The Elusive Bride Read Free Page A

diplomatic route. Why?
    Regardless of his motives, his sudden departure left her with a very big unanswered question—and an even bigger decision to make. Was he her “one,” or not? She needed more time with him to tell. If she wanted to get that time, following him might—just—be possible. If she acted now.
    Should she follow him, or let him go?
    Closing her eyes, she revisited those moments in the officers’ bar, the only moments on which she could judge him. Surprisingly vividly, she recalled the sensation of his fingers closing around hers, felt again that odd leap of her pulse, the frisson that had set her nerves jangling.
    Felt, remembered, relived.
    On a sigh, she opened her eyes. One point was inescapable.
    Of all the men she’d ever met, only Gareth Hamilton had affected her in the slightest.
    Only he had set her heart racing.
    September 16, 1822
The Governor’s Residence, Bombay
    “Good evening, Uncle.” Emily swept into the dining room and took her seat on her uncle’s right. They were the only two at dinner. Her aunt was still in Poona—which was a very good thing. Flicking out her napkin, she smiled at the butler, waited for him to serve her and step back before she said, “I have an announcement of sorts to make.”
    “Oh?” Her uncle Ralph rolled a wary eye her way.
    She smiled. She and Ralph had always got on well. “Don’t worry—it’s only a minor change in my plans. As you know, I was scheduled to depart on the company ship two days hence, but after speaking with others I’ve decided that, as I came by that route, I should instead go home by the direct and more scenic way.” She waved her fork. “See Egypt and the pyramids—and as it is the diplomatic route, there’s unlikely to be any serious danger, and plenty of embassies and consulates to call on for help if luck says otherwise.”
    Ralph chewed, frowned. “Your father won’t like the idea, but then he won’t know—not until you’re standing in front of him again.”
    Emily grinned. “I knew I could trust you to see the salient point. There’s really no reason I shouldn’t go home that way.”
    “Assuming you can find passage at short notice. Your parents are expecting you back in four months—going via Cairo you’ll be able to surprise them, if you can find a berth—” Seeing the light in her face, Ralph broke off. “You’ve found one, I take it.”
    Emily nodded. “And yes, it’s on one of the sloops the company regularly uses, so the captain and crew are vouched for.”
    Ralph considered, then nodded. “Well, you’re the most sensible young lady I’ve ever known, and you’ll have Watson and Mullins with you, so I trust you’ll be all right.” He cocked a brow at her. “So, when do you leave?”

One
    17th September, 1822
My cabin aboard the sloop Mary Alice
    Dear Diary,
    As usual, I will endeavor to record my thoughts at 5 o’clock every afternoon, before I dress for dinner. This morning I departed Bombay, and I understand we are making good time as the Mary Alice slices its way through the waves to Aden.
    And yes, I acknowledge that it’s undeniably bold to be pursuing a gentleman as I’m pursuing Major Hamilton, but as we all know, fortune favors the bold. Indeed, even my parents should accept the necessity—they sent me to Bombay because I dragged my heels over choosing any of the young men who offered, opting instead to wait for my “one,” as all my sisters—and I suspect my sisters-in-law, too—did. I have always maintained that it was simply a matter of waiting for the right man to appear, and if Major Hamilton proves to be my right man, then at the ripe old age of twenty and four, I doubt anyone would argue against my pursuing him.
    Of course, I have yet to determine if he truly is my “one,” but I can only decide that after meeting him again.
    Speaking of which…he and his party are two days ahead of me.
    I wonder how fast a sloop can go?
    E.
    1st October, 1822
My cabin aboard the