Into the Storm by Avi

happened.”
    â€œIt’s Laurence.”
    â€œHas he been found?”
    â€œThe fool has actually gone to America.”
    â€œAmerica!”
    â€œAnd would you believe, Mama, the governor has asked me to fetch him back.”
    â€œYou? But how can he expect that you …?”
    â€œNever mind. He’s asked, and of course I’ll go. Now excuse me. Duty calls,” he said sarcastically, “and I must prepare myself.”
    As Albert hurried on, all he could think was that he must do something and do it quickly. He knew well that his father preferred Laurence to him, knew that his father’s will gave his brother too much and him too little. Yes, he would go to America. He would find Laurence. But once he found him — if he found him — he would make sure his dear brother never came home.

 
    D inner in the Robert Peel ’s first-class dining room was done. The food had been more than ample: soup, fish, meat, potatoes, followed by a sweet. Of the regular diners, Mr. Clemspool, Mr. Grout, and Mr. Murdock were gone. Three remained, Mr. Shagwell, Captain Rickles, and the ship’s doctor, Mr. Woodham.
    The doctor was a young man, fresh from his licensing exam, on his way to America to make his fortune. Long curls fell about his ears and neck. Dressed meticulously in black waistcoat and ruffled cravat, he had discovered as part of his studies that a haughty demeanor was as important a part of his professional attire as anything else.
    Just as the captain was rising, Mr. Shagwell said, “A word with you, sir. Just a moment.”
    â€œBy your leave,” the captain said, and sat.
    The doctor moved to go.
    â€œDo stay, sir,” Mr. Shagwell said. “I should value your thoughts too.”
    The doctor brushed away crumbs that had fallen on his waistcoat and resumed his seat.
    â€œGentlemen,” Mr. Shagwell began, “this is a matter of some delicacy.” He settled his bulk more comfortably in his chair. “I need only tell you the subject’s money for you to understand.”
    The captain laughed good-naturedly. “Money is always delicate, sir.”
    â€œI’m glad you agree.” Mr. Shagwell picked up a fork, poked it gently against his fingers, laid it down, and said. “It concerns one of our fellow passengers.”
    The captain pulled at his red mustache but said nothing.
    Mr. Shagwell went on. “I am, sirs,” he said, touching his hand to his chest and dipping his head, “engaged in the manufacturing of cotton textiles. Mine is a most important mill.”
    â€œIn what city, sir?” inquired the doctor.
    â€œLowell, Massachusetts.”
    The doctor nodded as if he knew the place exactly.
    â€œYou see, sirs, Mr. Clemspool has intimated to me that he is seriously considering funds — his funds — in my company. Naturally, I am interested. What, gentlemen, do you know of this Englishman?”
    The doctor leaned back in his chair and brushed a crumb from his sleeve. “English — as you’ve said. Very friendly fellow. Always asking questions. Somewhat prying.Seems to make his home in London with a business office in the City.”
    â€œAh, the City …”
    â€œHe did tell me he was going to America on matters of high finance.”
    â€œDo you know what exactly is his business?”
    â€œSeems to deal with the wealthy,” the doctor said. “Family matters and the like.”
    Mr. Shagwell placed his hands upon the table. “Did he say that?”
    â€œThat’s what he told me too,” said the captain. “You will recall that two days ago we bespoke a ship….”
    â€œGoing to England.”
    â€œMr. Clemspool specifically requested we do so. He had a letter he wished sent to London. Said it concerned very important financial matters.”
    â€œDid he?”
    â€œHis very words.”
    â€œAnd, sir, did he say what the matters were?”