Forgotten Fragrance Read Online Free Page B

nonsense!
    Charlotte shivered and crossed her arms over her chest then rubbed her palms up and down her arms before she made her way to her cabin, determined to escape her overactive imagination. All these macabre thoughts of Jamie and the past were flights of fantasy. Marcus was her future and his words earlier were nothing more than attentiveness and concern for her wellbeing. She must count herself lucky he cared for her and look to the future.
    Having tidied her meagre possessions and unpacked her cloak Charlotte threw it over her shoulders and made her way to Marcus’ cabin. She laughed aloud as the ship rolled and bucked against the open ocean and she lurched from one side to the other. A delicious odour wafted past and her stomach rumbled in anticipation. It had been a long time since breakfast.
    Once inside Marcus’ cabin Charlotte chased the papers strewn across the desk by the waves. Her stomach rumbled again. Marcus had said he would take his meals in his cabin but she’d rather eat with the crew if invited. It sounded like a fine idea. She intended to make the most of this trip and she wanted to experience as much of life at sea as possible.
    With a thundering crash the cabin door flew open. Marcus staggered in and collapsed face down onto the bunk. ‘Bucket! Get a bucket, woman.’
    As he heaved his words made sense. Hurriedly pulling the timber pail from below the bunk Charlotte deposited it next to him. He levered himself up on one arm and hung his head over the side, vomiting loudly and expansively.
    Marcus’ skin resembled cold porridge and a slick of sweat covered his crumpled face making his malady more than obvious.
    â€˜Oh! I fear you are suffering from seasickness.’
    â€˜What rubbish woman! I have been poisoned.’
    Charlotte mopped at his brow with her handkerchief and then leapt aside as he once again stuck his head over the edge of the bunk and gave a watery groan. ‘I don’t believe you have been poisoned. We both ate the same food for breakfast, the bread and…
    â€˜Don’t even mention food.’ He heaved again. ‘I will be called to meet my maker before we reach Sydney.’ The stench from the open bucket churned her stomach and Charlotte tried to breathe through her mouth as she took Marcus’ cloak from his shoulders and replaced it blanket-like across his prostrate, whimpering form.
    â€˜I doubt you’ll die. It’s simply seasickness. Believe me, it will pass. Let me fetch you some water.’
    He belched and leant over the bucket again. Clamping her lips together Charlotte slipped through the door and made her way into the darkened passageway.
    â€˜Whoa! Where d’you think you’re goin’?’ Thick, meaty hands clasped her upper arms and the stench of unwashed flesh enveloped her.
    A long shiver of revulsion shook her from head to toe. ‘Henk! You scared me.’ Her heart pounded, ready to leap right out of her chest. ‘I need water. Marcus…Mr Wainwright is unwell and…
    â€˜Cookie!’ Henk’s voice bellowed in the confined space and a blast of rum laden breath wafted into her face. ‘Cookie! Bring water to the Capt’n’s cabin.’
    Henk pressed closer forcing Charlotte back against the cabin door.
    â€˜Now. Not yesterday,’ he bellowed, his fetid breath fanning her face.
    Somewhere to her right banging and clattering heralded the arrival of a small man with a flagon in one hand and a pewter mug in the other. He slithered to a halt and stood shuffling from one foot to the other as though unsure which direction to take.
    â€˜Here give it to me and get back where you belong. I can smell something burning. Shame it’s not whale meat.’
    Henk grabbed the flagon and cup and shoved them into her hands. ‘Bloody hell. Get out of the way and go and do what you’re meant for.’
    Swallowing back a torrent of words she’d long forgotten