Read Online Fortune's Journey by Bruce Coville - Free Book Online Page B

Juliet on her balcony—with the dearest man in all the world standing below her.
    â€œâ€˜I am no pilot,’” said Jamie, his voice deep and resonant, his brown eyes boring into hers. “‘Yet wert thou as far as that vast shore, wash’d with the farthest sea, I would adventure for such merchandise.’”
    Fortune turned her eyes away, astonished that he knew the line—and even more astonished by the truth in his voice when he delivered it.
    Confused, and a little frightened, she cut short the conversation. “That’s very good. I’d like to hear you do more someday. But I have to go now. I…I promised Mr. Patchett I would help him try to figure out how to replace some of the properties we lost in the fire.”
    Jamie nodded, and Fortune hurried from the stable, which had suddenly begun to feel as dangerous as a burning theater.

Chapter Seven
    Fortune was heading toward their lodgings when Aaron fell into step beside her. Anger darkened his eyes. “What were you doing in there?”
    â€œIn where?”
    â€œIn the stable, with—with him. ”
    Fortune could hardly believe her ears. What do you care? was the first thought that flashed through her mind. Biting back the bitter retort she said, “We were talking. Why?”
    â€œHe’s…not good for you. He’ll fill your head with foolish notions.”
    Fortune laughed out loud. “What in heaven’s name has gotten into you?”
    â€œNothing!” Aaron ran his fingers through his curly black hair, as if the action would help him answer her question. “I just don’t want to see you make a fool out of yourself.”
    It was Fortune’s turn to flare. “I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, Mr. Masters. Kindly tend to your own business!”
    She turned on her heel and stalked away from him. But she was not nearly as angry as she had pretended to be. How could she be, when he was finally showing some sign of interest in her? Was he actually jealous of Jamie?
    Too bad! She wasn’t about to rearrange her life to suit Aaron Masters. If being friends with Jamie would make Aaron pay a little more attention to her…well, her father had always said friends were a person’s most precious possession.
    â€œDid you youngsters have a nice chat, chickie?”
    Fortune blinked. She had been so intent on her own thoughts she hadn’t noticed Mrs. Watson walking up beside her. Though the question had been almost purred there was an edge of steel in the woman’s voice that made Fortune wary. She had a momentary vision of the life of the entire troupe being disrupted by the presence of the handsome young stranger.
    She shook her head. She had to stop thinking like this. Mrs. Watson couldn’t be interested in Jamie!
    â€œYes, we did have a nice chat,” she said, as if nothing at all had crossed her mind. “We have a lot in common.”
    Mrs. Watson’s face was expressionless.
    That’s the problem with living with actors, thought Fortune. Since they spend their whole life pretending, you never know what they’re really thinking unless they want you to.
    â€œI wonder if Mr. Patchett is still angry,” she said aloud, mainly to change the subject.
    Mrs. Watson rolled her eyes. “Of course not. I went and apologized to him.”
    â€œYou what?” cried Fortune, stopping in midstride.
    â€œI told the old fool I was sorry when I returned his shoes and pants. It was Jamie’s suggestion. I think it was a good idea.”
    Fortune shook her head. Based on past performance, she would have expected the sun to rise in the west before Mrs. Watson apologized to Mr. Patchett for interfering with a rehearsal. Yet she had stated the fact as calmly as if saying she had decided to have an extra egg for breakfast.
    Before she could think of how to respond, Walter came lumbering across the street to join them. Tipping his