Page 90 of A Castaway in Cornwall
“Miss Callaway,” Treeve called. “What are you doing here?”
Noticing Jago, the other men hung back, but Treeve walked toward them, a smile on his handsome face.
When he neared, she began, “I understand you own a ship.”
He tucked his chin in surprise. “Who told you that?”
“Miss Roskilly mentioned it.”
His golden eyebrows rose high. “Did she indeed?”
Laura nodded. “Is it true?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact.”
“Do you captain the ship as well?”
“No, I leave the navigation to those more expert than myself.”
“May I ask what you use her for? Or am I better off not knowing?”
“Oh, family business and the like.”
She let the dubious reply pass. “I wonder if you might do something for me?”
“Anything for you, Miss Callaway. You know that.”
“You may reconsider once you hear what I want.”
He stepped closer. “Sounds intriguing.”
“I wonder if you ... or someone you know, might be willing to take a passenger on his next voyage to trade in the Channel Islands.”
Several emotions passed over Treeve’s face. Surprise. Suspicion. Admiration?
“Always knew you were clever. Clever and pretty. What a captivating combination.”
“Miss Roskilly surpasses me on both counts, actually. She is more clever than I realized. I have a new appreciation for her, after tonight.”
“Oh?”
“I’ll explain later. Can you help me?”
“Help your Frenchman, I believe you mean?”
“Well, yes.”
“I would be only too happy to see him sail away, Miss Callaway, if I did not know it would make you sad.”
“Seeing him recaptured or shot would make me far sadder. It’s only fair to tell you the militia are searching for him. So my request is not without its risks.”
“As are most worthwhile endeavors—even the less noble ones.”
He considered, then drew himself up. “Yes, I know someone. Reliable, respectable. Some might even say devilishly handsome.” He winked at her. “But can I trust you to keep all of this to yourself?”
“Absolutely. I have lived here long enough to understand things like free trading are sometimes necessary in the face of hard lives and poverty. But for you to be involved—a Kent of Roserrow?”
“Poverty is no respecter of persons, Miss Callaway. And when one of the leading families of the parish struggles to pay their bills, they cannot fall on the mercy of the parish poor fund as others might. We must protect the family name and save face.” He gave her a mischievous grin. “And you must admit, it’s a face worth saving.”
