Lord Raymond entered his parlour. He had just returned home from London where he had spent the last two months at court enjoying the surreptitious favours of a less than respectable Duke’s wife. He arrived late to have his houseboy inform him of a guest that had been awaiting his return all day.
Lord Raymond eyed the middle-aged man standing in his parlour suspiciously. He was a sailor he deduced from his ratty appearance and the wind whipped skin of his face. The man stood beside the hearth, warming himself by the fire and had stood up tall as Lord Raymond entered. He was confident, a captain perhaps, no two-bit deckhand would dare be so bold in the presence of a Lord. He was too far above their station.
“What can I do for you, Captain?” He asked, takin
