Returning his attention to Helen, Will sighed.“Seems we had to avoid some boulders in the water,” he replied.“Nasir is going to check the hull when we stop at Benin Hasan for supplies.Make sure there isn’t any damage.”
“Is there some danger of us sinking?”she asked with worry.
His attention having gone to Bradley—the boy was once again grinning—Will shook his head.“Doubtful.These are well-built ships,” he said, chucking Bradley on the chin with a forefinger.The babe giggled and coo’d.“They ride high on the water, so they’re usually perfect on a river,” he added, his expression changing when he returned his attention to her.“But apparently there are some stretches along this river where there are islands and rocks to avoid.”
“Dada dada dada,” Bradley said happily, grabbing Will’s forefinger.
He chuckled in delight.“You have me confused with someone else,” he said before he carefully extracted his finger.“If you’ll pardon me, Lady Helen, I’m going up to the bow to speak with the captain.”
“Of course, my lord.Thank you for alleviating my concerns,” she replied.She curtsied to his bow and watched him disappear into the corridor.When she glanced around, she discovered she was once again alone but for her baby brother and the boy at the rudder.His attention wasn’t on her, but rather on the stretch of river behind them.Bradley, however, was watching her intently.
“You really must learn how to address men who are not your father,” she said on a sigh.
“Mama mama mama,” Bradley replied.
Helen rolled her eyes.“Sister,” she corrected him.
“Bird,” he countered, one pudgy finger directed upward.
Her gaze going to the sky, she watched as an egret circled overhead.“Bird,” she repeated softly.
A moment later, and she, too, made her way into the corridor and to her cabin, passing the earl when he paused in front of another cabin door.
The entire way, Bradley said, “Mama mama mama.”
