Page 82 of Sunday's Child

‘You didn’t think I’d let you go on your own, did you? Sir Lucius would never forgive me if I allowed any of the family to undertake such a risky venture without someone to protect them.’

‘You think I’m one of the family?’

‘Of course I do. We’d better hurry or we’ll miss our chance.’ Hester charged forward, ignoring Lady Pentelow’s shrill protests.

‘Good luck,’ Aurelia cried excitedly. ‘Tell Piers he’s needed desperately. Make him come home.’

Nancy was left with little alternative but to follow Hester, who was already halfway up the gangplank. She snatched up her bag and quickened her pace.

‘Well then, Captain Mockridge. Your man had better show us to our cabin.’ Hester placed her valise at the captain’s feet. ‘I don’t know how much Sir Bertram has agreed to pay for our passage, but I’m sure it’s a considerable sum, and we expect to be treated accordingly.’

Captain Mockridge eyed her coldly. ‘I trust you will remember that this is not a passenger vessel, my lady. We will do our best to accommodate you comfortably, but we are likely to meet adverse weather conditions. Mr Harding, the first mate, will show you to your cabin. If you have any requests you will speak to him.’

Nancy turned to see a tall, well-built man with light brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard and moustache. He was, she guessed, probably in his forties. His skin was tanned and his blue eyes narrowed as if he spent most of his time gazing out at the distant horizon.

‘If you would come this way, please, ladies.’ He picked up their luggage and walked on ahead, leading them down a companionway to the deck below, where their cabin was just behind the captain’s day room, as he explained.

‘If you need anything let me know, ma’am.’ He set their cases on the deck, giving Hester a charming smile as he prepared to leave the cabin. Hester stared at him, seeming to be at a loss for words.

‘Thank you, Mr Harding,’ Nancy said hastily. She waited until the door closed on him. ‘Why didn’t you say anything?’

Hester shook her head. ‘I don’t know. For a moment I thought I knew him, but it’s obvious that I was mistaken.’

Nancy was intrigued. ‘You must have met a great many people. Perhaps you have seen him somewhere.’

‘It was a fleeting likeness. An inflection in the voice or a trick of the light.’ Hester took her valise and placed it on the bottom bunk. ‘You will have to take the top one, I would never get up there.’

The deck moved beneath their feet and Hester staggered against the bulkhead. ‘What’s happening?’

Nancy giggled. ‘We’ve cast off, that’s all. I hope you’re a good sailor, Hester.’

‘I’m afraid I’m not,’ Hester said gloomily.

Nancy rushed to the porthole to watch the coast slipping away with surprising speed. The ship was steaming along at an impressive rate of knots and, if the weather held, she hoped they would reach Barbados in record time. She had not expected to be travelling with Hester and the thought of sharing a cabin with her was daunting, but the sooner they reached their destination, the sooner they could get home. Piers would be restored to his family and he would take his grandmother and Aurelia back to Cornwall. Alex and Leo would resume their normal lives, and everything would go back to normal.

There was only one thing that she could not mend and that was a broken heart. The look on Freddie’s face when she had chosen to leave him behind was still fresh in her memory, but she knew she had done the right thing. He would have to return to Dorrington Place and then his old life would claim him. It would be hard, but perhaps one day he would meet someone worthy of him. She knew she had hurt him, but her own pain was just as deep and would probably last her until the end of her days.

A sharp rap on the door made her turn with a start.

‘See who’s there,’ Hester said feebly. ‘I don’t feel too well.’

Nancy went to open the cabin door.

‘I’m sorry to disturb you, miss.’ Harding smiled and handed her a pitcher. ‘I’ve brought you fresh water. We have to use it sparingly.’

‘I understand,’ Nancy said nodding.

‘Captain Mockridge has asked me to invite you and her ladyship to dine with us in the saloon at six o’clock.’

A groan from the bottom bunk made Nancy turn to look at Hester. ‘Are you unwell, Hester?’

‘I don’t think I’ll be eating anything for the rest of the voyage.’

‘The feeling should pass in a day or two, my lady,’ Harding said with a sympathetic smile.

‘Please thank the captain. I will be delighted to join you for dinner. Fortunately for me I am a good sailor.’

‘Fortunate indeed, miss.’ Harding backed away and Nancy closed the door.

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