“Come on, Captain, join us for a celebratory drink,” Brillack said, heading towards one of Edward’s favourite taverns. “We’ve earned it.”
He hesitated. “I….”
“The men are already talking. You have been almost monk-like of late; not a trait respected for a pirate. Have a few drinks and allay their doubts that your judgement is impaired.”
“I don’t think they care.”
“But I do.” Brillack squeezed his shoulder. “You are on edge, prone to lose your temper. I think a little relaxation will help—Daniel would not want you to drive yourself insane.”
Daniel would not object to him frequenting the taverns—that had been completely self-imposed. He missed the camaraderie; perhaps Brillack was right. “Maybe a glass or two.”
“That’s the Captain Merric we know and love. I was beginning to think we’d lost you.”
“Just don’t let me do anything stupid.”
Brillack laughed. “How am I meant to do that?”
An hour or so later, he’d drunk half a quart of rum and was laughing deep from his belly as he watched two of his men arm wrestle with little finesse. A roar when one of them won distracted him enough that he didn’t notice someone had sat next to him until he turned to top up his glass.
For a moment he thought it was Daniel. He blinked and realised his mistake. “Jean-Pierre?”
“Good evening, Captain. I wondered if you’d be here. It’s been some time since our paths crossed.”
Jean-Pierre was one of the few men who Edward had slept with more than a handful of times. He’d never thought too deeply on it before, but now it was obvious why he’d made an exception to his usual rule of not indulging in repeat dalliances. His long face, dark hair, and blue eyes were unmistakably reminiscent of Daniel. He swallowed thickly, the pang of longing exacerbated by the rum.
“It’s been over a year if my memory serves me right.”
Jean-Pierre gave him a lazy smile. “We are both busy men.”
Jean-Pierre was not a pirate, but neither was he a model citizen. He walked a grey line between the two worlds, having the ear of several influential men in the region yet able to move freely around Plesmaya. Edward had never been able to understand what it was Jean-Pierre did. Then again, he had never cared as long as his pretty mouth was being put to good use and he didn’t pull a knife on him.
“I have never known you not to be busy.” Edward deliberately moved away to stop himself from leaning closer. “Are you in Plesmaya for long?”
Jean-Pierre licked his lips and rested a hand on Edward’s thigh. “Long enough.”
It would be so easy to lose himself for one night in Jean-Pierre’s arms. Not think about how lonely he’d been, how empty his bed was. A nasty voice in the back of his head told him Daniel need never know; he could have one night to tide him over and not worry, that Daniel had offered him his freedom to indulge.
But already the hollow burn of guilt tingled at the edges of his mind. Gently he removed Jean-Pierre’s hand from his thigh. “I’m sorry, but tonight you will need to make other plans.”
Jean-Pierre’s brow crumpled. “Is there something wrong? I don’t remember offending you last time we met. Quite the opposite.”
“As you said, it’s been some time since we last met. I am not in the position to take up your generous offer—no matter how tempted I might be.”
“Has someone really tamed the untameable Captain Merric?” Jean-Pierre looked more amused than annoyed. “I would not have believed it possible.”
“Even the strangest things can happen at sea. I have made my pledge, and my word means a great deal to me.”
“That I don’t doubt.” Jean-Pierre’s eyes danced with mirth. “But your pleasure has always meant more.”
God Lord, Jean-Pierre could tempt a saint. It didn’t help that Edward knew exactly how talented he was in bed, or how through half-lidded eyes he could pass for Daniel, as long as he kept his mouth shut, as there was no mistaking his French accent for a British one. “Let us simply say, my pleasure and my word are extrinsically linked.”
Jean-Pierre leaned away. “A man in love is not to be swayed. Nor should he be. I would like to meet the creature who has snared you so completely.”
“When he returns I will gladly introduce you. You have already shepherded his letters to me. He is in England but intends to return.”
Jean-Pierre picked up his glass and raised a toast. “Good luck, my friend. I hope his sails are filled with a favourable wind to return as fast as he can.”
“You and me both.” Edward knocked back the rest of his rum. He needed to remove himself from the tavern before his resolve weakened. “But I am sure there are others that will catch your eye.”
“Oh, undoubtedly, but none of them will be Captain Merric.”
Edward beat a fast retreat, not rising to the knowing smirk Brillack sent his way as he left. He knew he’d done the right thing. There would be no way he could have hidden an indiscretion from Daniel, and he didn’t want to be the cause of a haunted look of betrayal. A few more months with his right hand as his best friend was a small price to pay to ensure his and Daniel’s future happiness.
Chapter Twenty
Daniel’s knee bounced up and down uncontrollably as he waited to be seen. The letter had arrived two days previously with a summons from the Admiralty to come to London as soon as he was able. He sat outside the office of Sir Charles Wagner, the minutes ticking by in unrepentant torture as the men inside the room decided his fate. Sir Charles’s secretary had told him he would be called when they were ready for him. He’d never been a patient man, and too much rode on the outcome of this meeting. Without a new command, he was in danger of being trapped in England, but even if he were to get a new ship it might not be bound for the Caribbean.
Checking his pocket watch for what must have been the tenth time, Daniel tutted that he’d been kept waiting for forty minutes. Maybe they hoped the wait would make him less argumentative and resigned to whatever fate they had chosen for him; they obviously didn’t know him very well.
Finally, the door opened, and Vice-Admiral Kilder, the commanding officer of his squadron appeared. “Captain Horton.”
Daniel sprung to his feet and saluted. “Sir.”
“Come in.”
Daniel did as he was told and saw Sir Charles sitting behind a desk. “Thank you for coming, Captain.” He pointed to a chair. “Please sit down.”
Sir Charles sat as if holding court, but Daniel couldn’t read his expression. Kilder came and stood at Sir Charles’s side.
“The Navy Board has discussed your situation.” Sir Charles cleared his throat. “While your service up until now has been exemplary, we have had some difficult discussions. There is no point drawing this out. The simple matter is once a captain loses his ship the chain of command is broken. Then it is nigh impossible to repair.”
Daniel had been braced for the worst, but it still took all his effort to get the words out. “Can I take it, sir, that I will not resume my captaincy of Expedience?”
“Correct. For now the Board will not sanction you taking command of any vessel.”
He’d prepared himself for losing the captaincy of Expedience, even the chance to being permanently removed from command, but hearing the words brought the reality crashing home. No ship, no easy route back to Edward. “I suppose this gives me little choice than to resign.”
Kilder was quick to speak. “Not so hasty. This will not be forever, only until the Board considers a suitable time has passed, and you have other talents that the navy does not wish to lose. Your mapmaking skills are well-known.”
“But hardly useful if I am trapped in London.” There was still hope. Maybe he might not command a ship but if he could get aboard a vessel…. “I had started updating the charts for some of the more dangerous reefs of the Windward Islands. It is not something I could continue from here.”
“No, I don’t suppose it is. Do you think you
could stand to be aboard a ship but not be her captain?” Kildare sounded like he might not be convinced by his answer.
“If I wish to have my own command again at some point, I would think it necessary to continue to be at sea—as I can’t be in charge I would need to be there in some other capacity.”
Sir Charles pursed his lips. “We would first require you to return to the Caribbean, to finish what you had started, and perhaps other territories later. Can you assure us that after your last experience, there would be no issue with you going back?”
“If anything I would relish it. I am sure there are some people who think I would shy away from it, but I want prove I am not so easily swayed.”
Kildare laughed. “You’ve somewhat of a persistent nature. Very well. HMS Westbury sails in two weeks. I suggest you enjoy your time back in England, Captain Horton, you might be away for a while.”
“Thank you, sir. I appreciate the Navy Board’s trust in me.”
Sir Charles fixed him with a pointed look. “Be careful what you wish for.”
“Sir?”
“Don’t go after Merric,” Sir Charles said, pointing his finger at Daniel. “I know you might feel he has also slighted you, but your duty is to help chart those waters, not engage pirates.”
“What makes you think I would, sir?”
Kildare smirked. “Because you sailed across the Atlantic to ensure three men were hanged for their crimes against you and your ship. You can’t expect us believe you would not try to get retribution against Merric.”
“It was my duty to see the mutineers punished. Merric did not harm me.”
“But he dented your pride—being rescued by a pirate must be terribly galling.”
Daniel could list many things Edward made him feel, but none of them were fit for this conversation. “You have my word as an officer and a gentleman that I will not go after Merric to cause him harm.” Quite the contrary, but again not a topic for this conversation.
Kildare seemed satisfied. “I accept your assurances. Report to Portsmouth in ten days’ time. Once you are back in Port Royal you can liaise with Governor Lawes about which of the scouting vessels would be best to continue your work.”
Daniel sprang to his feet and saluted. “Thank you for confidence in me, sir.”
“No need to thank us. The Royal Navy needs men of your calibre. You are dismissed, Captain.”
Daniel emerged out of the Admiralty building with a spring in his step. First things first, he needed to send a letter to Port Royal and get word to Edward that he was on his way. On reflection, he couldn’t have hoped for a better turn of events. Returning as captain of any ship might have helped his ego, but there was no doubt it would make it more difficult for him to disappear once he reached the Caribbean. Now any number of accidents could be arranged, and a scouting ship would be an easier target for the Opal. He didn’t know what he would have done if the Admiralty had been adamant that he wouldn’t get to return to the Caribbean. Although this way it meant he would have to play lieutenant to another captain, it was far better than watching others go off to sea while he was stationed behind a desk. His loyalty was not in question; his ability to command was, for now. But his superiors had seen to it that he could continue, with his pride in place even though he was a man back from the dead and the victim of a mutiny who could not yet be trusted to lead a new crew.
After returning to the townhouse his father kept in Charing Cross, he wrote his letter and had a servant dispatch it, but he had another errand before he could return to Himmel Hall the next morning. One he would not be able to avoid. But he’d promised his father he would call on Muriel and, if nothing else, he was a man of his word. He’d reconciled himself with leaving his family behind, but it would have been a lot harder if his father wasn’t pushing for his marriage. Now leaving wasn’t just to return to Edward, but to avoid the altar.
The Viscount Roth’s townhouse was a splendid building in Covent Garden. Again, Daniel couldn’t help but think there was more behind Roth’s desire to marry off his daughter than he was being told. Most young ladies of Muriel’s age and class lived in their family home, with the occasional visit to London. They usually didn’t live away from their parents. Even if Muriel’s brother was in residence, it was very peculiar.
He presented himself at the front door of the townhouse, a servant showing him into a parlour richly decorated and a comfortable place to receive guests. He sat but was back on his feet minutes later as Muriel arrived. He looked past her expecting to see her brother, but she was alone.
“Miss Gatesby,” he said with a shallow bow.
“Captain Horton. It is such a pleasure to see you again.”
“My father sent word of my visit. If your brother is not available then I can come another time. Although I do need to return to Himmel Hall tomorrow.”
“Oh, there is no need for that. Please do sit.”
He did so but he was not so happy. “Your brother will join us shortly?”
She glided over and sat next to him—very close, too close for propriety’s sake. “Philip is out for the day. We will not be disturbed.”
“I would not wish to have your reputation sullied. I should leave.”
“There really is no need to. You are such a gentleman.” She smiled, her eyes wide. “I have no concern that your behaviour will be anything I would find untoward.”
He doubted Muriel would find most things untoward, and he began to think that perhaps it was her friendliness that speared her father into marrying her off as soon as possible. “I am glad you think so well of me.”
“As for your father’s letter, I understand you have come to London to speak with the Admiralty. Have you news of your future?”
This was a topic of conversation he was more comfortable with, though she had been clear last time that him leaving was not a problem with their potential marriage. “I return to the Caribbean within the fortnight.”
“So soon? And for how long will you be gone?”
“I could not say, but many months at least.”
“You are a man of the world, Captain Horton, and an attractive one at that. I suspect you have had your fair share of indiscretions. I wish to assure you that I would not mind if you were to have more—but you must realize that I am a woman with her own needs.”
Daniel’s experience with women was rather limited, but he’d never met a woman of Muriel’s status be so direct or brazen. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”
“There is no need to be coy. If you wish to take a lover I will not say a word. But I would expect the same in return.” She leaned closer. “I have a great passion. While you are at home I would be as devoted as any wife, but while you are away… well, as I said, I have my needs.”
Muriel Gatesby was not the meek young lady his father had tried to convince him of. She had a predatory glint in her eye that rivalled Edward’s. If word of her behaviour had reached her father, then there was the reason Viscount Roth was so keen to have her married with a husband to keep her under control.
“Your words are not those any man would wish to hear from his wife-to-be.”
She laughed. “You do not even want a wife. It is our fathers’ bidding that will have us married. What do you care of my words? I am sure you have lain with women before.” She licked her lips. “I am sure I can give you a practical demonstration of my skills that might make you more amenable to my suggestion.”
Daniel nearly jumped out of the seat when Muriel tried to slide her hand under the waistband of his breeches. “No.” He was on his feet. “This is too much.”
She cocked her head to one side. “You have someone else?”
He swallowed thickly. “Of course not.”
“Then I do not understand your reluctance. I am to be your wife. Why not let us enjoy this before you set sail?”
“It is not my way. I am not used to such forwardness.”
“I do not believe you.” Her look was calculating. “But it
does not matter.”
Daniel was sure his cheeks were flaming, but he needed to retake some semblance of control. “Our fathers have deemed we will be married. Once I return, and only after we are married, shall anything of a physical nature pass between us.”
She laughed again. “I will not wait for you to return for my physical pleasure. You may do as you wish.”
“As may you.” He huffed. “Miss Gatesby, Muriel. I accept your offer, but I will not indulge in pleasure with you until we are married.”
Muriel smiled; it was catlike. “I knew we would be suited. Shall we inform our families that we are betrothed?”
“If you wish it so.”
She stood and placed a hand on his arm and reached up and kissed his cheek. “Travel safely, husband-to-be. Try to find some joy while we are apart. I know I will.”
With a final smile she swept out of the door, and Daniel felt that, like his namesake, he had escaped being eaten by a lion. Edward would crow with laughter when he told him. He might not have been so happy if he hadn’t stopped her wandering hands, but this story was one Daniel was sure Edward would find great amusement in. Ultimately, he would not be Muriel’s husband, and whoever ended up in the position would have a great challenge. Muriel would no doubt be keen to please her husband, as long as the situation was reciprocated, but any failure to do so would find the poor man cuckolded in an instant.
Chapter Twenty-One
Of all the thoughts he’d had, not once did Daniel think he was making a mistake returning to the Caribbean and Edward. He bade goodbye to his father and brother, holding on a little longer than he would usually do, since he doubted he would see either of them again. His stepmother dabbed away a tear, but he still couldn’t bring himself to think his decision was wrong. If he remained in England he would be miserable, married to a woman he didn’t care for, having lost his true love for a second time. There really wasn’t another option, but it was still hard to see Himmel Hall disappear into the distance as he departed.
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