“I’m Cade and this is Tam,” Cade said. “We’re both from London. We were caught in France when the war resumed.”
Shivering in the sharp breeze, Tam asked, “Is there a space belowdecks where we can get out of the wind?”
Jones blinked. “So you’re a lass. You should be safe at home doing your embroidery!”
She laughed. “I was always better at getting into trouble than doing fine needlework!”
The captain chuckled. “The weather is getting choppy so you need to keep out of our way.” He beckoned to a young sailor. “Jem, take our guests down to the fore cabin, where they can get some rest. Give ’em some brandy to warm them up.”
Jem led them to a hatch that opened to reveal a steep ladder. “Watch your step, miss.”
The ship was rolling so Tam held on tight as she descended, hearing the snap of sails overhead. To the left she caught a glimpse of the dark hold, which was well filled with contraband.
The cabin was a cramped room lit by a dim lantern and contained a set of bunk beds, carefully secured storage, and a very small desk. She guessed it was the captain’s office. With four people in the cabin it was crowded, and the ceiling was barely high enough for Cade to stand straight.
Jem opened a cupboard and pulled out a bottle. “Some of France’s finest,” he said with a grin, “but you’d best use the water in this jug to thin it down. It’s going to be a rough passage. If any of you get seasick, please use that bucket as I’m the one who will have to clean up after you!”
“Thank you, Jem,” Tam said warmly as she pulled off her wet hat, revealing her blond hair. “We’re all experienced sailors so I hope we’ll be all right.”
Though he knew she was female, his eyes widened at the sight of her face. He swallowed hard before saying, “There’s blankets in that chest, miss. Help yourself. The bunks have railings that flip up so you won’t fall out.” He demonstrated how the lower bunk railing worked. “There’s food and ale in that basket if you’re hungry. Now I need to get back on deck.”
After Jem left, Andre sagged onto the lower bunk and buried his head in his hands. “So we’re on our way!” he said in an unsteady voice. “I never thought I’d make it this far.”
Tam sat beside him and rested a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. “You’ve had a long, long journey. It takes courage to go to a strange land. I hope you find the life you’re seeking in Britain.”
“I want to be free to learn and study to be an engineer like my father.” He raised his head, his expression uncertain. “I also hope to meet a friend. Elizabeth Caton. Beth and I grew up together in India. Her father and mine were both engineers. They worked together for the Sultan of Mysore, but the Catons returned to Britain three years ago.”
It was easy to read his feelings. “Elizabeth is very special to you?”
“She was.” He shrugged. “Impossible to know how she feels now, but I very much want to find her once I’m in England.”
Cade had been leaning against the wall opposite the bunks as he sipped his brandy. “Do you know where she’s living now?”
“Her father works in the Royal Arsenal at Woolwich. That’s part of London, isn’t it?”
Tam gave Cade a swift glance, guessing they both felt a flicker of energy when the Royal Arsenal was mentioned. He gave her a slight nod. “Yes, it’s in the southeast area of the city and there are a number of military and naval institutions there. If her father is working at the Arsenal, he should be easy to find.”
“I surely hope so.” Andre swallowed the last of his watered brandy, then covered a yawn. “Would either of you mind if I take the top bunk? I’ve barely slept in days.”
“Go ahead,” Tam said. “We’ll manage.”
Andre took off his boots and coat, then climbed the ladder at the end of the bunk. As he rolled himself in a blanket, Tam said, “Sleep well. Tomorrow we’ll be in England.”
He gave her a slight, sweet smile, then murmured good night. He slid almost immediately into the regular breathing of sleep.
“Sleep sounds good,” Cade said quietly. “If we lie on our sides, we’ll both fit on the bottom bunk. Unless you’d rather sleep alone? I can take the floor.”
“Don’t talk nonsense,” she murmured as she stripped off her boots and coat. She flipped the railing of the lower bunk into place and estimated that they’d both fit, barely.
Smiling, Cade also stripped off his outer clothing, then crawled into the bunk, his back against the wall. Tam climbed in beside him, her back to his front.
As she pulled the rough blanket over both of them, she gave a sigh of pleasure and relaxation. Cade’s arm went around her waist. He was so wonderfully warm after a chilly night of riding. She loved the physicality of his body surrounding hers, and they fit together perfectly.
“Sleep well, my love,” he whispered as he brushed a kiss against her hair.
She loved hearing the endearment. Once she and Cade reached England, they would have to figure out how to have a future together. Surely there would be a way.
She thought of all the members of the Tribe of Tremayne. She loved each and every one of them; the bond she felt with each was special and unique.
