She whose belly is already up.

Selim said, "I wish to rescue my young shipmate from losing his virginity to the likes of Jenny O'Docks and her sisters, and I beg your help. Your welcome help, I pray."

Faraway smiled and lowered her eyelids partway.

Bess laughed, a rich deep sound. "Which one of us?" she asked.

Selim stroked his chin. Amal had whispered to him that the midwife had been visiting lately. "She whose belly is already up."

"Whatever do you mean?" Faraway said dreamily.

"Show me your bellies, my ladies. One of those loose dresses is hiding the news."

Bess loosened her waistband and hiked up her red-and-orange dress over her belly. Faraway gently tugged up her long gown, her hemline rising in little twitches until it reached the folds bunched beneath her breasts.

Selim squinted in thought, counting the time since his last visit. He stepped up and cupped a palm on each lady's belly.

"A ha!" he said. "YOU shall attend our lusty young sailor."