Free The Shipmaster's Daughter by Jessica Wolf Page A

its usual blank state, and his hands had once again curled into fists at his sides. When he reached her, his fingers took to twitching.
    “I might have a solution for your problem,” he said. Which one? she wanted to ask. She held her tongue, though, and waited. “Brigette is a capable girl, but better suited for the kitchens. That being said, I—Esther is in need of a governess. Someone to watch after her during the day, teach her, guide her, if you will.”
    Luciana’s brow constricted. “What does this have to do with me?” Her voice sounded more biting than she intended, but it had been a long day and her feet were sore. Listening to Reed prattle was not how she wanted to end the day.
    His lips pinched then relaxed. “Would you be willing to consider becoming Esther’s governess?”
    Her jaw went slack. Luciana didn’t know the first thing about being a governess. He must have taken this as a good sign because he elaborated on his offer.
    “You would be paid well, twenty-six pounds a year. I expect nothing but the best for my daughter.” His eyes searched hers. “What is your answer?”
    Twenty-six pounds? Based upon his tone, that was a hefty sum. Still, the thought of waiting by Esther’s side each and every day seemed taxing at the least. But could she afford to say no? She had nothing—no family, no money, no means to make money. She was stranded in a foreign land, afraid and alone, and yet here was Reed, a seemingly despondent and cruel man, offering her a job. She would be a fool to say no.
    She at least wanted to consider it. And she didn’t want him thinking she was eager to stay. Because she wasn’t. “May I answer you in the morning?”
    He gave a stiff nod. “Of course. Goodnight, then, Miss Renaldi.”
    “Goodnight, Signore Hargrave.”

Chapter 9
    G ood god, a governess? Reed was in no need of a governess, much less an Italian one. What had possessed him to offer such a position? Hadn’t he wanted her gone just the day before?
    He raked his hands through his hair, reassuring himself that his offer had nothing to do with their walk down the pier. Little words had been said, but her quick wit and sharp tongue impressed him—if only slightly. He’d expected her to blush and shudder at Charles’ implication of their...relationship. She’d only lifted her head higher, shooting down his assumptions with a few quick words.
    Maybe he had misjudged her. Or maybe not. He couldn’t be sure.
    Still, what irked him most was the salary he had promised. Reed was a wealthy man. He had dozens of paying tenants on several plots of land throughout Eastbourne. He had lucrative stock investments. He had money leftover from his inheritance. By no means was he poor. He was merely cautious with his money. The state of his home could attest to that.
    Despite his reservations, he found a sliver of himself hoping for her acceptance come the morning. He pushed those feelings aside and reached for his glass of gin. The taste was bitter and it burnt the back of his throat. The inky blackness of the sky outside reminded him that he should try to catch some sleep, but sleep had evaded him ever since Katherine’s death. He hated sleeping alone. He hated being alone.
    A gentle buzz settled in the back of his head after he downed another glass. With a tired groan, he sat down in his chair and kicked his feet up onto the edge of his desk. He set his eyes on the rooftops of Eastbourne. Lights danced in windows and smoke curled from smokestacks. There had once been a day when Yellow Brook thrived, its doors always open, its halls always filled. He had enjoyed those days. Katherine had been alive and Esther was on the way. Everything was the way it should be.
    But now. Now Reed had to be content with an empty house, a dead wife, and meddling friends. Not to mention an overactive child and Italian governess. No, Reed had never imagined his life like this.
    “Father? I can’t sleep.”
    Reed turned his head toward the