Page 100 of The Gentlewoman Companion

Charles’s skulking form rounded a corner, and he entered the inn. Seconds later, he emerged, writhing against his captors. “Unhand me!”

A twinge of conscience inspired momentary pity. Poor Charles, detained on a boat going who knew where for who knew how long. But this was necessary. “Nimbus, he deserves this. Certainly, it will make a better man of him.”

Back in the dockyard, she bided her time, waiting for the men to approach the boat before she dismounted and left her carriage with another boy.

By the time she reached HMS Frolic, they were a quarter way up the gangway. She flapped her arms overhead until she caught her brother’s attention.

“Adieu, brother. May you find peace and feel the munificence of my gift to you. Farewell!” She waved her handkerchief.

“You!” he stopped walking, but the man restraining him pushed him forward. “Father will murd—” a hand clapped over his mouth and forced him to turn his head.

The press-gang collected their fee.

“How is he?” she asked, hoping Charles was reconciled to his fate.

“Secured in the cage with the others.” The man puffed his chest.

“A cage? I did not bargain for that.” Her breath hitched, panic clawing at her ribs. “Let him out. I am certain he will remain onboard, should the captain command him.”

“Out of our hands, miss,” one of them said. They strode away.

All the heat that had kindled her decision froze. While not sorry that Charles was now a member of the Royal Navy, she did not wish cruelty upon him. The sun dipped, and a chill wind swept the crowds from the streets. Charles’s face rose in her mind as she returned to Nimbus. All she could think was how her brother resembled their mother.