and see to her happiness.” The man’s voice began to falter, and he paused for composure.

Brogan knew well enough what pain and turmoil came with loving a child.

“Sailing with the prevailing winds and currents, it shall take the Lady Julia approximately four weeks to cross the North Atlantic,” he explained to the shipbuilder. “From our inquiries in Plymouth, we know from the boat’s agent that she travels eastbound at the latitude of New England, following the main sailing route and taking advantage of the Gulf Stream. As long as weather and wind hold, my confidence remains with the Yankee Heart in being quite swift to overtake her, not only because of her superior design but because she has the cleanest of hulls, this being her maiden voyage. And with her copper bottom I expect she’ll exceed a speed of thirteen knots. Rest assured. Luck is with the hunter, Mr. Huntley.”

“Oh no, Captain, more than luck, I should say. God’s blessing is upon your ship.

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