Page 139 of A Castaway in Cornwall
Laura laughed. “Give us time. First there is the wedding to take care of, and the honeymoon to enjoy....”
“Hear, hear.” Alexander slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to his side. Then he said, “You know, my love, with such a ship at my command, we might visit your family and friends in Cornwall, as well as my sister-in-law and nephew in Brittany.”
“Good point.”
“So you agree?” he asked.
“Absolument.”
His eyes gleamed. “Your French has improved, I see.”
“Merci, mon amour.” She rose on tiptoes and kissed him again, right there on the quay, in front of God, and for the whole world to see.
Standing on the quarterdeck, surrounded by the sounds of the splashing sea, flapping sails, and snapping rigging, Laura counted the hours until she would reach Fern Haven. Nearby, Alexander consulted with Mr. Gillan over a chart and instructed the helmsman at the wheel. They were sailing to Cornwall together—Alexander and Laura, Aunt Susan and Mr. Gillan, and a modest crew.
It was Aunt Susan’s first trip back to the mainland in more than fifteen years, and Laura and Alexander’s first voyage as man and wife.
They’d had a small, simple wedding, with Aunt Susan, Mrs. Tobin, and Mr. Gillan in attendance. They had enjoyed a few days at a seaside inn before embarking. And now, their honeymoon continued aboard theVictorine II. The newly wedded couple shared the great cabin together at Mr. Gillan’s insistence, while he and Aunt Susan each had small cabins of their own. Aunt Susan and Mr. Gillan had not yet married but planned to do so soon.
Laura’s heart rate accelerated as they passed Trevose Head, then neared Stepper Point. As the ship approached Padstow Bay and the estuary, Laura searched each familiar headland and cove with growing excitement. Recognizing Trebetherick Point in thedistance, she strained her eyes for a glimpse of Fern Haven at its summit. Understanding her longing, Alexander handed her a glass, and through it she saw the dear whitewashed house at last and smaller Brea Cottage as well.
Within the hour, she was once again in Uncle Matthew’s embrace.
He held her close, as if he would never let her go. “How I have missed you, my girl.”
“And I you,” she whispered over a tight lump in her throat.
Eseld greeted her next, throwing her slim arms around her in an enthusiastic embrace. “My dear cousin! I could not wait to see you, so I came here to await your arrival.”
“I am glad. How goes life at Roserrow?”
“Very well. I could not be happier. Did I not tell you the apple peels would reveal our future husbands?”
“You did, and you were right.”
Eseld stepped back and gave her a satisfied grin.
While Uncle Matthew shook Alexander’s hand, Laura turned hesitantly to Eseld’s mother. “I hope you are well, Mrs. Bray?”
“I am indeed.” She leaned forward and kissed Laura’s cheek. “Welcome back. I am glad to see you.”
Amazement flooded Laura. “Are you?”
“Absolutely.”
Laura took a steadying breath and turned to introduce Aunt Susan.
In his last letter, Uncle Matthew had invited Susan to stay with them at Fern Haven as well. Mr. Gillan, however, preferred to stay at an inn near the harbour with most of the crew.
Greetings over, Eseld announced in a singsong voice, “We have a surprise for you! We are hosting a party in your honor.”
“Really?”
“Yes, to celebrate your homecoming and your marriage.”
“My goodness ... how kind,” Laura breathed. “Thank you.”
“It is planned for tomorrow.”
