To Seduce a Bride (Courtship Wars)

She knew how seductive Heath’s powers of persuasion could be. How captivating his allure. No doubt it had been unwise of her to make love to him tonight-

“At least promise me you will give up this fool notion of becoming his mistress,” Fanny urged.

Lily nodded slowly. “Very well,” she said, realizing the wisdom of that advice. “I promise.”

She would end her affair with Heath before it had even begun, even if just now her heart and body yearned to do otherwise.

Chapter Sixteen

You were right to warn me, Fanny. Intimacy with him is far too dangerous. I must put an end to our affair before it is too late.

– Lily to Fanny

Since Heath refused to disclose the intended destination of their drive the following afternoon, Lily’s first indication was the cries of gulls and the scents of brine and fish. And when she peered out the carriage window, she could see the River Thames.

He had brought her to the London docks, she realized to her surprise and puzzlement.

His silence continued until the carriage halted on the quay before a large, two-masted brigantine.

“Are you planning on taking a voyage?” Lily asked as he handed her down.

“Not immediately, no,” Heath replied cryptically.

The day was overcast but pleasant, and a light breeze fluttered her veil and pelisse as he escorted her up the brigantine’s gangplank. The ship seemed to be deserted-or at least Lily spied no one on board.

“Where is the crew?”

“They have been dismissed for the afternoon. We are alone except for a pair of sentries. Come, let us go be-lowdecks.”

Highly curious, Lily followed Heath across the gleaming oaken deck to a hatch and descended a ladder to a narrow corridor. Moving forward, he led her into what looked to be a passenger cabin that boasted rather rich appointments. Polished brass and mahogany adorned the bulkheads, while a luxurious brocade counterpane covered the spacious berth. And in the filmy light flooding through the open portholes, she could see a map spread upon the small table that stood in the center of the cabin.

When Heath shut the door behind her, Lily lifted her veil and turned to face him, one eyebrow raised. “Do you mean to keep me on tenterhooks forever, or will you tell me why you have brought me here?”

“I wanted to show you the ship, since it is my gift to you.”

Lily blinked. “You want to give me a ship?”

Crossing to the small writing desk in one corner, he opened a drawer and pulled out a thick sheet of parchment. “This is the deed of sale, Lily. The final transactions were made two days ago. You can see that ownership is in your name.”

When he handed her the deed,

she studied it distractedly, realizing that her name was indeed recorded as owner. But two days ago? If that was so, Heath had to have begun the purchase proceedings some time before that, possibly even at the start of their game. It was hard to believe he had gone to such lengths…

“A ship?” she repeated, looking back up at him. “A suitor normally gives small gifts such as books or flowers. This is far too costly and extravagant.”

His smile was indulgent. “Actually the Zephyr was not overly costly. I purchased her for a good price, since I have connections in the shipping industry. I believe I mentioned that I’ve funded several scientific explorations? The Zephyr was built last year but has taken her maiden voyage and proved herself seaworthy.”

Lily’s own mouth curved wryly. “Whatever the price, it is still inappropriate, Heath. But of course, expense makes no difference to you. You know very well this will likely put you over the total points needed to win our game.”

“I am not doing this to win our game, angel.”

“No? Then why?”

“To show you that I understand your need for independence. You told me that you have always aspired to go adventuring. This is your chance.”

When Lily merely gaped at him, Heath added casually, “I am an adventurer at heart, just as you are, so I sympathize with your need for freedom. Now with a ship of your own you can sail nearly anywhere. You can travel the world and explore to your heart’s content, as you always dreamed of doing.”

Feeling a little dazed, Lily searched his face, her brow furrowed.