"The windows," she muttered. To be cursed both with mind and heart. And with eyes: for there they were, faint reflections in the window glass, coupling for themselves and for all the world.

"We mustn't."

He paused, his mouth hovering over her shoulder. "Don't you want me, Elizabeth?"

"I want you, yes," she hissed. Because she could not lie to him, or herself. "But I can't, I can't."

"Oh, but you can, darlin'." And so he showed her, bent her to his will, and to her own. Covered her and filled her, his mouth on her neck, one arm like a pillar, supporting both of them. The other arm was around her waist, pulling her up and back to meet him. And even the world gave in, retreated and left nothing behind but Nathaniel, the long muscles of his thighs tensed behind her, the heat and the heft of him, his body deep in hers and all around her and still he struggled, they struggled together to bring him closer.

And in the window glass she watched it all, saw their faces torn apart with furious need and stitched back together thrust by thrust. His cheek pressed against her temple and his eyes flashing with the beat of her heart, ready to burst for him. She watched it happen. She would remember it as long as she lived.

An hour later Nathaniel woke Elizabeth with the news that the first mate had sighted Runs-from-Bears and Will from the quarterdeck. She had barely enough time to dress and tame her hair into a plait before they were on board. With the exception of Curiosity, all of the party assembled around the cherrywood table with its covered silver platters, porcelain dishes, and crystal goblets, finery never meant for rough hands. To all this Bears added a bundle wrapped in buckskin and tied with a length of spruce root.

"That's a mighty small parcel to keep you away such a long time." Nathaniel spoke English, because Will and Moncrieff were with them still.

Bears shrugged and reached for the cold beef. "You want the whole story now?"

Hawkeye cast a sidelong glance in Moncrieff's direction. "I expect we're all curious, but it'll have to wait. Lots going on while you were away."

Beside Elizabeth, Will put down his glass. "I should say so. It did give me a start to see the Nancy so dark and deserted."

Nathaniel said, "We're better off here for the moment."

Elizabeth was much relieved that he didn't feel it necessary to raise the topic of Mac Stoker. Her pride was still too raw, and Angus Moncrieff was still too much of a stranger to be trusted with such a confession.

Hawkeye explained what there was to know about the Providence in a few sentences. Will's expression brightened even before he finished.

"Well, then, you're off now to have a talk with her captain, I take it? Can I be of any assistance?"

"I dinna think it would be wise," Moncrieff said. "The man lost a leg at Lexington, and he's been nane too fond o' Englishmen ever since. He didna care overmuch for me, either, so p'rhaps it'd be best if I stayed clear of Henry Parker."

Robbie's head came up with a snap. "Wad that be Henry Parker o' Boston?"

Moncrieff scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Aye, I believe he is from Boston. A wee mannie, with a fringe o' hair the color of straw and stare like a new-sharpened bayonet."

"That could weel be him," said Robbie with a grin. "I served wi' a Henry Parker for five years under Isaac Putnam. Hawkeye, d'ye remember him? He was always whittlin' awa' at birds."

Hawkeye stretched and pushed back his chair. "I do remember him. I suppose we better get along and see if it's the same man. Don't forget the coin, Nathaniel--as I remember, Henry Parker drives a Yankee bargain."

In no time at all Nathaniel, Hawkeye, and Robbie had directions to the spot farther downriver where the Providence was at dock, collected their weapons and got themselves ready to go. Elizabeth wished for a moment alone with Nathaniel but had to be satisfied with slipping the strap of his carry bag over his shoulder and taking the chance to touch his cheek.

"Don't be long," she said quietly. He caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.

"You'd best be ready to go right quick," said Hawkeye, squeezing her shoulder on his way out. "It may happen all at once."

Moncrieff went up on deck to make sure they reached their destination, and they were gone with just a nod and a smile.

"It's time I was away to my lodgings," Will said.

"Oh, no," said Elizabeth, drawing him down to sit on the chaise longue next to her. "You and Runs-from-Bears have some explaining to do. You had me very worried."

Bears plucked up the bundle from the table and tossed it to Elizabeth without comment. Inside were some large pieces of cured doeskin of very high quality, a smaller piece of heavier buckskin, a bone needle and a paper of three steel needles, a bowl of loose beads with a fitted lid, and a small basket of spooled threads.

Elizabeth ran her palm over the doeskin. "Hannah asked for these things?"

He shook his head. "She wanted Kahnyen'kehâka clothing, but there was none to be had. It was the best I could do."

"But I don't understand. Why would you go off on such an errand?"

He blinked at her. "Squirrel asked me." He spoke English, which took her by surprise. Then she saw Will's expression and she knew two things: whatever had happened on the other side of the river, they had acted together, and were of one mind; and more, neither of them wanted her to know too much about it. More trouble. Elizabeth had a good chance of arguing them into divulging whatever it was, but right now it was all she could do to keep her mind on the night ahead.