Bad Miss Bennet
Page 28
I was quite sure that Jerry would inveigle himself into the Portuguese royal household. After all, he was able to say truthfully that he had served the Prince of Wales. It would be months before any checks could be made, and what havoc he might cause in that time … What part would I be forced to play in his schemes? If only I could control my feelings for this handsome wretch. I recalled how fit and inviting he had looked in his sailor’s outfit. This led me to remember our moments in the Assembly Rooms in Bath. I was forced to grip the handrail of the ship in order to gain control of my wilder emotions.
When I had recovered myself somewhat I made my way below deck to our cramped quarters. I informed Adelaide of Jerry’s presence on board but she was lying on her narrow berth groaning quietly and I do not think my words made any impact.
I straightened my gown, smoothed my hair and prepared to attend the princess. As I made my way to her stateroom I was almost thrown to the floor by the listing of the ship. Various shrieks and moans emanated from behind closed doors. I found Dona Leopoldina upright and alert.
‘You and I are the only resolute passengers aboard this ship, Mrs Wickham.’
I curtsied gratefully. Interesting times lay ahead.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2012 by Jean Burnett
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Table of Contents
Cover Page
Title Page
Table of Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Copyright Page