Page 138 of A Castaway in Cornwall
Perhaps guessing her thoughts, he added, “I have resigned my commission. I remained long enough to bury my father and deed the family home to Alan’s wife and son.”
“But that is your home.”
He shook his head. “My heart is not there any longer.”
“But... are you sure?”
He nodded and walked nearer. “One thing I’ve learned whilebeing apart from you. Wherever you are, Laura Callaway, is my home.” He reached out and caressed her cheek. “If you will have me.”
Her heart beat hard. Her stomach seemed to be filled with a hundred fledgling skylarks, longing to fly. “Yes,” she breathed.
With a relieved smile, he wrapped his arms around her waist.
She looked up into his dear face and teased, “Unless ... did you only come back to Jersey because so many people here speak French?”
He pursed his lips. “I admit a French oasis amid the British empire soundsparfaitto me. But only with you at my side.”
He drew her closer, his gaze tracing her cheeks, her eyes, her mouth. Then he leaned down and kissed her with love, adoration, and a pent-up passion that mirrored her own.
Raising his head at last, he said, “Come, let’s walk to the harbour. Mr. Gillan said he has something very important to show me.”
“Mr. Gillan? He mentioned he’d asked you to command one of his ships, but you did not accept.”
“At the time, I had unfinished business in Bretagne. Now he assures me he has, how do you say, sweetened the deal? He has something up his sleeve. Do you know what it is?”
“No, but let’s go and find out.”
They continued to the harbour and walked along the old stone quay.
Several ships were moored in the calm waters of the protected bay, and there they saw Mr. Gillan in a smaller boat with a crewman rowing to shore.
He waved to them. “Ah! You came. Excellent, Captain. And Miss Callaway too. Good.”
“Morning, sir,” Alex replied as the men drew closer.
The boat reached the stone steps, and the older man climbed nimbly up them.
“I have exciting news,” he said, rubbing his hands together. “I bought a French privateer for a very good price. The Royal Navy captured her on the way back from the Indies with a cargo of spices, sugar, and coffee. The British crew shared the prize money, but for some reason they did not take her back into service. Their loss is our gain.”
“How so?” Alexander asked.
“She sails remarkably well and has a history I think you’ll find interesting. The ship was originally a Spanish brig until the British captured her. After that she was captured by the French, and then recaptured by the British. She’s seen more changes of home port, names, and loyalties than most can boast.”
Alexander smiled sheepishly. “I can relate.”
Mr. Gillan swept his arm toward a stately ship moored in the harbour. “Would you like to guess her original name?”
“How would I...” Alexander stared at the vessel. “Wait. Are you saying this ship was theVictorine?”
“That’s right.”
“It can’t be. I never thought I’d see her again.”
“You can do better than see her, you can command her, if you’re willing, Captain Carnell.”
Alex turned to Laura. “I am willing, but it is up to my wife.”
Mr. Gillan’s brows lifted. “Wife, ey?”
