Free The Transatlantic Conspiracy by G. D. Falksen Page B

tomorrow.”
    Erich flashed a dazzling smile at Rosalind. “It is a small train. I think we can safely say that our paths will cross again.”
    â€œGood evening, ladies,” Jacob said. “Until tomorrow. Come along, Erich. Do not make a nuisance of yourself.”
    Rosalind sighed as she watched them go. She shook her head. The trouble with charming men was that one could never be certain if they were sincere or not. Of course, it was rather cynical of her to think such things. But there was the very friendly way Erich had looked at her. And even she had to admit, whether it was sincere or not, it was not altogether unpleasant. That was rather an understatement, truth be told . . .
    â€œI think they’re splendid,” Cecily announced in the silence.
    â€œI am inclined to agree,” said Alix. “Especially that Lieutenant Hoffmeyer. He is very . . . ” She paused, looking for the word.
    â€œMmm,” Cecily hummed. “He is, isn’t he?”
    â€œCecily!” Rosalind demanded. When there was no reply, she waved her hand in front of Cecily’s face. “Cecily?”
    â€œHmm? Yes?”
    â€œPlease don’t go losing your head.”
    â€œYou’re one to talk, Rose,” Cecily said in her old impish voice. “I saw how you looked at Herr Steiner. It was positively disgraceful. Almost as disgraceful as the way he looked at you .” She wagged a finger under Rosalind’s nose. “You’re our chaperone, remember? Whatever would my brother say if he found out?”
    Rosalind’s eyes smoldered. “I hardly think that Charles would have either right or reason to say anything,” she answered, speaking a little too quickly. She caught her breath and straightened her shoulders. “But as you bring him up—”
    â€œAs you say, it is time for bed,” Cecily interrupted in a singsong voice. “Alix, why don’t you and I walk Rose to her room? It’s the only decent thing to do given how good she’s been about chaperoning us, don’t you agree?”
    â€œYes, very good about it,” Alix agreed. “And I am very grateful for it, you know. I am meeting an aunt at the station in America, but my family assumed there would be no need for a chaperone during the journey. It is so nice of you to look out for Cecily and myself. So very nice.”
    â€œNo, no, Alix,” Cecily groaned. “Rose isn’t actually our chaperone. We’re all scandalously unattended. That’s the point. It’s half the fun. I thought you understood.”
    Alix suddenly turned bright pink. “Oh, dear. We are not going to get into trouble with the train crew, are we?”
    Rosalind held her tongue. She decided, once again, that no matter how much Cecily kept irritating her, her friend was just trying to make the best of a bad situation. So she laughed and took Alix by the arm. “No,” she said, “we’re not. Especially if Cecily remembers how to behave in public.”
    â€œAnd what precisely have I done that was so improper?” Cecily asked, feigning offense.
    â€œYou mean besides inviting strange men to sit at our table?” Rosalind countered.
    â€œI didn’t invite them. I obliged them at the head steward’s request.”
    â€œDid you, really?” Rosalind said, grinning at Cecily. “Only the head steward didn’t say so himself, did he?” Rosalind said. “For all we know, that was just a cunning ruse to impose their rather delightful company on us.”
    Cecily gave a look of mock astonishment. “No!” she gasped. “Oh, Rose! I certainly hadn’t thought of that possibility!”
    Alix’s eyes went wide. She glanced between the two of them. “You . . . You don’t think that they were lying to us, do you?” she asked.
    Cecily laughed aloud. “Oh, Alix,” she said. “Oh, beautiful, innocent