Page 71 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Erroll could believe that. He looked at the elder sister. “I assume you would like to begin tonight?”

“Why not? It is early yet and I have nothing better to do.”

“The books I purchased today are not sufficient distraction?”

“They were much appreciated, thank you, but one can read only so long without moving about.”

“I’ll speak with the captain. I imagine we can come to an agreement.”

“Offer him some of the Irish brandy you brought aboard.”

Erroll stared at her nonplused. “Did anyone ever tell you that you have a nosy streak, madam?”

“No. But I have never been confined to a ship’s cabin before. Lord only knows what other hidden faults might appear if my confinement grows too tedious.”

Erroll could well imagine and, oddly, wondered how he might find out exactly what those hidden faults were.

*****

Preparing the evening meal kept Eve up late, but she slept well and woke early the next morning refreshed. She found that, though she spent most of her time below deck, the movement of the ship and the sea air agreed with her. Today, she planned a stew with freshly baked rolls for the evening meal. The hour was three o’clock, Oscar sat at the table keeping silent watch as it seemed he had done throughout her life, and she looked forward with pleasure to the work ahead.

Eve opened a small cupboard and spotted several bottles half hidden behind a sack of flour. She pulled out the flour and set it on the table to the left of Oscar’s seat, then grabbed the bottle of brandy, the bottle of wine, and an unnamed whiskey. The cook obviously liked a nip or two while he prepared meals, which probably accounted for his slaughter of their steaks. The cook would likely not forgive her for filching his liquor, but the wine would go well in the stew.

Three hours later, Eve looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps. She replaced the lid on the stew, and glanced over her shoulder. Lord Rushton stepped into the galley and her pulse jumped. Heaven help her, he stood in boots, buckskin breeches, and a white lawn shirt open at the neck. His tanned chest revealed a hint of hair just above the top button. Eve yanked her gaze up to his face.

Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes, but he said in a level voice, “I see you made good use of the provisions I brought aboard. The smell of freshly baked bread has permeated the ship. The crew is threatening mutiny if they don’t get some.”

Eve realized Oscar was watching him and the rogue knew it. With conscious effort, she kept her eyes on his face. If Oscar kept any closer watch on her, he would climb inside her skin. Using the same matter-of-fact tone Lord Rushton had used, she asked, “What sort of captain have we if he cannot control his men over the scent of baked bread?”

The earl grinned and her traitorous heart skipped a beat. “I will lead the mutiny,” he said.

Eve gave him a look of mock horror. “Then we had better feed all of you.” She grabbed the towel she used as a hot pad. “If I am not mistaken, the bread should be ready.” She lifted the lid of the Dutch oven that hung over the fire alongside the stew and peered inside. The buns glowed a soft golden brown. She removed the pot from the fire and set it on a tin plate on the table.

“Oscar.” Lord Rushton nodded as he rounded the far side of the table. The earl halted beside her and leaned over the bread. “I believe I could eat all these myself.”

“Then it is fortunate I made several batches.” Eve lifted the towel from a bowl where she’d placed the baked buns.”

His eyes lit like a boy at the dessert table. “You made enough for an army.”

“You did provide plenty of provisions,” she replied.

The aroma of baked bread wafted up on a wave of heat. Lord Rushton’s stomach growled.

“Haven’t you eaten today?” she asked.

“No, and I am ravenous.” He reached for one of the buns.

Eve slapped his hand like a naughty child. “The crew first, sir.”

He straightened. “That will be a novelty for them.” His eyes twinkled. “Be quick about it. I cannot resist your goods for long, madam.”

She looked sharply at him, but it seemed he referred to the bread and not her goods as she had perceived, for his eyes were closed as he inhaled another deep breath.

Eve suddenly realized that Oscar couldn’t have missed her reaction. She turned to the cupboard and withdrew three bowls, and said, “Have the men come down.”

Lord Rushton shook his head. “I will remain here and Oscar can deliver the rolls while you prepare a tray for your sister and Somerset.”

She would much rather get away from his disturbing presence, something she wouldn’t own up to that for all the tea in China. Eve buttered rolls, placed them in a large bowl, and faced Oscar. “When you return, I’ll have Grace and Lord Somerset’s dinner plates prepared.” He glanced at Lord Rushton, and she added, “Go along, Oscar, I am quite safe with Lord Rushton here.”