Read Constance: Bride of Florida (American Mail-Order Bride 27) for Free Online Page A

say grace before digging in.
    “Might want to go easy on the food.” Mr. Briggs took a sip of water.
    The other two passengers tottered in, took one look at the food, and left.
    Briggs pointed at them. “We’re all seasick. You look like it isn’t bothering you. Yet.”
    With fork nearly to her mouth, Constance stopped. “I feel fine.”
    “Eat light just in case. Hate to see you spend the trip hanging over the side of the boat like those other two are going to do.”
    Captain Gordon walked in. “Yo ho ho, mateys. How are you handling the welcoming rolls of the sea?”
    Briggs stared at him. “Tell me you’re not making the ship heave like a madman just to make us sick.”
    He laughed. “No, the waves coming out of the bay usually give us a toss or two before we hit the Atlantic. Should be smooth sailing. Haven’t heard tell of any storms, but then they can form in an instant. Don’t worry, my sailors are the best.”
    Constance relaxed and continued eating. She was determined to make the best of the trip.
    The cook came in, looked at her plate, and grinned. “You are the only one eating. I give you the golden star. See how long you can keep it.” He handed her a metal star painted gold. “Pin that to you and the men will give you honor. Once you head to the rails to let my food go, you have to give the star back.”
    She laughed and pinned it to her blouse. “I intend to keep it throughout the trip.”
    Briggs snorted and then bolted for the door.
    As she sipped her coffee, she happened to look out the porthole and noticed dark clouds. As if they unlocked the cage to her fears, she suddenly realized her situation. She was the only woman aboard an outdated sailing vessel.
    She glanced at the gold star and wondered if she’d be able to keep it. After another quick glance outside, the clouds appeared closer and more ominous. She trembled. What if she were to just drown and no one would even care or know she was gone?
    She slammed a fist on the table. “I will not go down without a fight. E. Ferris is waiting for me. I have someone wanting me.” She held onto her statement and went topside. The ship pitched harder and she had to cling to the railing.
    Captain Gordon saw her and motioned for her to come to him.
    She obeyed and after a few slips made it to his platform.
    He pointed to the clouds. “That storm blew up in a matter of minutes, but we’re going to outrun her.” He yelled instructions to his crew.
    Men climbed into the sails.
    The ship lurched starboard as the sails slapped, filled with wind, and tightened. The ship leaned and waves sprayed over her side as it picked up speed.
    He smiled at her. “You’re one in a million, Lass. The ship likes you. I can tell you this, we may well have storms, but we’ll reach port. Aye, I can feel Journeys end and she adores you, miss. You’re a good omen for this trip.”
    Constance basked in his words. A welcome contrast from the old seaman who said she was a Jonah. She shoved away the bad feelings. She vowed to believe the captain’s words.
    He yelled again.
    The ship leaned hard to starboard picking up more speed. Water sprayed over the deck. Constance set her face against the wind, licked the salty mist from her lips, and let her wounded heart revel in the joy of the moment. She didn’t want to think of leaving this ship or this moment. For now, she belonged, was wanted, and considered a prize.
    Never had she felt that way. Briefly, she thought of E. Ferris and wondered what he would be like. Would he treasure her? Or was she the answer to a man as lonely as she?
    Constance stared into the skies. “Lord, be with me. Let this voyage be good, and the man that I am to meet, let him love me.”
    ###
    Drake sat apart from his brothers. It had always been that way. Edwin and Edgar together, Drake by himself. Perhaps because he’d been born a twin and no one could match what he’d lost. Father paced the hall in front of Mother’s room.
    The doctor had