Other Oceans: Book Two of the Hook & Jill Saga by Andrea Jones Page B

the candlelight as, delicately, he tapped it on his cup.
    The surgeon stiffened. “A point of honor demanded to be settled. I would be less than a gentleman were I to discuss it. Let us say no more.” Drawn back to Jill, he said, “But, to answer your question, Miss, I come from Austria and attended an illustrious university in Germany. It is there I learned my profession, and also my fencing skills.”
    “And met your wife?” Her lovely eyes engaged his.
    Hanover drew a breath. “No. I met her in England. Bristol, in fact. She graced my life for only a handful of years, and then she died. It was then I took up my duties as ship’s surgeon aboard the merchant vessel that was so— tragically attacked yesterday.” Hanover shifted his gaze away and repositioned himself in the plush chair. Providentially, his possessions were restored to him. He had been relieved in the extreme to find the valuable contents of his medicine bag intact. But these people knew too much already; he didn’t want to inquire what they knew about Liza. Was she here, was she dead, or was she still aboard the ill-fated vessel he had called home?
    “And why did you have to leave England, Doctor?” Hook’s expression was mild. Jill knew better than to believe in it.
    Hanover paused before replying. “Why did you?”
    “ Touché , Doctor!” Hook’s laugh was generous. “I see you fence with words as well! That story is one for another evening, perhaps, when we know each other better.” Hook pulled Jill toward him. He draped her arm over his shoulder and idly stroked it. Hanover noticed that her fingers spread over the man’s chest, but whether in affection or resistance he couldn’t tell. Hook directed the conversation back to business.
    “So you offer me your service in exchange for my Jill. I wonder. Just what amount of your time do you think a woman is worth to me?”
    “Of course I cannot know that, but I am willing to serve you for, say, a year, if you will grant her freedom and see her safely to port. I will be more than happy to arrange for her safe passage home, and to provide the necessary papers.”
    “Do have some more wine, Doctor.” Hook signaled to Jill to replenish the glasses. Mr. Smee had turned his back to the company and was decanting another bottle. Hanover examined his goblet. He hadn’t realized he had drained it. When Jill brought the decanter to its lip, he placed his open hand over it. Hook appropriated the flask and filled another goblet, which he handed to Jill, and the indispensable Smee stepped forward to hold a chair for her. Sweeping her skirts aside, she joined the company at the table.
    Hanover observed Smee’s hands resting just below Jill’s shoulders, and, as his fingers lingered, she turned her head to acknowledge Smee. The sailor’s embrace tightened on her arms before he returned to the sideboard. The surgeon’s tone became urgent.
    “I mean of course, that the young lady should return home unharmed .”
    Hook’s smile was ironic. “On my honor as a gentleman, Hanover. I have never harmed her.” He turned to Jill. “You have heard the doctor’s offer, my love. I do have need of his services. What would you have me do with you?”
    Hanover was fascinated by the cavalier manner with which the man tossed his hook in the air to accompany his words. He noted Jill’s eyes following it, too, and that her breathing accelerated.
    “Oh, Sir. You know my heart. But if you are truly giving me the choice, I would consider carefully before accepting any offer of return. I’m afraid what is called ‘civilized society’ might not welcome one such as I so readily back into it.”
    “So. It is as I feared then?” The doctor bowed his head. “You have already been compromised by your captivity.” He lifted his face again to catch her expression.
    Hook raised an eyebrow. Jill stared at the man sitting so very upright, with his gray suit and his gold watch. Her eyes narrowed. “I never compromise,