But Sebastian believed that it would happen. This was the first step, and he would make it a priority to ensure they continued as they’d started.
“Now then,” their father said with a bit of bluster as the clock chimed and the sound of guests roaming the hallways grew impossible to ignore. “If that’s all you wanted to discuss, I’d best get back to my guests.”
“Actually, there’s one more thing,” Sebastian said quickly, before he could lose his nerve.
His father’s eyes gleamed with mischief and laughter when he turned to face him. “I thought there might be.”
Maxwell eyed him evenly, his hands folded across his stomach.
“I mean to marry Sally.”
He hadn’t quite meant to blurt it out so abruptly, but if Sally had taught him anything it was that straightforward was the best way.
His father surprised him with a wide grin. “She’s a fine girl. Good head on her shoulders.”
Apparently that was his father’s favorite attribute.
“Yes, well, she’s also the kindest woman I’ve ever met,” he said. “And she’s smart, and funny, and so very honest. She’s—”
“I think we get the picture,” his brother said mildly. “But, Sebastian, are you certain?” His brows drew together in confusion. “She’s the daughter of a naval captain. I cannot imagine she has much dowry to speak of—”
“Her father is a fine man.” Their father’s interruption had Sebastian blinking in surprise. He’d expected his father to jump aboard the ‘reasons this is a bad idea’ boat. Perhaps even take over at the helm. “I’ve always admired the captain. After his poor wife’s death, he did everything in his power to be a good father to those girls.” His gaze grew distant again. “Very good father,” he added, as if to himself.
Sebastian cleared his throat. As if Sally were some sort of ghost, her voice was haunting him fully now. He could practically hear her every protest, every concern that she’d throw back in his face.
“Father,” he started slowly. “If there were some scandal in Sally’s family or in her past…” He couldn’t bring himself to meet his brother’s scrutinizing gaze, focusing on his father instead. “Would you still give your blessing?”
His father looked at him evenly. “First, there is no scandal there to speak of. There’s nothing wrong with being a captain’s daughter. Second, if there were, that would not change the fact that the girl earned my admiration. As my assistant and as a…” He cleared his throat. “Well, I guess you could say as a friend. She does not cower, that one.”
Sebastian felt a smile tugging at his lips. “Indeed she does not.”
His father gave a huff of laughter. “Had no trouble ordering me about, I’ll tell you that.”
Even Maxwell gave a grudging grin at that.
“But most importantly…” Their father faced Sebastian fully. “She seems to be a good influence on you. I’ve never seen you so happy. So yes,” he said abruptly. “I’d overlook anything for a woman who makes you light up like she does.”
Sebastian grinned, just narrowly stopping himself before he could crow with triumph.
His brother’s words were sobering. “You still have to convince her, though.”
Sebastian’s smile faded.
Maxwell looked annoyingly smug. “I assume the fact that she took her sister and ran away from here as quickly as possible doesn’t speak well of her feelings for you.”
“Mmph.” He growled at the memory of discovering that she’d left without a word. It wasn’t like his brave Sally to avoid anyone or anything. But that’s precisely what she’d been doing for days now.
He leaned back in his chair as his heart pounded harder, realizations flooding him. What would make a strong, brave, fearless lass like Sally run?
Not the attentions of a man she didn’t care about. Of that he was certain. The only reason his Sally would flee was if he posed a danger...to her heart.
“Well?” His father was shuffling to his feet and his voice was back to being gruff and grumpy. “What are you waiting for, Sebastian? If you love the girl, go get her.”
Sebastian looked to his brother but he merely arched his brows as if to ask, what are you waiting for?
He didn’t need any more encouragement. Scrambling out of his chair, he was halfway to the door when he called back, “Wish me luck, gentlemen. When I return, it will be with my intended.”
Chapter 11
Sally wasn’t certain the Jones household had ever been so quiet. The clock above the mantel made a muffled ticking noise as the minute hand moved.
She looked at her father’s grim, yet resigned visage, and then glanced over at Rebecca and Hattie, who wore matching wide-eyed stares.
“So,” Rebecca ventured now that it seemed their father was done with his tale. “Mother was a traitor?”
The word made their fearless father flinch and he wiped at his brow, which held a sheen of sweat despite the fact that the house had a frigid draft, thanks to the early winter wind.
“Your mother…” He looked away, his eyes lost in thought.
When they were children they’d heard the stories of how he’d met the shipping captain’s daughter while at port on the continent. How they’d fallen in love quickly and gotten married in a rush. But after she’d left—disappeared at sea, according to the rest of the world, and as good as dead to the Jones girls—he’d barely spoken of her.
Hearing him speak of her now had rattled them all, Sally included. As he spoke, all she could think of was the woman she’d met the other day who looked so much like Minerva.
He’d just finished telling them the truth about what had
