Rina sighed as she inserted the lighted cigarette in its holder. No point in getting dirty fingers, if she had to place something somewhere. The task might be a small way to thank Jack for taking the Tears of Isis in his own hands, or it could be a cover up for her “crime”. The thought of having to carry the Tears to Cairo in her corset had been a ridiculous idea.

The patronizing sound of Jack’s voice was the same as someone trying to make a four year old feel like they did something important by giving the cake batter a few stirs. She’d do her task and then start to enjoy herself without Sir John Lyons. After all, she was on an expensive ship and there was plenty to do for a young aristocrat.

Perhaps she might even give her nerves a rest. Or, better yet, she’d put on her slippers and join in the dancing at the first class saloon after an afternoon of relaxing. That pink dress of hers hadn’t been worn yet and it was too pretty to languish in a trunk. Rina was too pretty to be shut up as well, or so she thought of her cheeks animated with red and her eyes filled with utter joy.

There would be a full moon that night and perhaps someone handsome would take her outside the saloon before he whispered complements in her ear followed by a passionate kiss. A real kiss, something that was in fairytales. Fairytale or not, it would be a night of possibilities. A night to find someone who would carry her off and always make her feel loved, not to mention protected and adored.

She silently laughed at herself as she put the light pink dress on her bed with silk slippers and a full set of rose quartz jewelry. She hummed a waltz as she got dressed for the afternoon. An emerald or two was put into her purse along with the handkerchief before she put a few drops of belladonna in her eyes to widen them. A glance in the mirror showed her that she was the picture of innocence.

She took a parasol and began to walk the deck around the staff area. Sure enough, Captain Durham appeared and Rina put on her best sweet look and the voice she used to get something from her father. It had gotten her in the cabin before and it would work again.

“Captain, could I search your cabin ? It’s very presuming of me, but the necklace was a gift from my late mother and finding a diamond or emerald would make me feel very happier about what happened.”

As she was gallantly ushered into the cabin, Rina looked around for a place to put the handkerchief. Somewhere plausible would be difficult. A triumphant sound issued from her throat, but was soon followed by Rina getting up holding an emerald and a handkerchief. God, Captain Durham had to be the most gullible man in the British Empire.

“I have no idea where this would come from, Captain. Perhaps you would know ? Is it yours ?”

The captain smiled. Finally there was an answer to the mystery, which put him out of trouble with the owners and that would give him a gold star on his record. Imagine such a thing being under his bed the entire time and imagine still that little Lady Lyons would have found it.

“I think you’ve found who has your jewels and my key, Lady Lyons. Don’t worry anymore. He’ll spend his time in the brig and get imprisoned the moment we get to London. I think he’s been doing a good bit of spying and, at the least, we might get your pretty jewels back”

Rina looked shocked and her voice was horrified..

“Spies ? On this ship ?”

“I’m afraid so. I’ll have someone to get a hold of your husband and tell him to keep a good eye on you. A fragile little thing like you should never be left alone.”

Rina left giggling to herself while she promised the captain a dance. Spying couldn’t possibly be this easy, but it was a good introduction to what spies do. Opening the door to the cabin, she talked as she pulled a simple muslin gown over her head and tied the blue sash.

“Bazilov is taken care of, Jack. If you’d be so kind as to let me know when the flowers and dinner arrives for the night, I would be very appreciative to know. I stopped by the restaurant and ordered a dinner to be sent to the cabin before I stopped at the florist to order a bouquet for tonight’s dancing.

Other than that, do what you want. You don’t need me any more, so I thought that I should be making my own schedule from now on. Now, if you excuse me, I’m going to a deck chair in the shade. Our promenade deck has quite a few.”

She grabbed a book from the pile in her suitcase and walked to the deck, feeling better than she had been since Southampton. The rest of the trip might just be fun. Jane Austen was always a good companion.