A shout from the crow’s nest drew Claire’s attention to the east. With studding sails set and royals full, the majesty of England’s sea power broached the horizon alongside Wolf. The men cheered. An answering volley from Admiral Norrey’s lead ship blasted the remainder of Le Trompeur’s ship. It exploded. Claire watched the fiery remains settle into the sea.
Admiral Norreys proved he had a sense of humor. “At least we got in on part of this adventure.”
“It’s about time,” laughed Devon. “Bring her up to the wind. Heave too,” he ordered and with his good arm, pulled Claire to his side. She beamed up at him. His men cheered.
The uproar of relieved laughter and shouts filled the ship until it fair danced upon the sea. Backs were pounded, hands clasped between pirates and English naval men alike.
Devon grinned. “Tell me true, Admiral Norreys−what do you think of this day’s work?”
The English admiral chuckled. “When a man fails, it is considered folly, but it is genius if he succeeds.”
Claire insisted Devon recline on a caned day bed set up on the foredeck with a sail canopy to shade him from the dazzling sun. Since he refused to rest in his cabin, they compromised on this arrangement. She stood next to him with Admiral Norreys and Lord Sunderland in attendance. Jovial congratulations and overall good cheer continued while waiting for Wolf and officers from the Royal Navy to board theSea Scorpion. She bit a grin at her indomitable husband, chafing from his confinement. Devon rose again to bark an order to Ames. Claire placed her hand upon his good shoulder with a well-meaning look that broached no argument.
Devon lay back down, and sighed irritably. “Madam, I am a doctor and own prescription to what I can do and not do.”
“You’re a stubborn man who does not heed his own advice when necessary, so I have to take matters in my own hands.”
“Faith, you’re bossy lass.”
“Dooley’s doing a fine job with ship repairs. Bloodsmythe is rowing from shore with the men from the fort. Let Ames direct the rest of your crew. He is fully capable.”
“He frets about seeing Lily again. It’s a wonder theSea Scorpionis a float,” Devon huffed.
Lord Sutherland chuckled. “It’s hard to keep a good man down.”
“Look what fishes we caught in our nets,” said Bloodsmythe, pushing two wet men forward.
“Sir Jarvis. Sir Teakle,” Claire seethed.
Jarvis’s initial fear of being in the hands of pirates recoiled in confidence when he recognized Lord Sunderland and Admiral Norreys. “Arrest this pirate rabble and their leader,” Jarvis glared at Devon. He dared to move where the Black Devil reclined. Grabbing a whip he raised it and bent to strike him. “You’ll be hung for your crimes against the King. I’ll begin with the first strokes of justice.”
Claire grabbed the whip from her uncle. He shrieked as the wicked strands of the cat cut into his neck and face. In shocked surprise, he stared into her enraged face. Claire raised her arm again, and snarled, holding her ground. “Do notevertouch what is mine.”
Devon stood, his sword ready. Admiral Norreys stepped in front of him. “Let Lord Sunderland take care of this.”
Lord Sunderland’s height and posture dominated Sir Jarvis. “The man you dare to disparage, the Black Devil performed with heroism today. As the Governor-General of the West Indies, I assure you his brave deeds will reach His Majesty’s ears. I am quite confident he will be knighted for his courageous performance.”
Jarvis’s mouth opened and closed like a sea-bass on dry dock. “You can’t possibly mean that this pirate scum will be rewarded!”
“Sir Jarvis, you will be sent back to England for treasonous crimes against King and country, kidnapping of a loyal subject of the realm, and collusion with the enemy in time of war. Add to that, the murder charges of your own brother and his wife.”
Jarvis looked wildly about. “You believe the words of this pirate?”
“I believe that justice will be meted out by the Crown for your abominations. Hanging will be your condemnation,” the English Lord intoned.
Devon angled his head toward his men with the clear meaning, “Take him below.”
“I should have hung you when you were in my power,” Jarvis spat as they dragged him away.
Sir Teakle colored as the pirates chained him, his fate sealed with Jarvis. “I had nothing to do with it.” His entreaties fell on deaf ears.
Lord Sunderland and Admiral Norreys left Claire and Devon alone. She held her husband’s head in her lap and smoothed an errant hair from his forehead.
“Long ago in a gaol,” he began. “A beautiful woman entered my cell and gave a vow. Instead I vowed my vengeance on her person, blaming her for all my misfortunes. I’ve learned revenge isn’t the sword you carry but the love in your heart. Can you forgive me Claire?”
“Oh Devon. You don’t ever have to ask for my forgiveness. I love you. I’ve always loved you. I was just too foolish to realize it until it was almost too late. Can you forgiveme?”
“Yes,” he smiled shamelessly up at her. “On one condition.”
