Page 25 of A Lady's Wager
“What good will that do?” Derrick fiddled with the cockade on his hat. Curse his blasted sensibilities. He wanted to find her and take back everything he’d said.
“If she’s in agreement, get a house in London and care for her. You aren’t destitute. I know a clergyman who can procure you a license.”
“‘I love you, darling, let’s marry, and then I’ll leave you for war,’” Derrick grumbled. “That’s a very romantic proposal.”
“Nothing brings more comfort at war than knowing you are giving everything to protect the one you love,” Captain King said, pausing his writing. “Unless it is knowing that she’ll be there when you return.”
His whole life at sea, he’d watched seamen and officers reuniting with their wives and sweethearts. He hadn’t had family waiting for him since Grandmother’s death, and even then shehadn’t come to the docks. Corah would watch for his ship and be the first to greet him, just as Richard Bradford said she did with him when he returned to Bristol.
“I can spare you the next few days as we’re demasting,” the captain said. “We’ll discuss further leave if needed.”
Hope threatened with excruciating exhilaration. He wanted Corah as his wife. He’d known that deep down since not long after their first meeting. “I never took you for a matchmaker, King. Why are you doing this?”
His friend rose, grinning. “I want my first lieutenant back to working form.” He extended his hand. “But I also want my friend to not make a mistake he’ll regret the rest of his life.”
Derrick grudgingly shook King’s hand. He was a dunce on a fool’s mission, but how could he turn down a chance to make things right, to heal his heart and hers?
“Hurry along, then.” Captain King grinned. “I expect a full report.”
Derrick nodded and quit the cabin, his feet carrying him faster than he intended. He raced down the ladder to the gunroom. A report. As though he were going out on official navy business. Hewasa lovesick lubber, and as he scrambled about his cabin deciding what to bring, he hadn’t space in his mind to care. He pulled a little box out of his sea chest, which had been delivered soon after their return to Deptford. A grin spread across his face as he pocketed the box. He’d see Corah today. Never mind the cost.
Corah twirled an ostrich feather between her fingers as Jemima arranged her hair. The feather’s curled barbs swayed at the slightest movement. Watching them flutter made it easier to ignore the dread that had settled into her stomach. Anotherassembly ball, where she’d act the part of a perfect young lady while inside her, hope died a little more.
At least there were no wagers to worry about.
Aunt Mary sat on the bed like Melinda would before balls in Bristol. “With Easter having passed, we’ll have more people to meet. And more potential partners to dance with.”
“Thank heavens,” Corah said flatly.
“I noticed you searching the papers the last couple of weeks,” her aunt said casually. “Did you find news of him?”
Corah blushed, dropping the feather. “I do not even know the name of his ship.” But she’d hoped there would be some mention of him so she could discover it. Preferably a mention for an act of bravery, and certainly not because he’d been lost.
“Perhaps if you are trying to forget him, that is not the best method.” Aunt Mary said it kindly, but the advice still cut. She was right, of course. The hope of seeing his name in the newspaper kept alive the flame of her devotion. In fact, it made it grow.
“I shouldn’t have so hard a time forgetting.” Corah swallowed.
“We will find you a wonderful man, love. One who is kind and respected.”
She laughed to prevent her eyes from filling. “I so wanted it to be him. I don’t know why I did. He has no real ties to Bristol. My whole life I feared being sent away from Kirkby Park like you and your sisters, and the first man I set my cap at was a man who would take me far from it all.”
Aunt Mary stood and went to her side. She took Corah’s hand in both of hers. “Seeing the world is not a bad thing. Bristol will always be there to welcome you home.”
“Is that how you could bear leaving when you married?” Behind Corah, Jemima produced the box of powder and the cape to protect her clothing.
“Bristol will always be home,” Aunt Mary said, helping Jemima smooth the cape over Corah, “but it is not the only place in the world to find comfort and love. I think you will learn, wherever your husband takes you, that you can find home in more than one location.”
“We shall see.” How she wanted to believe it. Corah bit her lips, gazing into the mirror. She was only half ready. Each time she prepared for a ball, it seemed to take longer.
“Likewise, if the door that was Lieutenant Owens has closed, don’t despair that you will never find another. He is not the only good man in England.”
Corah nodded. She knew there were other gentlemen with whom she could create a happy life. But she’d chosenthatgentleman. Did that count for nothing?
Aunt Mary squeezed her shoulders. “Tonight, let’s not try to find suitors. Let’s try to find good conversation and amiable friends. We’ll eat all the food we can find, and when we’re full as hogs, your grandfather can roll us back to the carriage like barrels. Does that sound agreeable?”
“Perfectly.” Corah smiled, the first truly happy smile she’d had in weeks. No burden to find the right gentleman so as not to waste Grandfather’s money. Simply a night to enjoy herself with her dear aunt.
Jemima opened the powder box and set about her work. Corah watched, mind turning. Bristol was only one place. What other lovely things would she find beyond its borders? She didn’t fancy the bustle of London much, but London was not the world. Perhaps there was a place waiting to become as dear to her as Bristol. Just as there was a man waiting to become as dear to her as…
