The Sea Maiden by Mary Speer Read Free Book Online Page A

buzz of activity at Pembroke Hall broke out as Lord Pembroke, Karina, Lynnette and Nate prepared for the two-day journey to Lord Harmon’s harbor-side home. Overcast and cloudy the day promised to be chilly; which prompted Karina to dress warm. She emerged in a burgundy hooded cape and matching buttoned down dress, with tiny white pearl buttons traveling down the center to the waist. The pearly buttons also adorned the cuffs on the sleeves, giving the dress a touch of elegance. A perfect ensemble for a cold climate with a high top collar made of lace and a small v opening at the neck.
    Lynnette wore her black hooded cape over a simpler pearl gray dress with a square laced collar. Being slightly more endowed at the bust, Karina had given it to her. The dress gathered at the waist, providing a simple yet sophisticated and graceful appearance. Karina’s hair fell to her waist in long blond waves with two twisted strands secured in the back and little blond ringlets softly adorned her beautiful oval face and bright blue eyes. In contrast Lynnette’s silky dark hair fell in thick layers to her mid back, and long bangs parted along side of her pretty freckled face and green eyes. Blessed with naturally deep rose lips both girls would surely be the envy of many of the lady guests at Harmon Hall.
    Lynnette’s mother Elaine, 10-year-old twin brothers, Tommy and Danny as well as the rest of the household staff escorted them and wished them a good trip. Nate assisted Lord Pembroke who appeared tired and ill. He had unsuccessfully tried his best to convince him not to go even suggesting that Jim accompany the girls in his stead but Lord Pembroke wouldn’t heed his advice. Charles challenged himself to the difficult trip ahead. He managed to put on a smile for his daughter and staff as he waved. Once all three boarded the carriage Nate himself climbed up and took the reins, gave them a tug and they were off.
    Karina’s enthusiasm baffled Charles. He had expected tears and a certain amount of opposition from her but instead she seemed cheerful and cooperative. He assumed Lynnette’s company made the difference. A low roar of thunder sounded across the sky and rain began to fall soon thereafter. Karina felt badly for Nate outside having to drive in the rain but he did prepare well for a bit of wind and rain. Charles did suggest to Nate to wait till after the rain, but Nate assured him he wanted to proceed.
    Charles let the girls take the seats facing forward and he closed his eyes, he needed to sleep his evening had been difficult. The roll of the carriage worked better than any sleep aids. Karina and Lynnette chatted a while then Lynnette, tired after staying up to pack, fell asleep also. Karina on the other hand felt wide-awake her mind was too busy with her plans to travel to New England. She reviewed her plans now that Lynnette and her father were sleeping. A low rumble in the sky caused Karina to gaze out the carriage window. She listened to the combination of sounds, the pounding of horse hooves, the roll of the carriage, the clatter of the rain, and the far off thunder, even her father’s light snoring seemed relaxing. She found the gray covered sky oddly attractive; a natural beauty she thought. Even the color of the grass and trees along the road seemed to intensify as the rain fell across the countryside; like a painting with movement. She wanted to wake Lynnette but she seemed so peaceful and she didn’t want to wake her father. Karina liked it when he slept he seemed not to suffer. It stressed her when she could not make him more comfortable. She simply sat back looking out the carriage window, admiring the beauty outside and blocked out all the unpleasant thoughts.
    The rest of the journey was uneventful stopping only for relief at Inn’s along the way. Once at Harmon Hall Karina planned to be polite and cooperative to prevent any suspicions of her escape. The Senior Lord Harmon built Harmon Hall near the harbor to