Poppy stopped short. “Really? What’s he like?”
“Not like anyone I’d introduce to you, querida. Also I lied quite a bit so I didn’t alarm him. If any strangers happen to ask you about the Agustina or her captain, plead ignorance.”
“Where is the Agustina? Can I see her?”
“You can get a glimpse. But I think I ought to tell the crew to sail her away for a few days. I don’t like Spargo keeping eyes on her while she’s in the harbor.”
He led her down a particular pier and at the end, he pointed to a ship at anchor. Its sails were all furled, of course, and it wasn’t a very large ship. But Poppy liked it.
“She’s very elegant, isn’t she? Not showy, I mean. But you get the sense that she can glide through the roughest seas and still be whole. And I assume she’s dear to you.”
“Very.”
“It must be wonderful to be aboard and go wherever you please. Just knowing that you have all that power in your control.”
“It’s not so much control as understanding.”
“You mean you know how she’ll behave when the wind acts up?”
“Exactly.”
“I wish I could step onto the deck,” Poppy said wistfully. “I’ve never been sailing.”
“Well, I happen to know the captain,” Carlos teased. “I imagine you could get an invitation…if you ask nicely.”
Poppy laughed. “Someday, maybe. But it would have to be a whole party of people to make it permissible for a lady to be aboard. And that would spoil things.”
“Would it?”
“I wish that I could experience sailing for the first time without a lot of people watching and asking how I feel about it. I’d rather just…feel it.” She sighed. “Never mind. I’m not making any sense.”
“No, I understood. Some of my most peaceful moments are when I’m at the helm, alone at night, steering by the stars. The world becomes very simple at times like those.”
Poppy turned to him, smiling. When she was caught his gaze, she forgot exactly what she meant to say.
There was a beat of silence—only them, standing at the edge of the world.
Then Poppy heard a shout from a nearby ship, and the whinny of horses on the quay, and the screech of seagulls overhead. The moment was broken.
“I suppose I should be heading back to the inn,” she said. “And I’ve one more errand to do.”
“Fine day,” Carlos remarked, with a side glance at Poppy. “Let’s walk slowly.”
Carlos offered his arm, and Poppy took it. The couple walked down the pier to solid ground. The wind was brisk, and even though it was high summer, Poppy was glad for her wrap.
It was a short enough journey to the top of the hill, and Poppy was delighted when she looked back over the harbor and saw the bustle along the beach and the docks. The waters of the Channel sparkled in the distance.
“There are so many ships!” she commented. “I would not have guessed it could be so busy.”
“Most of the fishing boats are coming in now. The fishermen leave before dawn to get to the best spots. Their nets ought to be full.”
“Of course you would know about the schedule of all the boats,” she said. “It’s just part of life on the water.”
“I’ve fished for my own supper more than once,” he said. “I’ve learned a few things.”
“And have you learned if a sloop with red and white flags has been spotted nearby?”
He shot her an approving look. “I haven’t…though not for lack of trying.”
