Of course they were wide! She wanted to get across the room as fast as she could.
But that wasn’t good enough for Miss Peabody. So holding in a fit of grumbles, Dorothy made it across the room for the first time in without tripping over her own legs—because of the dress—and keeping the damn book on her head.
“Excellent form.” Miss Peabody beamed. “Now we must go up on deck so you have farther to walk.”
Dorothy yanked the irritating book off her head. “I think not, Miss Peabody. I cannot possibly do as you suggest.
“Why not?”
“People will gawk me for walking with a book on my head.”
The older woman chuckled. “No, my dear. You won’t have the book. I believe you can handle the stroll on deck without that obstacle. The book was to keep your posture straight.”
Dorothy almost jumped with excitement. “Then I would be delighted to take a stroll with you.”
“Splendid. Let’s put on our cloaks and bonnets. I fear the wind might chill us more than we’re prepared for.”
Although Dorothy disagreed, she bit her tongue from voicing her opinion and yanked on the most ridiculous bonnet she’d ever owned. She didn’t know why she couldn’t wear one of her own.
As she hurried out of her cabin, she felt so silly. The cloak weighed her down almost as much as the wool dress. Then again, because they were on the ship, the weather would certainly be cooler than she was used to. But at this moment, she’d rather freeze than fidget with the heavy cloak—and the insufferable ribbons on her bonnet scratching her skin.
The moment they reached the top, a cool breeze hit Dorothy’s cheeks. She smiled and closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh salt air. The sun’s rays helped to warm her through the sting of the wind. Standing here was so peaceful, even with the seagulls squawking above them and water surrounding them as far as the eye could see.
She relaxed and took in everything around her. Several couples were strolling the deck, all adorned as foolishly as she—some even more so. There were more men than women, but then the women must be ninnies who couldn’t stand the cold air.
As she and Miss Peabody walked further, the ship swayed. Dorothy steadied herself. After all, if she didn’t turn out a good performance, Miss P would surely take her back down to the torture chamber and place the thick book on her head.
“Oh, dear.” Miss Peabody groaned and touched her stomach.
Dorothy arched an eyebrow. “What ails you? You aren’t seasick, are you?”
“I fear I might be just a little.”
That’s all Dorothy needed. A sick lady’s companion.
A shout of laughter pulled her attention towards the middle of the deck where four men sat around a small table playing cards. Mr. Seton stood out. She couldn’t decide if it was because he was more handsome or because he didn’t look like a fur-bundled snowman.
“Look, there is Mr. Seton,” Miss Peabody announced.
“Yes, I see him as well. I think we should go over and show him how well I’m progressing with my training.” Dorothy flashed Miss P a wide grin. “I’m certain he’ll be especially happy that you have done such a fine job.”
Scarlet blossomed on the companion’s cheeks. “Indeed, what a splendid idea.”
Excitement bubbled inside Dorothy. She was anxious to talk to Mr. Seton since they hadn’t really spoken for a week—not about anything personal, anyway.
As they drew closer, Dorothy realized the men were betting high on their card game. She’d spent years studying faces while working at her inn. True, most of the time they were drunken expressions, but after watching her brother’s card games, she’d gotten to understand a lot. Uncertainty creased Mr. Seton’s forehead and through his narrowed gaze. A couple of the other men were bluffing and she wondered if Mr. Seton realized this.
She walked around Mr. Seton and stood directly behind his shoulder. The cards he held weren’t as bad as she feared they might be. In fact, he might win if he knew the right tactics in playing.
Her shadow cast over part of the table. Mr. Seton glanced her way before looking back at his hand. Quick as lightning, his head snapped towards her again, his eyes wide with surprise. As his gaze scanned over her, his mouth slowly lifted in a smile.
Remembering what Miss P had taught her, Dorothy dropped in a small curtsey. “Good day, Mr. Seton.”
He quickly jumped out of his chair to stand as the other men followed suit. Mr. Seton’s eyes sparkled when they met hers.
“Good day, Miss Paxton. It is a pleasure to see you out and about this morning.”
“Believe me, it’s a pleasure to be out and about instead of confined to my room.” She nodded towards the others. “Are you enjoying your game, Mr. Seton?”
“Oh, the game.” He turned sharply towards the other men as if he’d suddenly forgotten they were there. “Yes, I’m quite enjoying myself.”
The man sitting on Mr. Seton’s right cleared his throat. “Seton, old boy, are you going to introduce us to this lovely creature?”
Lovely creature? Dorothy nearly snorted a laugh from the gentleman’s compliment. Yet it was Mr. Seton’s expression that she loved watching instead, since he appeared so flustered.
“Of course.” He glanced Dorothy’s way again. “Miss Paxton, I would like to introduce you to Lord Feenly—” he pointed to the man on his right who bowed— “Lord Tippens, and Mr. Clark. Gentleman, this is the Duke of Danby’s granddaughter, Miss Paxton, and her companion, Miss Peabody.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” they muttered.
“Likewise.” She smiled, and Miss P mumbled her greetings as well.
“Please, continue your game, gentlemen,” Dorothy said.
Nodding, they took their seats. As the game continued, the men made their bets. Once again, Mr. Seton hesitated too often. His frown and the way he shifted so much in his chair clued her to his lack of confidence. If the other men noticed, Mr. Seton would lose again. From the small amount of money he had in front of him, he hadn’t won many hands. Although he only held a full house, he could still win—with help from her, of course.
When the bets came around the table again, Mr. Seton shook his head and was ready to quit the game. Quickly, she bumped his shoulder. He lifted his gaze to her and she shook her head. Keep going, she mouthed. Confusion crossed his expression. Trust me, she mouthed again, in a silent plea.
She cleared her throat and smiled prettily. “Mr. Seton, I may not know much about playing cards, but with a hand like yours, I’m sure you can bet a little higher.”
Grumbles came from the other men, and she tried not to chuckle.
“Uh…” Mr. Seton looked at the other men. “She’s correct. I’ll raise the bet.”
Just as she suspected, Mr. Clark and Lord Tippens backed out of the game. Lord Feenly was a stubborn old coot, but his forehead was too moist for the cool breeze coming from off the sea. Not only that, but he swallowed more than normal.
The older gentleman raised the bet again. Mr. Seton hesitated, and Dorothy feared he’d back out. Just at that precise moment, the ship swayed. Even though the effect didn’t bother her, this was the perfect opportunity.
“Oh, dear.” She groaned and placed a hand over her head.
“Are you going to swoon?” Miss Peabody asked, grasping Dorothy’s arm.
Mr. Seton jumped out of his chair and reached for her, his arm sliding around her protectively. “Are you all right?”
Playing the seasick woman to the hilt, she leaned towards him and placed her head on his shoulder, groaning. She tilted her head and whispered in his ear, “He’s bluffing.”
He pulled away just enough to look at her. She winked. “Trust me, he’s bluffing,” she said again softly.
A grin stole across his once worried face, and he winked back.
“Oh, thank you, Mr. Seton.” Dorothy stepped away from him. “Forgive me for nearly swooning, but I’m better now.”
“Are you certain?” he asked, trying his best
to look concerned, but the gleam of humor in his eyes told a different story.
“Indeed, I am.” She pushed him back to the card game.
Now with an air of confidence about him, Mr. Seton finished the game—and won. Just as she knew he would.
“I must say, Seton,” Lord Feenley said, “your luck has changed since Miss Paxton arrived.”
“I’ll admit it has. Perhaps I should keep her by my side a little longer.”
The other men laughed, and Dorothy’s heart skipped a beat. She wished Mr. Seton would quit saying things like that, and especially looking at her as if she were a buffet of sweetmeats. She couldn’t have these feelings for him. Her heartbreak would be just like her mother’s.
“Forgive me, Mr. Seton, but I must decline your most tempting offer. My companion and I were taking a turn around the deck.” She sank in another curtsey. The men stood and bowed before she and Miss P left the table.
Dorothy really didn’t want to leave the card game because it reminded her of home, but she couldn’t watch Mr. Seton’s dancing eyes when he looked upon her. She walked directly to the ship’s railing and leaned on it. Taking a deep breath, she breathed in the fresh sea air, hoping to clear her head.
“Oh, look,” Miss Peabody exclaimed. “There is Lady Blackwood. I haven’t seen her in years.”
Dorothy glanced at the woman her companion pointed to. “Miss Peabody, if you’d like to go chat with her, feel free to do so. I’ll be fine by myself for a few minutes.”
“Are you certain? I shan’t be gone long.”
“Yes, I’ll be fine. Now go.”
The older woman waddled away, leaving Dorothy to her thoughts. Finally! Miss P was a sweet lady, but Dorothy needed room to breath without a Mother-hen watching her every move. Being cooped up with the older woman was driving Dorothy insane, and she didn’t know how much more of the lady’s sweetness she could stand.
Then again, perhaps it was better to be with Miss P than with Calvin Seton. That man made her feel things she hadn’t experienced before. The way his eyes partook of her not too long ago made her feel pretty. Like a lady. In all these years, she always thought it didn’t matter if men treated her like one of them.
Until now.
Until Mr. Seton entered her life.
“May I ask what you are thinking?”
Mr. Seton’s deep voice made her jump. As she swung around, she didn’t realize how close he was until she bumped into him. His arms wrapped around her and tightened, keeping them from toppling over and causing a scene.
She placed her hands on his chest to push away from him, but the warmth from his arms, and his smoldering gaze kept her in place.
This was not a good thing at all, but heaven help her, she didn’t want to leave.
~ 5 ~
Calvin couldn’t believe the transformation this woman had undergone. She didn’t even resemble the ill-mannered woman he’d met a few days ago with wild hair and a maid’s drab clothes who chewed with her mouth open. Instead, a beautiful lady stood before him. Very close to him, in fact. For the life of him, he couldn’t keep from staring into her intoxicating eyes, and his limbs refused to move.
How long he stood holding her this way, he didn’t know, but he wasn’t the only one whose gaze devoured the other. The way she looked upon him with smoldering eyes growing darker by the second nearly had him begging for a kiss. And he was not a man who begged for anything. In his cavalry unit, he was admired for his ability to remain in control. Yet where was his control now?
“Mr. Seton?” Her voice sounded sensual. “Are you all right?”
He could have laughed out loud. Hell no, he wasn’t all right! “I’m fine, Miss Paxton.”
“Please, call me Dorothy,” she whispered. “At least when we’re alone.”
“Dorothy—” He paused, enjoying the way her name breezed across his lips. “You are amazing.”
“Pardon me?”
What had he just said? Quickly, he snapped out of the dream she’d somehow put him under and reluctantly withdrew. Emptiness invaded him, and he wished he could take her back in his arms again. Impossible!
“Um, I mean, your transformation is utterly amazing,” he said to correct his blunder. “Miss Peabody has done a remarkable job, has she not?”
Dorothy shrugged. “I suppose.”
“You look very much like a lady, I might add.” He skimmed his gaze over her attire again. “And you walk like a lady as well.”
“I would hope so. Miss P would have me locked in my room until I glided to her satisfaction.”
“Miss P?”
She shrugged. “Yes, my companion.”
He chuckled. “I assume you don’t call her that to her face.”
“Of course not. It wouldn’t be proper.”
“You are correct. Miss Peabody would have the vapors if you did.”
“So let’s keep this between us.” Dorothy smiled.
“Of course.” He took another step back and leaned against the railing.
Silence lasted only a few moments, before Dorothy touched his arm. “Mr. Seton, I want to thank you for what you have done to help my brother.”
He smiled. “You are most welcome.”
“The doctor you found to treat Jeremy is wonderful.”
“I must say, your brother’s health perked up quick considerably before we left New York. Do you not agree?”
“Wholeheartedly. It still amazes me what miracles could happen with the right physician and treatment.”
“You are correct, Dorothy. Jeremy’s health improved by the minute.”
“I thank you again.”
Calvin cocked his head and grinned. “And I would like to thank you for helping me with that card game. I did win more money than I lost, thank heavens.”
“I can tell you are not good at playing cards.”
He shook his head. “I’ll admit, it’s not one of my favorite pastimes. Most gentlemen enjoy the sport, but not me.”
“Well, that’s a good thing, because you would need to have lessons, much the way I’m receiving them from Miss P,” she answered in a sharp tone.
“How are you getting along with your companion?”
“As well as could be expected, I suppose.”
“Why do you say that?”
“The older woman will eventually make me lose my mind, especially if she keeps me trapped in my small room.” She tugged at the ribbons under her chin. “And this damn bonnet is going to chafe my skin, I just know it.” Her hands moved to the cloak and swept down her chest. “This blasted garment is heavy, and I fear if I were to fall overboard, I’d sink clear to the bottom of the ocean within seconds.”
He grinned. “Come now, Dorothy. Dressing like a lady can’t be that horrid.”
“It’s worse.” She threw up her hands in emphasis. “Do you know that I’m not wearing anything under this gown—all but for my stockings, of course.”
The shock from her loud words had him stepping closer to her and covering her mouth. “Shh… You don’t want the whole ship to know.”
She removed his hand, but still held it close to her. “I’m certain the whole ship does know, especially if every woman is dressed like me.” She leaned closer. “According to Miss P, I cannot wear my drawers—since she thinks it’s scandalous for a noble woman to wear such a garment—and this frigid weather is freezing my nether region.”
Calvin should scold her for discussing such delicate subjects with a man. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to correct her. Especially when he imagined what she’d look like under her dress. So creamy, so smooth, and so…naked. How easy it would be to slide his hands up her legs in a tender caress, until reaching the rainbow and the pot of gold. He would be more than happy to warm her nether region whenever she asked.
Shaking his head slowly, he grinned. “Dorothy, you really should not say such things in the company of a man.”
Her forehead furrowed. “Why not?”
Of their own accord, his
fingers caressed her knuckles and the palm of her hand. “Because it will give the man improper thoughts.”
The small lines in her face disappeared and softness covered her expression. “Is that what’s happening to you now?” She moved closer until her breasts brushed against his hand. “Are you having improper thoughts about me?”
Bloody hell, was he ever! Especially now when all he had to do was reach his fingers out ever so slightly and touch her breasts—
“Oh, Mr. Seton, there you are.”
Miss Peabody’s high, shrill voice made him jerk away from Dorothy as if she were on fire. Instead, it was his loins that were ablaze.
He pasted a smile to his lips and hesitantly faced the older woman. “Miss Peabody, did you have a nice visit with your friend?”
“Indeed, I did.” She frowned. “But I fear you are vexed with me for leaving Miss Paxton’s side.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Dorothy answered. “I wasn’t by myself for very long before Mr. Seton kept me company.”
He nodded. “Miss Paxton is correct. I’m not upset in the least.” Except for when their conversation was interrupted.
“Splendid. We can now continue our stroll along the deck,” Miss Peabody said.
Calvin turned to Dorothy and offered his arm. “You don’t mind if I join you?”
A mischievous grin stole across her beautiful face. “Of course not. Miss Peabody and I would be delighted.”
She placed her gloved hand around the crook of his arm, and he felt like a prince escorting such a lovely lady. Prince? He shook the thought away. He needed to stop thinking with a certain part of his anatomy and use his brain instead. This was Dorothy Paxton for goodness sake. Not a princess!
A Summons From His Grace (Regency Christmas Summons Collection 4) Page 15
