At two bells in the middle watch, Leander was writing notes in his medical journal when an ensemble of stentorian snores finally resounded around his hospital. Long before midnight, he had sent Osmund and the loblolly boys to their beds on the orlop, and the marine who had been ordered to stand watch by Emily’s bit of canvas whenever the doctor was not present in the hospital was not due back until Leander left again for his breakfast in the wardroom in roughly six hours’ time. As he peeled off his spectacles to rub his tired eyes, a familiar voice called out softly to him.
He found Emily in distress, sitting up in her hammock with one hand clutched to her chest. Her long hair fell forward in damp waves upon her muslin nightshirt, and her troubled face was flushed, partially concealing the purple wound on her cheek.
“You’ve had another dream, Emily?”
She closed her eyes and nodded. “May I trouble you for a cup of water, Doctor?”
“By all means. Shall I put something in it to improve its taste?”
“Aye! Plenty of rum, if you please.”
Emily drew in deep breaths to calm herself while Leander quietly went to work preparing her a concoction from the small glass vials in his medical chest.
“Here, drink this, then lie back,” he said upon returning.
“I am in less discomfort when I sit up,” she said with a forced smile, taking the cup and draining its contents.
Leander stood awkwardly by the canvas opening. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“You are leaving?”
“It’s 1:00 a.m. I thought it wise to retire so I will be of some use to you and the others in the morning.”
Emily stared down at the empty cup in her hands. “Would you stay awhile?” She looked up at him. “Please?”
Leander sank down upon the stool without hesitation, his eyes never leaving her face as he waited for her to speak again. She gave him a small, grateful smile. “Where did you put Magpie?”
“On the other side of the hospital, as close as was possible to the galley entrance, so he may benefit from the warmth of Biscuit’s stove.”
“And he is doing well?”
“As well as can be expected. His own injuries are healing nicely, but the little fellow blames himself for your injuries. He confessed to us all that he was the one who asked you to go to the sail room for him.”
“No! He only asked for his special blanket … I offered to fetch it for him.” Emily pressed her lips together. “Does he have his blanket with him now?”
“He does, and sleeps all the better for it.”
“I am most anxious to see the dear boy. Does anyone keep him company?”
“Gus has come twice each day to read to him, and Morgan Evans visits him whenever he can to give him the ship news, and bring him his soup. And each time they come, they make a point of asking after you. Morgan feels tremendous remorse for your misfortune. It was him I put in charge that morning.” To himself, Leander added, But then I am the one to blame as I never should have left your side that day, and was about to give voice to his thoughts when Emily let out a great sigh.
“Poor Morgan. He has hardly had time to heal from the loss of Mr. Alexander. I cannot imagine the guilt he must feel. But what happened to me, Doctor, is no one’s fault. The truth is, I was elated to have escaped from this corner, if only for a brief time. I am not accustomed to wasting away in a hospital bed, being dependent upon men to dress me and bring me food and help me cope with my nightmares.” She lay back against her pillow and studied him a minute. “Not a one of you has told me outright the identity of my assailant.”
“Let us not speak of him tonight.”
“I do know, Doctor. I have heard the men in their hammocks whispering his name.”
Leander averted his gaze momentarily and when he looked back at her, her eyes glistened with tears. “My bruises will heal. I know I will be fine; however, I – I long to see Magpie. Is that possible, Doctor?”
“I will arrange it for you in the morning.”
“What will become of Mr. Lindsay?”
Leander’s reply was cold. “His punishment will be decided when Captain Moreland has fully recovered. I expect it will be a harsh one. In time, he may hang or be shot. At the present, he sits clapped in irons on the gun deck, with no more regular company than a single marine sentry – and Mrs. Kettle, who delights in provoking him as she sits with her mending.”
Feeling sick upon hearing this, Emily rolled her head around on her pillow to look out upon the gusty night through the open gunport and listen to the calming murmur of the waves breaking upon the Isabelle’s anchored hull. Unencumbered by curious onlookers and jealous quips from the other men, Leander gave her a lingering look. But Emily took no notice. A long time passed, and when there was no further conversation, Leander wondered if his concoction of water, rum, and laudanum had taken effect. Overhead, he heard the haunting peal of three bells, and beyond the canvas curtain came snores and soft groans as the men slept on. He was about to leave when she looked back at him, an impish expression tugging the ends of her mouth. “If I thought I could get away with it, I should like to climb to the top of the Isabelle’s mainmast to seek out the stars and stay there until the sun rises.”
Leander leaned in closer to her, amusement playing upon his handsome features. “Does that mean your head and back injury, to say nothing of your broken ankle and shoulder wound, are all much improved?”
“If I tell you I am much improved, will you come climbing with me?”
Leander smiled. “I would surely fall. And if I were spared immediate death, I would find myself without anyone to take care of my injuries.”
“Then you have no faith at all in Osmund and the loblolly boys?”
“Sadly, no. If left to them, it would be better for all if I broke my neck and was simply slipped over the ship’s side.”
“A tragic end for the fine physician, Leander Braden.” She angled her head in a jaunty manner. “Do not speak of your death when I believe … you have a good deal more living to do.”
Recalling his own words to her when she had admitted a desire to be left to die in the sea, Leander grew wistful. “Should I be fortunate enough to have you hand me the occasional cup of water, I would desire to live.”
Ignoring the intensity of his eyes, Emily laughed. “Oh, I would do more than give you water. I’d give you plenty of rum and laudanum to ease your suffering, and when you wanted recreation, I’d read Miss Austen’s novel to you, especially the chapters that include Colonel Brandon and Miss Marianne. I could chase away from the hospital those that annoyed you, and I’d re-dress your bandages if you would allow me to – ” All vestiges of her merriment suddenly vanished and in the softest voice she added, “dearest Doctor.”
Leander could not be certain of the true meaning of her words; he could only be certain of the effect they had on him. He started from his stool, heartened and overwhelmed with thoughts of covering
