Jennings gulped. “What are you doing?”
“Taking that risk we talked about.” He studied Jennings. “No doubt Rutherford will expect the same terms as he attached to my agreement.”
“Half your prize and to stay away from the Ford ladies.” Jennings considered that for quite some time before nodding. “I can live with his conditions. But are you sure?”
“Never more so.” He turned to Greer and smiled. “Now, Admiral, tell me how much blunt it will take to get my friend aboard the Selfridge as soon as possible and underway as captain. I am willing to grease as many wheels as is necessary. What do you want?”
“Information.” From another drawer, Greer fetched a fresh sheet of paper. His smile was utterly cunning. “Captains, please resume your seats so we can make this official.”
Epilogue
One month later
No matter his location, mornings were Felix’s favorite time of day. Newberry Park grounds and staff were stirring to life. Chimneys sent up tendrils of smoke from various parts of the distant great house. The Fords would be rising soon and going about the business of being a family.
But without Sally in their midst, the day by necessity was a little less bright. Her marriage would have come and gone, and she was miles away.
“Why, Captain Hastings, you look the very image of a country gentleman.” The duke smiled as they met on the grounds of Torre Cottage. The old man seemed particularly spry today as he navigated the white crushed-shell paths that circled the cottage, twirling his canes as if he had no need of them.
Felix glanced up at the house. “And that is what I am, what
I will be once the final paperwork is done. I resigned my commission and have come to take up residence.”
“Indeed you have.” The duke chuckled. “I was the recipient of the most irritated message from my son a week after you left, so I had some idea to expect you. It seems you only left Newberry to tender your resignation, but you also solved the problem of what to do with Captain Jennings at the same time. Giving him your ship with my apparent blessing was a masterstroke. Very neat of you.”
“Jennings needed an occupation, and he has traversed that trade lane more times than I have. He will be the best man to keep an eye out for Fredrick.” Felix smiled and swung the gate open to his new abode. Thanks to listening to Sally’s hopes and dreams for this place, he had a list of chores to carry out before the house was habitable and ready to accept visitors. Not that he expected many.
A small black face peeked at him from under the nearest shrub. He crouched down and held out his hand. “Is that you, Hercules?”
The beast crept out slowly, hissing, avoiding the duke and his swinging canes.
“Overgrown rats, every last one,” the duke complained but he was smiling.
“They have a certain charm.” Felix smiled as the creature came close enough to receive a scratch. He scampered away to the undergrowth of a large shrub as soon as he had had enough attention, and Felix stood again. “If nothing else, my living here will offer a haven for the cats since Sally could not take them with her.”
“Would it surprise you to learn there was no marriage?” the duke asked.
Felix froze and then faced the duke. “She called it off?”
“Seems a wise choice on her part, considering she is in love with you.” The duke pointed his cane at Felix’s chest. “But I knew as soon as she saw you and you cleared the air that she might change her mind about marrying that fortune hunter. I expect news that I will bounce a great-grandchild on my knee before the year is out.”
“Ah, Your Grace?” Felix frowned at the duke. The old man was far more devious than he had given him credit for. “How long had you been planning our reconciliation?”
“Ever since you sent the breach of promise back. I knew then you had not played my granddaughter false. And I know our Sally’s nature. A woman in love has a certain look about her,” the duke advised sagely. “I understand the impediments that made it seem like you walked away the first time. You were young and foolish, but do not think I will allow it a second time.”
“I am not going anywhere. No matter how many times Rothwell or her brothers hit me for making yet another mess of her life.” He glanced around him and smiled. “I am home to stay.”
“Good. Come for breakfast tomorrow.”
“I would like permission to call on Sally,” he told the duke.
“You do not need my permission. I expect it of you. And I am also sure she will show herself soon enough.” He turned back momentarily. “Oh, and I took the liberty of arranging this. Just a trifling convenience that will make your homecoming so much more enjoyable.”
Although intrigued, Felix tucked the letter into his coat pocket while he waited for the duke to leave in his carriage. He would read it later. He picked up another of Sally’s cats that had appeared at his feet. He scratched the white ball of fluff beneath the chin and looked up at what passed for a cottage in this part of the world, a place that would become his new home. It was, overall, a bit smaller than his ship, but his living quarters were bound to be a vast deal more comfortable.
He would have a proper large bed here, and hopefully Sally would be in it very soon.
As he stared at the six front windows and high pitched roof, he discovered a fire was burning inside.