Jay looked down at the red stain that was spreading across his shirtfront. ‘Or you’ll do what, my love? If this is the worst you can inflict on me I can happily live with that, Daisy mine.’

She headed for the door but Jay sidestepped the table and he caught her in his arms, holding her so close that she could feel his heart beating through the thin cotton of his shirt. His kiss sent fire through her veins and an unexpected surge of desire that she fought with every ounce of willpower. Even so, she found herself giving in to the moment and responding instinctively to his embrace. Julian’s kisses had been polite and undemanding but Jay’s mouth on hers and the male scent of him roused feelings in her that she could never have imagined. It was only when the click of the door handle made him release her that she had the strength to pull away, dazed and bruised but longing for more. She glanced down at her bosom and was shocked to see the red wine stain on her one and only gown.

She gave Jay a shove as he attempted to move closer. ‘Now look what you’ve done. It’s ruined and I’ve got nothing else to wear. How can I go home like this?’ She burst into tears and found herself once again in his arms. This time he was stroking her hair and soothing her as if she were an unhappy child.

‘Take it off,’ he said when she managed to regain her self-control.

‘What?’ She stepped away, gazing at him in horror.

‘Lewis. I know you’re out there. Fetch one of my shirts – the cleanest one you can find.’ Jay began unbuttoning the front of her gown. ‘Don’t worry, I won’t tear the material. I have done this before.’

She took a step backwards. ‘I’m sure you have.’

‘Take it off and Lewis will get it washed and dried before we make landfall. The range in the galley never goes out so the material will dry overnight. Lewis will bring one of my shirts and you can preserve your dignity.’

Clutching the front of her dress together, Daisy glared at him, but the laughter in his eyes and the curve of his lips that only moments ago had sent her senses reeling, brought a reluctant smile to her lips. ‘What dignity? I’ve already lost that, you wretch. How dare you treat me like one of your molls?’

‘What does a well-brought-up young lady like you know about fallen women?’ Jay’s expression was stern but his lips twitched and there was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

‘Why do you turn everything into a joke?’ Daisy demanded crossly. Her confused emotions made her want to laugh and cry at the same time, and she resorted to indignation in an attempt to regain her self-control.

He brushed a lock of her hair back from her forehead. ‘If you pout like that I’ll have to kiss you again, Daisy mine.’