Page 45 of Rose
“Go on,” she said, appearing more at ease.
“In the center of town, I have a large house with servants who will see to your every need. On the morrow, I can take you to market, and you can add to your wardrobe or your collection of jewels, anything your heart desires.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Forgive me, but I’ve no wish to go to market. I have more tunics and strappings than I will ever be able to wear.”
A playful glint lit his eyes. “Well, we can always remain on board. My business here will not take longer than a day or so.”
She shook her head. “I simply must go ashore.”
He chuckled. “I may have been saving the best for last. I have a very small, very modest cottage a short distance down the coast. There are no servants. It is kept up by the neighbor, and—”
“Aye,” she said, interrupting. “That sounds wonderful.”
He smiled. “I thought as much. Then it is decided. In the morning, Philip will take command of the Messenger, while you and I take our leave and spend the night on the coast. By the morning of the second day, we should be back on board, ready to sail across the channel to England.”
She canted her head to the side and eyed him skeptically. “Is this cottage of yers truly humble, or is it small by the standards of a wealthy merchant?”
“It is comfortably appointed but still truly modest. I promise you, Rose. You will not be disappointed.”
She fingered the fine silk of her surcote. “Can I wear my plain tunic?”
“You may wear whatever pleases you.”
She smiled. “That does sound like heaven.” She crossed the forecastle and began to descend the stairs.
“Where are you racing off to?” he said, smiling
“To change,” she shot back, but then she froze and darted back up the stairs. “Loosen my laces,” she said quietly.
“What? Here?” he asked in a low voice.
She arched her brow at him. “Would ye rather accompany me to yer quarters so we can be alone?”
Heat flashed in his eyes. He cleared his throat. “Right,” he said. “Turn around then.” He quickly loosened her laces, then spread her hair out to make certain none of the crew would notice as she walked by.
“Until the morrow,” she said, dipping in a low curtsy.
“Sleep well, Rose,” he said, then bowed at the waist. His gaze followed her slender form across the deck. “I will miss you,” he whispered as she disappeared down below. With a deep breath, he forced his mind to return to the busy night ahead.
