Eli stood when she did; he'd learned that good manners often covered a multitude of sins, could make others overlook minor inconsistencies in behavior.
"As you wish, Miss Cardiff. I'll collect suitable materials and meet you in the common room after supper, then."
He smiled and caught her hand, bringing it up to press her knuckles to his lips. Her fine gloves smelled of some sort of perfume, a nice touch. Releasing her, he picked up and folded both chairs. There was no point in not taking hers at the same time. With a little nod he strode up the ramp and replaced them in the proper storage slot.
As he made his way to his assigned cabin to unpack and settle in, he hummed under his breath. Not a bad bit of work; for sharp observation and a handful of pretty words, he'd made certain that he wouldn't be bored on the journey. When Miss Cardiff left the Huria, she'd be leaving well-compensated; knowledge was power. And if she pleased him, she'd be likely to have a stash of coin as well, because he believed in paying generously for services well-done in good faith. But those who tried to cheat him--well, there were none left who could tell of it.
He slid open the shoji screen door to his cabin and frowned at the bareness of it. Perhaps a trip into town was in order after he unpacked. This would be his home for the next bit of time, so he might as well be relatively comfortable. He remembered Linnea laughing at him for his love of luxury, and carefully tucked that thought away. No point in thinking of her--she was dead, he'd avenged her, and well.
Closing the door behind him and thumbing the latch closed, he went to the duffle bag on his bed and unsealed it, spreading it open. It was filled with enough weaponry for a small war, and he was glad that the crew didn't bother to search the luggage of passengers. It might have been difficult to explain, and he was certain that the Captain and Jonah would've taken exception to it.
Now, where to hide everything? Decisions, decisions, he thought with a cold little smile.