Chapter 19
Dearne wrenched himself away from Will, a hand going to his mouth. In the doorway stood Araminta and Miss Rose, both of them with eyes on stalks. Araminta gasped, and Miss Rose slammed the door shut behind them.
“Captain Dearne, I am so sorry…I…we…you…” Miss Rose stammered. Dearne looked helplessly at Will who was as shocked as he. For the first time in his life Dearne was utterly speechless, completely at a loss and embarrassed beyond belief.
“Lady Araminta, Miss Rose, please accept my apologies. The fault is entirely mine,” Will said, stepping forward as if to shield Dearne.
Araminta and Miss Rose turned to him, both still silent. Will continued. “The fault lies with me. Something I have tried to…” He swallowed. “I pressed my attentions upon Captain Dearne. He was too shoc
