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“Yes, I rather think she is.”
“Because he has failed? Do you think she wishes her husband dead?”
Together we turn towards the Earl, a few feet away with the Captain. They are both watching the couple on the lower deck. Harris gestures to them, shaking his head. He says something I can’t quite grasp.
“Does it really look that way? Like a tête-à-tête? It isn’t. She’s determined to save him.”
Zenji shrugs. “Perhaps she has feelings for this other man?”
I snort and the foreigner shrugs, with a hint of smile. He’s been testing me.
“You agree, neither is a murderer,” I confirm. “But then who is? Do you have any idea?”
Again, a shrug before he says, “She is an emotional child in a woman’s body. Fights to be noticed but can’t bear being seen.”
“Insecurity. If she isn’t careful, it will cause irreparable damage.”
“Yes, I have seen this. It can make a woman cruel, but not here. For this one, she is afraid of reaching for what is hers.”
“Lady Bentwood’s self-doubt runs quite deep.”
“And the man’s understanding is clouded by his heart.”
Startled, I look at him. “Yes, this is true.” He is astute for a man. “I’m afraid he cares too much.”
“Yes,” Zenji agrees, “he is foolish not to see what is in her eyes, although he is very wise not to cage his love. The caged nightingale’s song is not so sweet.”
“He’d best open his eyes soon, or she will destroy any chance either has for happiness.” We stand in comfortable silence when I decide to prod. “Tell me how we came to be on board this particular ship.”
“Many hands played into this.”
I frown. “What do you mean by that? Were there other options?”
“One who has his heart in mind made this sailing happen,” is his cryptic response, “but did not know fate was to sail with him.”
“Fate?” What is the man talking about?
“Fate.” He nods. “A thing you of the West do not understand.”
Perturbed, I ask, “And the stone?”
“The stone is safe, as are you and the girl.”
We look back at Lady Bentwood. A large cheer from the foredeck catches Montague’s attention, and he bids adieu before heading there. We ladies have been told to avoid the foredeck this afternoon. Some sort of crude entertainment. A dunking of sorts and bare fisted fighting. No doubt Montague is betting on the fight. Lady Bentwood follows.
“The Lord’s Lady is in danger.”
“What?” I haven’t been paying attention. “Did you say Lady Bentwood arranged this sailing?”
“No, another female who holds him dear,” Zenji clarifies, “but more I cannot say. You must have the Lord follow his wife. This is important.”
Lady Bentwood’s direction has made me extremely uneasy. Zenji’s instruction doesn’t help.
“I will tell him now.”
Chapter Ten
Evidence
