An hour later, the storm hit with a vengeance just as they arrived into the shelter of the harbor and dropped anchor. The boat still pitched wildly but not half as bad as if they’d been out on the open sea. This, the boat could handle.
Scrubbing his face, he started for his cabin once again. He might as well get some sleep. Or more likely lay in bed thinking of the woman who could be sharing it.
As if he conjured her, he saw Rose peak up from the hatch. Even from across the deck, he could see she was clutching the wood in a death grip. She climbed out, bent over, trying to find her balance. He started for her when a wave pitched and she stumbled to one side and then as the boat crested the wave, she spun toward the rail.
Fear made his heart pound in his chest as he sprang into action. Her hands were clawing at air, looking for something to grab and she skidded toward the edge of the boat. Could he reach her in time?
Chapter Six
Rose stared at Lily as she moaned again and heaved what little was left in her stomach into a pot. She’d been vomiting almost nonstop for the past hour.
Daisy brushed Lily’s hair back, softly crooning as she did. “It’s all right. You’re just seasick. You’ll be all right.”
Lily had always had a sensitive stomach. Rose’s stomach clenched with regret and worry. Why hadn’t she seen this coming? They’d been so desperate, she hadn’t thought the sea journey through. “Poor Lilybean,” she murmured.
Daisy looked up at her. “I think we need help. This isn’t right, how sick she is.”
Rose grimaced. “I think you’re right.”
Lily flopped back on her bunk, still moaning as she clutched at her stomach.
“There must be a doctor onboard.” Daisy held the pot away from her nose.
Rose covered her face. She could hear the stomping above as men worked furiously in the storm. She knew they were trying to keep the boat afloat and her interruption might be costly. But then again, Lily was in need. “I’ll go see if I can find Captain MacFarland.”
The moment she stood, however, she knew her mistake. The boat pitched wildly and she crashed into the wall, her hands spreading out to steady her as she inched toward the door. She finally made it and pulled open the latch, just making it into the hall before a waved pitched, sending the door crashing closed again. The hall was narrow enough that she could reach both her arms out and steady herself as she tipped this way and that.
Her heart pounded in her ears as she reached the ladder, and she climbed with a grip that left her knuckles white with the strain. But the real trouble came when she arrived on deck. Without walls to hold onto, she had no idea how she’d cross the large expanse.
Lily’s image spurred her forward out of the hatch and onto the deck. But the moment she tried to stand, she realized what a mistake that was. She should have crawled. A large wave hit, sending her careening to one side and then as the boat rolled over the top, flying toward the rail. It was all happening exceedingly fast or perhaps ridiculously slow. And, as she tried to make her limbs work, they seemed weighted with fear. She was powerless to stop her motion to the rail and with sick dread, she realized she might tumble overboard into the churning sea.
She flailed her hands uselessly about, searching for anything to grasp onto, but they met only air. A scream built in her chest, but like everything else, her voice didn’t work. Or perhaps she was screaming but the blood rushed too loudly in her ears for her to hear anything at all.
As her feet slid dangerously close to the edge, her eyes near popping out of her face, something firm and warm lashed about her waist. In an instant she was pressed against a large solid form, bands of thick muscle wrapped about her torso.
She looked down. They were arms. For just a second, they loosened and spun her about then pulled her close again.
“Shhhh,” a deep baritone sounded in her ear. “Ye’re all right.”
That’s when she realized she had been screaming after all. Still was. She stopped the sound, but her breath came out in ragged gasps as she looked up into Colin’s face. His square jaw tilted down toward her, his lips drawn into a frown.
His brow was furrowed and his eyes filled with concern. “What are ye doing up here?”
She snaked her arms about his neck, never wanting to let go of this man. Her body pressed to his from chest to knee and she didn’t feel nearly close enough. “Lily,” she gasped between breaths. “She’s so sick.”
His eyes widened and suddenly he hauled Rose off her feet, carrying her effortlessly across the deck despite the wild pitching of the boat. “I need Dr. Muggins,” he bellowed. “Quickly, Leo.”
A sailor scurried from the rigs he was pulling and disappeared below deck.
“I am so sorry to interrupt,” she gasped. “Are we going to be all right?”
“Fine,” he murmured close to her ear. “Look there.” And he pointed into the night.
Rose turned her head to see a light shining in the night. Her body sagged deeper into his as relief washed through her. “Is that a lighthouse?”
“Yes. We’re out far enough that we’re not in danger of the rocky shore but close enough that we can anchor. It’s a harbor we know well. The boat will continue to pitch but we’re completely safe provided ye don’t fall over the edge.”
She tried to laugh but it only came out as gasping breaths. “Thank you for catching me. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t.”
“Ye would have fallen in and then I would have had to jump in after ye.” He grimaced as he squeezed her tighter.
She pulled him closer in response. “You would have done that for me?” This was a man of honor. If she could help it, she was never letting go.
Colin dropped his forehead to hers. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’d taken a bath in a freezing ocean. Not my favorite part of the job, though there isn’t much of it I like these days.”
He didn’t like being a captain? She wanted to ask more but Leo appeared again, with an older gentleman. Once again, Colin lifted her into his arms and made his way to the hatch. “Her sister is ill,” he said by way of greeting.
Then Colin started down the ship ladder, still holding her in his arms. For a moment, the sensation of being so high with nothing under her feet frightened her, but she squeezed her eyes shut and buried her head into his shoulder. Before she knew it, he’d reached the floor below and set her back down on her feet, swinging her to his side.
Rose didn’t want to let go of his neck but reluctantly, she slid her hands down his chest and Colin tucked her against his side.
The doctor sidled past them and then opened the door to the room.
“We’ll stay in the hall,” Colin said quietly in her ear. “There just isn’t room.”
“Will she be all right?” Rose asked, wrapping her arms about his waist. He must think her mad but she needed to be near him.
“Fine,” he answered, one of his hands coming up to stroke her cheek. “Once the sun comes up we can dock if we have to. One night of seasickness never killed anyone. The only danger is if it goes on for days but that won’t be the case here. We’re too close to shore, making plenty of stops.”
She lay her head on his shoulder, sighing in relief. “Thank goodness.” Then she lifted her head again. “What did you mean just before the doctor came? You don’t like being a captain?”
He turned his face away, not answering. “It’s a bit complicated.”
Rose slid her hand up his arm, tracing the strong curve of his shoulder. Her fingers trailed up his neck to his jaw. “That’s all right. I don’t mind.” She hoped he’d tell her. The more time she spent with this man, the more she wanted to know.
* * *
Colin shifted her closer, her body fitting against his in the most satisfying way. He’d never told anyone his true feelings about his profession. He wasn’t certain he even knew how.
But her warmth was seeping into him and those large blue eyes spoke silently of understanding and acceptance. D
rawing in a deep breath, he started talking.
“It was my father’s business that I’ve inherited. It’s a good living. I make more than I need.” He’d managed to save a fair bit. He’d begun putting money away so that he could provide Abigail with a better life than a ship captain’s wife. But he’d continued the practice. While he had a decent amount saved, it wasn’t even close to what he’d need to buy a successful farm. “But as a child, I swore I’d never enter the profession and if I did, I wouldn’t marry. My mother…” He bent his head, his eyes closing. “She suffered because of my father’s absences.”
“Oh,” Rose’s breath blew across his cheeks, filling him with strength. “I think I understand.”
“After she died, my father pulled me into the business. I liked it at first, despite my trepidation. There is an excitement to sailing. But that has long passed. I’d like nothing more than to settle on land but…”
“But what?” She pushed up and kissed him then, so sweetly that it made him ache. “You can tell me. I’ve shared my darkest time with you, remember?”
So she had. He ran his other hand up her spine. “This life and this business is all I know. What if I sell it and I don’t make enough to start my farm? Or worse, I start the farm and fail miserably?” That thought made his shoulders sag.
And then she laughed. A little tinkling sound. Was she making fun of him?
“Colin,” she said, amusement in her voice. “I can’t picture you failing at anything. You are the strongest, most capable man I’ve ever met.”
He opened his eyes, meeting hers. No one had ever expressed such open admiration for him before. Coming from her…
Rather than answer, he captured her lips with his own again. This kiss seared and fused them together with heat and longing.
Colin’s chest rumbled with need even as his loins tightened. Rose clung to him, and somehow made him feel as though she’d meant every word of what she’d said. He pressed her closer still, devouring her lips with his own.
“Pardon my interruption,” Daisy called loudly from the door. “The doctor is ready to see you both.”
Reluctantly, Colin raised his head.
Rose blinked up at him with hazy eyes and the puffy lips of a woman who’d been thoroughly kissed. That only made him want her more but he slowly stepped back. “We’ll be right there.”
“Hurry,” Daisy’s voice bit with irritation. “Our sister is sick…remember?”
Rose let out a squeak, pulling out of his arms as Colin shot Daisy a glare. He’d been less irritated when she’d tried to take that pistol. “Thank ye, Daisy.” He’d like to add that perhaps she wasn’t in a position to argue about virtuous behavior but he let it be as he stepped into the doorway.
Dr. Muggins sat next to Lily’s bunk. “She’s got a bad case of seasickness, I’m afraid. We’ll get some of Cook’s special concoction into her and see if we can’t calm her stomach.”
Colin nodded. “We’ll dock at first light, if not.”
“Agreed,” Muggins answered, feeling her head. “But I’d prefer to get her acclimated. The sickness will only return otherwise when we begin sailing again.”
Lily gave a loud groan. “Don’t say it.”
Rose had ducked under his arm and stood pressed to him again. “We’ll keep watch over her for the rest of night and see that she drinks whatever Cook brings.”
Muggins nodded. “I’ll be back to check on her in an hour.”
“The storm was quick and fierce but with any luck it will move out just as fast.” Colin gave Lily a hopeful smile. “And sleep will help too.”
Lily closed her eyes. “I am less sick already. I haven’t expectorated in at least five minutes.”
Colin pressed his lips together to keep from smiling. While sickness was no laughing matter, that seemed an awfully low bar to judge progress. “Your optimism is unfailing.”
Rose silently laughed next to him. He could feel the rise and fall of her chest against his side. He wanted to kiss her again. In fact, he wished to do a great deal more than that. He closed his eyes. He already knew what the answer to her proposal was. He’d accept.
He could argue he was doing her a favor, but there was no way he could let her go. He could only hope she wouldn’t hate him for it later.
Chapter Seven
The moment Colin and the doctor cleared out of the room, both her sisters stared at her with blatant curiosity. Rose nibbled her lip, as she took her time seating herself on her bunk.
“What is going on between you and the captain?” Daisy asked Rose as soon as she sat. “And don’t leave anything out. Our future hangs in the balance.”
Lily popped her head up too. Apparently, curiosity trumped seasickness. “Tell us, Rose.”
She drew in a deep breath. “Well, he kissed me for starters.”
“I know that,” Daisy replied as she tsked. “Get to the parts I don’t know.”
“I didn’t know.” Lily lay her head back down. “What was it like? Thinking about these things makes me forget my churning stomach.”
Rose drew in a deep breath. “It was,” she searched for the right word, “wonderful.”
Both her sisters sighed. “How could it be anything else with a man like that?” Lily asked.
“He is rather handsome,” Daisy admitted. “If you like the do-gooder sort.”
“What sort do you like if not the do-gooder?” Rose raised her brow. “Because he is responsible for us not starving in that terrible inn.”
Daisy held up her hands in mock surrender. “I like that sort just fine for you. Now carry on. Is there just kissing or is there more?”
She stood in front of the porthole, rocking with the boat. Belatedly, she realized Daisy should have gone up to the deck to get help. She had far better sea legs. Rose drew in a long, deep breath. “Well, we did discuss the possibility of marriage.”
Lily gasped while Daisy let out a whoop.
“Stop,” Rose said, cutting them off. “But nothing has been decided for certain.”
Daisy waved her hand in clear dismissal. “It’s only a matter of time. He can’t keep his hands off you and he’s too much a gentleman to touch you and not marry you.” Daisy pressed her hands to her cheeks. “Thank the lord above for do-gooders. We’re saved for well and good.”
Rose straightened, tension knotting her limbs. “Daisy, please don’t get ahead of yourself. I hope it’s going in that direction but disappointment is what we’ve faced of late. I’m far more accustomed to the feeling and not at all certain I can trust hope.” She pursed her lips. He’d also explained why he never wanted to take a wife. She didn’t dare share that with her sisters, he’d told her in confidence, but now that she wasn’t pressed into his side, she wondered if he had been attempting to explain why he wouldn’t marry her.
Daisy dismissed her words with a sniff, her nose pointing in the air. “Please. A ship captain would be lucky to marry a woman of your station. He should know that.”
“Station?” She shook her head. “I bring nothing but manners to this relationship. Sincerely, I’ll be lucky for any man to take me as his wife.”
Lily shook her head. “Don’t sell yourself short. You’re kind, caring, beautiful, and even-tempered. Any man would consider himself fortunate to have such a wife.”
Rose pressed her hands to her stomach, not answering. What did any of them know for certain about what a man wanted for a wife? She missed their father desperately. Her choices before his passing had been so much easier and his guidance now would be of great value. “I’ve been afraid since father passed. All the time. I must confess that when I’m with Colin—”
“Colin?” Daisy repeated, her voice getting sing-songy. “That’s promising.”
Rose pressed her lips together, continuing as if Daisy hadn’t interrupted. “When I’m with Colin, that’s the only time I forget the fear.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’m doing my best to convince him to take me as his wife but the lessons I learn
ed in finishing school don’t seem to apply here.”
“Thank the lord for that,” Daisy said and then gave a giggle. “I’m quite looking forward to living in Scotland. If there are more men like Colin.” She drew out the name. “We’ll be better off for leaving England if you ask me.”
Rose might agree. She’d always assumed that she’d marry a lord. She’d been acquainted with several before her father’s death. Where had those men gone when her father had passed? Off to find fatter purses than hers, she was sure.
It was her Scottish Captain that had come to her rescue. “So if I can’t convince him by batting my eyelashes, pouring tea, and wearing perfectly matching ribbons, how do I convince him that I’d make a positive contribution to his life?”
Lily made a humming noise as Daisy tapped her chin. But it was Lily who spoke first. “Kissing him seems like a good start,” she said.
Daisy nodded. “Agreed. Especially since he looked so enamored with you in the hall.”
“Compliment him?” Lily ventured then she made a choking noise, her face turning a decided shade of green. “Bucket.”
Rose jumped up to retrieve the pot they’d been using.
Daisy kept talking as though Lily weren’t dry heaving. “I think you need something even grander. Something that proves he needs a woman by his side. That you’ll add comfort and sustenance to his life.”
“Like what?”
Daisy gave her a glowing smile. “You could help Cook make his dinner.”
Rose shook her head. “I don’t know how to cook. I mean we helped our cook as children, but I’ve never made an entire meal before.”
Daisy waved her hand. “How hard can it be?”
Rose furrowed her brow. This sounded like one of Daisy’s plans that seemed innocent but ended in disaster. Then again, she might go to great lengths to convince Colin he needed to marry her.
* * *
Colin woke with the sun. The ship had stopped pitching so violently and the sky was now crystal clear.
A Highlander to Have and to Hold: Brides of Scotland Page 4