Dilly Court - The Summer Maiden

His eyes narrowed and, for a moment, Caroline thought he was going to question her further, but he turned his attention to his cousin. ‘Well, you’ve seen me in my office. Does that satisfy your curiosity, Maria?’

‘A little,’ she said with a nervous giggle. ‘But I would like to see over one of your ships, Phin. If it isn’t too much trouble.’

‘That could be arranged, but I doubt if Grandmama would approve.’

‘Need she know?’ Caroline asked casually. ‘It sounds like a very interesting outing.’

‘An outing?’ Phin’s lips curved in a cynical smile. ‘I wouldn’t call it that, but maybe the reality of life at sea would dispel some of the romantic notions you young ladies harbour.’

‘Oh, Phin! You do say such cutting things,’ Maria said, sighing. ‘I would love to see over one of your ships, and I agree with Caroline. There is no reason to tell Grandmama anything that might upset her.’

‘Very well. I’ll arrange it for tomorrow afternoon, but I won’t go behind Grandmama’s back – she must be told. However, it just so happens that the Colville Star is in port and I intended to inspect her anyway. You may accompany me, if you wish.’

Maria clapped her hands. ‘I do, Phin. I can’t wait.’

‘What about you, Miss Manley?’ Phin asked silkily. ‘Does the prospect please you also?’

Caroline met his amused gaze with a steady look. ‘It will be interesting, but might I suggest that you broach the subject to Mrs Colville as you seem to be the only person who might be able to influence her?’

‘Yes, please do so,’ Maria added eagerly. ‘You know that you can wrap Grandmama around your little finger.’

What Phineas said to his grandmother remained a mystery, but his powers of persuasion had never been in doubt. After luncheon next day, suitably dressed for the occasion in cool cotton-print gowns, lace mittens and straw bonnets, Maria and Caroline were driven to the docks in the Colvilles’ landau. The Colville Star was similar in size to the Esther Manning , and Phineas introduced Maria and Caroline to the captain, who was a great deal younger than she had expected. She had met a few of her father’s seagoing officers, and most of the captains had been middle-aged men with years of experience in ship handling. But, as she studied his craggy, weathered features, Caroline realised this man, who could not be a day older than thirty, had seen more of the world than many people twice his age. The corners of his intensely blue eyes were crinkled, as if he had spent most of his life gazing out to sea. He was polite but careful in his dealings with Phineas, and for that she could not blame him. One step placed wrongly might mean instant dismissal to an ordinary member of staff, but Caroline had a feeling that this man was too valuable to dismiss on a whim. Phineas was treating him with more respect than she had previously noted when he was speaking to his subordinates, while Maria seemed to have been struck dumb, and was gazing at the young captain wide-eyed with admiration.

Phineas glanced round the deck with a nod of approval. ‘Everything seems to be in excellent order, Captain Barnaby. I’ll have a word with you later, but perhaps you would be kind enough to show Miss Colville around. My cousin is eager to learn more about our business and this seems a good place to start.’

Captain Barnaby’s cheeks flushed beneath his tan and he cleared his throat. ‘Of course, sir.’ He glanced at Caroline, his sandy eyebrows raised in a mute question.

‘I will escort Miss Manley,’ Phineas said firmly. ‘She has also expressed an interest in the shipping industry and I am curious to learn her opinion.’

‘Aren’t you coming with us, Caroline?’ Maria asked anxiously.

‘Apparently not, but we’ll be close behind you.’

‘Indeed we will.’ Phineas proffered his arm to Caroline. ‘A quick tour of the ship will suffice, Captain. Lead on.’

‘Why did you do that?’ Caroline demanded when Maria and the captain were out of earshot. ‘You know how nervous she is.’

‘No harm will come to her on board a Colville ship. Captain Barnaby is a staid young fellow and certainly no ladies’ man. But the truth is I wanted a private word with you and I knew that this was my best chance.’

Caroline withdrew her hand from his arm. ‘Really? I can’t think what you might have to say to me that can’t be said in front of Maria.’

‘I want to know what your business is with my family, Miss Manley.’

‘I don’t know what you mean, sir.’

‘I think you do. We met once briefly on the foreshore. You were with two young boys, who were being threatened by a pack of mudlarks. What is your reason for obtaining such a menial position, when you are obviously well educated and used to better things in life? Who are you, Miss Manley?’

‘I am your cousin’s companion, Mr Colville.’

‘That’s no answer.’

Caroline met his steely gaze without blinking. Two could play at his game and she was in complete command of her emotions. Iced water seemed to run in her veins as she remembered how her father’s business had suffered due to this man’s cutthroat business tactics. ‘Mrs Colville was satisfied with my credentials, sir. I see no reason to go through them again with you.’

His eyebrows snapped together and his eyes narrowed, but to her surprise he threw back his head and laughed. ‘ Touché , Miss Manley. You have me there, but I will discover the truth, sooner or later.’

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