Berry sketched a bow. “Au revoir, mademoiselle.”
“Au revoir, monsieur.” While she regretted the captain’s interruption of their conversation, she consoled herself with the fact there would be plenty of opportunities to speak with Berry—hopefully at length—during the course of the journey. With this happy thought in mind, she made her way to their cabin to find Bing asleep in the upper berth. Moving quietly so as not to wake her, Hattie settled in on the edge of her narrow berth and took a moment to review the conversation on deck. Berry had resolved to be honest with her—it seemed that their passionate argument had resulted in a shift in their relationship; an understanding of sorts. Nevertheless, she vowed that she would never again appear to be inviting his advances—she had learned a very humiliating lesson.
Bing stirred in her sickbed. “Do you remain well, Hathor?”
Standing to address her suffering companion, Hattie took a thin hand in her own. “I’m afraid I do. I am almost ashamed.”
“Nonsense. Once I am over the initial discomfort I shall recover, never fear.”
“Is there anything you need? Or do you long for me to leave you alone?” It had occurred to Hattie that a sickening chaperone was not necessarily an unadulterated evil.
“I am only concerned that I fail in my duties to you—there are rough seamen aboard and your presence may evoke a reaction.”
“Now it is my turn to say ‘nonsense’ to you, Bing; I had a pleasant conversation with the captain up on deck and am perfectly comfortable.” Best not to mention that the captain had the look of a man embarking on a flirtation. “He would like us to join him for dinner.”
“Excellent,” Bing intoned weakly.
Eyeing her doubtfully, Hattie offered, “If you’d rather, Bing, I will cry off and tell him we will accept his invitation tomorrow.”
“I shall be recovered,” her companion insisted. “It is merely mind over matter.”
“The spirit may be willing, but the flesh is green around the gills,” Hattie pointed out gently. “I’ll not contribute to your demise; the tiresome god-king’s daughter has already inspired an alarming mortality rate.”
From her prone position, Bing sighed, one hand resting on her forehead. “Even if we do not discover your parents’ fate, we shall see their affairs settled—there is that.”
“Yes. And speaking of which, I will now astonish you and inform you that Monsieur Berry is aboard.”
“Is he?” Bing contemplated the cabin’s ceiling for a moment. “That is indeed astonishing.”
“Not a coincidence, I imagine. Keep your pistol about you, if you please.”
But Bing drew a breath, and turned her head toward Hattie. “I can’t imagine he means to do you harm, Hathor.”
“So he says; but we would do well to be very wary, Bing; at least until we understand what is afoot.” Mainly, Hattie was trying to remind herself of this, as she was half inclined to return to the deck forthwith and search him out again.
“I will be wary, Hathor, but I must admit that it will be useful to have a gentleman at hand.”
Agreed, thought Hattie, who was nothing if not honest.
Chapter 11
Hattie and Bing made their appearance at the captain’s table as planned, Bing having righted herself by sheer force of will.
“You must give me a signal at dinner if you feel too unwell to continue,” Hattie instructed in a low voice as they approached the captain’s quarters in the stern. “I will make an excuse.”
“That is kind of you, Hathor, but will not be necessary,” Bing replied with a show of vigor as she wrapped her black Norwich shawl more tightly around her angular shoulders. “I daresay I am much improved.”
Dubious, Hattie put hand firmly under Bing’s elbow. “Use the word ‘prodigious’ and I will know it is time to depart.”
“Very well,” said Bing, testing it out. “I hope the captain does not serve sausage, for fear I will make a prodigiously quick exit.”
The captain’s quarters were relatively spacious compared to the other cabins, and featured a row of small-paned windows across the stern. Hattie was envious; she couldn’t be comfortable enclosed in a small, windowless space, which is why she was determined to find whatever excuse she could to avoid spending time in her cabin. Featured at the cabin’s center was a dining table complete with a candelabrum that was secured to the table by pegs; a servant was in the process of lighting the candles and nodded to them as they entered. Dressed in a formal suit of clothes, the captain greeted both ladies and gallantly complimented Hattie on her good looks. “You must stay hidden away from the crew or you will incite a riot—it is not often the Sophia carries such fetching cargo.” He bent to bestow a lingering kiss on her hand.