Yes suspense – its ok everyone you can breathe now! Deep breath in and out, and in and out. This story was inspired by the first few chapters of Desolation Island, so try to picture this right before the first chapter. AND may I add here that this story was all Heather's fault who used her evil powers of brain control to force me against my will to write a mystery. Never fear I shall have my revenge! But for now I'm going to go bake some cookies. Enjoy.
ashgrove cottage
sunday - day one
Stephen blinked violently as the orange sun rose over Ashgrove cottage. He had received Jack's letter the day before and had come this morning with his response. Before he could utter a single word however he had been ushered in by a Sophie with bits of food sprinkled down the front of her front and seated in the breakfast-parlor. Then left there when Sophie rushed out to find the meaning of a dangerous sounding thump from upstairs assuring him that she would be back down shortly.
Stephen thought of his response and of how he hated turning Jack down who had, as always written as sure as day that Stephen would be able to come aboard without a thought to anything else. Stephen's hands though were tied - he had to say no – he was needed in London.
"Stephen, good morning," came Jack's booming voice jerking Stephen form his thoughts being particularly loud in the quiet of the morning. "Hola Jack" was his quiet reply. Jack, however, didn't seem to notice but looked to his waistcoat. "Excuse me Stephen – Sophie!" he called letting his feet guide him out and pulling at his waistcoat to get a better look.
Stephen absently looked around him for the first time. Stephen was shocked as the thought finally struck him, had he been in this breakfast-parlor before?
The twins were the next to enter the breakfast-parlor and Stephen stood politely. "Good morning ladies," he tried to say as cheerfully as possible over their odd expressions. They mumbled their own "good mornings" and sat down eyeing each other suspiciously and not giving Stephen another thought.
Stephen sat for a moment uneasily with the twins picking at his food. Though thankfully before he had a chance to become thoroughly uncomfortable Sophie returned.
She had been flustered when she had shown him in, but now the food had been wiped clean from her dress and she was gleaming. "That takes care of George – I'm sorry to have kept you waiting Stephen."
Jack followed her in pulling his waistcoat into place over his large form. He smiled brightly " her name is Lygnus…"
The next hour of breakfast was spent with Jack going on about his new ship HMS Lygnus. Him speaking of her with all the love and affection that he would the wife that was sitting next to him. Stephen was thoroughly accustomed to just tuning him out after the first few minutes coming back only to add an intelligent sounding "oh?" or "yes I'm sure" in the intervals.
What stood out enough for Stephen was that she was a fifth-rate, forty eighteen-pound guns. Jack had already recruited Pullings, was having difficulties tracking down Mowett and had found that Babbington was in the West Indies. Killick and Bonden of course being here with him already.
After breakfast Jack and Stephen retired to the drawing room and the twins followed Sophie upstairs who had gone to tend to a now crying George.
"Have you written to Mr. Glenn he is still in London is he not?" Jack asked sipping his cup contently. "Jack..." Stephen began slowly then paused, and decided to just come out with it. "I have to be back to London tomorrow-" "Surly you'll be back in time-" "I'm afraid not brother. I will write to Mr. Peterson about my replacement if you are in need. "
This news suddenly pulled Jack out of the high he had been in all morning making its effects more dramatic than was usual with Jack.
"Oh well, of course – just a simple scouting trip anyway. I doubt there will even be time for one case of scur-" Jack mumbled on not knowing where to end this ill-considered speech. Luckily, though, his brother understood and nothing more needed to be said.
He put down his coffee, which suddenly held no interest. Jack knew well enough of his friends affairs no to inquire ab out the trip to London that was costing I him /I his ship's surgeon and companionship.
Jack suddenly realized he would have to account for his long silence. "Did you hear from Kiara?" "She had just hired a new head for that great house of hers. A Madame Vasseur, I believe it is." Stephen sighed, "London life does not suit the poor creature. When I saw her last she was most unnaturally pale."
They continued conversing for sometime after or until that is the coffee went cold. Enjoying each other s company as they had for so long when Stephen stood, "Well I must be off my dear. I wish you fair winds for your voyage." "Ah, thank you Stephen," Jack said then sullenly led his friend out.
When Jack finally did return it was to find Sophie waiting for him. "Has he left already?" "Yes sweetheart, he has left."
