Elizabeth Meyette - [Love's 01] by Love's Destiny Read Free Book Online Page B

arm to brace him. The contact of her soft bosom against his hard chest startled her, and looking up, she caught a mischievous gleam in his eye.
    “No, you are no child, Emily,” he grinned at her.
    Mr. Gates coughed softly behind them, and then stepped forward to relieve Emily of her burden. She gratefully accepted the brandy he offered as she relinquished with equal gratitude the heavy form of the injured captain. Mr. Gates half carried him out of the cabin.
    Emily’s hand trembled as she raised the glass to her lips and took a long sip. The fiery liquid lent its usual warmth and she choked down the threatening coughs. Her mind whirled with confusion as she looked down at her brother. As worried as she was about him, she was also distressed at the emotions that tumbled within her as a result of her close contact with the dashing sea captain. She shook her head to banish those thoughts from her mind and, sitting beside Andrew, gently took his hand.
    The rest of the day flew as Emily cared for her brother. Following Mr. Gates’s orders, she kept him warm and, propping his head up on her arm, pressed warm broth to his lips. She forced herself to keep busy, concentrating on Andrew and his needs, so that further thoughts of Captain Brentwood would not seep into her mind.
    • • •
    By nightfall the storm had spent its rage and dwindled to a constant, steady rain. Thunder could still be heard in the distance, but it cast no threat toward the ship. Men had worked throughout the day to salvage and repair the mast.
    Emily had stayed by Andrew’s side throughout the afternoon, and at suppertime Mr. Gates arrived with a tray for her.
    “I shall watch him for a while, child. You need to eat and rest,” he said gently.
    Emily’s back ached and her eyes felt heavy, but she was reluctant to leave her brother. She took the tray and began to eat.
    “Thank you, Mr. Gates; I did not realize how hungry I am. But I think I shall just stay here awhile. Andrew may awaken, and I would like to be here.”
    “You must rest, too, if you are to be of any help to Andrew, Miss Wentworth. You will not do him any good if you tire yourself out and have no strength. I shall inform you should he awaken during the night. Now go, child, and lie down,” he urged.
    Emily turned, and then hesitated. “How is Captain Brentwood?” The question had burned in her all day.
    “He will recover. He needs rest, too. We shall watch his hand for putrefaction of the wound. I have some ointments aboard that should help, and if I can keep him down, which I doubt, he will have no trouble at all. I seem to have a couple of patients who resist my ministrations,” he said sternly, a twinkle in his eyes betraying him.
    Emily grinned. “All right, I shall rest now. But you promise to call me if Andrew awakens, Mr. Gates?”
    “I promise, Miss Wentworth,” he replied raising his right hand solemnly.
    As Emily returned to her cabin, she passed Jonathon’s quarters. Hearing movement inside, she impulsively knocked. Instantly she regretted her action. Hoping he had not heard, she turned to walk away, but the door opened and she turned back to look into amused brown eyes.
    “I — ” Raising her chin she met his gaze. “I wanted to thank you for saving my brother’s life,” she stated flatly.
    “Madam, your sincerity overwhelms me,” he replied. “However, if we are to continue this emotional exchange, may we do so within my cabin? I fear my strength is sorely sapped.” He did indeed look pale and his mouth was set against any grimace of pain. Emily regretted her brusqueness realizing he was injured and weak because of his rescue of her brother. He stood aside sweeping an arm in invitation. Eyeing him warily, Emily hesitated.
    “Do you fear me, Miss Wentworth, even in my weakened condition?” he teased.
    “I fear no one, Captain Brentwood!” And tossing her head, she stepped past him into the room. Closing the door behind him, Jonathon followed her. Again