“We left very early and the wind is with us sailing back to St. Thomas.” She helped him pile his plate with food and did the same to hers.
They sat at one of the small tables, and Josh brought a pot of tea, with milk and sugar. Will took a sip. “What do you think of us living at the hotel for a few weeks?”
“I have no objection.” Eugénie chewed thoughtfully. “When do you wish to return to England, and have you told Maman your plan to take her and the children with us?”
He grabbed a serviette to avoid spewing his tea over the table. “How did you know I’d do that?”
She glanced up and frowned. “I am positive you mentioned it. If not”—she raised one shoulder in one of her elegant and very French gestures—“it must be because that is what youwoulddo. You must return, and it would not occur to you to leave Maman and the children behind.”
Will glanced around. “Where are our sisters?”
“In Maman’s cabin with Penny, doing their lessons.” His wife poured more tea into his cup. “The wind is so strong to-day, we thought it best if they were not on deck.”
“Thank God for that.” He didn’t relish trying to keep track of them on the journey home.
“I think being in England for Christmas would be the best.”
He searched her face. A small line had formed between her brows. “You do realize it will be much colder than here?”
“Yes, of course. We can have some warm clothing made before we leave, and the rest when we arrive.”
“Very well then.” He still worried about the transition for her. “If we depart at the end of October, we’ll arrive in good time and be spared the winter gales.”
Eugénie smiled at him, and it was as if he’d been given the sun, moon, and all the stars.
“Thank you.”
When he shrugged, she placed her small hand over his. “It is a large burden to take on.”
It would take a fair amount to get his aunt and cousins settled, but he and Eugénie would have help. Before they sailed, he’d write his friends and mother. Will grinned to himself. He supposed he should tell his parents he eloped with his father’s ward.
Henri sat at the table in the servants’ parlor where he worked drinking a glass of water, when the boy he’d enlisted to assist him ran into the room. “The ship you want comes now.”
He slipped the child a silver coin and whispered, “Go to my uncle and tell him.”
The lad dashed off as quickly as he’d entered. Henri stood. It was time to tell Monsieur Villaret and the Vicomte, but by the time the Frenchmen were ready to leave for the harbor, Miss—or he should say, Viscountess—Wivenly would be home, and once her uncle discovered she was already married, it would be the end of their scheme. Henri would have the rest of the funds to open his business in Tortola. He made his way to the parlor the two men used, entered, and bowed. “Milord, monsieur, your niece is back in port.” When he looked up, he saw he’d addressed an empty room. Henri grabbed the arm of a maid passing by. “Where are they?”
Her eyes went wide. “I—I don’t know. Perhaps the docks. That captain was here earlier.”
He dropped his hand. “Thank you.”
Damn, damn, damn.All he could do now was hope Villaret didn’t know which ship his niece was on and that his uncle Bates’s message would get there in time. He strode toward the door. He would probably not receive the rest of the payment, but there might still be a chance for him to intervene.
Chapter 27
Eugénie fiddled with her parasol as she stood next to the gangway, ready to leave the yacht. “Drat. Marisole, can you get this open?”
“I shall try.” The maid took the parasol. “Where is milord?”
“Speaking with Mr. Grayson about the hotel arrangements. They must be changed if he and Cicely are staying there as well.” Eugénie started down the wooden boards. “I’ll go home and order something light for nuncheon while you pack what I’ll need for the next few days. The rest can be brought over later.”
“There is something wrong with this catch.”
In moments she was on the pier, headed toward the main dock area. It would be so nice to have William all to herself.
“Eugénie,arrêtez!”
Who would speak to her in French and use her given name?” She stopped and turned. A man of medium height stood facing her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. The man looked familiar, but she’d never met him before. Could it be her uncle? She raised her chin and used a tone guaranteed to stop any more familiarities. “I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage, monsieur.”
