The Sea Maiden by Mary Speer Page A

father. She shuddered at the thought, like a golden web she needed to get away soon or be trapped forever. She went over to Lynnette’s room next door. Karina knocked.
    “Lynnette! Are you there?”
    “Yes, come in”
    Lynnette lied sprawled across the floral covers of an apparently very soft bed that also had a canopy with lace curtains; her room too had creamy walls, a fireplace and a smaller window with a balcony, with a partial view of the ocean.
    “It’s so beautiful here I have never seen anything like it …not that it’s more appealing than Pembroke Hall but…” Lynnette said than tried to amend her outburst. Both girls looked at each other and laughed.
    “Yes it is.”
    “Oh how I wish mother was here to see this she would die. I almost rather stay here and never go back now.”
    “Yes it’s beautiful but to live here means I will lose my freedom and endure a life with a man I find totally unacceptable.”
    “True but it would make life easier to bear.”
    “Oh really well how would you like it if it were you locked away here never to see Peter again…” Karina whispered in her ear, “And have to kiss Lord Harmon, sleep with him and bear his children?”
    “Ewe…no thank you I much rather go back to Pembroke Hall.”
    “Good then you see my point. Even if the cage is made of gold it’s still a cage.”
    “True.”
    “Well for the time being we must go join Lord Harmon for some refreshments.”
    “You never told me what your plan is, do you have one?”
    “Of course I have one but we will talk about it later. Right now let’s go eat, I’m famished.”
    “Yes, so am I.”
    Both girls went downstairs to meet with Lord Harmon but briefly went to check on her father. Lord Pembroke slept soundly in the guest room prepared for him, downstairs, down a long hallway across from the study near the kitchen. The room’s decor suited male guests with dark drapes and bed covers. A fireplace and a window on each side of the bed provided the room’s greatest appeal; the drapes were drawn so that Lord Pembroke could rest. A tray with fresh corn biscuits and pot of tea were on a small table near the bed.
    “Don’t worry Miss I will be checking on him.” Nate said.
    Karina felt a new found appreciation for this quiet, mild mannered man, always at her father’s beck and call. It was fortunate to have him at her father’s bedside.
    “Thank you Nate, what would we do without you?”
    “You’re welcome Miss”
    They all quietly left the room. Karina and Lynnette went to join Lord Harmon for refreshments on the other side of the house. They needed to show their appreciation. As they entered the hallway the intoxication aroma coming from the kitchen fueled the girls hunger. The clock struck 3:00 O’clock; it would be an eternity till dinner.
    “I see you have honored me with your presence please have a seat. These corn biscuits are freshly baked and are simply delicious with some butter and honey. There is also lemonade and hot tea. The staff is busy preparing dinner I was unsure of your arrival time so I had them start early but you arrived much sooner than I anticipated, they are now preparing dinner but in the mean time I hope this will hold you over.”
    “Thank you Lord Harmon you’re a most gracious host.” Said Karina
    “It smells simply delicious, thank you very much may I take a biscuit?” Said Lynnette
    “Why yes of course my dear, whatever your heart or should I say your stomach desires.”
    Lynnette’s eyes seemed bigger than usual; she selected two golden biscuits with a slab of butter and dripped some honey over her biscuits. Karina also took a biscuit, and lemonade, when she reached for a second biscuit Lord Harmon said,
    “Karina my dear, perhaps you should wait to have a second biscuit at dinner. Arlene has prepared grilled salmon in lemon butter it will be simply delicious. I wouldn’t want you to lose that slender figure I admire so much.” He chuckled.
    Karina withdrew her