She cocked her head at him. “Maybe I’m like you. Maybe I think it’s better to make the best of what you have right now rather than giving yourself stingy bits of happiness.” A crooked smile crawled across her face as she dared to ask him, “Don’t you agree?”
He met her gaze. “Yes.” There wasn’t much treacle left. He scooped a big spoonful into his mug and then asked conversationally, “How did you know?”
“I saw you walking in the streets of Kelsingra. I was trapped in the crowd, trying to catch up with you. I called your name, but you didn’t hear me.”
“Our Tarman was a busy fellow last night.” He took a sip of his coffee and weighed his thoughts. “If I were just your uncle and not your captain, what might you say to me about it?”
She looked down at her mug. “I’m happy for you. Happy you get to be with someone you choose.”
Nice little jab there. “I’m not promised to anyone else.”
“She’s married.”
“She was.”
“And now she’s not?”
He considered. “I trust her to know what she’s free to do.”
She thought about that and gave a slow nod. He was trying to be absolutely fair when he said to her, “This could change things for you, you know. A lot. If we have a child.”
Her smiled widened. “I know that.”
“Have you thought about what it might mean?”
“Since before dawn.”
“And?”
“That boy back in Trehaug? The one my parents promised could marry me? He thinks he’s been promised the heir to the Tarman. If he finds out that might not be so, he might look for a more promising bride.”
That was so. For the first time he thought about how his decision might affect a wider circle of folk.
She hadn’t finished. “The way I see it, I’m on this boat for life. It’s what I know, and I’m not worth much to anyone anywhere else. Not to sound cold, Uncle, but even if you had a child tomorrow, chances are I’d still get in my years as captain on Tarman. That’s all I want out of it. Not to own him. No one ever owns him. But my chance to be his captain. And maybe get my chance to be with whom I choose to be.” She sipped her coffee and grinned at him. “It seems to agree with you.”
“Don’t be cheeky, girl.” He fought the smile that tried to break out on his face.