Captain Jones's Temptation - Audrey Harrison Page 0,72

again.”

“You—”

Chapter 23

Esther awoke with a mixture of feelings swirling around her insides. Today was the day Mr. Boyd had said he was calling, which she had dreaded since receiving the letter, but it was also another day she would spend in Samuel’s company. A situation that she cherished.

He annoyed her, teased her mercilessly, and made her roll her eyes about half a dozen times an hour, and she was completely smitten with him.

How she was going to be able to manage without being in his company after he had decided there was no further threat from Mr. Boyd, she had no idea. Not expecting to ever fall in love, she had fallen completely and helplessly, and it was most certainly a bittersweet experience.

Dressing in one of her best day dresses, she prepared herself for whatever confrontation she had to face. Knowing that Samuel would be nearby made it all the easier. She had relied on no one for the last four years, and although in some respects it was hard depending on someone else, it was also reassuring and comforting. She had to keep reminding herself that it was a temporary measure. She could not rely on him forever, no matter how much her heart whispered that she loved him.

As she entered the dining room for breakfast, she smiled to see Samuel already there and indicated that he did not need to stand. “Please, remain seated. I would not like to separate you from your porridge.” She walked to the side table and started to fill her plate with bread, marmalade and eggs.

“Have you heard how she speaks to me, Dawson?” Samuel asked the butler, who was pulling the chair out for Esther. “She begrudges a man a hearty breakfast.”

“Ignore him, Dawson. I have noticed his mood isn’t congenial until he has emptied at least two pots of tea,” Esther responded.

“Some would argue that I am never congenial.”

“Those close to you, I presume?”

Dawson coughed quietly, and Samuel grinned in appreciation at the butler. “She’s a devil, isn’t she? With your mistress’s agreement, I would suggest you abandon us here and set up position at the front door. I want this Boyd character to experience the full wrath of a displeased butler. I have every faith that he will be in no doubt of your opinion of him.”

Esther nodded at Dawson to show her agreement.

The butler bowed slightly. “I shall not let you down, Miss Esther.”

“Thank you.”

The butler left them alone, and a silence, albeit a comfortable one, descended on the room.

Eventually when Samuel had had his fill of the creamy porridge that was a speciality of Cook’s, he sat back with a sigh. “A man could increase his girth by eating porridge alone.”

“Is that what your friends should expect to see? A widening of Captain Jones as the years pass?”

“I think that depends on how much time I can spend with your cook,” Samuel said.

Esther flushed. She would like him to spend every day at Corless House, but she knew that it was impossible. Busying herself with spreading marmalade on the freshly baked bread, she kept her eyes lowered.

Samuel grimaced. He was acting like a callow youth with his blundering comments. If he hoped to secure her, he knew he would have to tread very carefully. She had so many barriers around her, but the biggest one he might not be able to overcome. He had decided, either on his journey to her, or at some point whilst gazing at the dark night, that he had to give it a try, or he would regret it for the rest of his life.

Not quite sure how he would cope with her rejection if that obstacle could not be overcome, he had flutterings in his stomach, which had almost put him off his breakfast. The next few days were going to decide his future, and he was not convinced there was going to be a happy ending.

After their repast they removed themselves to the drawing room to await the expected caller.

It was only an hour after breakfast that Dawson brought the news to them that Mr. Boyd had arrived. Samuel stood.

“I shall be listening from the dining room.” He walked to the door connecting the two rooms. “I will enter when I feel it is appropriate. Do not let him browbeat you into feeling you have no choice. There is always an alternative.”

Esther stood, nervously straightening her hair.

“You look beautiful. Leave it alone,” came a whispered instruction from the dining room.

Smiling and