Read Online Commanding Heart by Madeline Evering - Free Book Online

in some dismay. Although she had become very comfortable
onboard ship, Catherine knew that it was due in large part to the very calm
seas they had encountered thus far. She was uncertain what kind of sailor she
would make during rough weather. At that moment, Captain Knight came forward to
join them. He rapidly passed instructions regarding the rigging of the sails to
Matthews and a number of the other men. They all set forth in haste to perform
their individual tasks. It was then that Knight finally noticed Catherine; “Miss
Gibson,” he said in his low voice, “I am afraid we are to see some unpleasant
weather. Ship’s duties will prevent us from dining in my cabin this evening. I
hope you will accept my sincere apologies.”
    “Of course,” Catherine replied
quickly; “But may I ask, Captain, what exactly should I do to prepare? I am
somewhat uncertain how to weather the storm.” The captain gave her a reassuring
look. “All will be well, I assure you. But it would be best for you to go below
to your berth. I will have the cook send supper to your room directly – we must
put the galley fires out as soon as possible. Then you should stow away any
loose items in the room. The rest we must leave to the storm’s discretion” he
finished with a slight smile. Catherine’s eyes were wide in her face as she
listened to his recommendations. Her uncle’s grave look and the preparations
the captain suggested spoke of the seriousness of what they were to encounter.
Catherine nodded her head in acknowledgement and the captain turned away, hastening
to the next station on deck awaiting his orders.
    Catherine remained on deck for
another hour watching in frightened fascination as the skies darkened and the
sea changed from sparkling blue to angry grey. What had been a peaceful day,
bright with sunshine, was now a malevolent thing, charged with raw power and
fury. Thunder rolled ominously and lightning rent the skies while huge rollers
tossed the Triton about like a child’s toy. Angry spray hissed against
the ship’s sides and crashed over the deck in foaming waves that snatched at
anything – and anyone – not firmly attached. The motion of the sea soon became
so rough that Catherine could no longer remain in position without the support
of the ship’s rail. Several times she was tossed roughly aside as an angry
swell struck the Triton . Catherine knew she must heed the warnings of
Captain Knight and her uncle and seek refuge in her cabin, but the thought of
leaving the relative security of the group on deck for the emptiness of her own
cabin filled Catherine with dread. As the ship’s motions grew more erratic and
the work of the hands became more urgent, Catherine knew she could no longer
delay. A violent crack of thunder was followed by several flashes of lightning.
The heavens opened and huge rain drops began to fall leaving Catherine no
choice but to make way to her solitary cabin while the storm raged above.
    Below deck, Catherine quickly moved
about her room, returning books, sketchpads, pencils and other items to the
trunk at the foot of her bed. She cast a careful eye around the room,
determined to be prepared for whatever the storm would bring. As the porter
arrived with supper, Catherine could the feel danger of the swells that struck
the ship with violence. “The storm is worsening?” she asked the porter, trying
to quell the nervous tremor in her voice. “Aye, it ‘tis” he replied with great
calm: “Don’t worry though, miss. The Triton and the captain have got us
through many a spot of weather before this” he said, and left to attend his
duties.
    Alone in her cabin, Catherine
nervously moved from chair, to trunk, to bed, uncertain of what to do next. She
ate a little of the food the porter had brought, then began pacing the tiny
room once more. Catherine felt relieved that her motion sickness did not return
despite the rough motion of the ship. In its place, however, was a feeling of
great