The Constant Heart by Dilly Court Read Free Book Online

work, girl.' Sukey tucked her hand through Rosina's arm. 'I have a birthday present for you, even if it is a day late. But I had to persuade Dada to give me some money. Luckily he was in a good mood yesterday before the thieves stripped the Curlew of everything that wasn't bolted to the deck.' She turned her head to cast Harry a flirtatious glance beneath her golden eyelashes. 'Will you join us, Harry?'
     
'Sadly, I must leave you, ladies. I need to see Captain Barnum rather urgently.' Harry made a move towards the door. 'I'll see myself out.'
     
Rosina glanced at Sukey's eager face and then at Harry, who had stopped in front of a wall mirror to put his hat on at exactly the right angle. The thought flashed through her mind that it was hardly the action of a man in a hurry. 'Harry, wait.'
     
He patted the crown of his hat, adjusted the angle and turned to her with a pleased smile. 'I do like this topper. I must order another just like it.'
     
Rosina giggled. 'And they say that women are vain.'
     
'Don't be mean to Harry,' Sukey protested. 'I think he looks quite dashing.'
     
'Thank you, ma'am.' Harry inclined his head in her direction. 'You see, Rosie. Some people appreciate me.'
     
'Oh, poor Harry,' Rosina said in mock sympathy. 'You're so misunderstood.'
     
'Well, I think he looks most handsome today.' Sukey tossed her curls. 'And much too smart to be going on board dirty old sailing barges.'
     
'Thank you, Miss Susan. But I really must be going. I need to sort out this business with the hay. We're a load down and I need to send another barge to fetch a full cargo.'
     
Rosina spotted an opportunity for her father to recoup his losses. She moved to Harry's side. 'I'm coming with you.' She turned to Sukey with an apologetic smile. 'We will have to postpone our chat until later.'
     
Sukey pursed her lips into a pout.
     
'I say, Rosie.' A perplexed look crossed his face, and Harry frowned. 'I mean, I know you're worried about your father, but there's nothing you can do. You're not thinking of making a scene, are you?'
     
'Of course not. You said you needed another cargo of hay. If Captain Barnum can't take the Curlew , I'm sure my pa would be only too pleased to have the work. The Ellie May only needs to be unloaded, and she could be ready to sail on the next tide.'
     
'I don't know about that,' Harry said, shaking his head. 'The first thing Captain Barnum did when he docked yesterday was to go to the office and sign up for another cargo. It could be difficult.'
     
'But not if he can't honour the deal, Harry.' 'Hold on, there,' Sukey protested. 'That doesn't sound very fair.'
     
Rosina spun round to face her. 'Well it wasn't very fair when your dada cheated in the race and set my papa up with a load of rotten hay. I'm truly sorry, Sukey. I hate their silly feud as much as you do, but I must do something. I'll go and speak to Mr Gostellow myself if it will secure the cargo for the Ellie May .'
     
'Well!' Sukey stamped her foot. 'Some friend you are, Rosina.'
     
'I am your friend, you know that. But I have to look after my papa, just as you would look after yours.'
     
'But my present for you . . .'
     
'Will be lovely, Sukey. And I'll come back later to receive it.' Rosina turned to Harry. 'Are you ready?'
     
'I don't know what Barnum would have to say about this,' Harry said, eyeing her doubtfully. He opened the door and stood back to allow her to pass. 'I know that you're concerned about your father, but you should leave business matters to those who know what they're doing.'
     
'By that I suppose you mean that I should leave it to the men, who are so much the cleverer sex.'
     
'I say, Rosie. I don't think your papa would like you using that word.'
     
She shot him a sideways glance. 'What word, Harry?'
     
'You know perfectly well what word – the word that ladies do not use.' With an embarrassed twitch of his shoulders, Harry began walking towards the Curlew . 'I have business to do.'
     
She broke into