The small church was packed. People were even gathered outside around open windows and the back door. The sun was dipping over the horizon, but still the inside of the church was sweltering hot. A heavy haze hung over the anchorage. “So much for a quaint little wedding,” Anthony thought. He was standing at the altar with Gabe as best man beside him. Greta stood opposite to Anthony, as she was Deborah’s maid of honor. Watching Deborah walk slowly down the aisle with her escort, Commodore Gardner, made Anthony realize how much he loved this woman. He also realized how lonely his life had been. He’d never be able to put to sea again without regret and concern. He now understood why the Admiralty frowned on young officers getting married.
When the kiss was complete, the reverend addressed the guests. “I present to you his Lordship and Lady Anthony.”
Lieutenant Dunn’s marines had turned out as honor guards. Their immaculate dress did much to impress Lady Deborah.
“They’re good fighters too,” Anthony whispered to his new wife.
The reception at Commodore Gardner’s residence seemed to drag on forever. The newlyweds were worn out by the time they’d drunk the evening’s last toast.
Deborah was giddy as the carriage took them back to the little cottage where they’d first made love. Well, you’ve ruined the gossip for the time being, my husband.”
“How so?”
“By making an honest woman of me,” she giggled. A certain look came into Deborah’s eyes as she nudged still closer to Anthony. “But I’m still as wanton as a tavern wench where you’re concerned, sir.” Reaching down and grabbing Anthony to add effect, she asked in a coarse whisper, “Are you ready to bed me, sir?” As he became aroused Deborah commented before Anthony could reply. “Oh, me thinks so,” she said, trying to mimic Bart.
“Aye, me thinks so indeed,” Anthony replied. He was more than ready.
As Bart and Silas made their way back to Drakkar after the wedding reception was over they could see the Royal Chatham had activity aboard. “They’s getting ready to take the newlyweds on their honeymoon, I reckon,” Bart commented.
“It appears so,” Silas answered. “But what do ye think of ‘is Lordship taken ‘us’ns along. They got servants a plenty and a full crew for the Royal Chatham.”
“What difference do it make why we’s going?” Bart answered. “Didn’t ye see Lady Deborah’s servant girls? They’s a pair of lookers, they be. This trip could be like a honeymoon for ‘us’ns if we’s able to get them servant girls in a cooperative like mood. What ye think Silas?”
“We’ll see mate, we’ll see!”