Page 52 of A Siren for the Duke

Lionel's musings were interrupted as Jemima stirred, her eyes fluttering open like delicate petals unfurling to greet the morning light. She blinked, adjusting to the soft illumination that enveloped the room, and her gaze settled upon Lionel, who watched her with a mix of adoration and melancholy.

Her voice, still laced with sleep, carried a tender curiosity.

"Lionel, what’s wrong?” her voice was silky and heavy with sleep.

He shook his head as if to shake away any bad thoughts. He did not want to spoil such a beautiful morning.

“Nothing. Just admiring how beautiful you look in the sunlight.”

She smiled and made an appreciative humming noise in the back of her throat.

“Come here. Lay close with me for a little.”

He did not have to be asked twice. If he could stay with his goddess like this forever, he would.

* * *

After a pleasant breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood in their large, open sunroom, Lionel made his way to the HMS Regina to check on some of the crew that had elected to stay aboard. Although there were inns and boarding houses for cheap in Port Royal by the docks, some of the men found comfort in continuing to sleep aboard the ship. Additionally, now that he knew Gervase Dartmouth was in town, his sense of security was a little heightened. Surely Dartmouth would not try to commandeer a Royal Navy ship, but sometimes just seeing her docked in the harbor was enough to soothe him.

As he approached the docks, Ellis waved to him from the upper deck. Ellis had not stayed aboard ship, as far as Lionel knew, but whenever and wherever they docked, his loyal first mate never strayed too far.

“I trust you had a lovely night,” Ellis said with a wink.

“I don’t know what you’re referring to,” Lionel said, with an innocent air.

“That little mark on your neck does,” the first mate teased, pointing at Lionel’s collar.

Lionel had never been one to blush like a schoolgirl, but he had gone to breakfast with his hosts earlier. What if they had seen? What would they think—and more importantly, what would they think of Jemima?

Seeming to sense Lionel’s anxiety, Ellis laughed.

“Do not fret, Captain. It is barely noticeable.”

“You noticed it!”

“Yes, but I also know you, and I know that this is the first bit of time off the ship you’ve been able to spend alone with Lady Jemima.”

“That’s enough,” Lionel said curtly. He might have been a rake, but he was no villain and did not want to hear Jemima’s name or nature sullied any further.

“I beg your pardon, sir. In the case of the ship, everything is in order,” Ellis informed.

“Keep a close watch and be mindful—Gervase Dartmouth is here,” Lionel said in a low voice. Ellis’s sandy eyebrows shot up.

“Here?”

“In Port Royal. The ambassador asked me for assistance in apprehending him, but I cannot do it without a confession just yet. If any of the crew hear anything about him, have them speak to me immediately.”

“Of course, Captain. I’ll see if I can find which one of his ships is in the harbor.”

Lionel nodded and continued to his cabin. The letters he’d received upon arrival were still on his desk. He flicked through the ones from his father, as he’d have a few weeks at sea to read those before he returned to England. He did not want to hear any more about the dukedom now.

But then there was the letter from Ferdinand. When Lionel had written to him initially, it was out of anger and desperation. Now, after having spent more time with Jemima again, he wasn’t so sure. In any case, perhaps it would offer him some answers, so he tore it open.

Dear Sir,

I have received your correspondence and must admit the contents therein have left me both surprised and concerned. While I appreciate your efforts in ensuring my sister’s safety during her unexpected journey, I must address the matter at hand with utmost sincerity. Her actions have undoubtedly brought great distress upon our family, and it is imperative she be returned to us promptly. Therefore, I accept your offer of escorting her to Port Royal as previously proposed. I trust you will exercise the utmost vigilance and discretion in fulfilling this duty. However, I must make one thing abundantly clear. Our association ends with my sister’s safe arrival. Your involvement in her life has caused significant damage and hurt, and it is in her best interest that you remain absent from her future endeavors. Once my sister is safely reunited with her family, I expect you to honor your commitment to disappear from her life entirely. I trust that a person of your resourcefulness and maritime expertise will have no difficulty adhering to this arrangement. Furthermore, as I do not wish her reputation to be further compromised, I have booked passage to Jamaica and hope to be there not long after the HMS Regina docks. Please relay any necessary details to the customs house or ambassador so that I may collect my sister. I trust that this will be the final chapter in our shared saga.

Sincerely,