The Elusive Earl (Love At Sea Book 2) by Alice N. Palmer

Author:Alice N. Palmer [Palmer, Alice N.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: New Forest Books
Published: 2020-01-20T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Sarah climbed into bed but sleep wouldn't come. Instead, she read one of Bram Stoker's romances, set in the American West. Sarah found herself identifying with the heroine, Esse. In the story, Esse was engaged to one man, but couldn't stop thinking of another.

But, while Stoker's fictional heroine found happiness with her fiance, Sarah wasn't confident of a similar outcome in real life.

In fact, by lunchtime, Sarah was thoroughly miserable. She didn't want to see Raymond, and she wasn't ready to see Adam, either. Not yet.

When Emma returned to dress for lunch, Sarah explained she'd decided to dine in their cabin.

“Feeling poorly?” Emma asked. “I seem to have recovered, but quite a few passengers looked positively green. They say this weather could last overnight, or longer.”

Sarah nodded. “I saw the approaching clouds when I was up on the deck. They were somber and magnificent, in a way.”

Emma's eyebrows shot up. “You were on deck? Did you see Raymond? He was talking about the clouds. In fact, he used the exact same words.”

Sarah sighed. Of course he did. Did he ever have an original thought?

Emma continued, “Clearly, you two think alike. You know, I never considered that. Perhaps I've been wrong. Maybe you belong together, after all.”

Was Emma serious? Sarah hoped not. Her sister had been her trusted confidante all these years. If anyone knew how Sarah felt about Raymond, it was Emma.

“Oh, dearest, I'm sorry,” Emma said, tucking a handkerchief into her purse. “Here you are, trying to get some rest, and I'm chattering away.”

At the door, she paused. “Do you think you'll feel well enough for the dinner and dance, tonight?”

“By then, I'm sure I'll be fine,” Sarah lied. All she really wanted to do was stay in their cabin for the rest of the voyage, and sort out what to do about Raymond.

Remembering how his hand felt, on hers... it was disgusting. The prospect of kissing him was even less appealing.

Why didn't I think of this sooner? she wondered. Now, well... there was no way she could marry Raymond. But how to get out of it, with him sailing to America just to get her father's approval?

Her best hope was that, once again, Raymond would decide he wasn't quite ready for marriage, and postpone the formalities.

Then... well, Sarah would think about that later.

As Emma left, Sarah stared at the words on the page in front of her, but all she could think was how powerless she felt.

She put down her book, pulled up the covers, and stared at the ceiling.

It was one thing to feel betrayed by Raymond. That had been a running theme for as long as she could recall.

But Adam... that was a fresh wound.

Why should I care if he's distracted by another woman? Or even if he's fallen for her? After all, we're just friends.

Sarah turned onto her side, pulled the covers tightly up to her chin, and closed her eyes. But all she could think about was Adam.

I'm just being protective of him. Like a brother.

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