Free Lucky's Lady (The Caversham Chronicles Book 4) by Sandy Raven

Repairing a composite mast required only sections of trees, not an entire tree trunk, which were becoming more difficult to find in certain ports around the world. Especially as the trees used for masts had to grow on the lee side of a hill so as not to have the prevailing winds twist the trunk, leaving the grain as straight as possible in nature.
    It seemed to Lucky that the more time he spent in the company of Mrs. Watkins, the more fascinated with her he became. As a naval architect, she possessed an intelligence in the mechanical arts that went far beyond his comprehension. That in itself was amazing, as she'd never had a formal education. He was truly in awe of her capabilities.
    Mrs. Watkins completed the drawing while he watched, then removed the apron and placed it on the wall hook next to her table. "Can I get you a cup of tea before we move into the office? I'm having one myself." He nodded and after accepting the beverage, he followed her into Mr. Watkins' office.
    There was a question he'd been wanting to ask since he saw the nearly-completed work she'd done out in the shipyard yesterday. He came right out and asked somewhat sheepishly, "The men here... they respect you? Your decisions?"
    He could tell it caught her a little off-guard, but she replied quickly and with certainty. "Yes, they do. But it wasn't always so, to be honest with you. I did have to prove myself."
    Lucky leaned back in his chair, sipping his sugared tea. He hoped she'd continue because he truly wanted to know about her.
    She did. "When he began to.... Over the years, my husband has given me more and more responsibility for the operations. There were some here who questioned my abilities, but with Mr. Watkins' guidance, I'd like to think I've overcome their doubts." She chuckled a bit. "Of course, it didn't hurt that I had his strong support. After all, I am his wife."
    Lucky couldn't address that comment directly as it wouldn't be proper, and it would surely offend the lady. But personally, he had his doubts as to the true fullness of her wifely duties, especially after what he'd heard the previous afternoon.
    He had to force himself to keep on topic and not let his mind wander. No matter how odd it felt to discuss business with a woman, she was the amazing architect in charge of designing his ships, and would oversee their construction as well. Mrs. Watkins obviously knew her business and was passionate about it. He realized this after seeing the boats they'd toured the day before. Lucky didn't have any fears that the ships built here were inferior in any way because she was a woman. Watkins had told him yesterday that all of the boats in the yard right now were her designs.
    He then asked about the Ann McKim, and Watkins proudly stated that while the deck arrangement, rigging and sail plans were all his designs, Mrs. Watkins had designed the hull all on her own and it was their first collaboration.
    Mrs. Watkins pushed her cup and saucer aside and lifted the papers from the corner of the desk, handing them to him. "These are the various lists for Ajax. I thought we could use these as a template of sorts to speed the process along today."
    "Don't rush on my account." Lucky wanted to stay with her as long as possible. After all, he'd be leaving soon enough.
    "I assure you, I am not in a hurry."
    At times he thought she sensed this spark between them, and welcomed it. Surely it wasn't his imagination. Being the gentleman he was, he would wait as long as possible before he hinted to her of his interest. And while he knew her Christian name, he'd decided the night before that inside the office she was Mrs. Watkins. It was the only way he could maintain sanity around her during this portion of the pre-construction process.
    "Then my lady, I am at your complete disposal."
        
    M ary-Michael's mouth suddenly went dry and the room began to get exponentially warmer if that were possible. This man, Captain Gualtiero, rattled her as no other had