‘The sooner you’ll be rid of me,’ he’d told her. Clearly she was taking him at his word, because as soon as they reached The Wild Rose, she brought up some maps of the canal system from the cabin while Jack lit a lamp on deck. Spreading them out, she carefully began to explain the journey and Jack listened, trying to understand as much as he could of a world about which he knew so little.
What an amazing young woman she is, he thought. So calm. So knowledgeable.
Though when she came to the end, something of her vulnerability showed at last as she lifted her green eyes to his and said, ‘Jack. If those men were after me—and I think they were—then what if they try to find me again?’
This time it took a moment to answer. But then he said lightly, ‘Don’t worry, Master Matty, I’ll protect you—although from what I’ve seen of you so far, you seem pretty much able to look after yourself.’ He stood up. ‘Before we set off, though, I have to go back to the shop to pick up a few things.’
‘Really?’ Her voice was businesslike again. ‘I hope you won’t be bringing much, because there’s very little storage space. Let me show you the cabin.’
All the time, Matty kept telling herself that she had no choice. She had to trust this man, but she still couldn’t believe she was actually doing this. Was she crazy, setting off into the night with a stranger? Already, on finding herself down in the confined space of the cabin with him, she felt his presence as something dangerous, something that set the air around her simmering with unknown tensions—whereas he, as she might have guessed, was looking around as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
‘This is neat,’ he said. ‘Tidy. I’ve never been on one of these boats before, but really, you’ve got everything you could want down here, haven’t you?’
‘Just about.’ She flung open a small locker and added a little tightly, ‘This is all the space I can spare for your things.’
‘Suits me. I’m used to travelling light.’
And she thought, Of course. He was a soldier. Then she realised he wasn’t even looking at the locker—he was looking at her bed. Bed—oh, my. She hadn’t properly thought about that. Her heart began to thud.
There was only one bed, which her father always used while Matty slept on a thin cotton mattress which could be rolled up and stowed away by day. Her father had also rigged up a makeshift curtain to afford them each some night-time privacy, which was fine for a father and his young daughter. But to share this small space at night with Jack Rutherford?
Matty felt a headache coming on. He’ll have to sleep on deck, she thought rather wildly. He can rig up some sort of shelter from any rain...
She suddenly realised he was about to leave. ‘Right,’ he was saying, ‘I’m going to get my things now. But I’ll be back very soon, Captain Matty.’
He grinned, patted her shoulder in a friendly way and disappeared from her view. She sank back a little dizzily on the bed.
If only he wouldn’t keep teasing her. Touching her. She hated being touched by a man, which was partly why she dressed as she did—it stopped men pawing and leering. But it was somehow different with Jack Rutherford. His touch burned her. It made her feel all sorts of sensations she wasn’t used to. Worst of all, she didn’t hate the effect he had on her—and that was the trouble. She was going crazy—and she was certainly mad to allow him to share this journey with her.
Oh, no. What on earth have I done?
Ten minutes later she was harnessing Hercules up to the boat. It was unusual for anyone to be setting off at this time of night, but she’d clung to the faint hope that her actions might pass unnoticed. Unfortunately it wasn’t long before she saw Daniel approaching, carrying a lantern.
‘Now, then, Matty.’ He looked mystified. ‘You’re harnessing up old Hercules. What on earth for, lass?’
‘Jack Rutherford and I,’ she said, ‘have decided we’re heading north.’
Matty knew the reaction she would get. ‘Together?’ Daniel exclaimed. ‘And at this hour of night?’
‘That’s right. We’re setting off very soon.’
From the look on Daniel’s face, this was just as severe a shock as the fire breaking out at the stables—and now Bess had come bustling up, just in time to catch the tail end of the conversation. ‘Matty,’ she exclaimed. ‘You’re not really setting off with that young fellow-me-lad you’ve only just met?’
Matty was in a quandary. Should she tell them that the terrifying attack tonight was most likely aimed at her and was thus all her fault? But if she did that, they might never wish to let her out of their sight! Besides, she’d always intended to make this journey. Always.
‘Bess,’ she said, ‘shortly before my father died, I made a promise to him to visit a place that meant a great deal to him.’ She saw Bess’s face soften slightly. ‘And I’ve decided it’s time I fulfilled my promise. I’ve always known it would be difficult on my own, but Jack has offered to help me. The decision is mine and mine alone.’
Bess and Daniel were still exchanging worried glances. ‘Oh, lass,’ said Bess at last. ‘We would have helped you with this journey of yours, if only you’d asked us first!’
‘You’ve always been the best of friends, but how can you possibly turn your back on your trade, your livelihood? I would never have dreamed of asking you!’
Their silence spoke of continuing unease, but at last Daniel said slowly, ‘Aye, well, lass, it’s your decision after all. But we’re here if you need us.’
‘I know, Daniel. And I thank you for it.’
With that, Daniel left but Bess lingered. ‘Now look,’ Bess said, ‘I know your mother would have wanted me to have a chat about you setting off along the canal with that fellow who’s latched on to you. It’s just not fitting. Not proper. Surely he knows that?’
Matty met her gaze steadily. ‘Actually, Bess, I’m not sure that he realises I’m a girl.’
Bess looked even more aghast. ‘So what on earth are you going to do when he finds out?’
‘I really don’t think he cares, one way or the other.’
Bess shook her head darkly. ‘Listen. I saw with my own eyes the way he danced with girl after girl at the wedding party. Men like him, they believe lasses are theirs for the taking. What makes you sure you can trust him?’
‘I shall keep him at arm’s length, Bess, don’t worry. After all, I’ve been looking after myself for two years now—remember?’
Bess sighed. ‘I also remember you’ve never done anything as scatterbrained as this, lass, ever. Another thing. I don’t know if you’ve even thought about it—but where on earth’s that scamp of a man going to sleep?’
Matty had been thinking about it all right, ever since she’d shown him her tiny cabin. But she answered airily, ‘He’ll sleep on deck, of course. He’s already said he likes being out in the open air—he’s used to it from his soldiering days.’
Bess was looking at her ominously and was clearly about to deliver a parting shot when they both heard the sound of footsteps and Jack himself came into view. He had a military-style bulky canvas satchel slung over one shoulder and was whistling an Irish jig as he strode along the quay towards the boat. The wharfside lanterns gleamed on his tousled dark hair and his muscular physique.
He halted on seeing Bess, who faced him squarely, her hands on her hips. ‘Now, then. I understand you’re going on a journey with our Matty. So what do you know, my lad, about barges? And horses?’
Jack put down his heavy satchel. ‘As it happens, I know quite a bit about horses in general, ma’am,’ he replied pleasantly. ‘But I know very little about canal travel and I’ve a good deal to learn about boats, too. Though I think that in young Matty here, I’ll have an excellent teacher.’
Bess frowned again. ‘You take good care of our Matty, otherwise you’ll have all us folk up and down the waterways to answer to. D’you understand?’
‘I understand, ma’am,’ Jack said almost meekly.
And Bess marched off.
Jack climbed on board with Matty and said cheerfully, ‘Well. She doesn’t like me very much, does she?’
Matty was already starting to coil up a length of mooring rope, but she paused to give Jack a steady look. ‘She means it, you know. If you cause me the slightest bit of trouble, then Bess, Daniel and their friends won’t forget or forgive.’ Her tone changed suddenly. ‘And Jack, don’t—don’t lean on the tiller like that, or it will whip round and—’
Jack gave a startled exclamation and leapt to one side as the swinging tiller almost knocked him off his feet. ‘Damn,’ he muttered, rubbing what must be a painfully bruised rib. ‘Damn, that hurt.’
‘Count yourself lucky,’ Matty pointed out calmly. ‘I’ve seen men have their arms broken if they’re careless with tillers. Now, I’m going to the wash-house to clean myself up before we set off. It’s at the far end of the wharf.’
‘Anything I can do?’
‘Yes—you can fill up Hercules’s feed-box with oats.’
Jack looked around. ‘How do I do that, exactly?’
‘There’s a sack over there on the wharf.’ She pointed. ‘I’ve paid for it. Bring it over and fill the feed-box, then take back the empty sack. You know, you’re such a greenling.’
‘A greenling?’ Jack asked it carefully. ‘What’s a greenling?’
‘Someone like you,’ she answered, picking up her towel and soap, ‘who knows nothing about canal life.’ She was starting to walk off, but briefly looked back. ‘Oh, and you might consider visiting the wash-house yourself. It could be a day or two before we next get the chance of hot water.’
‘Right,’ he said. ‘Right.’
But first, he went down to the cabin to unpack his satchel. Into the locker Matty had shown him he put his one decent coat, carefully folded, followed by spare shirts, undergarments, even a cravat or two. And right at the back of the locker, he hid an oilskin pouch that contained a small pistol.
The wash-house was in a barn of a building, with a noisy laundry right next to it. But inside the wash-house anyone could pay for a private cubicle, a tin hipbath and several jugs full of hot water and Matty loved it. Once she’d bolted the door to her cubicle she stripped off her clothes and sank into the deliciously hot water, although it did occur to her that maybe she should have poured a bucket of icy water over her head at precisely the moment she began to think that ex-major Jack Rutherford might be a suitable travelling companion.
Was she mad? He was a capable rogue, but he was still a rogue, just as Bess had warned her. He was also a mystery, because she couldn’t for the life of her work out why he wanted to come on this journey.
He’d said that he fancied an adventure; but if so, why would he choose to travel in a fashion that most men of his kind would consider not only uncomfortable, but utterly boring and even demeaning? Clearly he’d fallen on hard times, but she guessed he came from a moneyed background. He must have other friends, other resources, so surely, if he wished for adventure, he could find it in rather more exotic ways?
He was trouble. She guessed he’d not even begun to tell her the real story of his life. Though what about her? Wasn’t she deceiving him, too, by stubbornly pretending still to be a boy? Pouring the last jugful of water over her shoulders, she let it trickle slowly down her arms and her body.
It was no wonder that she found it easy to dress in male attire. Her breasts were small, her hips slender. She must be at least half a foot shorter than Jack—who, if he’d decided to take a bath, too, could be very close by even now. Might have filled up his bath and stripped off his clothes...
A sudden image of him flashed through her brain, an image that was a bit too vivid for her peace of mind. He, too, would be soaping himself and relishing the hot water, she guessed; maybe chuckling a little as he recalled the events of the day. And she was going to be sharing her boat with him for days and nights on end, all the way to Aylesbury?
If only he’d stop touching her; but he did it so carelessly, patting her arm or shoulder without a thought. Yet somehow the warmth of his hands lingered—and she felt that heat everywhere like an intimate caress, which she’d never wanted from any man, let alone him. But how could she stop him? Bess would tell her to slap his face, yet that would let him know just how much his touch troubled her...
She scoffed at herself. Stop worrying, you idiot. Even if he’s guessed you’re a girl, it’s quite obvious he couldn’t care less. She was worried, though. She was worried about how she would cope with having a handsome blue-eyed stranger in such close proximity.
Taking a deep breath, she began to soap her short hair, rubbing so fiercely that her scalp protested. After ducking her head underwater to rinse it, she stepped out of the bath and began to towel herself dry, telling herself she had no need at all to be concerned. She guessed that even if Jack Rutherford were to walk in right now and see her naked, his reaction would be complete and utter indifference.
He wasn’t there when she returned to The Wild Rose and once more her thoughts spun almost out of control. What if he’d changed his mind and decided he wasn’t going to come with her on her journey after all? She felt slightly sick with tension and when he eventually arrived she wasn’t in the least bit calmed to realise that he’d visited the wash-house just as she’d suggested. He looked so different. He was freshly shaved, his black hair was all slick and gleaming, and his shirt gaped just enough to reveal that tanned chest with its smattering of silky dark hairs.
‘You were right,’ he said, casually draping his towel over the boat rail. ‘The wash-house was a treat—though I didn’t see you in there, young Matty.’
She felt hot all over. Of course—most of the men used a communal room that was much cheaper. ‘I was very quick,’ she said. ‘In and out. You know?’
He chuckled. ‘Good for you. Though I sense a note of rebuke—I took a little too long, did I? I can see you’re going to run a tight ship, Captain Matty.’
She pressed her lips together. ‘It was you who insisted we set off straight away,’ she pointed out. ‘So let’s get on with it, shall we? You can make a start by studying those maps of the canal that I’ve left out for you.’
He glanced over to the small table on which she’d spread them out. ‘Excellent,’ he said, bowing his head over them. ‘Is the house you and your father visited marked anywhere?’
‘Here. You see?’ She pointed. ‘Charlwood Manor.’
‘Charlwood Manor.’ He repeated it and just for a moment she was aware of some strange tension in the air. But then he was smiling again and saying, ‘Right. Map reading is one skill I do have, you’ll be pleased to hear.’
‘I am indeed,’ she told him. Then she went to check on the boat’s supplies of water and basic foodstuffs, even though she’d checked them twice already. Next she went to readjust Hercules’s harness, but couldn’t resist glancing back to confirm that Jack was still on deck, apparently absorbed in her father’s maps and charts.
Her heart missed a beat again, because in the flickering light of the oil lamp he was no longer the careless, joking owner of Mr Percival’s antiques shop. Instead there was an expression on his face that she’d noted when he’d led the charge on those men who’d attacked the party—an expression that was intent and deadly serious. She understood it then, but why now, when he was contemplating nothing more than a light-hearted canal journey? Oh, Matty. He’s dangerous.
With an effort, she forced herself to look on the positive side. If they set off right now, it would mean getting to her father’s treasure field all the sooner—and it also meant spending the least time necessary with her new and rather disturbing companion.
They’d agreed that Jack would lead Hercules along the towpath while Matty stayed by the tiller. ‘Remember that this first mile will be the most difficult,’ she told Jack, ‘since you’ll have to watch out for the mooring ropes of all the boats that have stopped for the night.’
‘Aye aye, Captain.’
Matty watched in exasperation as he jauntily approached the waiting Hercules. ‘Take care!’ she warned. ‘He can be a bit tricky when he realises he’s not going to spend the rest of the night in a warm stable!’
He raised one hand to acknowledge that he’d heard and true enough, as he drew close, Hercules snorted and shied away. Jack stroked his mane. ‘Come on, old boy, and try to behave yourself for Captain Matty’s new number one assistant. You’re a friendly soul, really, aren’t you?’
And Matty saw Jack reach in his pocket to pull out a handful of oats. She frowned. ‘That’s downright bribery!’
He nodded. ‘I know. Like the carrot. Bribery and corruption—there’s nothing like it.’
She said reluctantly, ‘You’re good with horses.’
‘Had a fair amount of practice.’ He was stroking Hercules’s neck again. ‘I had to do quite a bit of riding in the army.’
‘Ah, yes. The army.’ She added softly, ‘You’ve not really told me much about that yet, have you, Jack?’
He shrugged, still with that half-smile on his face. And he said—nothing.
Maybe he’d seduced another officer’s wife, thought Matty darkly. Or several officers’ wives.
She shook her head in annoyance at herself. For heaven’s sake. You’re going to be spending days with the man, so get rid of these stupid and distracting thoughts right this minute.
‘I’ll be ready to cast off soon,’ she called to him as she checked the tiller. ‘And that’s when you must lead Hercules forward—though once we’re moving, you’ll find that he knows exactly what to do. Just keep a hand on his halter and watch for any obstacles on the towpath, because there are always unexpected hazards at night.’
‘Aye aye, Captain. I’ll be as watchful as a hawk for unexpected hazards, I promise.’
Absurd, annoying man!
Matty struggled for a parting shot. ‘And don’t feed Hercules any more oats, will you?’ She was already starting to unfasten the mooring ropes. ‘He’ll expect them every time he sees you. He’ll grow fat and lazy.’
‘Little chance of that, I suspect,’ murmured Jack, ‘with you in charge.’
Teeth gritted, she hauled in the ropes. ‘Right. We’re off!’ she called, taking the tiller.
Jack nodded, patting Hercules on the neck. ‘Time to get going, old boy.’
And slowly, slowly the boat began to move away from the lights of west London into the darkness—with Matty fully aware that now she had no one but the mysterious ex-major Jack Rutherford to depend on. She stared ahead into the unknown. Had she completely taken leave of her senses?