Prince Charming by Julie Garwood Page A

to her. “Could a person get lost there? Is there enough space to walk for a full day and never see another soul?”
    If he thought her question odd, he didn’t say. The carriage rocked to a stop near the street leading to the loading docks. The ship they would board was called the Emerald, a two-ton paddle wheel steamer moored in the center of the river. A small steam tender would convey the passengers to the ship.
    Taylor was suddenly anxious to be on her way. It was well past one o’clock in the morning, yet the streets and pavement were teeming with activity. Their carriage was hindered from progressing any further by all the wagons, mail carts, and carriages ahead of them being unloaded of their letters, packages, and passengers.
    â€œAre our suitcases already on board?” she asked. “Or must we find them in this clutter?”
    â€œThey’re already in our stateroom.”
    â€œOur stateroom? Don’t we have separate quarters, sir?”
    She was trying hard not to panic again. Lucas wasn’t paying any attention to her now, and that was a blessing, she thought. She knew she’d gone pale. She felt faint. Did the man expect to share her bed? Heavens, she hadn’t considered that obscene possibility.
    Lucas unlatched the door, pulled the drape back, and then turned to her.
    â€œYour grandmother insisted the log show we shared the same quarters, Taylor. She wanted only one reservation written down. Feel like walking the rest of the way?”
    She felt like running. She nodded instead. He got out of the vehicle, then turned to assist her. She left her cloak behind. He reached behind her to get the garment, saw her gloves were on the floor, and collected those as well, then turned to help her put her cloak on. Taylor seemed surprised she wasn’t wearing her gloves and hastily put them in her pocket. She knew he was being extremely considerate with her, and that fact made her feel better. Perhaps he wasn’t such a barbarian after all.
    â€œWhy didn’t I notice how tall you were?”
    She hadn’t realized she’d asked the question until the words were out of her mouth and she couldn’t take them back.
    â€œYou were standing on the step next to your grandmother’s bed. I wasn’t.”
    She barely heard his explanation. She was thoroughly occupied staring at him. He had a wonderful smile. And beautiful white teeth, she couldn’t help but notice. Heavens, he even had a dimple in the side of his cheek. If that wasn’t appealing, she didn’t know what was. She let out a little sigh over her errant thoughts.
    He glanced down, caught her staring up at him, and wondered what had come over her. She was blushing. She was such an innocent, he thought. Taylor looked mesmerized, almost dazed. What in thunder was the matter with her?
    â€œWhat are you thinking about?” he asked.
    â€œYou’re very handsome,” she blurted out. She immediately regretted telling him the truth. He looked exasperated with her. Her face felt as though it were burning. God, she wished she were more worldly, more sophisticated. “Of course, I’m a horrible judge of men,” she hastily added. “You’ve probably figured that out by now.”
    â€œWhy’s that?”
    Now she was exasperated. “I was going to marry William,” she reminded him.
    He shrugged. She didn’t know what that was supposed to mean. “I should hate all men, I suppose.”
    He laughed. “You’re too young to hate anyone.”
    â€œHow old are you?” she asked.
    â€œOld enough to hate the world.”
    He was through discussing the matter. Lucas grabbed hold of her hand and started walking. She had to run to keep pace. Fortunately, the crowd swelled near the corner, and he was forced to slow down.
    He had a firm grip on her hand. Taylor felt safe. It was an interesting feeling, overwhelmingly pleasant, actually, for she