AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And you want nothing more than to possess her once you have her out of said gown,” Daniel said with a knowing smirk.
“No. All right, yes, but that’s beside the point.” He couldn’t help his grin. “If she’ll consent to wear it to my mother’s Christmas Eve event in two days, she can easily be the toast of the evening.”
Shock tightened his chest. Yes, he thought her beautiful, but if other men did too once she wasn’t garbed in the drab dresses any longer, would she take a fancy to one of them? Well, he didn’t like that notion by half, but if she fell in love and a man made her happy?
Bah! Why do I care who she spends her time with?
Because selfishly, he wanted her attention to himself. He shook his head then stared into the contents of his tankard. “It’s complicated, for I don’t want to offer for a woman again. It was a disaster the last time.” Was his heart strong enough for that potential pain a second time around? For that matter, did he truly wish to offer for Felicity? They were practically strangers, had known each other for barely a week, yet he was properly fascinated and couldn’t look beyond her for a different candidate like his mother wanted.
But I don’t love her.
Did he? Of course, love didn’t necessarily mean anything as evidenced by his last engagement. If she didn’t return those feelings, a marriage would never work.
Or last.
Yet there had to be an explanation for these budding feelings that went beyond desire. Many times during his travels he had lusted after a woman, but rarely did he feel as if he belonged with them past a quick tumble.
“If you’re as far gone over this Miss Cowan as to contemplate a possible union, then I’d say you have your answer.” When Bartholomew didn’t reply, Daniel clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Captain, if there’s one thing you and I know for certain it’s the fact that life is short. Death or adverse circumstances can swoop in and take us without warning.”
“What are you attempting to say?” He raised his head and stared across the crowded common room. Though laughter and conversation filled the air, none of it set him at ease. Neither did the fat snowflakes lazily drifting down past the windows. “My mother will oppose the match.” Of course she would, for she was as contrary as the goats that populated the Caribbean islands.
Daniel blew out a breath. “Don’t wait. If you feel it in your gut—your soul—this woman is for you, then do something about it. Everyone else can go hang.”
“Perhaps you’re right. I’ll give serious thought to your advice.” He needed more time to ponder the implications of taking such a large step. “Though there is something I’d like you to help me take care of regarding Felicity.”
His first mate’s eyebrows soared once more at Bartholomew’s casual use of her Christian name. “Oh? What’s that?”
“Do you recall a Mr. Humphrey Anderson?”
“One of the biggest bounders I’ve ever come across in London’s port.” His face was set into hard lines. “Why?”
Briefly, Bartholomew explained how the man had been mucking about in Felicity’s imports and thereby angering her vendors. “You and I need to pay him a visit to encourage him to find that missing merchandise.”
“Ah. I understand.” Daniel winked. “It’s been a while since we’ve had to muscle our way through a nodcock’s brain, but I look forward to the challenge.”
“As do I.” Depending how the conversation went, he’d relish landing the man a facer for the pure joy of it for what he’d done to Felicity’s father’s business. “Miss Cowan doesn’t need the additional stress of missing shipments. She has enough on her mind as it is.” He frowned as he stared at his friend. “What she really needs is someone who can take over her business. It was given to her at her father’s death, but she’s out of her element just now.”
“Some women don’t have the intelligence to mingle in commerce.”
“Don’t dare to insult her.” A warning growl had set up in Bartholomew’s voice that surprised him.
“I meant no offense.” Daniel put a hand up to ward off further ire. Then he snickered. “Sure, you’re not halfway in love with Miss Cowan at all.”
“Do shut up.” He nodded, willing himself to put the hackles away, but the need to protect Felicity remained. “I have no doubt she can do anything she sets her mind to, but she’s not been properly trained. Because of that, the shipping outfit is suffering.”
“You wish to be the man to turn it about.” It wasn’t a question.
“I don’t know.” Beyond lifting the burden for her, he hadn’t thought upon the issue.
“It would give you a purpose now that the Navy is behind you, and with your knowledge you could certainly grow that business into something bigger.”
“Indeed.” Slowly, Bartholomew nodded as the idea took root in his mind. “Then she wouldn’t need worry or constantly be harassed by some of the more colorful buggars out at the docks.” He met his friend’s gaze. “And if it does become successful, I’d need a partner…”
“I’d be happy to help.”
“Good. Perhaps we should meet soon and discuss strategy.”
Daniel snorted. “That is if you can persuade Miss Cowan to let you run the business.”
