The Captain's Order Paperback

October 1882
Working on a ship is tough … but it’s about to become a whole lot worse…

How can a smile be so misunderstood?

For Nell, it’s a sign of friendship. To her male colleagues, it’s so much more…

With two men intent on securing her affections, and little chance of escape, life for Nell is challenging. Until she finds an unexpected guardian.

Her saviour is charming and chivalrous, but when he unwittingly causes more problems than he solves, she finally snaps.

Determined to be left alone, she sees an opportunity to be rid of her most troublesome admirer. But not everything goes to plan.

When an emergency threatens both passengers and crew, the captain announces a new way of working, and Nell has no choice but to obey his orders…

Liverpool, September 1882



Number three, Princes Park Mansions. Despite visiting monthly for the last six months, Nell wondered how she’d become a regular visitor to such a magnificent address. Not that she’d been inside the house beyond the entrance hall. Gazing up, she shuddered at the imposing four-storey building with its stuccoed facade and rows of Georgian windows. It was impossible to approach without being watched by the curious eyes peering from behind numerous sets of curtains. Taking a deep breath, she climbed the front steps and knocked on the elaborate door-knocker. I hope Miss Ellis is ready.


As usual, the butler opened the door within seconds. 


“Good afternoon, Mrs Riley. If you’ll step in, I’ll tell the mistress you’re here.” He closed the door behind her before making his way up the ornate wooden staircase, his grey hair an attractive contrast to the black of his morning suit. Nell ran her eyes over the now familiar portraits hanging on the wood panelling, but Miss Ellis broke her concentration. 


“Mrs Riley! How marvellous to see you again.” She skipped down the stairs. “Did you have a good voyage?”


“I did, thank you, but I’ll tell you about it later.”


“You didn’t go into New York again, did you?” Miss Ellis’s eyes widened.


“Sadly, it wasn’t that good. Are you ready to go out?”


Miss Ellis screwed up her face. “What’s the weather like?”


“It was trying to rain, but it should hold off for the next hour or so.”
Miss Ellis’s shoulders slumped. “Would you mind if we don’t walk today?”


“Would you like me to come back tomorrow?”


“Silly. I don’t want you to leave. I just thought we could stay here. The sitting room’s on the first floor and Mother’s taking a lie-down so we’ll have it to ourselves. You’ll see the view of the park I’ve been telling you about, too.”


Nell tried to smile. Why didn’t I put my better dress on?