Page 44 of A Wanton Adventure
Aunt Winifred sighed. “Why must young people deny themselves what they really want?”
Diana flushed. “I’m denying myself nothing. I’m not interested in Devons.”
One of her aunt’s brows shot up in disbelief and Diana added, “I’m serious.”
“Perhaps my ability to sense these things is slipping. Maybe I’m too distracted by Mr. Spoor.”
It was Diana’s turn to give her aunt a hard time. “You like him.”
“I will allow him to entertain me while we are on our journey,” her aunt said, causing Diana to giggle. “What are you working on?”
Diana sighed. “I’m trying to figure out what I want to share about Le Conquet for my first update on our trip.”
“Well, you must tell them about Devons carrying us to the cove. That will make the ladies swoon.”
Diana gave her aunt a pointed look. “I thought I would write about thekorrigansand sirens in the manuscripts.”
“Ugh…that is exceedingly dull,” her aunt said.
Diana frowned at her. “The only reason I’m here is because I’m on the board of the Historical Society for Female Curators.”
“That is true, but you are trying to gain the interest of ladies who don’t normally care about a bunch of old artifacts. Whowouldn’t love to hear about a scoundrel carrying some ladies? You are the most proper woman in all of London. No one will think it’s anything more than that.”
She winced at her aunt’s accurate statement. “You make a valid point.”
Her aunt made her way back to her room and winked before shutting the door. “Of course I do.”
Diana smiled, took a moment, and then started to write. Once done she looked down and read her words.
To the Ladies of London,
TheSS Larkarrived in the fishing village of Le Conquet, a beautiful coastal setting comprised of small stone buildings. This area is known as the Port at the End of the World.
We were greeted by the friendliest individuals who helped us enjoy the most divine food. At our first stop, Chapelle Dom Michel, Father Jean shared with us manuscripts depicting tales about the mischievous korrigans and the tempting sirens of the region. The Historical Society for Female Curators may have more to share about them soon.
But my favorite part followed. Mr. Devons and I journeyed to the farthest point of land in France. A lighthouse stands there, and we stood at the very edge, allowing the winds to batter us. I won’t tell you which of us was more nervous, Mr. Devons or me.
Our first official stop ended with a day of leisure in a cove with the most beautiful water I have ever seen. If you are wondering how my dear aunt and I made it to shore, Mr. Devons, our increasingly helpful travel partner, carried us. We are grateful he is on this trip with us.
Both Mr. Devons and I can’t wait to share more of our adventures with all of you.
Lady Hensley
Perfect, Diana thought. She wondered what Devons would write about. They had agreed with Addie not to share their updates with each other. Addie suspected it would be more interesting and exciting that way. Diana sighed. Hopefully, this would entertain enough ladies to raise money for Seely House. A smile flitted across her face, feeling optimistic about this club in which she initially didn’t think she had a place.
*
Sebastian stood leaningagainst the railing of theSS Lark, smoking a cigar. Even though it was a calm day at sea, he was the only one standing on this side of the ship besides a few sailors coming and going. He took a puff of his cigar before releasing the smoke. The door to the stairway leading to the saloon deck opened, and Diana stepped out, surprising him. Their eyes met, and she smiled at him.
His mouth lifted up at the corners, happy to see her. He waved her over. She smoothed her hands over the front of her beige-and-pink dress. It was lovely on her, made more so by all the color she’d gotten recently. He’d been tempted to tell her that he liked her freckles, but he suspected she wouldn’t like that.
“Are you hiding from everyone? There are several games taking place in the saloons below.”
“I decided to enjoy the sea air.”
She peered over the railing and lifted a brow. “You are faring much better up here. I remember our first evening. You wouldn’teven let me stand by the railing, and now you are leaning against it.”
He tilted his head back and laughed before looking down at her. She looked out at the ocean. He nudged her with his arm and handed her his cigar. Her blue eyes widened. “I couldn’t.”
