The Shipmaster's Daughter by Jessica Wolf Read Free Book Online

the ceiling, his laughter echoing as he extended his hand. “Goodness, Hargrave, you look more and more like a beast every time I see you.”
    Reed bit the inside of his cheek. A grin threatened to take over his face, but he refused to give in. He shook Jack’s hand with a few strong pumps and let go. “I’m not sure if I should accept that as a compliment.”
    Jack smirked. “You shouldn’t.”
    “I will anyway.”
    “As you always do.” Jack elbowed Reed and then rubbed his hands together. “So, where is this Italian beauty?”
    Reed cocked his head to the side. “I don’t recall mentioning such a person.”
    “Come off it, Reed. You mentioned in your letter an Italian girl was staying with you. Everyone knows Italian women are the most beautiful. I want to see her.”
    “Miss Renaldi? I hadn’t noticed her appearance.” Which was an outright lie. He had noticed her striking beauty when he first saw her sprawled out on the shore. And when she cleaned herself up, she looked even better. But Jack didn’t need to know that.
    “You’re an awful liar, Reed, but I will get you to admit it before I go.”
    Leaning forward, Reed narrowed his eyes. “Which I’m hoping is after supper?”
    Jack clasped his hand against his chest. “You wound me. Is that any way to treat an old friend? I’ve been gone for months and you want me gone the day I arrive.”
    A rueful smirk crossed Reed’s face. “Precisely.”
    “That’s too bad, because I’ll be here for the unforeseen future.” His grin quivered, the humor in his voice gone. “I was evicted while away, it seems. I don’t know whatever happened to British hospitality.” He pointed to three trunks in the corner. “Those are my things.”
    Reed wanted to be angry. All he wanted was a little peace, but Jack was a friend. He helped friends in need regardless of their annoying habits and hankering for card games that lasted until well after midnight. With a groan, he clapped Jack on the shoulder.
    “I’ll get Peters to set you up a room.”
    “Make sure it’s next to Miss Renaldi.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
    Reed huffed and dropped his hand. “Doubtful.”
    “Uncle Jack! Uncle Jack!”
    Both men turned to see Esther tearing down the stairs, Brigette close at her heels. Poor Brigette was anything but a governess. The girl was better suited for the kitchens. Reed made a mental note to speak with Mrs. Peters on the subject.
    Jack caught Esther in his arms when she threw herself at him and twirled her about the foyer. Esther’s giggles and Jack’s laughter mingled together to create a booming noise throughout the hall. Reed couldn’t help but smile. Jack set Esther back on her feet and gave her chin a quick squeeze.
    “How is my sunflower?” he asked, bending to her height.
    “Better than all the rest,” she answered. She spun in a circle, arms outstretched. “Do you like my dress, Uncle Jack? It’s brand new, from London.”
    Jack cast Reed a surprised glance. Reed could only shrug. He indulged his daughter too much but what else was he to do? She was motherless, practically friendless, living with—what had Jack called him?—a beast of a father. He could put the money from his inheritance and Katherine’s dowery to good use by spoiling her once and awhile.
    “I think it’s beautiful.”
    “Thank you. I hope Miss Renaldi likes it, too.”
    Reed put his hand on her shoulder, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. “I don’t know why you find her so fascinating, Esther.” He almost added it was clear Luciana didn’t feel the same, but decided against it.
    “Is it because she’s beautiful?” Jack asked, directing his question to Esther.
    Reed clenched his jaw. “Jack–”
    Esther held her hands against her chest, her smile wide enough to show the teeth missing in the back of her mouth. “Oh yes, so beautiful!”
    “And is it because when she talks she sounds different?”
    “She sounds like what I think Aphrodite would sound like. You