Ransome's Honor by Kaye Dacus Read Free Book Online

meant no harm.” Julia clasped her father’s arm.
    Sir Drake inclined his head. “No, I meant no insult, Sir Edward.” Although the words came out of Pembroke’s mouth, his amused tone belied them. “No insult at all, Captain Ransome.”
    “Come, Julia, we should leave the men to their port and talk.” Lady Pembroke stood before William realized her intention and rose as well.
    Julia’s eyes flickered between her father and Sir Drake a moment.
    “Actually,” Sir Drake tossed his napkin on the table and moved languidly to his feet, “though I know it is quite rude of me to do so, I must take my leave. There is much work to be done at Pembroke Hall to make it habitable. Sir Edward, Miss Witherington,” he bowed toward them, “thank you for your hospitality” Joining his mother at the door of the room, Pembroke turned and made the barest nod toward William. “Captain Ransome.”
    William mimicked the action. “Sir Drake.”
    As soon as the door closed behind the Pembrokes, Julia turned to face William. “Captain Ransome, I sincerely apologize for my relations’ comments. They have not been in the habit of keeping company with naval families.”
    He wondered if the excuse sounded as empty to her as it did to him. “You are not to be held responsible for the words or actions of others, Miss Witherington.”
    “If you think you can bear Lady Pembroke’s presence again, Ransome,” the admiral said, “I would like to invite you to a dinner party here to celebrate your return and your successes in the war—Julia my dear, do you think we can have one planned by next Thursday?”
    The openness in Julia’s expression vanished faster than he could blink. “Yes, Papa. I will see to it.”
    The admiral picked up Julia’s hand and kissed the back of it. “Invite Captain Yates and his wife as well. His successes should also be celebrated.”
    William’s gut wrenched at the wary look in Julia’s eyes. A dinner in his honor was not to her liking, apparently “Sir, while I am honored to be so singled out by you, I must tell you that my mother and sister are expected in town early next week, so I will want to spend what time I can with them.”
    Sir Edward clapped William’s shoulder. “Bring them along. It has been too many years since I have seen Mrs. Ransome. Your sister was hardly walking, if I recall correctly I will brook no opposition, Captain. Do not force me to make it an order.”
    Though the admiral’s tone had gone gruff, his stance rigid, teasing humor still danced in the superior officer’s eyes.
    William could do nothing but capitulate. “Thank you, sir.”
    “Good.” Admiral Witherington leaned over and kissed the top of Julia’s head. “My dear, if you would be willing to forgive our rudeness as easily as Pembroke’s, I’ll have Elton take me down to the docks with Ransome so we can have a few words about his orders.”
    “I do need to get back to the ledgers.” She rose and followed them out into the foyer. “Good evening, Captain Ransome.”
    He bade her farewell and did his best not to watch her as she climbed the stairs. All of the qualities he’d first seen in her as a child and later as a debutante of seventeen had matured into the kind of woman any naval officer would dream of for his lifelong companion.
    And she could have been his, but for appeasing his sense of honor. His vow to never burden himself with a wife doused him in coldness more frigid than the North Sea in January.

Chapter Three
    A ll throughout Spithead harbor, eight bells clanged from every ship, marking midnight and the beginning of the middle watch. From the deck of the large, dark ship looming like a mountain above, a voice rang out, demanding the identity of the small vessel approaching.
    William cupped his hands beside his mouth. “Captain William Ransome for the Alexandra.”
    The familiar face of the fourth lieutenant, illuminated by a lantern, appeared over the gunwale balustrade. “Welcome back,