Tide of Fortune

Kerenza found Nick and Maggot in the salon. “What happened? Were you able to speak to anyone?”

Nick shook his head. “No one of any importance. But Maggot says our presence was noted. We might have better luck tomorrow. How is your father?”

“Sleeping at the moment. I promised Broad some dinner.”

“Is coming now,” Maggot said, as Dina entered carrying a huge platter of steaming couscous. Maggot's stepmother followed with the clay pot Kerenza had carried from the lane. Setting it down on the table she removed the lid, and immediately the room was filled with the delicious fragrance of chicken, onions and spices. Dina returned with a bowl and ladle, handed them to Maggot, then followed her mistress out. Maggot ladled couscous into the bowl and topped it with the savoury stew. “I take this to Broad.”

“Will you join us after?” Kerenza asked, torn between hoping he would and hoping he wouldn't.

Maggot shook his head. “No. Please, you enjoy.”

“You've had an interesting morning?” Nick asked as they began to eat.

By the time she had finished telling him, comparing and contrasting all she had seen with the markets in Falmouth and Flushing , little was left on the platter or in the pot. Kerenza suddenly became aware of his intent gaze.

“What?” Quickly wiping her fingers, she raised the tiny napkin to her mouth. “Have I got sauce on my chin?”

He shook his head. “No. It's – “ he shrugged helplessly. “You're beautiful.”

She caught her breath, heat rushing to her cheeks, and looked away. “Please don't,” she whispered. She knew she wasn't beautiful. According to her mother and sister she wasn't even pretty. Too thin, too dark. Her nose too straight, her chin too firm, her mouth too wide.

He caught her hand and held it tightly, his voice low, intense. “I know I hurt you, and I'll go to my grave regretting it. I can't change the past, but by Christ, I've learned from it. And you are beautiful. It's not – I don't mean – “ His struggle to express himself, his sincerity and obvious lack of practice blunted the sharp fears his words had stirred.

She'd listened at dances to young men wooing her friends with compliments and flattery and knew them empty of real meaning. She didn't want that: not from him. What did she want? She didn't know. Yes, she did, but dared not acknowledge it even to herself.

“It's in your eyes and your smile,” he blurted. “You shine.”

Out in the passage Maggot called to his stepmother. Kerenza wondered if he'd done it out of tact, to warn of his approach. Catching Nick's eye, seeing his mouth twist in frustration and wry amusement, she saw the same thought had occurred to him. Releasing her hand, he straightened, reluctantly easing away to a proper distance.

“I must go back to the ship. But I'll send Maggot back before dark. Is there anything you want him to bring?”

You. Kerenza shook her head. She could still feel the strength of his fingers and pressed her hand protectively against her body. “Except – “

“Yes?” he said quickly.

“If we are to be here for several days – perhaps a book, to read to my father if he should become restless. There are two in my trunk, or in the leather bag. Neither one is locked.”

“I won't forget.” He stood up. “Well then.” He hesitated, unwilling to leave.

Shyly she offered her hand. The look on his face as he took it and raised it to his lips aroused exquisite sensations that were almost painful.

“Kerenza,” he whispered.

“You must go.” She looked away, not trusting her voice, her legs, or her heart.