“Now see here,” Dashlane interrupted.
“What?” Craven asked, his voice dropping dangerously low.
Chase looked back at Juliet. The woman was mad and he’d like to throttle her, but instead he’d have to protect her from these men. Because somewhere between that broken bridge and right now, he’d made a decision. He’d marry Ophelia. He couldn’t stand the thought of another man touching her. Later he’d worry about what a disappointment he was likely to be as a husband.
“We’ll make it for the second half of the debauchery,” Crestwood said to his companions.
Ophelia sucked in a sharp breath. Debauchery? What did that mean? She looked at Chase whose jaw had tightened to the point of appearing as though it might shatter. But a whole new series of questions had started thrumming through her thoughts. Was he also planning debauchery at this party? Was that his intent with her as well?
She took a half step away from him but he pulled his arm tighter to his body.
“That’s enough, Crestwood.” But it wasn’t Chase who spoke but Craven. “There are ladies present.” Craven’s gaze settled on Juliet, who blushed furiously.
Crestwood looked back at them, his mouth tightening as he gave a quick bow. “Apologies, ladies.”
“Let’s find your father,” Chase said as he started leading her down the street. “Juliet, if you’d kindly take my other arm.”
Her sister dutifully stepped up next to Chase, though she gave a long look back at Craven. Ophelia understood that Chase didn’t want Juliet being escorted by one of those other men but she was beginning to wonder if he was any better.
She wasn’t saving this man from anything. Her instinct to run had been much more apt. They walked down toward the docks, and she turned to the left. Her father had a small office in one of the buildings located on the shore. He could watch all the ships coming in and out and captains could easily report to him.
The building was painted a fun shade of dark red with large black-trimmed, multi-paned windows. A bell hung above the door and its cheerful call had given her and her sisters hours of entertainment as children.
Seabridge Gate was technically a peninsula between two rivers. But the mainland of England jutted out just beyond Seabridge Gate’s shore on both sides, providing a uniquely protected harbor and her father a booming business providing them all with a wonderful life. She entered the shop to find her father’s clerk behind his desk. “Hello, Mr. Burton,” she said as the entire group filed into the office.
Mr. Burton looked up, surprise lighting his gaze. “Ophelia, Juliet. Good to see you. To what do I owe this…” He glanced at the four men. “Surprise?”
Ophelia gave Chase a hesitant glance before she looked back to her father’s old clerk. “His Grace was a guest of ours last evening.”
“Interesting,” Crestwood muttered behind her.
Ophelia continued as though he hadn’t spoken. Weary as she was of Chase, she knew she was relatively safe in his company and she’d stay close to him while with Crestwood. “These other lords are trapped in town because the bridge to the north was damaged in the storm. They were hoping to speak with Papa about passage and the use of the cottage on Mayfair Street.”
Mr. Burton nodded. “I’m sure you know your father is currently making the rounds. But I can give you the key to the cottage and Mr. Moorish will most certainly visit the gentlemen there on his way home.”
“Thank you, Mr. Burton,” Ophelia answered. “That is an excellent plan.”
Chase leaned down close to her ear. “I’ll see both you and Juliet home.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to say that wasn’t necessary but a quick glance back over her shoulder, and she swallowed the words, giving a terse nod instead. With the wolf Crestwood just behind her, it seemed prudent to accept his offer.
They made their way back out of the shop and down the coastal street and then took a right onto Mayfair. Though the cottage was empty currently, it was used by captains who were in Seabridge Gate on longer stopovers and so it was kept clean and well-stocked. “You’ll find everything you need in the cottage,” she said to the men. “There is food as well but you’ll likely enjoy dinner out at the tavern.”
The three men said little as she stopped in front of the house and unlocked the door. Stepping inside, she motioned for the other members of the party to follow. The cottage was cheerfully decorated in a nautical theme. Ophelia had done a great deal of the work herself.
“When you said unoccupied cottage…” Dashlane started. “I thought you meant unused and untouched. This is…”
“Far better than the last four inns we stayed in,” Craven finished. “By a magnitude of ten.”
“Thank you,” she answered. “I think.” She tapped her chin. “I’ve never actually stayed in an inn so I don’t know how good or bad they actually are. But we use this cottage regularly to give our captains a homier place to stay if they are in port for more than a night or two.”
Chase looked at her then. “You’ve never stayed in an inn?”
She shook her head. “My father’s work demands his constant attention and with my mother gone…”
“Aunts?” he asked.
She shrugged, looking at a painting of the very harbor they’d just left. Her father’s relationship with his brother was fair but he didn’t approve of his sister-in-law’s parenting practices. He’d never wanted to leave his daughters in her care. “My father hasn’t sent me to the countess yet.”
Crestwood cleared his throat. “It’s very nice what you’ve done for us, both of you.”
Ophelia nodded but she noted Juliet’s blush. She’d been irritated with her sister when she’d invited these men for dinner, but she understood why Juliet had. Apparently, she wasn’t the only Moorish sister starving for a bit of fun and romance. “We’re always happy to help guests of Seabridge Gate,” she answered. “If for some reason my father does not stop by on his way home, I’ll see that he does first thing in the morning. In the meantime, there are two bedrooms upstairs and a third in the back, just down the hall. To reach the town square again, you only need continue up Mayfair Street.”
Juliet gave a small curtsy. “We’ll send a maid over as well to make sure you are comfortable.” She looked up at the ceiling, tapping her chin. “Miss Kitteridge lives in the village so it would be an easy assignment for her. Is that all right, Ophelia?”
“Of course,” she answered.
“Thank you,” Craven replied, giving her sister a long look.
It was innocent enough but Ophelia straightened, ready to defend her sister. She faced the lords who became their unexpected guests. “But let’s be clear that Miss Kitteridge is here for cleaning and shopping only.” She pressed her lips together as her face tightened. “And dinner tomorrow night will be a friendly event meant for introductions and polite conversation.” She turned to her sister. “Please step outside for just a moment.”
Juliet frowned but did as her sister commanded. Then she turned to face the four lords who had landed in Seabridge Gate. She met each of their gazes, including Chase. “None of you are to do anything untoward involving my staff or my family. Just so that you’re aware, the benefit of growing up in the country is that I’m adept at firing a pistol or a rifle. I’ll shoot you out of this town if I have to. There will be no debauchery in my village.”