Read Online Come Looking For Me by Cheryl Cooper - Free Book Online Page A

closed the book. “Who taught you to read, Em?”
    Emily thought a moment before answering. Crooking her finger, she invited Gus to come closer and whispered, “Am I correct in believing – nay, in hoping – that our conversations are just between you and me?”
    Gus was taken aback. “Of course they are!”
    â€œWell, then, I shall tell you. Would you believe a string of tutors and governesses taught me to read?”
    â€œWhy so many? Were you a naughty child?”
    â€œNo, it was my father. He had a cruel streak in him, and being a man of great wealth figured he could exercise it upon my poor teachers. They were all wonderful, but that didn’t stop him from dismissing them at will.”
    Gus angled his head. “Perhaps your father, being a man of great wealth, knew Lord Lindsay’s father, as he is the Duke of Belmont.”
    â€œI am sure he must have. My father travelled in many circles, Gus.” Suspicious that Leander would be straining to lend an ear to their quiet conversation, Emily called out to him. “Doctor? May I trouble you a moment?”
    She smiled at the scrape of his chair.
    His auburn head peeked around the canvas. Even behind his round spectacles, the doctor had striking eyes, Emily thought.
    â€œDoctor, I’ve been deteriorating in your cot far too long … not that I don’t appreciate you giving up your cot … but I wondered if I might walk above deck to air my lungs … and exercise my one good leg. It would be nice to see Bermuda before we leave.”
    â€œI’m afraid I’d have to consult with Captain Moreland.” Leander stepped farther into her little corner. “Women are not usually allowed to move freely above deck at sea.”
    â€œHe may give his consent, Doctor, as we are anchored,” said Gus. He looked back at Emily and added, “Although the sight of you on the weather decks might cause the men to fall from their yardarms.”
    Emily laughed, but Gus was quite serious.
    â€œIf I were fitted out with a walking stick and maybe a pair of Biscuit’s old trousers? A straw hat would hide my hair … then again, I do recall seeing men with hair longer than mine when first I came on board. Surely, if appropriately outfitted, no one would guess my identity.”
    While Gus regarded him anxiously, Leander tried to hide his amusement with one freckled hand.
    â€œAs your doctor, I would strongly recommend fresh air and exercise; still, I must seek permission from the captain.”
    Emily was disheartened. “I recall being allowed to wander freely on the weather decks of ships when I was a child – ” She caught herself, and for a moment stared at Leander, praying he had taken no notice of her incautious words. Seeing him raise an inquisitive eyebrow, she looked away and said no more on the subject.
    At length, he replied, “I am sure much has changed since then.”
    Gus’s eyes shone. “I will go see the captain straightaway.” He dashed off before Leander could stop him.
    â€œDoctor,” said Emily, hoping to steer the conversation in a new direction, “might it be possible for someone, other than Mrs. Kettle, to lend me some clothes?”
    Leander smiled broadly as he took off his spectacles. “I believe Mr. Austen has asked Magpie to sew something together for you.”
    â€œMagpie?”
    â€œOur sail maker. He’s brilliant with a needle and thread.”
    â€œYou are all very kind.”
    â€œI would advise you against taking exercise in my nightshirt.”
    Emily smoothed the muslin shirt she wore. “I thought this might belong to you.”
    Unable to hold her gaze, Leander examined the ceiling boards above his head.
    â€œI could see you writing a letter at your desk,” said Emily.
    â€œCould you?”
    â€œWere you writing to someone back home?”
    â€œI was, as a matter of fact.”
    Emily tried to urge