Quesnel did not answer, only gave her a strange look.

Rue babbled, “It’d only be this once. I should think we could easily find a replacement for you after. I could…” She trailed off, uncomfortable.

Finally, Quesnel said, “That’s the most oddly phrased invitation I’ve ever received. Sweet, of course, but odd.”

Rue immediately stood. “Well, if you don’t want to accept that’s perfectly understandable. I only said I’d ask. I know you’re awfully busy and that the countess and your mother like to have you at their disposal.”

“Now, now, pretty lady, don’t be impulsive.” Quesnel grabbed Rue’s hand to keep her from walking off and pulled her back to sit next to him. “Did I say no?”

“It’d be much easier if you did.”

“Now, chérie, when have either of us ever taken the easy route?”

“Good point. So you’re willing?”

He smiled at her, his eyes crinkling up at the corners. Rue knew from past experience they were a disturbing violet colour, but under the moonlight they were silver. He said, “Of course I’m willing.”

Rue said, “Oh bother,” before she could stop herself.

“See, I knew you wanted me there.”

Rue gave him an exasperated look. “Couldn’t you say you had other commitments?”

“When I could torture you for weeks on end in a confined space?”

Rue sighed. “I suppose I can somewhat see the appeal.”

At which, Quesnel Lefoux slid closer and put one arm about her, leaning her back in exaggerated mockery of a Shakespearean lover. “Several weeks aboard ship and you will be unable to resist me.”

Rue batted at him. “Stop it, you ridiculous man.”

Quesnel dived in to administer a loud buzz of a sloppy kiss on Rue’s cheek.

“Mr Lefoux!”

He snickered at his own theatrics and let her go. “Who else has signed on?”

Rue extracted a handkerchief and made a point of wiping off her cheek. “We’ve got a skeleton crew right now. I’ll recruit Primrose and a few others. I’m going to call upon a possible navigator this very evening.”

“Primrose Tunstell? Topping.” On those few occasions when they had met socially, Quesnel always seemed to enjoy Prim’s company. Rue wondered if she detected genuine interest in her friend or if he was simply being Quesnel about it. He did so enjoy the company of women; the ship wasn’t all that big. Either one could prove awkward. Primrose was also a terrible flirt but she had a propensity to actually fall in love, which Quesnel avoided. Besides, if Quesnel felt the urge to be rakish he ought to be rakish with her. Rue was better equipped to withstand his overtures.

“Why India?” Quesnel asked.

“Ostensibly, tea.”

“Ostensibly?”

“Well, Dama is sending me.”

“And you think he has an ulterior motive?”