‘Company,’ the stranger said cheerily. ‘Thank you, Eva. Now do stand clear and don’t fuss me. That’ll be all, my dear. We’ll wait on ourselves now — you and Cook can put your feet up,’ he said.
Eva smiled, cast him a shy glance and bobbed her way out.
Joe froze as Sebastian Marland ran an assessing eye over the distance to the nearest table, made his calculation, and set off across the Afghan rug. Always a tricky decision: whether to dash forward and snatch the tray from his hands or studiously ignore the disability. Taking his cue from Cassandra, who was nonchalantly busying herself clearing a space, Joe stayed put.
Sebastian Marland touched down safely and turned to greet Sandilands. ‘Commander. Good to see you again. Though I could wish it were in different circumstances.’
Joe nodded and smiled with equal pleasure. ‘Captain. Gloomy time for you all … May I-’
‘No need for all that. Commiserations taken as understood.’
Sandilands began to relax into the familiar exchange of military brevity. You knew where you were with Marland.
Open and brisk, the young host came straight to the point. ‘And thank you for all you’ve done, Commander. Cassandra’s a lucky woman to have you in her corner — and I’ve said as much. But I see you bring an accomplice?’ An enquiring eye sought out Lily.
‘You’ve found exactly the right word.’ Joe smiled. ‘Miss Wentworth is, indeed, my partner in crime. Let me introduce you to her. Lily, this is Sebastian Marland, Admiral Dedham’s nephew.’
Marland shook Lily’s hand and murmured a welcome. Joe was intrigued to witness the instant effect of warm eyes and a sincere voice. He observed flirtatious smiles and batting of eyelashes. And Wentworth didn’t appear unmoved either. Joe grinned. But Marland’s attention was quickly drawn back to Cassandra, who was beginning to fuss and call everyone to the table. ‘No, no. Sit down, my dear, and I’ll pour out. That full pot’s a sight too heavy,’ he said. ‘John, come and make yourself useful. Grab a cutlass and section up this cake, will you? And don’t mangle the walnuts.’