The Sea Maiden by Mary Speer Page B

mate.”
    “Captain Drake dismissed him earlier.”
    “Why? Never mind tell me tomorrow, never liked the man anyway. Well hope you can get some sleep see you in the morning.”
    Peter was curious to know why Remus was dismissed but was anxious to get back to Lynnette. The guest quarter’s was just on the other side from the Captain’s cabin and he would be monitoring his time away from his post. Clifton seemed like a good fellow but he only had a few more minutes left to spend with Lynnette.
    Lynnette looked at the tiny room with a small bunk, a table and chair, a lantern, a small crate, perhaps to be used for passenger belongings, above on the wall was a mirror and a small port hole. Peter returned promptly, she was waiting for him by the door holding herself tightly due to the chilly night air, the moon provided most of the light. Peter wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her into a passionate embrace. Lynnette had no experience with suitors and was unsure how to act but the embrace felt warm and inviting, the feelings and sensations radiating through her were addictive. Then she remembered Karina’s warning not to allow him too much familiarity with her and keep some physical distance. Lynnette broke the embrace.
    “What…? What’s wrong?”
    “We need to discuss something very important.”
    “We will later.”
    Peter was only half listening to her as he tried to kiss her again but Lynnette stopped him by placing her hand between them.
    “No Peter now! We don’t have time later, it’s very important, it’s why I came!”
    “Oh so you didn’t just come to see me.” Peter said sounding wounded.
    “Yes but I’m also here to ask a favor.”
    He looked puzzled and a bit disappointed.
    “Peter, please don’t look at me that way. I only have a few people in my life that truly matter to me, my mother, my father, who passed away when I was 10, my twin brothers, Danny and Tommy, and my best friend Karina who is more like a sister. Then I met you just a few days ago, so logically I shouldn’t feel anything…but look,” She took his hand and placed it on her chest over her heart which was beating fast. “Do you feel that? You’re the only person that makes my heart beat so fast. So yes I came to see you but I also came for my friend Karina, who you met, because she’s in trouble and asked me if I could help her find you to ask a favor of you. At first I didn’t want to do this because I was afraid so I tried to change her mind…but the thought of seeing you again gave me the courage to come and that’s why I’m here. So Peter will you help us?”
    “You could have stopped after you placed my hand on your heart. As long as that heart beats for me I will do anything.”
    Peter placed a kiss on the back of her hand. Lynnette smiled; they embraced and kissed once again.
    “Can you meet Karina and I tomorrow, Clifton will be driving us to some shops in town we should be here at approximately at 2:00 O’clock.”
    “Of course, I look forward to helping your friend and seeing you again. I will tell Clifton where we can meet tomorrow.” Peter sighed knowing he had to leave her soon. “It’s almost time for me to go back on watch it will be a long night knowing you’re just a few feet away.”
    Peter attempted another kiss but Lynnette stepped in the room.
    “Good night Peter, thank you.” She smiled sweetly then closed the door.
    Peter leaned his head against the door and bit his lower lip then went to his post. Captain Drake heard Peter walk by, back to his post, and smiled to himself lucky man he thought. Lynnette was smiling to herself as well, she had so much to tell Karina tomorrow, and then again she wondered how Karina’s evening had gone.

CHAPTER 11
The Engagement Ring
     
    After Clifton and Lynnette left Lord Harmon took Karina’s hand and hooked it around his arm. Karina felt awkward at his closeness but tried her best to seem agreeable.
    “I have greatly anticipated your visit