Two hours later, a cry came from above, and a bell rang out.
Henrietta rushed to the porthole. She turned, her eyes dancing with excitement. “We’re here!”
The boat dropped anchor. Scurrying footsteps sounded overhead.
A heavy tread came down the passage and someone knocked at the door.
“Who is it?” Verity called.
The door was flung open. The burly sailor stood there. “I’m to take yer luggage. His lordship wants you in the salon.”
Verity sucked in a breath. “I shall follow in a moment.”
As the sailor’s broad back disappeared up the passageway with their trunk, Verity took the pistol from her reticule and slipped it into the pocket of her cloak. She pushed the bag into Henrietta’s hands. “You speak tolerable French. Find the harbor master and ask for papers. You cannot travel under your own name. Make them out to Henri Garnier. And ask after your father. Then you must arrange for the trunk to be taken to the smithy. You’ll find his business lies at the top of the hill above the harbor. Hire whatever vehicle you can and wait for me. Give me an hour or two, if I don’t come, go without me, or better still, get on the first boat back to England.”
Henrietta gasped. “Why can’t you come with me now?”
“I have unfinished business here.”
“You need the pistol for that? I don’t like it. I’ll come with you.”
Verity gave her a gentle shove. “Please, Henrietta, I need you to do this. Just go.”
***
Henrietta reluctantly left the ship and went in search of the harbor master having realized the importance of following Verity’s instructions. While he filled out her papers, she inquired after her father. The man shook his head as he handed her the authority. “You lost your master, boy?”
She lowered her head. “Left me behind when I got sick. Paid me passage and told me to follow ’im. ’is lordship’s a tall Englishman with brown ’air.”
The man nodded. “Ah,oui, I remember him. Passed through a few days back. Arrived on a trade ship. He has not come back this way. Might you be looking for a new master, boy? I may be able to find one for you.”
A sailor came to claim the harbor master’s attention, and Henrietta slipped away.
She walked back to the schooner. Their trunk sat on the wharf. There was no sign of Verity. Henrietta’s heart gave a lurch of dread. Onboard the boat, the hefty sailor stowed the sails. “Like to earn a shilling? A big fellow like you will have no trouble carrying the trunk up the hill.”
With a nod, he leapt down onto the wharf to her.
***
Verity entered the salon. The marquess was barking orders at a sailor. He hurried out, leaving she and Ramsbotham alone. He looked her over. “You are ready to leave?”
Verity curtseyed. “Oui, my lord. I wish to thank you for your generous hospitality.”
He cocked a brow. “I trust you enjoyed our night together?”
“Indeed. You’re such an inventive lover.” She placed a hand on her forehead. “But I have a headache. We drank too much champagne.”
“I remember the charming shape of your derriere and cannot wait to view it again. But I confess my memory of our last hours together is somewhat hazy. Can you tell me what it was that you most enjoyed?”
She smiled coyly and tapped him on the arm with her fan. “La! A lady does not talk of such things. Except to remind you of how long you were able to pleasure me, my lord.” She gave a small crow of delight. “I’ve never been so… stirred.”
He smiled. His conceit would never allow him to doubt her. “Perhaps I should thank you, for a welcome night’s distraction. This journey is often tedious. But why must we say goodbye? You shall travel with me to Rouen, during which, we can further our charming relationship. Without so much wine, my prowess in the bedchamber is considerably better, I promise you.”
“I’m sorry, but I must go...”
As she turned to go, he grabbed her arm, his fingers digging into her flesh. “You said you were to be met…” He drew her to the porthole and gazed out at the wharf. “I don’t see—”
Verity pulled away. “It would be wise to let me go, my lord.”
