Page 72 of A Tenuous Betrothal
They did discuss all manner of things, both inane and important. He reveled in the time. He cherished their companionability. And he loved every minute he caught her eyes with his. Their new plan even allowed him to rest his arm across her shoulders for but a moment when he was pointing out a possible whale sighting.
This journey had renewed its promise to be truly enjoyable.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Rhi stood at the railof the stunning ship that had been her home over the last three weeks and let the wind whip through her hair unhindered. She’d long since given up on pins or bonnets. And though her maid had a devil of a time brushing through her long curls every evening, Rhi continued to let it sail about her in the wind. It felt glorious, a sort of freedom she’d long missed.
Sophie had not been feeling well for most of the journey. That morning had been particularly difficult, and Rhi had not left her side. But at last Sophie had fallen asleep, and Rhi had taken a break from reading to her to walk about on deck. It was such a blessing to travel by ship. She relished the sea, the waves, even the rocking of the boat. But she wasn’t with child, and perhaps that was the thing making the most difference for her friend. Sophie would make a remarkable mother. And, now that her condition had been discovered, Rhi felt doubly pleased that Sophie would likely stay in Oldenburg until after the birth.
They would be arriving in less than a week, perhaps in only a few days’ time. Rhi spent more time watching for land from the bow than doing anything else. Though she loved the blue of the water all around, she yearned for the first sight of her new home.
Without seeing him, she knew when Marc approached, and he joined her at the railing. “Any luck?” He pointed out ahead.
“Not yet. What will it look like? Gray? Brown?”
“It will be a sliver or a haze at first, and you won’t know if it is really land or a trick on your eyes.”
She squinted out across the water.
He pulled a map from his jacket and tucked it carefully in her palm. “I thought you would enjoy this from the captain’s quarters.”
“Oh yes, thank you.”
They moved away from the rail to lean up against a less windy alcove. He unfolded the map, and she took one end while he took the other. They huddled together while he pointed out a patch of blue with land to their right and to their left and the spot where they would be turning into a cove to enter the protected area of his home.
“This inlet is much larger than it looks on the map. As we enter, you might not see all sides to this cove as you do here. But then, as we enter a smaller area, you will see Oldenburg paradise.” Marc grinned.
“It’s a perfect place to have a coastline. Is it more calm from the storms?”
“It is. And more shielded from the dangers of the sea, although Layton, our youngest brother, has negotiated aid from Britain. Between the two navies, we have kept this area safe from enemies.”
Rhi studied him and once again wondered what other dangers he faced. “Who are your enemies now?”
He pointed at Oldenburg on the map. “Do you remember when I told you we are surrounded on all sides by other nations?”
“I do. And you said they were friendly once but no more?”
“They are allies, officially, but before Napoleon’s exile, there were factions within all our nations that supported him. He eventually conquered all the nations that touch ours.”
“But not yours?”
“Not ours. Almost, but never did the war reach our nation.”
“That’s remarkable.”
“We feel it is a great miracle. But, in that circumstance, we didn’t win many friends, as you can imagine. And now that the Vienna Congress is meeting and powers are working to discuss a new Europe, we struggle to maintain our sovereignty.”
She nodded. “I see how that would be important.” Then she frowned, trying to make sense of Marc’s role from the little he’d told her.
“Now there is talk of a force working to free Napoleon from his exile on the Island of Elba.”
“No.” That information he’d never told her.
“Yes. It is my greatest concern and a much higher risk for Oldenburg, and me personally, than the others realize.”
“I’d imagine it is your greatest concern, but why is it a problem or a risk for you in Oldenburg? You are so far from France.”
“Those who are trying to free Napoleon are gathering supporters and are most interested in disrupting the proceedings of the Vienna Congress.” He frowned. “And other nations besides France are seeking to seize power through this congress. It is a sad state of human nature. But overall, most wish to have a balanced power structure in Europe. Obviously, everyone hopes to limit France’s power and their hold on Europe, as we all consider it mostly seized. But although the French government is mostly agreeable to all terms, there are, again, factions that still support Napoleon.” Marc sighed. “There are always factions.”
