The Duke Wears Nada by Barbara Devlin

Author:Barbara Devlin [Devlin, Barbara]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Historical, Romance, Military, Historical Fiction, British, Regency, Historical Romance, SM
Amazon: B01N016T26
Publisher: Barbara Devlin
Published: 2017-01-30T05:00:00+00:00

THE DUKE WEARS NADA

CHAPTER EIGHT

In the distance, as he peered through his spyglass, Damian spotted the North Forelands, which guarded the entrance to the Thames Estuary. For him, the landmarks signaled a final farewell to England and only aggravated his yearning for Lucy.

After the brief meeting with Admiral Pellew, during which the naval legend detailed his intent to keep the Brethren at the rear, in order to avoid provoking unnecessary conflict with a heavy show of British military prowess, Damian rushed back to the Sagremor, with the expressed desire of sharing another sweet interlude with Lucy. To his monumental disappointment, he discovered Blake departed prior to Damian’s return, and he had yet to check his displeasure.

“Cap’n, we are well-found and away.” Carsleigh, the second in command, stood at attention. “And Mr. Greer informs me the supplies are stowed. Shall I set course, sir?”

“Aye.” At the maps table, Damian pointed to their first destination. “We journey to Tunis, and I would have the helmsman sail as far west as possible, to avoid the treacherous waters of the Bay of Biscay, and be sure we clear Ushant.”

“Aye, sir.” Carsleigh nodded once. “And Greer has a missive for you, Cap’n.”

“Oh?” At once, Damian wondered if Lucy wrote him a letter. “Then I shall repair to my cabin, and the deck is yours, Carsleigh.”

With a spring in his step, Damian descended the companion ladder, scrutinized the polished boards and brass, examined the flemished falls, and acknowledged his crewmen, as they made their obedience. At the waist, he located the boatswain.

“Do you have correspondence for me, Greer?” With baited breath, Damian tamped his excitement.

“Aye, sir.” From beneath his vest, the boatswain pulled an envelope. “Cap’n His Grace asked me to give it to you, at precisely an hour from the time we cast off and departed Deptford, but I got busy, and it slipped my mind.”

“I am sure it is all right.” Disappointment settled deep in Damian’s chest, and he tucked the note in his waistcoat. “Why do you always refer to Blake as such?”

“Because it annoys him.” The battle-tested and scarred tar chuckled. “And it is one of my few joys in life.”

“But you do not address me in that manner.” When Greer stowed a stack of rope, Damian picked up the mate. “Or do you do so, behind my back?”

“No, Cap’n.” Greer frowned and snatched the rope from Damian’s grasp. “This is why I do not rib you, sir. Even as a midshipman, you always understood that the sea knows no rank, especially that of the aristocracy. But Cap’n His Grace did not comprehend the significance of military position, as opposed to the noble class, when on duty and in uniform, until he reached the station of second lieutenant, and I will never let him forget that.”

“But even you must admit Blake is a devil of a sea captain.” Damian laughed. “Or do you disagree?”

“Actually, there is no reason for me to recognize that fact, as it is doubtful Cap’n His Grace is unaware of it.

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