Page 70 of A Tenuous Betrothal
He walked out with Henri at his side and said, “Brother, I do think we have much information to exchange again with Bartholomew. I’m pleased you are both here,” Marc said.
“Yes, I’m certain there will be time to discuss all we could wish and more when we arrive. Some things are better if seen in person anyway.”
Marc nodded.
Rhi and Kristoff moved off to the right, walking along the ship’s railing.
Henri stopped walking. “Marc.”
“Hmm?” He didn’t look back, craning his neck to see if he might still catch up with the other two.
“Marc.”
He turned.
“You have to decide what you want to be for her.”
“Pardon me?”
“If you don’t feel you can offer your heart at this time, then don’t offer it.” Henri’s tone was kind, but his eyes were serious.
And Marc knew he was right. His shoulders lowered. “Of course, Brother.”
He turned and went in search of the captain, pretending he didn’t care one bit that he was missing a star-filled sky with Rhi at his side.
He and the captain talked of weather and stars and routes. They pored over maps and joked about the North Sea and its icy blue water. But he could not feel overly satisfied without Rhi.
Voices came toward them in the corridor. Marc could hear Rhi, but she passed by and continued on.
The captain chuckled. “Perhaps you want to go entertain your guests. You don’t need to spend the whole of your evening with me, though I’ve appreciated the kindness.”
“It was my pleasure. I think the guests are adept at entertaining themselves, however.” Marc smiled. “Perhaps I shall read some of my correspondence and take with me some books.” He hefted two volumes from a chest in the captain’s quarters.
The captain dipped his head. “Enjoy your evening, Your Highness.”
“You as well.”
When he returned to his quarters, Marc turned his gas lamp on and sat close, one of the books open to page one.
It stayed on page one for many hours as he pondered his situation until late into the night. When he turned down his lamp and prepared for bed, he still had not come to any great conclusion about how to move forward. Did he want to spend time with Miss Rhianna Davies? He most certainly did. But could he offer her a life full of peace and happiness? He could not.
Before falling into bed, he took to the deck. The night air was beautiful and crisp, the stars were brilliant, and the moon shone out in a long pathway across the water. Small waves rolled in gentle, peaceful motions all around him.
He rested his forearms on the deck railing.
“You went into hiding after dinner.” Rhi came to stand beside him, her shoulder just close enough to brush his.
His first inclination was to run. Meeting in the middle of the night on the deck with a full sky of stars was not going to aid him in his desire to keep things only friendly and romance free.
But she seemed troubled.
“How are you enjoying the ship thus far?” he asked.
“It has been quite lovely. You are correct about your cook’s meals. Supper was delicious.”
“Did you enjoy it? We will run lower on supplies as we approach Oldenburg, but that man can create tasty food from the barest of ingredients.”
“I believe it.” She tapped her fingers on the railing. “Everything is just perfect here.” She turned to him, her hip resting on the railing.
