Sunrise Surrender--Jarrett Family Sagas--Book Three by Vivian Vaughan

Author:Vivian Vaughan
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781626818552
Publisher: Diversion Books
Published: 1915-06-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

By the time the Mississippi Princess arrived in St. Francisville two days later, Delta had accomplished one thing: She’d channeled her unmitigated despair into determination to save Brett from the forces that threatened not only his life, but their relationship. How she would accomplish this monumental task, she had not determined. But at least thinking about it kept her from going mad.

Following Brett’s brutal rejection she had returned to her cabin by the stern stairs, intending to seclude herself there for the remainder of the trip. But Zanna would hear of no such thing.

“That Pinkerton agent is on pins and needles asking about you,” Zanna told her, after Delta finally consented to open the door.

“He’s been sent to keep an eye on me,” she retorted. “By a member of my meddling family.”

“No matter why he wants to see you, Delta. He’s a decidedly handsome man. You should give him a chance.”

“If he’s so desirable, Zanna, you go after him.”

“Me? It’s you he’s interested in.”

Knowing Zanna would not let up in her efforts to entice her to come to dinner, Delta stuck a few pins in her wayward hair. “Come on, then. Let’s see if we can’t convince him he’s chosen the wrong woman.”

It didn’t take much, for once Zanna was satisfied Delta wasn’t interested in Stuart, she set her cap for him in a determined way. And Stuart responded.

Not that he relaxed his surveillance of Delta. But instead of the romantic innuendoes he had been interjecting into their conversation, he became more professional. And she was glad for it.

The extent of Stuart’s dedication to keeping his eye on Brett Reall, even though the gambler had not shown his face since the Pinkerton came aboard, was evidenced in the fact that Stuart did not accompany Delta into town when the boat docked at St. Francisville.

Captain Kaney himself had arranged her interview in St. Francisville. “That’s my old home turf,” he told Delta. “And the lady in question is a … shall we say, a dear old friend. Descendant of the late naturalist and artist, John James Audubon. He painted many of his bird studies in this part of the state.”

Captain Kaney, in fact, had intended to accompany Delta to Miss Eliza Strahan’s plantation for tea, but an emergency in the galley prevented him from leaving the boat at the last minute. She received his message while waiting at the rail for the boat to dock.

Zanna offered to go.

“No,” Delta told her. “I’m perfectly capable of finding my way.” She glanced around the docks at the familiar group of boys hopping from foot to foot, eager to get on board. “St. Francisville isn’t so large that I’m likely to get lost. And even if I did, I’m sure the people are friendly enough to guide me back to the boat. Or I could wait for dusk and follow the calliope.”

She glanced around to where Stuart and Nat stood apart, talking. She had seen them thus several times since Stuart joined the passengers on board the Mississippi Princess.

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