The English Lily (Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll) by Kae Elle Wheeler Read Free Book Online Page A

sunlight.”
    She blew out a held breath. “Yes, yes,” she nodded quickly, relieved. Her eyes found the large dark stain on her skirt. Mr. Thomas’s blood. She glanced up to see his gaze locked on the same spot. Revulsion filled her, and she choked back a cry. “Mr. Thomas...”
    He pulled her to her feet and against his chest. His heart pounded against her ear. “There was nothing you could do, my lady.” His voice rumbled through her.
    “But he—”
    He tightened his embrace. “Nothing,” he repeated. “Let us not speak of it again.”
    Kendra nodded against him, unable to stem the tears. After a moment, he set her away from him and moved about.
    Joseph Pinetti Gray was a very attractive man, even with his hair disheveled and bits of hay stuck throughout. She had the strangest urge to run her fingers through those dark locks and smooth them into some order.
    “Mayhap we’ve moved into the afterlife.” She lifted a hand to push her hair back. The hideousness of seeing the scars in broad daylight had her shoving that hand into the folds of her skirt.
    A horse whinnied.
    “I-I don’t understand.”
    He flashed a wolfish grin. It was lewd enough to flare heat in her cheeks. “I doubt you or these horses would land us at the gates of purgatory, my lady.” He shrugged. “If it were I alone, I’m certain there would be no question.”
    “Most assuredly, horses do not belong.”
    His expression turned serious, and his gaze moved to the doll on the ground beside her. “I have the oddest notion we’re no longer aboard ship.”
    Her eyes followed his, but she saw nothing out of the ordinary. The doll seemed no worse for wear.
    Joseph raked fingers through his hair. “I’ll scout about, find out where we are.”
    “You’re leaving me?” A cold knot formed in her stomach. She’d felt…safe…protected, but if he deserted her…
    Joseph pulled her to him once more. His heart beat strong and steady against hers. “I won’t go far.” His voice vibrated in waves over her, his breath stirring her hair. “We need to find out where we are, see what we are up against.” Firm lips pressed against her forehead before he stood back.
    He was right, of course. But, left alone? What if something should happen to him? “We have no coin, just the clothes on our backs. Covered in…in Mr. Thomas’s b-blood.”
    The grimace on his face indicated he’d already considered that, but then a small smile tipped his lips. “Ah, but we do have coin.” He reached for the doll and fingered the necklace she wore. “A couple of these should work.” With deft sure movements he dislodged two. “Twenty minutes,” he promised. “I’ll be back.”
    ****
    Joseph stole through the door. The barn door. He was almost positive there’d been no barn aboard the ship. Something very strange was going on, and it had something to do with that doll. The note Kendra had stuffed in the doll’s pocket indicated something about protecting the owner.
    Mon Dieu! It was midday and hot. The scenery was nothing exceptional. The most pressing matter was discovering where they’d landed. He would worry on the “how” later. The unmistakable scent of heated metal indicated a blacksmith in one of the buildings clustered ahead. He straightened his clothes as best he could and brushed away the clinging hay. There was nothing to do for the wrinkled mess, but at least his garments didn’t sport blood. He’d have to procure something for Kendra in the event they encountered others.
    He sauntered forward. ’Twas best to act as if he belonged—wherever here was. Twenty minutes, he reminded himself, and picked up his step. He rounded a corner and found a quaint if nondescript town. Several carriages lined the street. He leaned against a wall, observing. He noted a small general store, an inn, a bakery of sorts. His stomach protested its lack of sustenance.
    A young couple alighted from their carriage, giggling. Joseph was horrified to see the girl