At the Captain's Command Read online

  “Yes, Captain Moberly?” Could he hear the squeak in her voice?

  “Perhaps we can arrange to see each other soon to exchange family news.” Thomas clamped down on the strange wave of feeling that surged through him in response to her glorious smile. This was the lady his good friend Jamie called his “delightful little sister.” But instead of the child Thomas had expected to meet one day, here stood a tall, beautiful young woman in a pretty lavender frock that enhanced her dark-brown eyes. Eyes that exuded kindness and generosity. Eyes a man could get lost in. He mentally shook himself. What foolishness. He’d been too long at sea, too long out of society and the company of lovely ladies.

  “Why, yes, I would like that very much, Captain.” Her voice had a pleasing, mellow tone. “Will you come to supper this evening? I cannot promise roast beef, but perhaps something just as tasty.”

  The innocence of her invitation gave him pause. No matter how much they regarded one other as a family member, other people might not see the matter in that light.

  “You know, of course,” she said, “that I live with my foster sister and her husband. They will be more than pleased to meet a true British naval hero.”

  Thomas grinned, feeling foolish. Had she discerned his hesitation? “And I would be honored to meet them. Where and what time shall I come?”

  She gave directions and named the time, but while he committed them to memory, he fought the urge to shift his manner of viewing her. Not since his wife’s death had he seen a woman of such innocence and genteel grace. But whereas dear little Ariel had flitted through life without a serious thought in her brain, Dinah’s steady gaze invited confidence in her intelligence.

  Guilt stung him for making such a comparison. After four years, he still missed Ariel, still missed the hopes he’d held for the infant son she could not safely deliver. In time, he had come to think it best for a naval officer not to marry, for service to his father, his king and his God—in that order—took precedence over one’s personal interests. But even if he found his heart engaged by some winsome lady, Thomas had no intention of emulating his sister and brother, both of whom had married common Americans. While a man could have good friends of a lower rank, such as Dinah’s brother, Jamie, these ill-advised unions no doubt had caused some grief. But he would not think of that until he stood face-to-face with his sister, Marianne, and brother Freddy.

  “Until eight o’clock, then?” She bestowed another of her pretty smiles upon him, striking a chink in the four-year-old wall around his heart.

  Belay that, you dolt. He must regard her as a sister and no more.

  “May the hours hasten by until then.” He bowed with an extra flourish, hoping to lash down his wayward emotions through humor. His reward was an equally overdone curtsey. What a delightful creature.

  She turned and walked away, leaving behind a hint of lavender in the air.

  Thomas withheld a sigh. At least now he understood the temptations into which his sister and brother had fallen.

  Chapter Two

  Her heart merry over the unexpected encounter with Thomas, Dinah hurried back down St. George Street toward the Parade. Whether or not she saw much of him, his mere presence in St. Augustine would help to mitigate her usual sense of being cut off from her family. With Jamie at sea most of the time and her cousin living at Bennington Plantation, Dinah often felt lonely.

  Of course she realized the handsome, charming captain would become the object of matchmaking for every mother of an eligible daughter in the colony. She tried to think of someone who might suit him, but for some reason, the idea nettled her. Moreover, what colonial miss would be worthy of such a distinguished gentleman, a renowned captain in His Majesty’s navy and the son of a British earl? No, Dinah would leave the matchmaking to the ambitious mothers. She would turn her efforts toward giving the captain a pleasant supper as a reward for his heroic naval service.

  The thought of seeing him again so soon warmed her heart, and she became aware of May’s humid heat rolling over her face. On days like this, she longed for the cooler summers of her childhood home. But in Nantucket, winters could be deadly, while in East Florida winter generally offered a pleasant respite from both heat and cold. Still, when she pulled a linen handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at the perspiration on her forehead, she recalled the need to complete her errands before the late-morning sun began to scorch the city and intensify its less pleasant odors.

  In the Parade at the poultry vendor’s cart, she purchased two plump hens and asked the man to deliver them to her house. Artemis would fuss at the expense, but she was spending her own money. And no doubt he would be more than pleased when he learned they would have such an illustrious guest. If her foster sister’s husband had the slightest sense of humor, she would keep the captain’s identity a secret until he arrived at their home. But Artemis did not do well with surprises. As it was, she could just imagine how he would fawn over the captain. She’d best prepare him.

  Hastening toward home, she shoved away her uncharitable thoughts. If Anne could be content in her marriage, Dinah would try not to dislike the man. But in the five years she had lived with them by mutual necessity, he had changed much—and none of it for the better.

  Pausing in front of the bakery, she inhaled the inviting fragrance of fresh-baked bread. Cook would be hurt if Dinah brought home someone else’s baking, but perhaps it would be wise to make a purchase anyway. Cook would have enough to do preparing fish, chicken and pies for Thomas without having to start bread in the middle of the day. And what about vegetables? Dinah had not checked the garden since picking squash three days ago. Would there be enough green beans—?

  She laughed at her own frantic thoughts, for she had no need to impress the captain. Not only had their family connections provided instant and reciprocal friendship, but she was sure he would appreciate whatever meal she served. Long months at sea guaranteed a hearty appetite for fresh fare.

  Continuing toward home without the bread, Dinah felt her emotions settle further. She truly must not permit her feelings for Thomas to go beyond friendship. Their relatives had already teased her about another marriage between their families, but for her it was not even a remote possibility. Her father had died at sea eighteen years ago when she was barely three, leaving her without any memory of him. Her brother was the captain of his own merchant vessel and spent his life away from dear Marianne and their precious son. Would Jamie return from England in time for the birth of their second child in a few weeks? Dinah had no wish to live that way. As disagreeable as Artemis was, at least he lived at home, and Anne need never suffer loneliness. No, Dinah would never marry a seaman of any kind.

  After passing through the gate of her fenced yard, she plucked several long stalks from the rosemary bush along the path to the house. She sniffed the pleasant, woody herb, and her mouth watered. She would give it to Cook to roast with the chickens. Yes, tonight at supper, Thomas would be amply rewarded for his service to His Majesty and the people of St. Augustine.

  When Artemis came home from the government offices for his midday meal, he sat at the head of the table with his brown eyes narrowed and focused on Anne. “Mrs. Hussey, I saw chicken feathers strewn about the yard in front of the kitchen house. If we are to have such an expense in the middle of the week—”

  “If you please, Artemis.” Dinah would not permit him to bully dear Anne.

  “If you please, Miss Templeton.” His harsh glare settled on her. “I am speaking to my wife. If you must sit at table with us, I will not have you interrupt.” His gaunt face lined with tension, he turned back to Anne. “As I was saying, if you must have meat in the middle of the week, could Cook not at least gather and clean the feathers for bed pillows or chair cushions or some useful purpose?”

  Dinah exhaled a quiet sigh, refusing to permit his rudeness to injure her feelings.

  Always placid, Anne gave him a serene smile. “I shall see to it immediately after dinner, my dear.” She pursed her lips
and sent Dinah a meaningful look. “Sister, dear, what shall we do with those feathers?”

  “Of all the—” Artemis thumped his fist on the table. “What has she to do with their use?”

  Dinah pressed her lips together. Oh, how she wished she’d not told Anne that Thomas was coming to dinner. How she wished she could give this intolerable man his due.

  “Why, my dear,” Anne said calmly, “Dinah bought the chickens.”

  Artemis’s hawk-like glare darted back to Dinah. What he was thinking, she could not guess. His sinewy jaw muscles clenched with anger, but confusion filled his eyes, as if she’d never before contributed to their food stores. Indeed, she paid half of all the household bills while using only one third of the resources.

  “There. You see.” He waggled a bony finger at her as if she were a naughty child. “This is exactly why you should entrust your paltry fortune to me, Miss Templeton. You will be destitute before you reach three and twenty years if you continue such spending.” He scooped up a spoonful of bean soup and ate, but his glower forbade any response. “In these four years, I have laid before you the names of seven worthy gentlemen willing to marry you and take you off my hands, and you have rejected each and all. If you must be a spinster, give me charge of your money, and I shall make certain it carries you into your dotage.”

  Prickles of anxiety closed Dinah’s throat, and she set down her spoon and stared at her cooling soup. Messrs. Panton and Leslie, managers of a store on Treasury Street, kept her inheritance in safekeeping, as they did the funds of several other citizens. Yet every time Artemis brought up the subject, the same fears assaulted her. Without a husband’s oversight, would the gentlemen truly look out for her interests? Whom could she trust? Certainly not one of Artemis’s political cronies to whom he had tried to manacle her. And Jamie was not in East Florida often enough to provide protection for her. Only by living with Anne and Artemis could Dinah feel safe. And despite Artemis’s insinuations otherwise, he needed her financial contributions to maintain a suitable house for a man of his position.

  Anne coughed softly. “Sister, dear.” The warmth of her gaze and the unwarranted family endearment soothed Dinah’s nerves. Always, in the midst of these unpleasant discussions, she felt certain Anne addressed her as “sister” to gently remind Artemis of the heart bond the two women shared. “Thee must tell Artemis why thee bought the chickens.”

  Forcing herself to recover, Dinah sniffed. “La, I cannot think he would be interested, but if you insist.” She gave Artemis the sweetest smile she could muster…and waited until he’d placed a spoonful of beans in his mouth. “I fear your table will be overcrowded again this evening, for I have invited Captain Thomas Moberly to dine with us.”

  As she’d hoped, he gasped and then fell into a fit of coughing. Anne jumped up and dashed to his end of the table, pounding him on the back while sending Dinah a chiding glance. Dinah bit her lip to keep from laughing, but the hurt in Anne’s eyes soon dispelled her merriment and replaced it with shame.

  “Forgive me, Artemis.” She stood and fanned him with her napkin, taking in a heavy dose of his apple-scented hair dressing. “I did not mean to shock you—” Would God forgive this lie? Would Anne?

  “No, no, not at all, dear sister.” Artemis sputtered. “Captain Moberly, is it? Well, now, I’d heard this morning that a third British frigate had arrived last evening to protect our city, but I had no idea of who the captain was. To think, Lord Bennington’s heroic son quartered here and coming to my humble home.” He waved his hand to dismiss Anne. “Thank you, my dear. I am well. Please be seated.”

  With order restored, Anne signaled Cook to bring dessert. As Artemis dug into his cornmeal pudding, his dark eyes almost twinkled. Dinah imagined he was thinking of ways to turn this night to his political advantage, for that was his practice with every situation. She must brace herself for whatever he might do.

  “Hmm.” Artemis stared at Anne with a stern expression. “Mrs. Hussey, are you certain chicken is the best we can serve? Is there no beef or lamb to roast? Have you spoken to the butcher about a bargain on a good cut of meat? And what of dessert?” He tapped his chin thoughtfully. “And do have Cook clean up those chicken feathers. What will Moberly think if my yard is strewn with trash?” He turned his stare toward Dinah. “Miss Templeton, this afternoon you must run across the backyard to the Ethertons’ house and hire their eldest daughter to help Cook serve supper tonight.” He stood and tugged at his lapels. “I’ll not have the earl’s son think we cannot afford to serve him properly.” He stepped away from the table and stopped by the door, his lean form casting a thin shadow on the tabby floor. “And make certain the girl wears a clean apron.”

  “Yes, Artemis.” From his authoritative tone, Dinah understood that Thomas was no longer her guest, but Artemis’s. Whatever hopes she’d had for becoming better acquainted with her kinsman and exchanging news about their shared family must now be abandoned in favor of this disagreeable man. Dinah felt her annoyance dispel. Surely there would be ample opportunity to befriend Thomas. She must not become reliant on him, she knew, but for the moment it comforted her to have a kinsman nearby. Oh, she was looking forward to supper!

  Chapter Three

  “A very fine meal, Mrs. Hussey. I have never tasted anything quite so delicious. Rosemary is the perfect herb to enhance the flavor of roasted chicken.” Thomas pressed his napkin to his lips and sent Anne a pleasant nod. “Your hospitality warms this seafarer’s heart, just as your table delights my palate.”

  Dinah’s roasted corn turned dry in her mouth while an ache settled in her stomach. Of course the captain’s compliments to Anne were appropriate. As the married woman of the house, she deserved his honor and gratitude. But still it stung Dinah’s feelings not to receive a little credit for arranging this evening and the menu. Never before had she felt like such a spinster, an old maid, a redundant woman in the house she paid to live in.

  “Thou are most welcome, Captain Moberly.” Anne smiled with all the humble graciousness of their Quaker upbringing. “But thy compliments should go to Dinah.” She signaled to the serving girl to remove their plates and bring dessert. “We are so pleased that she chanced to meet thee and invited thee to supper. Are we not, Mr. Hussey?”

  Dinah hid a smile. She should have known Anne would not accept praise without sharing it. Her friend always turned attention away from herself and gave credit to others.

  “Indeed, we are, Mrs. Hussey.” Seated at the head of the table, Artemis was a different man this evening, all affability and manners. He turned to Thomas, who sat on his left. “And so pleased for her kinship to you and to us.”

  The captain nodded his appreciation of the cream-covered peach pie the maid set before him. “Ah, Miss Templeton, I did not know of your kinship to Mr. and Mrs. Hussey.” He gazed across the table at her, and a pleasant feeling warmed Dinah’s heart. Thomas was more than easy to look at and, for a naval captain, not the least bit intimidating. “You must tell me more about your family.”

  “Well,” Artemis said, “it’s not as if we’re blood relations—”

  The captain slid his attention to Artemis briefly. “But I should like to hear Miss Templeton recount the connection.”

  Artemis coughed into his napkin. “Yes, of course. Miss Templeton, do proceed.”

  With great difficulty, Dinah withheld a laugh over the captain’s gentle rebuke to Artemis. After all, this was not exactly a jolly tale she’d been asked to relate.

  “Both Anne and I were orphaned, she first, and then I. Two dear spinster sisters, daughters of a whaling captain, took us in and reared us. And thus we consider ourselves foster sisters.” She sent a fond look to Anne. “I know her far better than I know my own brother, who was absent nearly all of my childhood.”

  Memories flooded her with sadness. “Aunt Matilda and Aunt Eunice, as we called them, died when a fever struck Nantucket, and by that time Anne and Artemis had married.” She drew in a deep breath to still the sorro
w that tried to close her throat. “I was left alone.” Indeed, she had felt alone all her life, abandoned by all, even God, despite the tender care of the Gardiner sisters. They had never known quite what to do with her excessive energy, while Anne had been all quiet compliance to their Quaker ways.

  The captain leaned forward. “I grieve that my question has distressed you, dear lady.” The light from the candle centerpiece reflected in his blue eyes and deepened his compassionate frown. “You need not go on.”

  “Not at all.” She forced a smile and dug into her pie, determined to enjoy its sweet flavor. After a moment, she continued. “It’s not as if we were the only people to suffer in this life.” Jamie once told her Thomas’s wife and son had died a few years ago. To fully regain her composure, she swallowed another bite of pie before going on. The gentleness in the captain’s countenance invited her confidence and stirred within her a deeper, fonder sentiment toward this good man.

  “When that dreadful rebellion began in Boston, most Nantucketers took a neutral position on the growing war due to their Quaker convictions. But a few foolish young men who…well…they—”

  “They tarred and feathered several Loyalists.” Artemis sniffed with indignation. “Had we not left, I cannot imagine what they might have done to me.”

  The captain kept his attention on Dinah, and the intensity of his gaze sent a wave of encouragement through her. He truly wanted to hear this story from her. “If Anne and Artemis had not permitted me to come to St. Augustine with them, I’ve no idea what I would have done.” She would not mention her cousins in Boston who supported the rebels’ cause. Her break with them had been the worst of all cuts to her heart. At least her brother had forsaken his interest in the rebellion and now dedicated himself to his import business, avoiding the war altogether.