Louise M. - At the Captain's Command

Duty. It was what he lived for, his purpose for being. And in addition to his crew, he performed his duty to his king and, long before that, to his father, who had impressed upon him the obligations of the nobility and their offspring. But what was his duty to Dinah?

Just as Reverend Kennedy stood to begin his sermon, Thomas lifted a silent prayer that he would know how to serve the young lady. Such a delightful, capable creature should be married, should be mistress of her own home. He had heard that few marriageable ladies lived in St. Augustine compared to the many unmarried men, and so surely she had received offers. But perhaps there was a dearth of eligible Christian men in the city. Clearly her heart was not engaged, yet she seemed to have no objections to marriage, except to a seafarer. Perhaps the Almighty would have Thomas interview potential suitors. Somehow the idea settled like lead in his mind. More to his liking would be to warn off any man who cast a glance in her direction.

As the minister and deacons made their way up the aisle at the close of the service, Dinah gripped the back of the bench in front of her to keep from turning around to look for Thomas. She would not, simply must not seek his company, for such behavior would be inappropriate.

But even before the front pews emptied, Artemis shoved his way into the crowd. “Come along, Mrs. Hussey.” He glanced at Dinah and gave a quick jerk of his head. “Come along.” Almost dragging poor Anne, he made his way toward the captain, who had already been surrounded by people clamoring for his attention.

Even Governor Tonyn approached the group of naval officers, and when people noticed, the way parted before him. Artemis almost jumped out of the governor’s path, and Dinah bit her lip to keep from laughing. Thomas must have noticed as well, for he caught Dinah’s gaze, his eyes twinkled, and he lifted one eyebrow. She gave him a tiny nod, then moved along the edge of the mob toward the door.

Standing inside the open front doors, Reverend Kennedy smiled warmly. “Good morning, Miss Templeton.”

“Good morning, Reverend. Thank you for your lovely sermon. I was deeply moved.” She curtseyed, then moved on to make way for others. Indeed, the sermon had been quite inspirational, and she longed to discuss the minister’s words with someone who understood how it had touched her emotions.

Outside on St. George Street, she blinked in the bright sunlight and tugged at her hat brim to shield her eyes. Surprised to see that few parishioners had emerged, she attributed the phenomenon to the appeal of the captain and his officers. She glanced up at the clock on the spire of St. Peter’s. Almost noon. Her stomach responded to that information with a tiny growl.

Soldiers from the fort eyed her and made remarks among themselves, so she stared down the street toward the Parade, hoping they would not approach. It was one thing to minister to these men when they were sick, but another thing altogether when they were hale and hardy and attempted to gain her interest. Soon her concerns about the matter ended when people began to pour from St. Peter’s and go their separate ways.

“Dinah.” Elizabeth Markham approached and touched her arm. “Why did you not join the rest of us in meeting Captain Moberly…and his very handsome lieutenant, Mr. Wayland?”

The wistful look in Elizabeth’s eyes gave Dinah a laugh. Perhaps those two would be a good match. That is, if Mr. Wayland’s bold stares had simply meant he had been at sea too long, not that he lacked Christian character.

“I have already met the gentlemen, Elizabeth.” She looped her arm around her friend’s. “The other day when we saw them walking down St. George Street, I had no idea the captain is none other than my brother-in-law.”

Elizabeth gasped and then laughed. “Why, of course. Captain Moberly. I should have realized when I heard his name.” She gave Dinah a sly smile. “Are there not several marriages between your two families?”

Dinah released Elizabeth’s arm. “Yes, and those marriages are quite sufficient to join us as family.”

Elizabeth smirked. “Of course. Well then, if Mr. Wayland proves uninteresting, perhaps I shall set my cap for the captain.”

An odd annoyance cut through Dinah. How could anyone find that impertinent lieutenant superior to Thomas? But if she voiced the thought to Elizabeth, she would never hear the end of it. “Do enjoy yourself, my dear.”

“Hmph. Just because you do not wish to marry a man of the sea.” Elizabeth’s pout was short-lived. “Oh, but won’t it be grand to dance with these fine officers at the governor’s ball?”

Dinah’s heart skipped. “A ball? Oh, my. When? And what on earth inspired Governor Tonyn to this frivolity? Why, he despises such merrymaking.” She could hardly contain her astonishment…and her excitement. “Tell me everything you know.”

Elizabeth giggled. “There, you see. You are not as indifferent to the gentlemen as you pretend.” She punctuated her words with a smirk. “As to the governor, well, I am of the opinion that he is impressed by the fact that Captain Moberly is the son of Lord Bennington. In his political world, such an august person surely must be entertained.” She glanced toward the people emerging from the church, then leaned toward Dinah in a confiding manner. “The ball is to be held this Friday evening to officially honor the arrival of HMS Dauntless. Only specially invited guests may attend, and my parents and I are among them. Mamá told me about it the day before yesterday, and I have been begging for a new gown since then. But she says my old one will do because none of the Dauntless crew has seen it.” She paused, and puzzlement crinkled her smooth forehead. “Did you not receive an invitation?”

“Ah, there you are, Miss Templeton.” Thomas approached, looking a bit harried with his eyes wide and his lips in a thin smile. “I feared you had already left.” People clustered behind him as if seeking his attention, but he focused on Dinah.

Her feelings in riot and confusion, Dinah dipped an unsteady curtsey and forced a smile. “Good morning, Captain.” Surely if he was concerned about the possibility of not seeing her this morning, this oversight about an invitation could not be his doing. “I believe you have met my good friend, Miss Markham.”

“Indeed we have just met inside.” He swept off his bicorne hat and greeted Elizabeth with an elegant bow. “Miss Markham.”

“Captain—” Elizabeth lifted her chin “—I should not wish to scold you, but the omission of your kinswoman from the list of those invited to the ball in your honor is beyond—”

“What?” Thomas stared at Dinah, his eyebrows rising sharply. “Of course you were invited. I gave your name to Governor Tonyn’s secretary.” Now those strong black eyebrows bent into a stormy frown. “I shall investigate the matter and see it set to right. In fact, I shall escort you to the event myself.” He blinked, as if surprised by his own words.

The crowd buzzed and hummed around them, but Dinah could not discern their words. A wave of heat began to surge up her neck and she quickly inhaled to stop it. She had never blushed in her life and would not begin to do so now.

“I thank you, my good kinsman.” She raised her voice slightly for the benefit of their audience. “Now, if you will excuse me…” A quick glance down the lane revealed Anne and Artemis well on their way home.

Thomas followed her gaze, and his frown deepened. “My dear sister-in-law, may I escort you home? I should like to speak to Mr. Hussey on a matter of some importance.”

He offered his arm, and Dinah set her gloved hand on his forearm, grateful for his gesture and for his familial address. That should prevent gossip. Or so she hoped.