The voyage

4–The Captain Wife

James opened the door to his quarters, and stepped aside to let Kate pass. She did, her heels slowly sounding on the varnished wood floor causing the silence to be broken. This was the kind of suite that she would have had, had she have been travelling as a first class passenger. The furnishings were more luxurious than that of second class and most certainly third, and the rooms were of a considerable size that was comfortable.

"The bathroom is through that door, and then through there is the sitting room". He showed her around. "I'll have Boston's wife come and see you once I'm gone, but for now, make yourself comfortable".

"I really do not mind sleeping on the settee, or even the chaise". Kate told him, not wanting to make this any more awkward than it already felt.

He brushed this off and then took the ring box from his pocket. "You might want to wear this. It will make it more convincing". Passing her the ring.

She turned it over and over in her hands and looked at him. "You carry something this this around with you often Captain?"

"Believe me, I don't intend to make a habit of it. It doesn't matter, just wear it and then when we arrive in New York, you can take it off".

Kate was surprised that it fitted as she slipped it on, and then saw James watching her intently. Eyes on the ring. "Something the matter?" She frowned, still questioning to herself why he had something like this on his person. "If this is a gift for someone then..."

"It's a perfect fit..." He stated. "The cut suits you..."

She studied her hand and then shook her head. "I will ensure that I take good care of it. I promise".

He nodded. "I have to return to the wheelhouse, but try to relax. We'll get you to New York and settled. No one will find you".

"I hope not" Kate concurred, "Because then all my efforts will have been for nothing". No doubt her parents would be smart enough to check passengers lists of any ships leaving England around the time of her running away from home. "My full name won't be on the list will it?"

"No" He shook his head. "It'll be under Captain and Mrs James Rogers. They won't know that you were ever on this ship".

Kate set herself down on a chair, hands clasped delicately in her lap. "I don't know how I can ever repay you Captain".

"Let's just make it to New York, there's no reason to think about repayment yet". He assured her and leaving to allow her to get settled, he returned to the wheelhouse.

Once the door had closed, Kate sighed and looked around, then getting up and exploring the areas of what was to now be hers and James quarters. At least she was safe in the knowledge that this was a man with morals, and would not be trying to force himself on her like Barty had. It was a surprise that she could even put her trust in a man after dealing with what she had, but it was a risk that she had needed to take.

One bad apple didn't necessarily mean that the others were like it too.

Within less than a day she'd gone from engaged, to a stowaway, to being a 'wife' of a man she barely knew. But this was a man that she needed to depend on for the sake of her survival. Hopefully within the next week that they would see one another (and she doubted that it would be much considering who he was) she would grow to know him a little more. It would certainly make things all the more easier.

Sometime later there was a knock at the door and two women stood there. One with dark hair and another with red. "I'm Laura Boston, and this is Anna, the Captain told us about you and we wanted to come and bring provisions" Laura grinned as the pair walked in, arms laden with dresses and shoes. "You're a brave woman that's for sure. I wouldn't have had the guts to sneak onto a ship without knowing what to do once I got to the other end!"

Kate smiled lightly, closing the door. "In all honesty? I still don't know".

"Well you're always welcome to stay with us!" Laura perked up.

Anna smiled. "She's very hospitable. I'm a friend of James". She now held out a hand for Kate to shake, which she did.

"You're very kind, but honestly I don't want to be a burden to anyone, especially the captain. Thank you for bringing me these".

"All part of the great plan" Anna smirked, "Hopefully they fit, we know they might not exactly be what you're used to..."

Kate shook her head. "I would rather just not stand out".

Laura threw her a look. "You're the Captain's 'wife', trust me, you're going to stand out".

That was the last thing that she wanted, but Laura was right. People would probably be told through the whispers of others, and she would have to play her part very convincingly.

"Yes..." Kate now replied with some unease.

Both Anna and Laura could sense this. "What are you doing this evening?" Anna now asked.

Kate shrugged. "Probably hiding in here".

"Well that's not happening. Come have dinner with us and then we can walk the promenade deck before we head to bed. How's that sound?"

"You really don't have to bother yourselves with me..."

"No, but we want to". Laura told her kindly. "Besides, you don't want to spend the whole voyage worrying and alone".

She let out a sigh, "No I suppose not. Ok, I'll have dinner with you tonight".

**

James returned to his/their quarters later on that evening, the wave of tiredness washing over him, so much so that he forgot for a moment that Kate was there and almost jumped out of his skin.

"I didn't meant to scare you". She said apologetically. "I've only just returned myself".

"Oh?" He eyed her quizzically.

She nodded. "Laura and Anna asked me to have dinner with them, so I did".

"Making friends already then". He nodded approvingly, loosening his tie and undoing the top collar of his shirt.

Kate turned away so as he could change into his nightwear with privacy, already feeling a little vulnerable in hers and pulling her robe tighter around her so as nothing showed. "They have been kind. They didn't have to be, but they have".

"I made them aware of just what you'd told me. They were shocked to say the least". He explained as he went into the next room to change.

"I do not want them to think me a charity case though".

"No, but they see you as someone who will need allies once she gets to New York. Take them". He advised.

"Believe me", Kate sighed, "I need all the friends that I can get". Crossing the room, she got into one side of the bed and sat there awkwardly. James eventually coming in and getting in the other side.

Because this wasn't awkward for them both at all.

Getting under the covers, even the sounds of the water outside couldn't really soothe Kate's nerves, and her body felt rigid from where she was too afraid that it may touch his. "Kate..." His voice now came through the darkness. The lights having been turned off. "Relax...we may be in the middle of the ocean, but this is the safest place for you right now".

She said nothing for the moment, but then spoke. "I really do hope you're right. Good night James".

"Goodnight, Kate".