Captain of My Heart (HEARTS OF STONELEIGH MANOR #1) by Karla Kratovil EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
- Status: Available for Free Download
- Authors: Karla Kratovil
- Language: English
- Genre: Historical Romance
- Format: PDF / EPUB
- Size: 4.8 MB
- Price: Free
February 1798, Port of Nassau, Bahamas
“England? Why would I want to go there?” Vivian Jamieson planted her
hands on her hips, and faced her father across the expanse of his great teak
desk.
A warm tropical breeze blew into the room, rippling the white curtains.
The morning sun cascaded across the smooth wooden floors, turning them a
honey gold. Any other morning, she would be curled up in one of the two
massive leather chairs sketching, while her father sat companionably
working nearby. But this morning when she entered the room, his face had
been unusually grim, and no wonder with tidings such as this.
“Vivi, I have kept you with me for longer than I should have for my
own selfish reasons.” Captain Robert Jamieson stood, a frown identical to
his daughter’s graced his craggy, tanned face. “You are almost twenty-two.
It’s time you married. Don’t you want to have a family of your own?”
Her heart plummeted. The taut angle of his jaw convinced her he was
serious. How could he ship her off to England where she knew absolutely
no one?
“Why London?” Her brain scrambled for a proper argument. “There are
plenty of men here in Nassau.”
“Like who?” Her father snorted. “A bunch of ship captains and
merchant traders, not to mention pirates. Your mama was a lady from a fine
English family, and she gave up her status, her connections, for a salty dog
like me. You deserve to take advantage of your bloodline. This is a chance
for you to meet a titled gentleman. You need someone who can take care of
you in the style you are accustomed. And on dry land!”
Vivian bristled. “Papa, I love the sea. I’d never be interested in marrying
some pale-faced London dandy.”
Her father held up one hand to stave off her next argument. “I have
already written to your aunts, and they are ecstatic to sponsor you for the
season.”
Aunts? Her mother had never spoken of her family in England. She had
told many a bedtime story to Vivian featuring grand balls, operas, and
garden parties. Vivian smiled, remembering those bedtimes snuggled up
next to her mother listening to stories of faraway England. The stories had
seemed like fairytales; she never imagined they were memories of real
events. Vivian brushed impatiently at a stray curl tickling her cheek.
As though reading her thoughts, her father gave her a crooked smile.
“Sending you to London to have a season was your Mama’s fondest wish.”
She raised one eyebrow. “Truly?”
Rose Jamieson had died when Vivian was fourteen, and she still felt the
dull ache of grief. Mama loved the islands. She left England to run away
with her dashing sea captain, choosing love over duty. Vivian studied her
father. He still looked rather dashing. Dark hair spilled over his shoulders,
framing fierce tan features, his posture straight and strong.
For More Read Download This Book
EPUB