Free Expedition of Love by Jo Barrett Page A

me. It's quite spectacular. Are you sure you're all right?"
    "I'll be fine. But I don't believe I care to go up top at the moment. Thank you anyway.” She patted his hand where it rested against her shoulder.
    "Well, in that case, I'll leave you to rest. Do you want me to call for you at dinner?"
    "I don't think so."
    He sighed with a soft hum. “Very well.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead then left.
    Something was deeply troubling his daughter, something she didn't feel comfortable discussing with him. That was the only time she ever got a headache, but then Mrs. Cory, Edwin's housekeeper was there to ease her mind. And she did have a rather close relationship with Mrs. Stillwell, the young widow who lived next door. But neither of them were there at the moment, and he was at a loss as to what he should do.
    Making his way above deck, he wondered what could be troubling her. Surely not the fact she had to play nursemaid to their guests. She'd done that sort of thing before without the slightest difficulty. Perhaps he should have insisted she bring a female companion. But what female would want to go traipsing off into the wilds of Argentina?
    Edwin smiled. His Kris, that's who. But how to solve her problem, whatever it was?
    His gaze lit upon Stephen leaning against the railing taking in long deep breaths. Setting aside his quandary for a moment, he crossed the deck.
    "I'm surprised to see you up and about, Stephen."
    "I needed some fresh air."
    "You don't look too pale. I see my daughter's tea has worked its wonders."
    "Yes. It did seem to do the trick, thank heavens. Where is Miss Peterson? I wish to thank her and apologize for my surly behavior earlier."
    Ah, so his friend hadn't taken too kindly to being looked after by Kristina. Pride perhaps or something else? Could his supposed surly behavior be the source of her problem? If so, why would that bother his daughter? Her hide was too tough to be put off by a man's ill temper. She had received plenty of his over the years. Then again, if Stephen was the source of her dilemma, perhaps he could also be the cure.
    Edwin frowned deeply. “She's not feeling well and has decided to stay in her cabin."
    Stephen pushed away from the railing, his pale brow wrinkling. “Didn't she take some of her own concoction?"
    "She claims it's not seasickness.” He sighed dramatically. “I'm worried about her, Stephen. She didn't wish to join me in taking in this magnificent sunset. Quite unlike her. I've never known her to be sick. She is always exceedingly healthy."
    "Perhaps we should pull into the next port and have a physician take a look at her."
    "No, no. I'm sure if it were anything serious she would tell me. She's not foolish.” He chuckled. “Not usually. No, I'm sure she'll be fine. Probably some female thing or another troubling her. Well, I need to speak with the captain. Excuse me, Stephen."
    Edwin strolled away, wondering if his friend would take the bait.
    * * * *
    For another thirty minutes, Stephen stood staring out over the ocean wondering if Miss Peterson was all right. He doubted she could still be upset about that unfortunate scene with Mr. Walters the evening before. As a matter of fact, she didn't seem the least bit distressed by it. Had something else happened since then?
    He strode across the deck and hurried down the steps to her cabin, unable to bear his hypothesizing any longer. Whatever was wrong with her, he intended to find out. She obviously hadn't said anything to her father about Mr. Walters’ untoward behavior, and if something else had occurred, she may also have kept that to herself.
    He knocked softly on her door and was answered with a soft moan.
    "Who is it?” she called weakly.
    "Doctor Baxter."
    She opened the door while grasping her forehead and squinting. Pain evident on her face, she peered at him through glazed eyes. “What can I do for you, Doctor?"
    "I came to see what I could do for you, Miss Peterson. Your father says you