the arrogance of his assumption that she would welcome his presence.
Retiring immediately to his own cabin, the duke fought to control his irritation. He had not intended to start the journey on such a footing, in fact, he felt a great empathy for his companion, but I will not be dictated to by a mere chit of a girl , he thought. The very idea that she should attempt such a journey on her own had proved strangely disturbing and he felt a great deal of unrest at the dangers she would face. Throughout a sleepless night, thoughts of Stefan’s death and Harry’s plight had become entangled in his mind. He had felt a strong desire for activity and the need to prevent another youth from sharing his brother’s fate had driven him to take part in this expedition. The fact that it might prove to be a futile attempt made no difference, for an attempt must be made, there was no question about that. It had never entered his head that his presence would be in any way resented and he could still not understand Miss Chandler’s desire to travel alone on such a hazardous mission. Surely, his presence must be to her advantage, not otherwise. Nevertheless, he was sure that upon reflection she would come about and see the sense of the situation, indeed, be grateful for his taking a hand in her brother’s deliverance. Admitting to himself that perhaps, in this, he might find his own!
Some while later, after ordering a cold repast to be set in the salon, Robert sent the cabin boy with a message that Miss Chandler should join him for the meal and took a glass of port whilst awaiting her arrival. However, some minutes passed before the boy returned alone and informed him that she had refused to come to the door and had told him to go away.
Pushing past the boy to go to Miss Chandler’s door he snapped to no one in particular, “This is beyond the realm of the ridiculous. I will not brook this absurd manner. Whatever is wrong with the girl? I would expect at least some civility from her.” So saying he rapped firmly on her door but received no response, whereupon he rapped once more, his ill humor suffering in the process. To his surprise, he received a faint muffled reply, but being unable to decipher its meaning, he tried the handle to the door, which he found to be unlocked. Immediately, the movement of the craft made it swing wide to reveal Miss Chandler lying fully clothed on the bunk, her countenance deathly pale.
At sight of him, she groaned and turned away. “Be so good as to leave me, sir,” she muttered pressing her handkerchief to her mouth, “I am somewhat indisposed.”
“ Indisposed, my foot!” he said advancing into the cabin and closing the door against the curious gaze of the cabin boy. He swiftly took in the situation and grinned without sympathy. “I do believe you’re seasick.”
“ Of course I am, your grace,” she muttered weakly, “and I must warn you that at any second I am going to be extremely unwell. Please leave me.”
“ Nonsense,” he chuckled, quickly looking around the cabin for a suitable receptacle. His eyes alighted on a washbowl, which he retrieved and going to the bunk, held it before her. “Have no fear, Miss Chandler, the feeling will soon pass. You will be ill for a short while but you will soon gain your sea legs. Now be a good girl and stop trying to push me away. I assure you, you are not the first person I have had to aid in this situation.”
“Have you no sensibility, sir?” she asked, reluctantly accepting his aid.
“None whatsoever,” he replied with considerable aplomb.
***
Later that evening, after replacing the cold compress on a now very weak companion’s brow, Robert produced a flask from his pocket, “I am going to bid you goodnight now, Miss Chandler—Jane, but before I go I want you to take a few sips of brandy.” He smiled slightly at her look of distaste. “Now don’t pull that face. Although it may not be to your liking, I can assure you its
Newt Gingrich, Pete Earley