Page 121 of A Castaway in Cornwall
“And what have you been doing? I have not seen you in days.”
“I did not wish to intrude on your reunion with your aunt. And along with seeking a ship, I searched for my grandparents’ former house. Turns out, it’s not far from here.”
“I would like to see it.”
“I ... could give you the direction, but I may not be here long enough to show you. I have found a merchant who might be willing to take me to France on one of his ships.”
“Oh. Well ... Well done.” She forced a smile.
He did not ask her to join him, she noticed. Alexander had a family, after all—a father, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew—who, she guessed, would rejoice at his return despite past arguments. She did not belong at a Carnell family reunion. Besides, she had made it to Jersey, which had been her goal.
She began, “I would like to see you returned home, but—”
He held up his hand. “I know. You have just found your aunt again and are reluctant to leave her.”
“True,” she allowed. Nor would she beg to go along.
Aunt Susan entered, and Laura turned to include her in the conversation. “Have you met my aunt, Susan Hilgrove?”
“I have, yes. A pleasure to see you again, madam.”
“And I you, Captain. Thank you, again, for bringing my niece to me.”
“In truth, she brought me.”
“Well, however you got here, thank you. I know you have done your best to take care of her and see to her safety.”
He winced. “I regret the journey stole so much of her strength.”
“Do not blame yourself,” Laura said. “It was my choice, and I am growing stronger every day.”
“And what will you do now, Captain Carnell?” Aunt Susan asked.
“I hope to sail to Brittany as soon as may be. A Mr. Gillan has offered to take me on one of his ships. Regularly trades there, apparently. He also mentioned being acquainted with you.”
A surprising blush rose to her aunt’s cheeks. “Yes, a charming man, if a bit ... eccentric.”
Alexander nodded. “My impression as well.”
“And when you reach Brittany?”
“I shall visit my father, and my brother in prison, and see what I might do to help secure his release.”
“In prison ... why?”
Shame colored his features. “He has been charged with treason for spying. I hope to prove another man was the informant officials tracked to our village.”
Laura knew he referred to François LaRoche. Might he manage to escape the militia and return to Jersey?
“Spying for the British?” Aunt Susan asked.
“Perhaps.”
“Then you ought to speak to Admiral d’Auvergne.”
Wariness washed over Laura. That was the man LaRoche had worked for.
The captain’s brows rose in surprise. “Are you acquainted with him?”
