Epilogue
Sir Elias Drake,
Although we have never met, your uncle and my late husband, Lord Richard Drake, always spoke fondly of the fine young man you had become.
He often spoke of your work, swearing me to secrecy with each story he related.
Your father could not hold back his pride in his son any more than Richard could hold back his pride in you as well.
The two of them enjoyed countless nights together extolling your bravery.
It is with Richard’s sworn oath in mind, I beg your forgiveness for breaking that familial trust. Circumstances of the gravest nature forced my hand, and I alone am responsible for your identity being compromised.
This letter is on behalf of the Countess of Astley.
Her son, Simon Clark, the Earl of Astley, has been kidnapped by the French from the American ship, Fairhaven, captained by Miles Gallagher.
It is my understanding that Astley was working for the Crown in some capacity and was the primary target of the French.
His fate is currently being determined by Napoleon himself.
The countess has your name and direction, but I asked that she keep it in the utmost confidence as I have not shared this with anyone else, including my new husband, as it would put him in a precarious position with other members of the peerage who will be concerned for the earl’s safety.
The need for discretion has caused me to hide this communication from my husband immediately after taking my vows, but deep in my heart I know you are the one person who can bring the earl home.
I only pray my husband forgives me for my lie by omission.
The earl is a rogue with a good heart, and I have recently grown to understand his zeal to live life to its fullest with no apologies given.
No one deserves what Bonaparte has done to his own people, certainly not Astley or any other peer of England.
Please bring the earl home. He has been dearly missed this holiday season.
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Joshua Forrester,
Formerly Lady Phoebe Drake
—A confidential correspondence written by the former Lady Phoebe Drake to her late husband’s nephew, Elias Drake, a privateer sailing The Maribelle on the Atlantic.
The man who will take on the mission of bringing the Earl of Astley home, even if he must marry an unsuspecting scandalous sister and fight Napoleon’s most dangerous Hussars to get it done.