When Leviathans sailed the briny seas, racing from port to port carrying the desperate in their slimy holds and the affluent in silky splendor; it was often not readily apparent who, in truth, lived in quiet desperation. For Arrabelle Roquefort de la Fortunée, the voyage from Marseille to Sydney was three months of hell. She suffered from crippling mal de mar during high seas, but even under calm conditions, could only tolerate mash and light spirits. No dining at the Captain’s table for her.
Far worse though than constant queasiness was the harsh treatment dealt from the fists of her brute of a husband, the Duc de Vervin-Chacout; and a worse specimen of male would have been hard to find. He was portly, profusely be-whiskered, overly fond of brandy [both the libation and the Ambassador’s wife] and an inferiority complex that was quick to kindle violent outbursts. In an age not that far distant, he would have long since been buried due to dueling. A lost duel, natch. The Duc was a bully, who pretended prowess in swivving to his sycophantic circle. They were primarily interested in his gold.
On the night the Duc vanished none could recall – so sworn before the Board of Inquiry – witnessing anything untoward. No, Madam de la Fortunée was not at table. No, Le Duc was not excessively imbibed. Yes, it was brisk weather, and yes the seas were running high. No, there was no abnormal sounds of struggle nor evidence of broken railings or frayed ropes. Yes, a tragedy of course. One of the many perils of sailing the Antipodes. Yes, his widow is desolate. Poor thing, sick and now in mourning for her beloved.
Had anyone else been on the fantail that fateful morning well past midnight, they would have seen the soon-to-be widow enthusiastically blowing a kiss outwards to a be-whiskered object first bobbing, then sinking beneath the luminescent wake. Forever.
Spank Me Hard! ... Please? 
As you can see, I have changed things around here. I love the color.
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It is a pretty blue!
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Thank you. Blue is my favorite color, usually more like cobalt.
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Loving the new colour.
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Thank you fondles. The *color* is nice. 🙂
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A dark and dreary tale. Some blown kisses are hellos, others good byes 🙂
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Hello. Thank you for your kind comment. It is interesting how kisses can mean so many different things.
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Thank you for choosing my post in your top 3/4 entries.
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I love dark stories, and this one taps right into that. Great way of using the prompt. Oh, and I love the new look of your site 🙂
~ Marie xox
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Thanks Marie. The funny thing is, that I like writing dark stories but not reading them. it was long past time to update my site.
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Loving that last paragraph
May 😉
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Thanks for the love, May. 😉
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I love the way you create your settings so vividly as a focus and then sort of slip your story right in there. Brilliant x
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Hi, missy. A very vivid story. I’m so glad you love my stories. 🙂
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