Read Online Hiding from Love by Barbara Cartland - Free Book Online Page A

Brazil, miss, you’d better tell the authorities there that you mislaid your papers on the ship.  Or I’ll be in trouble for letting you aboard at this end.”
    â€œI’ll do just what you say,” agreed Leonora, eagerly taking her ticket.
    â€œ The Teresa of the Sea sails at eight o’clock sharp,” continued the clerk, replacing his glasses on his nose.
    Leonora, ticket clutched to her breast along with the pouch and the handkerchief, turned to Señor de Guarda.
    â€œHow can I ever thank you, Señor?”
    â€œYou can thank me by being an amiable companion on the long voyage,” he smiled.
    â€œYou are on The Teresa of the Sea as well?”
    â€œI am,” he replied, opening the Ticket Office door and ushering her through.
    Finny leaped down from the trap outside.
    â€œYou was a long while, miss,” said Finny, throwing a strange glare at Señor de Guarda.
    Leonora explained that there had been a problem.
    â€œWhich this gentleman kindly solved for me.  You remember Señor de Guarda from the Black Jack Inn ?”
    â€œI remember him,” mumbled Finny curtly.
    He pointed at the leather pouch, which Leonora still clutched to her breast.
    â€œWhat you doing with the Master’s purse?  He’ll be cross if that’s gone.”
    Leonora flushed crimson.
    She quickly tucked the pouch back into her reticule, and as she did so, the handkerchief that Señor de Guarda had given her fluttered from her grasp.
    â€œOh, I’m very sorry.  You were so kind to lend it to me.  I am ashamed to say I was in sore need of it.”
    â€œDon’t be ashamed, my dear lady,” smiled Señor de Guarda, picking it up.  “Your tears were most charming.”
    Leonora noticed that his gaze strayed to her reticule as if musing on its contents.
    â€œYou have been most kind,” she repeated, uneasily thrusting the reticule behind her back.
    â€œJust how could I not come to the aid of a damsel – how do you say it – in distress?  Fleeing her cruel father, perhaps – or an unwanted suitor?”
    She gasped in alarm and he put a finger to his lips.
    â€œI say nothing – nothing .  Now you must excuse me while I go and collect my luggage from the hotel.  We shall meet on board later.  At supper perhaps?”
    Leonora nodded mutely as he walked away.
    â€œHe’s a-goin’ over the ocean too?” asked Finny.
    â€œYes,” said Leonora, realising that she was not as pleased at this prospect as she had been a few minutes ago.
    He had guessed too near to the truth for her liking.
    Finny was scowling.
    â€œI don’t like this, miss, come back home with me.”
    Leonora shuddered.
    â€œI can’t, Finny.  Please don’t ask again.  Just help me find the ship and then – you must leave and drive back to Broughton.”
    Sullenly Finny helped her up beside him.
    They drove around the docks until they located The Teresa of the Sea , a solid if undistinguished vessel,
    Her hold was open and great lengths of steel were being lowered into its depths.
    Leonora stepped down from the trap and started up the gangplank with Finny following her, the knotted sheet slung over his shoulder.
    The gangplank swaying beneath her feet reminded her that she had never been on a long sea voyage before and she wondered if she would be seasick.
    An Officer greeted her on deck and took her ticket.  He examined it closely and then pointed aft.
    Finny made to move, but the Officer barred his way.
    â€œYou can go no further unless you are travelling.”
    Leonora turned.
    Faced with the moment of truth, she was stricken at having to bid farewell to her last friend, her last link with home and childhood.
    â€œOh, Finny, I shall miss you so!”
    â€œYou oughtn’t to go,” he muttered.
    â€œI must, I must!  But let me embrace you!”
    Finny stood stiff as Leonora threw her arms