Rekindling, Page 2

  Chapter 2

  Henry was on the ship, too.

  I closed the window a bit harsher than I intended, although in retrospect it was more of a slam. I stared at my mother’s startled face and grinned (unconvincingly).

  “On second thought, staying here sounds like a better idea.”

  “Good girl.” Mother’s frail hand caressed the top of my head as if she was petting an old dog. She addressed me thoughtfully before speaking, her silvery blue eyes glimmering in the glowing sunlight emerging from the windows.

  “Since you’ve been so well-behaved today, I will permit a stroll on deck as soon as it is cleared.” She announced pleasantly, her hands gesturing to emphasize her ‘generosity’.

  I was suddenly seized with the fear of running into him, into Henry. If I went out on deck now, there would be a large chance that he would still be settling into his cabin, which meant I wouldn’t run into him. Suddenly the idea sounded marvelous.

  “That sounds perfect, Mother. Thank you.” She smiled indulgently before trailing off into her adjacent bedroom, already wondering what she would wear to dinner.