Page 44 of In Pursuit of a Christmas Bride
He dragged in a sharp inhale, steeling himself as he opened the door to the gaol where Rafe was being held. He equally wanted to pummel his younger brother and shake him awake. Rafe was wasting his potential. A young lieutenant in the Navy who had bravely fought the French for years, now languishing on land as he awaited his next ship assignment.
In spite of his brother’s recent behavior, Rafe was an exceptional sailor and his superiors had noticed. So had Henry. Their father would have wanted Rafe to succeed, and Henry was failing at helping him. He had spoken to those who couldpromote Rafe in recent months to become captain. And the outcome had been favorable.
But his brother…
Rafe was a complete arse because he was determined to throw his years of hard work away on drinking, women, and gambling.
Henry squared his shoulders as he waited to be led back to Rafe’s cell. Their father would have known what to do. He always did.
The stench of piss burned his nostrils as he was led back down a long, dark corridor of cells full of men either hunched in corners sleeping or fighting.
“You have five minutes,” the constable warned before stopping short. Rafe was asleep on the straw covered floor, his jacket stuffed under his head.
Navy men could sleep anywhere, it was a habit Henry was usually jealous of. But not today.
He reached his boot in through the bars and kicked his brother’s foot. “Rafe, wake up.”
His brother didn’t stir.
Very well. Henry tugged on his coat and cleared his throat. “Rafe Davies!”
Rafe rolled over, squinting his blue eyes as he examined Henry in the hallway. “Why are you here?”
“The better question, Brother, is why are you here?”
Rafe groaned, sitting up and brushing off his clothes. He raked a hand through his curly black hair and looked about the cell, as if Henry had interrupted something more important. “I was awake, just napping.”
“You’re drunk.” Henry crossed his arms in front of him, leaning against the wall.
“Probably for a while now, given where I am.”
“What have you been doing?”
Rafe ran a hand through his hair, sighing heavily. “Nothing I haven’t done before… gambling, drinking… women.”
Henry nodded slowly, shaking his head in disapproval. “You know this behavior is not what father would have wanted for you. You have been given an incredible opportunity here to succeed, but you seem determined to throw it all away on foolishness. Do you realize what kind of consequences this will have on your career? You are facing prison time and possibly a dishonorable discharge from the Navy.”
Rafe hung his head, shrugging.
“Admiral Ackerman is speaking to a few people, and I believe I will be able to have you released tonight. But if you think I will leave you here in London to do this all again…”
Henry stopped himself. He pinched his brow and sighed. He didn’t wish to be here, didn’t wish to have to clean up after his brother’s poor choices. He wished to be with his new bride.
“Come with me to Cliffstone Manor. I’ll be leaving after the new year, and I have a lot to manage. I will take care of the ledgers, and you can help with tenants and the property.”
“No.”
Henry drew back, offended. “Why not?”
“You couldn’t pay me enough to drag me away to fix wells or birth goats or whatever the hell they do in the country. I belong on a ship.” He blinked, looking for a moment as if he would be sick. “I think I do. I did at one point.”
“I will settle your debts. Consider that payment enough. I will return tonight, and you can stay with me until we leave next week.”
Rafe patted at his jacket, frowning. “I need a cigar.”
His brother only needed to sober up, and in time, he would see how close he was to throwing an excellent opportunity away.
“What day is it?”
