At the Captain's Command. Louise M. Gouge

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СКАЧАТЬ seem to be in accord with mine. A letter would be too cruel, especially for my dear sister.”

      Dinah nodded. “Yes, and especially considering her delicate condition.”

      “Ah.” Thomas’s eyes widened. “Little James is nearing three years, is he not? Time to welcome a little brother or sister.” A flash of pain crossed his eyes. “We must do nothing to cause her difficulty.”

      Dinah guessed he referred to his own wife’s death in childbirth, but she would not seek a confirmation. “Do not be overly concerned, Captain. Marianne is strong and healthy. And in three weeks, Dr. and Mrs. Wellsey will be going to St. Johns Towne for her lying-in. You will be pleased to know that Mrs. Wellsey is a skilled midwife. I plan to accompany them. Perhaps you could travel with us.” She would greatly enjoy his company on the arduous overland trip.

      “Hmm.” His black eyebrows bent into a frown. “I had hoped to put the matter behind me without delay, but perhaps this is the Almighty’s way of managing the affair.” He grunted. “In fact, I find myself grateful for the reprieve.”

      Dinah offered a gentle smile. “I understand.” How good to hear of his trust in God, an attribute worthy of a superior leader, just like her brother.

      Gazing down at her, he nodded. “I thank you.” As if wanting to break their solemn mood, he inhaled a quick, sharp breath and glanced around the garden. “This is a charming place, both this property and this little town. Tell me, Miss Templeton, what keeps you busy here beside your good works at the infirmary?”

      Dinah could see he wished to move on to a lighter topic, and she was pleased to comply. “You may be surprised to learn, sir,” she said with a playful toss of her head, “that we have a very active social life here.”

      He chuckled. “Do tell me about it.”

      “Why, we have teas and parties and balls and picnics and no end of merry times. And of course the men go hunting.” She gave him a sidelong look. “You will be in great demand, Captain. Every mother of a marriageable young lady will seek your company.” Her teasing words threatened to stick in her throat. As before, she could not think of a single young lady worthy of this man, not even dear, wealthy Elizabeth Markham, for the girl rarely had a serious thought. Still, Dinah found herself nattering onward. “In fact, if you attend services at St. Peter’s Church this Sunday, I shall make certain you are introduced to the cream of our society.”

      Again her words gave her pause. Growing up the son of an English earl, the captain no doubt had met truly exalted personages, perhaps even the king. Ignoring her uncertainties, she eyed him. “What do you say to that?”

      Again he laughed. “I say that it would be imprudent of me to ignore your invitation if I expect to escape boredom in your fair town. In fact, I try never to miss attending worship services when I am ashore. And if I can be introduced into St. Augustine society at church, all the better.” He raised one eyebrow the way Jamie did when he was about to tease. “Speaking of social matters, I must tell you that my lieutenant, Mr. Wayland, was quite taken with you. ’Twas all I could do to keep him from following me here this evening. If he asks me as your kinsman for permission to call on you, what shall I tell him?”

      “Oh, my.” She could still feel the young officer’s too-firm clasp of her hand and see the overeagerness in his eyes. “You must tell him he would do better to pursue another.” She kept her tone cheerful. “You see, I have vowed never to marry a seafaring man, for I will not live as a widow while I am wed.” The slight dimming of his smile caused her a pang of regret, for she did not intend to disparage Thomas’s profession. Nonetheless, she would not have sailors, even officers, coming to call. Of course, she would not count Thomas among the unwelcome ones, but then, he was her brother-in-law.

      “Then I will do all in my power to protect you from such suits.” He looked toward the house and offered Dinah his arm. “Miss Templeton, pray let us put Mr. Hussey at ease.”

      She thought she detected a tiny smirk on the captain’s lips, but she dared not surrender to the giggle bubbling up inside her. “And let us escape these mosquitoes as well. This is the time of evening they come out to bother us.” She waved away the insects trying to land on her bare hand. Inside they would be protected by the fine mosquito netting over the windows, an expense even Artemis had been eager to indulge in.

      Halfway on their trip to the side door, the captain stopped, serious once again. “Are you well protected in this house, Miss Templeton?”

      She blinked in surprise. “Wh-why, yes, Captain.” Her heart warmed at his concern. Every word, every gesture endeared this man to her. Were he not a seafarer, she might even set her cap for him. But that was nonsense. He was a seafarer. And he was practically her brother. And he had made it clear at their first meeting he regarded her a sister. She need not even consider the difference in their ages…or their social ranks.

      No, she would put away all such featherbrained thoughts of romance this very instant.

      Thomas could not guess what had come over him. Somehow this delightful young woman’s warmth and kindness had brought forth his tenderest emotions, not to mention his protective instincts. Perhaps his familial sentiments, so long submerged beneath his military responsibilities, were resurfacing in light of his imminent meeting with his brother and sister. Whatever the cause, he felt…at home with Dinah Templeton.

      And now nothing would do but for him to discover the cause of the tension between the lady and Mr. Hussey. Overdone manners aside, the fellow had not hidden his annoyance with her. But why did she displease him? At first, Thomas had considered that the man might have designs on her. But Mrs. Hussey appeared to be as virtuous as she was attractive, as insightful as she was kindhearted. If the husband desired Dinah, the wife would surely not comport herself with such serenity.

      Thomas searched his memory for scraps of conversations he’d had with Jamie Templeton regarding his sister. He could recall only that she had a modest inheritance to sustain her. Ah, perhaps that was the issue. Money. Thomas would not be hasty in his judgments but would watch for confirmation of his suspicions. His first impressions generally proved true. And when he met Hussey, a single line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar had come to mind: “Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look.” If Hussey revealed himself to possess the same depth of wily ambition as the scheming Roman Cassius, all the more reason to investigate his treatment of Dinah.

      As for the young lady’s assertion that she would not wed a seafarer, Thomas acknowledged her decision was a wise one. As her friend, he wished only for her happiness. Still, the military man within him felt a bit of challenge, a surge of pride, even, that he could conquer that resolve, should he so desire.

      Which, of course, he did not. But he was pleased to have a confidant who seemed to understand his situation. He should like to see Dinah well cared for. Even if he couldn’t personally guarantee her happiness, he could not allow her to stay in an unsuitable situation. He would wait and learn what he could and if need be, he would act.

      Chapter Five

      Seated in St. Peter’s Church, Dinah sensed someone’s gaze on the back of her head, so she opened her prayer book, trying not to look over her shoulder. Her attempt failed. A glance across the aisle and to the rear revealed Mr. Wayland’s bold stare and impudent grin, both of which ceased the instant a frowning captain nudged the young lieutenant with his fist.

      Her heart lightened by the captain’s protective gesture, Dinah turned back to face the altar, taking care not to knock loose her wide-brimmed straw hat by bumping into Anne’s smaller chapeau. Anne gave СКАЧАТЬ