Page 109 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

Not just for a few days until they found her sister, but beyond, and that was what frightened him.

He was thoughtful and pragmatic in all decisions, weighing the positive and negative aspects of every potential outcome. He was as careful in business as he was in any other aspect of his life. Yet, a life of decisions was now in question because of a woman he had known barely more than a week.

That was not enough time to decide on anything so permanent as a future. Especially for someone who never rushed any decision, let alone one that would be life altering.

He was torn and he was running out of time.

Was it possible that the love he felt for Georgie was the kind that lasted a lifetime or would it vanish and then they would be stuck with each other with no recourse?

That was what frightened him the most—marry, only to learn within the year that theirs was no more than infatuation and passion that would not last. However, if he did not risk his heart, he might very well face a life empty and alone.

Georgie intended to return to Italy, where her family lived. Could he leave Southampton, Trade Wynd and his family behind to be with her and become a baker as her father had done?

He chuckled at the very idea, but not in a ridiculous way, more in excitement, as it would be something new, another adventure to share with Georgie.

But would it be enough or would he tire and want to return to England?

Damian pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

“Bloody hell!” he whispered to himself.

“Is something wrong, Damian?”

Georgie’s voice pulled Damien from his thoughts. “Why do you ask?”

“You were watching me, or so I assume, but I do not believe you saw me. Therefore, I surmised your mind was somewhere else.”

Yes, his mind was faced with a dilemma yet to be solved, but he was not ready to share his thoughts with Georgie. “I am concerned about you.” Damian pulled himself away from the door and crossed to the bed and settled where he had previously slept. “How are you this morning?”

Georgie lifted her arms, moved them, and frowned. “My skin is still tender. It is no worse than yesterday, but I am not certain my sunburn is better either.”

“It is likely the same,” Damian answered. “It is what the doctor told me to expect.”

Georgie let out a sigh.

“Therefore, you shall not leave the bed today.”

The corner of Georgie’s mouth tipped. “In any other circumstance, I would be quite intrigued at the prospect of spending all day in bed with you. Unfortunately, I do not think that is what you have in mind.”

“While pleasure and you are often on my mind, I shall not risk causing you discomfort. However, once your skin is no longer tender, I shall no longer restrict my desires.”

“What shall you do today instead?”

“I shall remain here with you except for when I retrieve our meals.”

Georgie released another heavy sigh. “Do not spend the entire day in this cabin. I know what it is like to be sequestered away on a ship with no windows for light, or fresh air to breathe.”

Damien reached above her and pulled a curtain back, which brought light into the room. “Not exactly a window, but a porthole for you to look out.”

Georgie pulled herself up to her knees and looked out. “Nothing but ocean.”

“Yes, well, we are at sea,” Damien reminded her with a chuckle. “I shall prepare a tray and return shortly,” he announced and exited the cabin before he confessed what he had been thinking before she awakened.

It was too soon, and he was afraid.

*

How many days did they have until Dublin? Chisholm had said that it could be two to three days depending on wind and weather conditions.