At the Captain's Command

by Louise M. Gouge

  “It would seem to me,” the captain said, “that Nova Scotia or Newfoundland would have been a wiser choice, being closer to Nantucket. Why did you three not remove to one of those loyal English colonies?”

  As much as Dinah enjoyed his kind attention, she felt compelled to look to Artemis for an answer. He had made the decision for them all, while her choices had been few: stay on the island of her birth and be shunned or even starved, take refuge with her rebel cousins in Boston or come to East Florida. “Artemis, perhaps you might enlighten Captain Moberly.”

  Artemis’s eyes brightened, and he took a sip from his water goblet. “Well, you see, Captain, East Florida holds many more opportunities for advancement than those northernmost colonies, which already had established societies.” Tugging at his ruffled cravat, he grew more animated as he warmed to his topic. “When the Crown obtained East Florida from the Spanish in ’63, it provided great opportunities for a man with any degree of ambition.”

  “So you had no plans to return to Nantucket?” Thomas lifted his chin. “Did you not think we would quickly defeat the insurgents and have order restored?”

  Dinah thought she detected a hint of humor in his voice, although she could not imagine why. After five years, the war continued on, and the rebels seemed to grow stronger and more determined with each passing season.

  As if mirroring the captain’s posture, Artemis lifted his chin, and his eyes narrowed. “When order is restored by the efforts of our brave military—” he lowered his chin and gave the captain a fawning smile “—courageous men such as yourself—nevertheless, I shall never be able to forgive or forget the cutting words of my childhood friends as we departed.” Anger flashed in his eyes, but he seemed to remember himself. “No, Captain, I shall not return to Nantucket. St. Augustine is my home now.”

  “And these four years,” Anne said, “have been more than pleasant, have they not? Here amongst other Loyalists and the British citizens who have settled here, those of us who have been displaced have come to appreciate our English heritage more than ever.”

  She glanced between Dinah and the captain, and Dinah quizzed her with a look. At the lift of Anne’s eyebrows, Dinah gave her head a little shake. She must cut short her friend’s matchmaking. As engaging as Thomas was, with all his travels at sea, he would make a poor choice for a husband. At least for Dinah.

  “And how we do appreciate Governor Tonyn.” Calmer now, Artemis puffed out his chest like a rooster. “I’d not been here two months before he employed me as a clerk, and he has personally seen to my subsequent promotions.”

  Dinah could detect no hint of boredom in Thomas’s expression as they related their stories, but surely it was time to inquire about his interests. “Now it’s your turn. Please tell us about your move to our city.”

  He lifted one shoulder in a shrug Dinah found charming for one of such august rank. “There is little to tell. My ship is the HMS Dauntless, a forty-six-gun frigate, which you may have seen in the harbor. After three years in Admiral Rodney’s fleet, I’ve been given the duty to join His Majesty’s other two frigates in protecting St. Augustine and the St. Johns River from the French and Spanish fleets. And of course any colonial vessels foolish enough to wander this way.” He took another bite of his pie. “Delicious. My compliments to the cook.”

  Artemis shifted in his chair, and from the narrowing of his eyes, Dinah guessed what he would say. “And while you protect our shores, by chance will you be responsible for ridding us of pirates?”

  “I suppose you are referring to the one they call Nighthawk.” The captain appeared more interested in his pie than the question. He ate another bite and seemed to savor it.

  A wave of satisfaction swept through Dinah at the thought of pleasing the captain’s palate. If she had not dried those peaches last fall—

  “I do indeed refer to Nighthawk, and I will be nothing short of disappointed if you do not apprehend this brigand and sink him.” Artemis’s lips curled into a sneer as he spoke. “I have dabbled a bit in commerce, and he has stolen my wares. Mine, Captain Moberly.” He clenched his jaw and shoved away his pie. “Our mutual friend Captain Templeton was delivering molasses to Jamaica when this pirate accosted him. Of all the cargo on the ship, he seized only my barrels. It was a dreadful loss.”

  Dinah took a turn at clenching her jaw. “At least Jamie and his crew were not harmed.”

  “Thank the good Lord.” Thomas gave his head a little shake. “I hear strange reports about that fellow Nighthawk. He seems to avoid bloodshed. Perhaps that reputation encourages merchant captains to give him what he asks for. Most pirates are murderers as well as thieves.”

  “Do you mean to say—” Artemis’s eyes bulged “—that these merchant captains permit this pirate to rob them? That you think Templeton just handed over my molasses?”

  Dinah huffed out a breath to express her indignation. “I am certain Jamie did all he could to protect your precious cargo…short of being shot or losing any of his crew.”

  Thomas’s wide-eyed gaze darted between her and Artemis, and she wished she’d tempered her cross tone. “I agree, Miss Templeton. In fact, I know how fiercely he would defend the wares entrusted to his care. To reassure you, let me say that I had the privilege of advising him in regard to refitting the Fair Winds to provide support for increasing his firepower. She now sports twenty-four guns and a crew trained to use them. That is a defense equal to many smaller British frigates. Should a pirate show an inclination for carnage, Jamie will have the wit, will and resources to engage him in battle.”

  Artemis continued to grumble, but Dinah’s heart overflowed with happiness for all this good captain had done for her brother. “You must know how grateful Jamie is for your help. He has told us of your father’s involvement in preventing impressments of the Fair Winds’ crew. The earl’s patronage has no doubt been the single most important element in Jamie’s success as a merchant captain.” Dinah also did not doubt for a moment that the earl’s patronage had ensured Jamie’s loyalty to England and the Crown, despite his former support for the rebellion. “When you next write to Lord Bennington, please convey to him a sister’s gratitude.”

  Pain ripped across his eyes but disappeared so quickly Dinah wondered if she’d been mistaken.

  “Yes, dear lady. I shall be pleased to convey your thanks to Lord Bennington.”

  “Ah, such a grand thing to be the son of an earl,” Artemis said. “I’ve had the privilege of becoming acquainted with your brother Frederick, and I am deeply impressed by his management of Bennington Plantation. Your father must be proud of his four sons.”

  Again, Dinah saw a shadow flit across Thomas’s face. Instead of responding, he lifted his coffee cup and sipped, focusing on his plate.

  “Just think—” Artemis prattled on “—to have one’s future all arranged and not to have to work one’s way to success.” He expelled a lengthy sigh. “Tell me, Captain Moberly, what is it like never to have doubts about one’s future?”

  The man’s face was a mask as he turned a dead stare upon Artemis. “I serve at the king’s pleasure, sir, but only the Almighty holds the future.”

  Artemis’s animated countenance went blank. “Yes. Of course.”

  Thomas had long ago perfected the art of ending a discussion he did not wish to continue. Hussey was clearly ambitious, and his puffed-up demeanor did not invite confidences. A man had to be careful what he said to this sort, lest he take the bit and run with it. Thomas would not discuss family matters when there seemed to be some tension between Hussey and Dinah. Did the man treat her with honor, with respect? If not, Thomas would see things set to right.

  Still, these St. Augustine Loyalists had decent manners, and Mrs. Hussey appeared to be the soul of Christian gentility. But for the husband, Thomas might request the ladies’ prayers regarding the tasks before him, for he would catch this Nighthawk chap, whom he must call a pirate merely because he was the enemy. But in truth, Thomas regarded him much like British
privateers who gained wealth by raiding the cargoes of their foes. Still, the challenge to catch him was enticing, and success in the endeavor would ensure another feather in Thomas’s cap.

  As it was, he must find some way to speak with Miss Templeton alone without offending Mr. and Mrs. Hussey. A gentleman simply did not request a private conversation with a young lady unless he meant to court her. But the grief weighing down his soul clamored to be relieved, and his kinswoman’s warm gaze invited his confidence…as well as some strange yet pleasant sentiments he could only attribute to their familial connections. That very morning, Dr. Wellsey had spoken of her good deeds among the sick and wounded soldiers from Fort St. Marks, citing her sympathetic disposition and natural kindness. Thomas had also noted her good humor, strangely subdued in Hussey’s presence.

  “Anne.” Dinah’s cheerfulness had returned, and her lively brown eyes shone. “Since the sun has not set, do you suppose it would be acceptable for me to show Captain Moberly our garden?”

  Thomas wondered if she’d read his thoughts.

  “Ah, yes.” Hussey tossed his napkin on the table and stood. “A trip to the garden is just the thing after such a filling meal.”

  “Artemis, dear,” Mrs. Hussey said, “I have need of thy help, if thee will, please.” She rose from the table. “Dinah, do show Captain Moberly the garden. Perhaps he would like to take some of our abundance of squash to his ship’s cook.”

  While Hussey blustered a bit before acquiescing to his wife’s request, a riot of thoughts swept into Thomas’s mind. Like most married women, Mrs. Hussey no doubt felt a duty to serve as a matchmaker for her unmarried friends. Still, if it worked to his advantage in this case, he would not complain. Dinah seemed to be a sensible girl, not likely to fawn over him or use artifice to gain his interest. But her cheerful countenance caused him to reconsider confiding in her for fear of ruining her merry mood.

  As they stepped out the side door, a rich, sweet fragrance swept over Thomas. He quickly identified the source: a broad, lush, six-foot-tall bush filled with white, roselike blossoms. He breathed in the heady smell. “Gardenia, if I am not mistaken.”

  “Yes.” Dinah moved close to the bush to sniff a bloom. “My favorite.” She waved a hand toward a low wooden fence. “This way to the garden.”

  Just when they reached the gate, a gray-and-white cat pounced from behind a shrub and grabbed at the ribbons trailing from the waist of the young lady’s flowered gown. The creature’s claws snagged the back hem of the skirt, stopping her.

  “Oh, Macy, hold still.” She tried to twist around and grab the cat, but it tugged away from her.

  “Hold still,” Thomas echoed. He bent down and detached the claws, then lifted the cat into his arms. Its loud purr made him chuckle. “Yours?” It nestled into his neck, sending a familiar comfort through him. How long had it been since Wiggins died? Thomas’s cabin on the Dauntless had been lonely since his little mouser had met its end.

  “Yes, he’s mine, the little nuisance.” She reached for her pet.

  Thomas tightened his grip. “Do let me hold him. My men would laugh to see me thus, and my steward will protest this hair on my coat. But I confess a weakness for cats.” He stared into Macy’s green eyes, and the car lightly nipped his nose. He patted his muzzle with a gentle rebuke, then looked down to see the bemused expression on Dinah’s face. They both laughed.

  “A man so fond of cats is a rarity.” She resumed walking into the garden, and Thomas fell into step beside her.

  “I suppose.” He shrugged and was rewarded by Macy’s discovery of his epaulet tassels. The cat batted the moving woven strands and caught a claw on one. Thomas grimaced to see some gold threads pulled loose. “Uh-oh.”

  “Oh, now, that is the end.” Dinah reached up to remove her pet, taking care with his entangled claws. “You must let me mend those braids. How will you explain to your steward that you were in a brawl with a fellow no bigger than your forearm?” She set the cat on the ground and tried to shoo him away, but Macy followed them down a row of squash plants until he spied a lizard and gave chase. Dinah’s laughter resonated pleasantly around the garden. Not too high. Not too low. Not in the least giddy. Thomas would happily listen to that merry sound often.

  “Do not trouble yourself. I shall tell Hinton I was attacked by a panther.” Thomas inhaled the fresh fragrance of the varied plants. Beyond the vegetable garden grew a small field of lavender, casting a pleasant atmosphere about the place. A fig tree, several citrus trees and a grapevine-covered arbor graced sections of the landscape. An ancient oak tree stood sentinel in one corner of the green yard, its long branches reaching wide to cast shadows over a cast-iron bench that seemed to beckon them.

  Orange and violet tinted the western sky, and a feeling of peace swept through Thomas. He gestured toward the bench. “Shall we?”

  “Of course.”

  Seated beside him, Dinah gazed up, her eyes soft with concern. “What did you wish to tell me, Captain Moberly?”

  He chuckled without mirth. “That obvious, eh?” He bit his lower lip while framing his words. With this intelligent, warm-hearted young woman, he sensed he could, for the most part, be candid. “Eight years have passed since my brother Frederick left England.” Thomas would not mention the bitter rivalry that had plagued their childhood. “Marianne left to marry Jamie four years ago.” Unexpected emotion rolled through his chest at the memory of the heartache her departure had caused. “I feel as if we are strangers.” He stared off at the darkening eastern sky while he gained control. “Therefore, I must ask your advice on how best to tell my brother and sister about the death of our father. You see, Frederick now serves at the pleasure of our eldest brother.”

  Chapter Four

  “Ooh.” Dinah breathed out the word on a long, broken sigh, and her eyes burned with sudden tears. “Dear Captain, I am so sorry for your grief.” She gripped his hand. In spite of the dim light, she thought she saw his eyes redden, and her heart swelled with compassion. Experiences with the sick and broken men at the infirmary had taught her that in moments like these, silence was the best comforter.

  He covered her hands with his free one for a moment before gently pulling away. “I would not have your kind condolences misunderstood by Mr. Hussey.”

  He glanced toward the house, and she followed his gaze. There stood Artemis staring out through the dining room window. Dinah doubted he could see into their shadowed sanctuary, but she had no wish to feed his imaginings.

  “Yes, of course.” She rose and walked toward a sunlit patch of lawn. The captain followed. “To answer your question, I must ask one.” She stopped and faced him. “Will your duties permit you a leave of absence to deliver your sad news in person?”

  He stood with hands clasped behind him and stared toward the line of trees at the edge of the property. “Your instincts seem to be in accord with mine. A letter would be too cruel, especially for my dear sister.”

  Dinah nodded. “Yes, and especially considering her delicate condition.”

  “Ah.” Thomas’s eyes widened. “Little James is nearing three years, is he not? Time to welcome a little brother or sister.” A flash of pain crossed his eyes. “We must do nothing to cause her difficulty.”

  Dinah guessed he referred to his own wife’s death in childbirth, but she would not seek a confirmation. “Do not be overly concerned, Captain. Marianne is strong and healthy. And in three weeks, Dr. and Mrs. Wellsey will be going to St. Johns Towne for her lying-in. You will be pleased to know that Mrs. Wellsey is a skilled midwife. I plan to accompany them. Perhaps you could travel with us.” She would greatly enjoy his company on the arduous overland trip.

  “Hmm.” His black eyebrows bent into a frown. “I had hoped to put the matter behind me without delay, but perhaps this is the Almighty’s way of managing the affair.” He grunted. “In fact, I find myself grateful for the reprieve.”

  Dinah offered a gentle smile. “I understand.” How good to hear of his trust in God
, an attribute worthy of a superior leader, just like her brother.

  Gazing down at her, he nodded. “I thank you.” As if wanting to break their solemn mood, he inhaled a quick, sharp breath and glanced around the garden. “This is a charming place, both this property and this little town. Tell me, Miss Templeton, what keeps you busy here beside your good works at the infirmary?”

  Dinah could see he wished to move on to a lighter topic, and she was pleased to comply. “You may be surprised to learn, sir,” she said with a playful toss of her head, “that we have a very active social life here.”

  He chuckled. “Do tell me about it.”

  “Why, we have teas and parties and balls and picnics and no end of merry times. And of course the men go hunting.” She gave him a sidelong look. “You will be in great demand, Captain. Every mother of a marriageable young lady will seek your company.” Her teasing words threatened to stick in her throat. As before, she could not think of a single young lady worthy of this man, not even dear, wealthy Elizabeth Markham, for the girl rarely had a serious thought. Still, Dinah found herself nattering onward. “In fact, if you attend services at St. Peter’s Church this Sunday, I shall make certain you are introduced to the cream of our society.”

  Again her words gave her pause. Growing up the son of an English earl, the captain no doubt had met truly exalted personages, perhaps even the king. Ignoring her uncertainties, she eyed him. “What do you say to that?”

  Again he laughed. “I say that it would be imprudent of me to ignore your invitation if I expect to escape boredom in your fair town. In fact, I try never to miss attending worship services when I am ashore. And if I can be introduced into St. Augustine society at church, all the better.” He raised one eyebrow the way Jamie did when he was about to tease. “Speaking of social matters, I must tell you that my lieutenant, Mr. Wayland, was quite taken with you. ’Twas all I could do to keep him from following me here this evening. If he asks me as your kinsman for permission to call on you, what shall I tell him?”