Free The Bargain: A Port Elizabeth Regency Tale: Episode 2 by Vanessa Riley Page B

understand him, and she was dead. No one but Eliza had the capacity to accept him and his ills. But it was good to see true spirit in his mouse. “Precious, there is hope for you yet.”  
    Reaching up, he pulled down a pillow, popped it under his neck and closed his eyes. "Goodnight."
    Getting comfortable on the floor, he stretched his tired limbs. He’d keep protecting Precious, and he'd get her to not be afraid of men. Like every other woman, someday she’d yearn for love, to be married. Helping her overcome her fears now felt right. Yet, could he stand to let another man take her away? Would he allow someone else to enjoy her fine eyes and spirit?

Chapter Seven: Cabin Fever

    Precious sat with her back to the firm mattress of the small bed in the women's cabin. She'd never been more pleased to be anywhere than on the floor of the women's cabin, reclining on the sturdy pallet. Taking a deep breath, she rejoiced, for she was out of Lord Welling's room, away from his irritating charm, and definitely out of his bed.  
    He said she begged for him to kiss her. Had she done that? Deep in her heart was there something inside that wanted what Eliza had; a beautiful son, a handsome husband?  
    She rubbed her neck, as if the shame could rub off. There was a small part of her that wanted happiness like Eliza. The day she tried on the emerald silk, she wanted to be like Eliza, but that never meant taking Eliza's place. She loved her too dearly, never wanted her hurt.  
    But kissing her Lord Welling? That must be wrong.
    His kiss had been gentle. It wasn't sloppy or full of spittle. It was just right. And that made Precious sad.  
    She could never think of it again or act upon it. No more fodder could be shoveled onto that. All the crew, even her quiet cabin mate, Mrs. Narvel, had to think of her as a harlot. The captain's woman. Oh, why did she have to fall overboard?
    Jonas's chubby palm lifted her chin. "Mamie sad?"
    Precious gathered him up in her arms. "Not with you, sweet boy. I missed caring for you."
    He surely had grown an inch on this voyage. Six weeks had passed since leaving London, but just two since her drop into the ocean.  
    Mrs. Narvel's voice floated down from the bed. "He's been an angel. It was my pleasure to tend to you both. Need to make myself useful before my time of confinement."
    The lady crawled to the edge of the mattress and stretched, tapping Jonas's nose. The glow of the woman's tan skin had increased as her stomach grew. "Truly, I like helping. I was a governess before I married Mr. Narvel. I haven’t felt so useful since. Don't mistake my words; I love being a wife, I just don’t like being idle. Once the babe's born, I'm going see about helping with the missionaries. I want to help bring light to Port Elizabeth. I think that will help in Lord Welling's call for peace."
    Nodding, Precious lifted another piece of biscuit to Jonas's lips. "Thank you for your kindness; I should've listened to you."
    "Hoot." The little boy made another noise, blocking out Mrs. Narvel's acknowledgement or condemnation. That was all well and good. Precious couldn't hear so much over anger at herself. Well, at least she had a new nightmare of being sucked down into the abyss, instead of hungry Charleston eyes coming after her.  
    Mrs. Narvel leaned her head over. Her smiling gaze had become something Precious counted on seeing. Even with her own tiredness from the babe growing big in her belly, she took care of Precious when she was so weak. Precious vowed in her heart to be a comfort to Mrs. Narvel when her time of confinement came.
    She took a napkin and dusted Jonas's face. "Are you and the little one done? The cabin boy will return for the plates."
    At least the young fellow didn’t stare at her too much, not like what the rest of the crew would do if she faced them. She wiped her fingers on her soiled bodice. "I think Jonas is done. Surely left crumbs enough."
    Mrs. Narvel hummed as she curled up in her