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Three

“Are you the son of Edward Braxton who lives in Derbyshire, England?”

Barry arched his brow at Governor Lennox. The man stood almost as tall as him, but lacked his build. Instead of muscles, it appeared as though the older man had more fat, especially around his mid-section. Even his cheeks sagged a bit. But it wasn’t his appearance that surprised Barry, it was the way he spoke. The older man sounded as if he’d been raised in England.

Barry nodded to the governor. “Aye, I’m his son.”

Governor Lennox laughed, his double chin shaking in rhythm. The medals on his jacket rattled together as he slapped his hand on Barry’s shoulder and squeezed. “I’m from England as well, and your father and I were friends. He knew me as Graham Lennox. A few years before I married, your father and I sailed the world together. He was captain of his own ship, in fact. He was the one who brought me to Turkey.”

Barry chuckled and shook his head. Governor Lennox had the wrong man. Barry’s father had never sailed anywhere, even though their family had owned a shipping company for many, many years. “I’m afraid you must be mistaken. My father was never a ship’s captain.”

“Trust me, he was a good sailor and a great captain.”

The older man led Barry to a cluster of pillows and cushions, designed to look like a sofa. They sat, and remarkably enough, it was more comfortable than Barry had expected.

As the governor rambled on about his acquaintance with Barry’s father—which generally surprised him because this was a different side to his father he didn’t know—but eventually, he let his gaze wander around the spacious room. Besides the governor, there was only one other man dressed in the Turkish custom. He suspected this was the governor’s son. They both had the same eyes and brown hair.

The women, however, were plentiful. Whether they were all the governor’s daughters, Barry didn’t know, but all he could see were layers upon layers of colorful silks and scarves. They all wore veils over their hair and lower half of their faces. Most of the women were tall and big-boned. But one sat alone, smaller than the others, and her attention was directed on him.

He smiled and gave a small nod. Her face flamed and she quickly pulled her gaze away. Barry wanted to chuckle for embarrassing her, but refrained.

“I haven’t spoken to your father for many years,” the governor continued. “When we returned from one of our voyages, I’d learned my own father had been killed. It was a hard time for all, and my mother had severe melancholy. I fear it affected her ability to care at all because she forbade me to associate with your father. Strange as it sounds, she thought your father had something to do with my father’s death.” He paused and rubbed his brow. “When I informed my mother I was marrying a woman I’d met in a different country—and living here as the governor—it not only broke my mother’s heart, but made her hate Edward Braxton that much more.”

Inwardly, Barry groaned as he tore his focus from the lovely woman and concentrated on the conversation. “This may sound strange, but I honestly hadn’t heard of the bad blood between the two families. My father hasn’t spoken much of his younger years before he married.”

Frowning, the governor nodded. “I’m certain your father was as upset about the whole situation, as I was. It was quite disheartening to be torn out of Edward’s life like that.”

“Is your mother aware of how happy you are in your marriage? And does she know about your many children?” Barry asked.

“She knows, but she stopped answering my letters several years ago, so I quit sending them. I do eventually want to return to England for a visit. I hope I can work out our differences at that time, but for now—” he swept his hand around the room “—I’m quite busy and don’t know when I’ll get back.”

“Then for your sake, I hope she has forgiven you.” Barry smiled.

“But I’m delighted to hear that your father finally settled down and married. I have to admit, I didn’t think that would ever happen. He was a very audacious man in his youth.”

Barry laughed. “It’s good to know my father wasn’t as pompous as I first figured.”

“No. Edward Braxton was quite the adventurous type, and a real ladies’ man.” He paused while a servant served him a glass of wine, before turning and offering one to Barry. “I recall he spent a lot of time with his brother, William. Let’s see, if I remember correctly, William was an artist of sorts. Correct?”

“Actually,” Barry said after he took a sip of his wine, “Uncle William draws plans for things to be made. He’s contracted with Prince Regent for more ships, and my uncle also draws plans for wealthy people to build their houses or stables.”

“Remarkable.”

“Indeed, it is. My father and Uncle William went into business together just lately, but my father has taken ill and he wishes me to return to take over for him.”

Concern etched on the governor’s face. “Will Edward be all right?”

“I certainly hope so.” Barry took another drink of his wine.

“He was such a good man, and an adventurer, as I’m sure you are now.”

Barry shook his head. “I swear to you, this is something I’ve never known about my father. I almost don’t believe it.”

The governor grinned. “Ask your father about me. I assure you, he’ll be able to relate a few hair-raising stories as well.”

“Indeed, I shall.” Barry’s gaze again wandered to the petite woman, and as before, her focus rested on him. He smiled, and this time, she didn’t turn away. Her lashes batted, but not in a flirtatious manner. It surprised him to see her staring so openly when the other women in the room wouldn’t even give him a sideways glance.

Dinner was announced, and the governor led Barry into the formal dining room. Thankfully, they wouldn’t be sitting on the floor, but instead, at a long dining table. The women joined them, yet they still refrained from speaking or even looking at him—except for the pretty young woman adorned in silver from her headdress to her sandals. The lighting was better here than in the other room, and he could see the color of her eyes. Could someone really have silver eyes? Yet there was a hint of blue in them as well.

During the meal, which consisted of cuisines he’d never tasted before, the governor kept up the conversation about Barry’s father and their adventures as young men. When the meal was over, Barry followed the older man as they left the table with the women trailing behind them. He glanced over his shoulder to see if the woman in silver still looked his way, and she did.

After they entered the spacious room again, the governor bumped his elbow next to Barry’s, bringing back Barry’s attention. “Do you find my daughters lovely, Mr. Braxton?”

Embarrassment washed over Barry. Usually he didn’t get caught gawking, especially by the father of the young woman. The truth was, not all of the governor’s daughters were lovely. Just one.

Barry smiled. “Yes. Your daughters are certainly a vision of beauty.”

Governor Lennox rubbed his jaw. “Are you, by chance, in the market for a wife?”

Barry almost choked on his gasp. There was no way he was in the market, and when he decided to choose a wife, he would look for her in his own country. He didn’t think he could marry a woman so quiet and submissive like the ones here in Turkey. Barry had always enjoyed women who could talk freely with him. He wanted a companion who could make him laugh and who enjoyed the same things as he did.

He cleared his throat. “Unfortunately, I’m not looking for a wife right now. My trading business is going so well, I’m not thinking of marriage at this particular time, regretfully so.”

Lennox nodded. “I was just wondering. My daughter, Josephine, is in want of a husband.”

Barry glanced at the group of women the governor had indicated with his hand. “Which one is she?”

“She is wearing the orange veil.”

Barry tried not to cringe at the unattractive sight. The woman had a nose too large for her face, and her body was almost as wide as she was tall. “Oh, I see. Have you found the fortunate man yet?”

“No, not yet, but we haven’t given up.”

Barry looked back at the governor. “What about your other daughters? Are they in the market for a husband, as well?”

Lennox laughed. “No. Although they think they should be, they have to wait until Josephine marries.”

Barry frowned. That wasn’t fair to the other sisters, especially for the youngest. He wondered which daughter was the one in silver, yet he dared not ask. “Yes, I understand, Governor.”

After one more hour of visiting, Barry had to make his excuses. There was so much needing to be done before he and his crew sailed in the morning. “Before I leave,” he said, “is it permissible to wander the palace grounds? They are so beautiful and I would like to see as much as I can.”

The governor swept his hand in front of him. “The grounds are yours, my boy. Let my guards know when you are ready to return to your ship and they shall escort you.”

“I thank you for your generous hospitality.” Barry gave the other man a nod before walking out of the room.

The grounds were immaculate, especially the middle courtyard. Opened wide, the yard was very spacious and green with many trees and plants. Even the governor’s flower garden would have pleased the Prince Regent. Several fountains littered the area, and only a few lanterns were lit. The half-moon added glimmer to the water in the fountains, making his walk breathtaking and very relaxing.

Leaving tomorrow was really not what he wanted to do. If he had his way, he’d stay in Turkey another week and maybe sail to another exotic country. But alas, a promise was a promise, and he couldn’t back down. His father needed him, and that’s where his place was.

Yet, if his father had been a ship’s captain many years ago, the old man would understand. Wouldn’t he? Was this the reason his parent allowed Barry to go into the trading business? He was almost anxious to return home and have his father tell him the stories of before he’d married, and Barry especially wanted to discover if his father was indeed responsible for the death of the governor’s father many years ago.

As Barry wandered the courtyard, he knew he was alone, yet shivers ran up his spine, convincing him that someone else was with him. Eyes followed him. He could feel it.

As he passed some hedges on his way to the gate, the feeling became stronger. Someone was definitely keeping him company. If only they’d make their presence known.

When he passed a cluster of tall hedges, he made a sharp turn…and in the shadows, he bumped into another person, almost knocking them down. He grabbed hold of slender arms and kept them from landing on the ground.

Silk glided underneath his fingers, and when his vision adjusted to the shadows, silver appeared. So did wide, beautiful dark eyes. Because of the shadows he couldn’t see their exact color, but he remembered from earlier they had looked almost silver—with a touch of blue.

“Oh, forgive me for running into you,” he said. “I didn’t see you standing there.”

“It’s not your fault. I mean, because this spot isn’t lit very well; it was bound to happen to someone.”

Her soft voice and the warmth from her body being so close stirred something inside of him that he didn’t dare think about right now. This was not the place to desire a woman—one of the governor’s daughters, no less—especially with Josephine still unmarried.

Instead of this particular daughter keeping her eyes on his as she’d done inside, she kept her gaze downcast. He didn’t like that. He wanted to look into those amazing orbs.

“You are one of the governor’s daughters,” he stated, taking his hands off her arms, but remaining close.

“I am.”

“Where are you in line to get married?”

Her gaze lifted to his for a brief moment then lowered. “I’m the youngest,” she replied sadly.

“How many sisters are waiting to find a husband before it is your turn?”

Her head came up again and a smile touched her eyes. He assumed she was smiling, but still couldn’t see her mouth because of the veil.

“My father has told you about our custom?”

“He did.”

“Did he proposition you? He is desperately trying to wed Josephine because a prince has asked for the hand of one of his other daughters.”

Barry chuckled. “Yes, he did proposition me, but I’m not in the marriage market.” He shrugged. “I can tell your father cares deeply for his daughters.”

“I suppose he does. He is very old fashioned, and it doesn’t matter to him that Josephine will be forty years old before she is married, which means all of his daughters will be old maids, as well.”

He grinned. The youngest daughter definitely had a sense of humor that surprised him, but then again, since she’d been so open with her inspection of him earlier, he should have assumed she’d be a little more forward than her sisters.

“That doesn’t sound fair.” He scanned over her petite frame, and hated that the veils, scarves, and satins hid so much of her. One thing he knew for certain was she had intoxicating eyes. He wanted to yank the veil away from her face and gaze upon her beauty, because he was certain she would be strikingly lovely. He also wanted to rip off her headdress and run his fingers through her hair. For sure, it would feel silky and smell… He inhaled deeply. Like flowers. His heart rate climbed a notch, and he held himself back from following through with his thoughts.

For some reason, she reminded him of someone. Yet, he’d seen so many women with veils covering their face, there was no way to know who this woman reminded him of. Familiarity poked at his conscience, and he’d drive himself insane soon if he couldn’t figure it out.

Her attention dropped to his mouth and his heart jumped to his throat. He bunched his hands into fists and put them behind him to keep from touching her.

“No, my father’s custom isn’t fair. But that is the way it has been done in his family for many years.”

“Can you not go against customs?”

Her eyes widened. “Oh, no, Captain Braxton. That is unthinkable.” She lowered her gaze again, turning her head slightly. “Although it has crossed my mind a time or two.”

Barry laughed. “Do I detect a little defiance in the youngest daughter?”

As her gaze lifted and met his, she gripped his arm. “Shh, you mustn’t say that too loud. It cannot get back to my father.”

“I won’t tell.” He removed her hand from his arm only to cradle it in his. “I also won’t tell your father about our little talk. I’m certain he’d scold you if he knew we’d been alone in the shadows.”

“Quite right. You have no idea the trouble I would be in.”

As he studied her face—what he could see, anyway—his attention wandered down to her mouth barely visible through the veil covering it. If only he could pull the veil from her face. He kept himself from doing that very thing by stroking his thumb across her palm. The erratic beat of her heart pumped against his fingers. Strange to think his heartbeat matched the rhythm perfectly.

She tried to gently tug her arm away, but he held onto it tighter.

“I—I really must be going, Captain Braxton.”

“Can’t you stay just a little while longer?” He took a step closer. “I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better. I’m leaving tomorrow to sail back to England, and I don’t know when I’ll return.” He brushed his fingers across her cheek, the silkiness of the veil caressing his skin.

Once again, her gaze lowered to his mouth, and rested there. “Captain Braxton, you are making it extremely hard for me to leave.”

She had no idea how hard it was for him to leave. Her soft voice made him want to keep her talking just to hear the musical tone.

He slid his arm around her small waist and pulled her against him. She gasped and placed her other hand between their bodies on his chest.

“You are making it impossible for me to leave, as well,” he whispered huskily. “Just one little kiss, I beg you. I think you would enjoy it as much as I.” He paused, before adding, “And I really would like to see you without your veil.”

She shook her head and her eyes widened. “I cannot.”

“We are alone. Nobody will know.”

Her palms pushed against his chest. “I cannot. Please, Captain Braxton—”

“Call me Barry.”

She hitched a breath. “Barry.”

He smiled, enjoying the way his name rolled so sweetly off her tongue. He lowered his mouth to her forehead and brushed his lips across her skin. He paused, waiting for her reaction…waiting for her to snap at him and push him away. Instead, a small sigh escaped her throat. She tilted her face back and closed her eyes. His heart thundered against his ribs, realizing she wanted this as much as he did.

Of course she would. Her father probably wouldn’t allow any man to court her since she was the youngest and all of her sisters had to get married first. Well, he’d give her a little kiss—something that she would remember him by.

Gently, he moved his lips down to the tip of her perky nose and placed a small kiss there. He stroked her cheek again, shifting his fingers to the edge of the veil, ready to pull it from her face. He wanted so badly to see all of her face, knowing it would be beautiful.

Cautiously, he tugged and the veil moved slightly. He held his breath, praying she wouldn’t stop him. He breezed his lips against hers, but the veil was still in place. Before he could do anymore, voices echoed from the house and grew louder, entering the courtyard.

Letting out a small squeak, she pushed away. Her hand flew up to her mouth. Wide eyes laced with panic met his stare. “It—um, it was a pleasure meeting you, Barry.”

She turned, fled through the hedges, and disappeared. He reached out and grabbed her arm, trying to stop her, but she slipped through his fingers. Sighing heavily, he cursed the unexpected visitors, and especially their rotten timing. All he needed was five more minutes. He was certain she would have allowed not only his kiss, but to remove the veil covering the lower half of her face, as well.

Grumbling, he raked his fingers through his hair before taking in a deep breath and leaving the privacy of the large potted plants and bushes. When he entered the courtyard and recognized the governor’s guards, Barry wondered if the older man had sent them to look for him.

As he walked toward the guards, his heart sank. Unfortunately, he couldn’t get to know the young woman better. If he had a few more days to dally in Turkey, this particular woman would have agreed to meet him in secret, away from the observing eyes of her siblings and her father’s very cautious guards, Barry was certain.

He wished he knew her name. There was a mystery about her, which fascinated him almost too much, but he had to put her out of his mind and concentrate on sailing bright and early the next morning. He couldn’t let anything distract him from that now.

Especially not a pretty woman.

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