Free Her Master and Commander by Karen Hawkins Page B

pulled a round gown of pink muslin over her head and tied it securely.
    Odd that she’d awoken, dreaming of the captain. And not just thinking about him, but dreaming about him…about his eyes, that odd green color and intense. About the shape of his lips when he’d flashed that one swift smile that had sent her senses reeling. About how those very lips had covered hers and delivered the most passionate, unique kiss she’d ever—
    She covered her face and shivered. Before now, she’d always thought Phillip’s kiss had been wonderful, gentle and tender, just like him. Her chest tightened at the thought. How could she compare a dream kiss from a man like the captain—a kiss that held less meaning than a scrap of torn paper—to a kiss from Phillip, who had been her husband and best friend?
    Still…now that she thought about it, Phillip had never kissed her like the kiss in her dreams, with such passion and focus. Of course, that was probably because of the type of man the captain was. When she was with him, she felt as if his entire energy was directed at her and no one else. As if only she and he existed in that moment, even if he was irked with her about his sheep. Phillip had never made her feel that way, and yet…she had loved Phillip. Dearly.
    It was a sign that the feelings she had for the captain were simple lust.
    Heavens! She was losing her mind. Thinking was obviously not a good thing to engage in before breakfast. Hunger was warping her usual calm logic. Before she tackled weighty thoughts—or at least thoughts that had anything to do with one very masculine, very irritating sea captain and his wayward sheep, she’d have a nice breakfast and some tea. Yes, that was what she needed.
    And after that…why, after that, she’d take care not to think about him again. Not even once. Yes, that was what she’d do. Besides, she had dozens of things to see to today as it was. She left her room and ran lightly down the stairs, trailing her fingertips on the smooth worn wood.
    It was warmer downstairs. Mother was sitting at the head of the dining-room table, listlessly plucking at the edge of her napkin when Prudence came in.
    “Good morning!” Prudence bent and kissed her mother’s cheek, then took the seat beside her. “I’m sorry I’m so late. I couldn’t wake up this morning.”
    Mrs. Fieldings entered the room and went to the sideboard, lifting the cover off two plates. “Time waits for no man.”
    Prudence sighed. “I think we’ve had enough homilies for one day.”
    Mrs. Fieldings sniffed. She brought the plates to the table and set them before Prudence and her mother with a decided thunk, then marched from the room.
    “Oh dear!” Mother said, looking after the housekeeper. “She is certainly in a mood.”
    Prudence buttered her toast and spread a healthy amount of marmalade over it. “We have a lot to do today. We have to finish the curtains for the back two bedchambers, to get them ready for our boarders.”
    “That is going to take some time.”
    “We should be able to finish one set today if we both work on it. Once that’s done, we must see to getting the barn in more presentable shape. We will eventually need to get another horse besides Elmira.”
    “I hope we will be able to afford one. I quite hate seeing poor old Elmira harnessed to the carriage. She tires so quickly.”
    “We will be able to afford it. I’m certain we will. Mother, I have been thinking. Perhaps our school should specialize in something.”
    Mother poured cream into her cup. “Goodness, you are full of ideas this morning! You must have slept very well indeed.”
    Somehow, Prudence’s dream had revitalized her in some way. She shrugged. “I just want to help.”
    “Oh, you are, dear! I couldn’t do anything without you. What is your idea?”
    “The other seminaries for girls specialize in something. Mrs. Ashton’s Select Seminary believes theatrical productions produce a becoming confidence and they perform