The Indebted Earl by Erica Vetsch (best new books to read .TXT) 📗

that you wish to continue as their guardian?” She spread her hands.

This option appealed to him. It would salve his conscience that the girls were together and cared for, and also free him from any direct responsibility. Far better that they be under the supervision of a competent headmistress than left to his untutored abilities.

“And the third?” He had an inkling based upon what she’d said earlier, but he would give her the opportunity to spell it out.

“Keep them here at Gateshead with a proper nurse or governess. Give them a home here, a sense of belonging and family. A private education, security, and affection.” She stood, putting her hand on his arm and halting his pacing. “Take them on as part of your crew, as it were.”

He looked down on her white hand against the dark blue of his naval coat. Make the girls part of his crew. The terminology resonated with him, but how could he let them stay here when he had no plans to remain at Gateshead himself? The moment a command of any kind came through, he would be away to sea. It would disrupt the girls’ lives once again if he told them they could stay here and then he received word that a ship was available. They would be shunted off to a school after all. Better to send them away now and avoid the upheaval. Part of being a good captain to your crew was making hard decisions that might be unpopular at the time but in the long term would prove best for all involved.

“I do appreciate your willingness to stay on until I decide what to do. I should refuse your kind offer and fulfill my promise to see you installed in a cottage with all speed, but I cannot deny that having you here will make everything easier.” And so very pleasant. He cleared his throat, daring to cover her hand on his sleeve with his own. “Will it discomfit Lady Richardson not to find her cottage by the sea immediately?”

Her hand didn’t move under his, but she looked down as well. “I think Mamie will be delighted to stay on and be with the girls. She was already planning a walk to the beach with them tomorrow.” She withdrew her hand, stepping back, though her expression was untroubled. He didn’t think she censored him for his boldness in clasping her hand.

A walk on the beach. He imagined strolling along the firm sand with Sophie by his side, the breeze blowing her hair and skirts, the birds calling, and the waves scraping in and out like the heartbeat of the ocean. A pleasant memory to have tucked away when he was once more on the ocean.

“You will give the options some thought? About the girls, I mean?” She turned away, heading toward the door.

“Of course.” Though it seemed plain to him what the correct course should be. He was not some sentimentalist, and he had a career to consider. “I’ll do what is best for the girls and myself. Do you have personal knowledge of any good schools for girls? Perhaps even one here in Devonshire that would keep them closer to home?”

She stopped, and her shoulders lowered. Without glancing back, she nodded. “I’ll make some inquiries in my next letter home. Mother and Charlotte will surely know of some.”

When he was alone once more, he resumed pacing. Discontent sloshed like bilge water in his middle, and he scowled.

He was used to making unpopular decisions, so why did Lady Sophia’s disappointment rankle so much?

Things were simpler at sea. The rules of engagement were clear, and the chain of command set in stone. Feelings and opinions didn’t enter into the equation, and total obedience was expected.

Yes, things were definitely simpler at sea … but lonelier, too, if he was to be completely truthful.

C

HAPTER

7

SUNSHINE, WAVING GRASS, and the brilliant blue of the sea greeted Sophie as she threw the window sash open and leaned out, inhaling the fresh coastal air.

Gateshead was an impressive home. With a bit of polish, the luster could be brought back to the house, and the views were unparalleled. A trickle of adventure went down her spine, an altogether refreshing feeling. One that she used to get often, a desire to embrace what the day might hold.

Well, she could certainly do that. Three young girls who had been starved of happiness for far too long now resided under the same roof as Sophie, and she was going to see that they had all the joy they could handle while she had the chance.

She could hear them down the hall, laughter, movement, the squeak of the bed. It sounded as if someone—Thea, probably—was jumping on the mattress. Was that child ever still?

Dressing quickly, Sophie pondered the captain’s options regarding the girls and the heavy indication he’d given last night as to where his thoughts lay.

Boarding school.

She winced. It wasn’t as bad as an orphanage, but it was a far cry from a home where they would be wanted and loved. Sophie had lived in a house where all the attention was lavished upon the eldest son, the next two children in line afterthoughts. She’d lived away at boarding school, an average student who only wanted to go home. And she’d lived at Primrose, secure in the knowledge that both Rich and Mamie wanted her there and that they loved her. Though her dreams of the future had changed, she had known that sense of calm surety of her place in the world and that someone cared about her.

She wanted that for these girls.

How could she change the captain’s mind? Should she even try? It wasn’t her affair to meddle in, yet how could she not help when she saw a need?

The moment she opened her bedroom door to step into the hallway, she was greeted by two eager faces. Betsy and Thea had clearly hurried with their own dress. Thea’s buttons were askew, and