And now Mr Steele was helping them. Or had he been helping them all along? Denley shook his head. There were a few things missing in his mind. Still testing his legs some, he was moving to the basin to wash his face when the door opened. Edward walked in, Niki behind him.
“How are you?” Niki asked immediately.
“I was wondering that about you. Have you eaten? I can order a tray for you.”
“Mr Steele has done that,” Niki answered. She thought Denley looked pale. She could also see he needed a wash.
“I’ll take my tray in Mr Steele’s room if he has no objection, and that will give you time to clean up.”
“Thank you.”
“Will you be all right alone for that time?”
“Yes.”
Edward had stood back and remained quiet for this exchange. When Niki looked at him, he moved to the door. She followed, her stomach growling a bit. Not until they were across the hall in Edward’s room did Niki wonder what had possessed her to suggest such a thing.
Chapter Seven
“I could just go below and eat,” Niki said in her quiet, deep voice.
The door was shut, and Edward, who had strolled into his room and lit the lantern without a thought, turned to look at her.
“Why would you do that?”
“I just thought of it. There’s really no need to trouble you.”
Edward watched her.
“Where did this come from?”
Niki turned away. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“I mean you’re suddenly nervous and shy with me. I can’t think what I’ve done to cause that.”
Niki’s chin lifted a bit and she faced him. Wishing she’d kept her mouth shut, she still said, “Maybe I’m afraid you’ll want your shoes polished.”
“Actually it’s my boots that need a good rub. You don’t want to see to it?”
Niki’s gaze became stern, and for the first time Edward realized it was what she did when she wanted to avoid a smile or possibly even outright laughter. He took pity on her, turned away, and placed his hat out of the way. He didn’t know who would be delivering the food, but he slipped out of his coat because the room was warm.
“I’ve a letter to write. Feel free to make yourself comfortable and take as long as you like to eat your food.”
Niki didn’t answer.
“I forgot to ask you if there was anyone suspicious downstairs.”
“No, I didn’t see anyone.”
Edward walked to the window. It was dark, but he still looked out and scanned the docks.
“The innkeeper pointed out that my window gives me a fine view of the harbor. I’ll keep an eye out for that ship tomorrow.”
When Niki didn’t answer, Edward looked to her.
“If you recall, the Red Dragon pulled into Lisbon only long enough to unload cargo. Maybe tomorrow’s ship will dock and be off all on the same day, and we can be on board when she sails.”
“Maybe,” Niki said, her mind on a thousand different things.
“What happens if someone tracks you aboard? What do you do then?”
“Get off at the next port and keep moving.”
With that type of schedule, no wonder Denley became ill. I’m surprised you’re not both sick.
A knock on the door caused them both to turn. Niki answered it and found Denley there with the tray that had been delivered to his room.
“Where would you like this?” he asked softly.
Niki could see that he’d had time to wash and change.
“Across the hall.” She turned back to Edward. “Thank you for your hospitality. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Edward nodded and watched them leave. He stood for a moment and thought about the last few hours. Finally, he moved to the room’s table. He had been quite honest with Niki: He had a letter to write.
Edward lingered over breakfast the next morning. Denley had come to the dining area to check on him, almost feeling himself again. Edward did not ask about Niki. He knew these two were more than capable of taking care of themselves. He wanted to worry and step in even more than Denley did but this time refrained.
Dismissing Denley and forcing his mind to relax, he spotted a newspaper written in English and settled in to read. An hour passed before he thought he might be needed. He checked first at the window in his room to verify whether a ship had docked. Seeing no vessel, he ventured across the hall.
“Is there a ship?” were the first words from Niki’s mouth.
“No, but I have to mail a letter,” Edward told her, stepping into the room. “Do you want to stretch your legs?”
Feeling more than a little restless, she said, “Yes, I believe I will go with you.”
“I’ll meet you downstairs.”
The two set off a short time later. Niki was tall, just a few inches shorter than Edward’s six-foot frame, and had no trouble matching him stride for stride. As they walked, something came to Edward, causing him to move slower and slower. By the time they reached a nearly empty street, he was at a crawl.
“What’s the matter?” Niki stopped, realizing he had been darting glances at her for some time.
“Did you wash your hair?” he asked suddenly.
“Yes.” Niki’s voice was cautious.
Edward’s brows rose.
“Why? What does it matter?”
“You smell a little too good for a man in your position.”
To his surprise, Niki frowned at him.
“I don’t care! I couldn’t stand it any longer. All those coaches and this moving about. It was too much!”
Edward smiled. It would seem that there might be a woman in there after all.
“What is so amusing?”
“You are.”
“I’m so glad to oblige.” She was becoming ill-humored. “Are you going to post that letter or not?”
“Yes, and then we’ll head to the dock.”
“I thought you said there was no ship.”
Edward nodded, his gaze going behind her. Niki turned. Over the top of the building in front of them, the masts of a tall ship could just be spotted coming up the river.
“It might be the Henderson,” Edward stated calmly before starting off again. Niki worked to remain calm. She had never depended on anyone but Denley, and now with Edward involved she was letting her guard down continually. She should have been the one to spot that ship. There was no excuse for such a blunder.
Still castigating herself but back in control, she followed Edward into the post office and then over to the bank. She stood quietly nearby while he took care of his business, but her eyes took in every person and detail. She would not let her guard down again.
“What will be the plan aboard ship?” Edward asked of Niki an hour later. The Henderson was in port and leaving Porto for Brest, France, and then onto England in just two hours’ time. The three travelers had passage. “Will you travel as Osborne or as you are?”
“I’ll remain like this.”
“Traveling alone or as my servants?”
Niki thought about it. In the quiet of the room Denley cleared his throat.
“What is it?” Niki turned to question him.
“If we separate from Mr Steele, and they run short of rooms on the ship, one or both of us might be asked to bunk in with the crew.”
Niki’s eyes closed on the memory. It had almost happened one time and been nothing short of a disaster. As Osborne, Denley had to be her buffer. If he’d been separated from her, her disguise might have been ruined.
“If you have no objections, we’ll leave things as they are,” Niki told Edward.
“I have no objections, but it might not be very fun for you.”
“In other words,” Niki stated baldly, “you plan to be a dictator.”
“Not at all. I just like my tea hot.”
Her frown made his eyes dance.
“And of course,” he went on, his voice a little too caring, “Denley should reserve some
of his strength—he’s been very ill, you know—so you’ll have to do the lion’s share.”
Denley turned his laughter into a cough and suddenly became involved with the buttons on his vest.
Edward was still smiling when he said, “It’s time to go.” He stood to his feet. “Don’t forget to carry my bags.”
Niki had a frown for Edward and then one for Denley. Both men were wise enough to remain silent.
“Does anyone on board make you nervous?” Edward asked when they’d been to sea for several hours. Edward was sitting on the deck, and Niki had just brought him a blanket.
“No. All seems to be clear.”
“And what will you do when we make port before England?”
“Just keep my eyes open.”
Niki left him without waiting for permission, and Edward was reminded of how hard it would be to take on such a role.
A few minutes later two rather elderly women strolled by, both very friendly and ready to talk. They stopped and conversed with Edward for quite some time. He dozed when they went on their way, but the blanket wasn’t warm enough, and he kept waking with a chill. He was about to give up and return to his cabin when he saw Niki headed his way. She came and stood next to him but didn’t speak.
“Did you have a question?”
“No.” She sounded completely put out, her voice still managing to be soft and deep. “Denley reminded me that you had to be checked on often.”
Edward chuckled softly.
“As a matter of fact, I’m cold. I’d like another blanket and some hot tea or coffee.”
Niki opened her mouth to retort, but someone wandered by just then, and she managed a “Yes, sir,” through gritted teeth.
Edward nodded at the folks walking past and then smiled at Niki’s swiftly retreating back.
It’s most unfortunate that she never had a brother. She’s missed so much.
“Now he wants his notebook!” Niki informed Denley an hour later, her face red with emotion. “I’ve just taken him another blanket and some tea. Now he wants to do some writing!”
“Why don’t I take it?” Denley offered.
Niki looked at him and calmed. “Edward is right. You’re supposed to be resting. He won’t leave us until he knows you can do your job again.”
“And would it be so bad if he sees you all the way there?”
“I’d like to trust—truly I would—but I can’t. Not yet.”
Denley stood up.
“I need a bit of air. I’ll take the notebook.”
“You’re sure you’re up to it?”
“Very sure.”
“All right. Thank you, Denley.”
Denley found the notebook Edward wanted and walked sedately onto the deck. He did feel better, but he could tell that his illness had been of a nasty variety.
“Well, Denley,” Edward greeted him. “Are you feeling better?”
“Yes, sir,” he answered quietly. Edward studied him.
“Is Niki all right?”
“Not at the moment,” Denley told him, managing to keep a serious face.
Edward had no such qualms. His smile went into full bloom.
“I’ll go and see her in a bit. Don’t bother to check on me again.”
“Very well, sir.”
Relaxed, now that he’d been understood, Denley handed off the notebook and went on his way. Edward sat for a long time and thought about the way he’d teased her. It wasn’t anything he planned to do, but when he saw her dressed as she was, the scamp in him came out.
Settling down to write a letter to the Middletons, Edward realized there were several things he couldn’t communicate. There was no easy way to explain Niki and Denley, and he wasn’t even home yet, something they would expect.
After setting the notebook aside and gathering his things to go in, Edward walked slowly along, never tiring of the sea air and the wind on his face. He was at the cabin before he was ready but still stepped in to see if Niki was around.
Still not overly happy, she was alone in the cabin and appeared to be waiting for him. Without warning, she came to her feet and verbally pounced.
“When do I get to tell you how I feel about this whole thing?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On where your sword is?”
Without warning a small laugh escaped her. Edward looked taken aback and then pleased.
“You laughed, Niki Bettencourt. There’s hope for you yet.”
The amazement in his voice took all the spunk out of her. It was all so wretched. She sat on the bunk, her eyes downcast.
“Go ahead,” Edward prompted, taking the other bunk. “Tell me how you feel about this whole thing.”
“I’m heartily sick to death of being a servant and waiting on you.” Niki answered quietly, her eyes still staring at the floor. “I don’t know how Denley stands it.”
“But aren’t you glad he does?”
Niki sighed. “I am glad. You’re certainly right about that.”
“We’ve made good speed today. We’ll probably be in England in no time.”
“Where we part company.”
When Edward didn’t reply, Niki looked up at him.
“Where we part company,” she repeated, her voice telling of her want.
“As soon as Denley tells me he’s ready to take care of you, I’ll go.”
Niki shook her head in amazement.
“What is it that compels you, Edward Steele?”
“I could ask you the same thing.”
Niki’s eyes cast about, her head shaking in self-derision. “It’s all so complicated.”
“I imagine it is. I only hope for your sake that it’s worth it.”
This time Niki looked him square in the eye.
“The prize is beyond value. I would give my life for this cause.”
Edward ached for the desperation he saw in her eyes. What a horrible spot to find oneself in. He wondered if it was of her choosing or completely out of her hands.
“Have you thought any more about the verses we talked about?” Edward asked suddenly.
“The ones on comfort?”
“Yes, and the way the Bible tells us that God has a plan. Do you believe any of that, Niki?”
“I believe all of it, but I don’t think it would change my course of action.”
And unless you can explain it to me, I won’t be able to help. Edward felt defenseless in light of this fact and said only, “I hope it’s all right that I pray for you and Denley.”
Coming from this man, Niki felt shaken by the words but didn’t comment. She stood, quietly thanked Edward, and exited the small cabin. She knew Denley was in the other cabin and that he would leave her in peace. But for the moment she desperately wanted to be alone. Wishing she’d grabbed her long coat, even though it was too elegant for a servant, she began a slow walk along the deck, hoping the sea air would clear the emotions away. Emotions could cause her to make a mistake, something she couldn’t afford right now.
“Well, now,” Edward said to the little girl at the table when he arrived for dinner in the small dining area of the ship. “Are you eating alone?”
The little girl only looked at him and didn’t answer. Edward tried again in French and watched her light up with delight.
“I’m dreadfully slow,” she explained. “Mother had to take Annette back to our cabin but left me to finish.”
“Is the food good?”
“Not like home, but it’s fine.”
“Do you think I shall like it?”
“If you’re hungry enough.”
Edward laughed at her deduction and took a seat across the table from her.
“Is Annette your sister?”
“Yes. She’s older and eats faster.”
“Maybe you’ll eat faster when you grow older.”
She looked doubtful, and Edward smiled at her.
“You haven’t told me your name.”
“I’m Kar
oline.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Karoline. I’m Edward.”
“Just Edward?” She looked surprised. “Not Mr Edward?”
“Edward is my first name. Shall we be on a first-name basis?”
“Mother would never approve.”
She was petite and young-looking, but her vocabulary spoke of someone older. The two continued to visit for the next 30 minutes until Karoline’s mother arrived, looking more than a little unhappy that her daughter was still eating.
“It’s my fault,” Edward explained in very good French. “We’ve been talking.”
“You are too kind, sir.” She smiled at Edward, but it was strained. “Karoline,” her mother said in a no-nonsense tone, “I want you to finish right now.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Karoline’s mother went on her way, and Edward watched the little girl obey. He ate his own food at a leisurely pace, not talking to his dining companion but noticing that she did take an inordinate amount of time with each bite. Edward found himself wanting to laugh.
At last he saw that she was done. He was getting ready to walk her back to her cabin when her sister arrived, an older version of Karoline but looking as impatient as their mother. On her heels was Denley, who took a seat as soon as the girls exited.
“Did you both eat?” Edward asked.
“Yes, thank you, sir. Mr Steele,” Denley continued, his voice and expression respectful, “I wish to express my thanks for all your help.”
“Not at all, Denley. I’m only glad you’re back on your feet.”
“It’s good to be well again, sir.”
“I can imagine.”
Denley did not hang about but returned to Niki. They shared a cabin this time, since Niki’s clothing had changed her role. Edward didn’t see them until the next day when the charade continued. He could tell that the whole ordeal was starting to wear on Niki. She looked tired, and there was little of the spunk she’d shown the day before.
“I think I could tell you to polish my boots today, and you would actually do it,” Edward said to Niki when she joined him at the railing.