He paused and studied her further. “Might I have any hope at all that you could care forme?”
Susan took pity on his struggle. “Daniel, I greatly appreciate your kind words and feelings, and while I admit to feeling a great deal of warmth toward you, at the same time I’d have to say we’ve had too little time together for me to accurately gage the depth of myaffection.”
“I understand and accept that. But I’ll soon be back at sea, and can’t be sure when I’ll return again. Might you consider a correspondence? That could keep us connected, and we would have the opportunity to explore our hearts and feelingsfurther.”
Susan nodded. “That soundsacceptable.”
Daniel smiled. “I’m pleased you agree to that. I’m an ardent correspondent and will have ample opportunity to post letters in various ports ofcall.”
“And how shall I respond toyou?”
“The Admiralty forwards letters. I’ll leave you with anaddress.”
Susan, while pleased with Daniel’s interest, still felt the need to bring up a difficultsubject.
“But Daniel, I need to be honest with you about one subject inparticular.”
“I may know what you want to say,” he said, a littlehesitantly.
She smiled. “Youdo?”
“You’re concerned about my being at sea for long periods of time—isn’t thatso?”
“Yes. That is my concernexactly.”
“As it’s alsomine.
“You’ll be gone for long periods of time for most of your early married life. How could you possibly hope to establish and raise a family under such conditions? It seems to me that it would be unfair to both your wife and yourchildren.”
Daniel was thoughtful for a moment. “When I was young all I thought about was life at sea. The romance of the mighty vessels. The excitement of world travel. The opportunity to prove one’s bravery in battle. Little did I consider any aspect of what my family life might be like. It was all about the adventure. But now that I’m older—more mature and experienced, I begin to see the problem you so rightly pointout.”
“And do you have a solution for that dilemma,” Susanasked.
“I have, not until now, met a person who might direct my thoughts in that direction. But I’ll give it my fullconsideration.”
“What might your alternatives be?” Susanasked.
“You ask a very tough question, for which I don’t have ananswer.”
“Would you consider leaving thenavy?”
That really gave Danielpause.
“I can’t say yet. Of course, that is a possibility. But what else could I do? All of my training is of a nautical nature. I’ve obtained a position as captain, way head of the usual age for such an attainment. I have a stellar future mapped out for me by my superiors. I can’t shed that responsibilitylightly.”
Susan couldn’t help but feel his turmoil. “I do understand, believeme.”
“I can promise you nothing at this point, except to say that I care a great deal for you and I wish us to continue our exploration together. If you’re willing, thatis.”
Susan needed to give that some thought. Her romantic life up to this point had been a turmoil, with a great deal of disappointment along the way. And she was still haunted by the strange sensations she’d felt when she danced with the Duke. Of course, that meant nothing, because the Duke was aristocracy, and she was but a humble school teacher, so nothing could ever come of that. But still… it was an experience by which to measureothers.
Finally, she smiled and said, “Yes, Daniel, I’m willing to correspond with you. I’d greatly appreciate getting to know you better—and you, me. Neither of us can foresee what the future might bring, so let’s throw caution to the wind and see what fate has in store forus.”
Daniel placed his hand on top of hers. “I’m so glad, Susan. And I’ll promise to consider all my options regarding my career in thenavy.”
* * *
It’s nota long coach ride from Ash to London and when Susan arrived at the coach stop at Sloan Square, Jessica was there to greether.
