Voices Beckon, Pt. 1: The Voyage by Graham Linda Lee

Author:Graham, Linda Lee [Graham, Linda Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Repository Press, LLC
Published: 2011-06-06T23:00:00+00:00

“DAVEY, LOOK what an angel has brought us!”

Elisabeth looked up, her heart jumping to her throat. “David, you’re awake!”

“No’ sure; thought I smelled fresh bread, likely dreaming.”

“This looks to be straight from the Captain’s table, Davey. I think it really is bread, fresh bread. Can ye believe it? It pays to ha’ friends in high places, aye?”

“To be sure. Hello, Elisabeth.”

Warm brown eyes met hers as Liam helped him sit up. She looked away, hastily busying herself with the food. “Good morning.” Good heavens, why was she flustered? Surely he couldn’t remember if her hands lingered as she had soothed him and cleaned him. Nor the prayers she had whispered. Could he?

She handed the food to Liam and climbed on the berth. “Where’s your cup, Liam?” He pointed, and she poured some broth into it and handed it to him. “Eat.”

She turned to David with her bowl. He grimaced each time she held the broth to his mouth, his eyes not meeting hers. But he swallowed. Was he embarrassed? Or would he rather someone else held the bowl? She looked toward Sarah’s berth, finding her fast asleep. The poor girl had been suffering alone for days, vomiting whenever she woke, though she scorned Elisabeth’s offer of water last night, so maybe she wasn’t completely alone. Annie was up and around a little, she likely cared for her. It was certainly not her father. He’d been insensible with drink since the storm. Well, it wasn’t her concern. Sarah had certainly made that clear since the cèilidh.

She broke off a few chunks of bread and put them in David’s hand.

“Make shares, Lisbeth. I havena seen ye eat in days,” Liam said, reaching for the piece she handed him.

She did, taking as small a portion as she could.

After the last bite, David lay back down, looking at Liam. “Liam, go on deck for a spell for me, will ye? Your stories are getting stale. Ye need some new tales.”

“Aye, well, I could be using a wee bit of fresh air, if ye’re sure you’re not needin’ me for anything.”

“Go!” David said.

Liam grinned, jumping off the berth. “I’ll send the Rev’rend, Lisbeth.”

“You’ve a friend for life, you know,” Elisabeth said quietly, climbing down from the bunk after Liam had left.

“Aye, I ken, one I be proud to claim.” He moved gingerly, readjusting his position, closing his eyes. “Don’t go, Lisbeth.” He reached out a hand, and she took it in hers. “Can ye stay? Will ye read?”

“Yes, of course I will. I’ve brought a book.”

“I enjoy hearing your voice. Start where they bring Gull’ver to the city gates.”

She had thought him asleep, but he had known the book, had known where she had left off. He did want her here.

“Of course.” She let go of his hand and sat, opening the book to read aloud.

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