The Captain’s Old Love (One Night in Blackhaven Book 1) by Mary Lancaster

Author:Mary Lancaster [Lancaster, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Keyword1, Keyword2, Keyword3, etc.
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2023-11-13T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“Pleasant walk?” Miss Talbot asked with studied innocence when Antonia joined her for dinner that evening.

“Yes, thank you,” Antonia replied, willing herself not to blush at the memory. Somewhere, deeper than the physical delight of his kisses, there was a heady warmth because he would court her, an excitement that she of all people could truly make him happy. But she could not think so far ahead. She would live for the moment, take each day as it came. “Pleasant nap?”

“Short and sweet,” Miss Talbot replied. “I really do feel much stronger these days, so you don’t need to pander to me quite so much. I am more than happy to spare you from time to time, should there be other amusements you wish to pursue.”

Antonia drew in her breath. “Miss Talbot,” she said firmly. “I think you are reading far too much into a simple walk along the shore with an old friend. I have no intention of neglecting my duties, or what I consider to be my friendship with you.”

Miss Talbot’s cheeks turned a little pink with pleasure. “I am glad you think of me as a friend. I am. For that reason, I can say to you, don’t sacrifice any chances for me!”

“Sacrifice!” Antonia exclaimed. “Chances?”

“Yes, my dear.” Miss Talbot leaned forward and covered Antonia’s hand with her own. “You are a young woman, beautiful, charming, and kind. There will be many chances, whether or not you choose Sir Julius. Actually,” she added, sitting back as her brother entered the room, “if I were ten years younger, I would set my own cap at Sir Julius.”

“Give it a shot,” Lord Linfield said cheerfully. “Fascinating family, and I’d be glad to call him my brother-in-law.”

Miss Talbot sighed and exchanged speaking glances with Antonia, who laughed with sheer good humor.

*

The following day, Antonia and Edward stepped into a rowing boat, with the help of Captain Vale, and were rowed out of the harbor. Edward was positively bouncing with excitement, and Antonia had to hang on to him before he fell over the side or overturned the boat. Without spoiling the boy’s fun, Julius managed to convey the danger of the sea and the ways pirates avoided falling into it. Edward giggled, but he did sit still, and no longer wriggled when he pointed out other vessels.

It was a delightful hour of lighthearted conversation and banter. Antonia enjoyed the glide, roll, and dip of the boat beneath her. More secretly, with pleasant little flutters of desire, she enjoyed the sight of Julius in his shirt sleeves, casually pulling at the oars. His muscles flexed beneath the fabric of his shirt in a way that seemed to tie her stomach in knots, and yet it seemed so casual and natural.

Even Edward seemed to notice such ease. “Did you have to row yourself when you were a captain?”

“Well, no, I always had oarsmen with me in the longboats. But I’ve rowed since I was a boy, just for fun.”

“May I row, Mama?”

“You may learn,” Antonia said, “when we find a suitable pond or a lake.

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