“That is what I think as well,” Eugénie chimed in.
Whitecliff glanced over at Will. “I’m with them, sir.”
The older man nodded. “Very well then, but not a word to your mothers about his moniker. We’d never hear the end of it.”
As one, they headed back to the docks.
“Can you imagine,” Cicely said with a laugh, “the stories we’ll have to tell our children?”
“My father,” Will responded, “will dine off this for a month, and my mother will be the envy of all her romance-reading friends.”
“Oh, if only Papa were here,” Eugénie said wistfully.
Will tucked her arm more securely in his. “I’m sorry he’s not here to see you marry, my love.”
“As am I.” She straightened her shoulders. “He would be happy for us.”
Whitecliff patted her arm. “I’m certain he would be.”
For several minutes silence reigned, then Cicely said, “Papa, can we leave this evening, or must we wait until morning?”
He glanced at the sky. “It will be dark in just over an hour. The safest course is to wait.”
“But, Mr. Whitecliff,” Eugénie said as they stepped onto the pier, “surely we can make it to Soper’s Hole before dark.”
“You know, Eugénie, I believe you’re right. Let’s get ready to cast off again.”
Will groaned, and Mr. Whitecliff gave a bark of laughter. “Never fear, my lord. Anchoring in Soper’s Hole will give us a good head start on to-morrow’s sail. As long as our pirate priest isn’t gone, you will be wed before the day is over.”
One more night before Will would be able to make Eugénie his wife in truth.
As they rowed nearer to the ship, the savory scent of meat cooking made Will’s stomach grumble. He’d been so busy worrying about the marriage, he’d forgotten about food. That had to be the first time he’d done that.
Eugénie leaned closer to him, and his senses filled with her musk and lemon fragrance. How was he going to manage to be with her tonight? He needed her so much, the thought of not having her next to him didn’t bear thinking of.
She cupped her hand around his ear and whispered, “I shall come to you.”
Will sent up a silent prayer of thanks as the row-boat reached the ladder. As Eugénie reached toward the ladder, he tried to steady her. “Be careful.”
She flashed him a quick smile and scrambled up the ladder like she’d been born to it. It occurred to him that she probably had. Now all he had to do was suffer through the rest of the evening until everyone had gone to bed. An image of Eugénie naked in his bed imprinted itself on his mind. This was going to be a very long evening.
Chapter 24
Nathan tightened his grip on Miss Marshall as they strolled down the main shopping area before making their way to the waterfront.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I think we’re being followed. Try to act naturally.”
He brought them to a halt in front of a shop window. Though he still couldn’t see anyone, the prickling on his neck didn’t change.
When they reached the harbor, there were still quite a few ships anchored out. Vincent’s schooner was positioned toward the north end. A good place to sail out quickly.
Miss Marshall’s hand tightened on his arm. “Which one is it?”
“I’m going to point to the center of the harbor. Vincent’s ship is the one with three yellow masts just to the right.”
She heaved a sigh, then laughed as if Nathan had told her a joke. “I see it.”
