Breaking Ties by Jo Grafford

Author:Jo Grafford [Grafford, Jo]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JG Press
Published: 2016-08-15T05:00:00+00:00

Here and there across the ship, lanterns winked on as the sailors continued their work through the night. Christopher carried me to the poop deck and held me in silence. I braced myself for a barrage of unwelcome questions, but none came. Minutes passed while he stood with me in his arms. We absorbed the faint calls of the sailors as they adjusted the sails, the gentle roll of water slapping against the hull.

He laid me down on the planks at last, propping my head against his thigh. He unfastened his cloak and tossed it over me. The night watchmen called the hours as they passed. I slipped into a fitful doze. Neither fully asleep nor fully awake, I drifted in a trancelike state, empty of thought and numb of sensation.

The first rays of dawn illuminated the horizon before Christopher spoke.

"For the longest time, I wondered if Donnen planted you on this ship."

I rubbed my eyes and sat up, dazed. "You know my brother?"

"Nay, but I know who he is." His voice was dry. “Or rather what he is."

I trembled, prepared to deny any forthcoming accusations. "Explain yourself."

"Come now, Rose. I overheard some of what he told you in the tavern. Just before we set sail."

I recoiled, scooting away from him. "You spied on us."

He snorted. "If that is not the pot calling the kettle black, my friend."

His friend? I sucked in a deep breath, wondering if he mocked me. Did Christopher seek an explanation for my brother's dubious alliances and activities? I hoped not, for I still puzzled over them myself.

"Alas, you remain an enigma to me, Rose. As previously indicated, I've continued to scrutinize your ledgers and determined, if anything, you may be the hardest working individual aboard the Lyon. Without a doubt, you are the finest clerk I've ever met. Not to mention, the bonniest."

I flushed and squinted against the growing brightness. Maybe it was best I lay to rest his unasked questions after all. "Whatever you may think, my lord, I am naught but a ship's clerk. Aye, my brother tried to warn me about the strangest things before we sailed, but I listened not. I was desperate for a job is all." I blinked back tears. I'd been bruised at the time. I was broken now.

Christopher leaned closer. Deep blue eyes assessed me with genuine concern. "Nay, do not retreat into 'my lording' me again. To borrow your own words, whatever you may think of me, Rose, I am a friend and ally. Perhaps you find it hard to believe as I've done naught the entire voyage but hold you in suspicion and deliver criticisms.”

"Nay, you have done more than criticize. Dinna forget you extended a Bible to me with a stinging insect on which to pledge my faith."

He groaned and slapped his forehead. "I beg your pardon a thousand times about the insect. Though I perceived your hand pained you unmercifully, the best I could do for you at the time was proceed with the ceremony.

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