The Pursuit by Lori Wick

sir.”
    “I can imagine.”
    Denley did not hang about but returned to Niki. They shared a cabin this time, since Niki’s clothing had changed her role. Edward didn’t see them until the next day when the charade continued. He could tell that the whole ordeal was starting to wear on Niki. She looked tired, and there was little of the spunk she’d shown the day before.
    “I think I could tell you to polish my boots today, and you would actually do it,” Edward said to Niki when she joined him at the railing.
    “Why is that?”
    “There’s no fight left in you today.” Edward watched her face as he said this. “You must be missing your sword.”
    He had done it again. Niki had all she could do not to laugh. Instead, she continued to gaze out to sea.
    “Does everyone at home get teased like this?”
    “I’m a perfect dear, if that’s what you’re asking. They all adore me.”
    Niki kept her eyes on the sea. If she saw his mischievous expression, she would be lost. The thought disquieted her. When was the last time she had felt like laughing? When had she met someone who was so good-natured and willing to help?
    “I think you have much on your mind,” Edward commented, interrupting her thoughts.
    “You’re right. I do.”
    “How long after we arrive in England will you be at your destination?”
    “If all is clear, only a few days. How about yourself?”
    “About the same.”
    “No doubt your family will be missing you, dear soul that you are.”
    This said, Niki tossed him a challenging glance and moved on her way. Edward watched her for a time. She was careful to keep her head down and play the part, but to someone who knew her even a little, there was a regal air about her that could not be disguised.
    Edward decided it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn she was royalty after all and then realized he would probably never know. The thought left his heart in a quandary.

    Brest, France
    Once in port Denley never left the deck. The Henderson did not waste time at the dock. There was cargo to unload and passengers to disembark, but both Denley and Edward knew that the ship planned to be back underway long before evening.
    To anyone else’s eye, Denley’s actions would not be suspect, but Edward knew what he was about. Edward did some looking himself but saw nothing alarming. He reminded himself that he could have been fooled but was fairly certain that no one who would be cause for alarm lurked about or boarded the ship before it left for English shores.
    Indeed, in very short order they were back out to sea. And this was the last leg of the voyage. Edward didn’t see a lot of Niki—Denley was on hand to play the part—but he thought that might be for the best. Even with Denley available to see to her needs, Edward knew he was going to worry when they said goodbye.

Chapter Eight

    Portsmouth, England
    “Are you all set?” Edward asked, having slipped into the cabin next door. Passengers leaving the ship could disembark at any time.
    “Yes,” Niki said, working hard to hide her feelings and almost wishing Denley were present.
    “Good. Take care of yourself.”
    “You do the same.”
    Edward hesitated and then threw caution to the wind.
    “I hope you won’t find me presumptuous,” he ventured, aware of the way she tensed, “but I wrote some verses down. You don’t have to take them if you don’t want to.”
    “I would like to see them,” Niki said with relief, unaware of the yearning Edward could see in her eyes.
    Edward pulled a paper from his coat pocket.
    “I wrote many of them out, and when I ran out of room, I just put the references. Maybe you’ll have a chance to look them up.”
    “I’ll do that. Thank you, Edward.”
    She was too vulnerable for him just then. With a brief nod, Edward slipped out the door. Denley was just coming back. The two stopped in the passageway.
    “Take care of her, Denley. And yourself.”
    “I’ll do my best, sir. I wish you well.”
    The men parted,