Read Golden Paradise (Vincente 1) for Free Online

doorways that led to the house. Halfway there, she turned to her sister. "The day anyone comes between me and Marquis is the day that person dies!"

 
     
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    It was early morning when Valentina stood on the deck of the Berengaria watching Captain Masterson and his crew scurrying about, making preparations to drop anchor. As the ship sailed through the bay past a small island, Valentina chose not to look at the tangle of ships that cluttered the inlet; instead she trained her eyes on the distant shore.
    She drew in her breath, so struck was she by the virgin beauty that assailed her senses. It was as if she were looking upon a land time had forgotten—a new land for new people. The sun spread its light over the land, turning the grassy slopes a spectacular yellow. This really was the golden country, she thought. With great anticipation, Valentina looked past the wooded area toward what she knew would be the town of San Francisco.
    The Berengaria made her way slowly forward to avoid scraping one of the many ships that rode at anchor. Valentina had never seen such an awesome sight; there were so many ships in the bay that their masts cluttered the sky, blocking out the full view.
    As the ship moved closer to shore, Valentina strained her eyes, searching for some sign of her mother and father. Excitement stirred within her breast. Soon . . . soon they would be a family again!
    No sooner had the anchor clanked into place at the bottom of the ocean floor than Valentina's trunks and boxes were loaded onto the longboat. Valentina was learning that little time was wasted on board a ship. She and Salamar were helped down the rope ladder into the boat. Then Captain Masterson climbed in beside them and directed the oarsmen to make for shore.
    Nathan Masterson's warm smile rested on Valentina. "I trust you will find all you desire here in California, Miss Barrett."
    "Thank you, Captain. And let me also thank you for an exciting voyage. I will tell my father about the courtesy that was extended to me and Salamar on board the Berengaria ."
    Captain Masterson looked pleased at her words, and Valentina could have sworn that he blushed. "I will be anchored here for a fortnight, Miss Barrett. Should you have any reason to need help, I stand ready to assist you.
    She blessed him with a smile that made her eyes dance. "I expect to be in the safe hands of my mother and father as soon as we reach shore. But I thank you for your kindness." Again her eyes were sweeping the distant shore, searching for the beloved faces of her parents.
    When the longboat bumped against the wooden pier, Valentina still had not spotted them. As Captain Masterson helped her ashore, she scanned the faces of the crowd, unaware of the many looks of admiration directed at her by the men on the dock.
    "I don't see your parents," the captain observed, glancing about the crowd of people who had gathered to meet the Berengaria .
    Valentina's legs felt wobbly but she knew from experience that the sensation would pass as soon as she became accustomed to being on land again. She met the captain's eyes. "No," she replied with a sinking heart, "I don't see them either. Perhaps they didn't know I would be arriving today." Her disappointment showed on her face. She glanced at Salamar as if she wanted her to decide what they should do.
    Captain Masterson, seeing Valentina's distress, offered her reassurance. "I suspect your mother and father are waiting for the crowd to clear out, Miss Barrett. I would suggest that you move farther down the pier while I see to your baggage. If by that time your parents haven't come, I will send one of my men to make inquiries for you."
    "Thank you. That would seem the best thing to do," Valentina admitted, glad to have him take charge for her.
    Slowly Valentina realized she was the center of attention. She blushed at some of the bold stares the men cast her way. She felt as if she were on display. Never had she been on the receiving end of such