Distractedly tapping the letter he had just written, Blakeshaw picked up the small golden locket and chain laying on his mahogany writing desk. He gazed at the miniature painting within and sighed. It hardly did her beauty justice. Neither the promise in her eyes nor her fiery spirit were adequately captured, but the artist had managed to illustrate the purposeful jut of her jaw and the contempt in her face to perfection. He sighed again, wishing he had more time with her before having to go out to sea. Their courting had been serene and perfect – he could still hear her tinkling laughter as they wandered the rose gardens at Richmond Palace, feel her soft hand on his and the sweet brush of her lips, very like silken honey, on his. She had been so upset when he had left – thrusting the gold locket in his hands and making him promise to come back unharmed. Her tears, wet against his uniform and the promise of those lips carried him through the long nights aboard. His love for her grew each time he opened the locket up.
Closing the locket he wondered again about their whirlwind romance and impending engagement - an engagement which sadly had to be postponed when the Queen had ordered him on his top secret mission. Dominica had arrived in London with her brother Intaglio a few scant months ago, but had settled comfortably into court life quickly. Their mother had been English and with the uncertainty of the war between major European countries, had pleaded for them to return to the 'home' country for their own safety. Although Blakeshaw had missed meeting her whilst in England, from all accounts, she was a stately woman of considerable influence. He was keen to complete his mission for the Queen and return to England in order to finalize the marriage arrangements. Intaglio had gripped his hand in farewell and promised to keep Dominica safe and under heavy chaperone against the wily charms of courtlife. He remembered grinning and assuring Intaglio it was not necessary as her sweet word was her oath upon her virginity .
"Fine fellow, Intaglio" Blakeshaw murmured, proud that his love's brother approved of their union and was someone he could look up to and respect.
A sharp rap at the door brought Blakeshaw from his daydreams. He rapidly replaced the locket in its velvet casing and called "Enter" to the figure outside.
"Sir, we are pulling anchor and leaving the harbour. Harris would like to know if you intend being on deck, Sir."
"I’ll be right out, Chambers" Blakeshaw replied, standing and straightening his uniform.
The sudden scent of jasmine, wafted through his cabin, making Blakeshaw stop. He turned, half expecting to see the maddened eyes of the giant Italian murderer behind him. The hairs on his arm rose thinking about Dante and Blakeshaw breathed a heavy sigh - relieved that he had declined attractive option of taking him on board. Something niggled him about that path and he was glad now he was rid of the ungodly man.
Blakeshaw stood at the cabin door and looked again around the tiny space. The whole business of Captain Juan as a pirate had not sat well with him. He was determined to find him before Dante, and put an end to the uneasiness he felt.
Closing the locket he wondered again about their whirlwind romance and impending engagement - an engagement which sadly had to be postponed when the Queen had ordered him on his top secret mission. Dominica had arrived in London with her brother Intaglio a few scant months ago, but had settled comfortably into court life quickly. Their mother had been English and with the uncertainty of the war between major European countries, had pleaded for them to return to the 'home' country for their own safety. Although Blakeshaw had missed meeting her whilst in England, from all accounts, she was a stately woman of considerable influence. He was keen to complete his mission for the Queen and return to England in order to finalize the marriage arrangements. Intaglio had gripped his hand in farewell and promised to keep Dominica safe and under heavy chaperone against the wily charms of courtlife. He remembered grinning and assuring Intaglio it was not necessary as her sweet word was her oath upon her virginity .
"Fine fellow, Intaglio" Blakeshaw murmured, proud that his love's brother approved of their union and was someone he could look up to and respect.
A sharp rap at the door brought Blakeshaw from his daydreams. He rapidly replaced the locket in its velvet casing and called "Enter" to the figure outside.
"Sir, we are pulling anchor and leaving the harbour. Harris would like to know if you intend being on deck, Sir."
"I’ll be right out, Chambers" Blakeshaw replied, standing and straightening his uniform.
The sudden scent of jasmine, wafted through his cabin, making Blakeshaw stop. He turned, half expecting to see the maddened eyes of the giant Italian murderer behind him. The hairs on his arm rose thinking about Dante and Blakeshaw breathed a heavy sigh - relieved that he had declined attractive option of taking him on board. Something niggled him about that path and he was glad now he was rid of the ungodly man.
Blakeshaw stood at the cabin door and looked again around the tiny space. The whole business of Captain Juan as a pirate had not sat well with him. He was determined to find him before Dante, and put an end to the uneasiness he felt.
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