“If you don’t go soon, you’ll lose your opportunity to dance with her,” he said. “And let me worry about Crenshaw. If anyone else questions you, tell them the captain condoned it, in this one instance.”
“Sir—”
The captain turned toward him. “Mr. Boyd, you had better go, or I’ll begin to think you are too stupid to captain my ship.”
“Yes, sir,” he said, unable to hold back the excitement in his voice.
Ann’s eyes tracked Will’s movements as he nearly flew down the steps from the helm. As soon as he met her, he extended his hands.
“The captain says if I don’t ask you to dance, I’ll be in trouble.”
Ann didn’t attempt to mask the bewilderment on her face. “You spoke with him about us?”
“He has completely given his blessing.” He leaned near enough that Ann registered his familiar smell. “And I have more to tell you later.”
Ann wished he would tell her everything now, but he raised her hand into dance position and placed his other hand on her waist.
The fiddlers continued to play lively tunes, and sailors and passengers whirled about, performing the steps with gusto. No effects of hunger hindered anyone now, and Ann gazed around her as she danced, thinking that an onlooker wouldn’t believe any of the hardships these passengers endured with how jovial everyone was. Far below in the sick bay, many people still suffered, but in this moment, she felt hope. Maybe they would make it to land.
She thought then of Scotty Rollins and his worsening condition, even despite the blessing from her brother-in-law that morning. Her heart tightened, and she knew she couldn’t tell Will any of that, not right now.
“You saved the ship,” she whispered to him the next time the jig drew them close together.
“It wasn’t my doing,” he said, shaking his head. “That was providence smiling upon us.” He grinned at her. “And as far as saving goes, I feel that you have saved me. I am a new man since you entered my life.”
She could feel the blush pulsing on her already warm cheeks. He was oh so handsome, so capable, and so charming. Yet she knew she needed to tell him about her concerns for the future. She was falling very much in love with him, and it was prudent for both their sakes that she explain the entirety of her thoughts soon.
Ann looked at all the happy couples. If only Will could have been one of those who already believed as she did.
“Will,” she said. “When is your next watch?”
“You are already planning less-than-clandestine meetings, now, are you?”
“I suppose.” She smiled. He was giddy on his success and his new rules concerning her, but she knew what she wished for was more than just a romantic moment.
He closed one eye, calculating in his mind. “I have the second dogwatch.”
“I will try to sneak away from the sick bay around then.” She sighed. “I should be returning down there anyway. I just couldn’t help myself when I heard all the commotion about the sailors returning with provisions.”
“And I need to get these sailors doing something useful again.” He breathed in. “I’ll look forward to seeing you tonight.”
The song finished, and Will clapped his hands. “All sailors to their posts. And, mates, please take the provisions to the galley. We were lucky to receive what we did. Some food is better than nothing. Everyone can have a portion of the meat today and a reduced portion tomorrow. After that, the ration will be one sea biscuit, while they last. If all goes according to plan, we should make shore within a week.”
The end of the journey was in sight! And although the food still sounded meager, Ann was grateful that at least there was something. By the looks of the other passengers, everyone felt the same way.
The sailors left their partners and started moving around the deck in a more orderly fashion. With a contented sigh and one more look at the horizon, Ann took a deep breath and went below to the sick bay.
Chapter 38
Evening, April 15, 1854
53 days at sea
When it was time forthe second dogwatch, Ann hurried through the hatchway to the deck. The seas were blustery, the wind chopping up the waves into a froth, but she caught sight of Will’s retreating form moving toward the front of the boat. Conditions seemed slightly dangerous, but it wasn’t the first time she’d been on deck during a storm when she shouldn’t be. Hefting her skirts gingerly, she closed the hatch without a sound and walked toward the forecastle. She had to know Will’s thoughts on the gospel. Her questions couldn’t wait any longer.
Will’s long strides had made quick work of the distance to the front of the ship, and he stood gripping the rail at the very front of the bow. The bow attempted to cut fiercely through the waves, but the wind hit the ship at an angle, tipping it from side to side. Waves crashed against the hull, dousing the deck in seawater. Will was no doubt soaked, but he didn’t seem to care.
“Boyd,” called a voice. “I need help!”
