Chapter SevenThere was no answer and, when the Duke entered the cabin, he found the reason for Irisa’s silence.
She was fast asleep.
She had lain down on top of the bed, having taken off only her bonnet and shoes. Her cheek was turned against the pillow and she was sleeping the sleep of complete exhaustion.
The Duke stood looking down at her.
Then he crossed the cabin and pulled the curtains over the portholes before he went out, very quietly closing the door behind him.
He found Jenkins and said,
“Miss Irisa is asleep, Jenkins, and I think that it would be wise to leave her.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Jenkins agreed. “I thought as how she was very brave after her father died, but it always takes it out of anyone.”
“Naturally,” the Duke agreed. “See that she is not disturbed and, wh
