Page 16 of A Siren for the Duke

“Excellent,” Lionel said as he pored over the ship’s ledgers.

“The crew seems a little more at ease now that they know the girl will disembark here.”

Lionel heaved a sigh and cast a sheepish glance at Ellis.

“Indeed… about that…”

Ellis’s usually jovial expression dropped.

“There has been a change of plans. We will take her to Port Royal with us.”

Ellis shook his head, his hands on his hips like a concerned mother.

“Lionel, you cannot be serious. A Royal Navy vessel is no place for a lady.”

“It also would not do to leave her stranded in a foreign port.”

Ellis ran a hand through his shaggy blond hair, exasperated.

“Her reputation might be tarnished if word escaped that she was the only lady aboard a ship full of men!”

“I appreciate your concern, Ellis, and I’m sure she would, as well. But I have a feeling her reputation is already tarnished.”

“Is there something between you and the girl? Is that why you keep her sequestered?” his first mate teased.

“I keep her sequestered because our crew is full of superstitious sailors who claimed her presence was a bad omen. The less they see her, the better.”

“She was not unattractive, from what I could see. If you kept her to warm your bed, I would not blame you one bit.”

“Enough!” Lionel barked, a little squeamish at Ellis’s insinuation. Yes, Jemima was lovely, and he’d entertained lustful thoughts about her, but knowing that other men might also think the same made him uneasy. That was another reason he wanted her to keep to herself. The hungry eyes of men so long deprived of a woman’s touch could turn into something more. Much as he trusted his crew, he understood the needs of men. The warmth of a woman’s flesh was tempting indeed.

“I do apologize, Captain,” Ellis said remorsefully.

“I do have a task for you,” Lionel said, handing his first mate the letter he’d drafted earlier. It was already sealed with dark blue wax, but Lionel had read it over so many times he was sure he’d memorized it. He quickly read through it in his mind again as he handed it over.

To the Duke of Abercorn,

May this letter find you in the best of health and spirits. I pen these lines with the utmost urgency and earnestness, for I write to you today with a matter of the utmost delicacy concerning your sister, Lady Jemima Upton.

In the course of my duties as Captain of the vessel HMS Regina, I discovered your dear sister in a clandestine attempt to escape to Jamaica aboard my very ship. You can imagine the shock I felt upon seeing her. Rest assured, I have taken every precaution to ensure her safety and well-being during this unforeseen journey.

With great consideration and no small amount of contemplation, I propose an arrangement that may prove favorable to both our parties. I offer my unwavering pledge to personally escort Lady Jemima to Port Royal, Jamaica, into the waiting arms of your loyal retinue. In return for this invaluable service, the sum of money promised to the individual who would reunite you with your sister shall be awarded to me, Captain Lionel Hunt. Let us cast aside the shadows of past quarrels and animosities, your Grace, and unite under the common goal of ensuring Lady Jemima’s safe passage. Please consider my proposal with the utmost care and discernment. If it pleases you, I implore you to convey your response to me at the harbor of Port Royal, Jamaica, where my vessel will make port in due course.

Sincerely,

Captain Lionel Hunt of His Majesty’s Royal Navy

“Post this letter to Portsmouth as quickly as you can.”

Ellis turned the paper over in his hand and raised a bemused eyebrow.

“The Duke of Abercorn?” he asked.

“Indeed. The Duke and I are old acquaintances. We have some pressing business to discuss, and it may be that he meets us in Jamaica.”

“I thought you hated the ton,” Ellis pointed out.

“I do. Be that as it may, my hatred does not preclude me from my responsibilities.”