Once below deck, Eugénie listened carefully for any sound indicating one or more of her uncles were awake. All she heard was snoring. Making her way quietly, she reached the captain’s cabin and opened the door. Just as he’d said, a row of keys hung from hooks on the wall, and they were all neatly labeled. The problem was, none of the doors carried corresponding numbers or names. She grabbed the cabin keys. First she tried the captain’s door. They all fit, but only one would turn. After replacing that key, she tried her lock, found the right key, then dropped it into one of the pockets she’d insisted on having in her skirts. That left three more keys. Staying alert for any noises that would signify someone else was coming, she picked the next door over. A loud snore reassured her. When she found the correct key, she snicked the lock shut and listened for the next snore. Instead, a door down the passageway opened.
“Bonjour, Eugénie.”
Drat! Yves.
“Bonjour, mon oncle.”She gave him a small smile, as if her head still hurt, while slipping the remaining keys into her other pocket. “Did you sleep well?”
He grinned. “As well as could be expected on a ship. I will be glad to return home. Are you feeling better this morning?”
She let her lips droop. “Only a little. I thought to take some air and return to my room. If you will excuse me.”
Yves gave a slight bow. “Of course. Do not tax your strength. You must remain in good health.”
As long as thecanaillebelieved she was still unmarried, he would do everything he could to keep her safe. Eugénie repressed a shudder, but what would happen if he discovered her deception?
She strolled past him, returning to the deck, where she strode to the stern. Several moments later,Swift Windcame into view. If Mr. Henriksen stayed on his present course, she’d be able to signal them from the port window in her cabin.
Yes, that was a good plan. At least then William would know where to find her. Eugénie prayed he’d come soon.
Chapter 28
Dawn was breaking as theBelle Amiesailed out of Marigot harbor, St. Martin. Nathan stood at the bow; the others in his group were still asleep. Within an hour of departing Saint-Pierre, everyone but Conrad, Miss Marshall, and Vincent had come down with seasickness.
Two days later, in an effort to combat the effects of mal de mer, Vincent ordered the ship to put in at St. Martin to pick up more beef. Fortunately for Nathan, once on board and in the fresh air, he had rapidly begun regaining his strength. He grinned to himself. It would never do to return to Sidonie in a weakened state. During his captivity the thought that he’d never see his wife and children again overwhelmed him to the point where he’d had to lock them away deep in his heart and try not to think of them over much. But now, now he was within a few short days’ sail of St. Thomas. If, that was, they could out run the hurricane steadily pushing them north. With any luck it would be nothing more than high winds and rain. Still, they would need to find a hurricane hole in which to wait out the weather if it became necessary.
As he and Vincent had agreed to take the others to Tortola before heading for St. Thomas, Nathan hoped they’d make Gorda Sound on Virgin Gorda in time. He strolled to the stern, taking in the waves and still-white clouds, knowing they could change quickly and at any time.
Vincent came on deck just as they entered the Anguillita Spur. “Good morning. Did you sleep well?”
“Well enough.” Nathan handed his friend the spyglass. “I’ll be glad to get home.”
“It is a shame the weather will probably hold you up a bit.”
Nathan nodded absently. His mind was so full, he couldn’t think. Though the first thing he’d like to do was kill Vicomte Villaret. Gazing out over the ocean, Nathan searched for any vessels that might cause trouble, and stopped. “Hand me the glass.”
“What is it?” Vincent asked as he gave Nathan the telescope.
“I’ll tell you in a moment.” He focused on something that looked like two sets of masts. Several minutes later, they came clearly into view. “What the devil is Henriksen doing out here?” It was then Nathan brought the galley into focus. For some reasonSwift Windwas bearing down on the other vessel. “We’re about to see some action.” He shut the glass with a snap and bounded to the helm, shoving the telescope into the captain’s hand. Thank God, Vincent had had the good sense to hire an Englishman. “See the two ships out there?”
“Yes, sir.”
“We’re going to join them.” Then he’d see what his friend Bendt was up to, and ask if he required any help. Damn, it felt good to be able to be of use again.
A grin split the younger man’s face. “Aye, aye, sir.”
In no time they’d changed headings and were traveling on a path toward the other two ships.
Will stood at the rail ofSwift Windwith Henriksen as the man handed him the telescope. “You can see the galley off to the larboard side, my lord.”
He lifted it to his eye.Damnation!Yet there was no way in hell he’d admit to never being able to see a thing through one of these things, other than water. He’d have to have Eugénie show him how to use the blasted instrument. If he ever saw her again. He ground his teeth. “How long will it take to reach her?”
“Under an hour and you’ll have your Eugénie back.”
Will returned the glass to Henriksen. “Good.”
A completely irrelevant thought floated through Will’s mind.His sisters would enjoy hearing about this story for months.
“I would have approached sooner,” Henriksen said, “but I wanted to see who has decided to join us.”
