Ahoy!
Thank you to Mel, Jill, and Gemma!
SEVEN
The four of us are a sight, sitting together at the small table in the brothel. I am grateful that there happens to be no one around to see us.
Isabella provides most of the conversation at the table, primarily with Emmett and occasionally Jasper. She speaks to me often, but I haven't the tongue to respond to her.
"Right, first things first," she says, clapping her hands together. I sip my tea, which is brewed properly, and reminds me of my mother. "We need a ship." She looks at me pointedly.
"I haven't got one anymore." I say, through clenched teeth.
She grins and sips her foul drink known as coffee. I'ven't the taste for it.
"Yes, that is unfortunate," she says slowly. My hands clench my tea cup so tightly, I fear it will break. "Right," she says, looking to her First Mate. "Mr. McCarty. Don't you know a captain of a fine vessel?"
The large man beside me rolls his head on his thick shoulders. "We better not," he says slowly, warily.
Isabella shakes her head. "Nonsense. Are they not the finest captain you've met in these waters? They will do well for our journey."
Emmett looks uncomfortable, but nods slowly.
"You still haven't told us what it is we are doing," I remind her.
She looks at me in surprise. "Haven't I?" she asks, sipping her coffee. I stare at her, waiting for an answer, but she changes the subject. "Right, we must be off. So much to do today and we are getting a rather late start what with the dear Captain sleeping in." She stands from the table before I can call her anything foul.
I make sure I've gathered my purse from the table, stuffing it back into my pocket. My finger is naked without my ring, and I glare at Isabella's back as we vacate the brothel.
It is far too bright outside when we step out, and for a moment, my head throbs. Isabella struts on, Jasper and Emmett close behind her. I refuse to let this woman out of my sights again, so I hurry after them.
"Right. Mr. Whitlock, if you will be so kind as to take your dear Captain down to the docks? I'd like to secure a few items before we embark."
I shake my head when Jasper turns to me. "Oh no, I'm not letting you out of my sights," I hiss to Isabella.
She turns to look at me and smiles. "How flattering," she flirts. "Very well. I do believe one man will be sufficient. Mr. Whitlock, if you please."
He looks at me and I let out a harsh breath before nodding.
"Very well," Jasper says slowly, looking back to Isabella. "What do you need?"
"There is a man named Mr. Smith. Please find him and let him know Mr. Higgins will soon be ready for departure. He will know what you mean by this."
Jasper looks confused, but with one glance back at me, he takes off in the direction of the docks. Isabella never once slows down, and I step up beside her.
"Where are we going?" I ask.
"To secure a vessel," she reminds me. "Honestly, Captain. Are you up for today's tasks or is your mind still locked in dreamland?"
I will have a head of grey before the day is out.
Before I can respond, Isabella's First Mate speaks up.
"Have you thought this through?" he asks, leaning toward her. "I really don't think this is wise."
Isabella looks at him. "Your concern is noted," she tells him. "But it's our best chance."
It makes me inexplicably nervous to hear the uncertainty in the large man's voice. What could we possibly be walking into?