Free Samantha James by Gabriels Bride Page A

wall, while the center of the cabin was dominated by a desk covered with charts and maps. There was even a small, pot-bellied stove with a simple chair next to it. But it was the wide bed opposite the door that bound Cassie’s attention the longest.
    A sudden creaking accompanied the movement of the ship beneath her feet. It seemed to buck and heave and strain, but then they were off.
    Both fear and excitement leaped high in her breast. The narrow seat set beneath the cabin’s only window beckoned; it was there she directed her weaving steps. Scrambling up, she peered through the dingy glass.
    The ship soon gathered speed, gliding through the waters of the bay. The forested coastline—and Charleston—grew further and further distant.
    It struck her then…the enormity of all that had happened this past day. Never again would she see Charleston…or Black Jack. No longer was she bound to a life of servitude. There would be no more scrubbing floors, no more ducking eager hands, dodging pinching fingers, and evading lust-filled glances.
    No, it was little wonder that she felt no sadness…yet neither was there joy—or the vividrelief she had expected to feel. There was only the familiar sense of being so very alone, as well as a gnawing unease of wondering what the fates held in store for her…
    She could only hope the future brought better.
     
    The feeling of being lost and alone persisted throughout the long day. Cassie did not dare to venture outside the cabin, and certainly no one ventured within. Soon the shadows began to lengthen, and a dark gloom invaded the cabin. She was given to wonder if she’d not been forgotten.
    At that precise moment there was a knock on the door. Cassie had scarcely called a tentative “Come in” when the door was flung wide. A stocky young man wearing a scarlet wool cap jammed on russet brown curls appeared, whistling and pulling a small cart. The cart was barely inside before the formidable figure of the earl dominated the entryway.
    “This is Ian, my dear. He will be tending to our meals and the cabin during our voyage. Ian…my wife.”
    Having already risen to her feet, Cassie smiled at the young man. He seemed a cheerful sort, and she could not help but respond to him. “Hello, Ian,” she said softly.
    “Milady.” The young man swept the cap to his belly with a bow and a most engaging grin. He then set about transferring several dishes onto the table, along with service for two. Delicious smells assailed her nostrils, while ravening pangs of hunger began to gnaw at her belly. Cassie had not realized until then how very hungry she was. Ianfinished his task, then quietly withdrew. The cabin door shut with a click.
    She was left alone with her new husband.
    He strode to the table and pulled out a chair, then glanced at her expectantly. It took a moment before Cassie gathered that he intended to seat her. She could not help the thought that rushed in at her…did he mock her? Or was he merely being polite? Feeling rather foolish, Cassie flushed and moved to oblige him.
    He did not ask, but filled her plate for her—not that Cassie was inclined to be contrary. Perhaps it was silly, but the prospect of sharing a meal with this man made her distinctly nervous. She knew not what to say. She knew not what to do . Flustered, but determined not to show it, she turned her attention to the food. The fare was simple but filling—a rich, savory stew and warm, fragrant bread. Impossible though it had seemed just moments earlier, her hunger soon eclipsed all else, including her awareness of the man sitting across from her.
    She had nearly finished her second helping when she chanced to glance up and find those crystalline gray eyes fixed upon her. There was an odd expression on his features, and hot shame colored her cheeks. No doubt to him she appeared half-starved and greedy.
    She laid down her fork, lowering her lashes quickly. “I am sorry,” she murmured. “I should not