Read Online Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall - Free Book Online

is.”
    “It is lovely.”
    “And I have good news.” Marianne’s brown eyes glowed. “I am with child again.”
    “Truly? I am so glad!” Rose’s eyes drifted down to Marianne’s belly just barely rounding beneath her gown.
    Noah appeared by her side and took Jacob from her arms.
    “You are looking well, Noah.” Rose gazed at his sun-streaked hair and bronzed face. “Privateering agrees with you.”
    He shared a knowing glance with his wife. “It is my calling, to be sure. My duty to my country. And I won’t complain that it is also quite lucrative.” He tossed Jacob into the air, eliciting a giggle from the boy. The babe’s white lacy gown billowed in the breeze, revealing his chubby legs. “I do, however, long for the day when I can spend more time home with my family.”
    Marianne’s eyes brimmed with love. “You’d be bored silly at home. As it is, I’m happy with the time we have together.”
    She faced Rose. “Would you care to spend the afternoon with us, Rose? And Amelia and your aunt and uncle, of course. We plan to have our meal at an inn by the docks then take a stroll down Market Street.”
    Rose hesitated. The docks meant ships and ships meant sailors. Yet surely with Noah and her uncle along, she would be safe. Ignoring the fear gurgling in her belly, she lifted a questioning brow toward her aunt. Amelia crowded beside her, nearly bursting with excitement.
    Aunt Muira tightened her lips and glanced toward the port. “I don’t know, dear. I hoped you would accompany me to Mrs. Pickersgill’s. She’s most anxious to inform us of her new charity for women and children orphaned by the war. You did say you wanted to help, didn’t you?”
    Rose bit her lip, guilt and longing waging war in her thoughts. Yes, she did. But after what happened with Garrick, the thought of facing women who had suffered as she had caused a lump to form in her throat. “Please forgive me, Aunt, but I … I … do not think I am up to the task today. Can we go later in the week?” She avoided looking at the frown that must certainly be upon her aunt’s lips and focused instead on Noah tickling his son beneath the chin.
    “I shall be with them every moment, Mrs. Drummond.” Noah came to her rescue. “And I will drive Rose and Amelia home in my carriage before sundown.”
    “Oh do say they can join us, Mrs. Drummond.” Marianne held her bonnet down against a burst of salt-laden wind. “Amelia would be such a help with Lizzie while Rose and I catch up on news.”
    Aunt Muira glanced at her husband who was still greeting people as they left the church.
    “Very well, I suppose so.” Aunt Muira withdrew a handkerchief and dabbed at the perspiration on her neck. “But be home in time for supper, my dear. You know how cantankerous Cora gets when we are late.”
    Rose kissed her aunt on the cheek and watched her join her husband, then she turned toward her friends. “Shall we?” She threaded her arm through Marianne’s as they sauntered down the pathway toward Pratt Street and the docks.
    “You have come a long way, Rose,” Marianne whispered as they neared the water.
    Rose glanced over the harbor that was bustling with activity. “Not as far as you think. My nerves are a bundle of knots even as we speak.”
    Marianne patted her hand. “Well, all the more reason I’m glad you joined us. You are safe with us.” She glanced at her husband walking ahead with Jacob in his arms. “My husband can handle the fiercest rogues, I assure you.”
    Rose admired Noah’s strength and confidence as he strolled down the street. She longed for her own protector. But how could she trust any man after what had happened?
    As they approached the water, the bare masts of dozens of ships rose like a thicket of bare winter trees. Bells clanged, workers shouted, street vendors hawked their wares, children laughed, and somewhere in the distance music played. The malodorous smells of the harbor mixed with pleasant scents of food