Peril on the Sea by Michael Cadnum

Author:Michael Cadnum
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780374358235
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

SHE HAD NOT EXPECTED her father to ask her to disclose their intentions.

She was surprised, but she was also pleased at his trust in her. Just as so much of Fairleigh’s future relied on the captain’s character, so much depended on her now.

22

KATHARINE HAD ALWAYS LOVED the way firelight and its diminutive cousin, candlelight, made the world look.

With the slow summer dusk coming on, the faces around her now were gilded and silent, intent only on her. Katharine was especially fascinated by the way Sherwin leaned forward, his eyes bright with encouragement.

Their predicament was easily described, and Sherwin’s eyes grew brighter as he heard the details of the Rosebriar and the ship’s likely route from the Azores.

“Her captain was born and bred in Cornwall, and he always hugs the coast there as he returns,” she continued. She took pains to delineate the character of Pevensey, and his representative, Sir Gregory. “We are offering you one-third of the value of the cargo to help us.”

“Sir Gregory,” said Sherwin, when her account was concluded, “should be beaten, my lady, and any of his men with him. And as for Pevensey—” Strong feeling made it impossible to conclude his thoughts.

“There is not a man here,” said Captain Fletcher, in a tone of sympathy, “who would not see the grasping nobleman whipped.”

“Indeed,” said Sherwin, “and worse than that.”

“Beating his lordship to a pudding,” said the captain, “will not fatten your purse, Sherwin, but a few plump prizes will.”

“Captain, if you please,” said Sherwin, “is there no aspiration more important than silver?”

“None at all,” said the captain. “But what makes you and your father think that, having taken the ship, Lady Katharine, I will share the prize with her rightful owner?”

“And what makes you think that, once you have stolen her,” replied Katharine, “my father and I might not report you to the Admiralty, and squeeze a reward from them?”

The captain gave a sly smile. “I would tell the Admiralty of your scheme.”

“They would not take your word,” Sir Anthony interjected, “over the oath of a baronet who has never stolen so much as a farthing in his life.” He kept his tone friendly, but with a decided edge.

“I know of a way,” said Katharine, “to ensure that the captain behaves honorably, and to make sure that Captain Loy of the Rosebriar understands our plan. After all,” she added, “we would not want Captain Loy to sink our Captain Fletcher’s ship in earnest error.”

Her father straightened in his chair. “Katharine, I begin to believe I anticipate your plan,” he said, “and I don’t like it.”

“I shall go on board the Vixen myself,” said Katharine, “to see that Captain Fletcher lives up to his part of the bargain.”

“This is the worst plan I have ever heard,” said Sir Anthony.

The captain smiled. “No, she may have me pinned, your wise daughter. Because with her as a witness I will have to either turn complete scoundrel, and deliver her to the Devil, or live up to my word and help you to steal your own ship.

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