He watched a faint flush of pleasure creep up her neck as she stared in awe. It must have been some time, indeed.
Heather’s eyes glittered as she stared, as though trying to take it all in. Percy wished that the moment could stretch on indefinitely.
His gut abruptly twisted at the notion of pirate life grabbing hold. And, once again, concern for their future stole into histhoughts. His chest tightened. Why did their return to England—and hewouldreturn, damn it—mean the end for them? He couldn’t marry her—that much was certain—but was it possible for them to continue theiraffaireuntil she found a man with whom she could have children and live out her best life?
That thought sent another pang through him, and he ground his teeth.
After all he’d done in his life, he didn’t deserve even the quiet years he’d intended for himself. While he could not change what he’d been born into, there were moments, during his years of piracy, in which he’d truly enjoyed himself. Which was precisely why he was unfit to be a husband. He was damaged. It was not about only his name, birth, or experience. His very heart was…soiled. Regardless of what he wanted out of life—his peaceful apartments, his comfortable routine of a job, and time with friends—he was unworthy. And he’d best remember that.
He swallowed against the thickness that had settled in his throat.
A yawn escaped her, and he took her hand.
“Come,” he urged, noting Donovan’s arrival on the quarterdeck. “Let us go below. Tomorrow is no doubt to be an eventful day.”
“And how doesa salve differ from a poultice, liniment, or herbal oil?” Percy asked, his gaze interested.
Heather swallowed her mouthful of chicken. The cook had certainly outdone himself with this meal, though the thought was decidedly morbid when coupled with the distinct lack ofcluck-clucking from beyond their door.
“It’s not terribly different from an herbal oil,” she replied, feeling her passion for the topic flood her. “In fact, herbal oil must be used in the recipe.”
Percy’s dark brows lifted. “Indeed?”
“Yes. It is simply a combination of herbal oil, olive oil, and beeswax. One can rub it into the skin and receive all the benefits of the herbal oil without so much mess. It merely depends on what method of application you desire.”
His lips pulled sideways in a half grin, his gaze intent on hers. “Fascinating.”
“Whereas, as you know, liniments are strained liquids made from herbs and vinegar, and a poultice is simply crushed herbs and hot water, applied with strips of muslin.” She sighed. “It is all so engrossing.”
Percy nodded, cutting his chicken. “And have you decided to convert one of your new herbal oils into a salve?”
“I have. Duncan aided me in converting the catnip-and-fennel oil this afternoon. It is meant to settle one’s stomach.”
He blinked. “Do youeatit?”
Heather snorted. “I’m told one ought to rub the salve on their stomach, though they might wish to add some on their upper lip if they find the aroma pleasing.”
“Mmm.” He winked playfully. “It should prove useful if you experience seasickness again.”
She laughed. “Indeed, it should.”
“I saw yesterday that you’d done some research with the maps on the table. Were you able to discover any genus of plant that you wish to seek once we drop anchor in San Luis?”
Her eyes widened as another jolt of anticipation raced through her. “Yes, as it happens, I was.”
They continued talking as they concluded their meal. Heather wasn’t entirely certain that Percy was as interested in plants as he seemed, but she very much enjoyed sharingher newfound knowledge with him. In turn, he told her about navigation and what he knew about sailing.
At long last, he stood and held out his hand. Heather accepted, covering a yawn with her free hand. As though through silent agreement, they said nothing as they prepared for bed. And when she slipped between the bedclothes and lay on her side with Percy at her back, she had a sinking feeling of finality. She didn’t want this to be their last night like this.
The sun rose earlythe next morning—or at least it felt that way to Heather. She reached a hand out beside her, but the bedclothes were crisp and cool beneath her fingers. Her stomach swooped unpleasantly. Percy had left already.
It was an unrealistic hope to share intimacies one last time before they reached San Luis, but her body didn’t seem to understand that.
The ship was eerily quiet. The creak of the wood, the splash of water, and the faint animal noises coming from beyond the cabin’s door were the only sounds to be heard. A shiver of unease travelled up her spine, propelling her from the bed and quickly through her ablutions. Whatever was happening, it didn’t feel good.
She donned her freshly cleaned and dried breeches, shirt, stockings, and stays, then slipped her feet into her boots and fastened her belt and sheath around her hips. Her stomach gave a little wobble, but she stood firm against it. It was time to face whatever the day held.
Without another moment’s hesitation, she quit the cabin and ascended the companionway to the quarterdeck.
