“Monsieur,” the man pleaded, “it will soon be too dangerous in these islands.”
He toyed with Nathan Wivenly’s pocket watch. “How long have you been a captain?”
The man drew himself up. “Over ten years. Which is how I know the threat this place holds. Countless ships and crew have been lost during this time of year.”
Yves brought a handkerchief scented with lavender to his lips as he yawned. “Then we shall remain on Martinique until it is safe to sail again.” He lowered his gaze to the captain. “Youarecapable of sailing there, are you not?”
A shadow of fear passed over the man’s face. “Indeed, monsieur.”
“Splendid.” Yves smiled in a way that always made others wary of him. He would make the captain think again about arguing with him. “Be ready to leave on a moment’s notice. I know not when I shall need you.”
The captain bowed.“Oui, monsieur.”
He’d come on board to search through Wivenly’s trunks for an additional object with which to convince his niece Eugénie if it became necessary. But the captain had engaged him in another discussion of the area’s dangers. Little did the man know that Yves, his brother, and niece would all be on their way to France as soon as Eugénie was on the ship. Of course, Hervé would send word to release Wivenly, but Yves had no desire to find out if Sidonie’s husband was as stupid as she when it came to his plans to marry Eugénie to thecomte. They’d find a priest on St. Martin and leave for France as soon as the ceremony was completed. Long before Nathan Wivenly could stop them.
Eugénie was already dressed for the evening when Cicely knocked on the parlor door. Her friend entered, followed by Josh carrying a tray with champagne and two glasses. Were they celebrating something? Perhaps there was good news about the wedding.
Josh poured two glasses and left.
Eugénie took the flute her friend handed her before Cicely collapsed onto the sofa.
“It’s been put off again.”
“The wedding?”
“What else?”
“Oh no.” Eugénie set the flute down and hugged her friend. “I’m so sorry.”
Cicely sniffed. “There is nothing better than champagne for disappointments, but I didn’t wish to drink alone.” She picked up the glass Josh left on the table. “Besides, I thought one of us may have something to celebrate.”
Eugénie took a sip, then shook her head. “No. Although it is progressing nicely.” Maybe even better than that. He had not lost his temper when the boom hit his head, and he appeared to actually like that she could sail well. “Wivenly acted today as if he was courting me.”
“Did he indeed? Well thatisgood news.” Cicely held up her glass.
“We shall drink to continued good luck on that front.” A moment later, Cicely gave a heavy sigh. “The worst part is Andrew won’t touch me past kissing until we are wed.”
Eugénie, in the middle of swallowing, choked and grabbed for a cloth as the wine spurted from her nose and mouth. “What!I cannot believe I heard you correctly. You want him to . . . ?”
Her friend downed her glass and poured another. “Yes.” A pout formed on her lips. “But he won’t.”
Oh dear. When Cicely was determined to have something, she was a force to be reckoned with. Andrew probably hadn’t yet seen that side of her. “Don’t drink too quickly, or you’ll be fuddled before dinner.”
She stared at her champagne. “Perhaps if he had a bit too much to imbibe. No. It wouldn’t work. He’d probably just fall asleep.”
Eugénie tapped her finger on the glass. There must be something she could say to talk Cicely out of doing something she’d regret later. “Are you sure your mother won’t agree to a Lutheran or Methodist pastor performing the service?”
“Mama won’t even entertain the idea.”
“Miss Eugénie.” One of the footmen, Billy, stood at the door to the stairs. “The mistress wants you to come up.”
“We shall be there directly.” She held her hand out to Cicely. “Let us go. We’re bound to come up with some plan.”
“I hope so.” Cicely placed her glass down and rose. “I don’t want to wait to marry Andrew.”
“Of course you do not.” Eugénie linked her arm with her friend’s.
“Still, this is no reason to take drastic action.”
