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“Of course, of course,” the man said again, taking Devin’s hand and shaking it firmly. “Please convey my thanks and if you ever need anything at all do not hesitate to call on me. I will put all my abilities behind any effort you so wish.” He pumped Devin’s arm once more. “Good day,Captain.”
“Good day, your grace,” Devin said and again took hisseat.
“Becoming a right posh nob there now Captain, what with so many new friends in high places and all,” Quiggly said then howled and laughed when Devin did kickhim.
“Don’t know what’s worse having all this royalty abounding or being wed to a pirate,” Devin commented drily then became aware of what he’d justsaid.
True to form his crew was quick to answer. “Royalty, Captain.” Proving once again Mia being a pirate, in fact or only in Devin’s mind, didn’t matter the least tothem.
“Royalty, I agree,” Devin said before quickly finishing his meal, collecting Mia’s and making anescape.
Chapter 5
“Hong,if you put one more thing in my hair I’m going to tip over backwards,” Mia complained when the man reached for another pearl. The elaborate braid and partial upsweep of her hair wasn’t anything like what Mia knew to be fashionable, but Mr. Hong and even Grim wouldn’t let her choose any other way to haveit.
“You hush, as the commodore’s daughter you’ll wear your status,” Hong said and threaded the pearl into herhair.
“All right that’s enough,” she said stepping away to see the finishedresult.
Mia hadn’t understood Papa’s insistence she have this gown. It was far too elaborate for anything she might have done at any other port city. But she’d stood for the many fittings and refittings when Papa would change something about the design. For everything she knew about fashion, the dress was standard but uncommon in that the body of her gown was of a rich, embroidered, white silk, instead of the common plainer silks used for a court gown. As well, rather than a lighter petticoat, Mia’s was a dark green fashioned entirely of fine Brussel’s lace which matched perfectly with the long silk gloves. The gown, with its dangerously low bodice, as well as the full seven yards of train that lay behind it, was trimmed richly in gold tulle and ribbon. The combination deepened the color of her eyes as it lightened the complexion of her sun-kissed skin. Her white and green slippers peeked out from a hem that rested a breath above her toes as itshould.
“Mia, are you sure you’re up to attending?” Devin called from the other room. Mia made her way to the door to see Devin being held by the back of his neck while Grim brushed his spectacular naval coat. It struck her now as she looked at the bright whiteness of his pants, vest and cravat, that perhaps blue would have been a better color choice for her, so that she’d match her husband. But then she caught sight of her open trunk and one of her ships flags and realized the shipping company she worked flew a green flag. The gown wasn’t meant to match Devin’s. It was a statement to the wealth and power of Papa’s merchantfleet.
“Well I’m already dressed Devin, so I might as well attend, unless you don’t want me to.” She saw Devin try to turn but Grim still had him by the neck. “Grim let him go, stop brushing at him before you brush a hole through him,” Mia said, and the man released his grip. She didn’t miss the relief in her husband’s posture before he turned around and his mouth dropped open. “Captain?” she giggled as he tried twice to close his mouth before he managedit.
“God save me Mia, you’re beautiful,” he said sounding quite out of breath as hedid.
“Beautiful enough to be mistaken for a lady?” Mia teased as she collected her train and turned for him toadmire.
“Beautiful enough to be mistaken for Venus herself,” he said stepping over and reaching out but withdrawing his hands before actually touching her. “Have mercy on me, you’re going to put everyone at this affair toshame.”
Mia giggled again. “You see I can turn out if I try,” she teased and accepted her gloves from Mr.Hong.
“Yes, well please spare me and don’t try too often.” Devin said stepping back and looking her up and downagain.
“No?”
“No, because right now I’m afraid to take you beyond thisroom.”
“Why?”
“We’ve a good nineteen miles to get to the Vice Admiral’s home, every male from eight to eighty is going to see you and try and steal you from me. It’s like traveling the roads with the crownjewels.”
“Ah Devin, how lovely of you to say, but the carriage is closed and at this hour it’s dark, no one will see me at all,” Mia said and reached to brush his lapel causing Grim to step over and try and brush at himagain.
“Avast man,” Devin grumbled. “Well I now fully regret saying only seven of the crew would be attending. Clearly, I should’ve roused every midshipman and gunner that no one at the party could steal you. My heaven you’re gorgeous,Mia.”
“No one will steal me, Devin,” Mia said and moved through the room with every bit of her practiced grace. Perhaps those silly lessons on how to walk and sip tea would beuseful.
“Well I don’t doubt a good number there will try,” Devin complained as he lifted his hat from thechair.
“Wait no go,” Mr. Hong cried out then waved to Grim who rushed over to a small box on the sideboard. “This now. This now. Like commodoresay.”
Mia stepped beside Devin as Grim set two small cases and two envelopes in Hong’s hands. He then picked up a letter and handed it to Mia indicating she should open it. Which she did and quickly scanned the contents as Grim opened one of the cases and pulled out a beautiful set of silvercufflinks.
“Read out loud Mia, read loud, yes Captain hear,” Hong instructed. Mia cleared herthroat.
“Navy man,” the note started, indicating it was meant for Devin who was now scowling at her. She cleared her throat and went on. “I’ve entrusted you with a gift given to me by the sea.” Mia’s eyes flicked to where Grim was putting the first cufflink on Devin’s shirt. “I’ll have you know that it wasn’t an easy thing to pass this gift to you.” Grim placed the second link on the cuff. “Have care, navy man lest I must raise all of hell and bring it down on you.” She looked to see Devin studying the links closely before a smile touched his lips. “Your wedding disallowed for such gifts as are appropriate for a man who weds such a fine siren as you have. These links will do to remind you everything you have gained in doing so.” Mia handed the letter off to Hong. “It’s signed, Commodore Gregor Dekker, Commander, Captain and owner of Wind and Pearl Shipping andFreight.”
