The thing was, what was he going to do?

He knew she didn’t want to marry him. Mostly because she’d said that on multiple occasions.

How could he convince her?

“Captain?”

Hyland nudged his shoulder.

“What?”

“Clark here was asking if you had something you had to do tonight. Or if we could just stay here all day and pretend you’re not a nob and we’re not sailors without a ship.”

Griffith waved at the barmaid, gesturing to his friends so she would know to bring over three more ales.

“We’ve got time. And I’ve got something you two can help me with.”

Chapter 17

Della let herself into the house, smiling as Nora pelted into her, wrapping herself around Della’s legs.

“You’re back! Mama, Emily’s father is here, and everybody is crying, but they’re not sad.”

Della bent down and hugged Nora, feeling her eyes prickle also. “Yes, sweetheart. Emily’s father is back, and we weren’t certain we would see him again, but now he’s here.”

“Where is my father? Is he coming back too?”

Della froze. She should have expected the question—it was natural, given how much Nora and Emily shared. That one father was returned surely meant another would be returned as well?

Only she wasn’t ready for the conversation. But Nora deserved an answer.

“Let’s have some tea and talk about it,” Della replied, nodding to one of the girls, who’d emerged from the kitchen, likely when she heard the door open. “In my sitting room, please,” she added. The girl nodded in reply, then ducked back into the kitchen as Della rose, taking Nora’s hand in hers.

“Will Emily’s father live with us too?” Nora asked.

Della blinked. She hadn’t thought about what would happen after she found Sarah’s husband. Just that she was desperate to do so, and would do whatever she could to make it happen.

Including spending time with the largest, most handsomest man of your acquaintance, a sly voice in her head reminded her. What a hardship.

Hmph, Della wanted to reply. There was no guarantee that the person she’d make such a bargain with would be so large and handsome. It was just a bonus to the arrangement.

Nora ran ahead and opened the door, holding it so Della could enter, shutting it carefully after them. Della went to sit on the sofa, disturbing one of the kittens who blinked at them sleepily. Nora cooed and drew the kitten onto her lap as she sat down, crossing her ankles.

Della felt her throat tighten as she regarded Nora. So small and so in need of protecting still, but also showing signs of independence.

I wonder where she gets that from?

Now the voice sounded remarkably like Lord Handsome’s.