Page 59 of Murder on the SS Leviathan
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‘What the hell were you doing out there?’ Henry stood over Cecile, looking more furious than she’d ever seen him.
‘Steady on.’ Seated beside her on the chaise, Lance paused in rubbing her back. Though wet through himself, and looking like he’d undertaken several rounds in a boxing ring, the first thing he’d done after getting her safely to her cabin was take the quilt off the bed and wrap it round her.
A terrible, penetrating cold had seeped into Cecile’s bones, but her teeth weren’t chattering as badly. Just having Lance beside her was a comfort.
In a short space of time, so much had happened. She’d thought it was the end, that it would be she tossed over the rail into the surging waves. Instead, Lucrezia had saved her and, just as swiftly, Lucrezia had been lost. Her imagination conjured the horror of hitting chill water and sinking, dragged down by the fierce pull of the sea. She hoped Lucrezia hadn’t struggled long, all the while knowing it was hopeless.
With a shudder, Cecile pulled the quilt closer, using its corner to wipe the wetness from her cheek.
Maud passed her husband a beseeching look. ‘Henry, she’s had an awful shock. You know you’re mostly angry because you blame yourself for not having been on deck.’
‘He’ll calm down when he sees reason.’ Maud came to stand beside Cecile. ‘If anything, it’s my fault. I told him not even a madman would venture out in that weather, and his time would be more profitably served joining me in bed. I'm afraid we were too distracted to pay proper attention to noises coming from outside.’
Henry coughed. ‘Really, Maud, there’s no need to go into detail.’
Maud, still wearing the dressing gown she’d hastily thrown on, rolled her eyes. ‘A lively conjugal life is all part of the married state—even when the seed of your labour is already sown.’
Cecile was aware of Lance’s arm around her, giving her a gentle squeeze.
He cleared his throat. ‘Well, I’m mighty grateful you came—and the night-watchman. Without your quick thinking, we might have… Anyhow, the rope was a good idea, and we’re safe.’
‘More thanks to Miss di Cavour.’ Maud touched Cecile’s shoulder. ‘A steadfast friend.’
‘It seems so.’ Henry nodded gravely. ‘She was braver than I gave her credit for.’
‘Most women are, when they’re roused to protect those they care about.’ Maud beckoned to him. ‘Now, I believe it’s time we left your sister to rest. Captain Rocha can wait until tomorrow for his questions. Meanwhile, Mr. Robinson has things well in hand. A hot bath and straight to bed, I’d say.’
Henry seemed momentarily inclined to argue but, looking from his wife to Cecile and Lance, appeared to think better of it.
* * *
As soon as they were alone, Lance touched his forehead to Cecile’s. There was so much he wanted to say, but before bombarding her with his feelings, he needed to put her mind at rest.
Would Miss di Cavour have given Cecile a true account of what had happened between them? He couldn’t say—but he sensed she’d acted through fear of him taking Cecile from her. In her own mind, perhaps, she’d behaved justly, testing whether he truly cared, or would have his head turned at the first opportunity. They’d never know for sure.
He smoothed back a damp tendril from Cecile’s cheek. ‘They’re right, you know. Lucrezia was a loyal friend. When you saw us, I was angry with her, but I understand her better now.’
Cecile’s eyes glistened. ‘I don’t want to think badly of either of you, but I need to know—what she said, what you did.’
Lance held his tongue. He’d do all he could to spare Cecile unnecessary grief. Better for her memory of Lucrezia to be untainted.
‘She was afraid of losing you,’ he said at last. ‘We shared that in common—and fear makes people behave in ways they might otherwise revile. She questioned whether I was serious about you.’
He gave a long sigh. ‘I don’t know, in honesty, what she wanted to be true. We argued, and I let my temper get the better of me. Beyond that, there’s not much to say.’
With a sob, Cecile threw her arms about him, pressing her face to his shoulder. For a long while, they clung together.
* * *
Where love and friendship exists, there is light.
Cecile was sure she’d read that somewhere.
Lucrezia’s light had been extinguished, but Cecile would hold onto the flame of all Lucrezia had been to her.
Her friend had always told her to have courage, but Lance was right; for all Lucrezia’s impish, adventurous spirit, deep inside, she’d been afraid.
