Page 91 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

Why was she so embarrassed now? She had seen him naked, and he had seen her as well, but that had been during heights of desire and passion, none of which she was experiencing at the moment.

It seemed to take Damian forever to dress and she was just about to tell him to hurry when he asked if she was ready to leave.

“Yes,” Georgie blew out as she pulled the strap of the satchel over her shoulder and picked up her valise.

Damian said nothing as they returned to the harbormaster’s office, nor did she. How could he expect her to carry on any conversation when Grace might be lost to her forever.

As they reached the office, Georgie drew in a deep breath then allowed Damian to usher her inside. She then waited patiently and quietly, which was not like her at all, but she feared what answer they may be given. She hadn’t been this frightened since she first read the letter that Grace had left behind and now to come all this way only to miss her.

“My wife and I need to reach Greenock on the first ship available leaving port.”

The man looked over the ledgers before him. “There is a merchant vessel leaving in two hours but the captain does not take on passengers.”

“I will speak with him directly, unless you know of another vessel.”

“A ferry leaves for Whitehaven this afternoon.”

“Is nothing else traveling directly to Greenock?”

“Not today,”

“What is the merchant ship?” Damian demanded.

“The Cormorant, operated by the Meridian Trading Company.”

Damian began to smile. “Captain Robert Crale?”

“Aye.”

“Where might I find him or his ship?”

After the harbormaster gave him direction, Damian ushered Georgie back outside.

“Do you know him.”

“I do!”

Georgie had hope for the first time since she had Damian had arrived on the Isle of Man and she hurried along his side as they walked until they found the ship. He then escorted her up the gangplank only to be stopped by a sailor.

“I would like to speak with Captain Crale, if he is aboard.”

“Who are you and what business do you have?”

“Tell him that Damian Wynd is requesting passage to Greenock.”

The man’s eyes widened slightly then allowed them on the deck of the ship and quickly disappeared.

“Is the Wynd name so well known?” she asked.

“Among merchant ships and companies, it is.” He smiled.

That did not mean they would be granted passage and Georgie could not relax until she was certain and why she stood, tapping her foot until the captain emerged from below.

“Wynd?” the man said. “When Jones gave me your name I thought he misunderstood.”

“He did not, Captain.”

“You need passage to Greenock? Is that correct?”