The Sky Beneath Her(27)

As the steward escorted us to the captain’s table, I scanned the dining room. There was no one here I recognized, but it was still early in the voyage.

At our table, we were greeted by three other people. There were Mr. and Mrs. DuPont. From what William had told me, they were from old New England money. The DuPont family had made their fortune in shipping, and since the war, Mr. DuPont had shifted his efforts toward supplying Britain. He and his wife were returning from Cape Town and had been on the Oceanus for weeks.

DuPont was a midsize man with a thick mustache. His belly was round, his skin blotched as if sensitive to the sun. His wife wasn’t much older than William, but she had a dour demeanor that aged her a decade. Her dark hair was ruthlessly pinned back, and her starched collar was so high my throat itched at the thought. She greeted me with cool eyes and a pleasant expression, as many women did.

Our places were marked with our names, and to my delight, couples were not seated next to each other. I was happy to have distance from William, though I could see he wasn’t thrilled to have me out of his control. He knew I liked to drink and strike up conversations with anyone. One never knew what other bits of information others had, but he always feared I’d overshare.

Despite William’s frown, he was careful to not make a fuss in a crowd.

Dr. Brooks, the book dealer, seated to my left, stood immediately. He was a medium-size man who didn’t look extraordinary in any way. He was the first to extend his hand, and he struck me as a little overeager. “Atticus Brooks of New York.”

I shook Dr. Brooks’s hand, nodding as my fingers tightened. I’d heard from several at the hotel that Dr. Brooks was quite the world traveler. He, too, had boarded this ship in Cape Town after having traveled the whole of Africa this past year. A purveyor of books, charms, and art, he’d gone into Port of Spain last night to see what treasures he could find. He’d boarded with a very pregnant woman on his arm. She was tall with delicate bones, but her hat had hidden her face from the sun and me.

Dr. Brooks reminded me of men I’d crossed paths with in Vienna. They worked in the shadows and went unnoticed by most. But as I searched my memory, I couldn’t place him.

To my right sat Mrs. DuPont. She smelled like the lavender soap I favored. Dr. Brooks and Mr. DuPont waited until I’d sat.

“I’m William Weller. It’s good to meet you,” William said to Mrs. DuPont. “And my companion is Miss Sigrid Stein.”

Mrs. DuPont’s smile was tepid. “I hear you’ve traveled extensively across the European continent.”

He nodded, careful to keep the details vague. “I’ve had the great pleasure of visiting the biggest cities in Europe.”

“And Miss Stein, tell me about yourself,” Mrs. DuPont said.

“I am from Vienna,” I answered.

“Ah, a lovely city. I haven’t been there in years. I’ve heard it’s taken a dark turn.”

“Yes,” I said, softening my voice. “Many changes.”

“Dr. Brooks has also crossed Europe multiple times,” Mrs. DuPont said.

The steward showed William a wine list. He wasn’t much for wine, but a good whiskey was always welcome.

“Dr. Brooks, when was the last time you were in Europe?” I asked.

“My last trips were to Germany and Austria.” His confident tone was reminiscent of generals ready for battle. “Vienna is a stunning city. I was there in 1938.”

“What was your favorite part of the city?” I asked.

“The Danube River is stunning, especially by moonlight.”

“It’s a stunning river,” I said. I’d spent my younger years traveling from country to country on the river. Once it had had gentle curves and turns. But over the centuries, industrious men had found a way to straighten its bends, enabling faster river travel. A shame.

William, who knew my heritage, frowned. “Heavily patrolled these days.”

“There’s very little of the world not shadowed by the war now,” Dr. Brooks said.

“So true,” William said. “But it won’t last forever.”

“Dr. Brooks, what kind of trinkets did you gather on this trip?” Mrs. DuPont asked.

“I have many items that might be of interest,” he said. However, like a good salesman, he teased us with his silence.

A steward presented Dr. Brooks with two bottles of wine. “I hope you don’t mind. I ordered a couple of reds for the table,” Dr. Brooks said. The steward filled his glass, and he swirled the burgundy, sipped, and nodded. As the steward presented the bottle to the others at the table, Dr. Brooks added, “Join me if it’s to your tastes.”

Everyone accepted a glass, and when I sipped the wine, I found the oaky flavors exquisite. Dr. Brooks knew his wines. William took a sip, but I could see he didn’t love it.

Mrs. DuPont’s tight expression eased as she drank. “Doctor, I hear you collect items that are supernatural in nature.”

In Europe, the wealthy were fascinated by the occult, which I’d used to my advantage many times in the salons. Even those highest in the German and Austrian governments were fascinated by the spiritual activities of the past, present, and future. However, those who traded in these arts were careful to keep their messages positive.

Dr. Brooks reached in his coat pocket and pulled out two coins with rough edges. Embossed on the metal were long faces with large eyes. They looked primitive and very old.