Page 12 of The Searching Songbird

“It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Delaney.” He paused, tilting his head to the side. “You wouldn't happen to be one of the famous Delaney sisters who made up The Four Flowers, would you?”

“Why, yes, I am. Or I was, anyway. With my eldest sister recently married and another on her way to university, I'm afraid The Four Flowers are at an end.”

Mr. Adams grunted. “A woman at university,” he grumbled. “Preposterous.”

Lily slanted her eyes at the man, a biting retort on her lips. She swallowed it back, however, as Captain Melbrooke placed a hand on the small of her back, the gentle pressure warning her to control her temper.

“Well,” Captain Dennings continued, ignoring the other man's comment. “I hope you honor us with a song at some point, Miss Delaney. Now, what do you think, Melbrooke? Shall we sit down to dinner, or were you planning to keep us standing around all night?”

“I was only planning to keep you standing, Dennings,” the captain retorted. “Everyone else, please, have a seat.”

They all moved over to the table, with Captain Melbrooke pulling out a chair for Lily next to his own. Taking a seat, she looked around the table as the other men sat. An empty place setting at the other end caught her eye.

“Are we missing someone?” she asked, taking the linen napkin out of its holder and spreading it across her lap.

“Ah, yes. A Mr. Draven Grant. I must have forgotten to tell the cook he was planning to retire early.”

“Grant, is it?” Mr. Adams asked, helping himself to a large scoop of mashed potatoes. “Name doesn't ring a bell. What's he into?”

“To be honest, I'm not entirely sure,” Captain Melbrooke replied, slicing into a piece of steak. “Trade of some sort, I believe. Seems like the private type. Not one to go on and on about himself, like some other people I know.” He looked pointedly over at Hon. Haggs, who simply chortled in response before draining his wine glass and signaling the server for a refill.

“Who cares about some anti-social loner, anyway?” The Hon. Haggs pointed his fork at Mr. Benton. “I'm more interested in what's caused the decreased interest rate at the Lehi Bank. A three percent drop, indeed!”

Thus began an intense discussion about the ins and outs of the Lehi Bank, with Haggs and Benton talking over each other in heated voices. Lily let her attention drift, scooping up a forkful of peas and eyeing the empty place setting.

Draven Grant. I wonder what he's like? Hopefully not like these men. I don't think I could stomach another one like them. With the exception of the two captains, of course.

She looked around the table at the mix of gentlemen surrounding her. I do believe I envy this mysterious Grant. While I'm suffering through a long-winded discussion on bank policies, he's relaxing in his bunk. Clever man.

She took a sip of wine as she tried to imagine what he looked like. Tall, with broad shoulders and a strong jaw. Golden hair that just begged for you to run your hands through it. He'd be brooding at first, a bit reserved, but with a teasing streak that came out once you got to know him better. Oh, and he'd be musical. That was a must. She twirled her glass back and forth between her fingers as she let her imagination run loose.

They'd bump into each other on deck. She'd drop her book, and he would retrieve it for her. Their eyes would meet and a thrill would run over her as his fingers brushed against hers. And they'd know it was fate.

She sighed. Or maybe he was a stodgy, old grump who hated anyone and everyone. The way her luck went, the latter seemed the most likely.

Chapter Eight

The rain continued all the way to Devon. By the time the ship docked at the port there, Lily was practically crawling up the walls with boredom. For three full days, she'd been stuck either in her cabin or the dining room for meals, and she wasn't at all sure which was more tedious.

But now, as she stepped off the boat and walked up the cobblestone road into town, she felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders. The sun was shining, warming her with its gentle, spring rays, and she had a solid four hours to stretch her legs and explore the marketplace before heading back to the boat. She sighed in contentment.

“Wait up, Miss Lily!”

She turned and spotted Kenny running down the gangplank, waving in her direction. She paused, waiting for him to catch up. “Hey, Kenny. Did you need something?”

He gave her an apologetic smile. “The cap'n asked me to escort ya while you're in town. Ain't right for a young lady to go 'round a strange place without any protection.” He shuffled his feet. “Not that I'm what you'd want in the way of protection or anything.”

Lily smiled, placing her small hand on his arm and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I'm sure you're more than capable. I gratefully accept your escort. I'm only sorry you've been saddled with me on your only day on-shore.”

“Aw, that's alright,” he replied, pulling an old, worn cap out of his back pocket and slapping it on. “So where'd you wanna go, anyway? The marketplace?” He looked up the road hopefully.

“As a matter-of-fact, that's just where I was headed. The last time I was here, there was this amazing food stall with the most mouth-watering pork skewers. Sooo good. I was hoping I could find them again.”

His eyes lit up. “Well, if the lady insists, then I suppose we'll just have to sniff 'em out, now, won't we?”

Lily linked her arm with his, giving him an impish smile. “Then I insist.”

They walked the five blocks it took to get from the harbor to the market, chatting amiably as they went. Kenny regaled her with stories from his time on the Star Drifter, and she made him laugh as she described some of the antics she and her sisters had gotten up to during their own travels. Her smile broadened as they entered the market and the familiar sounds and smells surrounded her.