She laid aside her daily journal and pencil and went to answer the knock.Cautious and more than a little tremulous, she grasped the knob, leaned against the thin wooden door and called, “Who is it?”“Me.”Her relief at hearing the familiar rumble of Thorne’s voice was so great it left her a bit giddy. “I beg your pardon, sir. I don’t know anyone by that name.”Giggling, she listened to his masculine mutterings for a few seconds before she unlocked the door and peeked out. “Oh, it’s you. Why didn’t you say so?”“I thought I did.”She swung the door wide and studied his face. “So, you did. What’s the matter? You look concerned.”“Not overly so. We’re putting in at a cove for the night and I thought I should explain what was going on. The weather promises to worsen and the coast is getting pretty rugged up this way. Our captain doesn’t want to chance running aground on the rocks or getting the wheel or rudder fouled on the kelp that breaks loose during rough weather.
