“Offerin’ help to the damsel, are ye?” she asked, a twinkle in her eye. “Have ye forgotten which of us sailed this old girl here to begin with?” “Right.” Frederick laughed. “I won’t tell you how long it took me to get to where I didn’t flop like a fish from the rigging.” She laughed, genuinely enjoying herself. It seemed so, anyway, and he prayed it to be true. “Come on, then.” He led the way, she racing up the netting beside him. He sped up, giving her a challenge, and the look of sheer delight on her face was priceless.
