Commanding Heart by Madeline Evering

uncomfortable sleep.

Chapter XII
    The next day passed quickly despite
Catherine’s fondest wish for it to slow. From the sun’s rising until its set,
she spent her day on the main deck memorizing the sights, sounds and smells of
the sea. Walking about the forecastle, Catherine closed her eyes and turned her
face to the sun, feeling its greater warmth as HMS Triton moved ever
closer to the West Indies. Despite the heat of the day, a small shiver passed
over Catherine. “It will all be over soon” she murmured aloud.
    As she opened her eyes once more,
Catherine’s gaze was arrested by the sight of Captain Knight descending the
standing rigging of the foremast. With great agility he moved through the maze
of ropes, never taking a moment’s pause. Such a duty was not required of a
ship’s captain, but Catherine knew from her uncle’s tales that Captain Knight frequently
climbed aloft himself to survey the sea. In his blue jacket the captain made an
imposing figure darkly silhouetted against the brilliant white of the ship’s
sails. Catherine watched in fascination as he made several quick moves and
landed handily on deck. At once he spotted Catherine and moved forward in
greeting; “Good day, Miss Gibson” the captain said formally as he gave her a
quick bow. Catherine could not help starring at his dark face, flushed with color
after his efforts in the ropes. As he settled his bicorn hat, dark hair curled
from beneath and Catherine had to suppress a strong desire to reach out and touch
the jet black curls. Shocked at her own thoughts, she gave the captain a small
curtsey, bowing her head a moment to hide her blush; “Good day to you, Captain
Knight” she said. “I trust all is well in your survey of the ship?” A small
smile played at the corners of his mouth as he responded; “Indeed, I am well pleased
by what I see” he replied in a low tone. Catherine reddened at his words,
hopping he would think her heightened color a result of the midday heat.
    “I am glad to have found you here,
Miss Gibson” the captain continued more seriously; “I was about to seek you out
to discuss something of importance.” Catherine stiffened in suspense at Captain
Knight’s speech, her mind a tumult as she tried to imagine what he might say.
She trembled in fear that he might address their late night encounter but her
fears were soon put to rest; “Signs suggest we may be in for a period of calm
tomorrow – not unusual after such weather as we experienced” the captain said
conversationally. Catherine colored at the reference but Captain Knight seemed
not to notice and continued in his controlled voice; “I thought to take advantage
of the opportunity to properly exercise the men. We shall drill on sails in the
morning and then spend the afternoon at the great guns. This will mean a delay
in our journey, however….” He watched Catherine’s expression carefully as he spoke;
saw the look of understanding come to her face. “Of course, Captain Knight,”
Catherine responded, barely suppressing the delight in her voice at this unexpected
news. She continued, a bright smile lighting her features: “I understand
completely. I should not wish my travel to interfere with the workings of your
ship.” At Catherine’s speech, Captain Knight’s face broke into that rare, dazzling
smile and he further surprised her with a low, deep laugh. “I am pleased we are
in agreement” he said with humor; “Now if you will excuse me, Miss Gibson” and
with a quick nod he strode away across the deck. Catherine moved to the side
rail, her heart light at the unexpected news. From her position near the bow,
Catherine watched the sparkling spray of water as HMS Triton parted
the waves with ease. Each drop of spray was a miniature rainbow, glistening
with promise. The ship was moving ever closer to Jamaica, but tomorrow belonged
to Catherine.
    The following day proved fascinating
for a young woman from a sheltered upbringing. Catherine’s