Page 120 of A Castaway in Cornwall
“I believe he is aware of my faults, yes. As to the extent of his admiration, that remains to be seen.”
“Shall I wait until the future is decided between you? Or is there no hope for me?”
Laura considered. It was tempting to leave this door open. A sure way to return to Cornwall and visit Uncle Matthew. But no, it wouldn’t be right. Nor fair. Not to Treeve, and not to Kayna Roskilly.
She slowly shook her head. “We shall always be friends, Treeve. And I shall always care about you. But don’t wait. Go home to your family, and to Miss Roskilly.”
He rose. “I thought you’d say that. Still, I had to try. Once more for old times’ sake.”
She rose as well. “I sincerely appreciate your visit. Please do greet my uncle and Eseld for me, won’t you?” Her voice cracked. “And Perry, and Miss Chegwin, and ... Well, I don’t suppose you often socialize with Mary Chegwin, but—”
He raised a staying palm, accompanied by a brave smile. “I will happily pass along your greetings to all who love and miss you. I include myself in that number.”
He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Good-bye, little turnstone.”
Laura blinked back tears, her throat burning. “Good-bye, Treeve Kent.”
The sound of footsteps penetrated the poignant moment. At the creaking of the door, Laura turned. There stood CaptainCarnell. He stopped abruptly in the threshold, expression inscrutable as he looked from Laura to her visitor.
Laura extracted her hand from Treeve’s. “Look who has come to visit!”
Treeve Kent’s bravado reasserted itself, and he straightened to his full lanky height. Hand to heart, he said in gallant tones, “I could not rest until I assured myself all was well with Miss Callaway. And with you too, of course.”
A wary light shone in Alexander’s eyes. “I did not realize you planned to visit, Mr. Kent.”
“Nor I,” Laura added. “I was stunned but relieved to see him well and free. I worried he might have landed in a spot of trouble after trying to help us.”
“I worried about that too,” Alexander said. “Though I imagine Mr. Kent is too charming and too well connected to face any serious consequences.”
“Your confidence in me is heartening, Captain. But I would not have been the first gentleman to face legal consequences for smuggling.”
“Is that why you are here? To free trade?” Alex asked. “Or simply to see Miss Callaway?”
“Both. We hope for one more profitable haul to cover our expenses and help see us all through the long winter ahead. After that, Dyer is out. I can’t speak for the others.”
“And you?”
“I have not yet decided.”
“In the meantime, do be careful,” Laura said earnestly. She touched Treeve’s arm, immediately drawing both men’s gazes. Noticing, she quickly removed her hand.
“I shall be. Thank you. Well, I had better take my leave.” He bowed. “A pleasure to see you both again.”
“And you,” Laura said. “Godspeed.”
Laura and Alexander stood there awkwardly as Treeve’s footfalls faded down the corridor and the sound of a closing door echoed through the house.
“Well, that was a surprise,” she said.
“Agreed, but perhaps it should not have been. The man obviously cares for you.”
Laura shifted uneasily. “Well, we are friends, after all.”
He studied her face. “How are you feeling?”
About seeing Treeve again or physically?she wondered, and chose to respond to the latter. “So much better. Still a little weak and I tire easily, but overall, I am remarkably well.”
“I am glad to hear it. You gave me a scare.”
