Read Golden Paradise (Vincente 1) for Free Online Page A

close scrutiny.
    Seeing Valentina's discomfort, Captain Masterson took her arm to assist her across the wooden planks that served as a dock. "Let's get you and your maid out of this heat," he said, clearing a path through the mob.
    Valentina did not see the tall, gangly figure of a man making his way toward them until he spoke. "Pardon me, would you be Captain Masterson of the Berengaria ?" The stranger's eyes swept Valentina with interest before resting for a brief moment on Salamar.
    "I am indeed Nathan Masterson, sir. How may I be of service to you?"
    "I am Reverend Percival Lawton," the man introduced himself, speaking in a stiff New England accent. "I was asked by Mrs. Barrett to meet her daughter, Miss Valentina Barrett. I have been watching every ship that came in for the last two weeks. Very tedious business, I must say."
    Valentina wondered why her mother and father had not come to meet her themselves. Why had they sent this stranger? When she looked into the reverend's serious grey eyes, she extended her gloved hand. "I'm Miss Barrett, sir. Why aren't my parents here to meet me? Has something happened?"
    "I thought you must be her," he said, ignoring her question as he took her hand for the briefest moment; then he dropped it as if it burned him. Reaching into his coat pocket, he removed his handkerchief and nervously dabbed at his face. "Nothing to worry about. I hired a buggy, so if you will put me onto your baggage, I'll see it's loaded."
    Valentina pointed to the collection of trunks and boxes that was being stacked nearby. "You will find everything there, Mr. Lawton," she answered before she turned her attention to Captain Masterson. She was anxious to be away so she could see her parents. "I want to thank you again for everything, Captain. I'm sure my parents will want you to take a meal with us before you sail."
    He took her proffered hand. "I will be honored, Miss Barrett. You have only to send word on the appointed date, and I will be there."
    Nathan Masterson was reluctant to turn Valentina over to the nervous stranger who called himself a preacher. When the man returned, the captain saw that he was directing several dockworkers to load the trunks in his carriage. Percival Lawton seemed anxious to be on his way and was irritated when Masterson pulled him aside to question him.
    "I don't understand all the secrecy. I want to know exactly where you are taking Miss Barrett. I know her mother and father quite well. It doesn't sound like them to send a stranger to meet their daughter."
    The man nodded his head toward the west. "I have a small place just across town where I live with my sister. At the back of my place we have a small cabin that the Barretts have rented from us. Ask anyone where I live and they can direct you. If you will excuse me, I'll lash Miss Barrett's baggage down."
    Valentina watched Percival Lawton dart after her trunks, while Captain Masterson pulled one of the dockworkers aside and questioned him about the reverend. After he was satisfied that Mr. Lawton was who he claimed to be, he returned to Valentina.
    She held out her hand to him, feeling somewhat nostalgic about their parting. "I will miss the adventure, Captain. Perhaps I will sail again on the Berengaria . I certainly hope so."
    Captain Masterson bowed slightly and touched the tips of her fingers. "I would deem it an honor to have you sail with me at any time, Miss Barrett."
    He watched her turn away, knowing he would always remember her. After she was lost in the crowd, he made his way back to his men who were unloading cargo onto the pier. He was not really saying good-bye; he would see her again, he decided.
    When Valentina and Salamar reached the buggy, Mr. Lawton made no attempt to help them inside. Puzzled, they looked at each other before climbing aboard, taking precautions not to show too much ruffled petticoat.
    Reverend Lawton spoke not a word as he guided the mules into a steady stream of traffic. A heavy,