The Pursuit Read online

  Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

  Cover by Dugan Design Group, Bloomington, Minnesota

  Cover photos © Stockbyte Photography / Veer; Westend61 Photography / Veer; Anna Stowe Botanica / Alamy

  THE PURSUIT

  Copyright © 2003 by Lori Wick

  Published by Harvest House Publishers

  Eugene, Oregon 97402

  www.harvesthousepublishers.com

  ISBN 978-0-7369-2532-7

  Library of Congress has cataloged the edition as follows:

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Wick, Lori.

  The pursuit / Lori Wick.

  p. cm. — (The English garden series ; bk. 4)

  ISBN 978-0-7369-0912-9

  1. Ocean travel—Fiction. 2. Lisbon (Portugal)—Fiction. 3. Male friendship—Fiction.

  4. Travelers—Fiction. 5. England—Fiction. I. Title.

  PS3573.I237P87 2003

  813’.54—dc21

  2003012248

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  Printed in the United States of America

  09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 / RDM-MS / 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  For Larry

  Table of Contents

  Acknowledgments

  The English Garden Collingbourne Families

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Books by Lori Wick

  Acknowledgments

  The fourth book is done! I’m so excited. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book and series, but sometimes finishing a series is like taking a much-needed breath of air.

  I’ve learned many things in the last months—mostly that God is unendingly patient. And that He always puts people in my life who make a difference. A big thanks to…

  —Mary Vesperman. A thanks to you, Mary, is nothing new, but since this book took a little longer, I need you to know how much I appreciate your patience and your listening ear. As always, you are invaluable as a friend, a sister in Christ, and a coworker.

  —The staff at Harvest House. What a fabulous job you did putting this book on the market. Thank you for all your hard work and marvelous support of this project. I love and appreciate each one of you.

  —Matthew. I found you this year in a way I never had before. You became the big brother—working to sail over the the bar with amazing ability. I’m proud of you—more than I can say. You make my world a wonderful place.

  —Bob. The man who dishes the ball never gets credit for the shot, but the assist is what you’re best at. You’re so willing to sit quietly and cheer from the back of the room, not needing everyone to know that you were a huge help. I guess the ones who know are the ones who need to know. I love you.

  The English Garden

  Collingbourne Families

  ˜Frank and Lydia Palmer

  Children: Frank, Walt, Emma, Lizzy, and Oliver

  Home: Tipton

  ˜William and Marianne Jennings (William Jennings is brother to Lydia Palmer)

  Children: Thomas, James, Penny, Catherine, and William

  Home: Thornton Hall

  ˜Robert and Anne Weston

  Children: Sarah

  Home: Brown Manor

  ˜Pastor Frederick and Judith Hurst

  Children: Jeffrey, Jane, Margaret, John, and Robert

  Home: the manse

  ˜James and Mary Walker (Marianne Jennings’ parents)

  Home: Blackburn Manor

  ˜Henry and Edward Steele

  Home: Newcomb Park

  ˜Thomas and Elizabeth Morland (Elizabeth is sister to Henry, Edward, and Cassandra)

  Home: Ludlow

  ˜Alexander and Cassandra Tate (Cassandra is sister to Henry, Edward, and Elizabeth)

  Home: Pembroke

  Prologue

  Africa

  November 1812

  Edward Steele sat comfortably in the warm morning sun, writing a letter to his brother, Henry. Henry had been with him on the trip but had already headed home to England. Feeling a bit bereft without him, Edward’s quill moved as he shared his heart.

  The ship leaves 5 December. I almost wish I’d gone home with you, Henry. I’m weary of travel and long for Collingbourne. I should be home in plenty of time for Christmas, and then it’s home I will stay. I’ve enjoyed this year on the move, but I long for Newcomb Park and the family.

  There is so much that I miss. I miss you. I miss my sisters and their husbands. I miss home and Pastor Hurst’s way with the Word. I miss England and Collingbourne. In truth, I can’t think of something I don’t miss. I had a yearning to go with you when you left. I can’t think right now why I didn’t.

  I’ve rambled long enough. I shall get this in the post and send myself directly after. See you soon.

  Warmest regards,

  Edward

  Edward studied the letter he’d just written and then added at the bottom, Please give my love to the girls. This done, he folded the missive and readied it for mailing. It was impossible to say what delays he might encounter once his own journey began, but he wanted Henry to know he would be on his way in two weeks’ time.

  “Edward?” a child’s voice called just then from inside the house, causing the youngest Steele male to hide behind a large chair. He peeked out as Victoria Middleton came to the veranda, clearly looking for him.

  “Edward?” she tried again. “Are you out here?”

  “I might be,” he said in a low voice, causing Victoria to giggle with delight and run in his direction. Her brother, Walter, was swift on her heels. Both found Edward and threw their small arms around him. He pretended to be frightened and allowed them to tumble him to the floor.

  “Were you scared?” Walter asked, panting a little.

  “Terribly. I thought you might be wild beasts.”

  Victoria, a rather serious child, took his hand.

  “It’s just us, Edward. We’ll protect you.”

  “You are very brave, Victoria. Thank you.”

  The smile Edward gave her was invitation enough. Even though he was still sitting on the floor, she climbed into his lap.

  “I’ll get our book!” Walter volunteered, quickly dashed for the door, and soon returned with the volume. The day was warming swiftly as Edward made himself comfortable. His back against the side of the house, all settled in, he began to read. The session lasted for a solid 20 minutes before the children’s father, Lucas Middleton, came looking for them.

  “This looks fun, but it’s getting warm out here.”

  Edward smiled a little. The children were snuggled against him as though the day were freezing.

  “Why don’t we take this inside, children,” their father suggested, and both willingly obeyed.

  “Why is it that children don’t seem to notice the heat?” Edward asked his friend as the two men brought u
p the rear.

  “I don’t know, but whenever they share the bed with us, they’re happy to be smashed against us all night.”

  “Something you could bear in England, but a little tougher here.”

  “Indeed.”

  With that word the men went inside. Edward had been honest in his letter to Henry: He wanted to go home. But if anything could make him hesitate, it would be how much he enjoyed the Middletons and their children. Nevertheless, he would soon be England bound.

  Chapter One

  Edward Steele loved sea travel. He knew of people who became dreadfully ill when the waters were rough—Henry had experienced a bit of trouble—but Edward weathered it like a Viking. Indeed, as he boarded the ship dressed for cooler temperatures in an overcoat and top hat, traveling bag in hand, he breathed deeply, letting his lungs fill with sea air. Some of the odors on deck were not so pleasing, but that didn’t hinder Edward’s pleasure in his surroundings.

  Traveling alone, no servant in attendance, Edward gained directions to his cabin on the Red Dragon and settled in, knowing the ship would be docking briefly in Lisbon, Portugal. In a cabin with two bunks but no roommate, he stowed his bag and then went out on deck to watch the activities before getting underway.

  Captain Spencer, an Englishman and a man Edward had met on one other voyage, joined him at the railing where Edward watched the loading of cargo.

  “Headed home, Mr Steele?”

  “Yes, Captain Spencer. It’s time.”

  The captain smiled. Having spent most of his life on the sea, he knew that feeling well.

  “Were you told we’ll be stopping briefly in Portugal?”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

  “If you need anything, Mr Steele, you need only ask.”

  “Thank you, sir. Is some of this cargo intended for Lisbon?”

  “That is the plan, yes.”

  “What are you carrying this voyage?”

  The captain explained some of the shipment, pointing to certain bales and crates as they swung on board with the aid of hooks and ropes. Edward could have listened to him for the next hour, but the captain was needed just a short time later and moved on his way.

  Edward strolled about, not wanting to miss anything. The ship rocked gently under his feet, and for a moment his mind moved to his brother. Edward wondered if Henry had enjoyed his voyage home. He knew he’d arrived safely back in England, but not if he’d been ill or uncomfortable during the journey.

  Edward chose another place at the railing to lean against, his head tipping back as he took in the mast high over his head. The whole concept of sailing was a fascination to him, and he enjoyed thinking about those sails at full mast, billowed with the wind.

  In the midst of all of this Edward suddenly realized he was in the way. Sailors were moving past him, having to skirt his body to do their job. Not wanting to make more work, he moved back to his cabin. The moment he entered he knew something had changed.

  Glancing around, he found that his own gear was just as he left it, but someone had taken the top bunk. He hadn’t expected a roommate, but that wasn’t what confused him. What surprised him was that he hadn’t noticed a single man come on board. He’d seen a family—father, mother, and two children—and two women traveling together, but no man who appeared to be alone.

  With a mental shrug, he dismissed his poor observation skills and moved toward his large satchel. He’d sent most of his things separately so he could travel light. He opened the catch and reached for his book and Bible. When he had his Bible in hand, a paper fell out.

  Edward smiled as he picked it up and saw that Walter and Victoria had drawn a picture. Edward studied the childish drawings and words, remembering their last night together in Africa.

  “Will the ship be large?” Walter wanted to know. That little boy had sailed many times in his life, and the larger ships were always his favorites.

  “I’m not sure. What do you think?”

  “I think I should go with you,” Victoria interjected.

  “Why is that, Victoria?”

  “You might be lonely and sad.”

  Edward leaned to kiss her small, smooth brow.

  “That’s very sweet of you, dear, but I have a book to read, and the journey doesn’t take that long. I shall be home in no time at all.”

  “Will you visit again soon?” Walter asked.

  “Not for a time, old chap. I shall never forget the fun we’ve had and all the adventures we’ve shared, but I’m going to stay home in England for a time.”

  “Our vacation is over, and we’ll be going after Christmas,” Carolyn Middleton reminded her son. “So it won’t be many weeks before we follow Edward home to England.”

  “Will we see you in England?” Victoria asked next.

  “I think you shall. I’m not exactly sure when, but I’m sure we will see each other.”

  Victoria, always warmed by his smile, climbed into his lap.

  “Is it story time?” Edward asked, knowing their father held the book.

  “I think it is,” Lucas answered, opening the book to read.

  The children stayed close to Edward—he was always such fun—and listened to the story until their lids began to droop. Edward kept his place as Lucas and Carolyn scooped their children up to take them to bed. He wouldn’t see them in the morning as he was leaving very early, but he hoped they would remember this last night as long as he would.

  The door opened suddenly, bringing Edward back to the present.

  “Excuse me, sir.” A gentleman’s gentleman bowed as he shut the door. “I won’t be a moment.”

  “That’s fine. I’m Edward Steele, by the way.”

  The servant bowed again. “Denley, sir.”

  “Are you traveling alone, Denley?” Edward asked as the man went to his bag, opened it, and fetched a small case.

  “I am not, sir. I am in the employ of Mr Osborne in the next cabin. If you’ll excuse me, sir.”

  “Of course.”

  Denley, who reminded Edward a little bit of Jasper at home, exited just a moment later. Edward spoke to the empty room. “Well, Edward, not only did one man come aboard, but two. You missed them both.”

  Deciding not to worry about it, Edward removed and hung his coat and jacket and stretched out on his bunk, his book and Bible near at hand. He picked up his Bible first, thinking he would read until the ship was underway, completely unaware of the fact that he was the main topic of conversation in the cabin next door.

  “Did I hear voices?” Mr Osborne asked his man, his voice naturally soft.

  “Yes. I have a roommate, a Mr Steele.”

  “An Englishman?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did he say how far he was going?”

  “No. I didn’t ask any questions.”

  Mr Osborne looked at Denley in thoughtful silence. He was a man Osborne trusted with every fiber of his being. The servant was privy to his every plan and action, nearly to his every thought.

  “How old is Mr Steele?”

  “I would guess mid-twenties.”

  “This might be helpful.”

  “How is that, sir?”

  “We’ve been traveling as a duo for a very long time. A threesome would certainly throw people off our path.”

  Denley nodded. “A fine point, sir. I’ll see what I can find out.”

  “Go ahead now and make sure we haven’t been followed on board. Let me know when we’re underway, and I’ll go on deck for a time.”

  Denley obeyed without further comment or question. He was tempted to check on his roommate, just to gain another glimpse of him, but was afraid that would look odd. Working not to be in the way and scanning everything with the most surreptitious of movements, Denley went about his job. When the boat was finally out to sea, he returned to Osborne’s cabin to tell him all was in order.

  “Excuse us, sir,” a female voice spoke from behind Edward, who had been watching the swiftly receding shoreline of Africa. He
turned to find he was being addressed and bowed after removing his hat.

  “Did you need something?” he asked good-naturedly, not missing the way both women smiled and relaxed a little under his kind gaze.

  “We were wondering,” the shorter of the two offered, “if you’ve been to Lisbon before. We have not and would like to know what to expect. Oh, I should have told you, I’m Berneen Ryan, and this is my sister, Maura.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, ladies. I’m Edward Steele, and I must tell you that I’ve only been to Lisbon one time, but I do remember a little about it.”

  The three of them standing near the railing, Edward gave as much detail as he could recall. He’d been to one inn and one tavern, both respectable but probably not suitable for women traveling alone. Edward remembered a statue in the square—not who it was, but where—and had only just finished describing it when Captain Spencer joined them.

  “How are you ladies faring?” he asked solicitously. With their pretty faces peeking out of bonnets and their fine cloaks, they had caused something of a stir among his men. He wanted to make sure they felt safe.

  “We’re very well, Captain,” replied Berneen, taking the lead. “Mr Steele was telling us about Lisbon. He said that we should probably stay on board when you dock.”

  “I think that’s wise counsel, ladies. We have no plans to be overly long, and you will be able to see something of Lisbon from the railing.”

  “Thank you, Captain. Thank you, Mr Steele.” This said, the women smiled at both men and moved on their way.

  “I was hoping Mr Steele would offer to take us ashore,” Maura admitted when they were safely out of earshot.

  “So was I.”

  They laughed a little and talked about going into Lisbon on their own but decided against it. Talking their father into allowing this trip had been difficult enough. If something were to happen, they would never be allowed to set foot out of Ireland again.

  Overcoat and top hat in place, Osborne made his way along the deck, his eyes missing nothing. Denley had told him that things were secure, but the life Osborne had chosen to live never allowed him to get too comfortable.