Purling Road - the Complete Second Season: Episodes 1-10 Read Online Free Page A

undershirt.
    “Well, you did choose a good day for an outing, Edmond. Bravo.”
    “I was rather hoping for a stormy day, Reginald.” Noting his friend’s grimace, he asked, “What? Not up for a little adventure on the high seas?” He then slashed his fist across his chest.
    It took everything Jonathan had not to roll his eyes. If these men only knew the real danger they faced trying to support their families, they might not treat it like an amusement ride. He hoped they wouldn’t make any ignorant comments in front of Aryl.
    They caught sight of him and their faces lit up.
    “Ah, you must be Captain Jonathan,” Edmond called as they approached.
    “I am. Nice to meet you.” They declined to shake hands, more concerned with their gear.
    “Our things are in the backseat. Poles, tackle, and the like.” Edmond gestured weakly to the car.
    Oh. That meant Jonathan was supposed to fetch them.
    “That wasn’t stated in the brochure,” he grumbled under his breath as he went.
    Edmond Blake and Reginald Peters. He knew nothing of these men outside their names from the reservation they made. And, of course, that they were acquaintances of Ruth. As he leaned into the back seat of the immaculately clean car, he wondered what these men did when not seeking adventure on the high seas. He supposed it would come out in conversation. Wealthy men liked to brag about their accomplishments.
    He was surprised they had waited for him at the edge of the lot. Then he realized they were waiting to be accompanied to the boat. He wondered if they’d also want him to hold their hands as they boarded. Again, he resisted the urge to scoff aloud and, instead, put on a pleasant smile as he approached.
    “If you gentlemen will follow me,” he said, leading the way, his arms full of tackle and gear. As soon as he took the lead, he dropped the smile. Dealing with aristocratic snobbery was a business hardship he hadn’t anticipated.
    Another car pulled in next to the first. A driver exited and opened the back door. Out stepped a young man, followed by another. They were dressed more appropriately, in thin dark pants, button-up plaid shirts, and flat caps. Jonathan handed the first guests over to Aryl and hurried to meet the new ones. By the time he got to them, the car was pulling away, leaving them holding wooden tackle boxes and poles. Jonathan threw up a hand in welcome.
    “Oh, good. We’re in the right place,” one young man said.
    “If you’re here for the guided fishing tour, you are. I’m Jonathan.”
    “I’m Isaac. This is my brother, Frank.”
    “Nice to meet you.” Jonathan held his hand out for their gear and they flustered, setting it down quickly to each shake his hand.
    It dawned on Jonathan what these two were. Without a doubt, new money. He saw in them what he’d experienced many years ago after sudden success. An unsure awkwardness. Wanting but not knowing if you were acting socially appropriate. Trying to look the part, even though you didn’t feel a part of it yet.
    “Would you like me to take your gear?”
    “Oh, no. We can carry it.”
    Jonathan smiled and held out an arm. “This way, gentlemen.” He started to lead the way and Isaac and Frank walked alongside him. At least half the guests today wouldn’t drive him batty.
    He introduced the young men to Aryl, who took over explaining about the boat, where they would be going, and seeing the need for a thrill in the eyes of Edmond, threw out some instructions of what to do if the boat were to encounter rough seas or began to take on water. That seemed to excite all the men. Jonathan went into the wheelhouse, thankful his job was mainly to take them out and bring them in safely. Aryl was the one who was more suited to deal with people directly. He poured a mug of coffee from his thermos and referenced his chart. He and Aryl had narrowed it down to two areas to take the men today but had yet to actually choose one.
    He debated this while sipping his coffee and