“If you can’t do it, set me ashore,” Callie said stiffly. “I’ll make my way by land.”
“Ireallydo not recommend that!” Hawkins exclaimed. “The countryside is badly disturbed and you’d risk bandits, looters, frustrated American militiamen, and possibly British Army patrols.”
Before Callie could say that she’d risk it, Richard said, “It’s not an easy destination, but Mrs. Audley must go there to find her family since she sent them away from Washington for safety. What do you suggest as the best way of reaching the city?”
Hawkins’s brow furrowed as he considered. “I plan to take theZephyrto St. Michaels, a shipbuilding town on the eastern shore of the bay. My pilot, Landers, grew up there and his father owns a first-rate shipyard. While my ship is being repaired, I can hire a small boat and sail you up to Baltimore. A vessel the size of a fishing boat will be too small to attract unwelcome British attention. It’s the best chance for you to reach Baltimore in one piece.”
As Callie ached at the thought of how long that would take, Richard enfolded her hand in his large, warm clasp. “It’s good to listen to people who know what they’re talking about, Catkin,” he said quietly. “You’ll do your family no favors if you get yourself killed.”
She exhaled slowly, struggling to control her anxiety. “I know you’re right. But I don’t like it!”
“Mrs. Audley, there are many things I don’t like and can’t change,” Hawkins said tersely. “This is one of them. But I promise to do my best to make sure you reach Baltimore safely.”
She looked at the two strong, capable men who were risking so much to help her, and bit her lip. She’d also learned hard lessons about accepting what could not be changed. It was time to act like an adult. “I’m sorry for being unreasonable,” she said apologetically. “You’ve suffered grave damage to your ship, Captain, and Richard risked his life to find me in Washington. I am deeply grateful to you both.”
Hawkins nodded acknowledgment, but glanced at Richard quizzically. “Your given name is Richard?”
“It’s one of my names. I was shocked to discover that the Widow Audley was a childhood friend from England.” He gave her an intimate smile. “We grew up as neighbors, but lost track of each other years ago.”
“I thought he was dead,” Callie added.
“That he’s still breathing is not for lack of trying to get himself killed,” Hawkins said dryly.
She almost laughed. “He’s not the only one! Richard told me about a certain cellar in Portugal. The one with bad brandy.”
Hawkins’s brows arched. “It’s not one of my fonder memories.”
“Yet men often seem to love danger and mystery.” Curious, she added, “You didn’t know any of Richard’s given names, Captain Hawkins. What are yours?”
“If you ever need to know, I’ll tell you,” he said, an amused gleam in his eyes. “But for now, I prefer to be mysterious.”
Callie smiled, then caught her breath in shock. The dinghy had just rounded a wide bend in the creek and they could now see where theZephyrwaited quietly at anchor.Two of the masts were broken and some of the sails were shredded. Sailors were working to replace one of them.
Richard gave a soft whistle. “You weren’t joking about the damage!”
“She’s suffered worse,” Hawkins said tersely. “But you can see why I’m in no shape to whisk you back to England.”
“That’s all right,” Callie said, knowing it was time to reveal her uncertainty. “I haven’t decided if I’m going to stay here or return home.” As she said the words, she realized that England did feel like home. But that would not be the only factor in her final decision.
“I should have known that rescuing a woman wouldn’t be straightforward,” the captain said dourly.
“This has more to do with being in the middle of a war than it does my gender. I’ve learned how quickly and disastrously life can change, and how uncertain the future can be.” She frowned. “I can’t decide if I’m so anxious to get to Baltimore just on general principles, or if my maternal instincts are whispering that something is wrong. But worry isn’t helping. All I can do is wait and see.”
“Patience is one of the most irritating adult virtues to acquire,” Richard said ruefully. “But I swear that I’ll stay with you until you know what you want to do.”
“In the meantime, you’re giving us ample opportunity for danger and mystery,” Hawkins said, wryly amused. “Remind me to thank you if I live long enough.”
Chapter 15
Callie’s excitement at finally reaching Baltimore was muted by the time their sailboat entered the city’s harbor. It was late afternoon and golden light poured over boats and buildings. They’d already passed Fort McHenry, a small brick fort that Hawkins said was sometimes called the Star Fort because of its shape.
The fort and harbor were rife with military activity. Their small vessel, theSally May,had passed over a boom designed to prevent enemy warships from entering the inner harbor, and it was backed up by barges bristling with cannon.
Closer to the waterfront a strange structure crossed the harbor, rising and falling on the waves. “What is that?” she asked.
“They’ve used barges to create a temporary bridge to move men and supplies over to the fort,” Hawkins replied.
Richard studied the connected barges. “I can’t help but think about the bridge of boats in Porto on that fatal day we met.”
