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Kat’s eyes widen, like a child in the midst of an adventure story.
“That seems exceedingly dangerous.”
“Very,” I agree.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Bentwood.” Montague takes a bite of toasted bread. Probably trying to sop up his souring stomach. “You’re a regular at Jackson’s. Are you saying a bare fisted man could take another with a sword or knife or pistol?”
Refusing to be drawn into an argument, I shrug and arch an eyebrow.
Lady Eleanor rises. As convention dictates, Montague and I stand. Kat scrambles to join us, determined not to be left out.
“I’d best find Jenny,” Lady Eleanor tells Kat. “Would you care to join me?”
My independent Kat looks to me.
“What will you do?”
Stunned that she would ask for permission, I lie, “I have business to see to.”
Lady Eleanor isn’t the only one investigating.
“You will stay in your cabin?”
My eyes narrow.
“Is there a reason you want me to be there?”
“Don’t worry.” Montague smiles, offering his arm to both ladies. “I could use the fresh air. I’ll escort you to this Jenny. No need to be wandering around the ship on your own.”
“And I will find you when I am done,” I amend.
Ignoring Montague’s arm, Kat says, “I will wait for you,” forcing me to cap laughter.
Montague’s face is a picture, but we both recover quickly.
“Montague, escort Lady Eleanor,” Kat instructs, prim as a governess.
He doesn’t have a choice, really. Splendid. Kat and I walk them to the ladder where Montague, in respect for Lady Eleanor’s decency, ascends first.
“This isn’t right,” she murmurs, when suddenly the ship lists to the side, over-compensates starboard, and the roiling waves fling us about. Lady Eleanor barely manages to avoid Montague’s tumble.
“What the devil?” Montague bellows as he flies through the air, crashing to the ground at our feet. I reach to help him rise, but he waves me off. “Who is at the helm of this thing? I’ll see he’s sent off! Idiot.”
The ship pitches again. The squall has hit. Montague scrambles to his feet.
“Not safe,” he calls over his shoulder, “best stay in our cabins.”
I half expect him to heave before he reaches his cabin. I’m a little sorry he doesn’t face that ignominy.
“Can you manage?” I ask the ladies.
“Yes, thank you.” Lady Eleanor nods. “I’m far too delayed as it is.”
“Go,” I tell Kat, who is hesitating, “don’t make her go on her own.”
Kat frowns.
“She went on her own before dawn,” she argues, but she’s not that hard-headed. She is torn. “You will join us?” she asks.
