Bride of a Distant Isle Read Online Free

particular,” Edward whispered to me. “And then convey to me anything you learn.”
    I frowned but did not reply. I could certainly be courteous. I could help where it was appropriate. But I was not going to spy. Why should I?
    I reached around for Clementine to take my left arm, the captain on my right, but instead, she trailed a few feet behind us.
    Very irregular.
    â€œPerhaps with the right investment arrangements, Highcliffe might be saved.”
    I looked at him, and he winked. He knew that I’d want to help save our home.
    As we left Edward, he pulled a packet of ginger chews from within his trouser pocket and put one in his mouth; they soothed his touchy digestion.
    We strolled toward the flamboyantly decorated ceiling displays, all swirls of baroque, which caught Clementine’s eye. As she spoke with the artisans, Captain Dell’Acqua made small talk with me.
    â€œYour name, Miss Ashton, it does not sound Maltese, and yet your cousin said you were Maltese?”
    Oh dear. Had we to begin here? First minutes of the conversation? For some peculiar reason, I did not want this man to view me or my mother negatively, as he surely would once he knew the circumstances.
    â€œAshton was my dear mother’s surname,” I said. “I never met my Maltese father.”
    He blushed deeply, and I was glad of the sensitivity that showed. “I apologize on behalf of the men of Malta,” he said. “And for my ungallant question.”
    â€œNo apology required,” I answered quietly. Clementine had moved on to look at draperies across the aisle.
    â€œMy father is an Englishman,” the captain confided in return, perhaps in penance at having raised my shame. “And I have never met him . He came to Malta on a Grand Tour, where he met, wooed, won, and then left my beloved mother. He did not return.” His voice took on an edge of resentment.
    I looked up wonderingly. “Truly?”
    â€œTruly.”
    This, then, must be what Edward meant when he’d said Dell’Acqua and I had more in common than Malta. I quickly changed the subject as Clementine rejoined us. “Edward says this is your first visit to England.”
    He nodded. “I normally sail in warmer waters.”
    Was he referring to the bitterness with which he held his English father?
    â€œBut I could not pass up the unique opportunity to meet with other men of commerce from all over the world. I understand Signora’s husband has similar sentiments.” He nodded toward Clementine. She did not disagree. “It is an age of exploration,” he continued, “and your Prince Albert believes that world trade might bring peace and prosperity to all nations. I hope so, too, as does your husband, I believe, Signora .” He looked at Clementine. “That’s why we’ve come from Malta and these others,” he spread his arm to indicate the other nations’ exhibits, “from their homelands.”
    â€œTell me of Malta,” I implored as we walked. “No one will speak of it with me—well, no one but a nun I once knew in Winchester, she being Maltese.”
    â€œI should be very happy to do so. Let’s take a seat.” We made our way to a refreshment area, and after buying Mr. Schweppe’s effervescent ginger beer and soft Bath buns studded with chewy sultanas, we sat down.
    I took a sip, and my eyes opened wide.
    â€œYou are quite well?” the captain asked.
    â€œYes,” I said. “Delighted. It’s just that it bubbles up the nose and down the throat at the same time.” I took another drink and giggled.
    Clementine’s frown declared her dissatisfaction at my forthright comments if not at my swigging and giggling, but Dell’Acqua grinned.
    â€œMalta is a small island, wholly surrounded by blue,” he said, his gaze searching my face, “perhaps the very color of your eyes. Our homes and buildings are sculpted from