After Nash’s speech, Raúl walked up beside her. “Miss Littleton?” He held out his elbow for her to take. “May I escort you back to the main deck?” He glanced at Nash. “As long as your uncle approves, of course.”
Nash didn’t speak, just nodded.
She smiled for Raúl’s benefit, hoping he didn’t notice her distraction with Nash. “That would be wonderful, thank you.” Slipping her gloved hand along the gray material of his suit, she hooked it around his elbow.
Maxey didn’t need to look over her shoulder to see if Nash followed. She knew he did. Her traitorous body still tingled for his caress whenever he came near. Trying to keep her mind focused on other things, she glanced across the beautiful Celtic Sea and caught sight of something in the distance.
“Captain?” She pointed at the object. “What is that?”
The captain fumbled with his pocket telescope and peered through it. “It looks like another ship.”
“A passenger ship?”
“I assume so, since it doesn’t look like a privateer vessel.”
“Pirates?” She gasped, releasing her escort’s arm and walking to the railing.
Moving beside her, Nash rested his hand on the small of her back. “No, Maxey. Pirates are not the same as a privateer. A privateer ship is a privately owned vessel commissioned in war to capture enemy ships. A pirate captures ships for a greedier and more ruthless purpose.”
She smiled as a warm, protective blanket wrapped around her from his nearness. “So, the vessel is neither a privateer nor a pirate ship?”
“No, I do not believe so.” The captain shifted nervously as he continued to peer through the telescope. “I shall keep an eye on it, though, Miss Littleton.”
“Well, if you assure me it’s not a threat, then I’ll certainly sleep more peacefully tonight.”
Captain Bushwell lowered the telescope. “No, it’s not a threat, I’m certain of it. Many ships travel this sea, so it is probably just a private vessel heading in the same direction.” He cleared his throat and turned. “Shall we proceed on our tour?”
Raúl quickly stepped beside her, offering his arm again. She nodded, moving away from Nash and toward the other man.
During the remainder of the tour, Nash stayed a short distance behind. Once the tour had concluded, Captain Bushwell stopped, turned toward the small group, and bowed. “Miss Littleton, gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I have duties that need to be finished before this evening.”
She nodded. “Of course. I thank you for taking the time to give us a tour.”
“Mr. Black?” Raúl asked after the captain had left. “Will you allow Miss Littleton to have the evening meal with me tonight?”
A nervous twinge caught in her stomach as she studied Nash’s expression. She detected a spark of anger in his wary eyes. Could it be jealousy? Would he stay in character in front of Raúl and continue to act the outlandish lie of being her uncle?
Nash tilted his head, his arms crossed over his muscular chest. “I assume you are not planning on dining with her alone.”
“Of course not. I expect you will join us.”
Nash nodded.
Raúl turned his attention to Maxey. “Will it be permissible to pick you and your uncle up at your cabin at seven o’clock?”
She smiled. “That is fine.”
“Until then.” He bowed and placed a small kiss on her knuckles before leaving.
As she watched Raúl depart, a woman caught Maxey’s eye. She recalled seeing the cloaked figure staring at her on a previous occasion, but today the older female wore a shawl gathered around her shoulders. The gown she wore was nicer than the ones some of the other passengers had on. Once again, the woman stood alone, which made Maxey curious as to her identity. Did the stranger have something to do with Nash’s uncle? If so, then why did the lady stare at Maxey so often? And why did she find Maxey so interesting?
Maxey wanted to go to the woman and say something, but once again, the mysterious person turned sharply and hurried away.
Very strange.
“Maxey,” Nash said, disturbing her thoughts. “Have you discovered any more hidden secrets with our new friend?”
She tried forgetting the confusing woman as she focused on Nash. “No. I haven’t had the time.”
