"You must let me go. Think of my reputation." He was usually so worried about how things looked.
"I'll deal with your reputation. Tell me what you know."
"I don't know who tried to push me overboard."
"But you do know something. You must tell me. Once we reach port, the blackguard will get away."
She didn't want to talk about her attacker. She wanted to kiss Drake. She wanted to feel the lips set in such a hard line soften and open for her exploring tongue. She tried to blink away her wanton thoughts, but they persisted. Now was not the time. She would not allow Drake to get into any more trouble with Lady Boyle. Spending time in the older lady's company had convinced Thea that although Drake seemed to care little for the opinions of outsiders, his family meant a great deal to him.
"Drake?"
"What?"
"Why is it so important for you to reach port in time?"
"I told you."
"Yes, but I don't understand. You don't care what others think, and yet you are obsessed with not disappointing your investors." Wind blew against her, pressing the thin muslin of her gown against her legs. She shivered. "It makes no sense."
He slid his hand around to her back and began to rub it, warming her. She ached to return the caress, and so much more. Yet she doubted he even realized he was touching her. He looked as if his mind was somewhere far off.
"Some of the investors are my friends."
"Yes." There was that, and he'd mentioned it before, but his insistence went deeper. "There's more to it, though. Isn't there?"
Almost reluctantly, he nodded. "Yes."
"Tell me." She turned his words back on him.
"It's my father."
She felt shocked by his answer. "I don't understand. Lady Boyle said your father has never recognized you. Are you telling me he has invested in this shipping venture?"
His arms tightened around her. "My aunt is a gossip."
"Yes, but that is neither here nor there." She patted his chest to soothe him. "What does your father have to do with this shipping venture?"
"He gave my mother a substantial settlement for me when I reached my majority."
"But wouldn't he have to acknowledge you as his son to have done that?"
Drake's laugh was tinged with bitterness. "No. Things can be done in very civilized ways in the ton, without ever acknowledging one's mistakes."
"I don't understand."
"He made it an anonymous gift through a third party. I used it to buy my first ship."
"Oh." She was still confused.
"When I had made enough money to repay the entire amount, I did so."
"That must have made your father angry." She still didn't understand what that had to do with the shipping venture.
Drake shrugged. "I have no idea. We have never spoken."
"You have never even spoken to your father? But surely you must attend some of the same functions."
"Yes. We even belong to the same club. My grandfather is also a member." He rested his chin on top of her head. "I want my father to see my success and regret his refusal to acknowledge my existence."