“No, not an English line,” I said so vehemently that he recoiled in surprise.

“What do you have against them? Was it a Cunard ship on which you sailed to America in uncomfortable circumstances? You’ll not be traveling steerage I promise you.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s an English ship, Daniel. You must realize that my brothers were both known terrorists in the eyes of the English, although we Irish would call them fighters for freedom.”

I realized as I spoke that I had probably never told him the full details of my time in Dublin. Our relationship wasn’t on the firmest of ground at that point and Daniel had just been released from prison. I didn’t want to tell him too much, even now, knowing that he might well agree with the English authorities.

“Come, Molly. Nobody is going to blame you for the reckless acts of your brothers,” he said gently, but I shook my head. “You don’t know it all, Daniel. I was involved in that failed prison break attempt that cost my brother Joseph his life. I had to flee from Ireland. I’m probably still a wanted person in the eyes of the English. I can’t risk being on an English ship and one that would call at Southampton. You’re worried for my life here. I’d be equally worried on that boat.”

“You’d be traveling as Mrs. Daniel Sullivan,” he said. “I don’t see why they would ever put two and two together, but I take your point. I’m sure there will be a ship of the French Line departing soon enough and until then you can lie low in an area where we hope the gang will never think of looking for you.”

“How can I even leave this room?” I demanded, looking down at my current attire. “I can hardly go through the city dressed in silk pajamas.”

“All being taken care of even as we speak.” Daniel lifted Liam into his arms, swinging him into the air and making him squeal with delight. “I met your friend Mrs. Goodwin just as she was going off duty after a night shift. She heard about what happened and offered to help. She’ll be coming around later with clothes for you and she’s going to escort you to the house where you’ll be staying.”

“How kind of her,” I said. “Especially since she’s been working all night and must be exhausted.” Mrs. Goodwin was one of two female detectives on the New York police force. She had started out as a matron, supervising inmates, but had been so successful in undercover assignments that she was now a full-fledged detective. I had met her when Daniel was wrongly imprisoned and she had been helpful to me on several occasions since. “But did you mention Liam to her? He doesn’t even have a clean nappy.”

“She’s a woman, Molly. I expect she’s thought of that too,” Daniel said, putting his son down hastily as he detected the wet towel now on Liam’s nether regions. He went over to the tray that was still on the dresser. “I could do with some fresh coffee,” he said, picking up the last remaining piece of cold toast and eating it greedily. “I haven’t eaten a thing all night.”