‘You were a lovely lady,’ she said. ‘And look, your husband takes you with him wherever he goes. Some day, maybe I will have a portrait, too.’
Parting turned into something immeasurably difficult. She had said goodbye to John before, but never after marriage, no matter how ‘convenient’ both of them had decided it was. She noticed his glances at his timepiece, and saw a man either steeling himself for goodbye or eager to leave.
She heard it in the advice he gave Allan over breakfast to do whatever Missy told him, and find ways to help her in Admiral Collingwood’s wonderful home. ‘Beattie is a name well-known in the fleet, son, and here at home now. Remember that.’
Admiral Collingwood had his own announcements. ‘Mrs Beattie, yesterday I sent Hector Durand to buy a horse and cart, which he found and will keep here—you may have noticed the stable. It’s a little less than half a mile from Port Mahon to my house. You need only tell him when you wish to go to the port, or that Anglican church and school, and he will oblige.’
‘Thank you, Admiral,’ John said. ‘What do I owe…’
Collingwood held up his hand. ‘This is my idea and my expense. No argument, captain, and that is an order! Alas, you and I must leave as soon as he pulls up in the driveway.’ He looked around at them all, his gaze resting on Anna withsympathy. ‘It’s never easy to say goodbye.’ He smiled. ‘Better to practice it in a sweet place like Menorca, my dear.’
What could she do but agree? Anna clasped her hands together. ‘Admiral, tell me: is the first goodbye the hardest?’
To her chagrin, his eyes misted over. ‘None are easy. We do this for England, don’t we, John?’
‘Aye, sir. Don’t see me off, you three,’ John said in turn. ‘I’m curious about something.’
Anna let herself be folded into her husband’s generous embrace. ‘This is never easy,’ he whispered into her hair.
She did not doubt him. ‘What are you curious about?’
He gestured to the children. ‘Allan, yesterday I noticed steps leading down from the edge of the property. I imagine they lead to the beach below the house.’
Allan nodded, his eyes bright, ready for an adventure, when only months ago he had been a sad little fellow, hungry and clinging to Pru. ‘I can go down the steps.’
‘How about the three of you get yourselves to that beach?’ John asked. ‘I think the land slopes more there, so it isn’t like that dreaded climb from the dock to Port Mahon proper.’
‘Why do you want us to do that?’ Anna asked. ‘I like an adventure, but I’m curious, too.’
John shrugged. ‘No particular reason. I wonder what our own inlet looks like, that’s all.’ He gave Allan a man-to-man look. ‘I will appoint you as temporary leader of this expedition, son.’ He pointed to Anna. ‘Mind you, temporary. Missy is the head of the house when I am away. If she declares the steps unsafe, you will not take them. That is an order.’
Then she had to wonder if maybe her husband was the wisest man she knew, especially when the little fellow sniffing back tears at yet another farewell turned into a boy ready for an adventure on the steps.
‘You’re a wise husband,’ she told him.
‘Just a practical one. It gives me a chance to kiss you.’
They kissed and he shouldered his duffel. ‘Admiral Collingwood and I are on our way.’
‘Will you and theSwallowtake him back to theQueen?’
‘Nay, lass. TheSwallowis bound on a fishing expedition, first to find theHartford. We two ships will scout between Mallorca and France, not sailing too close together, but close enough for mutual aid, if needed.’
‘Admiral Collingwood is going to swim to his flagship?’ she teased.
He laughed. ‘Remember theReliantin Mahon’s harbour? The frigate will take him back to his flagship.’ He kissed her again. ‘Beware of possible Italian guests.’
‘I will,’ she whispered, wanting to say so much more as he left, but contented herself with, ‘Be safe.’
‘I promise I will, but, like you, I face the truth. This is war. Stay out of trouble, if you can.’
She waved from the porch, then wandered upstairs to straighten things. From the balcony she saw the children heading towards the steps and went into the closet for better shoes. She looked at John’s side and noticed that Cathy’s picture wasn’t there any more.
She leaned against the door, telling herself to be patient.
‘I know you need Cathy with you,’ she said out loud. ‘But I wonder, will it ever be my turn some day?’
Chapter Twenty-Nine
