Chapter 118: Home, Sweet Home, Part 1

Kent marched toward the carriage, gritting his teeth and eyeing the loathsome scamp standing beside it. Sawkins. A wide grin sat upon his insolent lips, revealing sparkling white teeth. Ignoring Kent, he bowed, reached for Isabel's hand, and raised it to his mouth. Hair the color of wheat was slicked back and gathered in a cavalier tie behind him. "You must be Lady Ashton."

A blush consumed Isabel's cheeks.

Kent stepped between them. "We were to meet at the Ship Tavern."

"Plans have changed." The man smirked and shifted his icy gaze back to Isabel. "Since the captain hasn't the manners to introduce me, I shall take that liberty. Lord Richard Sawkins, at your service."

"Is this the man you spoke of?" she asked Kent.

He nodded, frowning.

Biting her lip, she stepped toward Sawkins. "I beg you, milord, what news of my son?"

"He is well, milady." Sawkins clasped one of her hands and engulfed it between his.

"Thank God." She raised her other hand to her bosom and began to sway.