The Lightkeeper's Bride (22 page)

Ellen sounded like someone Katie would like. “I hope I get a chance to meet her.”

“I’ve invited her to spend the summer with me.”

She stacked several of her checkers together and tried to ignore the way her pulse skittered when he looked at her. Strange that she’d known him such a short time and yet he was the first thing she thought of every morning when she awakened.

He pushed a checker forward to another square. “You know this area. Are there any inlets or hidden coves along the shore where we might look for that ship? If we had found it by now, we might’ve had a clue on how to stop what is to happen tomorrow.” He rubbed his head. “But that’s not my worry, as the constable is quick to tell me. And Philip is the private eye, not me.”

She sat back in the chair and considered the question. “My father owned a sailboat for a time, and my family explored the coastline from here to Oregon over several summers. There are plenty of places to hide a ship. The trees grow thick, and unless someone enters the bays and inlets, one would never see it.”

“Anything in particular come to mind?”

She started to shake her head then stopped. “There is a river that is navigable in the spring floods. A side stream leads off to a small lake, but part of the year you can’t take a boat in or out of the lake. Anything still there in July is stuck until the following spring. There is also a small inlet about ten miles up the coast. My family and I stumbled on it accidentally during a storm. You can’t see it from the ocean until you get close.”

“Those are possible places to look. Anywhere else?”

She found it difficult to think with those midnight eyes on her. They’d been to so many locations in her father’s boat. “There’s one other place. It’s a deserted island inside a cove. On the backside, nearer to the land, is an inlet into the center of the island. Those are the only possible areas I can remember.”

He moved the checkers around on the board. “Thanks. Would you mind showing us where they are after tomorrow?”

“Of course. Weather permitting.” She smiled. “You’re so interested in weather, perhaps you can predict what tomorrow will bring. What did your balloon indicate?”

He rose and grabbed a small notebook on the desk under the window. Flipping it open, he stepped to a spot beside her and showed her rows of neatly printed numbers. “These are temperatures, barometric pressures, and humidity.”

The numbers made no sense to her, but she enjoyed seeing the way his voice rose and the color came to his face. And he was close enough that her mouth went dry. “What do they tell you?”

He jabbed at the page. “Things are pretty stable right now except for this slight dip in barometric pressure. This light rain will intensify, and a real storm could be headed our way.”

“How interesting.” She had trouble marshaling her thoughts with him so close. Being with Bart didn’t affect her pulse or her breathing.

It was disconcerting. She liked the predictable. Bart was dependable and well respected. That was better than exciting. This pull she felt toward Will was something to be fought, not embraced.

She pushed a checker to the next square. “What do you do with all those numbers?”

The light in his eyes faded. “Whenever it’s possible, I call my observations in to the Weather Bureau.”

“And they compile it with other numbers?”

He nodded. “There are many amateur meteorologists around.”

She liked seeing his eyes lighting with passion. “Only amateur? Is it possible to make a living at weather forecasting?”

“If I moved to one of the major centers and worked there, I could make enough to live on.”

The glow in his face died and she wanted to see it come back. “I see you have much passion for it. You could try for a job and see where it led.”

“I’ve thought about it. I like what I’m doing now, but mostly because it gives me the chance to study the weather and tides. Besides, this way I’m close to Philip and can help him stay focused on making a success of his business.”

“It’s not your responsibility to care for him,” she said. “He’s a grown man.”

He gave her a wry smile. “That’s the pot calling the kettle black. Someone else in this room feels responsible for other adults.”

Her cheeks grew hot. “That’s different. My parents need me.”

“It’s exactly the same. Your parents should feel responsible for you, not the other way around.”

“My father has always been a good provider. I’m sure he’s shattered by his failure.” She looked down at her hands. “I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

“No money to live on?” His voice held sympathy.

“Hardly anything. The house is too expensive to keep up. I expect we shall have to sell it and get a smaller place in town. Mama will be devastated. She was born in that house.”

He frowned. “I’ll make Philip split the finder’s fee with you if your tips on the location of the ship earn out. The gold will be long gone but the ship itself is worth something.”

She gasped. “Seriously?”

“Of course.”

“How much would that be?” She began to calculate expenses. Maybe she could pay off Florence too.

“Your half would be ten thousand dollars.”

A fortune. It would care for her mother for some time even after paying Florence. “Perhaps the boat isn’t at any of the places I suggested,” she said.

“We shall see.” He grinned and then moved a checker piece. “You could always marry Bert.”

“Bart,” she corrected.

“He looks like a Bert. All proper and full of starch. He wouldn’t contradict his mother if you paid him.”

“You don’t even know him.”

“What’s to know? He’s had a silver spoon in his mouth all his life and has never had to work for a thing.”

She couldn’t deny it. “You can scarcely hold his birthright against him. Besides, he doesn’t plan to take over his father’s business. He wants to open a Macy’s.”

“Just as I said. Too proper to get his hands dirty.”

“You’re goading me now.”

He grinned. “Maybe a little. He’s not good enough for you.”

“You don’t even know him. Or me.”

“I know you better than you think. I haven’t shared this house with you for about a week now without realizing you long for adventure but you’re too afraid to go after it.”

She shifted on her chair and glanced away from his penetrating eyes. “I like things to stay calm and controlled,” she said. “Adventure is too uncertain for me.”

“Nice try.” He chuckled.

“I don’t like surprises,” she said. “If I know what’s going on, I can plan for every eventuality.”

“You’re not convincing me. It’s more than that. You jumped in that boat without a hat and came running to find me. If you were as staid as you’d like people to believe, you would have waited to let the constable take care of it.” His gaze dropped to her lips.

He was remembering that kiss of life. The same way she was. The moment stretched out between them until she gave an uncertain laugh and moved a checker piece. “Your turn,” she said.

Surely it wasn’t disappointment that lodged in her belly when he dragged his gaze from her to the board.

T
WENTY-THREE

W
ILL SAW THE
ship nearly to the dock. It might be the
Hanson Queen
but it was hard to tell from here. He noticed Katie struggling to keep up with him and slowed his stride to match hers.

“Is that the ship we’re watching for?”

“I think so. It’s one that size.” He yawned.

“You haven’t slept yet. Philip should be doing this.”

“He’s still sleeping off his liquor.”

He offered his hand to assist her onto the pier, and after a moment’s hesitation, she put her gloved fingers in his palm. Once they were on the rough boards, she started to pull away but he held fast. “The walking surface is uneven.”

Her cheeks colored but she let him keep possession of her hand. Her gaze darted up and down the dock, and he wondered if she was assessing the occupants for anyone who might recognize her.

She tugged her hand free then placed it on his elbow. “It’s a bit more proper,” she whispered.

He grinned. “I dare you to take off your hat and let your hair down from its pins.”

Her full lips curved in a smile. “I don’t think so.”

The docking of the ship broke his bantering mood. He read the name on the bow:
Hanson Queen
. “That’s it,” he said. “I’m going to talk to the captain. You wait here.”

Her fingers tightened on his arm. “I think not. My presence here might be misconstrued if I’m alone.”

“Of course. Forgive me, I would never put you in a compromising position. I’ll wait until he disembarks then approach him.” He stepped to the side of the dock as the sailors poured down the gangway. Several armed men in uniform stepped onto the dock and took up position on either side. At least the ship had protection, as reported.

The number of exiting sailors slowed to a crawl. When no one had disembarked for several minutes, he straightened. “Let’s talk to an officer since the captain hasn’t come out.”

They approached the closest officer, who gave Will a sharp look then lifted a curious smile to Katie. Will tamped down the jealousy that surged in his gut. She didn’t belong to him.

“Good morning,” he said. “I’m glad to see you’re guarding this ship.

I have information that indicates pirates may have targeted it. Could you fetch the captain?”

“You questioning our ability to protect this ship, buster?” the sailor demanded.

“Of course not. I just wanted to pass along the warning.”

“Duly noted. We’re allowing no loitering around the ship. I suggest you be on your way.”

He wasn’t going to get far with the man. “Come along, Katie,” he said. He led her away. “Touchy fellow.”

“At least you told him. If anything happens, it’s no fault of yours.

And the sailor seemed competent.” She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at the fellow who was staring after her.

“He was quite taken with you.”

She glanced up at him from under the brim of her hat. “He was being polite.”

“I think not.”

“You sound angry.”

“I’m not angry. Just . . . concerned.” He nearly laughed at his defensive tone. What a fool he was. If she harbored no tender feelings for him, the best thing to do was squelch the emotion churning his gut.

She said nothing for several minutes until the noise of the dock was a dull hum behind them and they were walking along the sand back to the lighthouse. “You’ve been engaged in my personal life but have said little about your own beyond your parents’ unfortunate deaths.”

“I’m touched you care,” he said, his grin widening.

“Forgive me,” she said, her tone frosty, “I didn’t intend to pry.” Her gaze stayed down and didn’t meet his. “I merely wondered if we should expect a fiancée to join you soon. This town has never had a bachelor for a lightkeeper. Most have families to keep them company.”

“I’ve never been even close to marriage,” he said. When her expression didn’t change, he touched her chin with his fingers and tipped her face up. “Look at me, Katie.”

“We should be getting back,” she said, looking away. “My shift on the switchboard is about to start.”

No more games. “I care about you much more than I should,” he said.

Her lids opened wide and she met his gaze. Her shocked expression delighted him. He bent his head, and his lips brushed hers. Their warmth coaxed him to kiss her again.

She jerked away and stepped back. “Mr. Jesperson!”

His grin widened. “And here I thought we were on a first-name basis.”

“You’re being quite forward.” She swallowed but didn’t look away.

“I should apologize but I’m not one bit sorry.”

Her cheeks flamed with color and she put her gloved fingers to her mouth. Her eyes were sparkling and he didn't think it was with outrage. She hadn't slapped him either. He was going to make an attempt to woo her, he decided. While he might not succeed, he couldn't just give in and let that dandy from town have her without a fight.

The service was poorly attended but Katie hadn't expected the church to be full with the sickness around. She sat in the third pew on the right with Will, who held Jennie, and Lady Carrington. Philip had made an excuse and disappeared down to the docks. She was very conscious of the bulk of Will's arm when it occasionally brushed hers. She had barely slept the last few nights. All she could think about was his kiss on the beach.

She could almost feel Bart's eyes drilling into the back of her head. He sat two rows back with his mother and father. She'd had to refuse his insistence on her sitting with them, since there was no room in their pew for all of them. But she admitted to herself that even if there had been room, she would have preferred to sit elsewhere. It made no sense. Every time Bart made an attempt to draw her closer into his
family circle, she resisted. What was the matter with her? Bart could give her the respectability she craved, but all she could think about was Will, just inches away.

When the service ended, she spoke with friends and acquaintances. Most reported improving conditions of those afflicted with smallpox. She trailed out the front door and down the steps behind Will and the rest of her little family.
Family
. That was how she was coming to think of the group staying at the lighthouse. Such notions needed to be stamped out.

A flicker of movement by a live oak tree caught her attention. A woman stepped out from the shelter of the tree. The large chapeau obscured her face, but Katie didn’t have to see the rouge on her cheeks and lips or the pompadour to know it was Florence. Her hands clenched the handle of her bag as Will turned to look at her.

He frowned and glanced back as though to see what had so alarmed her. “Is there someone you need to see?”

The woman edged behind the tree, obviously having accomplished her mission. “No, no one.” Even if she was not intended for Bart, even if she fell for another, it would be devastating if her birth mother’s identity came out now.

Katie reached for the baby, who gurgled her vowels at her. The soft warmth of little Jennie’s body comforted her. She pressed a kiss on the baby’s curls and turned her back on the woman.
Go away, please go away
. The women wouldn’t be so bold as to approach her in front of everyone.