“Famed commander of the Royal Navy?” Tarbonde queried.
Southack’s brow lifted. “Famed commander and former privateer turned pirate.”
“Careful.” Henri leveled his gaze at the surgeon. “The same has been said of us.”
Ned regarded Henri warily. “In that same vein, be watchful of your enemies in the capital and elsewhere who would rejoice to see you brought low.” His gaze slid to the Africans. “And slave catchers ashore who would like nothing better than to ensnare bona fide freemen.”
The warning led to a sullen silence. Henri had nearly forgotten the high feeling against him among Virginia’s planters and politicians. So much falsehood was printed about him by those who opposed him, it turned previously unbiased citizens against him as well. But he was most concerned about the Africans. Many of them were inked with the Jerusalem cross as he was, identifying themselves as his crew in a show of unity and pride.
“Let us talk of more pleasant matters. Like the ball. What I’d giveto see a comely petticoat or two.” Southack let out a long breath. “I’d gladly suffer a minuet.”
Ned nodded. “As would I.”
Henri understood. He knew they longed to escape their wooden world and form feminine ties. “’Tis your turn to go ashore. We’ve no imminent sailing to pursue to keep you from staying as long as you like. Not yet. But once on the mainland, be on your guard.”
“Are you sure it’s only a meeting you’re going to in the capital?” Southack’s wink was sly. “I seem to recall Admiral Shaw having several beautiful daughters.”
“Only two,” Henri corrected. “One is wed.”
“Which leaves the second.” Southack drummed impatient fingers atop the scarred table.
When Henri said nothing, his sea chaplain filled the silence. “Miss Esmée Shaw? A chocolatier who has a shop along the waterfront, or once did. Last we were in port, Shaw’s supplied us with chocolate before we sailed.”
“Shaw’s will need to resupply us ahead of our next voyage,” Udo said. “Six pounds of chocolate per man, much like the officers marching with Braddock’s army.”
“God rest Braddock’s sorry soul,” Ned breathed.
They observed a moment of silence for the fallen general. But in truth, the frontier was so far, the war threat felt even further removed.
Southack brightened. “So what is your recommendation for lodgings in York?”
“The Royal Oake should suffice,” Henri said. “The bell system is rather extraordinary. And the owner has a very accommodating daughter who may not be able to withstand your charms.”
Udo winked. “Though she withstood yours, no doubt, immune to matrimony as you are.”
They all laughed soundly, and Tarbonde called for more ale.
Henri regarded them fondly. “If I wed, then I’d have to relax my cardinal rule of prohibiting married men as crew.”
“With all due respect, your crew might be better for marrying,” Ned replied.
“I’ll not separate husbands and wives and families.” The rule was ironclad. And it was Esmée who had been behind it.
Talk turned to other matters. But Esmée’s memory, repeatedly tossed overboard, stubbornly resurfaced. And now he was no longer here by the open window with a salt breeze caressing his unshaven face. He was at the ball’s supper again, seated beside her, a decade of ill feeling between them.
Though time and weather had simply lined him, she was remarkably changed. She’d grown rounder and even more beguiling, as if she’d snuck one too many chocolates in his absence. She was ... voluptuous. And guarded. No longer the guileless girl he’d left behind.
And now the possessor of a hard-won copy ofThe Complete Confectioner.
CHAPTER
eleven
Methinks yer more buccaneer than privateer.” Mistress Saltonstall gaped in outright astonishment as Henri shoveled sandy soil back into a deep hole. “Buried treasure, indeed, even if not ill-gotten!”
Dusk was layering Indigo Island in silvery shadows. It was his favorite time of day, be it by land or sea. “Remember this exact location. You’re the only soul who knows besides me.” His wink was likely lost on her in the gloaming. “And if it goes missing, I’ll know who to blame.”
“Hoot! I’m no long-gone fool or babbler. Yer stash is safe with me.” She dug in her pocket, withdrew a silver ingot, and admired it. “Especially since ye see to the needs of so many and don’t hoard yer prizes.”
