The Charlotte Series: Book 1: The Pirate's Treasure

Chapter 26

Millicent stood quietly and looked longingly up at the shrouds. She never used to dislike gowns, until she learned the freedom of wearing pants and climbing about as she pleased. Her gaze fell from the shrouds and she looked about the decks. From where she stood though she was amazed with the precision with which they worked together as the ship was guided slowly toward dock.

Dressed in her rose gown and lace gloves she stood safely out of the way with an anxious Lad. Her face was properly powdered (with flour) and shaded by the brim of her bonnet. Her hands rested gently on Lad's shoulders and he shifted from foot to foot in an anxious sort of dance. She knew the feeling. She'd give anything to be aloft...

It was remarkable! There was scarcely a bump as they glided smoothly into place. She watched the gang plank being lowered and waited for the crew to disembark. A small group had gathered but no one moved. She was about to ask Lad if this was normal when she saw Martin approaching.

Lad froze at the sight of him. Her heart did too. He looked very handsome in his best suit. Her smile was instant and she felt a gladness fill her, which was silly of course. Martin smiled and waved. Lad yelped with glee and skipped down the gangplank. She laughed as he leapt onto the dock where he looked around wide-eyed as he waited.

Martin Smith laughed as he watched Lad scamper off the ship. The sound of another's laughter brought his gaze around to a vision in pink with roses and lace. He felt a little cross with himself and tamped it down. Admiring a beautiful woman wasn't the same as loving her. Besides, while ashore he was to draw attention as the doting husband leaving Masters free to handle business.

"He sure was anxious to get off the sip!" she observed when Martin reached her sided.

"I promised him that he could be the first ashore today."

"Oh. That explains why no one else went ashore." She looked around and her nose wrinkled. "What are they all waiting for?"

"They are waiting for us my dear." He smiled and held out his hand.

"Oh?" She placed her hand in his.

He tucked her hand into his elbow and they started down the gang plank.

"Of course. I guess the captain—"

"No, my dear." He patted her fingers where they rested on his arm and chuckled softly. "They are waiting for you. Women and children first, you see."

This man was so...she sighed. Her face wrinkled in confusion as she tried to figure him out. It hadn't been like this when they went ashore last time. But of course they hadn't docked last time. Maybe...she realized they'd stopped walking and she looked up in time to see Bailey take off at a jog.

"He'll fetch us a ride. There's a shop reputed to be the finest in Barcelona. I thought you would enjoy a visit, but it's too far to walk. We'll make a day of it."

"Thank you." She smiled despite her confusion for when he looked at her so sweetly she couldn't help but smile.

As they waited for Bailey to return Lad skipped over and began chatting with Martin. She looked around and watched with interest as the men moved about unloading the ship.

"My dear?" She turned as Martin took her elbow and guided her toward the cab. "A cab will take us there but Bailey will hire us a carriage for use for the remainder of our stay here."

"Thank you." She nodded as he helped her to climb in.

Lad begged to ride with the driver and after a nod from Millicent, Smith—Martin allowed it. He settled in next to her and she felt the weight of his thigh next to hers. Looking at him she wondered why it was she had such a difficult time thinking of him as Martin.