Page 23 (1/2)

"I like spots"

"She’s rather over-decorated for a dirigible"

"So she should be You stick to your jibs and leave the dirigible to me"

"A man, mon petit chou, has only one jib" Rue did sputter at that "Nohat did you decide to call her?"

"The Spotted Custard"

Quesnel couldn’t suppress his snort of derision "Goodness, that sounds like a disease of the unmentionables"

"You and your jib should know," Rue shot back without thinking

"Jealous of my experience, mon petit chou? You’ve only to ask and I’d be happy to teach you all the rigging"

Rue tried not to be shocked or intrigued – after all she had rather asked for it She was actually teht then and there She’d wager he could teach her a great deal, and she was quite curious Instead she stuck her nose in the air But it was a retreat and they both knew it

Quesnel didn’t press the advantage, instead assessing propellers, belay lines, sail, and s as she floats smoothly?"

Rue arched her brows at him "Well, that would be your responsibility noouldn’t it, Mr Chief Engineer?"

"A responsibility at which I have no doubt I shall excel" He beca wildly at a deckhand "Why is the Honourable Pri us? What purpose could she possibly serve? Is it a safe journey for a woenuinely concerned

Rue sniffed – he didn’t give a toot for her delicacy "Don’t worry about Prim All will become clear"

They watched as Prih rank and file on thethe entire crew into a streae transportation troop Rue would have had to act like Paw and issue orders Pri what she wanted It was impressive

"That is the Honourable Primrose Tunstell’s purpose, as you so delicately put it," said Rue

As Quesnel’s own bags were already being unloaded and whisked up the gangplank under Priineer could only say, "Reht want to beco violet eyes on her "This is going to be such fun"

Rue laughed "Yes, yes, it is" She spent athose eyes before Quesnel’s attention was onceon the ship