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“Unfortunately, yes. Doctor James is inundated.”

“My wife’s father was a doctor and she assisted him. She could be of help to Doctor James.”

The captain seemed surprised but then nodded. “If she could, I am sure it would be appreciated.”

Thomas made his way back to the cabin to find Elena pushing everything back into place. “Your father’s bag?”

“It is unharmed.”

He took her hands in his. “Good. You may have need of it. The captain said the ship’s doctor is inundated with patients. He could use your help.”

“Me?”

“Just to assist; no need to give away all your secrets.”

Elena grabbed her father’s bag. “Show me the way.”

They heard the screaming and moaning before they even got close to the infirmary.

“Hold that man down, Jenkins,” the doctor shouted. He looked up and saw them standing in the doorway. “I don’t have time for bruises and cuts, I’m afraid. I will come to you later.”

“Doctor James, my wife assisted her father for many years in Spain. He was a doctor too. I think you will find her help invaluable.”

He looked up at Elena. “Is this true?’

Elena nodded. “I can triage for you and bind wounds, even stitch them if required.”

The doctor looked at Thomas, who translated. “How can she help if she does not speak English?”

“She can speak French.”

“That will have to do,” he said as Elena was already putting on her apron. “Looks like she is going to help either way.”

Thomas put her bag on the floor next to her. “You will have to speak French to the doctor as he does not know Spanish.” Elena nodded and showed him out. The last thing he heard was her asking the doctor where she might find bandages.

*

By the time Elena came back from the infirmary, she was covered in blood and exhausted but had a smile on her face. She really did love tending to others. That night at dinner Doctor James praised her efficiency and skill. And every officer at the table spoke to her in French so she did not feel left out. That night they took a stroll on the deck so she could see the damage for herself, and she praised the crew for their brave actions. They all tipped their caps to her.

The next day the ship limped into London. Elena refused to leave the ship until she had visited the injured one more time. If Thomas didn’t already love her to distraction, he could not have loved her more at that moment.

They hired a cab to take them to Thomas’s London apartment. It was small and sparsely furnished as he never spent much time there, but it was a place to lay their heads for the night.

Elena stumbled getting out of the carriage having not quite got her land legs back yet. She giggled as she swayed from side to side going up the stairs but once they were inside, she collapsed on the bed. “I feel dizzy,” she said trying to rise on her elbows.

“You may for a little while. Until then we rest, eat, and drink.”

“There is nothing here to eat.”

“I’ll go and talk to the landlady. She will help us with some food until you are well enough to go out to eat.”

“You are going to leave me here alone?”

“Only for a short while. I have a few errands to run and a special license to acquire,” he said with a wink. “In the meantime, I will get a pot of hot water sent up so you can have your tea. Then I want you to sleep.”

“Yes, sleep will be good.”

“I’ll be back before you know it.” He kissed her and placed the covers over her.