Page 9 of Murder on the SS Leviathan
Captain Rocha inclined his head in recognition of the compliment and, though somewhat tight-lipped, ventured to engage Henry further. ‘You’re a connoisseur of birds, Lord McCaulay?’
‘You could say that.’ Henry’s eyes lit up. ‘I’m well-known in certain circles and making a name for myself, but it’s really only a matter of applying oneself to learn all one can—not just from books but from field study. Why, just the other day—’
His pause was accompanied by a slight twitch and a biting of the lip. One look at her sister-in-law convinced Cecile that a timely kick—or something similar—had just been delivered beneath the table.
Henry gave a small cough. ’At any rate, the other members of the Ornithological Society expedition are already in Brazil, but I’ll soon be joining them, thanks to the speedy passage of theLeviathan.’
Captain Rocha’s easy manner returned. ‘Yes, we have the speed, as you say Lord McCaulay. Eighteen knots as long as the weather holds. Of course, we could go faster, but this can make the vibrations which passengers find unpleasant. Speed is important, but comfort also. As you see,’ he made a sweeping gesture, ‘we make the comfort a priority.’
‘And safety, I hope,’ added Ambassador Barbosa. ‘Do you keep up such a speed through the night, captain? It must be difficult to see where you’re going.’
Captain Rocha smiled indulgently. ‘All is safe, I promise you. Our hull has two walls of metal so, even were we to hit something we would remain afloat. But, where we sail, the waters are warm, so no chance of icebergs, and we have men on watch for other vessels. Collisions are impossible when you take such precautions.’
‘Eighteen knots is no mean feat.’ Lance leaned forward in his chair. ‘But I hear they’re working on achieving up to twenty-four over on the Cunard Line.’
The captain shrugged. ‘There are always improvements…’
There was a pause as the plates were cleared, to be replaced this time by pâté de foie gras. Henry shot a warning glance at Cecile. Besides the wearing of feathers, it was another of his strongly held opinions that the delicacy be avoided: the geese were force-fed corn, it seemed, and were generally averse.
‘It’s mighty fascinating.’ Mr. Robinson rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘I’m hoping to bring some of the same ease and luxury to rail travel in Argentina—though nothing on this scale o’ course. I don’t s’pose it’d be possible to take a tour? Not just the public areas but your engine rooms?’
The captain took a moment to consider. ’I have not the time myself but Mr. Lopez, our chief engineer, may do this for you. It is not a thing I grant every passenger, you understand, but as you have the real interest Mr. Robinson…’
‘How marvellous!’ One of the misses Arbuthnot chirped up. ‘I too would love to see the workings of the ship. Might we, Captain?’ She looked eagerly at her sister. ‘Eliza, dear, you’d enjoy it, would you not?’
The second Miss Arbuthnot seemed less certain. ‘It does sound thrilling, but so many steps, Letitia, and my hip is not what it was.’
Captain Rocha interrupted before the matter could go further. ‘As gratifying as it is to hear your interest, this is not suitable for someone of your delicacy, dear ladies. That is to say, age makes the head wise but the body less steady, and to keep one’s footing is essential upon the steep ladders, or I cannot say the consequences…’
‘Oh yes; I should have thought.’ Miss Eliza Arbuthnot gave a shiver, while Letitia looked very much relieved. ‘Not suitable at all.’
‘And what of the younger ladies?’ Maud’s voice rang out. ‘There is nothing to preclude us, I hope. I use the library ladders all the time at home, and have never come to grief.’
‘I think not, dearest.’ Henry’s hand came to rest upon that of his wife’s. ’Not at present. Think of your balance…’
After a moment’s hesitation, Maud nodded, her expression disappointed but resigned.
Cecile was aware of the particular reason for her brother’s circumspection, he and Maud having shared their news a few weeks’ previously, when the evidence of their matrimonial happiness had begun to become more obvious.
Captain Rocha nodded approvingly. ‘Your lordship wishes to join the tour? Or you, Mr. Barbosa?’
The ambassador agreed readily but Henry politely declined. ‘I must admit to being more interested in what’s above deck than below. I hear there’s been a sighting ofFratercula arctica. Puffins, you know. Very rare this far south. I intend to take up position on the port side of the ship tomorrow with my field glasses.’
Cecile caught sight of Lucrezia’s rolling eyes mere moments before she jumped in. ‘And what of I, Captain? I am not infirm—through age or any other cause—and I’ve no objection to a little oil upon my hem. Nor do I have a husband to prohibit me.’ Lucrezia smiled sweetly.
Henry answered before the captain had a chance to decline. ‘I think not, Miss di Cavour. It would not be appropriate; not without a proper chaperone.’
‘In this case, Cecile and I could go together.’ Lucrezia clapped her hands, as if all were settled. ‘You are not suggesting, my Lord, that Mr. Lopez or Mr. Robinson would allow harm to come to us.’
There was a momentary silence, but for the slightest rustle of skirts beneath the table. Henry’s expression turned several shades darker, but he did not utter the forbidding words.
Again, Cecile sensed she had Maud to thank for that.
Lucrezia gave the captain her most winning smile. ‘You see, Captain Rocha, the earl has confidence in the dignity and safeguarding of our party—and we promise to do all as Mr. Lopez instructs. We shall be models of obedience.’
The captain looked far from happy with the arrangement but there was no doubt he’d been manoeuvered into a corner.
Mr. Robinson was the first to speak. ‘You know what they say, gentlemen—there's two theories to arguin’ with a woman and neither of them works. If you're agreeable, it would be my pleasure to escort the ladies, offering them my arm as needed, and directing them in placing their feet on any ladders.’
