The Chance of Love by Meara Platt

Author:Meara Platt
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-07-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“A SHIP?” HOLLY said as their carriage drew up to a pier, and she saw the elegant vessel anchored there. The sky was clear, and it was a beautiful, moonlit night. She knew the stars would be visible later, once the sun had fully disappeared off the horizon.

The October breeze was stronger off the water, so she drew her cloak more securely about her shoulders. Joshua stepped down from the carriage and placed his hands on her waist to help her down. “It is a yacht to be precise. Belongs to the Earl of Hume. Robbie’s cousin is Thaddius MacLauren, who is heir to the Earl of Hume, whose vessel happens to be here at the moment. The earl won’t need it for another fortnight at the earliest.”

“So, he just offered it to us? But we’re strangers to him.”

Joshua shrugged. “Not so. We’re more like distant family. There’s a connection to Robbie, of course. But when Thaddius was courting Penelope Sherbourne, the earl was a guest at Sherbourne Manor and met your cousin Poppy, who is married to Penelope’s brother, the Earl of Welles. Robbie only needed to mention it was for Poppy’s cousin, and the earl was more than happy to oblige.”

Holly laughed. “I still don’t see the connection, but who am I to complain? It’s a beautiful boat.”

“It’s all ours for the next few days.”

He did not rush her onto it, merely stood by her side as she took it all in. It was as though he already understood her deliberate nature. She had become like this after her years with Walter, ruing that mistake and determined not to make another. She now needed to know what she was getting into before she took a step forward.

Oddly, with Joshua, she’d known from the moment he’d touched her.

“What do you think, love?”

“Yes, I’m ready.” There was something quite calming about the gentle lapping of waves against the hull and the soft groans of the ropes that strained against the yacht’s mooring.

He led her up the gangplank and onto the deck where the captain and several crewmen were standing in wait.

A big man with a crown of thick, red hair stepped forward. “Captain Archibald Hume at yer service, Mrs. Brayden. Good to see ye again, Joshua.”

“Been a while, Archie.” They shook hands and then exchanged hearty claps on the shoulder. “Good to see you, too.”

The captain personally led them to the master cabin, no doubt where the earl slept when he was on board. He lit the wall sconces; otherwise, they would be stumbling in the dark. The cabin was surprisingly large, and the mahogany woodwork was beautiful, especially in the warm glow of the lights. The earl’s quarters contained a bed large enough to sleep two, a writing desk and two chairs, a chest of drawers built into the wall, and shelves that contained an assortment of books.

The desk also served as a dining table, and on it stood a vase with a dozen red roses, a pot of tea and cups, scones, cheese, and fruit.

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