by Holly Newman
Gentle, loyal Loreanne.
He gripped the handle of the knife so tightly one of the gems embedded in the handle cut into his palm. He slowly uncurled his fingers, the dagger resting in the curve of his hand. His eye sight blurred and he swallowed around a large lump in his throat. His brow furrowed. He willed his strangled breathing to calm.
Suddenly he heard the staccato chatter of a dolphin. He looked out into the bay. A dolphin jumped out of the water, tossing his head excitedly as it chattered and reared backward.
Behind him there was a loud commotion on deck, and a resounding thwack!
"Out of my way, you insolent fool! Out of my way!"
Andrew turned his head in amazement at the sound of that strident cackle.
"Lady Muirfolk, allow me to escort you. . . ." A harried ship's officer reached out to take the arm of a large elderly woman draped in black bombazine. With one hand she leaned heavily on a silver headed ebony cane. The other hand hung limply at her side.
"I don't need your help. I'm not dead yet!"
"Margareen?" Andrew murmured. He walked toward the steps that led down to the main deck.
"Assuredly, my lady, I meant no offense," placated the officer. "But with your disablement. . . ."
Margareen glared at him.
The young man licked his lips. "It is only that there are many ropes about, and men are so busy with casting off and getting us under sail they are not always mindful of others."
"Humph!" snorted Margareen. She turned her back on the officer and looked up at the stern deck where Andrew stood. "Well?" she bellowed, reminding Andrew of when she sent the little fish tumbling. Behind her grown men cringed.
Lord Andrew Montrose, Viscount Carrelton's smile broadened into a grin. "Yes, Lady Muirfolk," he returned, dragging out her name. He came slowly down the steps, aware his senses were tingling and his heart pounding.
Margareen waited until he stood before her. "Loreanne went into a decline, moaning and moping about. And I lay that at your feet, Carrelton!" She paused and sniffed disgustedly. "Not to be wondered, I suppose, all the young mermen off elsewhere while she stays with a fretting, selfish old mermaid," she murmured.
"Where is she?" he whispered, for that was all the sound he could manage.
"Here."
Andrew whirled about. Loreanne stood by the rail, half-hidden behind ship gear. He strode to her side in four steps. Only fear she would be as insubstantial as his dreams stopped his arms from reaching for her. He searched her face, then stared into her eyes. What he saw released the bands around his heart. He drew a shuddering breath as he held out his arms for her, closing his eyes as she stepped forward and settled against his tall frame.
"Loreanne!"
Behind him came Margareen's cackle. She tapped his shoulder with her cane. "But don't think that you win it all, you arrogant human. I'm too old to be alone. You want Loreanne, you get me to bedevil your days, too."
He opened his eyes to cast a sideways glance toward Margareen. One brow rose and his lips twitched in humor, then his smile broadened and he laughed.
"I look forward to introducing you to my father. You and the earl shall get along famously."
Several years ago, some author friends had the idea for a series of short story collections using the elements as our theme. Perchance To Dream was my contribution to the water element collection. We were unsuccessful in selling the idea to any of our editors; however, over time several of the stories have been published in other anthologies. I never submitted Perchance To Dream for publication, until now.
Amber Anderson of ADK Designs created this cover design. Once again, she has done a wonderful job.
As hard as I try to present a clean manuscript, some mistakes get away from me. If you find a mistake, please let me know by emailing me at [email protected].
If you liked this short story, please leave a review and check out my other historical romances. Here is a short description with links to my other works:
Honor's Players
Known as The Shrew of London for her sharp tongue, Elizabeth Monweithe's family despaired she would ever marry. However, when Justin, Viscount St. Ryne, asked for Elizabeth's hand in marriage, her family wept for joy. Elizabeth shrieked in fury. Poor Elizabeth hadn't the faintest notion that St. Ryne had a curious plan designed to tame her, a plan that would tangle their hearts and teach both arrogant husband and quick-tempered wife a thing or two about love and marriage!
The Heart's Companion
Rumor branded the Earl of Royce as the Devil's Disciple, a man every self-respecting woman spurned. But Jane Grantley found spurning him difficult for the Devil's Disciple refused to live up to his name instead playing the perfect gentleman until even Jane's legendary reserve melted.
The Waylaid Heart
Snubbed! Intrigued by the novelty, Sir James Branstoke followed the widow Cecilia Waddley. He first followed her in curiosity, then to save her from herself when he realized she was on the trail of a murderer who would have no compunction about taking her as his next victim.
A Heart in Jeopardy
For Leona Leonard and Nigel Deveraux duty to one's family went without question. But when Leona rescues a Deveraux family member from kidnappers and the kidnappers swear vengeance, Leona's and Nigel's concepts of duty clash in this lively Regency mystery romance.
The Rocking Horse (A Regency Christmas Novella)
The handmade toy was Lord Tarkington's gift for his young daughter. But his labor of love touched the heart of a lady —who knew she had found her heart's desire.
Coming Soon:
A Grand Gesture
When Catherine Shreveton was offered a London Season under the auspices of her aunt, her family insisted she go. In a pique, she dressed to look every bit as plain and provincial as her aunt supposed her to be, but she hadn’t counted on the Marquis of Stefton who knew she acted a sham.
Gentleman's Trade
A sparkling story of a New Orleans belle caught up in a contest of wills with a dashing Englishman.