Miss Frazer's Adventure by Alexandra Ivy Page A

out of the carriage, lowered the steps, and handed Kate onto the narrow walk. Not surprisingly, her brows lifted at the shabby buildings and the distinct aroma of rotting fish.
    â€œThe docks? This is your surprise?”
    â€œNot quite.” Pulling her arm through his own, he assisted her down the narrow steps that led toward the shadowed pier. In silence, they carefully traversed the slick wooden platform, halting as he came to the awaiting dinghy that floated upon the dark water. “Is all prepared, Foster?”
    â€œAye.” A soft glow suddenly revealed the sailor as he lifted the shades from the lamp. “All is in order.”
    â€œGood.” He glanced at his companion. “Shall we, my dear?”
    Luce did not even realize that he held his breath until, after a short hesitation, Kate slowly gave a nod of her head, and he wrapped his arms about her to lift her into the boat. Heaving a silent breath of relief that she had not balked as he had half expected, he smoothly vaulted into the boat and settled Kate on the seat beside him. Even then, his sharp glance toward Foster silently urged the captain to set his oars in motion with all speed.
    After no more than a low grunt, no doubt intended to reveal the older man’s disapproval at hauling about a dreaded female, they were swiftly skimming over the water toward the silent ship looming in the distance.
    Luce ignored the cantankerous Foster and instead turned his attention to the woman who was regarding him with a rather suspicious frown.
    â€œAre you chilled?”
    â€œNo, the night is remarkably mild for November.”
    â€œAnd remarkably beautiful,” he murmured. “We are blessed to be graced with starlight rather than fog.”
    His ploy to distract her seemed successful, as she obediently glanced up at the jewel-studded sky.
    â€œIt is beautiful.”
    â€œIf you desire, I could dazzle you with my knowledge of the constellations.”
    â€œYou must think I am easily dazzled,” she said in wry tones.
    â€œNo, I think you are a very intelligent, discerning woman.” He slowly smiled. “I do sense, however, that you would like to be dazzled.”
    She shrugged. “I just desire to enjoy myself.”
    â€œI can appreciate that.” He tilted his head to one side. “Tell me, why have you never traveled to London before? Most young maidens have at least one season.”
    There was a pause before she at last gave a restless shrug. “My father considered it a waste of money.”
    â€œMoney is hardly a concern for Sir Frazer,” he prompted, wishing her to reveal the contents of her heart while she was not fuzzy with champagne. He needed to earn her trust if she was ever to willingly become his wife. “And he must have known that with your beauty and considerable dowry, you could have your choice of titled gentlemen.”
    â€œObviously, he realized there was no need for such a journey when I could just as easily discover a titled gentleman in Kent.”
    He grimaced at her ready retort. She was not going to make this easy.
    â€œA gentleman of his choice, as I have come to discover, not your own.”
    She offered another shrug. “My father has rarely considered anyone’s desires but his own. Like most gentlemen, he does not believe a woman is capable of knowing her own mind.”
    He leaned closer, his expression somber. “It is not entirely fair to presume every gentleman believes such nonsense, Kate. There are any number who not only appreciate the female mind, but consider it a prime asset in a wife.”
    â€œGentlemen such as you?” she demanded in disbelieving tones.
    â€œYes. I would certainly hope that the mother of my children would possess the qualities I hope to instill in my heirs.”
    â€œWhat qualities?”
    â€œIntelligence, courage, and an independent spirit,” he promptly listed. “Only a fool would believe a weak,