Page 69 of My Fair Lord

“Yes, let’s do that.”

Florence held out her hand. Conscious of her sister’s presence next door, Ned took it and lifted it to his lips as quickly as politeness would allow, though he would have gladly held on to it for the rest of the day. When he released it, she placed it in her lap, her fingers curled around the palm and Ned wondered if she was feeling the same tingling sensation that heated his hand.

“It’s a fine night. Will you walk on the upper deck with me, Miss Wakechild? I believe we will be able to hear the music from outside and there will be plenty of people around.”

The way Florence’s eyes slid towards her sister’s room then back to his with a gleam.

“That sounds an excellent idea.”

Despite the chill, the deck was busy. Children played games, giddy with excitement at being allowed to stay up late. Groups of friends laughed and chatted. Couples strolled arm in arm. Ned pulled Florence as close to his side as he dared.

Lord Griggs was in the company of two elderly men in formal evening wear that was at least two decades out of fashion. He spoke to them then sauntered over to Ned and Florence.

“I trust everything is sorted out and bridges have been mended?”

“Yes, Lord Griggs,” Ned said.

“Good. Although it would be in my interest for you to quarrel, my feelings for Lady Griggs prevent me from taking advantage of it.”

“Advantage in what way, my lord?” Ned asked.

The baron smiled. “This wager is turning out to be more inconvenient and expensive than I expected. I have a ghastly feeling I’m going to lose it.”

“You flatter me, my lord,” Ned said.

“No, he doesn’t,” Florence said, patting his hand. “In appearance, clothing and deportment, you are easily as noble and handsome as any man on this ship, but it is your manner and conduct which truly elevates you.”

Lord Griggs made a harrumphing noise. “Once this is over, I expect you’ll be looking for further employment? I may have come across something which sounds like the sort of thing you do.”

Ned tried to look keen, though the imminent end of his time with Florence was something he was doing his best to avoid thinking of.

“Did you notice that portly fellow in the grey suit which makes him look like an undertaker? He owns a newspaper and his son has eloped with a Bosnian countess. The chap was last seen setting himself up as an artist in Boston. His father wants the affair to end and the son to return home.”

“Returning is one thing, but why should he give her up?” Florence demanded.

Both men appraised her and she returned their gaze unblinkingly.

“Because it’s a foolish affair according to his father,” Lord Griggs said.

She jutted her chin out. “Well, the father might be wrong. I hope they have already got married; then even if they are forced to return home, they’ll get to be together.”

“It will be a lot easier to untangle them both if they haven’t,” Lord Griggs said. He met Ned’s eyes.

“I don’t suppose you fancy tracking him, Mr Blake? Or are you keen to return to Britain?”

“I have no plans,” Ned said, carefully avoiding Florence’s eye.

“Excellent. I’ll tell him I’ve found an agent,” Lord Griggs said, apparently completely ignoring Ned’s answer. The baron turned away and followed his companions into the smoking room.

“Don’t worry, he won’t have a contract drawn up by the time we dock,” Florence said, clearly thinking the same as Ned. She laughed gently and looked up at him. He drank in the warmth of her gaze and smiled tenderly. The moonlight caught the red in her hair, turning it to gold. Ned had never wanted anyone as much as he wanted her, and the thought of losing her was unbearable.

All he could do was play his part and ensure that she was not condemned to a marriage she would find unbearable. If the coin that was currently spinning in the air fell one way, could he dare to hope? No. He wasn’t a particularly superstitious man but thinking like that could only doom him.

“Ned, with your permission I would like to persuade the captain to invite you to the formal dinner tomorrow,” Florence said. “It’s the last night of the voyage so should be something to behold. I’m sure he will agree, if not for me, then for my brother-in-law. He practically curtseys when Lord Griggs passes by.”

Ned laughed at the image her words conjured. There was only one night of the voyage left. Any time they were together once they reached New York would be in the act of carrying out the deception and they’d never again get the opportunity to be alone together.

Then they’d be parting.