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medicinal effects will far outweigh its objectionable taste.” So saying he raised her from the pillows and placing the flask to her lips, encouraging her to drink.
    It said much for Jane’s resignation to the situation that she did as she was bid without recourse to any signs of rebellion. “Thank you, your grace,” she said smiling wanly as she lay back against the pillows, her face drained of all color.
    “I think we have come far enough over the past few hours to dispense with titles,” he replied. “My name is Robert, just as I know yours is Jane; there is no need for formality between us. Indeed, it will make for a far better journey if we make some effort to at least be civil and comfortable in each other’s company.”
    “ I make no promises, sir,” she said with quiet humor. “I have been used to being my own mistress for far too long, but I will try.”
    “ Humph, I suppose that will have to do, for the present.” He replaced the flask in his pocket and rose from his seat at the side of the bunk. “Now sleep, I will expect you to join me in the salon for breakfast.”
    She shuddered with revulsion. “Never, sir. I fear I will never partake of food again!”
    He patted her hand reassuringly. “You may not know it, but I can assure you that you will feel considerably better once you’ve been nourished.” He turned to leave and after a backward glance asserting that his companion was now in a fair way to being asleep, returned to his own cabin.
    Now out of the Channel and into the open sea, the movement of the vessel was less violent, but instead of seeking repose immediately he sat at his ease taking a much-needed glass of brandy. He had every confidence in Captain Storey so there was no need for him to venture topside until morning, indeed, the worthy Captain had his own way of ordering things and would not welcome his intrusion into the daily workings of the craft. However, it was not long before the effects of the spirits and the lateness of the hour encouraged him to seek his bunk where he sank into a deep slumber, the like of which had eluded him these many months and more.
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
     
    Morning found The Mistral sailing down the west coast of France, its shores faintly visible through the early mists. The duke had risen at dawn and sending for Captain Storey had been appraised that he expected to arrive in Lisbon late the next day if the weather held and they encountered no further squalls.
    “That would suit our purpose admirably,” replied the duke. “It will give us the opportunity to hire a suitable conveyance and be ready to set out for Elvas the following dawn. We will then have a full day’s travel in front of us that will stand us in good stead, thus ensuring that we arrive at our destination as quickly as possible. Once we are docked, send one of your men to hire a carriage for Miss Chandler and myself. If all is favorable, we will set out at first light.”
     
    ***
     
      Arriving in the yacht’s compact salon an hour or so later, Jane found her benefactor bending over a map of Portugal that had been spread over the table and for the moment he was unaware of her presence. Seeing him less formally attired in shirtsleeves, forest green waistcoat and pale doeskin breeches, she secretly thought he seemed much more approachable. Even his neck cloth was more casually arranged, giving the impression of a man at his ease, an ease that was rarely shown in the company of others.
    Her own mood had taken a complete turnabout now that she was rested and the movement of the vessel no longer affected her so violently. Indeed, although she found it hard to admit, she was in a fair way to being grateful for the duke’s involvement.
    “I give you good morning, sir,” she said brightly, standing just within the cabin’s door.
    Immediately, Robert came upright, his eyes instantly searching her face for signs of the previous day’s indisposition and was relieved to