‘Oh sir, that’s very kind of you, but it wouldn’t be proper.’
‘Nonsense! You won’t be alone with me. There will be plenty of other guests in the tap room at this time of day. We residents of Weymouth like to extend a friendly welcome to visitors, you know.’
My feeling of panic increased. Had he mistaken what class of woman I was? Or was this really the custom in a coastal town? I kept walking. Lieutenant Oswald put a hand on my arm to halt me. I snatched it away, terrified that he would notice the layers of lace on my arm. I judged it wisest to stop walking so that he didn’t feel the need to touch me again.
‘Miss Bryden,’ the lieutenant smirked slightly and I wondered whether he even believed it was my name. ‘I would be truly honoured if you would accept my invitation. My only intention is to extend a courtesy to you.’
‘Really, I … ’ my voice faltered. ‘I don’t think … ’
‘Ah, you cannot refuse me!’ he cried jovially. ‘You are feeling the cold, I can see. This way.’
He drew my hand through his arm and led me to the inn. I followed him helplessly, noting the name on the sign: the Nag’s Head. There was nothing remotely charming about either its name or its peeling paintwork. I wasn’t even sure it sounded terribly respectable. I wondered frantically what the officer’s motivation could possibly be for this invitation. Did he hope I would betray myself somehow by something I said? If I offended him, would he have me arrested? He could do that, perhaps, whether he was allowed to rummage me in the street or not. And in prison, my secret could not long be concealed.
The lieutenant led me to a secluded table at one side of the tap room and handed me into a seat. ‘What can I get you? A drop of warming ale? Or perhaps a glass of good French wine to ward off the autumn chill? They have unusually good wines here, you’ll find.’ He smiled wolfishly, and I wondered if he’d referred to French wine as an allusion to the smuggling trade. This inn was almost certainly a customer of ours. I’d learned that most of the wine and cognac served along the south coast had paid no duty at the port.
Now that I was looking directly at the lieutenant, I could see he was a handsome man. He had wavy brown hair, combed neatly, and warm brown eyes. He was tall, with a fine figure and carried himself well.
‘I’d like a lemonade, if you please,’ I answered him nervously.
‘Lemonade? Are you sure?’ the lieutenant asked. Perhaps he hoped a glass of wine would loosen my tongue and make me careless. He wasn’t going to be that lucky.
The lieutenant ordered drinks and then sat down opposite me. Those warm brown eyes drew mine and held them. But I felt they were deceptive. Not mild and kind like Jacob’s. There was a keenness lurking under the surface. And every now and then they left my face and flicked over my bulky figure.
Our drinks arrived, and I saw that I’d been brought a glass of wine after all.
‘The landlady has no lemons, I’m afraid,’ said the officer smoothly. He took a deep draught from his tankard of ale, wiped the foam from his moustache and smiled at me. Nervous knots tied themselves in my belly.
‘I’ve been posted here for six months now, Miss Bryden,’ he said. ‘I’ve never seen you here before.’
‘Oh, I don’t live here,’ I said. ‘I’ve just come ashore to do a little shopping. I’m in need of a few things.’
‘I see. And where are you on your way to and from?’
I hesitated, unsure of what might have been said to him aboard The Invisible if he’d had time to go aboard before following me. I didn’t want to arouse his suspicions further by contradicting anything they’d said. ‘I took berth in the New Forest,’ I told him. ‘At Buckler’s Hard. I’m heading for Devon where I have family.’
‘A strange mode of transport for an unaccompanied young lady. Such a beautiful young lady, if I may take the liberty of saying so.’ He kissed his fingertips to me.
I was too used to extravagant compliments to be flustered by this one. But his air of disbelief, his detailed questions, were making me squirm. I looked at my hands on the table twisting at the napkin I’d been given, and attempted to still them. ‘It must seem so to you indeed,’ I agreed with a nervous laugh. ‘But I have an uncle aboard. He undertook to care for me.’ I laughed again. ‘Indeed, he has often said he is like a second father to me.’ Jacob had said something vaguely similar. Lies were easier to tell if they contained a germ of truth, I was fast discovering.
‘His name?’ The officer sounded a little thrown and this gave me confidence.
‘Uncle Jacob,’ I said more smoothly.
‘And yet your good uncle allows you to walk abroad quite unaccompanied?’
‘Oh, he will be keeping an eye on me,’ I assured the lieutenant, hoping fervently I was right.
‘And the trade that these good men ply aboard The Invisible? There is no sign at all of any gainful occupation, which I find most strange. No catch of fish, no goods to trade or carry.’
‘So many questions, officer. Am I on trial?’
Lieutenant Oswald laughed falsely, and laid his hand over mine where it lay on the table. I withdrew it swiftly, but not before his fingertips strayed to the lace at my wrist.
‘Of course you are not on trial, my dear Miss Bryden,’ he said smoothly. ‘I’m just passing the time of day. And I’m a little curious, I confess.’
‘Then you had better ask the men yourself, sir,’ I said and smiled sweetly at him. ‘For I have never asked. Ladies’ heads are not made for business, as you know.’
Lieutenant Oswald rose to his feet and swiftly exchanged his seat opposite me for one beside me. Before I could do or say anything to prevent him, he had slid in close to me on the bench. ‘It is a great pleasure to meet you, my dear,’ he said, laying a hand on my leg. ‘The local people are so unfriendly to me. It is almost as though they have something to hide.’
I shrank back into the corner, moving my leg from beneath his hand. I was frightened now. This was certain suspicion or a deeply improper advance on my virtue. I couldn’t make up my mind which.
Lieutenant Oswald sidled closer. I was trapped in the corner with no escape, panic rising in my chest. His hand was stealing around my waist, exploring the bulk of fabric at my waist. ‘You would almost think the townspeople were smugglers,’ the lieutenant whispered in my ear, his beery breath on my cheek.
I pushed him firmly away. ‘Lieutenant Oswald, please!’ I said loudly. ‘I’m a respectable girl. You are not treating me with the courtesy you promised me!’
He moved back an inch or two, no longer touching me but his eyes boring into mine. ‘I apologize, Miss,’ he said. ‘Your beauty caused me to get carried away.’
‘Then perhaps it’s time for me to leave,’ I said, attempting to rise. But he grasped my wrist and pulled me back down into my seat.
‘No, my dear. You have not yet finished your wine. Please! Drink up.’
I lifted the glass to my lips with a hand that trembled. Lieutenant Oswald watched me. But I had a little hope in my breast at last. As I’d half stood, I’d caught sight of Jacob lounging against the bar speaking to the landlady. A man I hoped was Will was beside him. He was never easy to recognize ashore; today he was black-haired and black-bearded, dressed like a merchant.
They’d kept their promise and not abandoned me. I was desperately relieved to see them. But were they going to help me, or did I need to get out of this one myself?
I managed to swallow a little of the wine. ‘Thank you so much for inviting me, Lieutenant Oswald,’ I said. ‘It was so very kind of you, but I really must go now.’
‘Stay just a little longer, please,’ he replied, resting his hand on my arm again and stroking it. ‘I still have something to ask you. You are a visitor to this charming port. Would you credit that people would try smuggling right under my very nose? I ask you: what kind of a name is Invisible for a lugger? A name that pokes fun at honest men like myself, that’s what!’
I pushed his hand from my arm, but was forced to hold it
away from me, as he was determined to explore my person.
‘I can’t believe it for a moment,’ I said, my eyes innocent, looking straight at him. ‘You are such a fine-looking officer, I’m sure you set many ladies’ hearts fluttering. Surely every man must respect your office?’
I was holding both his hands firmly now, speaking earnestly to him. But I was growing desperate. Behind him, I saw the landlady advancing on us with a tray of drinks.
Lieutenant Oswald freed his hands from mine and lunged at me. I tried to fend him off but he was too persistent. Gathering all my courage, I elbowed him in the face. He reeled back. At the same moment the landlady reached him and appeared to stumble, tipping the entire tray of drinks over him. He gasped.
‘Oh sir!’ cried the landlady loudly. ‘Oh, I couldn’t be more sorry! What a clumsy, good-for-nothing I am! Here, let me help you.’
She whipped out a large cloth that had been hanging from her waist and shoved it in the officer’s face, pretending to wipe him. ‘Leave me alone, you fool of a woman!’ The words emerged muffled from under the cloth, as the lieutenant attempted to fight her off. But he was no match for the woman, who pulled him off the bench onto the floor, vigorously rubbing him dry. She gave me a significant jerk with her head, indicating the door behind her.
‘Go!’ she mouthed at me.
I didn’t hesitate for a second. I wriggled out of my place and pushed past. There was a crowd of onlookers, already, roaring with laughter at the sight of the king’s officer being manhandled.
Oswald managed to free himself briefly, pushing her roughly aside, and leapt after me. I ran for the door, which Jacob was holding open. Behind me, I heard a huge crash. I glanced back and saw a man had put out a foot and tripped the officer, shouting out ‘Whoops, sorry, sir!’ The landlady took advantage of him being full-length on the floor to sit heavily down on him and rub the cloth in his face again.
‘Don’t you rush off before I’ve cleaned you up, like, good sir!’ she cried, drowning out his muffled shouts that he was performing his duty.
Jacob pushed me through the door the moment I reached it. Will was waiting in the street. He grabbed my hand and pulled me out into the bright midday sun. It dazzled me, but Will ran, leading me swiftly into the town. We raced down a narrow cobbled alleyway before emerging into a wider street again. Will was still holding my hand tightly so I neither tripped nor fell behind. When he finally whisked me into a small shop, I was panting in a most unladylike manner.
The woman serving behind the counter looked up in surprise, but seeing Will, she stepped forward. I was swiftly whisked into a private room where I was left to unwrap my layers of contraband lace with trembling fingers, still gasping for breath. I passed the folded lengths of lace through to Will, who negotiated a deal with the shopkeeper. I dressed once more, delighted to be free of the extra layers. As we left, Will was tucking money into his waistcoat, and the shopkeeper was disappearing into a cellar with the last of the lace. I felt absurdly light, both in my body and my mind, as we left the shop. It was over.
‘That was a near run thing!’ said Will quietly as we walked down the street.
‘Oh, I thought I was going to be caught!’ I said in heartfelt relief. ‘I was in agonies!’
‘Whatever possessed you to go into the inn with him?’ demanded Will. ‘We were frantic at the risk you were running.’
‘How could I refuse when he pressed me so?’ I asked defensively. ‘I was certain he suspected and would arrest me on the spot if I said no.’
‘He’s a rare creature, that one,’ said Will. ‘An honest excise man with a good head on his shoulders. It’s a dangerous combination.’
‘For us, it is,’ I agreed. ‘Oh dear, I am so relieved that’s over. I thought I should die of fright!’
‘Didn’t you enjoy it even a little bit?’ asked Will curiously. ‘There is a thrill in outwitting the law, I find.’
‘Not at all,’ I said firmly. ‘I’m at heart a law-abiding citizen, I believe. I take no pleasure in danger. Besides, he had his hands all over me!’ I shuddered at the memory.
‘Did you not enjoy the landlady’s prompt action though?’ asked Will beginning to laugh.
I remembered the stout landlady sitting on the poor officer, under pretence of helping him, and smiled reluctantly. ‘Yes, that was amusing,’ I agreed. ‘I can’t tell you how grateful I was to her. And I never thought I should be so pleased to see you either, as I was when I spotted you in the inn!’
‘Ah, you’ll love us all yet, wait and see,’ replied Will lightly. ‘Dear me, look! It’s the good lieutenant heading our way. Quickly, take my arm and let’s greet him with all the courtesy in the world. We can tease him a little.’
Will drew my hand through his arm and pressed my fingers mischievously as the lieutenant approached. As we drew level, he lifted his cap politely and I stopped with a sympathetic smile.
‘Dear sir! I do hope you’re quite recovered from that most unfortunate accident?’ I asked him solicitously, noting the bruise forming under one eye. ‘You look a trifle … shall we say ruffled?’
The lieutenant smoothed his dishevelled hair and moustache distractedly and cast a disappointed eye over my now-slender figure. ‘I’m not convinced it was an accident at all!’ he blustered. ‘You were very quick to abandon me, Miss Bryden.’
‘I’m so sorry! But you see, I was late to meet my cousin, Ted,’ I smiled up at Will, who smiled back and nodded politely at the officer. ‘It was impolite of me, and I’m glad to see no harm was done.’ I cast a quick look over the lieutenant’s soaked clothing and sniffed the ale aroma drifting from him and smiled slightly. ‘Well, not too much harm in any case. I must take my leave now, but thank you so much for your hospitality. Again.’
I extended my free hand to him, and the lieutenant bowed over it and kissed it. ‘I’m sure we’ll meet again, Miss Bryden,’ he said with meaning.
‘I’m sure I hope so!’ I told him sweetly.
Oswald glared at Will. ‘As for you,’ he said, scowling. ‘You needn’t think I don’t know you’re the gang who bring in contraband from Chewton Bunny to Scratchy Bottom. Your days are numbered.’
‘What’s that?’ said Will, suddenly distressingly deaf, one hand behind his ear. ‘You’re feeling funny and have a scratchy bottom? Ah, that’ll be the ringworm, like as not. Get yourself a purge from the physician. That’ll do the trick.’
Oswald grew alarmingly red in the face. ‘Goodbye, good sir!’ I cried hurriedly, dragging Will away from the enraged riding officer.
‘How could you?’ I asked him reproachfully.
Will grinned. ‘Oh, that’s an old joke. I couldn’t resist it. Very nicely done from you too,’ he added approvingly. ‘Just the right blend of innocence and bare-faced cheek. Isabelle, we shall make a fine smuggler of you yet!’
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sleep was elusive that night. The excitement of the morning had caused a fire in my veins that wouldn’t die down. I wriggled restlessly on my bunk for several hours before finally giving up. I got dressed, wrapped a blanket around me and went out on deck.
It was a mild night for November. The stars were obscured by clouds and the breeze was light. The crew of The Invisible were sleeping or had shore leave. We’d left Weymouth behind us, many of the crew too, and were moored off Swanage Bay. We’d done a spot of fishing with our rarely-used nets to give ourselves a valid reason for being here and Harry had fried fish for us all.
The weather was utterly different to only twenty-four hours ago. The storm had blown itself out, leaving stillness behind. The rain-washed sea was leaden, moving heavily around us in a languid swell. The mournful cry of an owl sounded from the shore. I went to the rail and stood looking out to sea, while my thoughts buzzed through my mind. The fresh air and stillness didn’t calm me at all. On the contrary, I felt wide awake and full of life in a most unfamiliar way. I found I couldn’t keep still and slowly paced the deck.
After a while, foot
steps joined mine, and I didn’t need to look to know it was Will. I’d been thinking about him, so his appearance beside me in the middle of the night seemed quite natural. We walked in silence for a few minutes. ‘Couldn’t you sleep either?’ I asked at last, breaking the silence.
‘I was sleeping very well,’ said Will with a yawn. ‘Until someone started pacing above my head.’
‘I can’t have woken you!’ I said, surprised. My stockinged feet had made next to no noise on the deck, I was sure.
Will grinned sleepily. ‘I don’t know what woke me, but once I was awake, I did hear something, and I guessed it might be you. It’s all that unaccustomed excitement, I expect.’
‘I think it must be. I’m restless and don’t know what to do with myself. I feel so very … alive. No, that sounds stupid. Of course I’m alive.’
‘Yes, but it’s not every day one is so acutely aware of it. An action tends to have that effect. Often after a brush with the law you’ll find the crew all awake late into the night, no matter how tired we are. It’s what makes this life so attractive to many. That and the money, of course.’
‘Not that I’ve had any of that,’ I pointed out.
‘I’m looking after your share for you for the time being,’ said Will. ‘In case I didn’t say so earlier: you did well today, Isabelle.’
‘Praise from you!’ I exclaimed archly. ‘I declare, I’m overwhelmed.’
‘Am I such an unreasonable taskmaster?’
‘Not usually unreasonable. Impatient and exacting, yes.’
‘I like things done well if they are to be done at all.’
I tried to suppress a smile and failed.
‘Very well, I apologize,’ said Will with a smile.
‘This is a night of surprises,’ I told him. ‘You are pleased with something I did and willing to apologize.’ I dropped my bantering tone and added after a pause, ‘Perhaps at times you had reason to be harsh with me. I look back and feel ashamed of myself for how I behaved at first.’
‘There’s every need to,’ said Will. I caught my breath at his unkindness when I had already admitted a fault, but then saw the flash of his teeth in the dark and realized he was smiling again.
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