The Chance of Love (The Book of Love 7)

by Meara Platt

  “We’ll see. First you. Perhaps something nice for Sophie if we find it here. Otherwise, we can wait until we’re back in London.”

  “An excellent suggestion. I don’t know how I can ever repay Aunt Sophie and Uncle John for their generosity. They are saints to put up with all of us.”

  Holly’s eyes widened in surprise as the woman returned with several shawls of excellent quality and beautiful weave. “Oh, my. They’re lovely.”

  “The finest Scottish wool spun thin and dyed in a variety of colors. The expert weavers follow a precise pattern, much like weaving a tapestry.”

  “How many do you have in all?” Joshua asked.

  “Well, these six and another ten in the back.” The woman’s eyes widened hopefully. “Would you like to see them as well?”

  Joshua nodded. “Yes, all of them.”

  She scurried into the back room.

  Holly laughed softly and pretended to frown at him, but she wasn’t really angry. “She will raise her prices,” she said in a whisper. “Honestly, you are the worst shopper.”

  “So what? Can a happy husband not spoil his beautiful wife? I’m not in the habit of purchasing trinkets for women, other than those in my family. And they don’t trust any of us to select something they’d like, so they shop for themselves, negotiate the prices, and send us off to pay for them.”

  She reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

  He arched an eyebrow. “What was that for? Not that I mind in the least.”

  “May a happy wife not kiss her handsome husband?”

  He put an arm around her waist. “You may, of course. I shall never deny you. But that kiss was something more.”

  She nodded. “Just realizing my good fortune. So many men keep mistresses on the side or attempt to seduce women other than their wives with expensive gifts. The Brayden men don’t seem to behave this way.”

  “We aren’t saints, love. But whatever happened in the past is over and done. You’ll never have cause to worry. Brayden men don’t stray. I never will.” He glanced at the shawls that were spread across the counter and picked up the most beautiful of them. “This is us, Holly. These intricate threads so tightly woven, you can hardly tell where one ends, and the other begins.”

  She nodded. “This is why I had to kiss you. This is how you make me feel.”

  He was about to return her kiss with a lusty one of his own when the proprietress walked back in with her arms laden. She tittered when he reluctantly drew away from Holly. “Newlyweds, are you?”

  Holly smiled. “Yes, I suppose it’s obvious.”

  “My dears, you make a lovely couple. May you always look at each other this way. Now, tell me what you think of these. Let me know if any of them strike your fancy.”

  “No need,” Joshua said, knowing Holly would likely give him a swift kick. “We’ll take them all. We’ll be dining at the Three Cups Inn. Can you have them delivered there for us within the hour? For Captain Joshua Brayden.”

  “Yes, indeed. Thank you, Captain Brayden. Mrs. Brayden. I’ll have my son bring them over as soon as I’ve wrapped them.”

  Joshua paid for the shawls, and then they walked next door to what appeared to be a maritime shop.

  “Do you think we’ll find something here for Captain Archie and his crew?” Holly asked. “Oh, and what shall we get for the Earl of Hume?”

  “We’ll save that for when we return to London. It’ll have to be something far more splendid than what we’ll find here.”

  “I suppose you’re right.”

  They bought an elegant compass for Archie and decided to leave the matter of the yacht’s crew for tomorrow. They would have all day to browse the shops in the center of town.

  They walked over to the inn and found Archie having an ale by the bar. He was chatting up one of the pretty serving maids but cast them a hearty smile when they walked in. He waved them over. “This fine lass is Merry, and her parents run a tea shop in the center of Harwich,” he said with his pronounced Scottish brogue. “That’s where she usually works, but she’s here at the inn to help out her aunt and uncle who are shorthanded today.”

  Merry bobbed a curtsy. “I’ll show you to your private dining room. It can get a little rowdy here in the evenings. You don’t want to be in the public room. May I fetch you something to drink?”

  Joshua ordered an ale for himself and tea for Holly.

  “What is the name of your family’s tea shop?” Holly asked the girl.

  “The Frog and Quail.” She rolled her eyes. “I have no idea where that name came from. It’s silly, I know. But it’s the most popular tea shop in Harwich. I’ll be working there tomorrow. Do come around. You’ll enjoy it.”

  Holly glanced at him. “May we, Joshua?”

  He nodded. “We’ll make sure to stop in.”

  The girl eyed Archie shyly. “And you, Captain Hume? Will you stop by, that is…if you are not too busy?”

  The big Scot cast her a beaming smile. “Och, lass. I’ll be there as soon as the doors open.”

  She blushed and hurried away.

  They enjoyed a hearty meal, no doubt served generous portions because of Archie’s flirtations. The fare was remarkably good, but this was often the way at these portside inns. Sailors and passengers came off their vessels hungry.

  Of course, food was not the only thing to occupy a sailor’s mind. But Merry was not one of those girls. The other barmaids were bawdier and knew how to handle the men that came for a drink at this establishment. Even Holly noticed and quietly remarked on it when Archie stepped away to refill his drink. “I hope she’ll be all right as the night wears on, and the men are in their cups.”

  Joshua was watching Archie, who seemed quite taken with the girl. “She will be, love.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because if I know Archie, he’ll be back tonight to walk her home.” That was the polite way of saying what Archie really hoped to do with this girl. But he was a goodhearted Scot and not one to force himself upon any woman. If she wasn’t willing, he’d still see her safely to her door. “If any man gets out of line with her, he’ll find himself at the receiving end of a massive fist to the jaw.”

  He took Holly’s hand. “You have that look in your eyes.”

  She tipped her head to stare at him. “What look?”

  “That matchmaking look. It won’t happen. We return to London the day after tomorrow, and Archie will never stop here again. He knows that. He won’t be making the girl any promises.”

  Holly sighed. “He looked at her in an affectionate way. Not leering or crude. She liked him, too.”

  “Doesn’t matter. It isn’t meant to be.” He caressed her cheek. “Don’t look so sad, love. They will get over it. A pretty girl like Merry will find herself a good husband in time. As for Archie, I don’t know if he will ever marry. If he does, it is not likely to be to a Sassenach.”

  “I would not have gotten over you.”

  His reply was cut short when Archie returned with a pitcher of ale for them to share. It mattered little what he was going to say, for Holly had a romantic heart and did not wish to hear him speak logically about the chances of finding love. Being so happy herself, she now wanted everyone to be happy. Life did not usually turn out that way. She had been through enough loneliness and heartbreak to know this.

  They’d tarried over their meal, and it was close to nine o’clock by the time they gathered their packages and returned to the yacht. As soon as they were safely on board, Archie strode down the gangplank and headed back up the hill. “Do you think he’s going back to Merry?” Holly asked.

  “Yes, love. He made his plans with her when he left us to order the pitcher of ale. And before you ask, I have no idea what those plans might be. It is none of our business.”

  “I know, but I can’t help myself. I won’t embarrass you by asking him questions tomorrow. However, I will torment you now. I need your help in deciding who will get which shawl. One for your mother, of
course. One of the bolder colors for her. And my Aunt Sophie. One of the pretty blue ones to match the color of her eyes. And Violet and my sisters.”

  She laughed and shook her head. “Violet is sick of anything to do with purple. But she will just have to hate me for giving her the violet shawl. It’s so perfect for her. Then there’s Honey and Belle. The red for Honey, I think. Maybe the green or gold for Belle. One must be for Tynan’s wife, Abigail. She was so helpful. And your cousin James’s wife, she’s a Sophie, too.”

  “Oh, hell,” he said with an exaggerated groan. “I think I’d rather toss myself overboard and leave my carcass to the mercy of those whales we saw earlier today.”

  She gave him a playful poke. “So much for being my besotted fool for the rest of our lives. How long did you hold by that declaration? About four hours?”

  He took her into his arms. “Not fair. I am and shall always be wildly in love with you. But shawls? Seriously? I think any man would break under that grueling torture.”

  “Coward.” She kissed him on the lips. “I love you, anyway. What would you like to do for the rest of the evening?”

  He grinned wickedly. “Need you ask?”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Holly quietly slipped out of bed the following morning and donned her robe before tiptoeing to the porthole and drawing aside the curtains covering it. “Oh, drat.” The morning was damp and gray. A dense mist hovered over the water so that she could hardly make out the buildings she knew stood just beyond the dock.

  It was quite early still. She was ever hopeful the sun would come out and burn the mist away. They had only this one day to enjoy Harwich. It would be quite miserable to take in all the sights while running between raindrops.

  She turned to the sound of Joshua’s sleepy groans. “I didn’t mean to wake you,” she said, trying not to gawk at his body as he stretched.

  “It’s early still, love. Why not come back to bed?”

  She did not need to be asked twice. “I was curious to see what the weather was like,” she explained, nestling in his arms. “It’s a grim day, and I was so wishing for sunshine.”

  “It’s barely daybreak, far too soon to know how the day will turn out.” He kissed the top of her head when she scooted back under the covers. “I’m sure it will clear. Even if it doesn’t, we can always come back here another time. Harwich isn’t very far from London.”

  “That’s true. Not far at all. Do you think…” No, she wouldn’t mar this day by speaking of Lord Rawling. But he had to be in Joshua’s thoughts, as well. Could a determined man reach Harwich in a day? What if he could? Then again, how would he know to look for them here?

  There were at least a dozen coves and harbors between here and London where they could have hidden out. It would take him days to stop at each port and inlet along the way. In all likelihood, they would already be on their return trip to London by the time he ever made his way here.

  “Holly, love, Archie’s crew has not let down their guard for a moment. We are safe. I don’t want you to start fretting again.”

  “I’m trying very hard not to.” She threw her arm across his chest and snuggled against him. “Mmm, your body’s warm.”

  “Fiery would be more accurate, but this is what you do to me. One look at you and I ignite. Like lighting a fuse to a keg of gunpowder.”

  She laughed. “Be careful, or you’ll wear it out.”

  He stared down at himself. “No, love. It isn’t like a pencil that grinds down to a nub with constant use. Last night ought to have proved that to you. How are you feeling this morning?”

  “Well loved.” She kissed his chest. “I will let you know if ever I’ve had enough of you.”

  She dozed off again and awoke about an hour later to Joshua nuzzling her neck. “The sun’s out, Holly. Your wish came true.”

  She smiled at him and scrambled to a sitting position. “Let’s not waste another moment. Where shall we go first?”

  He sat up as well. “Wherever you’d like.”

  “I don’t know the area. I can tell you every sight to see around York, but I’m hopeless around here.”

  “I don’t know that there are any fine castles to visit. There are several forts. The seaside. Shopping. A market square. We’ll sail with the tide tonight. I’m sure we’ll find things just by wandering about town in the meanwhile.”

  They took their time washing and dressing and were ready to start their day when Rannulf knocked on the door. “Good morning, Captain Brayden. Mrs. Brayden.” He set their breakfast tray down on the table. “Och, ye’ll be having a fine day. Not a cloud to be found in the sky, and m’bones are telling me there’ll be not a spot of rain today.”

  Holly smiled at him. “That’s excellent news. We were hoping to spend our time walking in town.”

  “Well, enjoy yerself.”

  They ate quickly and headed down the gangplank. They were just starting up the street when they noticed Archie striding toward the yacht. He looked as though he’d been out all night. Holly grabbed Joshua’s arm. “Oh, my. Do you think he…?” She sighed. “I know better than to ask him. But can you tell, Joshua?”

  “Whether he spent the night in Merry’s arms?” He arched an eyebrow. “By the look on his face, I’d say he spent the night with someone. Likely not Merry.”

  “How can you tell he wasn’t with her?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. Something in his expression.”

  “Such as?” She tugged on his arm. “Please, Joshua. Tell me.”

  “Bollocks, Holly. Why do you care? I told you that he and Merry are not like us. He may have gone back to the inn to see her. He may even have walked her home. He may visit her at her family’s tea shop today. But he spent the night with another woman.”

  “And this is what I’m curious about. How do you know this? Tell me quickly. He’ll see us in another moment.”

  “Because he isn’t smiling the way he was at Merry when we were at supper last night. You were right, he did look upon her with affection. But the look on his face now? I don’t think he knows the name of the woman he…there’s no polite way to say what he was doing. I don’t think he cares that he does not know her name. I doubt he bothered to ask it.”

  Holly gasped.

  “And you’d better hide your expression, love. He’s been very good to us. I don’t want you making him feel uncomfortable. It isn’t our business to approve or disapprove of the way he conducts his personal life.”

  “You know I am terrible at this. I can’t hide any of my feelings.” She glanced around and realized they were now in front of the ladies’ shop where they had bought the shawls yesterday. “I’m going in here. Come for me once he passes.”

  She ran inside, barely paying attention to the other two patrons milling about as she tried to sneak peeks out the window without being seen by the captain.

  A female patron walked out, leaving only a gentleman who was looking at some scarves the proprietress had brought out. She paid him no attention since she was more interested in trying to make out what Joshua and Archie were saying to each other. Which is why she was caught unprepared when his hand suddenly clamped over her mouth. He grabbed her tightly around the waist with the other, squeezing so hard that she could not catch her breath. “Mrs. Gleason, why are you running from me?”

  Lord Rawling!

  She tried to scream, but his big hand muffled all sound.

  She tried to kick him and managed to land some blows, but it was as though he was beyond feeling any pain. Indeed, he was beyond any feeling.

  She was still lashing out and trying to fight him with all her might as he dragged her toward the back room. “Don’t fight me. I won’t hurt you,” he said, but the tone of his voice frightened her. High pitched and frail, he truly sounded deranged.

  “Then let me go,” she tried to retort, but his hand was still clamped over her mouth, and nothing intelligible came out.

  Where was the proprietress? Oh, no! What had he done
to that sweet woman?

  As he dragged her past the counter, she saw the woman sprawled on the floor.

  Holly’s heart shot into her throat. Had he killed her? Would she be next?

  She refused to allow tears to form in her eyes. She wasn’t a coward and needed to fight her way out of this scrape. She felt a moment’s hope when she heard the woman groan and then saw her try to roll to her feet.

  Thank goodness! She was alive, but Lord Rawling must have hit her hard. In the next moment, she collapsed again.

  Holly knew it could not be long before Joshua came in. She frantically searched for something to use as a weapon against this demented man. Perhaps there was one in the back room.

  He was dragging her in there.

  She only needed to slow him down long enough for help to arrive. She’d found nothing useful to turn into a weapon in the shop itself. There were only woolens spread out on large tables. She’d do little damage hitting him with a scarf or pair of mittens.

  She was still struggling with Lord Rawling when the bell over the door tinkled, and Joshua strode in. “Holly!”

  The villain immediately released her, shoving her against a stack of shelves that he then pushed down atop her. The stack might have crushed her if Joshua hadn’t caught it in time and held it up just long enough for her to scramble out of the way.

  He then jumped back and let it fall.

  She heard a loud crash as it hit the opposite wall and took down some of the plaster.

  “Damn it!” The collapsed shelving now blocked the back door so Joshua could not chase after the marquess. He cursed again in frustration, for it was useless to run out the front and try to find him. Also, he’d be abandoning two hurt women, and Holly knew he would never do that.

  He cursed again. “Holly, are you all right?”

  She was shaking, scared out of her wits, but otherwise unharmed. “Yes, I’ll recover in a moment. But he struck the proprietress. She’s the one in need of care. Go for help. I’ll tend to her.”

  She knelt beside the groaning woman who had fallen behind the counter.