Free Hart's Desire (Pirates & Petticoats Book 1) by Chloe Flowers Page B

We would love the pleasure of your company. And you too, Mr. O'Brien.” She smiled at Conal.
    Keelan’s lungs froze. She would not be able to abide seeing Hart and his bloody, rakish grin on a daily basis.  
    “That is a most gracious offer, Mrs. Grey.” Landon smiled. “I can only imagine the full extent of what Twin Pines has to offer.”
    She was doomed. Keelan fingered the handle of her teacup, which prompted Simon to refill it before slipping out of the room with the empty teapot.  
    “Unfortunately,” Landon continued, “my ship demands close supervision, and most of my business duties remain in Charleston. Therefore, I have already secured arrangements. I sincerely appreciate your warm and gracious offer, however.”
    Oh good. She'd be spared the torture of the captain's presence. But as her stomach climbed up into place, Aunt Sarah sent it spinning away yet again like a child’s top on a polished wood floor.  
    “As compensation for our disappointment, you and Mr. O'Brien must accept an invitation to our ball next Saturday,” her aunt countered.
    “We’d be honored.” Landon responded with a polite dip of his head.
    Aunt Sarah clapped. “Wonderful!” She passed a dish of potatoes to the captain. “Do try these, Captain Hart. Mr. Grey had them shipped from Philadelphia. He absolutely loves them. Keelan dear, you’ve barely eaten a bite. Are you well?”
    “I’m fine, Aunt Sarah.” She met Hart’s amused gaze. “I seem to have lost my appetite this morning.”
    He remained stoic except for a mischievous twitch of his mouth.
    Conal O'Brien leaned forward. “Miss Keelan, have you any kinsmen in Ireland?” The captain’s deep forest eyes studied her intently.  
    “No. My parents’ families are both quite well-recorded.”  
    What an odd question.
    “Tis hard to believe a lass with your hair and eyes dinna have roots in Ireland or Scotland.” Conal pursed his lips as he stared at her a moment longer before he shrugged and returned his attention to his plate.
      “I’m a bit of a curiosity, I suppose. I’m the only one in my family gifted with auburn hair.” She shrugged.  
    Not only was it an unusual auburn shade, it was wild and chose to curl on a whim. No matter where she went, she had to withstand the surreptitious stares. Her hair drew people’s attention as if it was a character separate from her yet still connected, like an extroverted twin.  
    “I’m going up to sit with my father for a while.” She nodded to each of the other three men who had risen from their seats. “Dr. Garrison, I will speak with you later, and gentlemen, it was a pleasure to meet you both. Captain Hart, I understand Charleston has excellent shipwrights. I hope you are able to complete your business here quickly.”
    Hart returned to her a charming smile. “Why, thank you for your concern, Miss Grey. I don’t anticipate delays. However, in the interim, I shall enjoy my visit. It seems the Charleston area has an abundance of wonderful sights. I might decide to extend my stay in order to take them all in.”
    Simon appeared at the doorway of the breakfast room. Uncle Jared motioned him in.  
    “What is it, Simon?”
    Mr. Pratt’s in the parlor and’s asked me to tell you dat he wishes a word.”
    Uncle Jared reached for another scone. “Send him in. Perhaps he’d enjoy some breakfast.”
    With a respectful nod, Simon disappeared. Keelan clenched her teeth together. Mr. Pratt was not here by chance. Either he’d been summoned, or he intended to propose to her. Whatever the reason, she wasn’t staying to find out. Jumping to her feet, she darted to the sideboard where she picked up her father’s breakfast tray.
    Dr. Garrison pushed away from the table. “Allow me to carry that for you, Miss Grey.” He tossed his napkin down, successfully knocking over his tea. “Oh, quite sorry,” he said as he clumsily righted it then dabbed at the spill with his napkin. He stood, tipping his chair over