The Sea Nymph by Ruth Langan

Author:Ruth Langan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

“Wasn’t it sweet of the earl to invite your sister along today?” Miss Mellon had become accustomed to her daily ride to Penhollow Abbey in the fancy carriage. For the past weeks they had explored the house and grounds, and had even traveled to several nearby villages.

True to his word, Kane had seen that he was never alone with Bethany. Whether in his library, or enjoying a walk in the gardens, they were always accompanied by her nursemaid or sister, or a battery of servants trailing at a discreet distance. Their meals had become family affairs, which often included their housekeeper and old Newton, who traveled to the estate in the late afternoon, after his chores aboard the Undaunted were finished for the day.

Bethany glanced at Darcy. Both sisters were clad in their riding clothes. “Aye. I’m glad for your company.”

Darcy could hardly contain her excitement. “It was kind of the earl to offer his horses for our enjoyment. He said I may ride any horse in the stables, except his stallion.”

Bethany wrinkled her nose. “I’d prefer to ride Lacey, but Kane didn’t want me to ride her such a distance.”

“And rightly so,” Miss Mellon said. “He feels a sense of responsibility for you now, Bethany. You never know what might happen between home and Penhollow Abbey.”

Bethany bristled at the very thought. “I’ve sailed in dangerous seas and battled bloodthirsty pirates, yet you side with Kane.”

“I don’t side with anyone. I merely agree that it’s wiser to ride in the carriage, and then avail yourself of the earl’s fine stable of horses.”

Bethany shrugged. “In truth, there’s a big bay mare in one of the stalls that I’ve been wanting to try. And I must admit, I’m eager to ride across the rolling hills of Penhollow Abbey. I can’t think of a lovelier way to spend a day. Unless it’s aboard ship.”

“Aye.” Darcy nodded. “Newt says the repairs are almost completed.”

“I can hardly wait to set foot aboard the Undaunted.” Bethany brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Though I do think Kane deserves a warning before sailing with a family of privateers.”

“You know what Grandpapa said. The time isn’t right.”

“And when will the time be right?” Bethany’s eyes flashed. “He spends all his time in his library, lost in his ledgers.”

“He also manages to spend a good deal of time with us,” Miss Mellon scolded. “Mistress Dove told me just yesterday that she’s never seen the earl so relaxed at mealtime.”

“Perhaps he’ll relax even more today and join us on a ride.” Bethany leaned back, watching as Penhollow Abbey came into view.

She had mixed emotions about all of this. It was a strange courtship. Kane seemed warm and considerate at times. But there were other times when he seemed distracted and distant. And though he had begun to win the confidence of her entire family, she still knew nothing more about him than she had when they’d first met. He was a stranger to her. A handsome, wealthy and, at times, aloof stranger, who rarely touched and never kissed her.

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