He dusted off his hands and stood. The look he sent her made her stomach queasy.
“Who do I love?”
She sucked her lower lip. Admitting defeat would taste bitter. “I’m afraid that is a question I cannot answer. At one time I thought I knew, but no longer.”
His voice lowered. “Who do you love?”
The sand cooled beneath her. She ran her finger through the lose particles. He’d opened the door for her to tell the truth. However, once the box was open the answer couldn’t be returned. She’d almost convinced herself that she didn’t care if he returned her feelings. But seeing him behave as if a hero, rescuing her from the boar, dragging her to safety, giving up so much for her, it changed things. She did want him to reciprocate and if she couldn’t have that, then she didn’t have anything.
She shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Chapter Five: Concern
Justin didn’t accept Magnolia’s answer as truth. She knew who she loved. But maybe he didn’t want to know the answer. Stranded on a lost island with the woman he loved, knowing she loved another would be devastating. He couldn’t handle much more devastation.
Perhaps it would be best to let things lie until they reached home. Then he would tell her the truth about how he felt. Then he would ask for her hand. If she loved another at that time, then so be it. Father would be there to encourage him if Magnolia rejected him. Why, he might even journey to the colonies and visit his sisters. They might provide a new love interest. Yes, waiting was best.
He poked the boar with a stick. Brown juices seeped out. “I think that is enough questions for now. Why don’t we have some of the boar and then perhaps explore the island? We have no idea how long we’ll be stranded, so it is best to know what we’re dealing with.”
“So you don’t believe we should stay on the beach and wait for the captain to return?” Magnolia looked out over the water.
“We won’t go far. Just a little ways.” Just what he’d said before. Had she noticed? Familiarity, he needed it.
Her concern was catching. He felt it himself. But he had a larger concern than finding the captain—survival. How long would the boar last? Not long because there was no way to preserve it. If it was warmer maybe they could have dried it, but not with the moisture surrounding the island. No, they needed other solutions and quick.
He tore off a piece of the juicy meat and handed it to Magnolia. She pinched a small piece between her teeth. After chewing and swallowing, she took a larger portion. So he had made it good, after all.
He took his own bite. The juice dribbled down his chin and he ran the back of his hand along his mouth. The filthy habits developed on the journey would be hard to break, but he would as soon as he arrived home.
“Let me ask, what do you remember of the maps we studied in Captain Shelby’s cabin? Do you remember another island close to Formentera or S’Espalmador?”
She shook her head. “I don’t. This island shouldn’t be here.”
Another worry. “Do you believe it could be uncharted or undiscovered?”
One was worse than the other.
“I have no idea. With the constant fog that surrounds it I find it hard to believe no one has ever run aground here, but the current is strong. I can see someone arriving and never leaving.”
Wonderful. A Viking king could come from the woods and steal his love.
“I believe that may be why Captain Drake hasn’t returned—he can’t find us.” She hung her head.
He didn’t enjoy seeing her worried. He clasped her hand and rubbed her knuckles. They were dry from washing clothes that didn’t belong to her. “Don’t be concerned, my love. We will find a way off the island. I promise.”
Her lips tilted upward. “Justin, while I know you have the best of intentions, you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep.”
She took her hand back, rose, and strutted away. He leaned back. He should probably follow her, but maybe she needed privacy. He understood.
Stranded on a lost or hidden island with the woman he loved should be enjoyable. They could be hiking through the trees documenting rare birds and other animals. Or smelling flowers. Or strolling along the beach holding hands. Instead they were arguing over whether they would make it off the unknown island.
Logs cracked and popped beneath the boar. If nothing else, at least they currently had full bellies.
****
“Sir Walter, what a delight to see you again.” Fortescue hugged the elderly gentleman that he’d known since childhood.
“The journey was long. I’m tired.”
Leave it to Walter to get to the point.
“Of course you are. Eudora will see you to your room, soon, but first a few questions.”
He waved. “Yes, yes, yes. They made it to my estate. I worked them for several months and then Captain Drake delivered them to the island. Now if you have no further need of me, I must retire.”
Walter stomped upstairs behind Eudora. She bounced from foot to foot, no doubt giddy from the knowledge that their extensive plan had worked.
He dropped into a leather armchair. The covering had started to peel and he could see the feathers beneath, but all that would change soon. Soon he would be able to conduct his exploits without fear.
Sir Walter would confess to Randall Blakemoor and Jules Quinn that their children had been at his home and that they had left with Captain Drake, who was rumored to have crashed his ship. The two young children would be presumed dead and their fathers would call off the search. He and Eudora would no longer have to worry about the investigative pair attempting to discover his plot to steal from the wealthy and sell the goods for himself. Or that he used his exploits to write stories to make more coin. He could run his business without fear.
He tapped his chin.
He might need to meet with Roskin in the alley and ensure his cooperation. He was currently the only obstacle. Yes, Eudora should be pleased.
He leaned his head back against the sofa, fighting his own measure of pleasure. His plan was finally coming together.
Chapter Six: Mounting a Rescue
Kenelm placed his elbows on his thighs, clasped his hands, and placed them under his chin. The Quinn parlor appeared the same, expect for one key detail—Magnolia wasn’t within it.
After the debacle at Odell where Magnolia burned a portion of his family’s ancient castle and accused him of being a thief, his mother had ordered him to find another to woo. Magnolia wasn’t fit to be a part of the Kennaway family, she’d said. He’d agreed. Not because of Mother’s statement but because Magnolia was in love with Justin Blakemoor. The sooner he admitted he didn’t have a chance, the better off he’d be.
But then Jules Quinn had contacted him. Magnolia and Justin had gone missing. They’d been on a hunting trip and the two had disappeared. Evidence had led the two fathers to an English coastal town. Magnolia and Justin had been spotted leaving on a ship—the Captain’s Jewel. No one willingly admitted who the ship belonged to, but he had an idea. An idea that he was waiting to be confirmed.
In recent days more information had come to light. Sir Walter, an elderly gentleman, stood before them with his hat in his hands.
“I’m sorry to inform you, I truly am. I tried to help them. They were desperate to return home. I paid the captain, knowing that I would be reimbursed…”
The fellow all but put out his hand! Kenelm felt the tic in his cheek return.
Sir Walter twirled his hat. “I funded the voyage. After a time, when I didn’t see my funds return, I assumed something had happened. Rumor on the seas was that Captain Drake and his ship had been lost. So I journeyed here to let you know.”
“You could have sent word that they were on their way.” Kenelm couldn’t keep his suspicions at bay. Something wasn’t right.
Sir Walter shifted his gaze in his direction. “I could have, but in light of the circumstances it didn’t seem prudent.”
“In light of the funds owed you,
is that what you mean?” His ire was increasing by the minute.
“Absolutely not! Miss Quinn and Mr. Blakemoor were valued servants in my employee. I would never think of them as a means to profit.”
Servants! Had he just called Magnolia a servant!
Kenelm poised to rise, but Jules Quinn placed a restraining had on his forearm.
“You’ll need to forgive Sir Kennaway.” Jules was playing his importance card. Good. “He has been friends with Magnolia for some time and he is concerned for her welfare.”
Sir Walter bobbed his head up and down. “Of course. I would be concerned as well. Miss Quinn was a beautiful woman.”
His stomach clenched. Was. The word was so final. Anger welled inside him. What right did Sir Walter have to call her beautiful?
Mr. Blakemoor leaned forward. “Can you tell us their last known location?”
“I’m afraid not. They left Formentera headed for Ibiza but they never reached port. I checked with Spanish authorities in case they bypassed the island, and nothing. I’m sorry to say they’ve disappeared.”
Kenelm sensed excitement, almost delight, in Sir Walter’s words. He was happy that the couple had been lost. But why?
Kenelm rose and shoved his hands in his pockets. Rain came down in sheets and coated the windows facing the street. Carriages rushed past, spraying water on walkers who stood too close to the road.
Behind him Sir Walter recollected more and more of the story, until Mr. Blakemoor offered him funds. As soon as the money was in hand, he thanked them and left. That had been his goal all along—recover his money. What if the story had been completely false? Then again what if parts of it were true?
With his military contacts, he should be able to confirm certain aspects of Sir Walter’s story. When he finished he planned to search the seas himself. If Magnolia and Justin were out there, he would find them. He wouldn’t stop until he brought them home.
****
Ocean spray smacked his face as he leaned over the railing. The Knotty Pine was a vessel designed for speed and maneuverability rather than war. It was also designed for the Mediterranean, which would be perfect for his mission. There was only one issue—the expense.
The owner’s paunch stuck out over his feet, stretching the bounds of his pants and greatcoat. He waddled as if a duck when walking. He was a businessman. A good one.
“So you want to purchase the Knotty Pine.”
“Not exactly purchase, but rather use or rent you might say.”
“What for?” He crossed his beefy arms over his barreled chest.
Kenlem had debated being honest and decided it was the best course of action. Sympathy might go a long way, especially since the gentleman had a daughter and son of his own.
“The truth is two friends of mine, Magnolia Quinn and Justin Blakemoor, have been presumed lost at sea. After much investigating, I’ve learned of a possible location where they may be stowed away. However, I need a ship, to reach them. The Knotty Pine is the perfect ship for such an excursion.”
“You’re not fighting any battles, are you?”
He hoped not. “No. Just swinging by an island and picking them up.”
“How come no one else has done it if that is all there is to do?”
Here was the tricky part. “Because they are presumed dead.”
The man’s eyes rounded to match his body. “So you want to take my ship to an island to rescue someone that you think is dead?”
“I don’t think they are dead. In fact I believe they are most definitely alive, but stranded. I believe there was a plot against them to keep them from returning to England.”
The man massaged his triple chin. Magnolia and Justin’s fate rested in his hands. Mr. Quinn, Mr. Blakemoor, nor he could afford to purchase a ship. And as he’d said no one else was willing to look for the missing duo. Even though he’d brought ample evidence to the authorities that they could still be alive.
“You’ll pay me for the use of the vessel?” The owner cocked his hip.
“Yes.”
“And what if I wanted you to make a stop and pick up a package?”
He hesitated. The shipyard where he was making the deal was notorious for harboring criminals. That was one reason he’d chosen the area to find a ship, it should be cheaper. But if he agreed to pick up a package, and it was of the illegal variety, then upon return he could be libel. Was it worth it?
“I’ve purchased some Spanish fabrics for my wife and I’d planned to send another ship to pick them up, but if you’ll already be there…” He shrugged. “Besides, I presume that as a former ship’s captain in the Royal Navy you are a trustworthy sort.” He winked. “I can trust you not to steal my fabrics, can’t I?”
Finally he relaxed. “You can.” Finally things were looking up.
****
Wind lifted tendrils of his hair as he stood at the helm. The crew kept the sails in working order, cleaned the deck, and cooked, as well as other things. Mr. Blakemoor and Mr. Quinn studied maps in his cabin. All in all, the journey had been successful. They’d landed at Ibiza and found a captain who admitted to giving Magnolia and Justin money to reach an island touching Formentera. They had known that Sir Walter had rescued them from there so that had not been new news.
They traveled on to Formentera and conversed with every willing person but no one had ever heard of Captain Drake or seen a vessel leaving with Justin and Magnolia.
They spent one night on Formentera. He wanted to be long gone before Sir Walter’s return. Whoever had convinced him to assist with Magnolia and Justin’s disappearance might still be in contact with him. Kenelm didn’t want them moved once more.
They left the island. One hour passed. Land masses drifted into view off and on, but everything appeared labeled on their map. He’d reasoned that to find Magnolia and Justin he would need to think off the map. The mystery surrounding their disappearance wouldn’t be easily resolved and a hidden location would work better than one in the open.
“Fogs rolling in.”
Kenelm drew out his spyglass. A fog clouded the lens, but he could have sworn he saw smoke. He squinted.
Without land why would there be smoke? Was this the clue he’d been searching for?
Chapter Seven: The Knight
Captain Drake was not coming back. One month had passed on the island. The desolate, lonely island. Magnolia had changed back and forth between the wench’s outfit and the woolen gown, washing them in a clear stream that they’d found not far from the beach.
Justin exchanged his clothing and did the same with the pirate outfit and the one that Sir Walter had given him. He looked more handsome in the pirate outfit.
They had picked one day for washing. A routine. That was the first sign they’d given up hope.
Closer to the water’s source they found drinking water. Magnolia scooped some into her hand and let it run down her neck. The water was chilly and she shivered. If one of them became sick…the thought made her stomach clench.
It was nigh to the end of December. The nights were cold and they had to sleep beside each other and wrap up in leaves. They’d considered leaving the beach and sheltering beneath the trees, but doing so might mean they would miss passing ships.
“Are you ready to return to the beach? Our smoke seems to be dying.”
The fire was constant. That way they could be seen. They hoped.
“I’m finished.” She gathered the woolen gown under her arm and stood to her feet. Her shoes were held together with green ivy.
He placed his hand under her forearm and helped her over a fallen log. She fell against him.
“Sorry.”
He smoothed a strand of hair away from her mouth. “Don’t be.”
She didn’t look him in the eye. She couldn’t. They hadn’t spoken much since the love question had been posed. They were the only two on the island and they just went through their day as if ghosts.
“I’m sorry.”
“What?” H
ad she heard him correctly?
“I should never have asked you who you love.”
He was still thinking about it too?
“I asked because—”
“Ahoy!”
She widened her eyes. “Was that—”
He grabbed her hand and they ran back toward the shore. He wrapped his arm around her waist and stopped her.
He whispered in her ear. “We need to be careful. They might not be friendly.”
“Magnolia! Justin! It is Kenelm. Are you here?”
“Kenelm.” The word was torn from her.
There he was beside their fire with his black hair ruffling in the wind, his dark eyes even darker. He shielded his eyes with a hand as he turned in circles.
“We’re rescued.” Justin sounded as shocked as she felt.
She stood from her crouched position and raced through the trees onto the beach.
“Kenelm!”
He turned. His arms opened, and she ran into them and buried her head against his chest. She’d never been so happy to see someone in her entire life.
****
The knight had returned. How could he have been so stupid to think that he could be Magnolia’s rescuer? Yes, he’d kept them alive for the last month, but he couldn’t get them off the island. He’d tried. In the month of silence, he’d mentally designed rafts. He’d even tried to build them, but they leaked and he never showed them to Magnolia. Now he’d been upstaged again.
“Justin, they’ve come to rescue us.” She released Kenelm, ran to his side, and wrapped her arm around his middle before laying her head on his shoulder. He should enjoy the contact—it would end soon.
“Yes, they have.”
Kenelm held out his hand. He took it. How could he not, the man had just saved them.
The Case of the Lost Island (A Justice and Miss Quinn Mystery Book 6) Page 3