He had enlisted to join his fellow countrymen in fighting for what he believed in, and he hadn’t regretted any decision made during those seven years. Even when he left his home and inheritance, he hadn’t looked back—rather, he had anticipated the adventures in his new life.
Sighing, Nash shifted his stance as he leaned against the ship’s railing. Actually, there was one thing he regretted: he should have made amends with his brother. Of course, Nash had thought he still had several years to do that. If he had only known his merciless uncle was set on revenge, Nash would have done anything to help save William’s life.
Now, things were changing again, and he was helpless to stop fate. His twenty-seventh year approached fast, and for the first time, he thought about settling down and starting a family.
The idea scared him to death.
When he imagined spending his days with Maxey, holding her in his arms, his fear eased. From the very first time he spotted her sitting in her balcony box, watching him with great interest, he hadn’t been able to think straight. Like a moth to flame, her beauty lured him, and he couldn’t find the strength to pull away. He had no other choice but to let her go. She would be much safer with Carolyn at the estate, living as her governess.
Agonizing pain twisted inside him. It would be extremely hard to watch her sail away without him.
He released a deep sigh and scrubbed his face. He must not falter in his determination. Thankfully, the end of the voyage was near, and although he had mixed emotions, he looked forward to ending this ordeal with his uncle once and for all.
Heavy footsteps creaked on the deck behind him, tearing him from his dismal thoughts. He swung around to see who ventured his way. Captain Bushwell sported a full uniform, looking very commanding in his sailor’s attire.
The older man smiled. “It’s a pleasant evening, is it not?”
“Indeed. The warmer climate is most welcoming.”
“The voyage has passed quicker than I expected. We will reach land first thing in the morning.”
“Splendid.”
“Are you still planning on sending Miss Littleton back with me?”
“I have not changed my mind. I want to follow through with the plans we made earlier. I would feel much safer with her away from my uncle. I also need you to have someone deliver that letter to the telegraph office.”
He nodded. “I’ll prepare for a quick departure tomorrow.”
“May I ask what will be done with Raúl? What kind of trial will he get?”
“Unfortunately, I will have to turn him over to a local magistrate in Spain, since Raúl is one of their citizens, unless of course they allow me to take him back to the Lake District for the trial he deserves.”
“I want justice to prevail, but I suspect Spain will protect the traitor.”
“I agree.”
Nash bunched his hands into fists and slammed them hard on the railing, holding back the vile words ready to spring from his mouth. “Then the sooner we get Miss Littleton home, the better.”
“Very true.”
Taking a calming breath, Nash feigned a smile. “I thank you, captain. I will be forever in your debt for all you have done to help me and Miss Littleton.”
Captain Bushwell leaned against the railing, took a cheroot from the inside of his jacket, and lit it. The scent from the rolled leaves drifted in the air around Nash.
“Nash? How does Miss Littleton feel about your arrangement?”
Nash drew his brows together. “Why do you ask?”
The captain kept his focus on the sea. “Since her miraculous recovery, I have not seen a smile grace her lovely face, especially around you.” He looked over his shoulder and met Nash’s stare. “Every time I have seen her, I get the impression she is vexed with you.”
Nash sighed with defeat. “Indeed, the little vixen was not pleased with my plans. She refuses to believe I don’t need her assistance in stopping my ruthless uncle.” His frown deepened. “I fear for her safety, and she doesn’t understand.”
Captain Bushwell chuckled. “I’ve seen her temper a time or two on the voyage. She is certainly a stubborn woman.”
Nash also chuckled. “Yes, she is stubborn, but I would not change that for anything. Her stubbornness defines who she is, and I admire her for that.”
“You are going to miss her, I can tell.”
