Page 90 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

“The captain gave me direction to the harbormaster’s office and the name of a hotel if we need to remain for the night.”

“I hope that it is only one night,” she said as Damian led her along the quay until they came to the offices only to find them closed for the day.

Georgie blew out a sigh of frustration then stared up at Damian. “Now what do we do?”

“We hope that the British Hotel has a room available.” He offered his arm. “The captain said that it has, and may still, be hosting Mr. Kean where he performs in the assembly room. Dances are also held there, and the meals are said to be delicious.”

“If it is all the same to you, I am not interested in being entertained, not until I know that we will be able to make to Greenock in time.”

“Then I promise to present myself at the harbormaster’s office the first thing in the morning and not leave until I have found a means to arrive in Greenock in time.”

Oh, she knew that Damian would do his best because he knew how important that it was that she find Grace, but until she knew for certain that they would not be stuck on the Isle of Man for the next two weeks, she would be unable to relax.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Georgie had a fitful night.

After they had found the British Hotel and secured a room, Damian had asked for a bath be delivered and hoped that it might relax Georgie, but all she managed to do was wash her body and hair and remained tense.

He then had supper delivered to their room, but she only picked at the food. She then paced and would stare out the window. He tried to offer assurances that he would get her to Grace in time, but Damian truly could not make that promise until he knew for certain.

He had tried talking to her about her home, what she enjoyed baking the most, and asked what life was like in Carrera, but her comments provided very little description and all because she was unable to let go of her worry.

When it came time for them to retire, she donned her nightrail while he stripped down to nothing then crawled in bed. Damian had pulled her into his arms for comfort and knew by the tension that remained in her body that she had no interest in being seduced.

While it was a disappointment since they had so little time together, he also understood and offered what comfort he could, which was none until she had answers.

He tried to sleep and had drifted off but woke often to find her pacing or standing at the window.

“You really should sleep,” he said at one point in the middle of the night.

“I will when I know if I can get to Grace.”

“I will do everything in my power to see that you do,” he promised again and hoped that they were not stuck here for days or weeks.

*

Georgie was dressed and ready to leave the British Hotel as soon as the sun rose but Damian continued to sleep.

Would the harbormaster’s office be open now? Should she awaken Damian?

Or should she let him sleep?

But what if he slept late into the morning, not that he had yet, but today was not when he should develop the habit.

Oh, maybe she should go on her own and then report back.

A few days ago, she would have done exactly that but her travels since arriving in England had taught her that it was dangerous for her to go about on her own and Damian was able to obtain information much quicker than she could, which meant that she needed to wake him.

But just as she neared the bed his eyes opened.

“I see that you are ready to depart.”

“I am and would like you to be ready as well.”

Damian blew out a sigh and tossed the blankets away from his naked body.

Georgie’s face burned as she turned away.