Page 29 of Murder on the SS Leviathan
‘It seems I’ve been having too many adventures.’ Maud rested her cup in her lap. ‘I’ve had to promise to behave myself.’
Cecile nodded sympathetically. ‘Henry’s very protective—but I suppose you know that. It’s hard at times, isn’t it, when we just want space to breathe.’
‘Indeed it is.’
Contemplatively, they both sipped from their cups.
With her fork, Cecile dissected the crust from her tart, rendering it to crumbs before putting the plate to one side.
She cleared her throat, ‘I’m so glad you’re not badly hurt. It must have been frightening, taking a fall like that—and then not knowing…’
‘Yes; quite.’ Maud smiled tightly. ‘But I’ll recover, and the latest addition to the McCaulay tribe seems to be a determined little thing.’
Cecile seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
‘Mr. Robinson was helpful.’ Maud added. ‘He fetched the doctor in double-quick time and remained very sensible throughout.’
Cecile’s eyes lit up. ‘I’m pleased to hear it.’
‘He’s quite a catch. Not that you need bother yourself with finances but, from what Henry tells me, our Mr. Robinson is in line to inherit a thriving family business.’
Being the well-bred young lady she was, Cecile maintained a neutral expression.
‘And he’s charming in his way, I’m sure you’d agree. So very…tall.’
Cecile’s attention returned to the dishevelled custard tart.
‘You know, it was the best decision I ever made, marrying Henry.’ Maud looked out through the circular glass window at the gentle rise and fall of the ocean.
‘What we think will make us happy and what actually does aren’t always the same, haven’t you found?’ Turning back, Maud found Cecile looking her in the eye at last. ‘The cleverest thing we can ever do is work out the difference.’
