“Pirate Jonah is worn out, he was asleep within minutes.” He grabs a cup of hot tea and sits down with a sigh. “Are you angry with me, Summer?” He asks, staring hard at her.
“No,” she hastens to say, “You were right, Victor. I, I… I want to try to live a life that would make my family proud. This time with your family has reminded me that life is too precious to waste a single moment.” He sits beside her and takes her hand.
“I am glad to hear you say so. Summer, I would never diminish the loss of your family, but I know that is what they would want for you. It is what my wife said to me before she died. I would like you to consider us family while you are here. Permit yourself to heal and enjoy the journey.” He presses a kiss to the back of her hand, and she smiles.
Summer draws her hand away and pours tea as he discusses the journey ahead. “I find I am excited to be on the road. I have never had the opportunity to camp before. Do you suppose I would be able to catch a fish?” She asks with a sense of wonder.
“I imagine so, but be warned we eat what we catch,” he says with a laugh. They talk into the night, and when she rises to go to bed, he walks her to her door, hoping to steal another kiss, but Summer knows she must keep the distance between them. Alex will be here soon, she tells herself.
“Goodnight, Victor.” She closes the door firmly between them, and he smiles.
“Run while you can, Summer.” He knows the carriage will afford them little distance. In fact, he is counting on it. If he has his way, they will be married before her brother arrives.
Chapter 19
A shiny new black coach with two heavy draft horses is being attended to by the groomsmen. The gear for camping is loaded on the back and the trunks on top. This elaborate carriage is not at all what Summer was expecting, with its black leather seats and glass windows. Jonah is excited and Victor has to laugh at the look of shock on her face.
“You were expecting something different?” He asks, drawing her forward with a smile.
“Can I drive?” Jonah asks feeding one of the horses a carrot.
“No, you most certainly cannot drive!” Mrs. Evert says, pulling Jonah away. Everyone laughs while two groomsmen load rifles inside the new carriage. One weapon is tucked along the front seat on the left side, while the other is placed upright in the right side of the front corner. Highwaymen are not unheard of, and Victor will not take any chances with their safety. The front and rear glass windows are left open to allow the cool morning air to pass through the cabin while they travel. Black leather window shades are rolled up and tied during the day or can be lowered as needed for weather or privacy.
“This is amazing!” Summer gasps. “Victor, did you buy…” she starts to ask, but he interrupts her.
“It is new, but not for the reason you are thinking. It takes months to custom build one of these carriages. I was lucky enough to purchase it from a family who could not afford to keep it. It is small inside, but it will serve us well.”
Summer smiles, “I’m certain it will. Can I speak to you in private for a moment?” She asks, watching everyone gather around the carriage.
“Of course.” He leads her towards the house and into his office. “I need to make sure I have my plans for the new theater.” Inside his office, he shuts the door and digs around his desk, stacking papers and loading them into his bag.
“What’s troubling you?” He asks softly, looking at her. A red blush colors her cheeks are, and she is wringing her hands with worry.
“I... I'm concerned about my reputation? It isn't proper for us to journey unaccompanied. My brother will…” Victor raises a hand and steps around the corner of the desk.
“Say no more. I had thought the same thing, actually. There is only one thing to do now. We shall say we are cousins, traveling together to see our family.”
“Cousins?” Summer chews her bottom lip and thinks it over. Relief washes over her and she relaxes. “Do you think that would be acceptable?”
“Of course,” Victor announces and grabs his bag. “Besides, your brother will only know what we tell him. I promise you will be safe with me. It's a three-day journey to the port in New Bedford. From there we will take a steamboat to New York. The only time we will see people is in New Bedford, and if all else fails, you will travel as my wife.” He stops in front of her and lifts her chin.
“Wife?!” She gasps, “but, Jonah?” Victor stops her with his mouth. He presses a firm kiss to her lips and steals her objections.
“I won't have you worry. This trip will be a new beginning for you, and I want my son to love his first camping experience. Let's leave the past behind us for a few days and enjoy each other. What do you say?”
“That sounds, lovely.” She smiles at him with excitement, and he kisses her forehead before guiding her back outside. The word, wife, echoes in her mind as she makes her goodbyes to the staff.
Mrs. Evert is waiting with Jonah and hugs Summer goodbye after tucking a silver ring in her palm.
