Luisa: The Orphan Tale

Part XXII: Luisa and Genevieve Search the Port of Brest

Genevieve and Luisa raced on foot towards the docks. Seeing Dubois and Elise ride off east, taking off from the side of the house.

"God! Please let her be there!" Luisa cried as they walked.

"We've a few hours till noon. That's when the passenger ships to England starting setting sail." Genevieve said as she kept pace with the jogging Luisa but it was admittedly difficult for either of them to run in a dress.

"What if we can't find her!?" Luisa asked Genevieve, pleading eyes flashing back at her.

"You will." Genevieve assured her. "Now let's hurry!" She said, spurring on Luisa with her orders.

_

They eventually reached the port only to see it swarming with people, carts and barrels. Sailors worked on and along the ships, merchants and a traders had conversations with customers, clients and captains alike.

"It had to be busy didn't it?" Genevieve sighed. "Let us split up and search. It will increase our odds considerably." Genevieve suggested and Luisa silently agreed.

They dove off into the crowds and looked for Chloe. Genevieve scouted around the outside edge of where the docks began, looking for her and asking any old salty sailor if they'd seen her. None had apparently. She even checked the surrounding taverns and inns to see if Chloe had stopped off in there but to no avail.

Luisa meanwhile searched the docks and the merchant stalls close to the water. She peered on to boats and asked the crew if they'd taken on a girl matching Chloe's description. So far none had.

Eventually they met back up with each other and reported their failing to find her to each other.

"Well, don't stop looking. We can't wager solely on her being on the road and Dubois and Elise having found her." Genevieve said.

"I'll keep looking till I collapse." Luisa said with fiery voice.

"I'll go ask about some of the ships. Sailors like an experienced woman, no offense darling." Genevieve said to Luisa.

"As if they'll ever have you!" Luisa scoffed.

"They needn't know!" She giggled as she walked off.

Genevieve found one of the larger ships that looked to be sailing with passengers and she climbed aboard as if she owner the ship. She walked straight up to the Captain, of whom she'd definitely caught the eye of.

"Yes, Madame?" He asked her.

"I'm looking for a stout young girl, brown hair, most likely has bandages on her?" Genevieve asked.

"Oh. She be up in the crow's nest. She been there all day!" The Captain explained. "By why don't ya come down to me quarters for while first. We've got time!" He said as he gave a toothless smile.

"Oh maybe after. But now I have important business with that girl." Genevieve said.

She'd found her! She thought about calling to Luisa but figure she'd only erupt into a panic seeing Chloe up oh so high on the ship's mast. It being a merchantman meant it was no small drop either.

Genevieve clumsily and very nervously climbed up the ropes toward the crow's nest. Her hands gripped the ropes so tight she fear she cut right through them, but she'd take it over falling.

She reached the top and Chloe started but soon relaxed seeing Genevieve.

"What are you doing here!?" Chloe asked surprised.

"Almost falling!" Genevieve said as only her head poked above the landing. "Please help me up, I'm terrified!" She said as she held out her hand and Chloe obliged, pulling her up as she nervously gained her ground. "I hate heights..." She said peering over the edge.