Thomas listened with growing curiosity as Jax spoke of the inquiry in lieu of the First Mate, who stood just beyond looking like a pretty blowfish that had drawn in too much water. With each new detail added by the sea artist, Thomas’ brows rose ever higher, along with his inquisitive smirk, until it appeared he may pull himself from the deck by the sheer will of his eyebrows. 

[i]Of course,[/i] he thought, [i]Antonia would have something like this afoot. This could perhaps be just the blessing we need, as our most recent quandary deals apparently with those who will most certainly be attending this soirée.[/i]

He nodded slowly when Jax had finished, and his face brightened with promise. “This is a most opportune proposition, Mr. Xander, and I am most certainly going to attend,” Thomas smiled as he spoke the helmsman’s formal name. “You see, Dujo has just informed me of a plot that is being played out even now that has perfectly aligned with your request.”

Thomas stepped forward and lowered his voice for both the First Mate and Jax. “Apparently, the [i]Crimson Feather[/i] put to sea this morning with intentions upon our floundered Spanish galleon. What’s more is that the information was granted to the scurrilous bastards by someone from Government House. A most troubling turn of events, since we have been laboring under the assumption that the monopoly on that news was ours.”

“This party should allow us to hopefully glean more word on the matter, and I want each of you to keep your ears keenly open for talk of such. The damn [i]Feather[/i] is already ahead of us in this game.”

Thomas finished his words with a scowl as he thought of the rival ship. He looked back to the pair before him, and his expression shifted slightly. The First Mate’s apparent discomfiture, coupled with Jax’s own impish bearing was mixing in the fetid air, and even with his mind upon the matters of the ship, Thomas couldn’t help but notice the strange alchemy. 

His copper eyes moved back and forth between them, and a jocular thought came to his mind. It was a gut feeling, but of all the seriousness that had beleaguered the day thus far, it came as a welcome opportunity. 

“Jax,” he began, “if you need accompaniment for this evening, I know a lady with a most agreeable countenance and engaging manner that I am certain would relish the company of a dashing, intrepid rascal such as yourself.”

Thomas bowed forward slightly, his brow arching along with a curious smile that teased the corners of his mouth. He couldn’t hide the twinkle of his eyes as he looked to the helmsman, determined to steer his gaze away from the First Mate.

“Shall I inquire after her on your behalf?”