John seemed to read her mind. ‘Aye,Swallowis small, but she is quick, nimble and formidable.’ He looked at her. ‘Rather, I suspect, like you.’
She said something that she barely remembered after it left her mouth, because he kissed her again, quickly.
‘We are now on theQueen, Admiral Collingwood’s flagship.’ He pointed up. ‘The Admiral’s flag.’
He rested his hands on her shoulders, all humour gone. ‘What can I say? Thanks to the US Navy, you’re here, too.’ He turned to see the Yankee Captain hoisted on deck. ‘And here is Captain Tyler.’
‘He wanted to meet you.’
‘I am in favour of meeting him, too,’ John said. ‘Not everyone aboard this ship will agree, but we need to know this new nation.’ He went to the opposite railing to greet her rescuer and introduce himself. She joined the captains.
Captain Tyler nodded to her. ‘Miss Fontaine, I have just informed Captain Beattie that I have something of interest to discuss, if Admiral Collingwood wishes to hear me.’
‘I believe he will,’ John said. ‘Let us find out.’
He steered her towards a far grander companionway than on either theJauntyor theHartford. ‘Collingwood already requested the children below-deck, where you will discover who really rules the waves.’
It was a hopeless matter, but she patted her hair anyway. ‘I look a fright,’ she protested.
‘Then I’ve never seen a prettier fright. Here we are.’
She hesitated when they approached an ornate double door with a Royal Marine guard who snapped to attention. He ushered her and Captain Tyler through.
Anna knew that the stern of a ship, any ship, was the Captain’s domain, but this was far grander, with a Turkish rug on the floor, and books held in place on shelves by strips of wood. A youngish man sat at a desk, writing.
‘That can’t be the Admiral,’ she whispered to John.
‘His secretary and gatekeeper to the inner sanctum,’ John said. ‘And here is the crew member I mentioned who really rules the waves.’
She stared at a pointy-eared brown and white dog who, with a composed air, regarded Allan and Pru watching him.
‘He does rule the ocean waves,’ Anna heard from another open door. ‘My dog, Bounce, and his current entourage.’
That was her introduction to Admiral Collingwood, a tall man, taller than John, who probably had to duck below-deck. Leadership and dignity seemed stamped on his face, dress and bearing, but were overruled by the kindness in his eyes, especially when he regarded Bounce and the children.
Anna curtsied, and he bowed. ‘Miss Fontaine, a wily post captain has lured you aboard my ship with the promise of matrimony. Come, come, lass, should you trust a Navy man? Ministers from pulpits everywhere counsel against it.’
‘Admiral, you are not supporting my cause,’ she heard beside her, which told her worlds about this august seaman’s familiarity with his officers.
‘On the contrary, Captain Beattie,’ Collingwood said. ‘I am delighted for you.’ He came closer. ‘As you were, Bounce.’
The dog gave a massive sigh and collapsed on his side, which was all the invitation Allan Beattie needed to flop down and cuddle close. Pru hesitated a moment, then sank down beside boy and dog.
There was something almost homelike about this room, with a well-used sofa decidedly rump-sprung and an equally ornate Turkish rug, where Allan and Pru now sprawled, at least until John held out his arms and Allan scrambled up and ran to him.
‘I wanted to stay on the deck with you,’ his son told him, ‘but Admiral Cuddy wanted to give you a moment with Missy. Why do you need a moment with Missy? She is always around.’
‘She is, thank God. As for why I need a moment with her, you’ll understand when you’re older.’ John motioned to Pru. ‘And you, miss, thank you again for watching out for my little rascal.’
‘He’s easy,’ Pru replied, practical as always.
‘I thank you all the same,’ John said simply, and with a little bow that rendered Pru speechless.
‘Come closer, my dear,’ the Admiral said to Anna. ‘Captain Beattie, perhaps it is not too late for both of us to remember formal introductions.’ He bowed to her. ‘I am certain this is Miss Fontaine.’ He turned to the Yankee. ‘And you, sir?’
John introduced Captain Tyler, who nodded to the Admiral. Anna didn’t think Americans were interested in bowing.
‘Admiral, it is an honour to meet you.’
