Page 58 of Until My Last Breath

Later, once calm was restored and the crew set into their routine, Darcy approached the captain. “It has been quite some time since I have put my feet on board a ship, Captain. But I must confess I never saw such efficiency.”

Captain Walker was satisfied with his comments. “Mr Darcy, theUlyssesis what the Royal Navy calls a fifth-rate warship, with two hundred and fifty crew and thirty-two cannons. Our objective is to be fast and agile. Every single man on this ship is prepared not just to act as a sailor, but also as a soldier. Efficiency is not a commodity, Mr Darcy, it’s the only way to survive.”

These last words brought a silent discomfort for the three gentlemen.

“Gentlemen, do not be disheartened,” the captain added, trying to appease them. “I have never fought against pirates, but I have fought against Napoleon’s frigate, and we have the upper hand. If the wind keeps its strength, we should be at Saint Anne Island before midnight. This island has been used as a whaling station for many years and has just one small village. It will not be difficult to find them. But be advised. If we encounter any resistance, my orders are to sink the pirate ship and avoid their escape.”

Darcy and Richard exchanged concerned glances.

Captain Walker approached Mr Darcy. “I will do everything in my power to recover your betrothed, and all the other prisoners, sir. However, I cannot guarantee their safety while they are on that ship. That is why we need a solid rescue plan. Those pirates know their end is in a hangman’s noose. They will never surrender.”

Darcy paled. He looked around him, at the land left behind and the Isle of Wight they were contouring to reach the English Channel ahead of them. There was nothing else he could do, so he just nodded. Their fate was in God’s hands. He needed to keep his faith, and the belief that they could rescue Elizabeth without causing her any harm.

Seeing his sombre countenance, Captain Walker was moved bycompassion for the young man before him. He had been young once and as any other man of the sea, had had his sweetheart waiting for him back home. It brought back the sad memory of his beautiful wife, dying in childbirth many years ago. He had lost his young wife and a son in one night. From all the bloody battles he had fought and all the death he had seen, nothing caused him more devastation than that loss. He would have done anything to save his wife and son — if only it had been in his power to do so. But it was not meant to be. He had not become bitter, though. He knew many things were beyond his reach and despite his struggles, he had learnt to accept them.

But if it were in his power to recover Mr Darcy’s betrothed, he would do exactly that.

~ ♥ ~

After their midday repast, Darcy found his cousin at the stern of the ship, distractedly looking at the sea.

“Richard, would you fence with me?”

Richard looked back at him and frowned. “Darcy, you are not fit enough for that yet.”

“That is precisely my point, Richard. I need to know if I can fight. The captain will not allow me to leave the ship if he does not believe I can defend myself. I cannot stay behind, Richard. I simply cannot.”

Richard could perfectly understand his cousin’s concerns. But Darcy could not be allowed to disembark with them in his present condition. He would be a hindrance, jeopardising their efforts to rescue Miss Elizabeth and anyone else, even putting his own life in danger. Darcy should be able to see it. Richard considered the alternatives. Perhaps if Darcy was made to see that he was in no condition to fight, he would give up. “Very well. Let us look for a place.”

They enquired of the crew where would be a good area for them to practise, and Mr Chase suggested the cannon deck. As the crew were notexpected to be there until much later, the area was spacious and should be empty for some time.

“Darcy, I will allow you to set the pace,” Richard said, once they were ready to start. “Although we have not fought for some time, I am well aware you are a very good swordsman. But how good you are with just one arm is now to be seen.En garde!”

Richard’s attack was quite precise, not intended to hit his cousin, but get close enough to provoke him. Darcy’s defence was good enough to evade the attack, but not strong enough to convince an enemy.

“Again!” Darcy shouted.

As the attacks and defences progressed, Richard was impressed. Instead of showing weakness, Darcy seemed possessed by a determination that defied comprehension. He was relentless. Only the wrinkles and drops of sweat accumulating on his face were evidence of his pain. He would not give up until he knew he had a chance in a real combat.

It did not take long for the clanging sound of their swords to reach the ears of the crew, who were now perched along the stairs, jostling each other to have a better view of the extraordinary sight before them as the two gentlemen fought. Instead of shouts of encouragement, as it would be expected from dozens of men watching a fight, there was an almost reverent silence.

When the fight was over, and although there was no winner, a round of applause could be heard from behind the two men. Richard and Darcy startled at the sound of the crew cheering them.

And to their much greater surprise, from the small crowd gathered at the stairs, the captain himself approached them. “Colonel, it will be my honour to fight at your side should the opportunity present itself. Your skills are remarkable. And you, Mr Darcy,” Captain Walker said, turning his attention to the bandages around Darcy’s shoulder before raising his eyes to the man’s face, “I confess I am quite impressed with your performance, despite your present limitation. You are not a military man, but you fight as one.”

“Thank you, Captain. Growing up with an older cousin can have itsadvantages,” Darcy said, pointing his sword towards Richard.

The two cousins smiled at each other and went to their cabin for a well-deserved rest.

As the hours passed, the crew began to rehearse tactical manoeuvres, loading and unloading the cannons, cleaning pistols and sharpening swords. Richard was happy to provide some help in this respect.

Darcy spent most of his time resting in the cabin after their fight, pleased with Dr Alden’s comments about the satisfactory healing process of his wound, despite his foolishness to resume physical activity.

Later, while taking a walk to stretch his legs, Darcy found Richard again. This time his cousin had his eyes closed and a fist pressed to his mouth.

“Is something troubling you, Richard? I mean, beyond the purpose of our journey.”

Richard took a deep breath. “I was thinking about a lady I have met.”

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