The Seahorse (3 page)

Chapter Three

The skies were dark and gray as the rain poured down. To most people the general feeling would be it was here to stay.

“It will clear up by mid-afternoon,” Gabe assured Faith.

“I don't know how you can be so sure,” she replied, wringing her hands. “I wanted it to be a beautiful day.”

“It will be,” Gabe said again, trying to calm down his soon-to-be bride. “I talked to Gunnells,
Merlin's
master, and he said, ‘fast as the clouds are moving this should blow over by midday'. The wedding is not till four so there is plenty of time.”

Using Gunnell's name seemed to settle Faith somewhat. However, she was still as nervous as anyone Gabe had seen.

“Don't you worry none, honey, I'll have dat girl child settled down soon nuff.” This from Nanny who strutted around the house. “I sho wish her mama was heah to see dat girl. Her daddy too. She's da spittin image of her mama ain't she, Lum? God rest her poor soul.” Lum never had a chance to answer before Nanny left the room.

“Faith ain't the only one what got nerves,” Lum said. This brought a smile from Gabe.

Gunnells's predictions were on time as usual. By noon the sky had mostly cleared with only a few remaining clouds. A coach pulled up in front of the house.

Lum, standing close to the window, looked out and informed Gabe, “Lord Anthony and Lady Deborah.”

Lady Deborah and Gabe's mother, Maria, had taken over as a pair of doting stepmothers. They had teamed up and planned the entire wedding. Gabe had thought about a small wedding and a fast getaway. This was not to be. Faith would have a wedding to fit every bride's dream. Maria and Lady Deborah was firm on this.

“She's the only daughter I'm likely to have,” Maria stated in a matter of fact manner. “And it's going to be done right.” Knowing when to surrender Gabe let the women have their way…which they would have anyway.

When the wedding party arrived at St. Thomas a' Becket Catholic Church, a crowd had already gathered. A footman opened the coach's door and helped the ladies out. Captain Buck had been chosen to act on behalf of Faith's father and had the privilege of giving the bride away. Lord Anthony was to be Gabe's best man. Once the ladies had gone inside the church, another footman opened Lord Anthony's coach door. Stepping out Gabe was amazed at the number of coaches that were waiting in line to pull up to the entry.

Seeing Gabe fiddle with his hat, Lord Anthony couldn't help but aggravate his brother. “So now it's you with a case of nerves, is it? Well, it's not too late. The coach is there and you can haul your colors and make a clean getaway.”

Gabe just glared at his brother and hissed, “Go to hell.”

This brought a chuckle from Anthony. As the two made their way into the church, Gabe was surprised to see all of
Merlin's
officers, warrants, and most of her crew in attendance. So was most of
Warrior's
crew. He was further surprised to see a group of admirals.
Are they here for me, Gil, or out of respect for father
? Gabe wondered.

One of
Warrior's
lieutenants ushered Gabe to a private room. Anthony stopped and chatted with the admirals and as they turned Gabe recognized one as Dutch Moffett, former flag captain on
Warrior
.

Sitting in the private room waiting on his brother, Gabe wondered if he'd be a good husband. How would being married affect his naval career? How would Faith do with the long months, perhaps years, of separation? So many questions…no real answers. Just Faith.

The ceremony went well. All of
Merlin's
officers and midshipmen were lined up in front of the coach and formed an arch with crossed swords. This impressed Faith, and while it pleased Gabe to be so honoured, he had to duck to keep from being pierced.
Won't do to be bloodied before I've even had a honeymoon
, he thought.

The wedding reception took place at the George Inn, the only place large enough to accommodate the wedding party. Across from it was the Blue Post Inn. How many times as a midshipman had he enjoyed a wet as well as sample of some wench's charms there?
Well that was all in the past
, Gabe thought. The vicar's words were still echoing through his head: “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”

The reception was over by midnight, which was about three hours longer than Gabe had wished it to be. Watching Faith, dancing with her, thinking of what was to be once they reached…finally reached their room and were behind closed doors caused a rush to come over Gabe.

Once when no one was close, Faith nibbled at Gabe's ear, and letting her hand slide down his front, gave a feigned look of dismay. “My aren't we a randy boy tonight?” she whispered.

“And getting more so with every minute that passes. If this thing lasts much longer we are going to slip over to the Blue Post.”

“What would your mother and Lady Deborah think if we were to pull such a shenanigan?”

“Who cares?”

“I do, you lecherous heathen.”

“Awh…such words from one who claims to love me, yet shows no concern for the vile, lusty humours that have consumed my very soul and desperately need to be released.”

Gabe was bidding Lord Anthony farewell and reluctantly agreed to visit Deerfield after the honeymoon when he realized that Faith was not present. Seeing Gabe's look, Anthony volunteered, “Your bride made her exit after farewells to Maria and Deborah. I imagine she's waiting for you in your chambers.”

Anticipation swept over Gabe, at last. After a hasty good-bye that left Anthony chuckling, Gabe fairly flew up the steps, taking them two at a time. When he reached the landing and stepped into the bedchamber, he almost fainted.

Faith was already in bed. A single candle burning on the nightstand was flickering back and forth. It gave just enough light for Gabe to see that Faith was in a pearl-colored nightgown. The gown was so transparent that as she breathed Gabe could see the rise and fall of her breasts.

“Are you out of breath because of me or from climbing the steps?”

“You.”

“Are you ready for me to work on those evil humours that have attacked you so?”

“More than ready.”

“Then come here my randy sailor.”

***

Leaving a cloud of white dust in their wake, two coaches jolted past isolated farms, villages, and small hamlets. A couple of farmers stopped their hoeing and doffed their hats as the small caravan rushed past. At the top of a rise, the drivers of the coaches paused to let the horses blow and regain their breaths.

Gabe looked behind conscious of the fact that it had to be miserable on the driver's box of the coach behind them. He was also conscious, of the fact that he and Faith were weary travelers.

Gabe had wanted Faith to see as much of England as possible. To meet and understand the English people and know the average British subject was no different than those in the low country of South Carolina.

They had left the morning after the wedding on a tour that started in London, where he'd shown Faith all the sights, including the Admiralty. They had then traveled north along the coast to Edinburgh, Scotland. After that they turned southward to Liverpool then crossed into Wales before turning inland to Hereford. They spent a few days in Bristol before visiting Falmouth and Pendennis Castle, Plymouth, and back to Portsmouth.

They had spent two days resting at Gabe's mother's house. Nanny and Lum who had traveled in the rear coach were glad of the layover as well. Try as they might, Faith and Gabe were not able to talk Maria into visiting Deerfield even with the promise of lodging close by.

“This home belonged to your father and me,” she said. “Deerfield was another distant part of his life that he tried to break away from, so why would I want to see it?”

“Because of Gil and Deborah, Mother,” Gabe had said.

“They'll understand,” she replied and would not discuss it further.

Now sitting atop of the little rise, the coachman called down, “A couple more small villages and we'll be there.”

Faith saw the apprehension cross Gabe's face. “It will be fine. Lady Deborah told me that Gil wanted you to see what was a part of your legacy before you made up your mind about it all going to Becky's family. He wanted you to have the chance to see it first hand.”

The coach started to move again, downhill this time. The horses picked up their pace as if they knew food and rest were near. As the newlyweds looked out the window they could see green pastures, cows, and a dog herding sheep as the shepherd watched from a distance. Farm wagons and carts slowed the progress of the coaches, which caused the driver to shout out curses.

“Worse than a sailor,” Faith said, and then stopped Gabe from calling down the driver in regards to his language. “Probably half the fun of driving is to curse and shout at the farm workers.”

“Did you do any cursing when the farmers got in your way?” Gabe asked, remembering the first day he'd met Faith.

“Damn right, if they wouldn't move,” Faith exclaimed.

This caused Gabe to chuckle, then mocking Nanny he huffed up and said, “Lawd child, how you carry on so, I'll get my soap and wash yo mouth slam out. You ain't trash to be carrying on such.”

The driver, hearing the laughter inside the coach thought,
Lucky sod. If I had a
lamb like that I'd be laughing too…that and more
.

The road soon narrowed into a lane lined on both sides with a gray stone fence. Thick clusters of white and red roses, carnations and various colors of daisies were on either side of the entrance. No sooner had the noise of horse's hooves clattered on the cobblestone than a servant was there to assist with the horses. Another servant came to help Gabe and Faith from the coach.

Gil and Deborah appeared as if by magic and after much hugging, kissing, and small talk, Bart came out. After a few good-natured barbs at Gabe and a kiss on Faith's cheek, he took Nanny and Lum in tow so they could unpack and rest a bit.

Turning to the large two-story gray stone house, the group entered. As the door opened into a flag stone hall they were met by a butler and several maidservants. They were all trying to catch a glimpse at the old admiral's “other” son.

The group made their way into the main room where there hung above a huge fireplace a picture of Admiral Lord James Anthony. his old meerschaum pipe in one hand with the other on a ship's wheel. In the background were two ships in combat, their cannons blazing.

A servant was pouring sherry for the group. When Gabe's glass had been filled, Anthony who had watched his brother's eyes as he took in the painting said, “A toast…to father.”

“To father,” Gabe echoed and downed his drink in one gulp.

***

The next several days were some of the happiest Lord Anthony could remember. It was a pleasure having Gabe home…yes that was the word,
home
. Deborah and Faith had a good time spoiling Macayla. One evening Hugh and Becky came over and after a few awkward minutes Gabe and his sister acted like they'd been together all their lives. Each one of them was telling stories about “Gil” that made Deborah laugh till she cried.

After dinner that evening, Lum played the lotz and fiddle. When Macayla Rose got fussy, the women gathered together to get her ready for bed. Anthony, Gabe, Hugh, and Bart made their way down to the Dolphin to have a wet and smoke their pipes. After a round or two Bart noticed a sassy little tavern wench making eyes at him. He slipped away from the bar whispering he might be in for a bit o' mutton.

Seeing Hugh's confused look, Anthony explained Bart's meaning. “You may know about farming but you've a lot to learn about sailors.”

“It appears I've been sheltered,” Hugh admitted. “So I better spend some time with Bart learning more about these worldly ways of the farmers, yeomen, and serfs as I've just been made Magistrate.”

“Well now,” Anthony bellowed, already intoxicated. “Squire Hugh is now Hugh the Magistrate. Another round, another round for all.”

Chapter Four

Lord Anthony had taken the family on a day trip to Walmer Castle, which had been built by Henry VIII in 1540. It was built to counter the threat of invasion by Catholic France and Spain. It was now used as a country house for the Prince Regent.

After leaving the castle Anthony showed Lady Deborah and Faith the White Cliffs of Dover, and then they went on to Deal. “Deal,” Anthony explained, “is a fishing village that lies on the English Channel. It's twenty to twenty-five miles across the channel to the Coast of France.”

“Can we go there?” Faith asked.

“Not this time but hopefully we can soon. Just off the coast is what we call the Downs.”

Seeing Faith's look, Gabe explained, “That's the water between the town and the sands. It's a good place for ships to anchor when there is foul weather.”

“Aye,” Anthony replied. Then as grave as he could be he said in a loud whisper, “It's also a place where smugglers abound carrying on their illicit trade. More than one revenue man has had his throat sliced from ear to ear.”

Trying to act brave Faith said, “Well, we aren't revenooers so we haven't got anything to worry about. At least Lady Deborah and I don't.”

After refreshments at the Crispen Inn the group headed home. It was just at dark when the Admiralty messenger rode up to Deerfield. Bart happened to see him arrive and escorted the messenger in the house carrying a very large envelope with the Admiralty seal on it.

Anthony and Gabe were sitting in the big room sharing a glass of wine while Deborah and Faith were off in another part of the house. Seeing the messenger, Anthony felt a sudden bout of nausea come over him.
Damme
, he thought to himself. He'd been told he'd have six months before the squadron was ready. It had only been just a week over three months. Signing for the envelope. Anthony sat down in a chair in front of the fireplace.

Breaking the seal he wondered…
Just how many times had his father done the same thing? Had he felt the anxiety and tension each time he opened the package? Was that what caused the problems between him and Mother? How would Deborah take his being recalled so soon? Would he ever be able to see little Macayla grow up? Would she know her father?

Understanding Anthony's need to read the envelope's contents privately, Bart took the messenger in tow. “Let's have a wet to wash away the dust then a bit o' grub for yew.”

Their footsteps echoed down the hall and Gabe, without being asked, lit a candle that stood on a small table next to Anthony's chair. Deborah and Faith soon returned to the room. Deborah knew something was not as it should have been upon entering.

Seeing the large envelope she cried out, “Oh no, Gil, not this soon!”

Faith went and sat on Gabe's knee as Anthony rose up to take Deborah in his arms. “I'm afraid so, darling. I've been given a new flagship and have been given command of the Windward Islands, which is headquartered in Barbados.”

Deborah suddenly stood back. “Then I'm going, and if Gabe is to be a part of the squadron, Faith is coming along as well. If we can't stay in Barbados, we'll stay in Antigua.” Seeing the logic in Deborah's statement, Anthony didn't argue.

Faith then spoke out, “Are you, are we going Gabe?”

“I…I don't know. I don't even have a ship.”

“Well, I don't know for certain what it is,” Anthony said. “But Lord Sandwich has advised you report to the port admiral in Portsmouth forthwith.”

“When do you have to report to the flagship?” Deborah asked.

“By the end of the month. I am to relieve Admiral Crosby in October. It also appears we'll be transporting the new governor, a Lord Ragland.”

“Humm…do you know him?” Gabe asked.

“I'm not sure but one of Lord Sandwich's cronies from the Hellfire Club was a Lord Ragland.”

“And how do you know about that sex den?” Deborah asked.

“It was before your time, my dear, a long time before.”

Later that night Faith snuggled so close to Gabe he could feel her chest rise and fall against his back. She then rose up and said, “You awake?”

“I am now, why?”

“Tell me about the Hellfire Club.”

***

Gabe entered the George Inn and immediately recognized the admiral's aide standing just outside the closed door to one of the small private rooms. The aide, seeing Gabe in his new captain's uniform with the shiny new gold epaulet or as Bart called it “swab” setting on his right shoulder, nodded toward the bar. His way of saying, “Have a seat, I'll be with you in a minute.”

Deciding not to report to Admiral Graham with the smell of alcohol on his breath, Gabe declined the drink and took a seat on one of the benches that lined the wall. He looked about the room and found it hard to believe that just over a month ago he'd shared a bed with Faith for the first time right above where he was now sitting. It would be miserable sleeping on a ship's cot again. Even one the size made for the captain's sleeping quarters.

“Captain Anthony…Captain Anthony.”

Realizing he was being called, Gabe looked up just in time to see a Navy captain slam the inn door shut as he rushed out. The aide ushered Gabe into the admiral's room. Gabe immediately remembered he was one of the flag officers who had attended his wedding. He was with Admiral Moffett when Gil had paused to speak.

He had not met the admiral previously and had only spoken to a civilian superintendent when
Merlin's
hull was found to be unworthy for sea. The admiral was standing in front of an empty fireplace lighting a pipe. He was old to be a rear admiral. He was once tall but now stooped over. His bloodshot eyes had droopy bags under them. While he looked old and worn, out his voice was very firm.

“It was a nice wedding you had,” the admiral said as he reached out to shake Gabe's hand. “It was also a wonderful reception. Thank you for the invitation.”

Gabe swallowed hard and managed, “My pleasure sir.”

He didn't remember sending an invitation.
It had to have been Gil
, he thought. He was damn glad his brother had had the wits to invite the local flag officers and dignitaries.

“Are you ready to return to sea?” Graham asked.

“Aye sir,” Gabe answered.

“Good. I have a ship for you. She's the
Peregrine 36
.”

“Thank you sir!” Gabe burst out, excited at the news.

The old admiral held up his hand to hush Gabe. “You may not thank me long. The
Peregrine
is an ‘unhappy ship'.”

Gabe felt the excitement sink.

“You lost your ship to rot. Rot made on the outside caused by shipworms.
Peregrine
is full of rot from the inside…a drunken captain who kept his whores with him at sea, a flog happy first lieutenant who let two seaman die under the lash. Half the crew has deserted and the other half has requested transfers. It's a wonder we didn't have a mutiny. I have a set of orders from the Admiralty in which I can fill in your name and the ship is yours. Or you can go home to your new bride and wait till something else becomes available.”

Gabe wasn't fooled by the remark about waiting until something else was available. If he turned down the ship he'd likely be on the beach the rest of his life.

“I want her, sir.”

“Good, good. I thought if you were anything like your father you would. Now about your crew. Lieutenant Jackson has been given a command. However, the rest have not been reassigned for the most part. Do you have a choice for your first lieutenant?”

Lavery's name came quickly to mind so he gave his name to the admiral. “He, Lieutenant Davy and I have been together a long time; otherwise I don't have anyone in mind.”

“I know of a couple that will suit you well.”

Gabe had thought he might.

“Now what about midshipmen?”

“I have two, sir.”

“I have a couple of young gentlemen whom I can recommend,” the admiral replied.

This is going well
, Gabe thought.

“What about professional men, the warrants?”

“I would be happy with all of
Merlin's
sir, but I do need a surgeon.”

Nodding, the admiral said, “I'll look for you a good one.”

Gabe had watched the admiral's secretary make notes and was amazed at how fast his quill flew. Seeing Gabe's gaze, Graham said, “Paper and ink. It's paper and ink that keeps the Navy going.”

At that time the aid returned to the room. “It's time sir.”

“Yes, we can't keep anyone waiting, can we?”

Gabe knew the interview was ending so he quickly asked, “One more question. Is
Peregrine
to be part of Lord Anthony's command?”

Seeing the admiral's look Gabe continued, “I was with His Lordship when the Admiralty's messenger arrived.”

“I see,” Graham responded. “Did Lord Anthony promise you anything?”

“No sir.”

“Good, I'm glad to hear it. We have been friends a long time, your brother and I. I never figured him or your father to be guilty of nepotism. You got your ship because Dutch Moffett said you were the best young naval officer he'd ever seen and you were the image of Lord James. To answer your question your ship will be assigned to Lord Anthony's command. Are you staying at your father's house?”

“Aye, sir.”

“Very well, your orders will be sent to you directly. You may stay ashore at night until you receive further orders.”

“Thank you, sir,” Gabe stammered.

“Nonsense boy, I was a strutting rooster at one time myself.”