Castaway Dreams by Darlene Marshall Read Free Book Online Page B

to take their medications even when they taste unpleasant, or to suffer through some procedure which will improve their condition. Ordering people about is his nature."
    Alexander was startled.
    "Are you now my champion, Miss Farnham?"
    "A man of your age and experience does not need me to champion him, Dr. Murray. But, Mr. Carr, do you truly believe the weather will turn rough? I would so hate for my poor little Pompom to be sick again."
    Without another glance at Alexander she turned to her swain, who glared one last time in Alex's direction and then resumed strolling with her.
    "We will know more as the night progresses, Miss Farnham. But do not worry your pretty little head over it. Captain Franklin and the crew are all experienced hands, and we will ride this out without difficulty."
    A shiver ran down Miss Farnham's delicate spine and she clutched her escort's arm with one hand while the other kept a tight hold of her pup's leash as the dog sniffed at the chicken coop, setting up a squawking inside. After another glance behind to confirm Alexander was still following like an albatross, Carr resigned himself to simply strolling and not doing anything further that would advance his case with the attractive heiress.
    Normally Alexander would have had at least a dozen other places he'd rather be, but this thwarting of Young Lochinvar entertained him, so he kept his countenance severe and his steps steady as he walked along.
    Sadly for the younger man, he was called back to his duties and Miss Farnham and her dog were alone on deck. Alexander stepped up to her side.
    "I would offer my arm as your escort, Miss Farnham, but two things occur to me. One is that you do not appear in any danger of falling down if you do not hold on to me. The other is that I risk becoming entangled in that animal's leash."
    He did not think he had said anything to amuse, but those dimples that surely had other men tripping over their own feet without the danger of the dog's leash punctuated the smile flashing on her face.
    "How very logical you are, Dr. Murray. By all means, do join me on my walk, but do not take any unnecessary risks. At your age a sprain or a broken bone is no small thing."
    Was the chit baiting him? Alexander had not thought she possessed the intellectual skill or the intestinal fortitude to cross verbal swords with him. Of course, he was above such petty irritations, so he clasped his hands behind his back and strolled alongside her.
    "Why rolling bandages?"
    "I beg your pardon?"
    "Why do you wish me to roll bandages for you?"
    He looked at her, her face mostly shaded by the flowers flopping around her hat brim. It was an impractical piece of headgear, but when she turned her head and looked him full in the face it acted as a perfect frame for her features, making her eyes appear more amethyst than clear blue.
    It was an interesting trick of the light and hues, nothing more.
    "Bandages must be rolled to be ready for use. It is one of the constant tasks one finds in a surgery and if I must do it, it takes time away from more important tasks."
    "Ah. So my time is less valuable than yours, Dr. Murray?"
    He paused in his steps and looked at her.
    "Are you prepared to argue that it is not less valuable, Miss Farnham?"
    "I would lose, wouldn't I?"
    He did not bother to dignify that with an answer.
    "Since Mr. Carr was called away, what do you know about this weather, Doctor?"
    He did not want to send her into a panic, but it was good to be prepared for any happenstance.
    "Weather is a constant concern aboard ship, Miss Farnham. This is the storm season, and Captain Franklin must be especially vigilant."
    "I have been through some strong storms in England."
    "But you did not experience a hurricane in Jamaica, did you?"
    She stopped and looked at him.
    "Is that what is coming, Doctor?"
    Now he had gone and done the very thing he said he would not do.
    "I do not think so, Miss Farnham. I am not a sailor, but those storms are rare. More