Chapter 18
The next day is spent in a flurry of activity. Mrs. Evert helps Summer pack her trunk and gathers supplies for the trip. “Mrs. Evert, can you tell me if we can hire someone to go with us a chaperone?” Summer asks while she assists with the packing.
“Not on such short notice. You are leaving in the morning, Miss Denning and things are not quite as backward thinking here in the States. If you are questioned, simply tell them you are Mrs. Yates. No one will question that.” Mrs. Evert smiles at the shocked look on Summer’s face.
“I couldn’t, it wouldn’t be proper!” Summer stammers.
“Proper, smopper! It is just a few days to the house in New York. No one needs to know how you traveled, and most will not think to ask. Just remember to enjoy the journey. The leaves are changing this time of year, and the weather is amazing! Jonah will learn to camp, fish and maybe even tell ghost stories! Oh, I used to love to camp as a little girl. Just try to enjoy yourself.”
Victor is in the barn working with the stable hands to prepare the carriage and horses.
The doctor arrives and distracts Summer from her musings. He encourages her to drink lots of water and gives her the all clear. The bruising is still evident, but the swelling is almost gone. As he packs up his medical bag, he talks to her.
“Miss Denning, I read your father's first published paper. I was very sorry to hear of his death. I was looking forward to reading the second report.” Summer smiles and thanks him.
“My hope is that you will see Protocol Two in the future. I am working on having it published post humus.”
“What a legacy you would leave for him. He would be proud of that, I’m sure.” He pats her hand and wishes her well before leaving.
Summer is sitting by her window when Mrs. Evert comes in. “You have only the one trunk, correct? You will need to pack a small bag to take with you on the journey. It gets cold at night, so I took the liberty of packing what I think would be best for you.” She hands her a carpet bag and Summer smiles at her.
“You are a treasure, Mrs. Evert. I need a favor, and I am willing to pay you for your time.” Summer explains about the letter and asks her to deliver it to the President of Harvard as soon as possible.
“I would be happy to do this for you. I don't want your money, Miss Denning I helped raise Victor and I love Jonah like a grandson. They have been missing something, and until you arrived, I wasn't sure what that was. Joy. You brought joy back into their lives, and hope. If I can repay you in any way, then I am glad to do it. I wish you all a safe journey. I will see you soon.” She takes the letter and leaves.
Summer watches her go and smiles. These people are working their way into her heart, and she is not sure what to do about it. Victor has avoided her all day long, and it is probably for the best, he tempts her to dream the impossible. Deciding a distraction is in order, she sits and puts the finishing touches on the book she has been working on for Jonah and quickly loses track of time.
The sun is setting when Jonah comes running into her room, Summer laughs when she sees him dressed as a pirate. “Where in the world did you get that outfit?”
“I am the dread Pirate Jonah, here to capture Princess Summer! You will take me to your treasure or walk the plank!”
Summer gasps and leaps to her feet. “Please, Pirate Jonah, not the plank! I can’t swim! Who will save me?” She squeals. Jonah points his sword at her and orders to put her hands together. He ties her hands with a scarf and orders her to walk.
“Let's go, Princess, I don't got all day,” he orders. Jonah swirls behind her and pokes her with his sword. “Move it!” Summer walks and pretends to be in distress.
“Where are you taking me, Pirate Jonah?” She whimpers and walks down the hallway towards the stairs.
Victor is just coming up the stairs when he spies the two of them. He hears Jonah snapping orders at Summer, and he grins. “It's the plank for you, scallywag!” Jonah roars and pushes her down the steps and into the grand foyer.
“What is the meaning of this?” Victor growls in a low voice. Jonah spins and Summer gasps, “Save me, good sir. This pirate is forcing me to walk the plank!” Summer pretends to be terrified, and Jonah grins at the two of them.
“That's right! I am Pirate Jonah. I am here for your treasure! Give it to me, or she walks the plank!” Jonah demands.
“I think not!” Victor whips a wooden broom out and yells, “En Garde!” Jonah squeals in delight and Summer forces herself not to laugh. Their battle is fierce, and in the end, the Pirate shoves the Princess in front of him and into the waiting arms of her savior as he escapes with his life.
“Victory is mine!” Victor yells, and when he looks down into Summer's laughing eyes, he claims his prize. He takes her mouth in a searing kiss, stealing the breath from her body. “A true treasure,” he exclaims as he releases her to go chase after his son. “Bedtime for all pirates,” she hears Victor say, and she laughs.
Summer goes to the kitchen and makes a pot of tea. She arranges the biscuits and tea on
