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with a loveless marriage, a dying father, or financial ruin. Karina justified her decision to escape by telling herself it would not only benefit her but also Lynnette and her family, as well as most of the staff.
    “Dinner was wonderful you have some excellent cooks on your staff.” Karina said, trying to be conversational.
    “Soon they will be your staff as well my darling.”
    He raised his glass of wine to her, Karina merely looked at her drink and smiled, unlike the wine, the scenario was hard to swallow.
    “Well now that we have finished I would like to give you a tour of the property. I think you will find it more than adequate.” Showing off Harmon Hall was always Gunther’s favorite part, he stood and held out his hand for Karina, she obliged but what came next highly disturbed her. “Lynnette my dear, my assistant Clifton has some errands to run for me in town this evening and he was wondering if you would grace him with your company?”
    Lynnette blinked in surprise, while Karina seemed almost in shock at the unpleasant thought of being alone with Lord Harmon the rest of the evening.
    “Oh that would be fine Lord Harmon.” Lynnette hesitated.
    Lord Harmon turned to have Clifton summoned, while Lynnette and Karina exchanged looks. Karina clearly distressed, over the obvious implication of having to spend time alone with Lord Harmon. Lynnette, on the other hand appeared relived knowing she would have Clifton as an escort and excited at the possibility of seeing Peter. She squeezed Karina’s hand in reassurance.
    “Look for Peter but don’t say anything to Clifton.” Karina whispered.
    Clifton walked into the dining room.
    “You called for me sir?”
    “Yes, Clifton I need for you to take a little trip to the harbor.”
    “Sir I thought you wanted me to…”
    “Never mind that, those documents I was waiting for are ready and I would like for you to pick them up today aboard  the Sea Maiden.”
    Startled, Karina blinked at the mention of  the Sea Maiden; once again the girls exchanged glances. Peter would be back aboard by now this was an unexpected advantage to her plan.
    “But…I thought Captain Drake was bringing-” Clifton tried to ask.
    “I said I need those documents today Clifton!” Lord Harmon interrupted him with a false smile. Clifton nodded in obedience. “Oh and this young lady has granted your wish to grace you with her company and is anticipating a tour of the harbor.”
    Clifton raised his eyebrows, embarrassment as Lynnette turned toward him. Although tall and strong he was shy as a mouse around ladies. He turned away, thinking his employer had gone mad. It was almost 6:00 o’clock; it would be past 7:00 o’clock by the time they reached the harbor. At that hour the harbor would be populated with drunken seamen, beggars, and prostitutes. To take an attractive young woman on a tour at such a late hour would more likely get him in a fight with some brigand, but he dared not oppose his employer. Instead he decided to try and dissuade the young woman out of going to the harbor with him at such a late hour.
    “Very well sir, it maybe late when I…I mean when we get back.”
    “No matter bring the document to my study and leave it on my desk.”
    Clifton turned to Lynnette who looked eager to go, so pretty with those big green eyes, he was not used to being around such a fine beauty and he felt awkward in her presence. He cleared his throat and said,
    “Miss…um if you can please come with me the carriage is in the back.”
    “I just need to get my cape.”
    Once away from Lord Harmon, Clifton planned to dissuade her from going with him.

CHAPTER 10
The Red Dawn
     
    Lynnette and Clifton were quiet while walking toward the back. There were two carriages then Clifton signaled Lynnette toward the smaller carriage without a top.
    “I use this one Miss.”
    “Oh, by the way you can stop calling me Miss, my name is Lynnette.”
    “Yes Miss, I mean….Lynnette.”
    Clifton was