Page 54 of A Castaway in Cornwall
“No thanks to you, I understand.”
The man’s green eyes glinted. “That’s right. You wouldn’t be standing here in my face were it not for that meddling up-country chit.”
Alex pressed closer, nose to nose with the man. “My dearest friend died in that wreck. A married man expecting his first child. His death might have been prevented. He might have been spared.”
Parsons shrugged. “Ah well. Life goes on.”
Alexander grabbed his collar and pulled tight. “Not for you it doesn’t.”
Parsons pulled out a knife.
“Alex!” Heavy brows lowered, Jago came charging over like a bull.
Through his fury, Alexander forced himself to think rationally. He didn’t want to endanger the young man.
Perhaps having the same thought, Matthew Bray ran over and positioned himself between Jago and the sparring men. “Come now,” the vicar said. “This is no way to behave. Be glad you are alive and make the most of each day God gives you.”
A militia officer belatedly joined the fray. “Break it up. Unless you want to forfeit yer day’s wages.”
Alex released the wrecker and stepped back. “He’s not worth it.”
Parsons jerked away, muttering curses under his breath, andAlex returned to work. All that was left to do was carry the remaining cargo to the wagons. The final load up the steep path threatened to sap Alex’s last ounce of strength. He was sweating profusely, and his ankle and side throbbed. Ahead of him, Jago carried twice as many crates as he did, as though the burden weighed nothing. When the men reached the customs clerk, Jago set half his load at Alex’s feet and said, “Four crates for him. Two for me.”
“Jago, no,” Alex hissed in protest.
The big man shrugged. “I have more than enough. Besides, you stood up for me yesterday.”
“Notto get something from you.”
“I know. Today it’s my turn.”
“Well. Thank you.” Alex gave his shoulder a friendly whack.
Jago nodded. “I am glad our Laura saved you.”
Alex smiled. “So am I.”
He collected his pay and counted the coins. It was a start, though not nearly enough.
The news of the wreck it soon spread along shore,
And women and men ran for gain;
Thus numbers they harden each other the more,
That love of curst money may reign.
—RELIGIOUSTRACTBYANANONYMOUSCLERGYMAN
Chapter 10
On Saturday, Treeve, Perry, Eseld, and Laura rode together in the Kent carriage to meet the Roskillys’ shipwrecked guest.
“Did Mr. Lucas not wish to come?” Treeve asked.
Laura hesitated. “Mr. Lucas was not invited.”
Grinning, Treeve said, “That did not stop us.”
