The Reckless Bride by Laurens Stephanie

Author:Laurens, Stephanie [Laurens, Stephanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780349400051
Publisher: Piatkus Books
Published: 2010-10-15T13:36:10.093000+00:00

Eleven

The Loreley Regina eased toward a mooring at Mannheim in the late afternoon. Storm clouds had been gathering all day, massing above the riverbanks, hanging threateningly low over the mountains further back. Daylight was already waning into a gloomy dusk.

On the deck, from the shadows beneath the overhang of the bridge’s roof, Rafe looked back, watching the sections in the pontoon bridge that had been raised to allow them and a small flotilla of other craft to pass through slowly lower again. Julius had informed him they would remain tied up at the dock through the night, then, after taking on various provisions in the morning, they would set out on the river again.

From Esme’s guidebook Rafe had learned that the town was part of the Duchy of Baden and had been burnt to the ground twice in its history. That explained the modern town visible through the encroaching drizzle. It looked airy and open, with broad streets set in a regular grid. He picked out remnants of old city walls now surrounded by public gardens.

Mannheim looked like a quiet country retreat. He seriously doubted the cult would have bothered sending any members or even hirelings there.

Hassan slipped into the shadows alongside him, hunching in his thick coat. “The ladies are in the salon planning their next excursion.”

Rafe grimaced. “I’d better go and play the voice of reason.”

Hassan nodded. “I’ll stand watch.”

“Once it gets fully dark, the crew will take over.” With his head, Rafe indicated the bridge. “Just ask Julius.”

Hassan nodded and settled back against the bridge’s wall.

Rafe headed for the forward companionway that led directly into the main salon, given over for passenger use. Reaching the stairs, he paused, scanned the river, the banks, and the town once more, then went down.

He stepped into the salon and was the immediate focus of four pairs of feminine eyes.

Esme wrinkled her nose. “Your shoulders are damp. It’s closing in, isn’t it?”

He nodded. “It’ll be dark early, too.”

“It’s too late to do anything tonight,” Loretta said. “We can go for a stroll tomorrow while Julius and the crew are loading their provisions.”

Rafe hesitated, but then nodded. “That should be safe enough.” He exchanged a glance with Loretta, then inclined his head to the group in general and headed for his cabin.

She might have agreed to his dictate regarding the two of them, but as far as possible he intended to play safe.

The dining toom of the Loreley Regina was a small paneled cabin situated between the salon and the galley. As the boat carried fewer passengers than the Uray Princep, the space was more intimate, with one good-sized table and built-in but luxurious padded bench seats. As both benches had walls at their backs, the seating was comfortable enough.

Their first dinner on board proved the cook was up to the task of meeting Esme’s expectations. Loretta had less interest in the food itself, but had hoped to use the the time about the dining table to introduce Rafe to the realities of her, and therefore their, situation.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.