Page 9 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

Her aunt scanned three dozen seated guests, her lips slightly tilting upward in her characteristic almost smile. “That is Captain Stephen Eaton. His oldest brother is the Earl of Trent and his twin sister is the Duchess of Astleyshire. Even though his family often challengestonexpectations, they are quite influential. They are so utterly charming that they seem to get away with indiscretions and impropriety. However, Captain Eaton is dedicated to the Crown, and unlike his siblings, he is never the center of scandals.”

None of that surprised Maddie. The man looked like a hero and his masculinity set her heart aflutter.

Her aunt’s frown was more dramatic than her smile. “Madalene, dear. Why do you ask?”

“No reason.” Maddie flicked a dismissive wrist. “I just noticed that Sir Saxton spent most of the evening with him.”

“Oh, my.” Her aunt tapped a finger to her chin.

“Is something wrong?” Maddie asked.

“Nay. I am just contemplating something. Perhaps ’tis a foolish notion.”

Since she preferred fruit and pastries, Maddie pushed her meat and vegetables around her plate, while trying to nonchalantly peer at the handsome captain.

“Second Lieutenant Calhoun,”—her aunt inclined her chin toward the blond soldier seated beside the colorful one—“was quite enthralled with the hothouse. I do have a lovely collection of roses.”

“I’d love to see the gardens tomorrow,” Maddie said. “I love roses. Actually, I love all flowers.” The more colorful, the better.

Her aunt cupped Maddie’s ear and whispered, “Perhaps a well-played alliance with Captain Eaton might repair your reputation.”

Maddie swung her head so quickly, her nose collided with her aunt’s cheek. “S-sorry,” she stammered. “What do you mean?”

Before her aunt could answer, Sir Saxton stood and tapped his spoon on his glass. The hum of conversations quieted.

He cleared his throat and projected his voice. “My dear guests, thank you for attending. Due to your influence, you have been handpicked to be the first to invest in a profitable and innovative business prospect. I am offering you a chance to be leaders in a revolution that will change the face of industry.”

Sir Saxton sauntered to the wall behind him to point at a red tapestry. The anticipation in the room became palpable. Even Maddie leaned forward and held her breath.

With a flourish of his wrist, her uncle pulled down the wall covering to reveal painted silk depicting a red ship sailing against a blue background. The lettersSISappeared to be unfurling on the flag that flew above the vessel.

“I present to you Saxton International Shipping,” Sir Saxton said in a sing-songy voice.

What a disappointing reveal for such a dramatic presentation.

“Currently ships sail only when they are loaded,” her uncle announced. “Imagine if these vessels traveled from England and France to the Americas on a common schedule, not just when they were full.”

Maddie may not have a wealth of knowledge, but wouldn’t it mean that pirates would know exactly where and when to commandeer full shipments?

“I currently have four ships sailing from London to New York on a regular schedule. With additional capital, I will be able to add five ships to the fleet,” her uncle said.

“How will you manage nine ships?” called a red-cheeked man.

Her uncle held up a finger. “I am so glad you asked, Ian. “Your investments will provide the capital to hire the very best crews and in turn, you will be guaranteed a spot for cargo.”

“Tell us more,” called the same man.

“As you can see, even the Crown is interested in my proposal. They have even sent ambassadors.” Her uncle pointed to the men in red coats at the end of the table. “Three of the Crown’s finest soldiers. Major Reginald Blythe, Captain Stephen Eaton, and Second Lieutenant Benjamin Calhoun.”

At the enthusiastic applause, the soldiers stood. Although the older distinguished gentleman and the young blond both managed a humble-looking bow, Maddie’s handsome redhead seemed to be a million miles away.

Once the cheering ceased and the soldiers were again seated, her uncle continued his pitch. “Two ships will be dedicated to passengers and mail. However, the other seven will carry cargo. And that is how you all fit in. Say Spencer & Baker provide capital. Every twenty-three days, they will receive shipments from the United States, and every forty days their goods will arrive in New York. With a fleet of ships, there will never be a lull.”

At the mention of her old company, Maddie bristled.

The longer her uncle droned on about his plan, and what regularly scheduled trips across the Atlantic might do for industrialization, the truth became clear. Although she took little interest in her American company, she was not a dolt. Her invitation to England was not because she had a special place in her uncle’s heart. He wanted her to invest in his ships.

Well, she could care less about the company, shipping, or industrialization. In fact, it really was no longer her company, so he should have invited her father. She continued to play with her food as she ignored him. Aunt Henrietta halted her mashing with a light finger tap beside Maddie’s plate. How mortifying!