“The point is that if I don’t know what you’re saying, I have no idea whether it’s complimentary or not.”

“Ah. I see the problem. I also see the solution. You will have to learn French.”

I turn to him. “Eakingspay ofay arsesay, oursyay isay ulytray ectacularspay.”

His brow furrows. “Is that Latin?”

“Dog Latin.”

“Dare I ask what you said?”

“No, sorry, you will have to learn Dog Latin.”

“There is no such thing. You have made it up.”

When I only continue walking, he jogs up beside me. “What did you say?”

“Something about you.”

“And it was complimentary?”

“Definitely.”

“About what?”

“Is that a cave?” I say, turning. “That appears to be an opening there. We ought to check it out. You’ll need a place to store any items we rescue from the ship.”

“What did you say about me?”

I head to the opening. “It looks like a cave. Come, take a closer look.”

“You will not tell me, will you?”

“Will you tell me?”

“Fine.” He stops, arms folded. “Here is part of a poem I recited, by Pierre de Ronsard, translated as best I am able.”

My lady woke upon a morning fair,

What time Apollo’s chariot takes the skies,

And, fain to fill with arrows from her eyes

His empty quiver, Love was standing there:

I saw two apples that her breast doth bear

None such the close of the Hesperides

Yields; nor hath Venus any such as these . . .

He glances over. “Now yours?”

“I said your arse is spectacular.”

He sputters. “I see . . . While I do appreciate the sentiment, I believe mine was somewhat more romantic.”

“I was complimenting your posterior. You were complimenting my breasts. I do not believe you occupy the higher moral ground here, sir. Now, on to the cave.”

“Are you asking me to explore your cave, crécerelle?”

“Perhaps later. Unless you continue to annoy me with French poetry.”

“Annoy you? I am wooing you. Wait. Did you say yes to my indecent offer? I believe you did.”

“No, I said perhaps, the likelihood of which is dropping with each moment you delay. Understood?”

“Oui, mademoiselle. I also understand that you said that cave exploration is a delight that may well exist in my near future. It is a decision you will not regret.”

“Do you have that letter of recommendation yet? No? Then stop talking and get moving.”

17

The cave is perfect for storage, being high enough from the high tide mark, with an easier walk up than his hideaway. With that, Nicolas does set aside the teasing, and he gets to work. We find two more small caves before reaching the ship. Then it is on to the Temerity herself, and not a moment too soon. The rocks have torn through her side, and she is listing and taking on water, having crashed into jagged boulders twenty feet from shore. That means we must venture into the water to get to her and then take great care unloading her most valuable cargo.