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she didn't give him the satisfaction of having that knowledge as she followed him.
    * * * *
    They were each seated with a steaming platter of eggs and morning croissants and café au lait set before them, and they ate in silence for a while. After he finished, Grant excused himself to speak with his manservant standing near the door. “What do you think, Eric?”
    “ ’Twas quite heroic what you did for her, Capitaine .”
    He was not the kind to be proud of his actions, especially when they were necessitated by the misdeeds of others, in this case by a certain man who intentionally put Fara in a perilous position. “ Oui ...but, what do you think of her?” he repeated the question.
    Eric considered while he studied her carefully. “She's young, a wee girl.”
    “Not a girl, Eric, but a lady.”
    “She is of marrying age?”
    “ Oui . She is eighteen, I believe.”
    “She is small for a lady of society, Monsieur . But, the picture of youth and sophistication.”
    “ Oui ,” the captain breathed, remembering the silken feel of her in his arms when he'd carried her onto La Voyageur . Or this morning, when he'd awakened to that pretty face…she'd felt so petite against him, so innocent. He was sure she was not only soft physically but emotionally. A self-willed lady used to the ways of society, but not necessarily swayed by them.
    “You fancy her, sir?” his manservant asked quietly.
    “Perhaps.” He studied her profile, suddenly captivated by her female aura...her mane of tresses like burnished fire and her eyes a hint of violet. Hair of fire...perhaps even a woman born of fire, a passionate woman.
    His loins tightened with desire. Might he ever witness that hidden passion? Would she be as captivating a lover as a companion?
    “If you two are quite finished gawking at me, I'd like to go above.” She shot them both looks of disgust.
    Grant smiled. “Of course. I am sure the crew would love to see the lady I hauled onto my ship and straight to my own cabin last night. Beware of their curiosity, however. They are men who have been at sea far too long, without a woman's comfort. It would only be natural for them to wonder how their captain might have dealt with a woman such as yourself.”
    “Well then, I shall remember to overlook their curiosity,” she spat back at him.
    He turned to his manservant. “Eric, might you escort Mademoiselle Bellamont to the deck?”
    The man nodded and murmured, “She is an outspoken lady, Maitre ...”
    “ Oui ,” he agreed, and he loved it.
    “Come, petite . I will show you about the ship. Perhaps you would like to meet the cook who prepared your breakfast?”
    “Perhaps,” she replied and followed Eric out of the cabin.
    The captain sighed. Yes, she was definitely outspoken. How had she contrived to be so when her uncle was no doubt a man who believed women were mere possessions? Indeed, he had heard rumors about Michel de Bellamont. He was a known businessman in town, and a shrewd one at that. The gentlemen who spoke of him shuddered often. One only wanted to be in good standing with the man. How had she survived, her beliefs clashing undoubtedly with her uncle's?
    Fara would take him to task if she heard him say that. However, he didn't plan to hinder the person she was. He desired her and was quite amused with her strength of character as well.
    * * * *
    Fara was shown about the ship and gritted her teeth as Eric called her petite for the fourth time, no doubt referring to her size. “Why do you keep calling me that, Eric?”
    He grinned. “It is not derogatory in any way, Mademoiselle . You are intriguing. I'm sure many men do not see you as you are. You are strong and self-willed, yet still small. Tis' a contradiction I see within you, petit e.”
    She nodded and decided he hadn't meant to insult her. “I would like to meet this cook of yours. He pleased my palette.”
    Eric beamed. “I am glad. Come, petite . The galley is this way.”
    After he had introduced