Page 8 of Lady Tempts a Rogue

I promise to consider coming to live with you and your new bride after this excursion, but that doesn’t mean I shall do so. You know I treasure my independence. Besides, you and Charlotte need time alone. Marriage is an adjustment, no matter how deeply in love you are.

I may be alone in this world, except for you and Charlotte, but I refuse to become a burdensome old tabby. We shall discuss the possibility when I return to England in a few months.

I might be more inclined to forsake my wandering ways if I had a grandniece or grandnephew to dote upon.

~Mrs. Eustacia Peagilly, in a letter to her nephew, the Vicar Willard Howard

Posted the day she sailed from London aboard the Daunting Duchess

Daunting Duchess – main deck

The swirl of fog clinging to Britain’s shoreline, like lovers reluctant to separate, cleared as the ship sailed smoothly toward the Atlantic. Trinity’s disappointment at not being able to see England fade from view quickly turned to delight as she craned her neck and studied the clear, ebony sky.

Her hood crumpled to settle upon her shoulders, and the breeze had increased to a bone-chilling degree. Her ears would undoubtedly get cold, perhaps resulting in an earache, but she could not regret the sacrifice for the splendid view.

“Cassiopeia and Perseus,” she whispered to herself in awe.

October evenings were ideal for spotting the pair of constellations in the northern sky, but this was the first time she had seen either this clearly. An amateur, self-taught astronomer, her fascination with stars extended to constellations too. She had purchased a constellation map in Italy several years ago and brought it with her on all her journeys. Her journal contained several rough sketches as well.

“Look to the right, and you can see Pegasus too.”

She glanced over her shoulder.

Mr. Compton stood six feet away, handsome and commanding in his navy-blue uniform.

“Really?” She peered upward, trying to locate the mystical horse.

“Here, use my night telescope.” He withdrew the brass instrument behind his back and extended it toward her after opening it to its full length. “It is not the most powerful spyglass, but it will magnify the stars.”

How long had he observed her?

Long enough to fetch his telescope.

She was both flattered and disconcerted.

Nonetheless, Trinity could not resist.

“Thank you, Mr. Compton. I believe I shall.”

Grinning, she accepted the slender rod.

Yes, proper young ladies were supposed to smile demurely, but really, a grin was so much more appropriate at times like this.

She raised the telescope, and a small gasp escaped her.

“Oh, this is simply magnificent. Marvelous.”

Mr. Compton edged closer but kept a respectable distance between them as they looked upward.

“You have an interest in astronomy, Miss Ablethorne?”

Giving an eager nod, she continued peering at the innumerable twinkling jewels. “I certainly do. I am not very adept at identifying many constellations, but I have learned a few. I have also read a book about celestial navigation.”

Why was she telling him all of this?

Because she tended to prattle when nervous, and Mr. Compton made her nervous.

Lowering the glass, she cut him a sidelong look as she swept her free hand in an arc. “Doesn’t it make you feel small and insignificant, considering the vastness of what God has created?”