Surrender the Heart

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall Page B

Book: Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall Read Free Book Online
Authors: MaryLu Tyndall
Tags: adventure, Romance, Historical, Regency
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Marianne to her cabin to get some rest, Noah. She’s been here all night.”
     
    “Order her?” Noah chuckled. “I don’t believe anyone can order Miss Denton to do anything she doesn’t want to do.”
     
    Marianne’s lips lifted at one corner, and she favored him with a sly glance before facing Agnes. “I am well, Agnes. When you rest, I will rest right here beside you, in case you should need anything.”
     
    “You are too good to me, dear.” An exchange of affection passed between Agnes and Miss Denton that caused Noah to shift in his seat. For a woman accustomed to ordering servants about to please her every whim, Miss Denton’s care for this dear sweet woman was quite baffling.
     
    And Noah didn’t like it one bit.
     

     
    Emerging from the companionway, Marianne slid her shoes tentatively onto the upper deck. She’d been avoiding coming above, loathe to face the endless sea. But after spending two nights and three days in the stagnant, sickly air of Agnes’s cabin, she risked confronting her fears in order to get a breath of fresh air. Thankfully, Agnes’s fever had abated, and she slept soundly now. She’d be back to her old self soon.
     
    Noah truly cared for Agnes. Marianne had seen it in his eyes as he held her hand. She had heard it in the soft tone with which headdressed her. And Seafoam. Marianne had never seen a man so affectionate with a cat. And a cat so attached to her master. She began to think there was more to this man than she first assumed. Yet that did not change the fact that he did not wish to marry her. Nor that he planned to do so out of obligation to his father. At least she hoped that was still his plan. That he harbored feelings for another woman didn’t bode well on that front.
     
    Fatigue hung on her shoulders and weighted down her eyelids.
     
    Squinting against the afternoon sun that sat a handbreadth above the horizon, Marianne made her way to the round object they used to heave the anchor, bracing herself against the surge and roll of the ship as she went. Somehow the vessel’s constant sway seemed less dangerous below where if the ship canted and she tumbled out of control, the walls could break her fall. But here above deck, what would stop her from toppling overboard? She gripped the wooden heaving tool and drew in a deep breath of the stiff breeze that swept past her, bringing with it a hint of salt and fish.
     
    Sailors scampered by, tipping their hats in her direction as they passed. Shielding her eyes, she glanced above where men lumbered over the yards with as much ease as if they strolled along Market Street. Another blast of wind rushed over her, cooling the perspiration on her neck. Forcing down her fear, she dared a glance at the vast waters that held the tiny ship captive. Azure blue waves spread to a glowing horizon, each swell capped with golden crystals of sunlight. The ship bucked and a salty spray showered over her. She jerked back, brushing the drops from her arms.
     
    “Miss Denton,” a deep voice startled her, and she turned to see Mr. Weller standing beside her. “Good afternoon t’ ye.”
     
    “Thank you, sir.”
     
    “We haven’t seen much of you above deck these past few days.” He adjusted the red scarf that seemed to be permanently attached to his neck.
     
    “I’ve been attending Mrs. Hobbs.”
     
    “Aye, we ain’t got a decent meal in quite some time. I hope she getswell soon.” He frowned. “Not that I only care about me food. She’s a kindly lady, too.”
     
    “Never fear, she’s recovering.”
     
    He gazed toward the horizon. “The sea is beautiful in the afternoon. If you come t’ the foredeck it feels like yer a bird, flyin’ across the water.” He gestured for her to follow him.
     
    “Oh no, I couldn’t, Mr. Weller.” She swallowed. “I’m perfectly saf—I mean content here.”
     
    He cocked his head and a slow smile spread on his lips. “Yer afraid of water?”
     
    She gave him a sheepish

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