Waves splashed high, spraying over the bow. Maura had been in small boats many times before, rowing around the bay when she was young. But this was different. She stood on deck, looking out, bracing herself with her feet, as if she’d been born to the sea. Perhaps a quarter of an hour passed, then Alec came up beside her. “For pity’s sake, don’t stand there,” he growled. “You’ll fall overboard.” “Then you’d be rid of me,” she said lightly. “I should think that would suit you well, your grace.” He neither agreed nor disagreed. “At least hold onto the rail.” There was something odd in his tone. Maura looked over at him. Her brow furrowed…suddenly she realized why he was so pale. “Oh, dear. Are you of a delicate constitution, sir?” she asked brightly. How odd that for a descendant of a pirate, her newfound husband was a bad sailor. It was all she could do not to crow. Alec shot her a venomous look. “You needn’t delight in it,” he muttered. “Oh, but I do not delight in it!
