Page 36 of A Wanton Adventure
A scowl filled the captain’s face. “We have never stopped at Le Conquet. You can’t expect me to know everything.”
Diana gave Devons a pointed stare before turning back to Monroe and beaming at him. She didn’t want to upset him. “Of course not. I’m thrilled to find out more about Le Conquet and the surrounding area.”
He smiled at her, and Devons rolled his eyes. She asked, “How long will we be at the port stop?”
“One day, and then the next day, we will anchor by a cove in the area for an afternoon.”
That sounded delightful to Diana. “I’m very excited about our first two stops. After this discussion, I think we can all agree I don’t have to wait on the ship. Do you concur?”
Monroe shook his head but admiration shined in his eyes. “As you wish, my lady. I need to check on some things. I will leave the two of you.”
She had stood her ground. Diana felt proud of herself. She glanced at Devons, who sat quietly with his arms crossed. “What is wrong?”
He stayed quiet. She brought the tea to her lips as she waited for his response.
Finally, he asked, “Is Monroe a consideration?”
A gasp escaped her, and she coughed, trying not to choke on her tea. “I beg your pardon.”
“Monroe, could he be a consideration?”
“Hmmm…I’m not sure. Perhaps I should.”
Devons frowned. “You will be on the ship with him for the next two months. I don’t believe he is appropriate.”
She looked at him, confused. “Should I not consider anyone on the ship?”
He opened his mouth to speak and closed it. She studied him. What was wrong with him today? Eventually, he said, “No, I’m not saying that, but you must work with Monroe and will likely continue to do so after this cruise. It may complicate your business relationship.”
Diana hadn’t thought of that. In truth, she hadn’t considered the captain at all. She glanced at Devons with concern. He looked sullen.
“Did you sleep well?”
“I’m fine,” he said sulkily.
*
Sebastian entered thehayward saloon, where guests congregated for predinner drinks. He was resolved to be in a better mood and support Diana’s endeavors. He’d promised her his assistance,and he planned to follow through, no matter how much it unsettled him. If she thought Monroe made an adequate choice for a flirtation, there was no reason he should stand in the way. He perused the room, searching for Diana, but only spotted Lady Clark speaking with Mr. Spoor. He ambled over to them and bowed. “Good evening, Lady Clark,” he said before turning to Mr. Spoor. “Sir.”
“Are you looking for my niece? She is off talking with Captain Monroe about our first stop.”
He glanced around but didn’t see them. Where were they? When he turned back to Lady Clark, her face contained an amused expression. He raised a brow. She took another sip of her champagne. “So, tell me, Devons, have you started to write your first missive to send back to England while we are in Le Conquet?”
“Not yet. Both Diana and I decided we would start sending them once we arrived at our second port.”
Lady Clark nodded. “A sound decision. No one wants to hear about the first few days of travel.”
“Letters to your family?” Mr. Spoor asked.
“Have you not heard? My niece’s club, the Historical Society for Female Curators, partnered with Devons to provide theLondon Illustrated Chroniclesand theBritish Tattlerwith a detailed account of our leisure cruise. They are calling it the next grand tour. They will present both a woman’s and a man’s perspectives. The money will go towards setting up their club’s exhibits at Seely House in Mayfair.”
“What a clever idea. Who came up with it?”
“Have you met Lady Hawley?”
“I’m acquainted with her husband, Lord Hawley. Isn’t he a board member of the London Society of Antiquaries? Why would women want to stand up their own club?”
“Do you have a problem with that,” Lady Clark said sharply. “Because I can’t imagine anyone I consider a friend not supporting such an endeavor.”
