“I miss having someone to worry over, so I suppose I can thank you for that.” She clucked her tongue and approached me. Her gaze was intent, determined to see I’d not suffered lasting damage from last night’s events. Though, I hadn’t told her everything.
“I should be out looking for Harry.” My voice rasped against a night of disuse.
“Certainly not. You will not go anywhere until you’ve had a full breakfast. And I have a mind to not let you go out on your own again.”
I wasn’t fooled by the soft wrinkles that lined her face. The woman had a will of iron, and she would expect me to eat a heaping plate of food before she let me out the door. I reached out and rubbed a hand down the kitten’s back. He cracked open an eye and arched into my touch.
“Oh, and my brother sent over a note.”
“He did?” I couldn’t imagine what Mr. Grimshaw might say since there was nothing for the two of us to discuss until my birthday.
“I’ll have Annie bring it in with your breakfast.” Mrs. Morton gave me a sharp look. “And you will eat. Understood?”
I nodded meekly. I couldn’t disobey her when she’d given me such care.
While she went to see about my breakfast tray, I remained under the heavy blankets, petting the exhausted kitten as he began to purr. After last night I was not anxious to return to the docks again today. But the beat of my heart ticked like a clock, marking each second, each minute that passed. It weighed on me, for every hour that went by, my chances of finding Harry lessened.
“Miss Graham?” Annie pushed the door in with her back, a heaping tray balanced in her hands.
I adjusted my position as she set the tray on the table beside me. She pointed to the missive with my name on it. “From Mr. Grimshaw,” she said.
Even as my stomach grumbled, I reached for the note first, my curiosity unwilling to wait. I broke the seal and unfolded the paper.
Miss Graham,
I will get straight to the point. I mentioned I have some contacts in shipping and would make some inquiries on your behalf. Early this morning I received word that a boy fitting your brother’s description has been seen on the western quay, near dock four. Check with Captain Andrew Wilkins, of the Nemesis. I pray this information is accurate and that you may be reunited with him as soon as possible.
Yours, Etc.
Mr. Albert Grimshaw
I brushed my fingers over the words, hardly daring to believe. But the wheels of my mind began to turn, and realization settled over me of what those words might mean. Harry.
I nearly upset the tray as I peeled back the layers of blankets and scrambled off the fainting couch. The kitten yelped in protest.
I patted his head to apologize for my sudden movement.
“Miss?” Annie looked at me with concern.
“I must dress at once.”
“But your breakfast. Mrs. Morton said—”
“Could you pack me something, please?” I interrupted. “To take? I must get down to the quay immediately.” I undid the tie at the end of my hair, shaking out my braid.
She hesitated for a moment, perhaps at the wildness in my voice. At last she nodded.
Within moments I was dressed, my hair swept back in a simple knot. As I passed through the front entry, Mrs. Morton lodged herself in front of the door.
“You haven’t eaten,” she accused.
Annie appeared at my side and pressed a small hamper into my hands.
I drew in a breath, my anxiousness to be gone hastening my words. “I shall eat on the way, but I must go. I must see if there is any validity to the information your brother procured.”
Her disapproving expression softened before she pointed a stern finger at me. “Miss Graham, if you are not back before evening falls, I shall be forced to withdraw your welcome in my home. I cannot bear the thought of you running about the docks in the dark, unattended.” She frowned. “The worry is too much. My heart cannot take it.”
I nodded. “I understand. With any luck, this morning’s investigation will bring an end to both our worries.”
She patted my cheek. “Do take care. I know you say you’re well acquainted with the area, but be wise. I’ll look after your kitten.”
“Thank you.” My words were heartfelt.
And with that, I was out the door, searching the street for a hired hack to take me as near to dock four on the western quay as it could get.
Chapter Thirty-One
The snow had not amounted to much, but last night’s sleet and the ensuing cold created a sheet of ice along the docks. The wind had abated at least. Overhead, the sky was full of clouds, allowing only scant rays of sun to peek through.
My stride was determined, my steps as steady as they could hope to be upon the ice as I made my way down the western quay. I approached the dockmaster impatiently, anxious to be on my way as soon as possible. Anyone who got in my way would bear with the fury of my wrath.
“I have business with Captain Andrew Wilkins,” I said in a no-nonsense tone once I’d reached the dockmaster’s post.
Luckily, the man seemed more interested in keeping his scarf about his neck than in arguing with me. He only tilted his head in the direction of the large ship behind him. Large gold letters revealed its name: Nemesis. I sucked in a breath and hurried forward.
Upon alighting from the gangway onto the deck, I saw the ship was a flurry of activity as sailors hurried this way and that, engaged in a variety of tasks. I surveyed the deck, hoping to find someone who might be able to help me.
“Excuse me, miss. Can I help ye?”
I turned to find a young man with close-cut brown hair, perhaps
