“Levi! What kind of question is that?”
She leaned forward. “I was before my mother died.” Her father, on the other hand, was so worried that someone would say he was treating Charlie with favor, that it was almost the polar opposite. She sat back and leaned against Jaxon.
No, she had not been spoiled. Jaxon knew the answer to that. What kind of parent didn’t make a fuss when their child had a birthday? It wasn’t as if a ship’s captain did not have the means. It made him mad to think about it. He was going to spoil her on her birthday.
“So when is your birthday, Charlie?”
“I will turn twenty-three in February.” She wasn’t entirely sure of the day of the month. Her father had been out to sea when she was born and if he’d ever known the exact date, he had forgotten.
Charlie got her first view of his townhouse in the late morning sunshine. He unlocked the doors and began pulling dust covers off the furniture and opening curtains.
“News of the ship’s arrival travels fast, so I need to go talk to Aunt Pru promptly. Make yourself at home. Look around. This is your home now. Feel free to open doors, and drawers. I’m going to stop by my Imelia’s house and get her to come take you to the dressmaker’s shop. And then I’ll get my mother to go with me to talk to Aunt Pru.” He gave her a quick peck. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
The knock on the door startled Charlie. Jaxon had only been gone a few minutes so she wasn’t expecting his sister so soon. She must live close by, Charlie reasoned.
Charlie was so excited at the prospect of owning and wearing gowns, she practically ran to the door and flung it open.
“You must be….” The words spewed out of her mouth before she even had the door open. There before her stood a man who looked almost exactly like Jaxon. “Grayson?”
He stood staring back at Charlie, equally surprised not to see the person he was expecting to see.
“I am indeed,” he said frowning. “I seem to be at a disadvantage.”
“I’m Charlie,” she said stepping back. “Charlie Sinclair. Won’t you come in?” She didn’t offer any other explanation of who she was because she didn’t feel it was her place to tell her future husband’s twin that she was his fiancée.
She didn’t mean to stare, but if it weren’t for the scars, he and Jaxon would truly be identical. “I’m afraid Jaxon’s not here right now. He’s…. Would you care to sit down? I’m afraid there’s some bad news for your family.”
A stern expression crossed Grayson’s countenance. “Maybe you should just tell me.”
“There was a terrible tragedy. Your cousin Jimmy was killed. Jaxon has gone to tell your Aunt Pru. He was planning on picking up your mother on the way because he knew your aunt would need her sister. I’m sorry this news has come from a stranger.”
“Bad news is bad news no matter who delivers it,” Grayson drawled, his eyes roaming around the townhouse making sure nothing was amiss. It didn’t make sense for Jaxon to bring this man into his house and leave him to forage about unchecked.
“I wish Jax could have been here with you when you heard the news.”
Ever the attorney, Grayson eyed Charlie suspiciously.
“Jax not Captain Bloodworthy?”
It only took Charlie a moment to realize with the way she was dressed Grayson believed her to be a male member of the crew. She decided to have a little fun—find out if this brother had a sense of humor. She thought about telling him she only calls him Captain when they fought or when he ordered her around, but thought that might tip her hand.
“We’re not on the ship right now,” she hedged.
“Are you his valet?”
Charlie smiled. “I can’t imagine Jaxon wanting someone to help him get dressed, can you? I’m the new surgeon’s mate.”
“Oh.” His eyebrows lifted, as he was glad to have an explanation. “But now I’m confused. We heard The Dragon’s Lair came and dropped him off then set sail again—and apparently dropped you off, as well. Oh, heavens, he’s not hurt again?”
Charlie didn’t miss the concern in Grayson’s voice and knew he loved his twin. “He caught some shrapnel in the side, but he’s fine now.”
“Well, thank heavens for that.”
“I would offer you a drink, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t know where to find any.” Then it occurred to her she’d never seen Jaxon drink and she wondered if that was a family value or something that Jaxon rarely imbibed in.
Grayson eyed Charlie suspiciously, not understanding why a crewmember, even a high ranking one, would be offering him a drink of liquor belonging to his brother. It wasn’t his place to act the host in someone else’s home. “A drink would be nice. I know where he keeps it.” Grayson led her into the library. “What can I get you?”