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following a tradition of seafaring.
    ‘To step on dry land again, I’ll second that,’ put in Jamie, not a good sailor, subject to mal de mer .
    Romilly and Alvina had not suffered this condition, but they were lucky. Jessica and Kitty had gone around pale and listless after the May Belle put to sea. So had Lord George Althrope, who’d come along for the fun of it. It hadn’t been very funny to be confined to one’s stateroom for days on end, with a chamber pot to hand.
    But after this initial baptism of fire all had begun to enjoy the journey. They rose when they willed, with their servants to wait on them, ate at the captain’s table and enjoyed an excursion ashore when they stopped off at Madeira to take on fresh water before beginning the lengthy haul across the Atlantic Ocean. Kitty Rigg, Alvina’s high-spirited, curly-headed maid, spent much of her free time exchanging saucy banter with the crew, an occupation scorned by Jessica who behaved like a confirmed spinster. As for Alvina? The officers paid court to her, and of course there was the intriguing Joshua Willard, but he appeared blind to her blandishments.
    Romilly was still resentful, blaming the Earl, considering his treatment of her as callous and uncalled for. Despite the fact that he had difficulty in controlling his emotions when she left, declaring that he would miss her sorely, she had not forgiven him. She took it out on Jamie, while he was endlessly patient. She would have respected him more had he shouted at her, instead of idling with George, playing cards and making silly wagers, like how many seagulls would fly across the top-sail within a given space of time, or if a porpoise would surface. Captain Willard was much more to her taste.
    ‘Is Port Royal civilised?’ she asked him, while the steward refilled her wineglass.
    His blue eyes twinkled as he replied, ‘It’s fair enough, growing larger all the time. You should enjoy your visit.’
    ‘But you will be leaving us?’ She looked at him from under her lashes, alarmed by her own boldness.
    ‘Naturally, my lady. I shall take goods aboard and transport them back to England.’
    ‘To my father’s warehouse in Wapping?’
    ‘Indeed,’ and he nodded sagely.
    They settled down for a game of lanterloo when the table was cleared. Joshua and his officers joined in, whereas he usually excused himself and went about his duties. The players were subject to forfeits and it was a popular pastime at Court where more and more outrageous demands were made on those who lost. Kisses were the price, at the very least. Alvina inveigled herself into giving such tokens to everyone present, including Romilly.
    ‘Get Joshua to kiss you,’ whispered Alvina against Romilly’s lips, as she held her in warm, scented arms.
    ‘You cheat to get your way,’ Romilly accused.
    ‘Of course, sweetheart. What woman worth her salt doesn’t? He’s hot for it, hard as a broom handle down there when we embraced.’
    Romilly shook her off, stood up and said to the others, ‘If you will excuse me, I’m tired and seek my bed. Goodnight, gentlemen.’
    They all rose and Jamie said, ‘Wait, my love. I suggest we take a stroll on deck before retiring.’
    Damn, Romilly thought, even as she smilingly agreed. He was forever seeking opportunities to caress her and, while her body responded, she missed the thrill Nathan had given her. The idea of marrying him, tied to him for the rest of her life, did not appeal. She needed someone more exciting, a hardy man like Joshua Willard, or an adventurer similar to the actor. If anything, Jamie was boringly safe. She had known him too long. He was more like a brother than a lover.
    It was a warm night, scented with a salty tang and the faint odour of cinnamon from spice islands. The moon hung overhead, surrounded by a retinue of stars, and the ship sailed on, its canvas bellying out, bearing Romilly to – what? Unknown adventures? Or a dull stay with a fussy aunt who would wrap her