Shipwrecked With The Captain

He handed Castle the letter. ‘Send this by messenger. To the Earl of Keneagle. Make certain it reaches his hands.’

Mr Castle took the letter. ‘It will be done.’

Lucien left the hotel and walked the two miles to Number Two College Green, the Bank of Ireland.

The clerk he had dealt with before greeted him with the same level of surprise Mr Castle had shown. ‘Captain Roper? I thought you were already in England.’

Lucien repeated the story of the shipwreck, explaining his duty to see the Earl of Keneagle’s sister back safely to her family. He did not mention her amnesia.

‘I need access to funds,’ Lucien explained. ‘All was lost in the shipwreck.’

As well as seeking funds for his own use, he arranged for generous rewards to be sent to Captain Molloy and his fishermen. And to Molloy’s cousin and his wife as well. When everything was settled, he returned to the hotel.

* * *

When he entered the hall, Mr Castle called him over.

‘I hired a messenger for you. He has started the journey.’ He handed Lucien a piece of paper. ‘And I procured the name and direction of a second-hand shop that sells clothing that should meet your standards. I can arrange a hackney coach to take you there today, if you like.’

They desperately needed clothes. What Lady Rebecca wore now was serviceable, but certainly inappropriate for an earl’s daughter.

‘I am very grateful, Mr Castle,’ Lucien responded. ‘I will ask the lady what she wishes and have your answer directly.’

He hurried up the stairs and knocked on her door.

She opened it. ‘Lucien. You are back.’

Had she expected he would leave her alone all day? ‘Mr Castle has found a shop where we might purchase clothing second-hand. We can go there right now, if you desire it.’

Claire did not mind the clothing she wore. The dress fit her well enough, even though it was nothing like the dress she had worn during the shipwreck. That dress must have once been very elegant. It would be expected of her to wear fine clothing, she suspected.

‘I will get my hat.’

Claire donned the bonnet Mrs Molloy had given her and returned to the hall with Lucien.

‘I sent a messenger with the letter to your brother,’ he told her as they waited for the hackney coach. ‘He should receive it tomorrow.’

That gave her a whirlwind of nerves and no pleasure. Meeting her brother and losing Lucien.

‘I do appreciate that, Lucien.’ Although she felt disingenuous saying so.

‘And I have arranged ample funds,’ he added. ‘We can purchase whatever we need.’

She lowered her gaze. ‘You must let me repay you.’

He shook his head. ‘I said before. No need.’

But there must be some way to repay him.

* * *

When they entered the shop, a male clerk greeted Lucien by name. ‘Captain Roper? Mr Castle said to expect you today or tomorrow. What may we show you?’ Obviously Mr Castle had provided his name when he arranged the visit.

‘We need everything,’ Lucien said.

A female clerk took Claire in hand, while Lucien went with the man.

‘You were in a shipwreck, we were told, my lady,’ the woman said. ‘How very frightening for you.’

Perhaps she was lucky not to remember it. ‘Yes. But we were saved.’

‘Well.’ The clerk pressed her hands together. ‘We shall have to find you a new wardrobe. You will see, of course, that all our garments are clean and mended.’

The items were, indeed, almost like new, but Claire had no idea what to select. She feared the cost as well. These appeared to have been very expensive dresses.

The clerk suggested she at least purchase two of everything. Two shifts. Petticoats. Stays. Stockings. Another pair of walking boots and two pairs of slippers. Another nightdress to add to the one Mrs Molloy had given her. A robe to wear over it. A shawl. A cloak. The list seemed staggering.

* * *

After nearly an hour she’d selected the other necessities, but still had not settled on dresses or hats. She loved the finest dresses, much like the one she’d been wearing when she woke up on the raft, but her eye kept being drawn to more sensible, simple, nondescript designs.

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