Page 44 of The Swan Syndicate
“Everyone.”
She laughed. “That makes finding our targets more difficult.”
“That’s why it’s better to listen rather than look.”
“Wise words.”
He leaned over. “Say that again when Fitz is around. He has a hard time remembering I’m smarter than him.”
She chuckled again. “Have I kept you waiting long after pulling you away from your tasks?”
“No. The men know what they’re doing and don’t need me looking over their shoulders for minor repairs. Besides, there’s no better way to view a port than aboard a ship.” He stepped back and studied her. “I think for this walk around town, I’ll act as your bodyguard. I’ll stick close until you feel safe, then I’ll stay a few steps behind.”
She took his arm. “I would love a stroll with you by my side. I’ll let you know when I need my space.”
He snorted. “Beckworth must have his hands full with you.”
“Be careful what you say. Before you know it, you’ll have your own hands busy with a lovely lass.”
Lando was true to his word, and they walked along the dockside merchants then strolled several blocks with more shops and fewer pubs. After an hour of viewing the various stores, he stopped in front of the apothecary.
“I need to see the blacksmith. I shouldn’t be long. If you finish before me, you can walk around the mercantile next door.”
After watching him cross the street, she glanced around and not seeing anything suspicious, stepped inside the store. She restocked her seasickness herbs, added something for headaches, then handed the list of first aid supplies Michelson had given her to the clerk. While she waited, she added a bag of dried lavender for their cabin.
Lando wasn’t waiting for her outside, nor did she see him at the blacksmith. He must have gone inside. So, she turned for the mercantile. She didn’t have anything else to buy, but it wouldn’t hurt to take a walk-through. Maybe she could find something special for Beckworth.
Without thinking she turned right instead of left, shook her head at her mistake, then stopped when she looked through the shop window. It was a tobacco and cigar shop, but sitting on a side table was the most beautiful travel-sized chess set. She clutched her coin purse. Michelson had given her money for the first aid supplies, and Beckworth had left her money for the herbs but had given her extra in case she saw anything else she might want. And, of course, being the independent woman she was, had also brought her own coins.
For a reason he wouldn’t explain, Barrington had saved a small portion of the coins from Gemini’s treasure chest. WhenGemini had been killed during her hostile takeover of Waverly, Stella had made Barrington hide the miniature trunk so the magistrate wouldn’t get his hands on it. The money was to be used to repair damages to the estate that had occurred during the swift battle to wrestle back the manor, provide bonuses to the staff, and then give the rest to charities.
Why Barrington had thought to save coins for her was a mystery. Yet, he must have expected her to return one day, and the thought still made her tear up.
She entered the shop and, after a short negotiation, took possession of the wrapped chess set with a huge smile. She’d taken a few steps out the door when she stopped. Maybe she should have bought Fitz some pipe tobacco.
She glanced across the street for Lando while turning to go back inside when she heard an “oomph” and felt a foot beneath hers. Her hand flew to her mouth, unsure whether to apologize or laugh. Then her gaze locked with warm amber eyes.
“Oh, god, I’m so sorry.” She blinked, and when she noticed the man’s hand on her elbow, she stepped back until he released her. He was a good-looking man in a roguish way, similar to Finn.
He gave her a long perusal, his grin wicked. “I seriously doubt God had anything to do with it.” He had an accent similar to Finn and Jamie’s, but not exactly.
For some reason, she thought Scot but had no idea why and shook it off.
She returned his grin. “I suppose not, but it was worth blaming it on someone else.”
He laughed out loud, his head thrown back as if he hadn’t heard anything so funny in days. She knew she had a humorous side but rarely said anything that funny. But this was a different era.
“You are a bold one.”
Oh, boy. She had to remember to be more demure around strangers. She shrugged. “My mother always thought I was a bit odd.”
He studied her. “You’re not English.”
“Neither are you.”
He chuckled again. “True enough.”
Suddenly, Lando was at her side. “Lady Swan, is everything alright here?”
