The Cracksman's Kiss by Killarney Sheffield Read Free Book Online Page B

thought and followed Sally through a similar door on the right, leading to her own room. The bed hung on thick chains which swayed with the subtle rocking of the ship. The only other items in the room were a wardrobe in the corner, beside which an oriental dressing screen and a washstand were placed.
    Enchanted, Kassie wandered over to one of the two small round windows and peered out the por tholes to the wharf below. Well-dressed gentlemen mixed with the sailors and dock workers hurrying about their business. With reluctance, she turned away from the scene as the earl addressed her.
    “Dinner is at seven. I will come to collect you then.”
    As he twisted with his awkward gait to leave, Kassie placed her hand on his arm to stop him. “May I stand on deck and watch when we leave port?”
    He scowled at her fingers resting on his finery. “It is much too dangerous for a girl to be wandering the deck alone. You will stay in your rooms unless you are with me. Is that clear?”
    Kassie nodded and removed her hand. It was disappointing she would have as little freedom here as at home.
    The earl left, the key scraping in the lock. She wandered back to the window as the ship shuddered and a whistle blew. How dangerous could it be to watch as we sail from port on the deck if the earl is with me? She clutched the window frame, bracing her feet as the ship began to move along the channels down the River Thames. The little porthole from which she viewed their departure restricted her enjoyment of the sights. She turned away in disappointment and meandered back to the sitting room, trailing her fingers along the smooth walls of the stateroom. Sally was seated in one of the chairs mending a silk stocking.
    With a small pout Kassie crossed the room and flopped into the chair opposite the maid.
    “I thought being on a ship would be an exciting adventure, but there is nothing to do. The earl insisted he could not possibly endure a bouncing coach trip to Bath, but I fear it would have been more enjoyable than this.”
    Sally looked up from her mending. “There are many books on the shelf. Perhaps one of them would interest you?”
    Kassie shook her head. “Reading always makes me sleepy.” She slouched, resting her elbow on the arm of the chair with her chin cupped in her hand.
    The maid smiled. “If you like I could teach you how to sew to pass the time.”
    “Would you?” Kassie asked, her mood brightening at the idea of having something worthwhile to do.
    Sally shrugged. “Sure. Here, ‘tis easy.” She passed the needle and thick thread to Kassie.
    “Let me show you a few of the simpler stitches.”
    The afternoon flew by as Kassie concentrated on learning the new skill. Before she knew it, it was time to dress for dinner. She chose a deep blue velvet evening gown, and Sally pinned her hair up in her favorite cascade of curls. Satisfied her appearance was in order, she paced back and forth waiting for the earl. Finally the door to his bedchamber opened, and he hobbled in, dressed in formal dinner attire.
    He gave her a once over and nodded his approval. “Well, then, let’s go girl. Mind you keep to one glass of wine tonight so you do not embarrass yourself like the last dinner party.”
    Kassie bit her lip to hold back her retort. It would do no good to tell him she had not embarrassed herself; it would only make him surly. He might think to forbid her to leave her room for the remainder of the voyage. The earl exited the sitting room, and she followed in meek submission as he expected.
    The dining room was as large as the earl’s she discovered. The massive oak table stretched from one end of the room to the other and was bolted to the floor. The captain, a rather short, older man, rose from his seat at the head of the table and raised her hand to his lips. His salt and pepper beard tickled her fingers. “I am Captain Maxim Winters, and you must be the lovely Lady Everton.” He dropped her hand and gestured to a seat