The Rake's Progress - Chapter 12

Welcome back as we continue the story of a Regency Rake in the world of Regency romance - The Rake’s Progress by Miss Louisa Ayling.

In Chapter 12, it finds that the ‘Nereus’, the transport ship that's taking Matthias south, has ventured into one of the infamous storms found frequently in the Bay of Biscay.

Arriving in Lisbon,Matthias receives an urgent missive that means further travel, this time northwards. Will this be an exciting adventure this time around?

Will Horatia be forgotten, driven from his thoughts by the new life  of intrigue and espionage that Matthias finds himself ensconced in?

Will Matthias be similarly forgotten with Horatia spending time with a dashing Captain in Bath? 

Let's find out?

Transcript

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Welcome back as we continue the story of a Regency Rake in the world of Regency Romance. The Rake's Progress by Miss Louisa Ailing. In chapter 12, it finds that the Narus, the transport ship that's taking Matthias south, has ventured into one of the infamous storms found frequently in the Bay of Biscay. Arriving in Lisbon, Matthias receives an urgent missive that means further travel, this time northwards. Will this be an exciting adventure this time around? Will Horatia be forgotten, driven from his thoughts by the new life of intrigue and espionage, that Matthias finds himself in Sconstant? Will Matthias be similarly forgotten with Horatia spending time with a dashing captain in Bath? Let us find out. Last Saturday in September 1810. Bay of Biscay. The wind screeched and howled constantly throughout the vessel. The rain lashed relentlessly against the side of the ship and the upper deck, together with the violent seas battering against the hull, and the waves crashing over the bow, relentlessly flooding the upper decks. The storm tossed the Naruse about as if it was a child's paper yacht rather than the elegant, sleek, sturdy vessel that it actually was. The shifting of the deck lifted up, tilting and then down again in unpredictable suddenness, throwing his loose contents in disarray one way and then the other in the cabins and on deck. Luckily, most items were tied or bolted down. With its sails reefed for a storm, their halyards pulled taut on their pulleys, crying out in agony under the fluctuating tension, together with the metal components clanging as they struck out against other solid items. The masks were also creaking loudly under the vicious strain of the ship's erratic motion. Matthias had got his sea legs at least seven days ago, although time had drifted in his mind through his sickness. It was his constitution that was battered now, as were several others of the younger boys on board. He felt wretched, with Maldermare again, he could not keep any food down and took only small sips of water. Sleep also had eluded him due to the ship's judgering movements and the reverberation of the discordant sounds. Captain Foxgrove had informed him that this was just a gentle inconvenience compared to the rounding of the Cape of Good Hope where two mighty oceans meet, or the Caribbean tornadoes that drew people and buildings up off of land and sea as if it was flotsum and jetsum, throwing them asunder overboard, but this storm should only last another day, at the most. The Bay of Biscay was renowned for its unpredictability where a storm could suddenly appear out of nowhere. Another twenty four hours of this was enough to drive a sane man to tears. Matthias thought. No storm raging at them in its bad temper. He tried to look around his cabin, but it was too dark to see with the porthole offering no assistance, as it had been covered over due to the storm, and there was no lamp lit either. His eyes gradually became accustomed to the darkness. He very slowly sat up in his bunk, feeling a little dizzy, then waited before he swung around, placing his feet on the wooden deck, he wavered slightly, at least it's still dry. He absently thought, as if the ship was damaged or even sinking, the deck would be wet. Standing carefully, he took an unsteady step towards the door, reaching it in three, he lifted the latch, opened it cautiously, and peered out in the passageway. Still there was not a sound, it was deadly quiet, and that alarmed him in a different way to the din of the storm. He looked towards the companionway, there was no one in sight, then towards the captain's great cabin, he decided he would check there first. He moved stealthily along the passage and tapped on the door, it swung open, suddenly making him stagger back slightly in shock. Temple, you're awake at long last. How do you feel? Matthias looked a little shocked as if he had seen a ghost, but once he started to comprehend the situation, he was relieved to see Foxglove standing there. Matthias swallowed to moisten his mouth to speak. Sorry to disturb you. His voice sounded gravely and unused to his own ears, he continued. But I awoke to silence. Wondered what had happened. We managed to outrun the storm eventually, now we find we are making very slow progress to Lisbon. It's not quite a dead calm, but close. It does give the crew an opportunity to get some rest though. How long have we been out of a storm? About three hours. Would you like something to eat? Drink, temple? Come. Come, please share my vitals, just a stew and bread, nothing lavish but nourishing. It'll do you good. Matthias agreed to join the captain, he suddenly decided he was in fact very hungry, so sat at the table, taking a scoop of meat and vegetables in its delicious smelling broth, putting in a bowl that Foxgrove had given him, he was soon consuming it heartily. I feel as if I have not eaten in days. That's because you haven't. Matthias realized that he hadn't actually eaten for at least two days. That would explain it then. He said as he dunked a piece of soft bread into the broth and devoured it, quickly closing his eyes in bliss. I never thought that such a simple fare could be so delicious and enjoyable. Foxgrove laughed and they both continued to scoop more from the turene into and from their bowls until it all was consumed. Now both were now well fed and contented. Matthias was advised to return to his bunk and get some more sleep, which he did. He managed to sleep until the start of the forenoon watch. Once awake, he went to find some coffee to break his fast. He felt that all too familiar movement under his feet and went to the great cabin, which he found was empty, so he quickly took the companion way up to the upper deck. He spied the captain talking to one of his young lieutenants. Matthias surveyed the deck, glancing up to the blue sky above, the masts with their sails unfurled above and tautly billowed in the cold breeze. He took in a deep breath, filling his lungs with fresh sea air, then exhaled completely before taking a further deep breath. His deep sapphire eyes then drifted down to the expanse of the sea on the port side, squinting as he looked towards the distant horizon and wondered how far land was from their position, and whether it was the coastline of Portugal. The storm had thrown them off course a little, further out into the Atlantic, he'd found out, so this would mean that the journey would take at least a few days longer. He flicked his hair out of his eyes as the wind tousled it in the breeze. Foxgrove walked towards him. Temple, I see that you are feeling much better. Have you eaten yet? Foxgrove asked as he walked towards his passenger. I am feeling better although I have not eaten. Thought the fresh air would do some good. Matthias replied. The two men descended to the lower deck and enjoyed a meal and the time together in friendly conversation, discussing Napoleon, Wellesley's progress, and the disaster of the Conruna retreat. Foxgrove was captaining one of the ships that had been used to evacuate the troops, so he saw firsthand the state of the troops and how the land lay. The rest of the journey was uneventful, playing cards and reading to break the monotony. It only took about two days longer, so not as bad as they had originally believed. Once Matthias had arrived in Lisbon, he found himself now settled in lodgings at a Lisbon Taskas in the Chido district. He arranged to meet up with Foxgrove at another Taskas in the Alfama district, where they drank large tankers of surveyor and enjoyed the company of a few scene horritors, before Foxgrove's departure back to sea, to continue his journey by sailing to Madeira. He was sad to see his friend leave, but knew that on the next part of his mission he was on his own. 9th of October 1810. Romance in Bath. Lady Stanweek was happily watching the young couple, who were a mere ten steps in front of her, as they all walked briskly through Sydney Gardens on a pleasant, very fine day, even though it was an extremely windy Tuesday afternoon. The sun was trying to shine, but there were clouds scooting across the sky, and when they covered the sun, it felt cool, but was a little warmer than the frosty start in the morning that preceded it. Wrapped up in heavy wool coats with fur collars, hats, gloves, and muffs, they were making their way to the pump room and then a tea room. They had attended three balls, two soirees, a concert and an opera singer since they had arrived in Bath. She noted that Captain Sherrington had been very attentive to her daughter, and she had started to have great hopes that at last she would settle down to a married life soon. With the disappointment of Lord Templeton and his title still prodding at her, the captain was only a second son, but his father had been a duke and now his brother, so it was not to be sneezed at. If only he would offer for her sooner rather than later, at least show his intention to court her properly. That would definitely please both Lady Stanwyck and Lord Rowland. Horatia looked back over her shoulder to ensure her mother was still behind them as they neared the Pulkney Bridge, which made the captain pause and check Lady Stanwyck's well-being. Thank you, Captain Sherrington, I am feeling fine, although I'm looking forward to arriving at the pump house. That wind feels quite cold. It is not too far away now. I note that your walking has definitely improved over the last few days, your ladyship, he replied. In another ten minutes they arrived at the pump room, and sitting furthest from the windows were her mother's new friends, Dowager Countess Sherrington and Lady Winters. Justin, Lady Stanweek, Miss Stanweek, what a wonderful surprise to see you here. The usual greetings ensued. I was just telling Matilda that I remembered Justin saying that he was going to take Miss Stanweek for a walk around the Sydney Gardens. Did you both enjoy the gardens, although I declare they are much better viewed in the spring and summer months, obviously. Yes, I can imagine it would be beautiful seeing the blooms in the warm sunshine, but it was an invigorating walk, Lady Winters. Lady Stanweek replied, as she sat with the two other ladies, relieved to be sitting at last. Shall we circulate, Miss Stanweek? The captain asked, wanting Horatia all to himself. Why, of course, Captain. He proffered his arm and she placed hers gently on it, and they discussed and shared their thoughts about the operatic performance they had both attended and the upcoming concert that was planned. Then he slowed his pace, stopping. He covered her hand with his own, and looked down at her earnestly. Miss Stanweek, I would like to ask you something. Yes, Captain Sherrington? Yes, Miss Stanweek. I have thought much about my situation and more especially about you. I wish to officially court you, properly that is. I have discovered that I really do enjoy your company above any other young lady I have ever met. I find I'm falling in love with you. You are very special to me, and starting to hold a place in my heart. Horatia looked up at him, his handsome face was showing her a soft smile. She looked into his eyes and saw the sincerity of his feelings there. So, she nodded her acceptance. Yes, Captain Sherrington, I would like that very much. I, too, have found that I enjoy your company very much as you are a very special person. I would deem it an honor that you consider me worthy of such a position in your life. As she spoke, she had to look away quickly. Was this really what she wanted? She knew her parents would be happy, but a darkly handsome face appeared in her conscience. He was concerned by an expression he saw flicker in her beautiful eyes. Miss Stanwyek, have I distressed you in some way? She shook her head saying no. I knew I had been too precipitous. No. She said sharply, paused then continued more softly. No, Captain, you have not. I welcome your attention. I'm just a little fatigued, nothing more. The worry on his brow softened slightly, and the look that shone in his eyes nearly undid her. She had to stop thinking about Temple, he was not going to marry her, and she needed to marry, as her mother had said. She liked the captain very well, she esteemed him, and she knew he would make her a good husband. He was kind and considerate, and extremely handsome too. They would have beautiful children, if God was willing to bless them. How remiss of me. Maybe you would like to sit for a while, whilst I arrange a carriage to take you home. Yes, I would like to sit. Maybe some tea. Yes, tea is said to be a reviving beverage. He steered her towards the seated area where his mother, aunt, and her mother sat deep in conversation. Miss Stanweek has suggested we partake of some tea. And a bath bun would be lovely, too, added the Dowager Duchess. Then let us go into the restaurant to revive ourselves. A good idea, Miss Stanweek. Lady Winters agreed. The party stood and the captain organized a table and they were soon consuming a quantity of buns, with butter, honey and conserves, and several dishes of tea. Once everyone had partaken of their share of the refreshments, they headed for the Sherrington carriage, but the captain held Lady Stanweek back, walking at a slower pace to allow him the opportunity to make arrangements to pay a call the next morning to discuss an important matter with her. The lady was very pleased as she realized the captain's intentions, and boarded the carriage with a little bit more of a spring in her step. She did not want to allow Horatia to let this one slip through the net.