"Psst... Psst, Benwick."

James had looked over his shoulder, left then right, peered behind a barrel- even over the starboard side. He was sure that he had heard someone call his name. Actually, he'd been chasing this feeling for approximately 15 minutes. Perhaps not the most effective use of his time during his shift but he was a naturally curious fellow so there was really nothing for it. It was an itch that needed scratching. Mind you, a gust of wind and an accidental shove in the back as sailors moved cargo back and forth had James Benwick regretting this personality trait. Waving his arms in anti-clockwise circles to try and save himself from an unexpected swim, he heard it again, "Psst... BENWICK!"

The Bosun, used to mild absurdities of Lt. Benwick, shook his head as he pulled on the back of James' coat- bringing him back to the fore-deck and continued to carry a load of waxed rope toward the cathead. James fixed his coat and properly embarrassed, decided (noise bedamned) to continue with his duties. James headed toward the Bowsprit to continue supervision when unexpectedly (or not), he was pulled by the back of the coat (again) down the ladder of the pump room. Some scuffling and a "what the devil" later, James found himself bailed up against a wall with John's hand over his mouth.

"What took you so long man," John stage whispered as he stepped back from his friend and looked around.

"What took me?" repeated James, realisation hitting him almost immediately, "That was you?" John nodded as he snickered with glee. Snickering expanded into silent laughter as a nonplussed Benwick continued. "What the bloody hell are you on about? We're meant to be preparing the ship for embarkation and you're carrying out a parlour game between decks." This scolding merely caused John to snort as tears began to stream down his face. Feeling huffy and more than a little embarrassed, James made to continue with his rounds.

"Wait," John stalled, "I'm sorry. There's no emergency and it wasn't a game. Well, not until I saw you waving so majestically over the side of the ship my friend." James allowed himself to be steered to sit on a barrel and accepted the flask from John, peace between the two friends restored. "I have wondered, since our celebration with Frederick, whether there is some mystery about our dear captain. Do you recall the odd behaviour that evening we were together in his cabin?

"Aye, I do. He is a very private man, Harville."

"But he hasn't always been!" Urged John. "When I first met Frederick Wentworth, he was a boisterous, quick witted, charismatic first mate with an eye for ladies and for heroism. A very different man from whom we know today. I have always assumed", continued John as he began pacing around the room, "that his change in character was a result of his promotion to commander."

"Reasonable. He is a good man and a better leader. Level headed and fiercely commanding. I would not say he lacks bravery, especially in a crisis."

"Of course! But perhaps there is something more. I mean, who the devil is Anne?"

"Ah, true." James could see the connection John was trying to make. "You are suggesting that the change in the Captain's manner is due to a lady?"

"Aye, a lady. Why else would a man with money and rank turn down offer after willing offer from so many ladies of different stations? What else could so irrevocably change a man's disposition, than that of a love turned sour?"

"Hmmm. It is a stretch and quite frankly- none of our business."

"Tosh! We are his closest friends and he is a friend in need. We have a duty to get to the bottom of this mystery."

"What do you propose?"

"Well," Harville dropped his voice to a devious whisper and wrapped his arm around James' shoulders. "It begins with Rum."

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

James stood nervously before the Captain's private chambers, regretting the day he met John Harville. This visit was a sham and completely ridiculous given that it was founded on a plan that took shameless advantage of the love he felt for Fanny. John Harville could go to the devil. James took a steadying breath and knocked on the heavy door.

"Enter," Frederick Wentworth called from within.

James entered and stood at attention, "Captain. Thank you for seeing me at this late hour."

"Not at all Benwick, how may I be of assistance?"

James briefly considered requesting a shift change so that he was not on duty with John Harville ever again. How nice it would be to not get caught in any of his ridiculous schemes. However, he tucked that spiteful thought away, "it is a personal matter Sir, if you don't mind."

Captain Wentworth raised an eyebrow and closing his ledger said, "perhaps you should have a seat then and continue by calling me Frederick, or Fred if you will. We can't stand on ceremony for personal matters James. Drink?"

"Thank you, Frederick. I can't lie- a drink or ten of them wouldn't go astray. I'm a mess and I'd appreciate your guidance." James paused as he took a seat in front of the small boiler giving off a blessed warmth. Taking a gulp of amber liquid for courage he continued, "I have decided to ask Fanny Harville for her hand in marriage."

"By Jove, that is excellent news! Nicely done my friend," Frederick exclaimed jumping off his chair to give James a hearty pat on the back, "I must say this is not wholly unexpected. You're very well suited. I fail to see how you need my help though."

"W-Well you see, it's Harville, Frederick. He is Fanny's guardian."

"Yes?"

James sent a silent curse upon John Harville, "I'm w-worried about my reception. John knows my station, I cannot afford yet to keep a wife. W-w-what if he refuses?" If it was possible to cringe internally, James was doing this. Frederick was sure to see through this, it was clear that John would not oppose the match. This would not work.

Frederick sent a doubtful look in James direction and so James hurried on, "I would feel much better about it Sir, if you were there with me. For support." Cheeks colouring, James felt like the most spineless sailor to set foot on a ship. This was ridiculous.

"Well, if that is all you need, I suppose I am happy to be of service to you. Though truly, I could very nearly vouch for John myself Benwick. He loves Fanny and it is clear to all that Fanny loves you."

"Please, sir," Pained James.

"Very well, Parker!" Frederick called to his Valet, "send for Lt Harville if you will. He is needed in the Captain's chambers directly."

For show, James began to pace around the cabin, wringing his hands. Frederick plied his friend with drink after drink and James made sure Frederick kept up with his pace. The two were very inebriated by the time Harville arrived.

Upon hearing a knock upon the door, the "Enter" that Frederick called was much more slurred and far louder.

Unable to hide the smirk from his face, Harville entered the room, "you wished to see me Captain?" He began, surveying his two friends in their less than spectacular shape.

"John." Clapped Frederick on Harville's back, "John, John, John, John, John! Our friend here needsh an audience with yoooouuurrrrsef." Frederick pointed to James, swaying impressively.

With some exaggerated deferring and much drinking, John Harville had 'accepted' James' 'request' and the trio had moved forward to celebrating the happy 'union'. James was thanking Frederick profusely for his support in his hour of need.

"Well my friend," Frederick supplied, "how could I refuse? I have been young before and been sure of my reception only to have been left wanting. It can be a painful business."

At this, John's ears pricked up knowing that they were finally about to hear what he had suspected. "Would this have been Anne?"

"Anne." Frederick agreed, staring into the flames before him. "She was an angel. Fey and compassionate with the wit of a man and the passion of a sailor. I was in the middle before I knew I had begun. I asked and she accepted. Her father, the vainest man in England, would not stand in our way. Two days of bliss followed. Until her mother's friend, who may as well have been her guardian, persuaded her that money was needed for a marriage to be happy. Anne proved to be weak and ended our engagement. I misjudged. I will never make that mistake again." Frederick seemed to become aware then of the dark turn of the conversation and made an effort to change directions, "you won't have that problem, James! Fanny is as strong as she is beautiful, I wish you a long and happy union!"

"Here, here!" Echoed John as he considered his friend and Captain. It was clear the man was hurt and angry, most definitely accounting for the change in character he had witnessed during their time as friends. "Here, here".

{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}{}

The following evening, Benwick and Harville met again upon the bridge and after discussing the major discovery of the evening and commiserating over the evils of too much drink James surprised his friend.

"I know now, how you can repay me for that embarrassing display I enacted in front of the Captain last night."

"Oh yes?" queried John.

"Yes. Let your blessing be true. Your sister is the most amazing woman I have ever met and I would like to marry her. What say you?"

"Aye my friend!" exclaimed John, enthusiastically shaking his friend's hand. "You have my trust and my blessing- may your love always be true!"