Read Online Gallant Rogue (Reluctant Heroes Book 3) by Lily Silver - Free Book Online

returned to England, he’d make certain the old bugger was given due consideration by offering him one of his officer’s cabins on this deck. Old bones, and sharp ones judging by Barnaby’s sparse frame, should be well cared for. “How can I be of help, Mr. Barnaby?”
    “I came to warn you. There is something you must be made aware of, a bit of mischief from years ago that may... er...has the potential ...”  Barnaby paused and leaned closer to a watercolor painting in the fading red light. “I say, does that woman have six arms?”
    “Shiva, a goddess in the east. You were speaking of mischief from years ago?”
    “Ah, yes. Thank you.” Barnaby pulled back from his close inspection of one of the count’s art pieces and glanced about. “Might we have a little bit of light? I can hardly see the room with the sun almost swallowed by the sea.”
    “Here, my cabin is just this way.” Jack led the way to the door. “Follow me. I’ve brandy and plenty of lanterns in my own berth.” He heard Barnaby’s footsteps behind him. The slatted doors of the officer’s bunks passed them by as they moved down the narrow corridor and soon they were inside Jack’s private repose.
    “I say, very deceptive. From the dock this deck doesn’t appear large enough to have all these cabins within it.” Barnaby’s head bobbed up and down in that queer fashion again, like a damned bird on the docks. He looked like a grey seagull, as even his arms were behind his back.
    “Yes.” Jack gestured to the table, offering his guest a seat. Unlike the count, he didn’t require a room full of fancy furniture. He had a round table that could accommodate his officers for dinner or cards. He had a cushioned window seat, a well-worn reading chair and a desk. It was enough, more than enough for a man accustomed to the basics in life.
    “I recall we shared a brandy some years ago. On a special night.”
    “The Ravencrest Christmas Ball.”
    “The first!” Barnaby’s bony finger rose to make that distinction. “Ten years ago this past Christmas.”  His hand shook a little as often happened with those of advanced years. “And much has changed since those days, hasn’t it, sir, for all of us.”
    “Your apprentice, the humble Mr. O’Flaherty, has come into his own. A remarkable transformation, going from being an indentured servant to possessing one of the most powerful titles in England.”  Jack delivered the drink to his guest.
    “Kieran was always the Greystowe heir. He was just misplaced for many years, lost and found again.”
    Jack nodded. Lord Greystowe had an unusual history. No one had suspected the freckle-faced, sunburned red-head known only as the apothecary’s apprentice in Basseterre was a lost heir to an earldom. This humble apothecary had treated that unfortunate child with kindness during his indenture, securing the restored earl's affections and support for the rest of his days.  
    “What is it I can help you with, Mr. Barnaby.” Jack asked, reminding the man of the reason for his visit.
    “The lady you admire greatly is now free again. Just as she was on that night long ago, when you and Mr. O’Donovan nearly came to blows.”
    Aye, there it was, the rock hiding under the surface of the sea, waiting to crush his hull.
    Jack said nothing. He found it best to do so when in these peculiar circumstances, to listen and wait before acting recklessly. He’d done the reckless bit often in his youth. A man his age must show more wisdom than folly.
    “You do recall the incident?” Barnaby prodded when he didn’t answer.
    “Vaguely,” Jack muttered as if it didn’t matter when it mattered a great deal.
    “Mrs. O’Donovan, back then Miss Ramirez, was a fetching young woman,” Barnaby added, as if Jack needed reminding. “As I recall, the two of you shared a tender moment.”
    “I danced with her,” Jack replied evenly. “Nothing more.”
    “Oh, there is more to it, my good man,” Barnaby countered, his