HELD CAPTIVE BY A ROGUE

Chapter Five

Jeffrey was sitting at his desk reading over the final manifest in preparation for his first voyage as Captain of the Mariner. How well he knew this cabin for he and Christopher spent many a long night here in deep conversation during the several years they were at sea together. Now the Mariner belonged to him and he wanted to be as successful at business as Christopher had been. "I never thought I would see the day when my brother would give in the sea and return to Dartmoor and take up his rightful place as its' Lord, " he murmured to himself. He couldn't count how many times Christopher would take the wheel himself and stand there for hours with the wind and sea blowing across his face. How he loved it so....

Jeffrey was now finished with the manifest and sat back with his arms folded behind his head. His thoughts went back to his cousin Michele's coming out ball. They had taken a stroll out in the gardens to catch their breath from all of the festivities when they came upon that repulsive scene of Lord Chatsworth accosting a well-bred young lady of society. "And he thought I was being indignant? The absurdity of it all!" He said, out loud. Lucky for Miss Grey we just happened along. The ship bell stuck six as Jeffrey was brought out of his thoughts and decided he better hurry and get changed or else he would be late for his dinner invitation at the Denham's.

***

David Cabot was having dinner with his mother, Wathena Hawk Cabot when a summons was delivered for him to come at once to Grey Manor. It was signed by Squire Grey, himself. "What on earth is Squire Grey doing here in Glastonbury?" He said in total surprise. "And what does he want with me?"

"The summons said at once David, so you better stop wondering and go quickly," his mother exclaimed.

"The sooner I go the sooner we'll know what this is all about," he murmured and rose from the table. "I'll be back later mother," he said and kissed her goodbye on the forehead.

David thought about every possibility why he could be summoned immediately to Grey Manor. Something had to have happened out there, but what? Kathryn went to London to see her father and new step-mother, so why he is here, unless Kathryn's done something very wrong and he personally brought her back here. That wouldn't surprise him at all. She did speak her own mind most of the time. He'd always known that temper of hers would get her into trouble!

As David entered the manor the place was dead quiet, giving him a sense of foreboding. He was immediately escorted into the drawing room where Squire Grey and a very attractive woman, who he assumed was his new wife were waiting impatiently for him to arrive.

"Come in young Cabot, have a seat if you please."

"You wanted to see me, sir?" He asked before he sat down, anxious now to find out what this was all about.

"Yes, I would like to know when the last time you've seen my daughter was, be honest now."

David looked at the Squire in puzzlement. "Did she do something wrong, sir?"

"No! Answer my question."

"I saw her just before she went to see you in London, sir."

Squire Grey became very edgy. "You're sure now you haven't seen her since?"

"No sir! I'm telling you the truth. What is this all about anyway? Where is Kathryn?" David asked as he rose from his chair, deeply concerned.

"Kathryn left London two days ago alone, bound for Glastonbury and she never got here. No one has seen or heard from her since."

David's eyes widened as the impact of Squire Grey's words sunk in. "What was she doing traveling alone?" He asked in horror, knowing all the time how stubborn and head strong Kathryn could be when she wanted to.