Her sister frowned. ‘Why would you be talking to my maid?’
‘Because we need to go. Now.’ He tugged her upright. Lucy had already set aside her tea. She would find another book to read. Thankfully, the Duke’s library was extensive.
‘No, no,’ the Duke said as he turned to her. ‘If you will join us please?’
Lucy nodded, confused but all too happy to have something new to do. Her sister followed more reluctantly. She wasn’t as delighted by surprises as Lucy was. Nevertheless, they climbed into a carriage and headed away.
Soon the familiar scents of the docks filtered through the air. Grace smiled, having spent much of her youth aboard ship. Lucy, on the other hand, wasn’t as excited as they nearedThe Integrity. The ship stood proud, though there were still some repairs to be done. And Captain Banakos waved a smiling hello to them.
One other person was there.
Cedric.
Lucy’s heart squeezed painfully tight at the sight of him. He looked good, though there was still a leanness to his face. And his clothing didn’t fit well, but his shoulders were squared and his expression…
Well, it was guarded as hers would be.
‘Why is Lord Domac here?’ she said, her voice coming out as a strangled kind of squeak. ‘I will not—’
‘Oh, I remember now!’ her sister cried. Then she squeezed Lucy’s arm. ‘Don’t worry. You will love this.’
She wasn’t so sure. Coming face-to-face with Cedric again was something she wanted to prepare for. But there was no time as the Duke helped them exit the carriage. And then they all climbed aboardThe Integrity.
The greetings passed quickly enough with Cedric glaring at his cousin. Honestly, she couldn’t blame him. If she felt discomforted by the situation, he had to be furious. After all,the two men had reached an accord in the last month. To be summoned like a servant was humiliating.
‘Sorry, this has been abrupt,’ Declan said by way of apology. ‘I’ve been occupied with other matters.’ He waited as his wife stopped inspecting the ship and turned her attention to him. ‘I shall make this quick, shall I?’ Declan continued. ‘Miss Lucy Richards, your father and I have discussed things and have come to an arrangement. The repairs onThe Integrityare underway. It will take another month at least, but then she will be ready to set sail with a new cargo.’ He leaned towards her with a mischievous grin. ‘Would you like to choose it?’
Her heart leapt into her throat. Was he truly trusting her with an entire cargo? Then the Duke turned to Cedric.
‘I’m willing to give you a portion of that cargo, cousin. I’ll let you supervise it, sail with it and sell it in China as you had initially planned. Any profit will be allotted to you and your sisters’ dowries evenly.’
‘What?’ Cedric gaped at the Duke.
‘One condition though,’ he said as he turned to Lucy. ‘She will be the one deciding on the cargo. She will be the one to set the price. And you will work under Captain Banakos and her. Prove your mettle and we can discuss the next sailing.’
‘You want me to be her lackey?’ Cedric asked, bristling.
‘Yes,’ the Duke answered. ‘For the next two months. If you want the boat.’ The Duke’s expression softened as he stepped closer to Cedric. ‘I am trying to help. You hurt us all deeply, but you are my cousin, and I care for you.’
‘I apologise, Declan. Truly, but—’
‘I didn’t know about the roof. If I had, I would have taken care of it.’
Cedric nodded. ‘It’s done—’
‘I know. I also know you’ve been looking for a boat—’
‘I have investors. I don’t need—’
‘But there’s none better than this one.’ His gaze lifted toThe Integrity. ‘You chose well with this.’
Cedric’s jaw firmed, but he nodded.
‘I want you to have your chance, Cedric. But you risk a great deal—for all of us—if Prinny’s investment goes sour.’
‘I can do it.’
‘I hope so. This is your chance.’ He looked back at Lucy. ‘But if she wants to punish you, I’ll allow it. You certainly deserve it.’