“Doesn’t she understand the danger she is in?” Was the girl daft? Dubois was a vicious man. He wouldn’t hesitate to use her as a pawn in his vendetta against Jamieson.
“I haven’t told her about Dubois yet. I don’t want to scare her unnecessarily. Can I get you a drink?”
“Yes, thanks. Perhaps you should tell her the truth, Captain. Better that she is on alert than cocooned in a false sense of security.”
Jamieson just scowled at him as he handed over his glass.
“In addition, it’s high time Vivian married and had a family of her own. England will afford her the chance to meet some decent gentlemen. I certainly want her to marry someone better than an old pirate like me.”
“There are plenty of rogues in London society, and fortune hunters to boot.”
“I will leave it up to her aunts to weed out the fortune hunters and Old Tom to skewer the rogues.” He guffawed, his deep voice booming through the room. “Besides, my girl is tougher than she looks. I just hope they’ll be able to turn her into a lady proper.”
As Jack sipped his whiskey, a knock sounded. The door opened, ushering in a swirl of lilac skirts. His drink paused halfway to his mouth as the beautiful water nymph from the beach entered the room. His gaze traveled over her petite stature, sliding from her pale blond curls, still damp from the ocean, to her bare feet, her toes peeking out from under the lace trim of her skirt. A pair of sea-green eyes dominated a pert face with skin golden from the sun.
“I knew you would change your mind, Papa.” She didn’t appear to notice him, her focus on her father.
This was Jamieson’s daughter? He remembered how she looked coming out of the water, wet chemise clinging to all her curves. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Luckily for him, Jamieson did not look his way. Jack finished his whiskey in one bracing gulp.
Chapter Two
Some of Vivian’s joy at being summoned to her father’s study died as she observed his serious expression. He hadn’t changed his mind about sending her away. Her father gestured toward a pair of chairs by the windows.
“Vivian, this is Captain Jack Aston. Aston, this is my daughter, Miss Vivian Jamieson.”
“Miss Jamieson, a pleasure to meet you.”
Taken aback, she swung her gaze toward the deep voice. She drank in the tall, lean form of Captain Aston. The man’s presence filled the room, making her wonder why she hadn’t noticed him immediately. His handsome face seemed chiseled out of granite with slashing cheekbones and a long straight nose. His eyes were gray, like the sky right before a squall. And his hair…oh my, his black hair, hung thick and full just past his collar. Lowering her eyes, she automatically dropped into a small curtsy, and realized she wasn’t wearing any shoes. A warm flush crept up her cheeks as she adjusted her skirts to cover her bare feet while she turned her attention back to her father.
“Captain Aston will be taking you to London, my dear.”
“What? When?”
“We sail Thursday morning on the tide,” Captain Aston said.
“So soon? Papa, I can’t possibly be packed in three days. Why such a hurry? I thought you would leave me some time to get used to the idea.” Three days! Her fingernails dug into her palms.
“You mean time for you to try to change my mind. Vivian, you don’t need to pack everything you own. Once in London, you will be fitted with a whole new wardrobe appropriate for the cooler English weather. I’m sending Gabrielle with you, and Old Tom as well, to keep an eye on you.”
Unable to stay calm any longer, she paced back and forth across the carpet, her skirts swirling. “I can’t believe you are sending me off at a moment’s notice with a total stranger.” She waved her hand dismissively at the young captain. “Papa, I have never sailed with anyone but you at the helm.”
“You’ll be safe with me, Miss Jamieson. My ship is equipped with guest cabins I am sure you will find most comfortable.” His face split into a wide grin. “Although it will be advisable to wear shoes on board.”
The smile transformed his stern expression and little crinkle lines appeared around his eyes as he teased her. Heat rose in her cheeks and she threw him a sharp look. How dare he be so impudent?
Raising her chin, she turned to pace back across the room, then ran right into the corner of the side table, rapping her shin but good.
“Bloody hell…” she cursed as she collapsed into the leather wingback chair.
“Are you all right, my dear?” Her father frowned at her language. A muffled snort of laughter came from the captain.
“Yes, yes, fine.” She rubbed at her shin as her embarrassment rose to a whole new level. Damn her clumsiness. And damn her salty tongue. Her father walked over to take hold of her hands, pulling her to her feet. With gentle fingers, he captured her chin.
“Your mother never told me outright, but I know she regretted that she could never go home to visit her sisters. Vivi, give this a chance. Go see what life might be like with your relations in England. Perhaps you will be surprised at the adventures you can have along the way.”
How could she deny his quiet request? She nodded and gave him a kiss on his bristled cheek. Turning to Captain Aston, she gave another curtsy. “If you will excuse me, I’d best go find Gabrielle and tell her we’re taking a trip to England.”
****
