Page 32 of A Heart Worth Loving

“No British goods?” Ewan asked.

That too-familiar gleam appeared in her father’s eyes. “What man can resist pinching a British smuggler’s goods now and again?”

Kyla couldn’t believe it. Her father and Ewan were discussing smuggling as if they discussed banking.

“You would no’ by chance know a smuggler by the name of John Wilson?” Ewan asked.

Kyla started. Honest John?

“Everyone has heard of John Wilson,” her father replied.

“He preys only on British smugglers doing business with France,” Ewan said. “He seems to have a penchant for British smugglers headed for Gravelines port. Ville des Smoglers.”

“Those men are traitors,” her father said with a vehemence that startled her.

Ewan gave a slow nod. “They oftentimes deliver French prisoners of war back to France. Is it true they also deliver British newspapers?”

Her father’s mouth thinned. “So I have heard. There is even talk that some of those dogs take assignments from France.”

“John’s efforts have caused the French—and British smugglers—no small annoyance. Of course,” Ewan went on, “the British are not pleased that John sells stolen British goods in Great Britain.”

“A man must make a living,” her father replied.

“I wonder how much of the gold shipped from Britain now sits in John Wilson’s coffers,” Ewan mused.

“A gentleman does not inquire after another gentleman’s finances.”

Kyla’s head spun. She took a step toward her father. “Papa, surely—you cannot be John Wilson.”

He smiled gently at her. “Of course not, my dear. I have not reached such illustrious heights with my paltry smuggling.”

“King George is always looking for able privateers,” Ewan said.

Her father grimaced, then went to the table where the decanter sat and refilled his glass. “I do not mind a voyage, but a life at sea is not for me.”

Ewan’s eyes remained fixed on him. “I see. So, you employ sailors?”

Her father turned and met his gaze. “Such a business venture would likely require sailors as well as able-bodied men on land. Everyone should share in the profits, do you not agree, my lord?”

“I know a gentleman in the Home Office who, I believe, would be pleased to make your acquaintance.”

He laughed. “There are any number of men in the Home Office who would like to make my acquaintance.”

“This man will not put you in prison.”

Her father’s expression sobered. “Even if I were to decline his offer of employment?”

“You will not decline.”

Her father’s brows rose in question.

Ewan nodded slowly. “For I will no’ tolerate a smuggler for a father-in-law. At least, one not sanctioned by the Crown.”

Kyla gasped. “What did you say?”

Ewan shifted his gaze onto her. “I do no’ bed gently bred maidens without intending to marry them.”

“But you had no idea I—” She yanked her gaze onto her father, who had that I told you so look in his eyes. She swung her gaze back onto Ewan. “Can you truly get my father out of the smuggling business?”