Things went from bad to worse when word spread among the ship’s passengers that their route had changed.
“Shoals, miss,” the first mate said. “They’ve formed across the approach to the landing at Cowes Harbor, so we’ll swing farther east.”
Julia groaned. “How much longer?”
“Nothing to speak of,” he said. “Quarter of an hour, maybe.”
The sightseers and seasoned sailors with iron stomachs didn’t seem to mind. They crowded the rails and craned their necks: the eastern route afforded a distant glimpse of Osborne House, the queen’s residence in East Cowes.
“The royal standard isn’t flying,” a passenger said, peering through field glasses. “Her Majesty must be away.”
Someone whistled. “Look at the size of that yacht at anchor. Belongs to the Prince of Wales. Wonder what Bertie’s doing at Osborne without the queen?”
A third man elbowed his friend and winked. “While the cat’s away.”
Twenty miserable minutes later, the steamship slipped into the protected waters of Cowes Harbor.
Kate said, “You’re looking less green already.”
Julia smiled wanly. “I may live after all.”
“’Tis just what the doctor ordered, if you don’t mind me saying. New sights and fresh air to breathe.”
“You and I could do with both. Speaking of sights …” Julia peered over the rail, scanning the crowd on the quay. “I don’t see—”
“There they are. Over to the left.” Kate streamed her handkerchief. “’Tis Doctor Lewis and your great-aunt, waiting by a four-wheeler.”
Julia’s grandfather lifted his hat and waved it, his snowy hair catching the early afternoon sunlight. Then he pointed them out to his sister, Lady Aldridge.
Kate left Julia with her doctor’s case and carpetbag and searched for a porter to carry the rest of their luggage. A half hour later, they rolled up to the white, ivy-covered hotel only steps from the seawall. Julia climbed down from the carriage and looked up at the castle-like façade of the Marine Hotel.
“Grandfather, you’ve booked us into a palace by the sea.”
Dr. Lewis took Julia’s arm. “Fit for a future king. Fit for my granddaughter. I’m told the Prince of Wales is a regular guest during the yachting season.”
“How grand.”
“A party of young men in his set is staying here now,” Aunt Caroline said. “Laying up their boats for the winter. Or putting them down. I can’t remember which they said.”
“Odd that the prince takes rooms here,” Julia said. “Why not stay at Osborne House with the queen?”
“Oh, he stays at Osborne when Her Majesty is away.” Dr. Lewis chuckled. “Keeping out of his mother’s sight affords Prince Bertie, ah …”
“More scope for mischief,” his sister said.
“He’s there, now. Kate and I saw his yacht at anchor.” Julia turned her face to the light breeze. “You were right about the soft air and sunshine, Aunt. On land, at least.”
“The Isle of Wight is just the tonic you need, my dear. But first, a rest is in order.” Lady Aldridge handed Kate the room keys. “After that, join me downstairs for tea.”
“With pleasure.” Julia kissed her aunt on the cheek and followed Kate up the stairs.Six weeks away from London, and she’s longing for the news,Julia guessed.And she’ll want to hear about Richard.
Julia was Scotland Yard’s first female medical examiner and had worked two cases with Detective Inspector Richard Tennant.After a rocky start, their uneasy alliance evolved into a respectful partnership and friendship.And something more?
Lady Aldridge would ask about his hunt for the man who’d slipped the net on their last case. But nearly a month of silence followed Julia’s last letter. Aunt Caroline would want to know the state of the chaseandher niece’s heart.
If only I had answers.
Lizzie Dowling sped down the path from Osborne House. Her lithe way of moving made her seem girlish, but when she smiled, fine, radial lines etched lightly from the corners of her green eyes. She wasn’t a child but a woman in her late twenties and lovely enough to turn heads.
