Page 34 of The Swan Syndicate #1

The sail to Burry Port was uneventful though a bit stormy.

Not willing to take chances, Stella had taken one of her motion sickness tablets in addition to her daily dose of herbs.

At the last port, Fitz and Lando had been able to garner enough eggs for the crew to enjoy poached eggs, sausage, and biscuits for breakfast.

After helping clean the galley, she’d spent the rest of the morning in the cabin while the men met with Jamie to discuss plans for the day.

Their first task would be to search for the Grey Ghost and The Horseman .

If they didn’t find the ships in port, they would most likely still run surveillance around town and the pubs in case they heard news of either MacDuff or Cheval.

All she’d been told was that Lando would take her for a walk around town after lunch. She’d been too nervous to eat so she read until she fell asleep, only waking when Cook sent a tray of cheese and bread to the cabin with two mugs of ale. If nothing else, the ale calmed her nerves.

Now fully rested and fed, she tugged at the bodice of her nicest day dress. If this was going to require more than one meeting with MacDuff, she’d need more dresses. She turned around.

“How do I look?”

Beckworth gave her a long perusal. “I prefer the dowdy dresses I bought you at the first port.”

She grinned and tapped his shoulder with the tip of her dagger’s sheath before it disappeared into her oversized pocket. “You’re only saying that because I’m dressing for another man.”

He pulled her close, his arm snug around her waist. “Don’t forget who your only man is.”

She stared into his heated gaze then stood on tiptoes for a long passionate kiss that, if this had been a movie, would have made her toes curl.

When they stepped back they both rearranged their clothes, and Stella ran a hand over her hair, ensuring all the hairpins were still in place.

“I won’t be far away.” Beckworth’s brows furrowed, his lips thinned, and his eyes got that hazy look that said he was rethinking a decision. Maybe he was thinking of tying her to the bed until they left port.

“Where’s your hat?” She glanced around the cabin but didn’t see it.

“Lane is lending me a knitted cap.”

She stood back. He was once again dressed in his dusty pants and shirt, and she wasn’t sure who would look more like a vagabond, him or Fitz. She gave him an approving nod.

“Are we sure MacDuff will show up?”

“No. But it’s best not to second guess what Cheval has planned.

And, as you stated before, unless Cheval has some way of contacting MacDuff when not in port, this is Cheval’s next stop.

Whether MacDuff was to meet him here is the only thing we don’t know for sure.

” He took her elbow and steered her out the door and up the stairs to the gangplank where Lando waited.

“Who’s going to be my messenger?” she asked.

“Billy.” Lando looked around, searching for him.

A small lad poked him from behind. “I’m here, sir.”

Lando spun around and made a grab for the boy, but Billy had been expecting it, and he jumped back, his laughter causing the sailors around them to join in.

“Keep it up, lad, and you’ll wake up tied upside down in the lines for your trouble.” Lando grinned as he swatted at the boy. “Now, what’s your assignment?”

“Stay close but out of sight until you give the signal.” Billy tugged at his ear, which Stella assumed was their sign.

“Then I come to meet Lady Stella, I mean Lady Swan, who’ll hand me a paper swan.

Then I’ll run off and get lost in the crowd so no one can see where I went.

I’ll hide for a bit then sneak back to the ship. ”

“Good lad.” Lando held out an arm for Stella and led her to the dock.

She glanced over her shoulder. Beckworth fussed with the knit cap, but his gaze followed her. In addition to him, Fitz, Lane, and Mickelson would take various positions around the village while keeping her and Lando within sight as they watched for any sign of MacDuff.

Beckworth had shown the team hand signals he used with the London crews that would allow them to stay in communication should anyone spot MacDuff or any other trouble.

Stella understood the signs but would rely on Lando to watch for them then steer her in the right direction that might cross the smuggler’s path.

They spent an hour walking around town before they stopped at a pub to rest. They ate a simple meal and were finishing their ale when Lane worked his way through the crowd. He bumped Stella’s chair and his hat fell off.

When Lane stooped to pick it up, he said, “MacDuff’s ship just arrived but is still mooring. You should return to the ship.” Then he disappeared, pushing his way past newly arriving sailors.

“Why are we returning?” Stella asked.

“It will take time to moor the ship. We’ll come back this evening.”

“Then I’d like to stop at the mercantile and the apothecary on our way back.”

“Do you need more herbs already?” Lando asked. It was a reasonable question since she’d just bought some a few days ago and they’d spent more time at port than at sea.

“No.” She stood and arranged her dress, reassured that she had two swans in one pocket and her dagger in the other. “Let’s go.”

Without another word and not waiting for Lando, she strode from the pub. Whether it was the fact she was a woman or was followed by a large imposing man, the crowd parted for her like the Red Sea. She flashed the men her broker smile as she passed, pleased by the returned grins.

A girl had to have some fun.

Once outside, she glanced up at the parting clouds and paused for a moment as the cool air from the sea washed the scent of the crowded pub away while the sun warmed her cheeks. Lando, staying in character, waited next to her.

She caught sight of Michelson near a stack of crates by the side of a building but no one else.

They were out there—she sensed them. Confidence with a dash of independence emboldened her, knowing she was aggravating Beckworth, if not the others, by ignoring the order to return to the ship.

She turned toward the pier where she remembered spotting the mercantile and apothecary.

“We’ve been given an order.” Lando had to lean down to whisper as she briskly worked her way through milling sailors and locals.

“This won’t take long. If we don’t expect anyone until later, what can it hurt? Besides, I’ve been locked onboard that ship for too long. As long as we stay in character, no one will be the wiser.”

The harumph sound only made her smile as she ducked into the apothecary.

She purchased ginger though she still had a good supply.

Better safe than sorry her mother as well as millions of others had advised their children.

It was one of the few words of wisdom her mother had imparted that she found to be of any value.

She also procured two different remedies for headaches.

When they exited the shop, she noticed Beckworth and Fitz at the blacksmith across a narrow alley from the mercantile. Fitz was speaking with the smithy, his arms held out as if explaining the size of something. Whether he was planning to buy something or not, the blacksmith was fully engaged.

Beckworth on the other hand, was hunched next to a post, his body facing toward Fitz, but his head had turned to watch her.

He was too far away to catch the nuances in his expression, but he would be irritated by her refusal to follow Jamie’s command.

One more stop and they could all go back to the ship.

The mercantile was cool inside, and a handful of customers wandered about the place. The clerk was busy with a customer, and another man helped a woman pick through a bin of root vegetables.

Stella strode to the back of the store where she spotted a bookcase.

After glancing through the titles, she picked one up to review.

She hadn’t heard of the author or the title, but what had she expected?

An entire stack of classics? She’d read a couple of books Jamie had lent them to pass the time, but one could only read so many sailing adventures.

She suspected he kept the good stuff in his cabin, maybe not wanting to show off how smart he was.

Halfway through the bookshelf, she glanced back. Lando had moved off to the right, staying close to the door, either doing some shopping of his own or remaining in character. She would have to tell Jamie she refused to follow his order. The last thing she wanted was to get Lando in trouble.

She returned to scanning the books, hoping to find something to buy.

One of the books on the bottom shelf was The Odyssey .

Who would have guessed this wayward village on the coast would have such an old classic?

Spurred on by her find, she glanced at the last few books and grabbed the last one— Robinson Crusoe .

What a find. She could read them, Beckworth probably already had, and then take them home to AJ. True classics from this era would be an antique broker’s dream in her time, though she doubted AJ would think of selling them. They would be a perfect addition to the inn’s library.

“You have an interesting selection of books there.”

The familiar male voice sent a tingle through her. It couldn’t be.

She glanced up into the smiling face of MacDuff. How did he get here so fast if his ship was still mooring? They must have dropped a jolly boat beforehand.

She kept her facial expression fixed as her gaze took in his features. He was smiling and humor danced in his eyes. He was a handsome man and confident in his bearing.

“Do you read, sir?”

He held a hand to his chest. “You wound me. I thought you might remember me.” He didn’t look hurt as his smile widened. This man was an outrageous flirt. Evenly matched was her first thought.

She tilted her head then released a slow smile. “You ran into me in Baglan.”

He laughed. “I think it was the other way around.”

“I believe that depends on who’s telling the story.”

“So it does.” He took both books from her and gave them a quick scan. “You read?”

“Of course.” Not many women in this time period did, but Mary and Elizabeth did, as did Eleanor, so it wasn’t completely unheard of.

His brow lifted. “Very different books. Do you like adventure, Lady Swan?”

He remembered her name. They were off to a good start. “Who doesn’t love a grand adventure?”

He chuckled, and his smile warmed. “Not many women do.”

She shrugged and took the books back. “Perhaps, but I’m not any woman.”

“Clearly.”

She squared her shoulders. “You’re not following me, are you, Mister—” She let the rest of her statement trail off as if she couldn’t remember.

“MacDuff. Again, you wound me.”

“It must be all the men I meet at these ports. Business and all. I’m surprised you remember me for such a quick, accidental meeting.”

His smile never wavered. “A woman in a literal sea of men, you shine like the sun.”

She gave him one of her sultry laughs. “I think I saw a book of poetry you might be interested in.”

He threw his head back and laughed with her. “You are a charming woman.” He glanced around the store then at her. “It appears your guard is returning. Are you in port for long?”

“I’m afraid we leave in the morning.”

“Then you must allow me to treat you to dinner this evening. The inn has a wonderful way with fish.”

She glanced at Lando, who’d positioned himself several paces to her right, as she considered MacDuff’s invitation.

“Your man can tag along, but I prefer he sits a couple tables away.”

She gave it another few seconds, not wanting to appear too eager. Then she gave him a slow nod. “I think that would be acceptable. How could I pass up such an enticing meal?”

“Excellent. Which ship are you traveling on?”

“Why don’t I meet you at the inn?”

He considered her answer, but rather than frown at her illusiveness, he appeared intrigued. Perfect.

“Shall we say eight o’clock? My ship is currently mooring, and I have much to do before then.”

“Then don’t let me take any more of your valuable time. I have my own business to see to.” Before she could walk away, he took her hand. Her first instinct was to pull away, but she pushed the impulse aside as he placed a warm kiss on it.

“Until this evening, my lady.”

She was ready to turn away when Billy raced over.

“I’m sorry, Lady Swan. I thought I’d find you at the apothecary.”

Good grief. She’d forgotten all about Billy and their plans as soon as they’d called off the surveillance. She rearranged the books in her hands.

“I’m sorry, young master.” It was a phrase she’d heard Beckworth use with the youngsters in the London crews, making them feel special. “I’d almost forgotten.” She pulled out one of her paper swans and handed it to him. “Make sure he gets it before his ship leaves, or my trip will be wasted.”

Billy nodded. “No worries, mistress.” Then he scampered out the door.

MacDuff appeared interested in the exchange but had the good manners not to ask. His brow had definitely lifted when he saw the swan and no doubt remembered the one Lando dropped at their first meeting.

“Until later, Mr. MacDuff.”

“Thaddeus, if you please.”

She gave him her best broker smile. “Thaddeus.”

She strode to the clerk on shaky legs, where Lando met her and took the books from her. Neither spoke as he paid for them, tucked the wrapped package under his arm, and followed her out the door.

She squared her shoulders and lifted her head, walking at a sedate pace through the crowd, hoping to blend in. MacDuff could still be watching, trying to discern which ship she was on.

Lando steered her gently by the elbow until Fitz wandered by, head down, and said, “All clear to return to the ship.”

Then he glanced at her. “And a fine job, Lady Swan.” He gave her one of his charming grins before hurrying away.

His words—a fine job—made her smile all the way to the Daphne .