With a quick nod, she turned toward the door and away from the question in his eyes.Why was the daughter of a governor cooking meals?Over the last few years, the number of servants in the household had dwindled—only one housemaid and a valet remained full time. Josephine didn’t mind helping in the kitchen when their cook was away; working with food came easily to her and helped pass the time. He followed her from the dining room and she slowed in the hallway. No need to rush him outside and out of her life.
An ache formed in her chest as she opened the door and he stepped onto the porch. Though she hardly knew him, it felt like saying goodbye to a friend. He turned at the top of the steps when she didn’t close the door. He was being polite and waiting for her, but she couldn’t do it.
He looked down the street and back to her. “Would you like to join me for a bit?”
Josephine’s heart skipped a beat. “I don’t want to impose.”
He smiled and her stomach flopped. “My men are very capable. A few minutes won’t hurt. Besides, I never thanked you again for your help that night. Your supplies were very thoughtful and helped us tremendously.”
“It was the least I could do.” Her words came out soft and demure. Why, beneath his watchful gaze, did she feel so shy? She took a long breath, the humid night air tempering her dry throat, and focused on the song of the tree frogs.
Pretend he’s just another pirate or smuggler at the tavern.
Therein laid the problem. He wasn’tjustanother man.
Even so, she’d better start talking before he decided to leave.
“What’s Savannah like?”
He shrugged. “Same as any southern port city, I suppose.”
She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and fixed her gaze in the dark space behind him. “I’ve never been to America.”
“Of course. I’m sorry. I’m so used to it all…I didn’t mean to assume.”
“It’s alright. You didn’t know.” She met his apologetic gaze. “I was only ten when we left France, and I can’t remember much. I’ve never left the island since.” Admitting it left her feeling exposed.
The lieutenant shifted on his feet. “Sometimes, with as much as I travel, I forget not everyone does the same.”
She forced a smile. “Tell me about America and Savannah.”
His lips curved. “It’s not as cultured as Europe, and certainly not built up as much. We are still such a young country, learning and growing. I grew up in the north, where the cities are larger and more sophisticated. Savannah is, well, it’s small. At least the city is. There’s a lot of large plantations on the land away from the docks.”
“As small as Tortuga’s port?”
A rich chuckle broke free. “No. It is larger than Tortuga.”
“Do you like living there?”
Silence fell across them for a long moment. “I’m honestly not sure. I spend very little time ashore.”
“So, you enjoy being a captain?” She cringed. Of course he did. Why else would he spend so much time out at sea?
“Well, this is my first mission as commander of a ship. I don’t hold the rank of captain; that will be a long time down the road. Our navy is so newly formed, right now our captains command the frigates, and we lieutenants are sometimes lucky to be in charge of the smaller ships.”
“Smaller?” Tall masts and gleaming cannons filled her mind. “TheTempestis one of the most imposing ships I’ve seen besides…besides Thorne’s.”
Lieutenant Caldwell’s eyes darkened at the mention of the pirate. “Well, hopefully he is at the helm of a much smaller vessel this time.”
“I hope so, for your sake.”
The edges of his lips twitched in the ghost of a smile. “Thank you.”
She took a half step closer, the pleasant scent of sandalwood washing over her. “I will look forward to hearing the news of his recapture, though we often hear about things weeks after they happen.”
“I shall endeavor to make it a story worth telling then. The more interesting news always travels the fastest.”
She laughed when he winked. “Well, lucky for you, any news of Thorne is considered interesting.”
