This week’s word for the writers of Tuesday Tales is branch. I am still in my Regency set story.
Check out the other tales here.
Jane did not allow herself to hope this meant he had changed his mind about marriage. To take her mind off that fact as well as help her plans to move away, she asked, “Speaking of shore, where do you usually put in to port when you are returning from sea?”
“It depends on where we have been. If we have been to France or anywhere north of there, we put in at Dover. If we have been to Spain, we come back in at Portsmouth.”
“You never come back through any other port?” This was helpful. She would not attempt to settle in Portsmouth. She needed to make a fresh start that sadly, did not include him. How will I get over loving him if I keep seeing him?
“Why are you so suddenly curious about my port habits?” He grinned down at her. “Planning to go to sea, are you?”
“Not likely. I was merely making conversation.”
They arrived at the café he had clearly chosen as he stopped to open the door.
He quirked his eyebrows as he let her past him to enter the premises. “Seems a bit odd is all.”
They found a table near the back of the main dining area. Jane wondered if he was as eager to stay in the shadows as she since he picked the same out of the way table she would have chosen had she been given the opportunity to choose.
Once they were seated, she continued the conversation they started outside. “If you don’t mind me asking another question, why did you choose to go to sea?”
“A man has to have an occupation and it seemed as good as any.” He waved the server over. “I hear they have a pretty tasty fish special here. Want to try that?”
Wondering if he was trying to change the subject, she said, “That would be fine. I only ask about going to sea since you were in the Army before you were injured and that is a different branch of service than the Navy. You were not in the Navy, were you?”
“Oh no. I was never in the Navy.” He placed their food order and then focused on her. “I chose the sea after I came home from the war in the former American colonies.”
“I thought you were injured on the Peninsula.”
“No. My regiment did spend time there but we were sent to the United States to assist when things got bad there. That’s where I lost my eye.”
Jillian Chantal 
Oh wow. That’s intriguing hearing that history from a different perspective. I hope he figures out her plan. Great job!
By: Tricia on August 8, 2022
at 10:45 pm
When she runs, I think he’ll know. Lol. Maybe. Lol
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By: Author on August 9, 2022
at 6:45 am
Interesting to discover more about him this way. I hope she changes her mind about never seeing him again. Great job.
By: Susanne Matthews on August 9, 2022
at 6:08 am
Thanks Susanne.
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By: Author on August 9, 2022
at 6:42 am
Very interesting to have a hero from the English side of the revolution. Also, love the info about the ports.
By: Flossie Benton Rogers on August 9, 2022
at 7:09 pm
Thanks Flossie. And yep, we always think about the USA side, don’t we? After all, the British tried to burn the White House, right? The Dolly Madison saving the G. Washington portrait story stands out.
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By: Author on August 9, 2022
at 9:20 pm
I like that he picked up on her interest in his ports. And I don’t believe he’s buying her excuse as it was just conversation, either. He seems pretty sharp. Nice way to get some backstory in so naturally, so we know more about him. And a perfect way to use the word prompt! I like this story. She has to end up with him. She has to. Sniff!
By: Jean C. Joachim on August 10, 2022
at 4:02 pm
Thanks, Jean. I feel like all I am doing is working in back story. LOL! That’s the joy of the first draft– fixing it later. LOL! And yep, he’s pretty sharp!
By: Author on August 10, 2022
at 4:08 pm
Very interesting take on things! Well done.
By: Vicki Locey on August 11, 2022
at 4:22 am
Thanks, Vicki
By: Author on August 11, 2022
at 6:59 am
Oh, she can’t decide to never see him again. After all, they’re destined to be together forever. Can’t she see that?
Great snippet!
By: trishafaye on August 13, 2022
at 2:18 pm
Thanks TrishaFaye. Drama, drama, drama ahead for her. Lol
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By: Author on August 14, 2022
at 7:20 am