“But first, Miss Vos”—he retrieves an object from his overcoat pocket—“this is for you.”

My eyes widen at the unwrapped box. “A present?” I don’t intend to sound so surprised, but this is Hutton after all. He’s not exactly the syrupy type.

He flaps his hands to speed me along. “Go on and open it. As I said, there is no room to dally.”

Considering we have several minutes yet, and with my trunk already checked, I now sense his impatience is actually over the reveal of his gift. I subdue a smile and remove the lid.

What I uncover bewilders me.

Not only is the watch styled for a man, but with light scratches on the glass face, it appears well worn.

He explains. “You did mention having left behind your father’s pocket watch in Holland. While nothing could rightly take its place, I imagined this could do as next best.”

I smile, genuinely, the sentiment being sweet. Nevertheless, I find it humorous that he just might be gifting me an abandoned watch from the “Left Luggage” counter at King’s Cross.

“I appreciate that. It’s very kind of you.”

“This isn’t just any token, I will have you know.” He buzzes with excitement, and now I’m curious. “I trust you recall the tale of my second meeting with Houdini, whereupon he revealed his trickery pertaining to my crate. Yet the portion you have yet to hear is that, by way of consolation, he presented me with a souvenir, as he described it: ‘a fine silver watch.’”

My jaw slackens. Reviewing the timepiece before me with a vastly altered perspective, I brush my thumb over its features with the care of handling delicate china. “But, sir…I can’t take this. It’s so valuable.”

“Indeed, it is—and it’s not. You see, only much later, upon close examination did I discover it isn’t silver at all but white metal and practically worthless. The clever chap had fooled me again.” Hutton grins broadly, a contradiction in pride, and I break into laughter, once more buoyed by a person who’d become quite the unexpected friend.

“Thank you,” I tell him. “For everything.”

He offers a handshake. Instead, I lean in and touch a kiss to his cheek, causing him to blush.

“Take good care of yourself, Clutty.” I don’t say this lightly, nor is his response any less meaningful.

“You as well, Miss Vos. You as well.”

Chapter 86

The ten-day ship ride to New York requires more zigzagging through the Atlantic. Once again, my priority lies in assuaging Evelien’s fears, and in doing so, I too find a modicum of comfort.

Besides, what would our fretting change? More productively, I pass the time by teaching her basic card tricks and, on a night when the rough seas become worrisome, I think to lend her the wooden train.