Read Online Heaven Bound (A Blakemore Family Book: Madame Lou Series Book 2) by SaraLynn Hoyt - Free Book Online

Right away.” Thomas bowed and retreated.
    “I think I’ll rest for a bit.” Adeline was quite tired and decided a nap was just what she needed, especially if she were to stay up late tonight. “Stone, would you remember to ask Papa about dinner and send a note to Lady Huntingdon with his reply?”
    “Of course, Miss. I’ll wake you when it’s time to dress.”
    Later that evening, Adeline, Jack, and Henrietta enjoyed another companionable meal while Simon played cards. Papa said he was on a winning streak and he might as well carry on with it. Dinner ended too soon as far as Addie was concerned. She hated to say goodnight to Jack, but she and Emily had a party to attend. As soon as she entered her room, Emily was helping her into a dress that she’d altered specifically for tonight. It was one of Addie’s older day-dresses with the expensive trimmings removed.
    “Come now—Addie—we don’t want to miss the fun.” Emily had put on her best dress and the two looked like a couple of working city girls on their way to have a good time.
    The below-deck party was already well under way and they joined in, dancing and drinking the watered-down beer and wine.
    A big rough Irishman grabbed Addie around the waist and swung her into a country square dance. She enjoyed herself up until the bloke pulled her off into a dark corner and tried to steal a kiss.
    Much to her surprise, Thomas came to her rescue. “Sorry fella, the lady promised this dance to me.” Thomas grasped her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. He was dressed in his street clothes and gave her a wink as he led her in the more modern two-step the band was attempting. “You shouldn’t be here while they are getting foxed, Miss. Proper manners don’t mean much after a few too many beers.”
    “I know you’re right, Thomas, but I had to see the merriment for myself.” Adeline laughed as the steward spun her around. “And you must admit, we are having a good time.”
    “I’ll take you back upside after this tune is over.” Thomas lifted Addie up and spun her about again. “Your maid will be wanting to stay a bit longer I think.” He nodded over to the other side of the room, where Emily was deep in conversation with a handsome young man.
    “Thank you, Thomas. You’ve been so good to me.”
    Adeline managed to undress herself that night without her maid’s help and she crawled into bed, feeling like she’d made a friend for life in Thomas. She hoped she would encounter the young steward again before the voyage was over. She’d told him that she would gladly give him a reference anytime he asked.
    Adeline thought she would like to see Jack tomorrow and tell him about her latest adventures. Drifting off to sleep, she imagined making him smile and laugh as she told him about the music and dancing. She dreamed that instead of Thomas, she was in Jack’s arms, spinning about the room and smiling into his hazel-green eyes and there was no one else but them.

CHAPTER SIX
     
     
     
    Cassiopeia was woken rudely from her deep restful sleep by the recently dearly departed Lord Abingdon’s restless spirit. This happened sometimes when she least expected it. A soul, that didn’t want to wait for her to seek them out, would come to her at the most inconvenient of times. It was Jackson’s father this time, concerned about the state of mind of his son. He’d been an awful father in life and he was trying to make up for his cruelty to his youngest son in death. Cassie rubbed her eyes and sighed in resignation, allowing the spirit to interrupt her slumber.
    “What is it I can help you with, Lord Abingdon?” Cassie yawned, speaking out loud even though it wasn’t necessary for talking to the dead.
    “I shouldn’t be dead.” the spirit complained. “It was too soon. You must help them before it’s too late.”
    “I don’t understand.” Cassie was still half asleep. “Are you saying Jack might be in danger?”
    “They’re all in danger.”