High Sea Read online

  “Yes,” I replied, wishing to spare him the discomfort of discussing that episode.

  “I took to the high sea to escape that sadness. But now I see it for what it was – infatuation – an acquaintance that could never have brought me happiness because it was founded on no real affection.”

  I remained silent as it seemed he wanted to tell me all of this.

  “I intend to marry upon settling in England.”

  I felt a lump in my throat. “The lady you choose to marry will be most fortunate, Doctor John,” I said, truly wanting the best for him but struggling to accept his words.

  “If the lady I have in mind should choose to accept me, I shall be the lucky one,” he replied.

  The sun had set. “The light is waning, Sir. I think we should repair below deck–”

  “One moment, Sam,” Doctor John insisted, turning to face me and placing his hand on my upper arm to turn me inward to face him.

  I looked into his eyes and did not dare anticipate what he was about to say.

  “McEwan tells me he is going to assist you in setting up a dressmaking business once we are home.”

  I nodded and smiled mutedly to behold his serene face so close to mine.

  “I would very much like to see you an independent lady of means; I know you have the wit and skill to make your fortune as a seamstress to the rich and privileged.”

  I laughed dismissively but was flattered to receive his praise.

  “But I must confess, Samantha, I would far rather see you going about your business in my own home – in our own home.”

  He took my hands in his. I couldn’t help but question what I had heard.

  “Samantha, would you do me the honour of becoming my wife? I cannot offer you a life of great wealth or distinction but I can offer you my love.”

  My face erupted into a smile. I felt his lips against my cheek and knew that my ears had not deceived me.

  “Yes, Doctor John, yes,” I said.

  * * *

  We were married by a minister onboard ship at the first opportunity. With what joy did I abandon Estelle’s cabin to take residence in that of the ship’s doctor with my husband. That first night, we laughed as I climbed into the small bunk alongside him, recollecting how I would sleep at his side in earlier times.

  That night the sea was rough but the noises from without gave us the opportunity to discover one another without fearing that we would disturb others. I delighted in being able to look upon his fine figure once again without having to check my urge to feast my eyes upon him. And he, at last, undressed me and, taking me in his arms, lifted all barriers between us. The weather continued stormy until dawn but, with my beloved’s arms about me and our future at last certain, I passed the soundest night.

  * * * * *

  Thank you for reading this story. If you have enjoyed High Sea, please consider writing a review / recommendation for the book or giving it a star rating.

  For information about the author and her other publications, visit Catherine E. Chapman’s Smashwords’ profile page:

  http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CatherineChapman

  Catherine’s other books include:

  Brizecombe Hall and Kitty - Victorian / Regency romances – novelettes available on Smashwords:

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/75187

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/338206

  The Hangar Dance - a WWII romance – novelette available on Smashwords:

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/277501

  Brizecombe Hall, Kitty and The Hangar Dance are also available digitally and in print as a collection of Three Romances:

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/356113

  Danburgh Castle, Rhiannon and Braggot Park - sensual Medieval and Elizabethan romances – novelettes available individually on Smashwords and in a collection of Three Medieval Romances:

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/269771

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/155276

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/404382

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/414993

  Elizabeth Clansham - a contemporary romance set in the Scottish Highlands – available on Smashwords and also in print:

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/68015

  The Beacon Singer - a contemporary novel set in the English Lake District – available on Smashwords:

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/111240

  Clifton - a contemporary novella– available on Smashwords:

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/387978

  For tasters of Catherine’s contemporary writing, read All The Trimmings, The Family Tree, Opening Night, The Office Party and The Ramblers, short stories available to download free from Smashwords:

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/369854

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/438936

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/393878

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/463518

  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/180502

  For news, including current promotions, follow Catherine’s blog:

  http://www.romanceornotromance.wordpress.com

  Catherine is also on Facebook:

  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Catherine-E-Chapman/434999469868920

  Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5202084.Catherine_E_Chapman

  and Twitter: http://twitter.com/CathEChapman