Flight of the Monarch

"Women do not belong on a vessel with men who tend to grimy business. My men would be falling over themselves making sure you are comfortable, and they would be totally useless to me."

"But Father, I will stay out of their way." Hayley put her arms around him. "I promise not to trouble you."

"Are you sure your request isn't due to your wanting to be near Austin Sommers?"

Hayley's expression made her father aware she knew nothing about his new position. He was regretful mentioning it.

"Austin will be in the office. How could my desire to be on the ship have anything to do with him?" Hayley smiled as the realization came to her. "Austin isn't in the office, is he?"

"I assumed Maddie told you of his position on the ship."

"Why would she know about his duties?"

"I told her. I just thought..."

"Seems as though there is more than one thing you both have kept to yourself concerning my cousin."

Mr. Lawrence choked as he lit his cigar.

Hayley crossed her arms in front of her. "Maddie doesn't seem to be communicating very well to either of us lately."

"Maddie did tell me that you were upset about Austin, and she has asked me to talk with you about it. Before I had the chance to do so, you approached me about going to Kingston."

"What is your answer?"

"Perhaps another time."

"When?"

"In a few months, when the waters are not so rough. I wouldn't want you to get sick your first time out."

"I have been riding an emotional tidal wave. I indeed have been gloomy for days. If you do not allow me to go with you tomorrow, I will know that you do not care for me as you want me to believe you do."

"You are forcing me to say yes to you, Hayley, and that is not fair."

"What time will I need to be ready?"

He shook his head slowly, from side to side and let out a sigh. "Four o'clock AM."

"Thank you. You will not regret having me there."

Hayley kissed him on the cheek.

Hayley forced a smile as she caught sight of Maddie, standing in the foyer.

Maddie approached Cedric.

"I hope you know what you are doing?"

"I didn't suppose I had a choice. You saw how she backed me into a corner."