Page 124 of The Governess Who Stole My Heart
“The Admiralty assumed all were lost, as the island where we landed was uninhabited and we had no way to make contact until we were rescued by another British ship that had anchored to take on freshwater.”
“Oh, Daniel… what a story. And now you’reback.”
She stood up and went over to him and made him stand so she could take him in her arms. She held him so tightly he had trouble breathing and he removed her arms,laughing.
“So you’re glad to see me then?” heasked.
“Oh, yes, Daniel. You know I am.” But suddenly, in the midst of her excitement at Daniel being alive, she remembered John and his ardent passion for her. But she forced that thought from her mind. “And Katherine and your dear family must be so happy that you are alive andhome.”
“Not happier than Iam.”
“Then what’s next? Another assignment? Anothership?”
Daniel looked down and was thoughtful. “Susan… during my escape from death and, during my sequestration on that island, I thought of nothing but you and what was most important to me in my resurrected life.” Daniel took her hand and led her to the sofa where they sat. “Susan, I’ve decided to leave thenavy.”
“Oh, Daniel… Are you certain? It means so much toyou.”
“Not anymore. You have no idea what it was like to be lost at sea and living on a barren island with just a few companions. The life at sea is not worth it to meanymore.”
“But what will you do? The sea is all you’veknown.”
“But I do know ships and boats and I have a friend in Portsmouth who builds them and he’s looking for a partner. He asked me some time ago if I’d be willing to join him. I’ll have some money from the navy when I leave and I’ll use that to invest in thebusiness.”
“Daniel, that sounds wonderful,” Susan saidenthusiastically.
Daniel looked deep into her eyes. “And I want you to be with me. Susan Wilton, will you finally make me the happiest man on earth and be mywife?”
