Captain's Bride Read Free Page B

long,” Julian was saying, “before
she’d have any one of her current suitors whipped into a cowering
mass of jelly.”
    Nicholas felt the pull of a smile as Julian pointed
to the group of admirers crowding around his daughter.
    “Just look at them, Nicholas. Glory treats them as if
they were pets, not men she is considering for marriage. What kind
of life would she have? I want Glory to marry someone who is man
enough to handle her.” He looked hard at Nicholas. “I thought maybe
you’d be interested.”
    “Me!” Nicholas’s dark features blanched. “You would
consider me for your daughter’s hand? You know my
reputation, Julian. Most fathers would call me out if I so much as
got near their daughters, let alone proposed marriage.”
    “With your wealth and position, I hardly think so.
But then, I’ve always seen more in you than you see in yourself.
You’re a good man, Nicholas. You’d make a fine husband.”
    “I’m flattered, Julian. More than you’ll ever know.
But I’m not the kind of man to settle down. I live my life from day
to day. I’m at sea most of the time. What kind of life would that
be for a woman?”
    “You don’t have to spend your time at sea. We both
know that. You have several estates up north. It’s time you thought
of marriage and family.”
    “And your daughter thinks this is a good idea, too, I
suppose.”
    “My daughter would be furious if she knew I even
mentioned the word ‘marriage.’ Getting Glory to the altar would be
your job. I just wanted you to know that if you’re interested, you
have my blessing.”
    “I’ve never been interested in marriage. You
above all others should know that.”
    “The past doesn’t always repeat itself, Nicholas.
Just because your father’s marriages failed doesn’t mean yours
would.”
    “And what of yours, Julian? Are you happily
married?”
    A frown creasing his brow, Julian sighed and looked
away. “My marriage to Louise was arranged. It was never right for
either of us. But I did love someone once.” For a moment he was
lost in the past, his eyes distant. “If Hannah could have been my
wife, I’d have been the happiest man alive.” The frown faded as he
remembered those happy times, hours spent in front of the tiny fire
in their small cabin, Hannah curled beside him, or the two of them
lying in their old iron bed. When a laughing couple jostled him
from behind, his thoughts reluctantly returned to the present, his
attention to Nicholas. “Give it some thought, my boy. But for God’s
sake don’t mention it to Glory or Louise. I’d have my head taken
off.”
    Nicholas fought the pull of a smile, and instead
arched the black slash of his brow. “Your secret’s safe with me.
And again I thank you for the compliment, but I’m afraid I’m a
dedicated bachelor. Spoiled young virgins are not my style.”
    Julian smiled knowingly. “Come along. I think it’s
time you met the guest of honor.”
     

Chapter Two
     
    Julian skirted the dancers and headed toward the far
corner of the room, where Glory was holding court. Nicholas had to
admit she was a beauty, perfection in every way. The kind of woman
who excited him in bed but elsewhere bored him to distraction.
    He eyed the group of well-dressed men surrounding
her. Her simpering beaux irritated him. Nicholas found it
humiliating for a man to make a fool of himself over a
woman —any woman.
    Watching Gloria Summerfield being fawned over,
virtually worshiped by her young admirers, raised the hackles at
the back of Nicholas’s neck. She would probably turn out just like
Lavinia and all the other women he’d known: unfeeling,
self-centered, with the morals of an anchor rat. He found himself
determined to dislike her even before they were introduced.
    Nicholas brushed past clusters of elegantly gowned
ladies as he followed Julian around the room. He didn’t miss their
appreciative glances or the invitation in several pairs of
dark-fringed eyes. As the two men neared the