High Sea

By Catherine E. Chapman

Samantha, a seamstress, stows away on a ship bound for Australia, disguised as a boy. Discovered by the ship's doctor, John Seacombe, she becomes his assistant. However, she rapidly finds that her growing feelings for Doctor John mean that her disguise is a hindrance, rather than a help. And when the feisty Estelle McEwan enters the scene, things become even more complicated for Sam.

"The author packs a lot into this little gem," (4-star review).

"The writing was quick-witted and light. I liked the characters immediately. A really sweet cosy read!" (4-star review).

"A very good story," (5-star review).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Catherine E. Chapman
• Release date: Feb 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311589958

Catherine E. Chapman

I write women's fiction and historical and contemporary romance. My longer works have been described as accessible character fiction; they are often humorous.For tasters of my writing, five short stories are available to download for free from Smashwords & their retailers.Many thanks to all who have reviewed, recommended and rated my books; I really appreciate feedback from readers.My seven short historical romances, set in periods ranging from Medieval times to the Twentieth Century, are available, digitally and in print, in one volume, 'Collected Romances.' My full-length historical romances include 'Miss Millie's Groom,' a subtle romance set during the Great War, and 'The Knight's Falconess,' a sensual Medieval romance.'The Laird's Right-Hand Lady,' a contemporary romance set in the Scottish Highlands, and 'Art & Grace,' a novel set in Regency England, are amongst my most recent publications on Smashwords. Some of my books and stories are available as Audiobooks from Google Play and other retailers.

Book preview

~HIGH SEA~

By Catherine E. Chapman

Published by Catherine E. Chapman at Smashwords

Copyright 2015 Catherine E. Chapman

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Also by the author

All the Trimmings

Art & Grace

Braggot Park

Brizecombe Hall

Clifton

Collected Romances

Danburgh Castle

Elizabeth Clansham

Kitty

Miss Millie’s Groom

Opening Night

Rhiannon

The Beacon Singer

The Family Tree

The Fight for Dolores

The Hangar Dance

The Knight’s Falconess

The Laird’s Right-Hand Lady

The Office Party

The Ramblers

Three Medieval Romances

Three Romances

HIGH SEA

Why did I leave the secure position I held as seamstress in the employ of the kindly Mrs Rush? What possessed me to use my skills to fashion myself a shirt, a pair of breeches, a jacket and flat cap? Why did I ever think I could pass for a boy and take to the high sea?

The answer is simple: adventure. I could claim poverty as my motivation but, as I’ve told you, I had a generous employer who lodged me in her own home, in addition to paying me a fair wage. And, whilst my style of life and aspirations in the city were modest, my situation wasn’t precarious, not even when my mother –my only remaining close relation– passed away. The skills I had convinced me that, even if Mrs Rush ceased to require my services, her recommendation would ensure that I could obtain another post.

But I chose to trade my security for the uncertainty of venturing abroad, bound for the New World. I wanted to see more than the land I had been born into. And, having very little money saved, nor the prospect of saving much more in the future, I decided that the risk of becoming a stow-away was one worth taking.

I determined that my disguise would make it easier for me to go unnoticed. A boy loitering on the quayside is a more commonplace sight than a girl. And, being of slender frame, I knew that if I cropped my hair short and checked my mannerisms, I could carry off the deceit.

So it was that, upon a fine morning in a year in the reign of our good Queen Victoria, having bade farewell to Mrs Rush and my few friends in the city, telling them that I was going to live with an aunt in the South-East, I repaired to an inn where, in a room over the tavern, I undertook my disguise. I entered that establishment a demure maid and left it a street-wise boy,