14
"Captain John Smith, noble servant. I have called you here for an important matter. It has been brought to my attention that Captain Newport, was involved in rambunctious activity yesternight, resulting in conditions requiring immediate medical attention."
Smith winced. "What is the extent, your highness?"
"Nasal and wrist fractures; as well as a blackened eye, the latter which would be the least concern. I am not aware of the details as they have not been disclosed by Newport, or Captain Parker, who was present; although participation in drunken revelry, is typical of Newport. I have doubts he can recall such an event clearly, even while sober." King James rolled his eyes, recalling such previous events. Even Smith had to agree with the King on this one, though he feared if the King found out what he already knew.
"You men are chosen as representatives of my Kingdom. I expect you to conduct yourselves with sensible decorum and integrity at all times. Such behavior is a mockery not only to myself but also the entire Kingdom. I refuse to be mocked-"
"Ahem-my sincerest apologies your highness. I needed to clear my throat." If the King had any idea what occurred among the crew, on and below deck... .
The King continued. "I will pardon this foolishness, but I assure you this is the last time." Smith sighed, somewhat relieved. "As you can imagine, his surgeries will delay his voyage to Jamestown next month. Captain Parker has another assignment. Captain Pierce will not be back in London in time. I am expecting you to take on his responsibility in addition to the one I have already given you. This will undoubtedly push your previous voyage until early next year, though I trust you'll manage. I will award you a pension in advance for the short notice, and appreciate you stepping in on his behalf."
"Thank you kindly your highness." -
Smith left the Palace with a mix of happiness and regret. Certainly he made more jabs at Newport than he could recall, but had he done that much damage to his comrade? He never thought twice about knocking down tribesmen on his previous journeys, but his mentor from youth? Nevertheless, John couldn't ride home fast enough.
He picked up his wife and twirled her around the room. "Pocahontas I have excellent news-well some." He had some regrets regarding Newport. "The King has charged me to take Newport's assignment to Jamestown next month, which means we can go see your father and people. And, he gave me an advance which we can use to pay off the landlord."
"That's wonderful!"
"But," setting her down. "After the holiday season, I'll be setting out to New England the beginning of next year."
"Well, at least we'll have that time together."
"And, I have some concerns for Newport's condition."
"How bad is he?"
"A fractured nose and wrist with a black eye. I intend to visit, though I wonder if he'll even want to see me."
"You two have been close for so many years. Surely a misunderstanding cannot come between you for long."
"Time will tell."
He thought for a moment. They had an unusual tendency to nearly loathe each other one moment, shouting at each other from across the deck, only to laugh it off, having an ale or lager afterward. Such was the case for these two particularly headstrong men-so alike despite the two decade age difference. So close, they not only smoked from the same pipe (which they both gave up several years ago), slapped each other's rears and thought nothing more of it, that even the men would joke about them being a pair; though all the men knew themselves that line was never crossed and never would. Still, none of their previous quarrels ever escalated to this degree. -
Smith found out from Captain Parker of Newport's whereabouts, and headed off to visit him at St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
"Good afternoon Madam." He spoke to a nurse. "I'm looking for Captain Christopher Newport."
"Your name and relationship Sir?"
"John Smith. I'm a longtime friend of his."
"I'm afraid he won't be seen by anyone apart from his immediate family. But I'll be certain to tell him you stopped by."
"I'd greatly appreciate that."
After Smith had left, the nurse visited Newport's room. "Was that Smith?"
"Yes Sir. He wished to see you. But you are aware of the conditions, as he is not kinship."
He cursed at his nurse. Kinship or not, he had a thing or two on his mind to say to that man... . -
The next few weeks were busy for Mr. And Mrs. Smith, between the doctor's visits shopping for maternity clothing and baby items, and planning for the move. Pocahontas was already a month along, and would be two months along by the time they set sail. While the doctor didn't recommend the travel, with persistence, the Smith's arranged for a traveling doctor for their voyage. -
The Smiths traveled back to the Alford Manor in time for Richie's birthday. While the five-year-old received many gifts, including toys, a horse, and puppy, his favorite gifts were from John and Pocahontas.
"A helmet? Just like yours, Uncle John?"
"This one is just your size. I had the blacksmith make it a little larger, for you to grow into."
"I like the throw, Auntie Po."
"I thought 'twould keep you warm this coming winter."
He hugged each of them in gratitude. As he hugged John, he whispered, "I'll miss you Uncle John-and Auntie Po. Please come back."
"We'll be back."
Richard, watching, added. "Yes 'tis unfortunate you're leaving so soon."
John looked at him in surprise, then said. "Well, Pocahontas and I must be going. We still have much packing to do." -
The Smiths closed up the cottage, and their London flat, and gave their goodbyes to their neighbors, including Mrs. Porter. At this point she was getting visits by another older gentleman, who kept her company. -
On that day, at the dock, while John had assembled his crew, and he as well as Pocahontas and the critters were preparing to leave, Ben and Lon caught up to him.
"We heard about your fall out with Newport last month at the Prospect," Lon started. "The man himself is still too ashamed to see anyone in his condition. What a wanker he must've been."
"I'm certain the ol' bugger prolly deserved it," Ben laughed. "Ne'er mind him, Smith." He patted him on the shoulder. "We know Ol' Newport gets carried away with his drinking' and prolly spoke some rubbish. Hopefully you knocked some sense into that thick skull of his."
They laughed over it, but Smith couldn't join them. Secretly he thought. Well, if 'twere not for me, he'd be in my place now. He even wondered why no charges were pressed against him yet, and if they would be... .
"Richie and Annie would have loved to come," Pocahontas commented, breaking his thoughts.
"I know they would." He regretted leaving them.
Thomas came aboard. "Mind if I bring a friend?" Alice accompanied him.
"Be cautious-'tis precious cargo," John joked.
Pocahontas and John were surprised to see more familiar faces. Richie and Annie ran to them as soon as they saw them.
"Richie, Annie, what are you doing here?" Pocahontas asked.
"We're going with you," said Annie.
"I wanted to see the new world with Uncle John," said Richie. "Father and Uncle Francis decided to come, too. Even mum and Auntie Margaret are here, with Lizzie and Mattie."
Richard approached John. "The children, Richie and Annie especially, were distraught when you left. I thought Richie especially would appreciate his first voyage with his uncle."
"I appreciate that," John patted him on the shoulder. He hoisted Richie over his shoulders and told him, "I'll let you turn the steering wheel." The little boy was thrilled.
They remained steady on the course until Jamestown. -