Read Online Heart of the Ocean by Heather B. Moore - Free Book Online Page B

“Murdered.”
    “How dreadful,” Jon said. This must be Maeve O’Brien’s
brother. Thinking about the poor woman reminded him of Eliza. He’d barely
caught a glimpse of her as he transported her to Ruth’s house that night, and
from there, Ruth had taken over. Eliza Robinson had seemed to be quite young,
and thin, and extremely distressed. And this man was her father.
    “I don’t know any details,” Mr. Robinson said, as if he
needed to talk to someone about his situation. “Received the telegram yesterday
and decided to catch the first train out.”
    Mr. Doughty stared at the man. “We wish you all the best in
finding the person responsible.”
    “Thank you. It’s quite baffling. A quiet town and all.”
    Jon stared out the window at the passing scenery, growing
more and more uncomfortable. He had to know for sure if this man was who he
thought he was. “What town did your sister live in?”
    Mr. Robinson cleared his throat. “Maybrook. It’s probably
not even on a map. It’s a secluded Puritan settlement that managed to survive
all these years. My sister fell in love with a Puritan and decided to convert.”
He shook his head. “Imagine that. My parents would have turned in their graves
. . .”
    Mr. Robinson was Eliza’s father, without a doubt.
    “We’re traveling to the same town,” Mr. Doughty said.
    Jon groaned inwardly and cast Doughty a warning glance. Please
don’t tell Mr. Robinson our names.
    Interest brightened Mr. Robinson’s face. “Do you have family
there?”
    “My client and I,” Doughty said, tilting his head in Jon’s
direction, “are on a business trip.”
    “May I ask what line of work you are in, sir?”
    “Christian Doughty, estate lawyer, and my client . . .” He paused.
    “I’m in litigation,” Jon said, trying to decide what exactly
he wanted this man to know.
    “Litigation? Interesting,” Mr. Robinson said.
    Jon desperately wanted to change the direction of the
conversation. “And what is your profession, sir?”
    “I’m a furniture dealer.” At the surprised expressions, he
laughed. “Heard of Robinson-Beesley & Trade Co.?”
    Mr. Doughty rubbed his chin. “I think my wife ordered a
bedroom set from your company several years ago.”
    “Could very well be.”
    As the two men talked, Jon stared out the window, thinking
about this man, who was Eliza’s father. He seemed to be a reasonable sort. Too
bad he’d gotten caught up with Thomas Beesley. Soon the conversation took
another turn.
     “I hope my daughter has come to her senses since living in
Maybrook,” Mr. Robinson said. “Eliza is quite heady for a young lady and
doesn’t appreciate the opportunities she’s been given.”
    Jon listened to every word, his pulse quickening at the
mention of Eliza. It was entirely possible he’d see her again now, especially
after meeting her father. The town was just too small.
    “It was quite an honor when my partner, Mr. Beesley, asked
for my daughter’s hand in marriage. To tell you the truth, I was flattered, and
my wife was excited to see our daughter settled with a secure future.”
    “I can imagine,” Mr. Doughty murmured.
    “I had no idea that Eliza would be fool enough to turn the
man down.”
    Jon bit his lip, wondering if he could keep himself from laughing.
He knew very well why Mr. Robinson’s daughter would turn away a man like Thomas
Beesley. Even with his brief encounter with Eliza, Jon could tell the delicate
young woman was no match for Thomas. How old was she anyway? Seventeen?
    Why was he thinking about her so much? With Mr. Robinson
also in Maybrook, Jon might run into Eliza as well. What would her reaction be
to seeing him again? She probably despised him—he hadn’t been able to keep her
out of jail and had spent a dismal night being abrupt with her. She wouldn’t
want to see him and be reminded of his rudeness.
    One thing was certain: Apryl would
find this story amusing.
    ***
    After helping Mistress Prann with morning chores,