He passed the Ryan sisters, giving them a small smile that did not invite interaction. Up ahead, he could see the captain and the man he assumed was rooming with Denley. He knew there was also a family on board, but he had yet to see them.
Reaching Edward and the captain, Osborne would have nodded and kept moving, but the captain stopped him.
“Are you settled in, Mr Osborne?”
“Yes, thank you.”
The softness of his voice was nearly lost on the wind, but the captain didn’t seem to notice.
“Have you met Mr Steele?”
“I have not, sir.”
The two men were introduced and bowed in polite fashion. Osborne bowed again, and as soon as he could manage it, moved on his way.
“Royalty?” Edward questioned the captain.
“He doesn’t have an entourage, so I can’t attest to that, but I’d be willing to guess he’s an aristocrat at the very least,” Captain Spencer answered. “I’ve not sailed with him before, but he carries a certain air, does he not?”
“Indeed.”
“And so young,” the older man observed.
Edward smiled, thinking, You don’t learn to carry yourself like that in an afternoon. This one surely carries a title of some sort.
And for Edward that was the end of it. He found it a bit curious but knew it wasn’t his business and could find no reason to pry. He found out in a hurry, however, that not everyone had that frame of mind. When he regained his cabin, his roommate was there, and he was in a very talkative mood.
“Are we off?” Denley asked, as if he didn’t know.
“Yes. I was just speaking to Captain Spencer. He said we left ahead of time.”
Denley began to dig in his bag. He seemed to be searching for something when he asked, “Do you suffer from seasickness, sir?”
“Not usually,” Edward told him. “Do you, Denley?”
“Not unless the waters are very rough. I have a vial of something if I feel it coming on. You’re welcome to use it as well, Mr Steele.”
“Thank you.”
“I understand that we’re bound for Lisbon?”
“Yes, I’d heard that as well.”
“I’ve never been,” Denley told him. He’d gone to work on more things in his case, finding a coat brush and such, but he seemed in no hurry to stop talking.
“You’ll have to come again when we’re going to be docked longer.”
“Is it to be swift?” Denley asked.
“That’s my understanding.”
“Well, maybe there will be time to see a few things.”
“That’s possible.”
Edward watched Denley place a coat on a hanger. He held it to the lamp light in several directions, brushing at it and fussing over a few areas.
“I need to take this next door,” he said absently as he started toward the door. His hand was on the handle when he stopped. “Is that your coat, sir?” He indicated the coat Edward had hung on a hook. “If you’d like, I could give it a brushup when I come back.”
“Thank you, Denley. I would appreciate that.”
Without further ado, Denley slipped out the door and knocked on Osborne’s door. Osborne answered and shut the door behind him.
“You did say you’d met him?” Denley clarified as he hung the coat.
“Yes, on deck with the captain.”
Denley shook his head a little. “He didn’t ask a single question. Not one.”
“Did he speak at all?”
“Nothing worth mentioning. He said we’d only be in Lisbon for a very short time, not even time to go ashore.”
Osborne fell silent—he was thinking again. Denley went about putting a suit of clothes together in case Osborne wanted to change, but no words were spoken. Not until it was time for supper that evening did the two discuss any sort of plan. Osborne confessed that he wanted to relax but knew he mustn’t. The ship seemed safe. The ship made him feel as though he was out of reach, but he knew better. He knew anyone could be watching.
Dinner was served in shifts. The dining area was small, and although some meals might be delivered to cabins, this ship was a working vessel, and passengers were expected to remember that.
Captain Spencer, however, was not without compassion. The Waldengrave family with small children and the Ryan sisters were invited to eat a little earlier. The girls would have enjoyed the company of one of the single men on board but understood the need to keep silent about this.
As it was, Mr Waldengrave did not actually eat with his family. He helped his wife see food into their young children and assisted her with their bedtimes, but when Edward, Osborne, and Denley arrived for their meal, he was also in attendance.
“Waldengrave,” he said as he stood and gave his name, bowing to each man, even Denley.
“Edward Steele,” that man volunteered, and Osborne and Denley did the same. Denley became instantly invisible at one corner of the table, his manner doing nothing to attract attention as he waited. He didn’t have long. Bowls of food began to appear and the men, more than ready for food, began to eat.
“To where are you traveling?” Waldengrave asked Edward.
“England. And yourself, Mr Waldengrave?” he asked out of courtesy. He wasn’t certain he was comfortable with this man. He knew he was traveling with his family and couldn’t understand why he would leave his wife and children alone on this ship.
“I’m headed to London. How about you, Osborne?”
“London also,” he said calmly, using his fork with quiet efficiency and reflecting an unconscious air of royalty.
“Have you lived there long?” Waldengrave wished to know, actually wondering what palace he might be headed to.
“All my life. How about yourself?”
This was all the invitation Waldengrave needed. He began to speak about his life and family. Edward and Osborne were very good listeners, nodding in all the right places and seemingly filled with interest.
“What took you to Africa?” Waldengrave asked Osborne when he finally stopped for air.
“Travel as well. I’d never been.”
“How about you, Steele?”
“Just travel. I have a few friends there.”
Waldengrave was off again after this, telling the men why he’d been in Africa. Edward did his best to attend, but the man changed subjects very swiftly.
“I thought you said you’d been in Africa for four months,” Osborne suddenly interjected, not having raised his voice in the least.
“We have.”
“But you just now said you were in Italy in September.”
Waldengrave looked confused.
“What month is this?”
“December.”
With little more than a shrug and a grunt, Waldengrave went back to his supper. Osborne’s and Edward’s gaze met for just a moment before they returned to their own plates. Denley, of course, said nothing, but he hadn’t missed a thing.
Edward was alone in the cabin as he woke the third morning of the voyage. He washed and shaved, an interesting feat with the wind having picked up a bit. He’d only just finished dressing when Denley returned.
Edward watched as that man sat on the room’s one chair, his eyes on nothing. The lighting wasn’t the best, but Edward could tell he was unwell.
“Do you want your bag, Denley?” Edward asked kindly. It never once occurred to him not to help. “Shall I find that vial for you?”
“I don’t believe I’m seasick, Mr Steele, but thank you.”
“Should I tell the captain that you’re unwell, or Osborne?”
“No, but thank you. I believe I’ll just sit for a time.”
Edward took him at his word but still went next door and knocked.
“Denley?” Osborne asked from within.
“No, it’s Edward Steele.”
The door opened.
“I wanted to make sure you knew that Denley wasn’t feeling his best.”
“Thank you.”
<
br /> “Let me know if there’s something I can do.”
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
Edward walked away thinking that if he hadn’t watched Osborne in action the night before at the supper table, he’d think him a complete snob. Osborne could do things with his voice that only his friend, Bathurst, could pull off. And he was the son of a baron.
Putting both Osborne and Denley from his mind, Edward went in search of breakfast. He wasn’t at his best with an empty stomach and thought his feelings might be more charitable if he had a little food.
“How are you?” Osborne had gone next door to check on his man. Denley had climbed into his bunk, and Osborne’s height gave him a perfect view of the man’s face. There was no mistaking the misery in Denley’s eyes.
“I have the most dreadful headache, sir. I can’t think what’s brought it on.”
“I’ll order some breakfast for you and have it sent.”
“Thank you.”
Osborne placed his hand against the man’s brow. It was hot to the touch. He didn’t linger but went directly for the captain. The boat might only be docking briefly at Lisbon the next day, but Osborne thought he and Denley might be forced to disembark.
“Good morning, ladies,” Edward greeted the Ryan sisters as he took a seat at the small dining table. “I trust you slept well.”
“It was rough last night,” Maura answered, her eyes a bit large.
“Yes, I believe the wind has picked up. Eating might help.”
Both women had cups of tea in front of them but nothing on their plates. Edward had no desire to make anyone feel worse, but he had to have food. He began to serve himself eggs and bacon, aware that the ladies had turned slightly away from him.
He was in the midst of his meal when the captain arrived. He greeted the three at the table but went directly to the ship’s cook. He wasn’t with the cook very long before coming and sitting close to Edward. He spoke, keeping his voice low.
“Denley, your cabin mate, is quite unwell, Mr Steele. Would you like me to move him down with the men?”
“No,” Edward told him without hesitation, thinking that would be most uncomfortable for the man. “I don’t mind, Captain, and I can tell Mr Osborne if Denley needs something.”
“Very well. If you have any concerns, please come to me.”
The moment Edward finished eating, he returned to his cabin. Osborne was on hand, helping Denley eat. Edward did not linger.
“Let me know if I can assist with anything.”
“Thank you,” Osborne said, turning to see him at the door. “Is it going to bother you if he stays in here?”
“No. We’ll get along just fine.”
“Thank you,” Osborne said again, his voice even lower.
Edward didn’t know what he would do for the next few hours. He took himself on deck and stared at the miles of ocean around him, never tiring of the sight. Finding his mind strongly on Denley and Osborne, he prayed for both men.
Chapter Two
“Hello.”
Edward stopped his slow promenade along the deck and turned to the owner of the young voice. He smiled when their eyes met.
“Hello. How are you?”
Ralph Waldengrave, the youngest member of his family, looked back at him.
“I’m fine” were the young man’s words, but Edward wasn’t certain they were true. For three days Edward had seen him on deck and greeted him, but the boy of approximately eight years had said nothing. Now on this day, when Edward hadn’t even noticed him, he spoke.
“It’s a rough sea today,” Edward commented, thinking the child looked rather forlorn—not seasick, but lonely.
“Yes. My family isn’t well.”
“Do they know you’re out here?”
“I don’t know.”
Edward debated what to do.
“Would you like to walk with me awhile?”
“All right.”
They had no more begun to stroll slowly along when Ralph’s father appeared at a distance. That he was not at his best was very obvious. When Edward raised his hand in acknowledgment, the older Waldengrave raised his in thanks and turned back in the direction of the cabins.
Edward wondered if he might have misjudged the man. He wasn’t the most likeable fellow, but even amid his seasickness, he’d come to check on his son.
“Was that my father?” Ralph stopped and asked, having only just noticed.
“Yes.”
“Did he want me?”
“I believe he was just checking on you, and I would feel better if you were with me or in your cabin. Do you think you can do that?”
“Yes.”
The wind snatched all words away for a time, but the two stalwart strollers did not appear to notice. When Edward saw something of interest, he pointed it out to young Ralph, but for the most part, the two just walked. Not until he noticed that his small companion was shivering did he suggest they head to the dining room and ask for a cup of tea.
Ralph needed no encouragement, and just minutes later the ship’s cook was eyeing Ralph from across the table.
“I just made up a tray for your family, young Master Waldengrave. Are you not feeling sick today?”
“No, sir.”
“A sailor you must be.”
Ralph smiled a little, the first Edward had seen.
“May we trouble you for a pot of tea?” Edward asked, his manner as engaging as ever. For some passengers the cook would decline, saying he was too busy, but not Mr Steele. He wasn’t uppity like that Osborne chap with his sick servant.
“Sit yourself down,” he said rather gruffly. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“Do you want your coat off, Ralph?” Edward asked as he removed his.
“No, I’m still cold.”
“Well, this tea will take care of that. Do you drink much tea?”
“A little.”
“I like mine strong. How about you?”
“My grandmother likes it strong,” Ralph volunteered. “She says she likes it strong enough for a mouse to trot across.”
Edward threw back his head and laughed. He’d never heard it put that way, and while the image was slightly revolting, it was nevertheless amusing. Ralph smiled at Edward’s laughter and began to feel a bit warmer.
It was onto this scene that Osborne suddenly appeared. Looking as regal as ever and entering quietly, he removed only his hat before sitting at the end of the table.
“How is Denley?” Edward asked.
“Just now he’s sleeping.”
“Any improvement?”
“I don’t believe so.”
Cook didn’t look overly pleased to see Osborne, but he still produced a third mug and delivered the tea to the center of the table. Edward took pains to make Ralph’s tea palatable, adding great amounts of milk and sugar, and then watched him drink.
“How is it?”
“It’s good. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
A plate of biscuits appeared a short time later, and Ralph took three.
“How old are you?” Osborne suddenly asked.
“Almost nine.”
“You’re very grown-up.”
“My sister is 11,” Ralph told Osborne, not seeming put off by his superior demeanor.
“Is she ill today?”
Ralph nodded around a full mouth. Osborne’s eyes studied the lad as his own cup went to his mouth. He liked children very much, and if Denley had not been so ill, he thought he could remain in the company of this young lad all day. It might help pass the time.
The ship rocked almost violently for the next few minutes. Everyone was aware that Lisbon was the goal for the next afternoon, but going inland and docking in such weather could be tricky.
Edward might have commented on this fact if Ralph had not been in attendance. He had no desire to worry the boy. As it was, Osborne finished his tea—never having touched the biscuits—and exited before Edward could say another word.
>
A thump in the night woke Edward. He lay for a moment, working to orient himself, and then heard a groan. Rising swiftly out of his bunk and lighting the lamp, Edward found Denley leaning weakly against the wall, a cup of water dangling from his fingers.
“Let me help you.” Edward went to him and, taking the cup with one hand, supported him with his free arm.
“Did you get some?” Edward asked.
“So thirsty,” Denley managed.
Edward held the cup while the man drank. Edward filled it again, and Denley downed that as well. The moment he was done, Edward helped him back into his bunk. The gentleman stood watching him a moment and even in the dim light could see that his eyes were still open.
“Do you need something?” Edward asked.
“Only to get off this ship.”
“I can imagine. Maybe you should go ashore at Lisbon and take a later one.”
“Maybe.”
“Do you want me to get Osborne for you?”
“No, but thank you.”
Edward turned down the lantern, plunging the room into darkness again. He climbed back into bed, thinking the wind might have calmed some. He enjoyed the rocking of the ship—it was soothing to him—and he didn’t think many minutes would pass before he would be sleeping again.
“Mr Steele?”
“Yes, Denley?”
“Did I wake you?”
“No, I wasn’t back to sleep yet.”
It was quiet for a moment. Edward nearly questioned the man, but Denley began.
“At this moment in time I fear I won’t live through this.”
“It might help to get you off the ship.”
“That’s true, but if I die, I—” Denley hesitated, and Edward gave him time. “I think, Mr Steele, that you might be a very fine man.” Denley’s voice was weak, and again Edward just waited. “I don’t wish to overstep myself, but please look after Mr Osborne. He has needs. He’s strong, smart, and capable, but he has needs. Please, Mr Steele.”
A note of pleading had entered the man’s voice, and Edward would never have ignored it.
“Of course, Denley. Don’t give it another thought.”