All my best,
Sebastian Devons.
Diana took a deep breath, folded the paper, and placed it back in the envelope. The letters explained nothing. Sebastian’s had been written as if he couldn’t be bothered to explain himself and his Ladies of London letter didn’t fill in much more forDiana. She wiped at a tear rolling down her cheek. Perhaps the lack of details spoke for itself. He’d come to his senses. They were over. The tears fell faster, and she gave up on wiping them away.
*
The ship rockedback and forth, making Sebastian’s stomach turn. He’d spent the first two days in his cabin barely suppressing his need to wretch all over the place. TheSS Ernestowas not theSS Lark. For one, he was sharing a cabin with Easton. It had been a long time since he shared such close quarters with anyone, even his own brother. He supposed he shouldn’t complain. Easton had taken his nausea in stride, bringing him food and making sure a clean pail was always by his side.
Unlike theSS Lark, theSS Ernestowas not built and designed to cater to passengers but to move as fast as possible. The primary purpose being to deliver mail. Sebastian opened the door of their cabin and made his way to the saloon. He spied Easton sitting at a table alone, scribbling in a notebook. He made his way over to him. “May I join you?”
The massive redheaded man grinned at him. “You are feeling better.”
Sebastian grimaced. “A little.”
“Sit,” he said, motioning to a man to bring him food.
“I’m not sure I’m ready for a meal yet.”
Easton chuckled. “It won’t be anything extravagant. You aren’t on one of the vessels built by the Kincaides. Probably some bread and stew.”
His stomach growled at the words. Perhaps he was hungrier than he thought. As they waited for the food, Easton asked, “So what made you change your mind?”
“I needed space.”
“From a woman?”
Sebastian’s eyes jerked to his and Easton smirked. “You look like a man whose heart has been smashed to pieces.”
“More correctly, I needed to give a lady space to think about what she wanted,” he said.
He’d left because Diana wanted them to wait, insinuating that maybe the trip was the cause of his feelings. Sebastian knew what he felt for Diana would be with him for the rest of his life. He loved her. It was that simple. He wished he would have said the words to her that last night.
Still, after he departed her room, he’d thought about what she said and wondered if she doubted her feelings, not his. Maybe it was she who had gotten caught up in the magic of the trip. He wanted Diana only if she loved him. Sebastian would wait but he couldn’t travel back with Tremont. He would likely toss the man overboard. Easton’s offer had seemed like the perfect solution.
The explorer chuckled, jerking him out of his thoughts. “That is very noble of you.”
Sebastian sighed, also wondering if he was daft for making such a decision. The man smirked but changed the subject. “Hopefully, we can catch the Calverts and Merry in Latakia. Damascus is a couple days’ ride from the port city.”
Sebastian hoped so. He wasn’t sure if he was willing to journey all the way to Damascus. While he wanted to give Diana space, he still missed her. He’d poured his heart out to her in his letter. He didn’t want to leave Livorno without her knowing how much he loved her and hoped to be her husband.
The ship Easton was departing on left at a time that didn’t allow him to see her again. Regret sat on his chest that he hadn’t been able to visit her one more time and tell her that he’d wait. He hoped his written words were enough to convey that. If hestayed in Latakia for a few days, he would only be a few weeks behind Diana’s return to London.
“I think the Historical Society for Female Curators would be interested in partnering with you as well.”
“After learning who the board members are, it is best the Calverts handle any partnerships.”
Sebastian frowned. “Is there someone on the board that you have an issue with?”
Easton took a sip of his drink. “The Duchess of Lusby and I are old acquaintances. We aren’t on good terms. I can almost guarantee she wouldn’t want my help, and I have no desire to assist her in anything.”
Sebastian was startled by the edge in Easton’s voice. He’d been nothing but agreeable since they’d met. Hell, he even gave up part of his cabin so Sebastian could travel with him. What type of quarrel would an explorer have with a duchess?
“Before you ask, we grew up together. I wish her no ill will but think we are better off not interacting.”
A man brought Sebastian his bread and stew along with some wine. After he left, Sebastian said, “Understood.”
Easton smiled. “You will love Latakia. It’s a beautiful city.”
