She sailed to England in order to wed a titled gentleman. And he was charged with her safety. No more dreaming about her half naked emerging from the ocean. He would just have to put his attraction to her aside. He would treat her with the utmost formality. He was the captain, damn it, and she was simply another passenger. Jack ran a hand through his hair. Who was he kidding? She would be one hell of a distraction…one hell of a distraction, indeed.
****
After Captain Aston walked away, Vivian’s father ushered her and Gabrielle over to the railing where they might speak with some privacy. “Now, pet, I have tucked a small case in with your trunk with enough pin money to last you both the season easily. You know which compartment I speak of, yes?”
Vivian nodded. Her trunk was her mother’s. It held a special compartment where her mother hid her jewelry and a little pistol whenever they traveled.
“I have sent ahead funds to your aunts’ solicitors, Collins and Booth. But, mind you, the money is yours to spend as you need, it is not for your aunts to plunder. I made this very clear to Collins. He shall be your contact if you need to withdraw any more funds, and all the bills will be sent to him for payment as you shop for your wardrobes. Now, girlie, have fun at your papa’s expense. I want you to get the finest clothes, the loveliest bonnets,” he smiled and gestured grandly with his rough, worn hands. “The ones with large flowers on top and pretty ribbons. You are an earl’s granddaughter and I know your mother would be so proud to see you take London by storm.”
Her father’s bravado did not fool Vivian. She narrowed her eyes and studied his carefully cheerful face.
“Papa, I would have never imagined hearing you wax on about fashionable bonnets. Why are we being shipped off posthaste?” Frustrated by his bizarre fake smile, she threw up her hands. “Tell me at once what in the hell is going on.”
Her father sighed, his smile fading. “I never could put anything past you, girl, you can smell trouble a mile away.” His expression grew serious. “Dubois has been released from prison and he’s disappeared into thin air.”
Next to her, her friend gasped. Gabrielle’s skin paled to a ghostly white. Papa reached for Gabrielle’s hand. “I’ll not have you or Vivi be in harm’s way or be taken as a way to get to me. In England, you’ll be safe. It’s simply too far away from his sphere of influence. You’ll be well hidden amongst the ton. No one else knows your mother’s family background.”
“But, Papa, can’t you come with us?” Vivian reached out for her father, needing the comfort of his steady hand holding hers. Dubois was an old enemy. His name sent a trickle of fear down her spine. She finally understood the real reason behind their hasty departure.
“No, my pet. If an old pirate like me were to set foot on English soil I’d surely be hanged. Now don’t worry. While you are gone, I will take care of Dubois, that scourge.” He nodded grimly. “And this time permanently.”
The bad blood between the two men spanned decades. The icy resolve on her father’s face made her frown. She prayed he didn’t hunt down trouble the minute she and Gabi set sail.
She threw herself into her father’s arms. He wrapped her in a swift bear hug. Then he embraced Gabrielle. “You’ll do your best to keep her out of trouble?” he asked.
Gabrielle nodded, but her smile wobbled. “Can’t promise anything, but I will try, sir.”
Then her father left, striding down the gangplank. She straightened her shoulders and noted Gabrielle’s worried face. “Everything will be all right. Papa’s right, we will be safe in London.” Gathering her courage, she threaded her arm through Gabi’s. “I will protect you no matter what.” They crossed the deck. “Mr. Davis, we are ready to be shown to our cabins.”
Chapter Four
Mr. Davis escorted Vivian and Gabrielle toward two identical cabins. Vivian noted each small room held a berth made up with fresh cotton sheets and a thick counterpane. Each cabin sported a built-in desk, a screen for privacy, and in Vivian’s room a small table and two chairs sat against the wall opposite the berth.
“Captain thought it best if you ladies had a space to have your meals in here. The language around the Captain’s table can get a little uncouth. Indeed, the entire ship’s crew is not used to having women aboard,” Mr. Davis explained.
She and Gabi exchanged a wry glance. Clearly, they were being told to stay in their rooms and not be a nuisance.
“Thank you, Mr. Davis. I am sure we will be able to manage without anyone offending our ladylike sensibilities.” Vivian couldn’t quite stop her grin.
Mr. Davis’ cheeks stained red. “I’ll take your leave then.” He stepped out of the cabin, closing the door behind him. They broke down in giggles.
“He never sat at the table with your father and his cronies.” Gabrielle said. “Too bad the doctor is so prim and proper. He is rather handsome. The captain too. What a good-looking devil he is, but a bit cold and formal.”
“Yes, well, I don’t think my father gave the captain much choice on bringing us along. No wonder he didn’t greet us warmly.” Vivian sat down on the mattress, glancing around at the small quarters. “I have no intention of spending the voyage cooped up in this cabin. I know how to keep out of the way, so he needn’t worry.”
Looking up at her friend, she took a deep breath. “Gabi, I know we said this is going to be a grand adventure, but the truth is I am scared to death.”
“You’re scared? Of what?” Gabrielle replied.
“Of London society, of course. How will I ever impersonate an earl’s granddaughter? Everyone will know I am a fraud the minute I trip over my own two feet in some fancy drawing room.”
Gabi put her hands on her hips and frowned. “First of all, you are not a fraud. You are the granddaughter of an earl. Just because you haven’t had too much opportunity to practice acting the part of a lady in recent years doesn’t change who you are. You’ll make a fine lady. I will help you. Look what I brought along.” Gabi bent over to rummage in one of the smaller trunks. “Ah ha!” When she stood, she held several books.
Vivian peered at the stack, reading all the titles.Mrs. Willamette’s Book of Decorum, Debrett’s Peerage,andThe Ladies Guide to Perfect Gentility. She spotted several others still in the trunk.
“Where did you get all these?” she asked.
Gabi smiled. “Mrs. Butterfield, of course.”
