The days and weeks of debates and challenges came to an end as the HMS Prince Regent sailed her way into the sapphire waters of Antigua. The evening had painted the landscape in shades of gold and pink and orange and the group of travellers stood mesmerized as the ship bobbed about, anchored just off the coast.
Although Sidney had seen the sight many times before, the gold-flecked waves and palm trees silhouetted against the sunset sky still mesmerized him. His mood had improved drastically over the course of the voyage. Of course, much of that had to do with his dear Admiral Heywood, the officer of his heart. He snuck a glance at her standing next to him and reached across to give her hand hanging at her side a subtle squeeze. Charlotte Heywood, with her strong mind and innocent beauty, rivalled the sunset before him. He revelled in her excited smile back at him and then turned to the Captain.
"So what do you say, Captain Blyth? Shall we have an early dinner before we row ashore?"
"Aye, ye'r a man efter mah ain hert Sidney, lad. Let's pull ourselves awa' fae this artwork 'n' git some food in oor stomachs."
The group turned and made their way below the golden deck to partake in a quick dinner. As soon as night fell Sidney and Captain would be commandeering a row boat and sneaking their way onto one of the remote beaches of Antigua. It was the plan that had been much debated and finally decided on by the four travellers. Captain Blyth and Sidney would head onto the mainland first, to see if they could find Miss Lambe and get a sense of the feeling amongst the locals. Sidney expected that if Georgiana had been vocal about her return and semi-scandalous elopement, that the reception would be none too welcoming.
Of course, Charlotte had been none too happy about being left out of this plan. But much to Sidney's appreciation, the Captain had played to her sympathies and reminded her that it would be rude and uncaring to leave the elderly Lady Denham alone at sea with a bunch of sailors. It had placated her somewhat and had helped Sidney avoid another fiery altercation with her. Although he was beginning to enjoy those. But perhaps they should be avoided if he hoped to keep her reputation intact. He found he had little control when she turned her flashing eyes on him.
Dinner, as promised, was a short affair and soon the Captain was walking Lady Denham back to her quarters as Charlotte and Sidney headed back into the cool evening air to do a final check on the supplies in the rowboat.
"So you'll come back as soon as you've found her?"
Sidney smiled across the boat at Charlotte. "You going to miss me?"
She rolled her eyes but could not stop the grin that escaped her lips. A twirl of happiness whirled through his veins at the sight.
"I'll come back, Charlotte. I'll find Miss Lambe and then come fetch you so we can explore some of this tropical paradise together."
"I really hope she's okay." She chewed her lower lip and folded her arms across her chest. "And you won't be too harsh on her?"
At that moment the Captain reappeared and made his way over to them.
"I'll be rational about it, Miss Heywood." He hoped Charlotte understood. He would try to do the right thing. He didn't quite know what that was yet. But his heart, ironically, had learnt that love didn't always need to be such a fight. And so maybe Georgiana didn't deserve the fight either. He gave Charlotte a little wave as the sailors surrounded the rowboat and the plan began.
He was still watching her silhouette a couple of minutes later as he and the Captain took hold of the oars and began the long row to shore.
"I must be honest Captain, it wouldn't even surprise me if Charlotte swam to shore to help us find Georgiana."
The Captain gave a hearty chuckle as he rowed. "Na quaistion thare." He paused to look at Sidney, a glint of mischievous wisdom in his eye. "She's juist as stubborn as ye. Tis na wonder ye'r in love wi' her."
