Too Far to Whisper by Arianna Eastland

neither the desire nor the patience to deal with the frustrated, ill-tempered beast she was certain would return home in two weeks’ time…if, by some miracle Nathaniel did manage to remain celibate. Sighing, she dismissed the thought. Not for one moment did she believe the captain was about to suddenly transform into a pillar of virtue.
    “The hour grows late…thanks to your delaying our walk,” Nathaniel said. “As much as I am enjoying being out here alone with you, I fear I must retire.”
    “I also am in need of rest,” Rosalind said. “It has been a long day and I am weary. Goodnight, Captain. I wish you a safe voyage and a safe return.” 
    Not allowing him the courtesy of an opportunity to respond, she turned toward the house and began to walk at a rapid pace.  It came as no surprise to her when she felt Nathaniel’s hands on her shoulders. She halted and stiffened.
    “You did not intend to allow your future husband to go off to sea with such a cold farewell, did you?” he asked, turning her to face him.
    Ere Rosalind could respond, Nathaniel pulled her against him. His hand reached behind her to grasp a handful of her hair and pull her head back until she was forced to look directly up at him. He then lowered his mouth to hers, crushing her lips beneath his in forceful kiss. His mouth was possessive and demanding, nearly sucking the breath from her as his lips sought hers over and over again. His breathing grew more rapid and a moan escaped from him as his tongue forced its way between her lips and flicked against her own tongue. Rosalind felt as if she were being devoured.
    Summoning all of her strength, she pressed her hands against the captain’s chest and pushed him away. She then took a few steps backwards and used the back of her hand to wipe his kiss from her mouth.
    Nathaniel cocked his head and smiled at her. “Did you not enjoy being kissed in the way the comely maidens in France taught me, my love?” he asked.
    Glaring at him, Rosalind lifted her long skirts above her ankles and ran into the house.
     
    * * * * *
    On the fourth day following Nathaniel’s departure, Rosalind’s mother and sisters, accompanied by Ben and Faith, arrived at the Corwins’ for supper. Although it was the habit of most people to eat only a light meal in the evening, the Corwins enjoyed large meals no matter what time of the day they dined. The table was spread with an assortment of meats and fish, breads, cheese and vegetables.
    During the meal, Rosalind sat with her chin resting on one hand while she picked at her food with the other. The more the group’s enthusiastic chatter centered around the impending wedding, the more withdrawn she became. She could concentrate only on her urgent need to confess her troubles to Ben. She had no idea how she would manage to lure him away from the table, and especially from his new bride, Faith, but for the sake of her sanity, she knew she had to find a way.
    “You are very quiet this eve, my daughter,” Rosalind’s mother commented. “Are you feeling ill?”
    “The poor child is probably missing Nathaniel,” Abigail cut in. “And here we are, speaking endlessly of the wedding, which more likely than not, is causing her to long for Nathaniel’s return even more.”
    Rosalind managed a weak smile. “In truth, all this talk of weddings is making my head throb.”
    “I know exactly how you feel,” Faith said, dabbing at the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “I was so nervous ere my wedding day, my stomach refused to accept any food. Ben was concerned I would starve ere he could make me his bride!”
    “I am certain I shall be fine,” Rosalind said. She lifted a spoonful of corn to her mouth, eyed it, and then put it back down. “But I do believe I shall need some time to adjust to the notion of becoming a bride. It all is happening a bit too rapidly.”
    “You will make such a beautiful bride,” Abigail said, smiling. “Nathaniel is indeed a lucky