Chapter 33
A Near Run ThingSilke reread the letter with growing pleasure. Rising from her seat, she went in search of her father, finding him in his library.
“Papa, the Kapitän is travelling to visit us.” She glanced at the date of the letter. “He may already be on his way. He says he also has business in Rotterdam and The Hague to attend to.”
The Freiherr smiled, flourishing his own letter. “Yes, meine Tochter, he has written to me as well.” He rose and seized her shoulders, kissing her on both cheeks. “He has my permission – no, you both have my permission – to pay his court to you.” He released her and stepped back, his face sombre for a moment. “It will be a hard thing for you to be so far from home.”
“Yes, Papa, but he has yet to ask me to marry.” She smiled. “I hope, of course, b
