Forever Waiting by DeVa Gantt Read Free Book Online Page A

chair.
    “Finished?”
    Frederic drew her away from her preoccupation. She nodded contentedly.
    “I have three cooks and six maids assigned to Espoir. Fatima has chosen an additional two for our kitchen. On the morning of the ball, those from Espoir shall be transported here to assist. Jane will spend the next month training the housekeepers, including the four I’ve hired for us. All ten should perform splendidly; they know five permanent positions are available on Espoir. In addition, Anne London has graciously arranged a retinue of waiters and table staff to depart her country estate and arrive here a week before the banquet.”
    “Agatha, you’ve assumed the role of mistress with the authority it demands,” Frederic praised. “Paul’s debut will be remembered for years to come.”
    Her heart soared with his admiration. “Thank you, Frederic,” she murmured tearfully. “With all the money you’ve spent, how could I not lend it my best effort? I’ve done this as much for you as I have for Paul. I’m so pleased to see you up and about again, as strong as ever.”
    She stood and went to him, running her hands down his arms, brushing a stray lock of hair back into place. “I love you, Frederic.”
    He caught hold of her wrist and brought her fingers to his lips. “I thank you for all you’ve done.”
    Sunday, February 25, 1838
    George Richards was smitten.
    He’d accompanied Paul to the harbor because the Destiny was due in port. Stephen Westphal’s daughter, Anne London, was expected to be aboard. Since Paul planned to escort her back to the house, George would take charge of unloading the vessel. The ship arrived, and the mooring went very smoothly.
    Anne was above deck, anxiously waiting for the gangplank to be lowered. Paul, George, and Stephen climbed the ramp to greet her. George took an immediate disliking to her. She was pretentious and cloying, and she wore too much rouge. In a matter of seconds, she gave her father a dismissive kiss on the cheek and turned her smothering attention upon Paul. Irked, George jumped at the opportunity to get her luggage from her cabin.
    It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light as he stepped inside. Then he saw her: a young woman gathering up parcels. She had long auburn hair, hazel eyes, olive skin, and high cheekbones. She was exotic and took his breath away.
    “Good day,” he greeted, “I’m here to collect Mrs. London’s things.”
    She nodded and blushed, lowering her eyes to the floor before scurrying through the doorway.
    He hastily grabbed a few bags and rushed out in pursuit. It was bright and warm above deck. The young woman was not far ahead of him. As she reached the gangplank, she stumbled and grasped for the railing, the parcels spilling out of her arms. George dropped his baggage and hurried to help her.
    “Are you all right?” he asked, taking her elbow until she regained her balance. He picked up the packages, their eyes locking as he straightened up.
    “Thank you,” she replied with another blush.
    “You’re welcome,” he smiled. “Here, take my arm.”
    She slid a delicate hand into the crook of his elbow, and he walked her down the ramp to Paul and Anne.
    “You’re going to need another carriage,” he commented.
    “I’ll hire one from the livery,” Paul replied, “if you’d get the other trunks.”
    George agreed, but by the time he’d returned, the first carriage was rolling away, Anne, Paul, and the lovely young lady inside. Who is she?

    A ruckus resounded in the hallway. Charmaine stepped out of the nursery with the twins close behind. Travis and Joseph had deposited a mountain of leather traveling cases outside John’s bedchamber door, then disappeared down the steps. Charmaine looked at the twins, who returned her regard with quizzical shrugs. Yvette dashed back into the nursery and out onto the balcony.
    “Come and see, Mademoiselle!”
    Jeannette and Charmaine followed. Two carriages had pulled up to the