Chapter Thirty-Five
Georgie had a fitful night.
After they had found the British Hotel and secured a room, Damian had asked for a bath be delivered and hoped that it might relax Georgie, but all she managed to do was wash her body and hair and remained tense.
He then had supper delivered to their room, but she only picked at the food. She then paced and would stare out the window. He tried to offer assurances that he would get her to Grace in time, but Damian truly could not make that promise until he knew for certain.
He had tried talking to her about her home, what she enjoyed baking the most, and asked what life was like in Carrera, but her comments provided very little description and all because she was unable to let go of her worry.
When it came time for them to retire, she donned her nightrail while he stripped down to nothing then crawled in bed. Damian had pulled her into his arms for comfort and knew by the tension that remained in her body that she had no interest in being seduced.
While it was a disappointment since they had so little time together, he also understood and offered what comfort he could, which was none until she had answers.
He tried to sleep and had drifted off but woke often to find her pacing or standing at the window.
“You really should sleep,” he said at one point in the middle of the night.
“I will when I know if I can get to Grace.”
“I will do everything in my power to see that you do,” he promised again and hoped that they were not stuck here for days or weeks.
*
Georgie was dressed and ready to leave the British Hotel as soon as the sun rose but Damian continued to sleep.
Would the harbormaster’s office be open now? Should she awaken Damian?
Or should she let him sleep?
But what if he slept late into the morning, not that he had yet, but today was not when he should develop the habit.
Oh, maybe she should go on her own and then report back.
A few days ago, she would have done exactly that but her travels since arriving in England had taught her that it was dangerous for her to go about on her own and Damian was able to obtain information much quicker than she could, which meant that she needed to wake him.
But just as she neared the bed his eyes opened.
“I see that you are ready to depart.”
“I am and would like you to be ready as well.”
Damian blew out a sigh and tossed the blankets away from his naked body.
Georgie’s face burned as she turned away.
Why was she so embarrassed now? She had seen him naked, and he had seen her as well, but that had been during heights of desire and passion, none of which she was experiencing at the moment.
It seemed to take Damian forever to dress and she was just about to tell him to hurry when he asked if she was ready to leave.
“Yes,” Georgie blew out as she pulled the strap of the satchel over her shoulder and picked up her valise.
Damian said nothing as they returned to the harbormaster’s office, nor did she. How could he expect her to carry on any conversation when Grace might be lost to her forever.
As they reached the office, Georgie drew in a deep breath then allowed Damian to usher her inside.
She then waited patiently and quietly, which was not like her at all, but she feared what answer they may be given.
She hadn’t been this frightened since she first read the letter that Grace had left behind and now to come all this way only to miss her.
“My wife and I need to reach Greenock on the first ship available leaving port.”
The man looked over the ledgers before him. “There is a merchant vessel leaving in two hours but the captain does not take on passengers.”
“I will speak with him directly, unless you know of another vessel.”
“A ferry leaves for Whitehaven this afternoon.”
“Is nothing else traveling directly to Greenock?”
“Not today,”
“What is the merchant ship?” Damian demanded.
“The Cormorant, operated by the Meridian Trading Company.”
Damian began to smile. “Captain Robert Crale?”
“Aye.”
“Where might I find him or his ship?”
After the harbormaster gave him direction, Damian ushered Georgie back outside.
“Do you know him.”
“I do!”
Georgie had hope for the first time since she had Damian had arrived on the Isle of Man and she hurried along his side as they walked until they found the ship. He then escorted her up the gangplank only to be stopped by a sailor.
“I would like to speak with Captain Crale, if he is aboard.”
“Who are you and what business do you have?”
“Tell him that Damian Wynd is requesting passage to Greenock.”
The man’s eyes widened slightly then allowed them on the deck of the ship and quickly disappeared.
“Is the Wynd name so well known?” she asked.
“Among merchant ships and companies, it is.” He smiled.
That did not mean they would be granted passage and Georgie could not relax until she was certain and why she stood, tapping her foot until the captain emerged from below.
“Wynd?” the man said. “When Jones gave me your name I thought he misunderstood.”
“He did not, Captain.”
“You need passage to Greenock? Is that correct?”
“Yes,” Damian answered before he quickly explained how they arrived on the Isle of Man. “It is imperative that we arrive there as quickly as possible.”
“I am happy to take you but we have no quarters available for passengers.”
“I do not mind. I will sit on the deck, away from everyone, so long as we are given passage,” Georgie insisted.
Captain Crale laughed. “We have seats in the dining room off the galley. Would that suffice?”
“Yes,” she answered before Damian could.
“How long will the voyage take?” Damian asked.
“We have good wind and sea conditions and if they remain, it should take no longer than twelve hours.”
Georgie nearly collapsed with relief.
“Thank you, Crale.” Damian stuck out his hand which the captain shook.
“I am happy to be of service,” he insisted.