Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie Read Online Free Page A

a straight answer. “Perhaps you’re no widow at all, but a runaway. Who is looking for you?”
    She rolled her eyes. “Good night, Captain.” When she tried to duck under his arm, he caught her around the waist. Fire flared in her green eyes. “Release me. Our business has concluded.”
    He let her go but regretted it when she stormed down the corridor. “Perhaps I misunderstood our conversation below stairs, madame. I was under the impression you wanted me to carry you to England.”
    She halted mid-march and slowly turned back to him. “Are you reconsidering?”
    The only thing he knew with certainty was he wasn’t ready to end their encounter. He took a step in her direction. “You’re desperate to leave New Orleans. Why?”
    Her laugh was forced and lacked mirth. “I’m not desperate. I’m impatient to connect with a male relation in London.”
    “Lack of patience on your part doesn’t sway me to allow you passage. Tell me the reason you were determined to be on the Cecily when she sets sail instead of waiting for another ship.”
    “I don’t know how long my cousin intends to remain at his current lodgings. He is a visitor to London.”
    “Does he know you’re coming?”
    She pressed her lips together, her silence damning.
    “He isn’t expecting you?” Daniel frowned. The woman lacked sense in spades. “And if your kin isn’t there? What do you propose to do then?”
    She closed her eyes as if trying to sort her thoughts. She looked too blasted fragile standing like that in the dim corridor. Didn’t she know not to lower her guard with anyone?
    “My brother is but a boy,” she said at last. “He requires the protection of his guardian, and since our cousin hasn’t come to us, we must go to him.”
    Daniel moved closer, lightly taking her hand. What the hell was he doing? He should walk away now and forget about her. She, herself, had said she didn’t require his assistance. But she had also proven herself to be a harebrained twit by wandering into the tavern.
    “Do you know anyone else in England?”
    She shook her head. “We have a letter of introduction and funds to rent rooms for a time.” When she looked up at Daniel, her expression hardened. “But we will find him.”
    Or die trying. She had no need to add the words.
    Daniel understood loyalty to family. He would give his own life for his siblings. Of course, his was a worthless life, so it would hardly be a sacrifice.
    She sighed. “Have you reconsidered allowing our passage, Captain? Please, I must have an answer.”
    A whiff of her orange blossom perfume transported him to another time. Cecily had been laughing that day, such a rare sound from her. The Caribbean breeze had whipped off her bonnet, and he’d chased it into the surf. When she’d learned of his plans to take her to England, he’d never heard her laugh again.
    Madame Lavigne waited for his answer, appearing to hold her breath. Odd that he didn’t feel tormented by his guilt with her near. Something about the widow eased his conscience and offered him a momentary reprieve. For a man who had known little peace for five years, the temptation was strong to keep her with him—even on ship.
    Daniel rubbed his forehead. Could he allow her to risk her life so he might have comfort?
    “Please, monsieur. Upon my honor, I will pay whatever price you deem necessary.”
    “Do you promise you’re in no trouble? My ship cannot be detained for harboring a fugitive.”
    “I am no fugitive.” The slight tremor in her hands softened his demeanor. He couldn’t believe he was going to do this, but there was no telling what scrape she might find herself in next if he refused his assistance.
    “Very well, madame. You have my pledge to carry you to England. Arrive just after sunrise.”
    “Oh, monsieur.” She swept forward and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. “ Merci .”
    Instinctively, he folded her into his arms. She sagged against him. Her softness and sweet scent