The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 9

John Thornton was on his way back to his childhood home. Eight years ago, on that stormy night, he decided enough was enough. He had stalked out of his home, ready to prove to his father and everyone else that he didn't need his title or the Duke's influence to be somebody. After eight years, two dozen letters from the solicitors, and the pestering of his paternal aunt's manservant, John allowed himself to be convinced that his father was on his dying bed and he was needed. Of course, that was all a farce. So here he was, on his way to the only place he was not going to run into his old man, Cedar Lane Court.

John wanted to make something of himself, on his own strength. He worked harder than he planned, certainly more than anyone expected. That first night, he arrived in London and headed straight to the harbor, found a job on the Isabel and left England in pursuit of his place in the world. Sam Douglas, a former American Naval Captain, signed him on, even though Douglas doubted John would last the entire voyage. He told him as much, but he needed more men. John had a chip on his shoulder; he was stubborn and a hard worker. Even though he started as a cabin boy and galley assistant, he worked his way up to being the first mate of the Isabel. It was not easy, that was for sure.

John had learned everything he could. He had stopped hiding behind the façade created to annoy his father and to fit in as a peer of the realm. He no longer hid his thirst for knowledge, or his curiosity. Douglas soon treated him as an extension of his own family and in return John learned to be loyal and worthy of the older man's trust. He would have happily served under Douglas for the rest of his life, but Sam had offered him a deal that John could not pass up. He helped John buy an older privateer and refitted it as a merchant vessel in exchange for part of the profit from each of the hauls.

John's new three-masted, square-rigged ship was not large, but it was fast. The elusive Charlotte could outrun and outmaneuver most British, French, and pirate vessels. After a few lucrative runs to India and China, they bought six more cargo ships and established Boston's newest shipping company, Douglas Enterprises. Although John had been the Captain of his own ship, he took to the business side of the company and quickly turned their small outfit into a reputable trade liner. They hired a few other ex-naval officers and ran a tight ship. Last year when Sam got sick, John took over the Isabel and let Carter captain the Charlotte. This change allowed Sam to spend more time on shore, with his wife and children.

Wistfully, John thought of how appropriate it was that he would return before a storm. He stared back at the ominous dark clouds. There wasn't much time. Another hour or so and he would not be able to escape the forthcoming deluge. Sailing had taught John a great deal, but right now the most useful skill he could have was reading the signs of a brewing storm. You had to understand the signs, if you wanted to survive at sea.

***

John reached a bend in the gravel road and saw what seemed like a small coach up ahead. The tall darkly cloaked figure leaned into the carriage. He was probably the driver, trying to explain away whatever was hindering his master's journey. Poor sot. Suddenly, the driver gazed up and realized John's presence. He leaned into the carriage again. John considered picking up his pace, in hopes that it would discourage the man from hailing him for assistance. He was not eager to be caught out in the coming storm.

The driver hefted a large bundle and carried it to the foliage by the road. The dark figure then stared in John's direction before rushing back to the coach. He retrieved a much smaller case now, again running into the foliage. Curious, John thought. Was the driver trying to hide his precious cargo?

When the driver returned to the coach, he glanced in John's direction again. This time however, he climbed to the driver's seat and hastily drove off. Now this was bothersome. An ominous feeling spurred John to pick up his pace and stop to see what the man had discarded in such a hurry. John's curiosity was peaked. That was never a good sign.