Expedition of Love by Jo Barrett Read Free Book Online

had practically helped raise her after her mother's death, keeping her from getting into too much trouble when sailing on the Sweet Anita with her father.
    Joshua silently nodded, but managed to slip her an encouraging wink.
    Her smile fell as she noticed Doctor Baxter's curious gaze on her.
    "Oh, dear.” He was far too observant, and yet she rather liked that about him. “I suppose you're wondering how I know his name."
    Nodding, his bewhiskered face creased with confusion. He looked almost charming.
    She turned to her father, pushing aside her nonsensical observations about the man. “I'm sorry, Papa, but it seems I've given it away."
    "Quite all right, my dear,” he said, patting the back of her hand. “I was going to tell him later anyway. You see, Stephen, I am your mysterious benefactor. The Sweet Anita is mine.” He smiled softly and looked at Kristina. “And my daughter's."
    "Ah, now I see,” Mr. Walters said. “This is the real reason Miss Peterson is accompanying us."
    Her father snapped his head around. “I'm afraid you are in error, young man. My daughter is everything she portends to be and more. But you shall discover that soon enough.” He waved his hand slightly, dismissing the minor change in topic.
    "Stephen, I hope you aren't upset in any way by this news, but I rather like the luxuries this marvelous old clipper provides. A bulky, noisy steamer just wasn't suitable to my tastes. I hope you understand."
    "I don't know what to say, Edwin.” He frowned a moment as his gaze scanned the table and the room. Then slowly, barely visible if one wasn't looking, he grinned.
    Kristina felt her mouth fall open a moment before quickly regaining her senses. He could be quite handsome when he smiled—well, grinned.
    What would a real smile be like beneath all that facial hair? And what would he look like without his beard? She did so hate the awful things. She believed men hid behind their beards the way some women hid behind fans or beneath ridiculously large hats.
    She shook her head at her fanciful thoughts. Stephen Baxter's appearance was none of her concern, no matter how interesting he seemed to be.
    "I'm grateful, Edwin. Truly grateful,” he said. “I hadn't looked forward to spending a good deal of our funds on a steamer, but you must take something for your trouble."
    "Nonsense, old boy. I wouldn't dream of it."
    "But this must be—well, rather expensive."
    Her father's eyes lit with mirth. Professors weren't known to make a great deal of money. That fact immensely displeased her grandparents when her father started courting her mother, as they were members of the privileged class. But Anita Applegate loved Father with all her heart and refused to settle for anyone else.
    After her death a large part of her mother's assets went to Kristina, allowing her to live her life in any style she chose, while the remainder went to her father. Yet wealth had never filled the hole her mother's death caused. Only a few things like the Sweet Anita, shared by her and her father, helped to ease that pain. A pain she refused to ever feel again.
    "Not to worry, my friend,” her father said. “I am, shall we say, comfortable.” He winked at her and lifted his glass. “I propose a toast. To Argentina, may we discover her hidden treasures."
    Everyone drank then partook of a sumptuous meal. While they ate and chatted amiably, her mind wandered to memories of other trips on the beautiful clipper ship, but was occasionally brought back to the present by Mr. Thomas’ barrage of questions regarding photography. It would seem she had a comrade, but one who was a bit too eager. Or perhaps her thoughts longed to be elsewhere at the moment, back with her pleasant memories.
    She was thrilled her father had arranged for them to take the Sweet Anita. It was like a second home to her. She couldn't remember a time when their excursions hadn't been special. Her mother adored sailing. Losing her at the tender age of ten had been