Page 35 of A Wanton Adventure
“True. Only ten out of almost a hundred passengers. You are quite the adventuress. The type of woman a ship captain can’t help but admire.”
She blushed, and the man grinned at her cockily. The captain was attractive. Diana suspected he was a charmer in his free time.
“You wanted to talk about the ports, Monroe,” Devons barked.
Diana’s eyes darted to him. He leaned back in his chair with his legs out and arms folded across his chest, frowning at them. Well, he was in quite the mood this morning. The attendant returned with the tea and poured Diana a cup. Both men declined any.
“Lady Hensley, I was talking with Devons, and we believe for the first port you need to stay on the ship until we have identified activities of interest for you.”
What? She would not sit on the ship while they went off exploring. Absolutely not. Her eyes darted to Devons, incredulous.
He held his hands up in denial. “I never agreed to that.”
“Well, I assumed you would agree,” Monroe muttered.
Diana pressed her lips together, considering what she should say to his suggestion. In any other situation in her life, she would have acquiesced, but not today. The Historical Society for Female Curators’ board was relying on her. None of her associates would agree to Monroe’s idea.
“I don’t believe that is the right approach, Captain Monroe. Please keep in mind that, no matter what you discuss with Devons, I speak for the club. He doesn’t. If we are to identify activities at these ports for leisure cruises for future ladies, I will need to be involved.”
The captain shook his head and started to defend his points, but Diana interrupted him. “I must insist.”
Monroe’s eyes swung back to Devons, but he smirked. “She’s the boss.”
“Lady Hensley, the other women on the ship have agree—”
“No, I will go ashore when the men do. Not a moment later,” she stated adamantly.
She glanced at Devons, and he nodded slightly, showing his support. Shifting the conversation, she asked, “When will we arrive at our first stop? I believe you previously mentioned it would be Le Conquet.”
The captain frowned, displeased that she’d moved on from his suggestion. “Le Conquet is a very small village. There won’t be much for you to see.”
“You must have picked the port for some reason. What was it? Your ship is for leisure cruising. While your previous plans didn’t include ladies, you must have a vision for this location,” Diana said.
“You may as well explain your reasoning, as I don’t think she will let it go until you do,” Devons said, sounding amused.
Monroe sighed. “Le Conquet is called theport du bout du mo.”
“The port at the end of the world,” Diana said, translating his words.
The corner of the captain’s mouth tilted up. “You do impress me, Lady Hensley. Men are simple. I believe, regardless of how interesting the actual stop is, they will enjoy writing back to their friends and family that they visited the port at the end of the world.”
Devons nodded, agreeing with Monroe’s idea. “I agree that travelers, including women, will like your gimmick.”
Diana smiled at him, appreciating his help. They still needed something else though. It wasn’t enough. “But why is it called that?”
Monroe ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. “There is a peninsula right before the village that is the farthest-reaching piece of land for France. The location makes one feel as if they are standing at the edge of the world.”
“I love it. Can we visit there?” Diana asked.
Monroe nodded. “It isn’t too far from where we will dock. A lighthouse was recently built in the area.”
“I like it. Travelers will enjoy the trip since it’s so close to the port. What about the actual village?” Devons said.
“The stone buildings of the area are also quite lovely.”
Diana frowned. She needed an antiquities component. They were on the cruise for a historical society. “Are there any cultural or historical sites I can visit in the village?”
Monroe stared at her blankly. Diana suspected such topics weren’t of personal interest to the captain. A chuckle escaped Devons. She and Monroe glanced at him. He smiled. “Perhaps, it is best to explore the village on our own to determine if there is anything of interest.”
