Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall

preachy, but out of true concern for him. He had felt his defenses weaken. And he couldn’t allow that to happen. She must be the one to break off their engagement. It was the only way for her to save face and for Noah to appease his father. Then with the added wealth this trip would bring, everyone would be happy. Perhaps he could even consider a courtship with Miss Priscilla in South Hampton.
     
    He pictured the lady in his mind. With curves in all the right places and hair of golden silk, she was the picture of feminine beauty and charm. The daughter of a wealthy solicitor, she carried none of the pretensions and snobbery one would expect of someone of her class. Although Noah had no formal understanding with Miss Priscilla and he’d only spent a few short days with her, he sensed she was as enthralled with him as he was with her. Her father did, however, require that any suitors must be worth at least one thousand pound a year before he would agree to a courtship.
     
    A sum Noah could make no boast of. Not yet.
     
    He rubbed the back of his neck. Then there was his own father— who would disapprove of Miss Priscilla based solely on the fact that Noah chose her. Another disappointment credited to his ledger. A debt that if Noah could not settle soon, would prohibit him from ever being able to make his own decisions. Which was why he desperatelyneeded this voyage to be successful.
     
    Rap rap rap
.
     
    “Enter,” Noah said. Matthew ambled in, a tray in hand. The sting of rum-laced tea and stale biscuits greeted Noah’s nose as the older man set down his load.
     
    “Apologies sent from my missus, Cap’n, but she’s a bit indisposed. ‘Fraid ye’re going t’ have t’ do with this simple fare this morning.”
     
    “Indisposed?” Noah’s alarm rose. He circled the desk. Usually a vision of robust health, Agnes rarely took ill.
     
    “A slight fever, is all.” Matthew yanked his hat from his bald head. “Miss Denton attends to ‘er.”
     
    “Miss Denton?” Noah assumed she’d still be tucked in her bed at this early hour.
     
    Grabbing his waistcoat from the back of the chair, Noah thrust his arms through the sleeves, then lifted the mug and took a sip of tea. The taste soured in his mouth. He liked his tea with sugar, but that was a luxury they could ill afford.
     
    Matthew shifted his bare feet over the floor and stared at Noah.
     
    “Thank you, Matthew. Is there something else?”
     
    “‘Bout Miss Denton.” Matthew’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “If I may speak wit’ ye.”
     
    Noah puffed out a sigh. Miss Denton again. He had hoped to occupy his mind elsewhere today.
     
    “I ‘eard her cryin’ last night in her cabin.” Accusation fired from his voice.
     
    The sails thundered above as they shifted in the wind, the sound pounding Noah’s guilt deep into his heart. He hadn’t meant to make her cry. Leaning back on his desk, he sipped his tea, suddenly wishing he could drown himself in it.
     
    “The missus was speakin’ t’ me ‘bout her. Poor girl’s mother is ill, an’ she’s needed at home.”
     
    “I realize that, Matthew.” Shrugging off his remorse, Noah tightened his lips. “But I have a schedule to keep and cannot alter it for the actions of one foolish girl. I’ll take her home in three months.Her mother will not suffer overmuch during that time. In fact, she appeared quite well the day of the engagement party.” Noah set down his mug and began strapping on his belt. “Besides, I fear Miss Denton will use any excuse she can to get me to return her home.”
     
    “Even so, Cap’n. Her poor mother will be worried sick over what happened t’ her.”
     
    “Considering that Miss Denton darted down the street after me, I’m sure she will solve the puzzle soon enough.” Noah had no time for such nonsense. Blast the woman for weaving her way into Hobbs’s sentiments.
     
    Matthew tossed his hat down and eyed Noah with more authority than his position