Though only seven and twenty, already there are immutable lines present in Captain Marcus Reese's countenance. Tragedy struck early in the life of this young sailor, not in the form of shipwreck, disease, or battle, but in the form of that tenderest of griefs, the loss of his beloved. Engaged to a young woman before setting off on a two-year tour of duty, he loved his fiance as deeply as man can love, and lived for the day when he returned to shore to marry her.
How cruel life can be, especially when it touches love! During his voyage, Reese distiguished himself highly and was promoted to Captain and promised his own ship upon return to England. Fortune was destined to be his as well, with the capture of several privateers on the high seas. Triumphantly home he came, resplendant in his Captain's uniform and joyous in his love.
But no slim figure ran down the lane to greet him - no sweet presence awaited by the fire. The parents of his dear beloved told him gently and tearfully of her passing during the winter gone. He left them to face his own grief, his only comfort being his belief that he would never love another.
In the years that followed, he worked like a fiend in his profession, taking the most dangerous missions and driving himself to the brink of exhaustion throughout them. Instead of the oblivion that he hoped for, honour was what he gained; a bitter reward. Being granted a leave of absence, he has been asked to accompany Admiral Lowe to Bath for health treatments, a task which he undertook gladly for the admiral's sake. For his own self, he spurns society, feels the gay atmosphere of Bath mocking him and his sorrow. Although it has been five years since the death of his love, still the grief, pain, and remorse lingers like a miasma over his heart.
Appearance: Captain Reese cuts a fine figure against the elegant background of Bath, in his uniform and trappings or in his everyday garb. Tall and lean, he has the graceful, easy walk of a sailor and the aplomb of a gentleman. His dark brown hair, slightly bronzed from the sun, is combed neatly back from a high forehead. His eyes, though solemn, are a clear hazel, kind and warm in unguarded moments.