He caught her up and kissed her, then they went in to read the letters. He broke the one with the Admiralty seal first: Sir, you are required and directed that upon receipt of these instructions you proceed... He was appointed first lieutenant of the brig-sloop Hellebore under Commander Griffiths. In silence he handed the letter to Elizabeth who caught her lower lip in her teeth as she read. Drinkwater picked up the second letter, recognising the shaky but still bravely flowing script.

My Dear Nathaniel,

You will doubtless be in receipt of their L'dships' Instructions to join the Brig under my Command. She is a new Vessel and lying at Deptford. Do not hasten. I am already on board and doing duty for you, the end of the month will suffice. Our Complement is almost augmented as I was able to draft the Kestrels entire. We sail upon Convoy duty. Convey my felicitations to your wife,

I remain, etc

Madoc Griffiths

P.S. I received News but yesterday that M. Santhonax Escaped Custody and has been at Liberty for a month now.

Drinkwater stood stunned, the oppression of the night returned to him. Elizabeth was watching, her eyes large with tears. 'So soon, my darling…'

He smiled ruefully at her. 'Madoc has extended my leave a little.' He passed the second letter over. 'Dear Madoc,' she said, brushing her eyes.

'Aye, he does duty for me now. He has nowhere else to go.' He slipped his arm around her waist and they kissed again.

'Come we have time to complete the purchase of the house at Petersfield and your cook should arrive by the end of the week. You will be quite the grande dame.'

'Will you take Tregembo with you?'

He laughed. 'I doubt that I have the power to stop him.' They fell silent, Elizabeth thinking of the coming months of loneliness, Drinkwater disloyally of the new brig. 'Hellebore,' he said aloud, 'ain't that a flower or something? Elizabeth? What the devil are you laughing at?'