Close to the Wind Read online

  ‘I won’t move an inch until you return,’ promised Georgiana, her heart fluttering with newborn hope.

  The man nodded and began walking away, then suddenly turned around and put out his hand. ‘I’m forgetting my manners,’ he said. ‘I’m Tom Mellors. I’d better know your name before I go offering your services.’

  Georgiana rose, shaking the proffered hand. ‘My name is Sarah Trent.’ She was surprised at how quickly and easily the name slipped into her mind.

  ‘Miss Trent, I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance.’ He had a kind smile and Georgiana couldn’t help warming to him.

  ‘Not as pleased as I am to make yours,’ she assured him. She could not believe her good fortune in meeting this man. Her grandmother was still there, guiding the way.

  ‘Wait here,’ he said, ‘and I’ll be back as soon as I can.’

  ‘I won’t stir a step until you return!’ She watched him go, her mercurial spirits already beginning to soar.

  Well, Captain Harry Trent, thought Georgiana as she leaned against the railings of the large ship, watching Madeira recede into the distance. With luck, it might go even faster than Harry’s vessel. You should see me now!

  She felt both triumphant and energised, once more sure she was following the right path. It had all been arranged so easily that surely it must be fate. Mr Taylor had evidently leapt on the suggestion with great gratitude and insisted on paying her passage. The captain had been easy to persuade, for Tom Mellors had solved the problem of finding an extra berth by offering to share his cabin with Mr Taylor. Georgiana could thereby sleep with the children, Julia and Sebastian, aged ten and six.

  Consuela had been disapproving when Georgiana had begged her to turn the captain of the Marigold away when he came to visit later in the morning. ‘This is not what Harry arranged for you.’

  ‘I know, but then Harry did not arrange things the way I wanted them to be. I’m not going to be one of those women who simply accepts his arrangements for them before he disappears out of their lives. I can manage my affairs quite well enough on my own.’

  The older woman was troubled. ‘So you will go your own way, all alone, with no one to look after you? Think. These decisions will affect your life forever. There will be no going back.’

  The world is very harsh, especially to women. I know. My own mother led a wretched life.

  But she was in no mood to consider, even for one second, the words of a certain lying, treacherous pirate. This time she was most certainly done with all men. For all time. With a toss of her head she’d said, ‘I don’t need looking after. Please don’t look like that, Consuela – this time I’m not going to do anything shocking or dangerous. I’m going to be a governess. What could be more respectable than that? And I have just the dress for it!’

  This drew a laugh from Consuela and she dropped her disapproving manner. ‘Will you see Harry in New Zealand?’

  ‘If I never see Harry Trent again in my life it will be too soon!’

  Consuela didn’t say anything, but her scepticism was plain as she turned to the subject of buying more undergarments, collars and cuffs, and toiletries for the voyage. The money Harry had left came in very handy. She shook her head as she watched Georgiana pack her male attire.

  ‘Why not leave those things here? You won’t need them again.’

  ‘You never know.’ Georgiana spoke lightly to disguise the fear that still lodged in her stomach, despite her rising hope. She had no idea what she was going into. More than that though, at this moment she needed something tangible of Charlie’s. Somehow, his old, castoff clothes forged a link with him and she couldn’t bear to leave them behind.

  As Georgiana was leaving, Consuela gave her a large bag.

  ‘There are two dresses which will have to do until you can get some more. One will be good on the ship, but the other,’ she said, looking mischievous, ‘is for when you want to be beautiful. It is not for governesses, nor for girls who dress as boys, you hear.’

  ‘Oh Consuela, I’m afraid it will go to waste, then. You know I can’t be that sort of woman.’

  ‘Then you must learn, senhorita. It is there, in you. Let it out.’

  Georgiana took the package and hugged the little Portuguese woman. ‘I don’t know how to thank you.’

  ‘Then, let your hair grow,’ Consuela advised her, ‘for I do not like it short. And always remember – if you believe yourself to be beautiful, others will believe it too.’

  ‘Miss Trent,’ little voices called out. When Georgiana didn’t react, the voices grew more urgent, ‘Miss Trent!’

  Georgiana suddenly remembered her new name and turned to the bright young faces which were now at her elbow.

  ‘Didn’t you hear us calling you?’ Julia sounded surprised and a little aggrieved.

  ‘I was daydreaming. Now, what do you need me for?’

  ‘We don’t exactly need you,’ said Sebastian, who liked to be precise, ‘but we thought—’

  ‘—thought you might like to see the picture of our mother. We have one in the cabin. Her brother drew it of her when she was young. Would you like to?’

  ‘I would love to,’ said Georgiana and allowed herself to be towed to the cabin she would share with her two young charges. She admired the picture of their mother who had died four years earlier, and was then introduced to Julia’s doll and Sebastian’s dog, made out of rags by a kind housekeeper. Soon it was time to straighten clothes, brush hair and make their way to the dinner table.

  As they were leaving the cabin, Georgiana squared her shoulders, drawing in a deep breath. She had never been a governess before, and she was not sure she would be able to carry it off. Yet another new role to assume. Could she convince them? She touched the griffin under her dress. Remember, the griffin protects treasure.

  Julia noticed Georgiana’s hesitation and slipped her hand into her new governess’s. ‘Don’t be shy. Sebastian and I will look after you.’

  Georgiana laughed. ‘I’m supposed to be looking after you. But I admit I am a little nervous.’

  ‘Don’t be. Everyone will be so pleased to have someone new to talk about,’ Julia assured her. ‘They’ll want to know everything about you!’

  Thus thoroughly un-reassured, Georgiana went forth to face her new companions.

  Chapter Fifteen

  As Julia predicted, the passengers were delighted to have someone new to the table and Georgiana was plied with questions. She smiled and answered best she could, though inwardly she cursed. She had picked a ridiculously flimsy story to explain her predicament. Captain Dunn, who sported a magnificent pair of mutton-chop whiskers, was most perturbed by her story.

  ‘What a scoundrel the fellow is. What was his vessel called? What was his name?’

  She shrugged and looked helpless. ‘He was French – I can’t quite remember. Dubois? Dupont?’

  ‘French! Well, that explains it. Bounders, the lot of them, and that captain ought to be keelhauled for stealing all your belongings. No honour at all, these Frogs.’

  ‘It’s a terrible situation to be left in,’ said Mrs Roper. She was a widow travelling out to join her own brother, which perhaps was why she looked at Georgiana with such sympathy. ‘Now Miss Trent, I have a length of material of entirely the wrong colour for myself – blue-grey. I don’t know what I was thinking of when I bought it, but it will suit you well. We’ll make it up together.’

  ‘I couldn’t possibly—’ but Georgiana’s protests were cut short.

  ‘Nonsense. I mean it. I would never wear the colour myself, and you must not deprive me of the pleasure. I have never had a daughter, you see.’

  ‘Then I am truly thankful for your generosity and kindness,’ said Georgiana with a smile.

  During all these questions, Tom Mellors, the architect of her good fortune, had been
listening quietly as he ate. From their first meeting, he had shown her nothing but consideration and practical assistance. He had even carried her bags to the ship, then shown her around. She’d been horrified to discover he’d given up the privacy of his cabin, but when she’d tried to thank him, he’d raised a hand in protest.

  ‘Please, Miss Trent. You were obviously in a difficult situation and I’m only too delighted you allowed me to help you. Let’s say no more on the matter.’

  Now, as he sat opposite her at the dinner table, she was aware of feeling strangely reassured to have his quiet support. When the meal was over and she rose to take the children to bed, he rose, too.

  ‘Sleep well, Miss Trent. I look forward to renewing our acquaintance tomorrow.’ His voice was cordial, but there was a note to it that caused Mrs Roper to look arch and Georgiana to feel flattered yet confused. Could it be that for the first time in her life, a man was actually showing interest in her? Ha, Harry Trent!

  Fine weather enveloped the ship as it sailed down the length of Africa, and the days slipped by pleasurably. Georgiana’s charges, though clamorous and demanding, were greatly taken by their new governess who gave them lessons but somehow also made them fun. Her lively imagination, coupled with her experiences in the circus and the plots of plays she’d acted in, helped her make up exciting stories. She was good at card tricks and even taught them a couple which they delightedly tried out on the other passengers.

  Georgiana found that she, too, benefited. Julia was a self-possessed young lady and from the moment her eyes opened in the morning she began talking and did not stop all day. Her friendly nature took her around the ship and she returned to Georgiana with a fund of information about the passengers and crew.

  ‘Did you know, Miss Trent, that those poor people in steerage have almost no light down below? Mary’s my friend and even though she’s twelve, she can’t read and write. She took me down and the smell is terrible.’

  ‘I hope you didn’t mention that.’

  ‘Of course not!’ Julia was affronted. ‘I told you, Mary’s my friend. Her father says that they are going to a new life with golden opportunities. Is that why you are going to New Zealand, Miss Trent?’

  Georgiana laughed. ‘That’s why my brother went! As for myself, I don’t know. There will be opportunities, but whether they’ll be golden or not remains to be seen.’

  ‘When I asked Mr Mellors if he was looking for golden opportunities, he said that’s what everyone is looking for.’

  Julia also kept her informed about the ship’s course, the captain being a great friend of hers as he had a daughter on shore much the same age. ‘We’ve had exceptionally good winds,’ she said with satisfaction one day, perching on the bunk across from Georgiana’s. Georgiana was sewing the seams of the new dress that she and Mrs Roper had cut out. The colour was going to look well on her, and she felt the welling thrill of having one dress which would be truly elegant. Her aunt had always dressed her in frills and lace to try to make her pretty, but they’d looked ridiculous on her.

  ‘Captain Dunn says he’s never had such a smooth ride and that I must be his good luck charm. Am I your good luck charm too, Miss Trent? Do you believe in them?’

  ‘Indeed I do. I’ve shown you my griffin – it directs my path. Look how lucky I’ve been to get this job with you and Sebastian. But perhaps Mr Mellors is also my good luck charm. It was through him that I met you.’

  Julia pulled a face. Of all the people on board, Tom was the only one she hadn’t warmed to, though Sebastian thought he was wonderful. ‘Is that why you spend so much time with him?’ she asked.

  ‘I don’t spend much time with him,’ said Georgiana, turning to look in the sewing box so Julia might not see the blush stealing up her cheeks.

  ‘Yes, you do. After our lessons he’s always around to bump into you on the deck.’

  ‘It’s a small ship,’ protested Georgiana.

  ‘And he talks to you all the time at mealtimes.’

  ‘We all talk at mealtimes!’

  ‘But then you meet on deck to talk at night.’

  ‘That’s only because I enjoy looking at the stars and he enjoys a cigarette at that time.’

  Julia wrinkled her nose. Like many of the other passengers, she disapproved of the habit. ‘He also looks at you differently from the way he looks at others.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ said Georgiana. ‘Now, can you thread this needle for me,’ she asked, steering the conversation away. It had been too close to the truth for comfort.

  In fact, Tom did seem to seek her out and, for her part, Georgiana was always happy to see him. His affable ways and tall, broad-shouldered frame were reassuringly solid. He had not been completely accepted by some of the other passengers who, judging him by his accent and his dress, thought he might be better suited to steerage. Though his manners were impeccable, and he’d obviously had an education, he carried his rural heritage with him not only in his voice, which was deep and slow, but in his looks, as well. There was something about his square, freckled brown face and halo of russet brown curls that brought to mind images of green fields and cattle. His hands were large and strong and could easily be pictured guiding a plough. But though he was clearly not born a gentleman, he was respectable.

  Like so many others, he was travelling to New Zealand for business purposes and though he didn’t speak much about himself, Georgiana guessed that the new colony would grant a man of his class far greater opportunities than England did. She hoped he would find prosperity on those new shores. Not only was he a good man, he had become her friend. It eased the loneliness she’d had since Charlie had left. He’d accepted her for what she was, and it was impossible not to be flattered by his attention.

  One night, tucked up in her berth, listening to the even breathing of the children, she thought about the way his eyes followed her, the way he sought her out. A woman would be lucky to have such a steady man love her.

  What would it be like to be his wife? An agreeable image rose in her mind. She was laying out a meal for Tom and their children. He was smiling at her, and the domestic scene was so tranquil, Georgiana smiled into the darkness. Unexpectedly, there was a knock to the door and when Tom answered it, he stepped back to look questioningly at his wife. Harry Trent stood in the doorway. Furious with herself, Georgiana rolled over and clamped a pillow over her head as though to suffocate her ungovernable thoughts.

  The following morning Georgiana and Sebastian were playing a vigorous game of snap when Julia raced into the cabin. ‘You’ll never guess. Mr Collins has taken ill, very suddenly. Dr Carmichael says it’s ap-ap-appen-something.’

  ‘Appendicitis?’

  ‘Yes, that’s it. Anyway, he has to have an operation in Cape Town. And Captain Dunn says he will have to look for a new officer in the port.’

  ‘Oh, poor Mr Collins!’

  He was a quiet young officer who sat on Georgiana’s right at mealtimes. He scarcely talked to her and whenever she addressed him, he’d blush and stammer in reply.

  ‘Yes, but isn’t it exciting for us! We’ll be seeing land again soon!’ Seizing her brother by the hands, Julia danced him around the tiny cabin, their laughter expressing Georgiana’s own bubbling excitement.

  The news quickly spread and, although there was much sympathy for Mr Collins, the jubilation at being on land again far outweighed the inconvenience of a potentially longer stop than previously expected. On deck after dinner, Georgiana and Tom discussed this turn of events. The stars seemed particularly bright, but it might have been the general stir of excitement that added brilliance to the night sky.

  ‘Do you think we’ll be delayed long?’ she asked.

  Tom shook his head as he drew on his cigarette, causing the end to glow red. ‘I don’t know. He’ll need to find someone of the same calibre which may not be easy. I believe Mr Collin�
��s navigational and engineering skills are very good.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘You don’t sound too happy,’ he said, looking down at her hands playing restlessly with the fringes of a shawl that Mrs Roper had insisted she accept.

  ‘Well, of course I’m excited to see land again, but at the same time I need to find my brother as soon as possible. Every day’s delay …’ she trailed off.

  ‘He’s lucky to have such a devoted sister.’ The note in Tom’s voice caused Georgiana to blush.

  ‘Oh no, I’m only doing what any sister would.’

  ‘What, tearing off to the ends of the world upon hearing he was ill? I think that shows great devotion.’

  Georgiana gave a little laugh which turned into a sigh. ‘I’m also afraid he might be in trouble,’ she said, then could have bitten her tongue off.

  Tom looked concerned. ‘What sort of trouble.’

  Georgiana hesitated. Tom was so solid, so trustworthy, surely she could tell him. But she’d thought the same thing of Harry Trent.

  ‘Nothing in particular,’ she said lightly. ‘He’s just always been a magnet for mischief. I’m probably worrying over nothing. What about you? Does the delay bother you?’

  Tom shook his head and smiled. ‘Since I met you, I haven’t worried about time at all.’ He looked into her eyes. ‘I’d be very happy to help you look for your brother, Miss Trent.’ As he said her name, he laid a hand right next to hers on the railing. Georgiana looked down at the large, capable fingers and her heart fluttered. Later she wondered what her response would have been if Julia hadn’t arrived at her elbow.

  ‘There you are, Miss Trent. I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Sebastian is so excited he says he can’t sleep and is asking for one of your stories.’

  Snatching back her fingers, grateful for the screening darkness, Georgiana turned to Tom. ‘I’m so sorry, but I should go and see to him. I’ll see you in the morning?’

  Her voice sounded a little high, but Tom was matter-of-fact, despite his rueful smile. ‘Yes indeed. Sleep well.’