Tempest's Embrace

Chapter 33

****Warning this chapter is for mature readers*****

"Cap'n?" Quinn whined trailing behind Justin. "Do I really 'ave to wear this?" he tugged at his breeches and adjusted the frustrating fabric tight on his crotch.

"Stop that and be still," Justin hissed watching his first mate dig into his white wig. The poor man was a terrible sight to watch as he unceremoniously scratched at his head then his rump.

"But. It itches," Quinn let out a breath of frustration and began pulling at the cravat and his coat only to stop short as Justin's glare turned serious.

Shaking his head, Justin was beginning to regret putting him as a footman.

"But I am the first mate, why do I have to be a footman?" he argued and quarreled with Bellamy and Justin.

"Because I would prefer not to find my ship overrun with Tavern wenches or floating on the harbor up in flames because you failed to do what you were told," Justin growled furiously.

Sadly Quinn lowered his head. Deep down it was true. Since docking at port, he has done nothing but flounder around the Taverns after every skirt possible.

Justin felt awful with his words.

"If it makes you feel any better, you will see Tempest first before the rest of the crew on the ship". His heart swelled with the thought and he smiled as he watched the sailors' frown turn into a toothy grin.

It has been moreover a month he has been in town. He had arranged to have all of the gold coins and rubies exchanged in Cuthburts chest and invested into his account. The sum was tremendously large. Although he had yet to settle his score with his father's evil widow, he was satisfied that he will do so as a very Wealthy man.

There were a plethora of reasons for him to leave.
Seek out his father's widow.
Reclaim his inheritance.
Regain his life and social standing.
But all of that had to wait because he needed to see her.

"3 months," she agreed sweetly as he lowered his lips to hers. She would wait an eternity if he asked it and that stirred something deep in him.

But he could not wait. He was on a precipice of agony without her. Just a kiss. It was all he needed to continue on. Perhaps ask for her hand before leaving. Cement some form of betrothal to secure her.

The idea in itself was not bad.
Determined,  he set out in search for her with help of his solicitor that knew all the in and outs of the towns' social circles.

He soon got news of the attendants of this ball and to his delight, Tempest would be here.

They had arrived in time for the first set of Waltzes and the grand entrance of the hosts of the ball. Soon after one by one,  couples began to dance. He was dead set upon seeing her tonight to just hold her and kiss her, ask for her hand formally then leave with the firm promise of his return. 2 more months it was enough time to seek that witch out. She no longer lived on his father's estate in Gower. She had left and remarried. So he was told.

He needed to return to the home that was once his hell and find answers. Although he had proof of her being Cuthburts lover, he needed more answers.  But all in due time.

He turned away from Quinn and left strict orders to stay put. As he entered, the little apprehension he felt immediately melted away as guests parted the way for him. All turned with hushed whispers and observed him as he made his way to a secluded spot of the ballroom. He was aware more than anything, that once he gained his life back fully, it would be easier to leave behind the life he led at sea. No will no longer be the pirate most feared. He would be able to ease his way in circles that would, over time, advance his placement in society.