Free The Seahorse by Michael Aye

good time for him to get to know his brother as well. Deborah, he explained, held vast holdings here. This would be where she would stay with Deborah, at least until they found out how things were in Barbados.
    As the island grew on the horizon Gabe realized he was glad to be back. He had missed the fellowship with the island’s people who had opened their homes for all of “Lord Anthony’s sailors” back in 1775. He looked forward to seeing Commodore Gardner and his wife, Greta. He smiled when he thought of Greta. How many times had she tried to play cupid for the young gentlemen and set them up with the young ladies? That was something he wouldn’t share with Faith, he decided.
    He’d already been given her glare when some well-endowed young lady caused his head to turn. “Get an eyeful?” she’d asked in a most unfriendly manner. He still looked but had learned to be discreet. If God hadn’t wanted him to look upon such beauty he wouldn’t have made it , Gabe thought. However, it was a thought he kept to himself.
    ***
    â€œCongratulations on a perfect landfall, Captain.”
    â€œThank you, My Lord.”
    â€œDeck there! Ship of the line anchored off the headland.”
    â€œThat will be the flagship, no doubt,” Buck said.
    â€œAye,” Anthony replied. “It will be almost like homecoming, will it not, Captain?”
    â€œAye, My Lord, my mind traveled that same road. I wonder if a certain widow lady is still a widow.”
    This caused Anthony to chuckle. “I’m sure you’ll find out, Captain, I’m sure you’ll find out.”
    As the flagship rounded Cape Shirley, Anthony watched the men not on watch as they crowded the weather side. Some of them were clinging to the shrouds to get a better view.
    â€œA pretty island is it not?” This coming from Lord Ragland. He had been a good traveling companion. He had dined with Anthony and Lady Deborah most evenings, along with Captain Buck. They had played cards frequently, always arguing who would have Lady Deborah as a partner. Her skill as a card player amazed Anthony.
    â€œIf we ever get short of funds,” he joked, “we’ll invite the gentry over so you can fleece them.”
    English Harbour is much hillier than I thought,” Ragland said. “I’d expected it to be flat.”
    â€œBarbados will be,” Anthony explained.
    â€œThere’s the flagship,” Bart said as he approached the group. “Gunports are open; they’ve a captain what cares about ’is men.”
    â€œI don’t understand,” Ragland said.
    â€œIt gets very hot and humid here so the tar will actually stick to your feet walking across the deck. Below decks can be unbearable. Therefore it’s best for the men to rig awnings across the quarterdeck and by opening the gunports you can sometimes catch a good offshore breeze.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œMr Lamb.” Buck called to his first lieutenant.
    â€œAye, Captain.”
    â€œPrepare the salute.” As an afterthought he added, “Clear those idlers off the side. This is a man o’ war, not some grocery barge.”
    Ragland nudged Anthony and smiled.
    Seeing the smile Bart said, “Wonder who ’e got that from?”
    No sooner had the eleven-gun salute ended when the lookout called down again, “Looks like a harbour full o’ ships at anchor.”
    Taking his glass, Buck steadied himself and looked, calling out what he saw. “Three Frenchmen. One of the monsieurs is flying a rear admiral’s flag. There’s two Spaniards. The harbour is full. Lighters and other craft plying back and forth.”
    â€œSpying, damme, they know they’re about to take up with the Colonies. So they’re taking advantage of the neutrality to see what our strengths are, what convoys arrive, and where they go from here. They’re not fooling me. Damn them I say and the Dagos