Port Royal, Jamaica

[Ransom]

I found another tavern and ordered breakfast. As I sipped at my ale, I thought about the prize I had discovered in the darkened stairwell at the Shipp. I could think of only one person currently in Port Royal who would carry such a foppish item.

I then remembered Mistress Mckinna's quick kiss and plea for help. The more I thought about the stranger, the more sure I became that I'd seen him before. In London, no doubt, as one of his sort would hardly spend time in the country, kandkerchief to his nose, strolling among the yokels. I did not like the smug, arrogant look he'd cast over the room, as if he were a king and we his pitiable subjects. Also, a sense of danger hung about his person like a foul mist.

....... I turned my mind away from the Fop for the moment. I had more pressing business that needed attending to, the first being the state of Ioan and my cannon. I flipped the barkeep some coin and left the tavern, heading toward Admiralty Court—sure in the knowledge that it was the Fops lovely bit of bloodied lace I had secured within my pocket. A valuable bit of bargaining power, and no mistake.

Revised post.

[Cheeky Actress]

“If your master finds out! "  Reiley said sternly at Lilly.  "Well, aren’t all dogs supposed to listen to their masters?!” Lilly replied.

“Maybe all good dogs,” replied Reiley, as he locked the door and turned.” But not all good doctors!”

“You Sir, presume too much!” Lilly said then bolted and stood behind the couch. She could tell by the vain sticking out of Reiley’s forehead that he was more than upset. “You have every right to be upset doctor, but it fear for the well being of my beloved. I know he’s here in this house I can feel it!” “Come closer, Mistress for there is a good amount of cobbler leather I wish you to feel against your backside!” She stood looking agasp. “How dare you…do you not know whom you are spe…” “Enough!” Reiley shouted in a harsh whisper. “Our lives are at stake here. Don’t you know we can be hanged for trespassing?! Good Lord woman, why didn’t you wait in the carriage?!” She was about to tell him when Reiley suddenly saw three figures walk out across the green. There in the middle was Captain Sterling himself. “He looks a bit better, don’t you think?” Lilly narrowed her eyes and gave the good doctor a deadly look.

Just seeing him made her feel better, but there were several unanswered questions that needed to be answered. “Who are those men with him and why didn’t he send word that he was here?” Rieley shrugged his shoulders and looked at her. “Don’t know, Mistress. He, too, could be in danger. We must get to him and escape with our lives.” Suddenly, the light sound of foot-fall came up from the corridor. The voices low. The doctor quickly pulled Lilly down behind the couch and covered her mouth. “Not a word!” He said whispering to her and the laid quiet behind the couch.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Sabastian's focus was drawn to the carriage as it was brought to a halt; earlier deserted mount was being tended to by one of the many in yard's expanse. Sean jumped from driver's perch, resetting the braking lever before ambeling to where Ring leader and stranger stood in close company. Sterling was regarded with hinted curiosity, but no question would poised as to whom the gentleman was. Sabastian's face was neutral, though a look of expectancy played his eyes. Sean was allowed to explain details he had observed without interruption. What was delivered in summary did little to lighten Sabastian's current mood, though his mannerisms where held to cordial bearing.

Instructions were issued to have carriage detatched from source of locomotion and that steady guard be placed around the paddock. Irritation was beginning to give face on the young man's posturing and it was momments later that news of bamboozled Gate Keepers was brought to his attention. Did he question their worthiness of service? Not so much as he would allow to be obvious. Nevertheless, it was one more event in a train of such, fanning the flames of grief ladden temper to higher altitudes.

Sabastian's patience had worn to very thin weave, and when he next called to those in hearing range, the ever smooth and mischievousness of verbose nature were gone. Gone to be replaced with wrathful undertones asking no quarter given, nor taken...

" I want the individual, or individuals, that think themselves so daring as to enter my sanctuary without invitation found! Immediately!!"

[Rateye]

The foot steps had stopped at the entrance of the drawing room. Then after checking to see if said door was locked, the persons continued down the hallway, stopping periodically and thereby repeating their task.

"Now if you've ever trusted me, even for a second, I need you to listen to what I have to say." Insisted Reiley. "Regardless of what you think, these are not your average people of wealth and position. These are people, whose dealings are far from lawful and who keep to the shadow. Believe me dear lady, for if nothing else, I know my own kind..."

Pausing for a moment, Reiley looked to the Mistress. It was obvious his words struck a nerve, for as her eyes quickly looked for a means of escape, he realized just how senseless this little invasion was. But regardless of the cost, he would not allow the mistress to be harmed, nor would he allow the good captain to remain a prisoner.

However, as he peered across the lawn, assessing his oposition, Reiley noticed something very unexpected.

"If he's such a prisoner, my dear" Whispered Reiley. " Why is the good captain with pistol?"

[Cheeky Actress]

Lilly gave the doctor a puzzled look. “What do you speak of?” It was then he pointed towards the edge of the windowsill. Slowly she turned and watched her beloved Captain stand with the two strangers. All the while the Captain never truly looked in any real danger. Three of them conversed and then the two men showed very little attention his presence for they were still very much concerned with the ‘intruders’. She turned and looked at Reiley. “What sort of charade is this? You say that these men are the sort of whom you are familiar with? So, do tell ‘doctor’ what sort of creatures are these men? And why in Heaven’s name would you consort with such men?”

The doctor looked over at Lilly and pulled his hand over his forehead. “Mistress, this is neither the time nor the place to discuss neither my lot in life nor the ‘poor choices’ I have made. I will say this; these men are not one to take kindly to strangers. I fear that if they do find us here, no one will no what has become of us. So, for all that is holy, dear Mistress…just keep close, keep safe, and do keep quiet!”

Mistress Lilly grew quiet. The good doctor’s words stung. She watched him draw himself to the window for a closer look. As he did, Lilly crawled back behind the couch and whispered to Reiley. “We must find a way out. That tall dark man will be back for me and God only knows what he’ll do if he finds you here too!”

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Aurore kept vigil near second story window, ocassionaly glancing to deserted bath and the remains of fare on ignored table. Down below, Delaney unharnessed and detached four legged power from newly arrived carriage. Flutterings of equine conversation floated to her hearing as creature in question was placed in with brethren species. Her dark eyes followed various movements without, but were frequently distracted by Sterling's form just in view past her brother. Although Sabastian's overall body language told a story of brewed emotions, there was a hint of acceptance in regard to English companion; a thought that brought a smallish smile to her face.

Growing board with the goings on outdoors, Aurore padded quietly from well used chamber. The elequated twin duelers hibernated out of view within azure folds, bumping her thighs with intermittent nudge with stair's decline. Nearing the banister end, she paused listening. The house was berift of usual cheerful day to day busseling and would probably remain so for awhile more. All of the house girls would have been escorted to safer ground by now and the absence of their laughter was unsettling.

She padded softly to foyer, peeking out just in time to catch a glimpse of Christophe hedging the front parameter and turning towards the side yard. A past conversation they had one night near the bonfire came to mind. How the Frenchman had commented upon Sabastian's gift of soft step and felinesque movements. Aurore had laughed then at the statement, and did so again now, underbreath. It was true that her brother possessed a knack, but the man who had sung the praise was surreally gifted in said arena. Her attention remained focused on dangerous grace until view was obstructed.

Inwardly Aurore longed to leave the shelter of secure house, but did not wish to cause further angst to sibling's current mindset. One bare foot tapped impatiently upon thick nap of Persian rug as she considered what would best consume her restlessness for the duration. Considerations of distractions came and went, finally settling on a newly obtained text of posey who's exsistance had been forgotten in light of all that had passed recently. It was simply a matter of remembering where it had been left.

Knowing all chamber's would be secured, Aurore obtained keys from hidden niche just off the kitchen. A search of salon was made, then the library, onward to Andre's study...All without result. Consternation played fine wrought planes of her delicate feature and then vanquished as memory came to light. The study was resecured and the chamber of last deposit was aproached.

Drawing Room locks slid back at key's command and door laid open. Next to high backed chair on filligreed table, sat the object of quest. Aurore moved forward two paces then stopped dead. There was an odd sweet scent clinging to the air, not overly pronounced, more as a ghostly tincture. Muscles tensed without instruction and left hand found smoothed wood grip, and ornate cock was pulled back gently with minute ominous click.

[Cheeky Actress]

There was an odd sweet scent clinging to the air, not overly pronounced, more as a ghostly tincture. Muscles tensed without instruction and left hand found smoothed wood grip, and ornate cock was pulled back gently with minute ominous click.

Upon the aproach into the room Aurore was suddenly confronted by Mistress Lilly and Dr. Rieley. The air seemed to lay dead between the two women. No words were spoken as their eyes met for the first time. Lilly’s deep sapphire blue eyes drank in the image of the young woman before her. To Lilly, she looked like nothing more than a child, perhaps even the daughter of the estate’s owner. Though young, the girl had an unusual exotic air about her and she could tell she was not native to Jamaica. The girl stood still but the dark piercing eyes of Aurore showed amazement to finding them there.

With Aurore grasping her pistol in hand, Lilly quickly looked over at Reiley. For a brief second, Lilly suddenly ran over to him and grabbed his pistol from his belt. There in the middle of the room Lilly held the pistol steady in Aurore’s direction. Now it was a stand off between them both.

“Are you mad?! Give me that before you kill someone?!” Reiley asked angrily. “No,” said Lilly calmly. “And as you can see, by my quick thinking are both equal now.” With a bold movement, Lilly came closer to the girl. “I have a few questions I’d like answered, but first…you are going to get us out of here…all safe and sound. We need to get past those men and we need to reclaim what we came here for.” Reiley shook his head in amazement. “This is mad?! We cannot risk this!” “If it meant getting out of here dead or alive, what would you do?” Muttered Lilly as she continued to stare down the waif.

The young girl looked at the both of them for a moment and in a soft low tone spoke directly to Mistress Lilly. “What is it that you wish to reclaim? What questions do you have for me?” As Reiley walked up close to the doorway and looked down the corridor, he motioned to Lilly. “We best leave now or we will never get out of here without being seen.” Lilly waved her hand to the good doctor then looked back at the waif. “I’ve come to collect my patron...my lover.” Aurore winced at the sound of the words.

Reiley then came back to Lilly’s side and tried to delicately put the situation in a better light. “You see, Captain Sterling, that would be the blonde haired man with the scare upon his face, is not well and I fear that he will have a relapse if he in not placed under my care immediately. Therefore, you can see how desperate our situation is, Lady. I fear this has been nothing more than a nasty bit of misunderstanding. Please forgive the Mistress for she’s been under a lot of strain as of late.” It was then Lilly forced the issue. “Come now, you will promise that he is to be release unharmed.”

It was then Aurore stood her ground. “It was I who took this stranger into my own home and nursed him well enough for him to stand on his own. Why do you think I would harm him?”

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

When Aurore was but a small child, her father had lovingly dubbed her the endearment of "Renard" for the russet tress crowning tiny head. The dubbing had affixed itself, and little had her father known at the onset that hair color was not the only trait that she shared with namesake. Unlike older sibling who wore cunning on his sleeve, Aurore was more subtle in shared quality. The older she became, the more perfected inate trait became; tress hue was a secondary consideration in the now.

As the situation evolved, Aurore played the fearful child for audience of two. Carefully weaving finite deception in a game of mental chess. Mock fear danced the wide expressive eyes and she allowed her capture the grace of bullying without overmuch fight. A farce that would have gained honours in proper circles; the terrified babe in the wood...armed and not so innocent. The Romani had learned in times long passed, that using one's wit could be a powerful defense and weapon.With one arm held tightly by the other woman, Aurore cast a pleading look to male companion. Poor tragic rabbit caught in viscious snare, begging silently for mercy.

She tollorated the woman's berating verbose, such things were easy to do when one had grown up treated as a lower life form by society. Aurore issued expected protest then gave in, the vissage of defeat. She dropped her eyes to the flooring and gave a small nod of accord, "As you wish, madame et monsieur...Follow me and I can assure that all will be safe. The Capitaine is on the grounds." Again, frightened look was cast to Reiley...Oh silent plea to white knight.

Aurore moved slowly and around "desired" saviour, leading down main corridor to the rear entrance. The heavy door's locks where disengaged and door swung out into humid shade of pillar supprted overhang.

As Lilly cleared thresh hold, she was jerked sideways in steely grip. The razor honed edge of tropics warmed steel balanced close to tender throat, as Christophe whispered in her ear from behind, "Truly madame, must we keep meeting like this...People will begin to talk."

Slate hued sights glared coldly at Reiley in as punctuation to following verbose, "I suggest that you consider your options with utmost prudence, monsieur."

Movement in the immediate area came to screeching halt; faces of varied nationality watched intently, while other's turned to where Sabastian and Sterling had paused in conversation with the sudden silence.

[Rateye]

With the drawing room door suddenly opened, Reiley instinctively stood in front of Mistress Mckinney, thereby accepting any ill fate that should transgress. However, instead of facing a series of guards, Reiley was suddenly face to face with a young lady whose eyes seemed to strike a fire of intrigue.

His pistol drawn in retaliation of the young lady's armorment, he couldn't help but wonder...

"Where have I seen you before?" Thought Reiley, as he was momentarily lost in the young woman's eyes.

But before his question could be answered, a pistol had been drawn from his belt, and an unexpected stand-off was commenced.

"Mistress McKinney...." Cautioned Reiley, as he carefully attempted to diffuse the sudden predicament. "Should you pull that trigger, this young woman will surely die... And though most of which involved those deserving of the favor, trust when I say it is a difficult spectre to be rid of, when it is not deserved or intended."

However, as the mistress continued to walk the young woman out of the room, she was suddenly siezed and pulled into the grasp by an unknown rogue and held at knife point.

As the unknown assailant held the mistress in front of him with blade to her neck, Reiley suddenly found own pistol drawn and the barrel placed under the young woman's chin as an assortment of weapons were pointed directly at him.

"Big mistake friend!" Growled Reiley, as he reached forward and secured the pistol from the young woman's grasp, then cautiously placing himself between the woman and the enevitable firing-squad.

"Besides boy-o," Challenged Reiley, as he looked directly into the stranger's eyes. "Don't you think that hiding behind a lady is bad form."

Then leaning closer into the young woman,

"Trust I will not harm you m-lady, I have no reason..." Whispered Reiley, as he brought the second pistol close behind her and his dragoon to bare on the stranger. "But if this man of your's harms that woman in any way... So help me God, I will take him to hell with me... In that you have my word."

Then as Reiley began backing the woman into the drawing room.

"C-mon lad," Smiled Reiley, as he gestured for the stranger to follow him. "Why waltz with the lady, when you can dance with me?"

The challenge was unbareable

[Capt. Sterling]

Aurore moved slowly and around "desired" saviour, leading down main corridor to the rear entrance. The heavy door's locks where disengaged and door swung out into humid shade of pillar supprted overhang.

As Lilly cleared thresh hold, she was jerked sideways in steely grip. The razor honed edge of tropics warmed steel balanced close to tender throat, as Christophe whispered in her ear from behind, "Truly madame, must we keep meeting like this...People will begin to talk."

Slate hued sights glared coldly at Reiley in as punctuation to following verbose, "I suggest that you consider your options with utmost prudence, monsieur."

Movement in the immediate area came to screeching halt; faces of varied nationality watched intently, while other's turned to where Sabastian and Sterling had paused in conversation with the sudden silence.

Sterling waited patiently as Sabastian delegated amongst his own. After all, even though he wished to be of assistance, this was truly not his own fight. As the carriage was pulled up along side, he could not help but remark that he had seen such a vehicle in the stables where he had rented his own mount earlier. Indeed it was so very much alike it surely was one and the same.

The fact that transportation was on loan, did not aide in narrowing down the field of suspects as to whom would venture into terroitory so well guarded. Still, Sterling had some thoughts on the matter and volunteered to offer them to his companion. Thankfully, Sabastian seemed at least willing to listen.

“As to this carriage, Killingsworth, is not the type of weasel to come skulking too far from his hole, or to go to such extremes as to sneak about another person’s property. He is, in all rights, a true fop, his nature is just that. Tis not a sham he plays in order to confuse those about him. He would much rather wait until his prey comes closer to him, then to go the distance. I would say tis safe to think tis not he, who has breached your walls. If you have not personally crossed Robert Darnely, Monsieur, then Master Killingsworth has struck yours because either you or she have crossed him. To him, if indeed, it twere him, what has been done to your poor lady, was just a matter of convenience whilst he hunts down his true victim,” he paused with a soft sigh. “Which may all too well be a certain actress of mine acquaintance. As I do not wish to presume to tell you the nature of your business regarding your own home, I just wish to, hopefully, allow yer mind to rest easy regarding Killingsworth and your current trespass….” Sterling could not finish as all eyes, especially his own, were drawn to the rear of the cottage as the back doors were slowly pushed opened and Christophe lunged as silently as a cat, making successful capture of a woman.

“Oh… bloody… hell…,” Sterling remarked, slowly drawing out the oath, his eyes rolling as he recognized not just the first person to emerge but the second as well. As the glitter of a knife, caught by a bit of sun, sparkled against the woman’s throat, the captain could not help but reach up and press his fingers to his eyes as the slight pounding that had started earlier, now suddenly increased one hundred fold. He moved slowly closer to Sabastian as his host watched in amazement at what was unfolding before them. As Reiley grabbed Aurore and brought a pistol to bare upon her, both Sterling and Sabastain took forward steps only to halt themselves least they cause undue alarm to them that held the weapons.

As the party, now with ladies under fire, as it were, slowly began to retreat back into the cottage, Sterling could only mumble, “Given time, I ,,,um...might be able to ...ahem.... actually ...explain this.”

[Rateye]

As the young lord's eye's narrowed and a smile of determination appeared.

"Who was this uncouth iterloper to invade his home then utter such a challenge?" He thought. "especially with a sword such his. A lesson will have to be taught!"

Cautiously he followed Reiley into the building, but as the guards also began attempted to follow in pursuit,

"Stand fast, you bastards!" Snarled Reiley, as he raised the young woman's chin with his pistol. "You wern't invited... Bugger off with you!"

Sensing a threat to the welfare of their mistres, the guards reluctantly retreated. But as the unfortunate quartet entered the house, Reiley quickly closed and barred the door.

"Now my friend," started Reiley. "I would normally offer you a trade and then commence to have at you. But on second thought, you can keep her and I'll keep this one! She's been nothing but trouble for me!"

As a slight giggle escaped from young woman in Reiley's arms, the look on Mistress Mckinney's face was priceless.

[Rateye]

EDIT:

[Cheeky Actress]

Mistress Lilly stopped struggling with Christophe when she was finally forced to stand before her captors. Soon, she quickly realized that it was Captain Sterling looking back at her. The pain in his face showed how grave the situation was affecting him at the moment. She knew that a good explanation was in order, but by the looks of things as of the moment, she would have to make sure that he story was one of sincerity and held by true convictions. She swallowed hard as she looked by her side. There standing with pistol to neck, was the young girl. She did not make a sound as the good doctor forced her forward. Yet, his remarks about her and her disposition were not taken very kindly. “Serves you right!” She hissed at Rieley. “We wouldn’t be in this mess if you cured the Captain in the first place!”

[Ransom]

It was almost noon, and the courtyard was sweltering. A pile of dung and a pool of thickening urine had collected under the horse, attracting flies the size of starlings. Heat waves shimmered off the polished cannon. And there was still no sign of Morgan.

Ioan had watched the arrival and departure of the captain of the Resurrection, the delivery of food goods by a local merchant, a visit by a functionary from the Governor with a messenger bag full of important papers, and three other petitioners for the Admiral's favor who lacked Ioan's patience, and after an hour, had left.

Ioan's patience was also at an end. He was hot, hungry, and tired of batting flies. He climbed up to the driver's bench, snapped the ribbons, and turned the horse back to the road. He was halfway to the docks when he saw the captain of the Rakehell.

With brow raised, she askd him, "Well, what happened?"

"Not a bloody shiten thing!" he snapped. "Morgan never showed. Only ones to get in the house were the food and ale merchants, and a word-beetle fromt the Governor's office. Everyone else was left to sweat themselves to death in the courtyard. That would include yours truly, and your fancy cannon—on which at this point you coud no doubt fry an egg on the barrel."

She thought for a moment, then climbed up beside him. "Let's find a place to stow this until Morgan turns up. I'm not going to waste time reloading it on to the ship."

As the wagon rumbled along, Ioan took the opportunity to enjoy the captain's close proximity. He was sure, given enough time, he could win her over. So far, his dark charms had never failed him. He did not intend to fail with her. Besides, he very much wanted to know more about her, so he could use that knowledge to his advanage. Who knows, he thought, it might get me a fine ship.

[Reginald Killingsworth]

Squire Robert Darnly

White Hall

London England

Sir,

In light of a poor start, I have been made aware of the position of your Mistress Lilly McKinney. She is indeed here in Port Royal, yet she does not make herself known. Mistress Lilly seems to be reluctant to acknowledge her arrival with her adoring public or with the local theater. And has, to the best of my knowledge, taken an alias to conceal herself from the locals inhabitants of this city.

I do not think she would draw attention to herself at this point in time, nor do I feel she has a permanent abode. Yet, I am sure that it would not be difficult to locate her. Come tomorrow, I plan to investigate and search out other local Inns in the area. Rest assure, Sir that I will find her and bring her back to you.

There is rumor that Captain John H. Sterling, Master and Commander of the Archangel is here in port. If this rumor is true, I will surely find her in his company. May I remind you, that upon our conversation prior to my departure you made it clear to me that I would do whatever I could within my power to secure your mistress. I do hope that you understand I take my work very seriously, and in knowing this I am sure that you are aware of the consequences of such a profession as mine.

With this being said, Sir I will forward you another letter when the job is completed. I do expect full payment upon my arrival.

Your Humble Servant,

Reginald Killingsworth

P.S. Best keep the Mistress’ child close for barter.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Aurore mulled over the situation at hand while held within Irish embrace. No effort of struggle was offered, she dared not tempt fate while circumstance remained in a draw. She was not over concerned with her placement in the mix, her captor's whispered brogue if nothing else, held a ring of sincerity; both ill and good. No, Aurore's concern revolved around long time companion and possible slight pivots of balance. She knew that Christophe possessed very percisive thinking, there were few things that could goad him into irrational mannerisms. Nevertheless, the stakes that had been offered up for ante could not guarantee the norm of steadfast practices.

Slowly, Aurore tilted her head in attempt to view Reiley's face and whispered, "Monsieur, do not prod him. He is very protective of my person and I cannot make promises in regard to his actions with myself in harm's way. I urge you to remember, the fact of matter being that you and she are the tresspassers here." Cautiously Aurore moved semi free arm to rest daint hand on Reiley's encircling arm, " He will not bargin if I am too much in threat..." She craned her neck further to catch his eyes, "Please monsuier, you cannot fault him. Would you not have done the same if situation were reversed?"

Faux pleading having played liquid pools of sight earlier, was replaced with genuine emotion.

[Ransom]

I ignored Ioans's rantings. The stained handkerchief in my pocket occupied my thoughts. To what advantageous use might I put it? How far dare I push the fop? Hard to judge, since I knew nothing of him personally. Nor did I want to. I abhored his kind when I lived in London, and he had given me no reason to change my opinion. Odd, though, that he had been so careless as to drop the handerchief in the stairwell. I wondered if he realized, as yet, that it was missing, and could betray him? I considered returning to the Shipp, just to study the man I might decide to blackmail.

"You're off in the clouds," Ioan remarked, peering into my face.

"Just thinking. An act I'm sure you are rarely aquainted with."

He glared at me with his dark Welsh eyes. "Smarter than you think, My Lady Captain. And that's small thanks for the hot service I've just done you in Sir Admiral Morgan's courtyard."

I turned cold blue eyes on him. "Yes, and I've heard that your devoted service also included an evening at a tavern and a night with a whore. Please, don't play the martyr with me."

He bridled. "A man has appetites. You can't be expecting him to go a day and a half with no food and drink. It's a cold-hearted woman you are if you think otherwise."

I laughed. "I know all about men's appetites. Just drive the bloody horse."

He turned sullen eyes to the lane as the wagon made its way through town. I fingered the bit of crimson-stained lace in my pocket, and traced the raised embroidery. R K

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

“Oh… bloody… hell…,” Sterling remarked,  slowly drawing out the oath, his eyes rolling as he recognized not just the first person to emerge but the second as well.   As the glitter of a knife, caught by a bit of sun, sparkled against the woman’s throat, the captain could not help but reach up and press his fingers to his eyes as the slight pounding that had started earlier, now suddenly increased one hundred fold.  He moved slowly closer to Sabastian as his host watched in amazement at what was unfolding before them.  As Reiley grabbed Aurore and brought a pistol to bare upon her, both Sterling and Sabastain took forward steps only to halt themselves least they cause undue alarm to them that held the weapons. 

As the party, now with ladies under fire, as it were, slowly began to retreat back into the cottage,  Sterling could only mumble, “Given time, I ,,,um...might be able to ...ahem.... actually ...explain this.”

Sabastian watched the scene play out afore him in some form of shock. A beat in time lapsed before Sterling's mumbled wordings sunk into bewildered senses. Deep furrow formed on youthful brow at their realization. The young man turned as if dazed and stared incredulously at companion, "Explain this?...Explain THIS?! Pardon monsuier, but I fear that I am lost on your meanings. You know something of this?! Entertain me, s'il vous plait."

A shadow of suspicion crossed his face.

[Capt. Sterling]

Sterling's jaw flapped soundlessly for a moment before he could gather his wits enough to pick the precise phrases necessary.

"The actress... ahem.. that I was telling you about just a moment ago... well, that was her. The great," he lowered his voice, almost muttering to himself, "and major handful... ahem... Lillian McKinney. Pardon me," he continued. "But I seem to have something stuck in my throat.

As to the gentleman, she, some how, has managed to press into her service for what ever mischief she is currently scheming, he is my new ship's..." he paused to cough into his hand. "Surgeon. One doctor Reiley, I believe he calls himself. Obviously, if you knew Lilly, you would also know that Dr. Reiley certainly did not know what he had gotten himself into regarding extending Lilly a helping hand. I cannot vouch for the doctor, but Lilly is not a dangerous threat, just a ...ahem..." Sterling stopped, hoping he had said more than enough. "Honestly, I do think we should attempt to rescue your fellow there and the good doctor. I think Aurore will handle herself quite well, where Mistress McKinney is concerned. Words and fluff Lilly is... no real bite."

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Sabastian's eyes narrowed, " And what, precisely brings them onto my land, into my home with such ill regard and placing MY sister at risk? Rescue Christophe? Oh I assure you that he is not at risk, it is quite the other way around..."

He stepped away from Sterling to a man lingering nearby. They conversed quietly for a momment then the other headed off to the paddock at a sprint.

[Capt. Sterling]

Sterling stood his ground a moment, waiting until Sabastian finished giving his instructions to the other man who made off with some haste.

Honestly there was no easy way to say what he had to say, so he just leapt forward.

"I believe Mistress McKinney and the good doctor are here on my behalf. How on earth they have managed to get this far is really quite beyond my realm of comprehension, especially knowing Lilly as well as I do... tis a miracle really..." he added, his eyes wide with amazement at the mere thought.

[Tempest Fitzgerald]

Sabastian eyed Sterling with speculative air, he felt tierd and worn beyond young years. Adrenalin level lowering slowly, he cast a glance to corner window belonging to the Drawing Room and considered next action. Grief's phantom was regaining hold over once over tense frame and he wished greatly that morning's bed in town had never been given up; that he had remained next to Molly's soft form. Wolfish features gained a drawn vissage as Sabastian's dark eyes returned to the Englishman.

"I pray that your man makes no venture of folly...I fear there will be little left to recover, if that is the case."

Delany stopped in small outbuilding to retreive requested tack. The ornamental head stall was passed over for more utilitarian style and as doorway was drawn to, he issued a sharp whistle. At paddock's far end, cheval noir pricked larged ears forward to hailing...

[Capt. Sterling]

"I can only hope where Dr. Reiley is concerned, but if you were to call off Christophe, perhaps I can call off the others as well," Sterling suggested.

[Cheeky Actress]

In the past, Lilly had thought that her beloved Captain would do anything to keep her safe...even rescue her. Now all she could do is wait for something to happen. “How can he be so heartless towards me? We were concerned for his well being!” She thought to herself.

[Rateye]

The young woman's words had not fallen on deaf ears. And though Reiley would have sooner faced a straight forward challenge, to endanger two women was not the kind of sport he preferred. He knew that this situation would have to be brought to an end quickly, for in a matter of moments there would surely be a hand full of guard brought to flank through the house.

"By God mistress, you know I wouldn't have traded you for the world!" Assured Reiley, as he began to lower the pistol he had behind young woman. "My only regret is that we'll meet the hangman, before I get my hands on that fopish bastard Killingsworth...."

Then lowering the pistol and releasing the young lady, Reiley also relaxed his aim on the stranger holding Mistress McKinney.

"You can let her go mate," Offered Reiley, as he decocked his pistol. "The day is yours..."