James Benwick was fed and watered before dawn broke on the following morning. Frederick found him pacing the deck of the Laconia, both enjoying and ignoring the peace and quietude that only a sunrise on the water can bring.
"Benwick! You are abroad early. What are your plans for the morning?"
"I am to see Bishop Avery about a common license for Fanny and I. We plan to marry from Portsmouth rather than travel home to Dorsetshire. I hope that he will be able to accommodate me immediately. Can I be of any service to you while I am in town?"
"Yes, as it happens." Frederick replied, surprising James, "I pray that you would look in on Admiral Croft and my sister. The Admiral has inquired after you and asked that I send you to him throughout the course of the day. I see that you are ready and though it is not visiting hours, knowing them as I do they would be ready to receive you this early if you care to leave now."
"I know not why, my fried," Frederick laughingly replied, raising his arms in surrender in response to James' questioning look. "I have long learnt that the Admiral does as he pleases and it did not please him to explain this visit to me. They have lodgings on Ashby Place, Number 12."
"Well, if you say they will be up I will go now, the Bishop does not keep hours until 10 O'clock, so I certainly have the time. Will I see you at the Harville's this evening?"
"Aye, that you will. I wish you well James."
With a spritely step, James exited the Laconia and made his way through the streets of Portsmouth to Ashby Place. The city was already alive with the sounds of locals selling their wares from Stalls along the street. The smoke and fog that had settled during the night was dissipating to reveal the clear blue sky synonymous with spring time. James thought briefly on Fanny's developing cold with little wonder. Smoke during the evening and blossoms during the day could both account for her struggles the day before.
Coming upon 12 Ashby Place, he knocked on the door and was let in by an elderly lady with the sharp-eyed, wiry form common amongst the folk of the docks. Left to divest himself of his hat and gloves, the Admiral was sought and welcomed him in his typical fashion.
"Benwick! Well, well this is a pleasure indeed." He called as he clapped James jovially on the back. "Come in, Sophie and I are just treating ourselves to an early scone with Tea. We've already been out for our walk. The Doctor recommended plenty of fresh air to aid with her recovery. Ha! As though she didn't already spend more time outdoors than that old rast-about!" The Admiral kept up a steady stream of chatter as he ushered James to the dining table where he and his wife had holed up and was pouring him a cup of tea before he could blink.
"I must say my dear," cut in Mrs Croft. "When you tasked Frederick with sending the Lieutenant to us I did not expect to see him as soon as this. Lieutenant Benwick, I don't feel that I have had the opportunity to thank you for your assistance with Commodore Pugh the night of the Navy Ball. Thank you, most sincerely. Without your aid I would certainly have been more battered and blue than what I was, for there was no way I would have allowed the devil to achieve his end."
"Indeed Mrs Croft you were a sight to behold! I was pleased to be of assistance but you do not need to thank me. I confess that I acted without thinking and upon reflection am not convinced that you needed me at all. Tell me-." Here James hesitated but with a look at the humour and pride on the Admiral's face he continued, "you had a particularly determined look on your face after you came-to on the ground, what on Earth was running through your mind?"
At this Mrs Croft let out a satisfied laugh, "oh I'm so glad you asked. No one has thought to ask me what I would have done. The Admiral knows, which I am sure is why he has not broached the subject; but everyone else was so concerned with your welfare and then with the apprehension of Pugh (I refuse to call him Commodore any longer) I suppose it was rather moot." Then James watched the lithe figure of the Amazon dash out and return in short order with her reticule. Sitting down she reached inside the bag and then pulled her hand back out, only now her knuckles were adorned by what appeared to be a long metal ring. The Admiral barked out a very amused laugh and forgetting his company leaned over the table and placed a sound kiss on the cheek of his very proud looking wife.
"I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand." James stated, a bemused look on his face as Mrs Croft swatted her husband away.
"This, Lieutenant," Began the Admiral, taking the metal object from his wife's hand. "Is a Tekko. It was a gift to Sophie upon our first sea voyage together. We were travelling to China on a merchant mission. The Emperor was astounded that I had travelled with a woman aboard my ship. It was very difficult to explain that the two of us were much better off together than apart. But then how could a man with a harem understand devotion to one woman?" Handing the object to James, the admiral continued, "Upon the eve of our departure the Emperor requested an audience with the two of us. He was intrigued by our partnership and hoped to see it succeed I believe. Understanding the peril that Sophia might find herself in given her life aboard a Naval vessel, he gave her this. You wear it across your knuckles like so and it provides your punch with extra force, leaving greater destruction in its wake."
James looked to the Admiral and then to Mrs Croft with a renewed respect, "Forgive me Madam, but you are indeed a force to be reckoned with. I'm rather sorry I got in your way!"
"Never mind that Lieutenant, both my husband and I are glad it did not come to that. I commend you for your bravery."
"As do I," agreed the Admiral. "Though it leaves the navy in a spot of bother. Pugh is gone now, you see. Stripped of his commission and sent to the country to lick his wounds. I will not have such a man in command any of my ships or my men! But he was about to take command of the Grappler. A small sloop that is on its way to Trafalgar to collect goods from the HMS Pickle. I am in great need of a Commander. There shall be some prize money involved as well of course," pausing for a breath and pinning James with his steely eyes the Admiral asked, "are you interested?"
James stood (out of shock more than anything) and walked to the window to cover his embarrassment. The scene outside was as he predicted, the wide blue sky complemented by blooms hanging off window boxes, people walking gaily down the street. "To be clear, you're offering me a promotion to Commander and prize money in exchange for collecting goods from Trafalgar and returning them here to Portsmouth?"
"Aye, that is the case."
James heart began to beat an anticipatory rhythm in his chest. "How soon would I be required to leave?"
"By week's end. And return within 3 weeks."
"And the crew?"
"We have not dispersed Pugh's crew. It is too close to the mission. However, I would recommend using this expedition to observe which Sailors meet your expectations. We can discuss replacements upon your return."
"So I am to remain in command of her upon our return?"
"Well, if you wish it Sir!" Exclaimed the Admiral with a smile. "Come, what say you?"
James returned to his seat and looked steadfastly at the Admiral. "I am honoured, Admiral. Honoured and pleased beyond measure! Forgive me but I cannot answer you right away. You may not know, I am recently engaged to be married to Miss Harville, Lieutenant Harville's sister. We have plans to be married as soon as may be, I am on my way to see the Bishop for a license this very morning, but this will delay our union." Pausing, James added hesitatingly unsure of his reception, "you may think it singular, Sir, but I need to consult with Miss Harville on what is best for us both in this situation."
"Not at all!" Assured the Admiral, "You confirm the type of man Frederick has told us you are by consulting your bride to be. I commend you for this."
"I will make my way to her now," James said as he rose to take his leave. "How soon do you require my answer, Sir?"
Taking a moment to think, the Admiral replied, "By tomorrow if you can. No later than two days hence."
Then with a shake of the Admiral's hand and a bow to Mrs Croft, James was out the door and on to his next appointment.
A Commander! He, who was not yet 28, the third son of a gentleman farmer to be placed in such a position of authority! A rank that would ensure his ability to not only set up a home for his bride, but a home in the very County of which they had dreamt and planned for together. This was a boon indeed!
James rushed towards the Harville's home, appointment with the Bishop all but forgotten for now. He could not wait to discuss this opportunity with Fanny. He slowed momentarily, wondering what her response would be. The wedding would certainly have to wait, which neither of them could be happy about. However, he would no longer be beholden to the Laconia. As a commander of a sloop his primary purpose would be to support the merchant arm of the force. He would be frequently from home but for much shorter periods of time and at a much less risk of coming to harm. He thought he knew what Fanny would say. He felt in his very soul that they wanted the same things. But he needed to hear it from her. His feet rushed him faster onward to share the news.