Wings of the Morning (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick Page A

Darsey about?"
    "What does it say next?" Smokey wanted to know as she
    watched her first mate from across the table.
    Darsey turned another page. "A lady must keep her knees
    pressed together at all times; her legs should be gracefully
    crossed at the ankles. Ah, lass, do we have to go on with this?"
    Darsey put the book down and frowned at her.
    "Yes. Now keep reading."
    "Why didn't you do this at home with Willa?" Darsey
    asked, ignoring her order.
    Seeing that she was going to have to explain, Smokey
    sighed "She would have asked what kind of people my new
    friends were, that they expected me to put on airs in their
    company. She just wouldn't have understood."
    "I'm not sure I do," Darsey admitted There was no censure
    in his tone, only tenderness, and Smokey tried to make
    herself understood
    "I'm not ashamed of who I am or where I've been, Dars, but
    I don't fit into the world outside of a ship. I don't know how to
    hold my fork or cup, and I'm so nervous and uncomfortable
    that I end up dropping things and spilling water in my lap."
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    'You're exaggerating, Smokey; those things aren't going
    to happen."
    "They already have," Smokey told him with tears in her
    eyes. Darsey's heart melted. She didn't cry easily, and those
    tears made him see how much she hurt over this.
    When she had explained why she wanted to stop at China
    Island, Darsey had looked at her as though she'd taken leave of
    her senses. Even that morning as he had loaded a small table,
    two chairs, and a china tea set aboard the rowboat, he'd
    thought it was too fantastic to be real.
    Then they had gone ashore and found a secluded area, set
    things up according to Smokey's wishes, and she'd handed
    him a book on etiquette. That was two hours ago, and until he
    saw those tears pooling in her eyes, Darsey had begun to think
    it was all rather silly.
    Without so much as a sigh of resignation, Darsey opened
    the book and began to read again. He would have loved to
    hand this job over to someone who was better qualified, but
    he was all Smokey had If they had to sit there for a week, he
    would see her through this.
    Once on the island, Dallas found a shallow pool and took a
    quick dip to wash the salt from his pants and hair. The water
    was cool and refreshing, and he started on a tour of the island
    after he'd bathed.
    There appeared to be more birds than other wildlife, but
    he did spot a few snakes and lizards amid the fronds and
    leaves of bushes and trees. He was making his way through a
    rather dense section of bushes when he came across Darsey
    and Smokey.
    Thinking he was imagining the sight of his captain and her
    first mate having tea on the island, Dallas inspected them for
    the space of several heartbeats. They were all too real. He
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    watched as Darsey read, lowered the book, and then read
    some more. He continued to watch as Smokey picked up a
    teacup, working to balance it carefully with just two fingers.
    Realization of what she was doing dawned just before he was
    spotted.
    Smokey knew the moment she saw Dallas that he had
    been watching for some time. Her face flamed in humiliation,
    but her embarrassment did nothing to temper the sternness
    of her tone.
    "Get back to the ship, Dallas." Smokey's voice was like a
    lash, and Dallas immediately moved to do as he was bid.
    He'd only taken two steps, however, when an overwhelming
    feeling of tenderness for his captain overrode his good
    sense. He stopped and turned back.
    "I gave you an order, sailor." Smokey was livid, and her
    voice told Dallas as much. Still he did not obey.
    "I know you did, Captain." Dallas' voice was quiet and
    respectful as he took careful steps toward the table. "However,
    I'd like to show my appreciation for your helping me by
    returning the favor. With no offense intended, I think I can be
    of more assistance than Darsey."
    Darsey came out of his chair so fast that he tipped it over
    backward. He righted it quickly, and even though Smokey was
    glaring at him with