Expedition of Love by Jo Barrett Read Free Book Online Page B

conclusion.
    Mr. Walters leaned toward Mr. Anderson and whispered his answer. Miss Peterson looked to her father then turned toward him with a mischievous grin. Did she know the answer? He prayed she did, because he would not cheat to save face. Even for one as lovely as hers.
    She leaned closer, her jasmine scent teasing his senses, and whispered her answer. He clenched his teeth against the warmth of her breath tickling his skin and heating his thoughts.
    Concentrating on her words, pushing with all his might against the longing swelling in his chest, he suddenly realized she answered the puzzle correctly. As she pulled away, relief filled the empty cavity left behind by the withdrawal of her provoking presence.
    Richard Anderson noisily cleared his throat. “Well, Doctor Baxter? I have my own answer, but am curious as to theirs."
    "What was Mr. Walters answer?” Stephen asked.
    "Two."
    All eyes turned to Miss Peterson then back to him. “Miss Peterson's answer was one, gentlemen."
    Edwin slapped the table with a hearty laugh. “Well done, my dear!"
    "Thank you, Papa."
    "Just a minute. Do you mean to say she's correct, sir?” Mr. Walters asked.
    "Yes. The answer is one."
    "The clue was the word all , Mr. Walters. With each of the sacks mislabeled, only one rock from one sack would need to be removed. That would indicate the contents of the other two sacks,” she explained.
    Stephen waited for a moment, observing with great interest how his students received the news. Not too awfully upset, more like astounded.
    Mr. Walters sat back in his chair. “Good heavens. You're right. I don't believe it. How could I have made such an oversight?"
    "We all make mistakes,” she said softly, then sipped her cordial.
    Stephen noted she hadn't sought to gloat or hold her triumph over his young assistant's head. She was quite an extraordinary woman.
    "Miss Peterson, my apologies. Although I still don't believe that the female mind is as developed as the male's, you have proven that you are a—unique woman,” the young man said.
    Although his words echoed with a hollow sound, she didn't seem to mind. Her lips lifted into a pleasant smile. “Thank you, Mr. Walters. I believe there is hope for you yet."
    They all chuckled companionably, but Stephen could see the trace of disappointment in her eyes. She was truly saddened that Mr. Walters maintained such an insular point-of-view.
    Slowly, she came to her feet, prompting all of them to stand. “If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I will leave you to your cigars and take a stroll about the deck before I retire. Goodnight."
    They all bid her goodnight and watched her leave. Stephen instantly felt bereft of her presence, and nearly followed her out the door. What a sorry state he was in.
    His three assistants stepped to a small gaming table in the corner and started a round of cards while he moved to one of the portholes. Watching the rolling waves flashing in the moonlight amid the inky blackness, he struggled against his uncommon desire for a woman he could not have. Where had his resolve to remain unwed gone? Why did he continue to think of her, torturing himself beyond reason?
    "Care for a cigar, Stephen?” Edwin asked.
    "You know I don't smoke."
    "Ah yes. I'd forgotten. Care to tell me what's troubling you then?"
    Not about to reveal his true conundrum, he turned from the small window and asked, “Are you sure this is wise, Edwin? I'll grant you, she is remarkable, but—"
    He gripped his shoulder. “All will be well. You needn't worry about her."
    The young men laughed at some marvelous card play of Mr. Walters'. No, he wasn't worried about Miss Peterson. Although young Walters seemed a good sport, something about the way he watched her bothered him. The predatory gleam in his eyes unnerved him. And even more troublesome, did Stephen himself look at her with that same hungry gaze?
    "She put him in his place, eh?” Edwin said with a wide smile.
    He chuckled. “That she did. But I