Read Lucky's Lady (The Caversham Chronicles Book 4) for Free Online Page A

once to sail his vessel home to England. At that time he could see what a fine man Ian had become. Then they got into the business end of their discussion.
    From what it seemed, Watkins was leaving the architectural layout, structural engineering, selection of structural fittings—all the technical things—to Mrs. Watkins. Lucky thought this was highly unusual, but Mr. Watkins assured him of his young wife's competence. He'd trained her himself and he guaranteed he would supervise her closely on this job, as he did all the others.
    Only after Lucky was comfortable with the plan, did they talk of contracts. "After you have signed off on the final drawings and specifications list, the final contract will be sent to you for signatures. When we receive our copies back, along with the second portion of payment, we begin actual construction," Watkins said.
    Lucky nodded. "How soon could you have a final drawing and specifications list for review? I'm prepared to sign a contract before I sail back next week. Ian and I will have a narrow window of time to prepare for the upcoming tea run."
    "Are you certain you've decided then?"
    "I've seen all I need to convince me. You should know that your shipyard was Ian's first and only choice, as he's more familiar with the business side of construction. Though he did leave the decision to me, whether I choose another firm or stay with yours. I think he knew once I came here and saw your finished product I would go no place else."
    He let the man know that he'd walked around his yard the day before, observing the construction and placement of ribs of the hull on the ways, and had gone onto the nearly finished construction to scrutinize the appointments. He also let him know that he'd done some asking around about his business practices at the local merchants, and the local bank he'd chosen to perhaps hold the funds for construction. "Everyone speaks highly of your firm, Mr. Watkins. I feel safe with the decision and think it shall be a pleasure to have you as our shipbuilder."
    "Excellent," the elder man said as the two shook hands. "Let's ask Mrs. Watkins about her schedule for drawings." The man called for his wife, and when she opened the door and stepped in, the room suddenly got smaller and much, much warmer. "Mrs. Watkins, tonight we celebrate with champagne, for we are the new shipbuilders for the Empire Tea Importers." For just a fraction of a moment, Lucky thought he saw surprise flash in her eyes, then she smiled and congratulated them both.
    "Captain Gualtiero is asking about your time frame for drawings, specifications lists, and such for him to sign off on, so we can get contracts written and he can be on his way to China."
    Mrs. Watkins glanced out toward the drafting table in the other room, back at her husband, then at Lucky. "I already have some preliminary work I sketched last night, as I knew you were coming this morning."
    She excused herself and returned with a large sheet of paper which she spread over her husband's desk. "Of course, I didn't know what layout you wished for accommodations, so this is a very rough design. But I've given you one hundred and eighty feet. Any longer and she may appear under-sparred."
    Lucky looked at the intricate graphite drawing before him. It was beautiful to the point of breathtaking.
    "This design has a long, raised quarter-deck and traditional American forecastle to give the illusion she's more in balance." Mrs. Watkins glanced at her husband, then at Lucky. "She's a solid wood hull and fully loaded she'll do eighteen to twenty knots easily, all day long. Well, with wind of course." She pointed to the breadth of the hull. "Also, I've increased your cargo capacity by approximately seventy percent."
    Lucky could only stare at the drawing, mouth agape. It was perfect. Well, if there were any such thing as the perfect ship. The vessel sketched on paper appeared well-balanced and sleek in design. He began to imagine the reality of this