Valentine pressed his lips together. “We’re going to Brest,” he told Rawley. “Just to be safe. I agree with that. Once the ship has been checked, we can leave for England. If it’s not safe, we will make alternate arrangements for travel.”

“A sound plan,” Rawley said.

“Everyone should stay onboard,” the captain said. “I’ll make an announcement to the passengers and let them know it was nothing to be frightened over. These things happen. We have enough provisions on the ship for a week or more, and we can get more supplies if needed in France.”

“Very good.” Valentine nodded.

There was still the matter of Lady Bronwyn, but the small fire had bought them a few days. He would think upon Lisbeth’s advice. There was no point in making a rash decision without considering all the angles. Meanwhile, the Kestrel was going nowhere.

Fourteen

Bronwyn felt the threads of panic catching in her throat, making it hard to breathe. She kept expecting to see the Duke of Thornbury around every corner. She was convinced they were going to get caught because the man was always watching. Even when she hid in her rooms, she could sense his attention on her. It was infuriating!

“This way, my lady,” Cora whispered as they snuck down the gangplank during dinner, while Rawley’s men kept a close eye on the duke and his companion, Lady Lisbeth. It was dark, but the ship was well lit enough to see…and to be seen.

The ship had docked in Brest as Rawley had said they would. As promised, the explosion necessitating the change in course had been small, but had still made a screech of fright tear from her chest when she’d felt the walls of her stateroom rumble. Most of the passengers had been assured they weren’t in any danger and the stop in France was simply a precaution. The captain promised that they would be en route to England within the matter of a day or two…which meant the window of escape was narrow.

At first the plan had been to sneak off the ship during the first night, but Thornbury had not slept, keeping a keen eye on the decks as though he was expecting trouble. His vigilance had frustrated Rawley, but he had adjusted the plan without losing a beat. The duke might not sleep, but he did have to eat. Bronwyn had made an appearance at dinner the next evening, flirting with her usual entourage though it had taken enormous concentration to play the part of the coquette, and then on to the gala. During the ball, she’d had to time it exactly when both Thornbury and Lady Lisbeth were dancing, and not with each other.