VOYAGERS! - The Voyager Chronicles
TASTES OF FREEDOM - BOOK 2
(Sequel to Discoveries)
By DA Daugherty (VoyagersFan)
March 2007 (Revised 05/2009)
Previous disclaimers apply
Chapter 12 – THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
As the two Voyagers sat there on the porch basking in the warm sunshine, they began to discuss the high points of their mission. Time was of the essence and they knew all too well they were no closer to reaching their goal than when they first arrived. Over the course of the day, the two hashed out the details of plan after plan in an all-out effort to find a way to get this stubborn man to see reason. With no other viable alternative for changing Jefferson's mind, the two came to the conclusion their only hope was Mrs. Jefferson's ability to persuade him. It was make or break time, so at this point, the two decided to take advantage of their surroundings and grab a quick nap.
Fully absorbed in the calm and peaceful nature of their surroundings, Bogg and Jeff's little 'nap' had managed to encompass the remainder of the afternoon. With the sun now on the horizon, Mrs. Jefferson had quietly strolled out onto the porch to invite her two guests in for the evening meal.
"Phineas…Phineas…Wake up!" Mrs. Jefferson whispered, as she leaned over and touched Bogg on the arm.
"Whaa! What's going on!" Bogg said sleepily.
"Phineas…It's me, Martha. You and Jeff need to wake up and come in for dinner."
"Ok, sure ma'am. I'll wake Jeffrey and we'll be right there."
"We'll be waiting for you in the dining room." She said as she turned and went back inside.
Bogg nudged Jeff on the arm. "Hey kid! Wake up!"
"I'm awake! I'm awake!" Jeff exclaimed as he slowly opened his eyes.
"C'mon Jeff, they are waiting for us in the dining room." Bogg urged.
"Ok…OK, I'm right behind you."
The two went inside and met their hosts in the dining room.
"Please gentlemen, be seated." Mr. Jefferson insisted.
Bogg and Jeff pulled out a chair and sat down at the table.
Mrs. Jefferson picked up the little bell from the table and quietly rang it. Jennie and the Butler emerged from the adjacent room.
"We are ready to be served now." She stated.
Quietly, the two went back through the doors and proceeded to push two serving carts out to the table. While the butler poured the wine for their guests, Jennie served the main course.
"Mr. Bogg, I sincerely hope you and Jeffrey have enjoyed your day here at our plantation. It's not often we get to have guests here." Mr. Jefferson said, expressing his pleasure with having them around.
"Sir, we have enjoyed ourselves to the fullest here. Haven't we, Jeff?" Bogg asked.
"Yes, it's been great." Jeff acknowledged.
Bogg looked at their two hosts and thanked them for allowing them to stay at their residence.
We appreciate all your generosity as well as the hospitality you have extended to the two of us. I'm just sorry it has to end so soon."
"Mr. Bogg, Jeffrey, it was our pleasure." Jefferson replied.
"Sir, Jeff and I must be on our way back to Philadelphia tomorrow." Bogg stated.
"Oh, Mr. Bogg. Why are you leaving so soon?" Mrs. Jefferson exclaimed. "You only just arrived yesterday!"
"Mrs. Jefferson is correct. Why not stay a while longer?" Jefferson urged.
"Well, sir, we both would love to stay here and further enjoy the hospitality you have extended to us. However, Dr. Franklin and Mr. Hancock will be expecting us back soon. In light of this, Jeff and I would like to ask you once again to reconsider your previous decision and return with us." Bogg pleaded to Jefferson's sense of loyalty.
Jefferson started to speak and was cut off in mid-sentence. "Mr. Bogg…I" At this point, Bogg began his speech to try to convince him of the importance of his return.
"Wait, sir. Before you respond, please let me say this. Many years ago, our forefathers risked life and limb to sail across the ocean and settle here. Their purpose for taking such a bold risk was to escape the religious persecution and tyranny that was then rampant in their land. Now, after more than 100 years, the same persecutions and tyranny have once again reared its ugly head to haunt the descendants of these people. At this point, the choices are few. They must either submit to the will of Old King George, relinquishing the freedoms their ancestors so valiantly risked their lives for or fight for independence."
"Mr. Bogg…I" Jefferson said as he attempted to interrupt the brilliant oratorio.
"Please, Mr. Jefferson, hear me out. I guess what I am trying to say is this. Your people are now at an important crossroads in the development of this land. On one hand, you have the ability to declare yourselves independent and to begin the process of becoming a new nation, or you can sit and do nothing and let King George take over and run everything. In order for the people of this land to survive, it will be up to men like you, as well as Washington, Adams, Franklin, and Hancock to stand up and fight for your rights and freedoms. Mr. Jefferson, you and your work are the keys to winning this battle. That is why Jeff and I are asking you to please come back with us and finish your work."
Jeff looked over at Jefferson and pleaded with him. "Please come back, sir. Bogg and I will do everything in our power to help you."
Jefferson, stunned by what he had just heard, put down his fork. He sat back in his chair and for a time said nothing.
Mrs. Jefferson focused her attention on her husband. With one raised eyebrow, she spoke up and began to press Mr. Jefferson to speak.
"Thomas, what are you waiting for? Tell them!" Mrs. Jefferson prodded. "Tell them what we've discussed."
Unexpectedly, he began to speak. "Ok, my dear. Ok! I'll tell them."
"Tell us what, Mr. Jefferson?" Jeff asked, now puzzled by their response.
"Mr. Bogg…Jeffrey…I have been quite moved by your statements here this evening. Mr. Bogg, you have brought up many valid points for why I should return to Philadelphia and continue my work. Your arguments were excellent and as much as I hate to say it, your speech was convincing, yet unnecessary." He said with a smile.
Jeff nudged his partner. "It sounds like he's not coming back with us! Now what 'ill we do. " He whispered.
After overhearing his young guest's comments to his partner, Jefferson turned to his wife and smiled before correcting the misunderstanding.
"On the contrary, my dear young friend." Jefferson quipped. "Earlier this afternoon, Martha and I sat down and had a rather lengthy discussion about my work in Philadelphia."
"You did?" Jeff asked.
"Yes, son, we did." Jefferson replied as he nodded to his lovely wife and smiled. "I have to say though, much like my learned colleague from Massachusetts, she too had much to say on the subject."
"Why Thomas, you make me sound like old nag who can't keep her mouth shut." Mrs Jefferson teased.
"My love, I would never, ever say that about you." Jefferson reassured.
"Gentlemen, I won't bore you with the details of our conversation, but in summary, Martha here, convinced me of the importance of my work. She made me realize once again, my place is there…to finish the work that I started for the good of all of those people in these thirteen colonies. "
"So you ARE coming back to Philadelphia?" Bogg asked.
"Yes, Mr. Bogg. Rest assured, I will be with you on your return trip." Jefferson acknowledged with a smile.
Jeff and Bogg turned and gave each other a 'high-five' in celebration of their achievement.
"What was that?" Jefferson asked, innocently.
"Oh, that just our secret handshake so to speak." Bogg explained.
"Oh, Ok… Well now that the cat is out of the bag, let's all sit back and enjoy our meal." Jefferson urged. "We will get a good night's sleep tonight and set off on our journey to Philadelphia early tomorrow morning."
"Hey! What about the carriage?" Jeff asked his partner.
"Good point, kid. Mr. Jefferson, how are we going to get there? Our carriage has not yet arrived."
"Please do not concern yourselves. Several hours ago, while the two of you were sound asleep on the porch, your driver arrived with your carriage. It has been repaired and will be waiting outside for us tomorrow morning."
"Thank goodness." Jeff exclaimed, relieved by the knowledge he wouldn't have to ride a horse back to Philadelphia. "My saddle sores are just beginning to heal from the last horseback ride here."
Upon hearing Jeff's comments, Bogg and the Jefferson's burst into laughter.
"Jeffrey, I will make sure your trip back is much more comfortable than the one which brought you here. I believe Mrs. Jefferson has some spare feather pillows upstairs we can borrow to cushion your posterior on the way back." Jefferson teased.
"Kid, sounds like you are going to be given the royal treatment." Bogg said as he winked.
"Yes, and as I understand it, Old King George's throne doesn't have half as much padding." Jefferson said as he once again chuckled.
After several hours of good food and lively conversation, the Jefferson's, Bogg and Jeff retired to the parlor for their evening imperatif, where they enjoyed each other's company well into the evening.
As the evening began to wind down, a clock on the wall of the parlor began to strike the 11th hour. Startled by the sound, Bogg gazed at its face, before stretching his arms and yawning a bit. He then looked at his partner, who by this time had rested his head on his shoulder and had fallen fast asleep.
"Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson. As much as I hate to put an end to our lovely evening here, I feel Jeff and I must get to bed. We will need all the rest we can get to prepare for our trip tomorrow morning." Bogg said gracefully.
"Mr. Bogg, you have a good point." Jefferson agreed. "I'd say it is also time for us to retire and get a good night's sleep as well."
Bogg rose gently from the settee, trying not to wake his partner. Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson stood up and started toward their bedroom.
"Do you need some help with Jeffrey?" Mrs. Jefferson asked.
"No ma'am. Thank you though. I think I can manage." Bogg replied.
"Well, goodnight to you both." She said softly.
"Goodnight!" Bogg replied.
As Jefferson and his wife disappeared through the door of the parlor, Bogg reached down and picked up Jeff in his arms and made his way slowly up the staircase to their room. As he pushed open the door, he heard sound of footsteps coming from behind him. Startled, he slowly turned to see who it was.
"Mrs. Jefferson?" Bogg asked curiously.
"Yes, Phineas. It's me." She whispered. "I figured you would have your hands full with Jeffrey, so I came to help you."
"Thank you ma'am, but you really didn't need to."
"No, I insist. You are our guests and it's the least I can do. Please, you wait here and let me go inside and make the bed for you both."
"Thank you Martha." Bogg said graciously. "You are most kind."
Mrs. Jefferson quietly entered the room. Upon making her way over to the bed, she meticulously folded back the covers and fluffed the pillows. With her task completed, she turned to her guest, who was standing in the doorway with his partner still in his arms.
"Ok, it's your turn." Mrs. Jefferson prompted.
Bogg tiptoed over to the bed and gently lowered his partner onto it without waking him. He stood back as Mrs. Jefferson lovingly tucked the young Voyager in for the night and kissed him on the forehead.
With Jeff now securely tucked in, Mrs. Jefferson proceeded toward the door. Bogg quickly walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. She stopped suddenly and looked back at him.
"Thank you, Martha!" He whispered.
"No, thank you, Phineas. Goodnight to you both." She replied as she made her way out the door.
Bogg quietly closed the door behind her, then walked over to the bed and climbed in. Minutes after he had put his head down on the pillow, he too was fast asleep.
Early the next morning, Bogg and Jeff rose early. After freshening up a bit, they made their way to the dining room to enjoy one last meal at Monticello.
As they entered the dining room, Jefferson and his lovely wife followed them.
"Good morning gentlemen!" Mr. Jefferson said politely.
"Good morning to you both" Bogg replied.
"Please be seated and make yourselves comfortable." He insisted.
As the two Voyagers took their seats, Jefferson escorted his wife over to the table and pulled the chair out for her. Once she had sat down, he pecked her on the cheek and proceeded to sit down in the captain's chair.
Mrs. Jefferson picked up the silver bell from the table and graciously rang it. Jennie and the butler entered the room right on queue. Mrs. Jefferson gave her instructions to the two and within moments the two had disappeared into the adjacent room.
"Mr. Bogg, what time had you planned on leaving today?" Jefferson asked.
Mrs. Jefferson laughed a bit, before glancing over to her husband and teasing him.
"Why Thomas, are you in a hurry to leave? Are you implying that you are tired of my company?"
Bogg and Jeff laughed. Jefferson smiled at his wife and began to reassure her.
"Well, since you brought it up, my dear…" Jefferson said with a tease.
"Why Thomas, I can't believe you would even entertain such a thought!" She exclaimed.
"Calm yourself dear, I'm just teasing you… Jefferson said warmly. "I could never become tired of your company. I love you, Martha and I will start missing you as soon as the door closes behind me."
"Well sir, now that we have cleared up that little misunderstanding…" Bogg said, before being interrupted by the laughter of their hosts.
"Misunderstanding? A little bit more and it could have been an all out war!" Jefferson stated boldly. "And we all know who would have won that battle."
"I've taught you well!" Mrs. Jefferson said as she smiled at her husband.
"Sir, Jeff and I were hoping to leave immediately after breakfast. It's a couple of day's journey and the sooner we get started, the better."
"That's fine, Mr. Bogg. I will need to gather a few things to take with us." Jefferson replied.
Jennie and the butler pushed their serving carts out to the table and began serving the Jefferson's and their guests.
"That will not be a problem." Bogg replied as he started to eat.
The Jefferson's and their guests partook of the grand spread laid before them as they enjoyed each other's conversation. Bogg and Mr. Jefferson spoke of his upcoming work in Philadelphia as Jeff and Mrs. Jefferson talked about Bogg and how they met. After a time, they finished with their meal, sat back in their chairs and contemplated the delicious food they had just eaten. After a moment, Bogg looked over at his partner.
"Kid, why don't we go and wait for Mr. Jefferson in the carriage. Besides, he and Mrs. Jefferson need to say their goodbyes."
"Right Bogg!"
"Wait! Before you go…" Mrs. Jefferson exclaimed as she rose from the table, walked over and stood in front of the two Voyagers.
"Thank you both for coming to our humble home." Mrs. Jefferson said as she bent over and hugged Jeff. "You take good care of your father for me, ok."
"I will." Jeff said. "I promise I will."
"And Mr. Bogg. Thank you for coming as well. I hope you and Jeffrey have enjoyed your stay here with us." She said warmly. Without warning, she put her arms around Bogg and whispered in his ear. "Take care of yourself, Phineas."
"I will" He whispered.
"And Jeffrey too… Take good care of him, Phineas. Do whatever it takes to bring him up properly. Be his friend, his companion as well as his dad and always be there for him. Whatever you do, enjoy the time you have left with him, for in a few short years he will quickly grow into adulthood. Always remember, he loves you dearly. You only have to see his actions to realize that."
Mrs. Jefferson released him from her embrace. Bogg raised his arm and wiped a tear on his sleeve.
"I hope the two of you will come back and visit us again."
"We will… Thank you…Martha." Bogg acknowledged as he turned and faced his partner.
"Well, kid, let's go and wait for Mr. Jefferson in the carriage." Bogg urged as he put his arm around Jeff.
The two left the dining room and went outside. As they emerged through the door, they saw their carriage and driver waiting for them at the end of the walkway. Upon reaching the carriage, the driver opened the door and they both stepped inside.
"Bogg?"
"Yea, kid."
"What did Mrs. Jefferson whisper in your ear?"
"Mrs. Jefferson didn't whisper anything in my ear." Bogg replied. "You're just imagining things, kiddo."
"No, Bogg, I saw it with my own eyes." Jeff argued. "She said something to you, now spill it!"
"Spill what?" Bogg questioned. "Like I said, she didn't whisper anything in my ear."
"Yea, right!" Jeff exclaimed with disbelief. "Do you think I fell off a turnip truck yesterday or something? I saw it Bogg. And don't deny it! Whatever she said, it brought a tear to your eye."
"A tear? What are you talking about kid?"
"When she released her hold on you, I saw you wipe your eye on your sleeve." Jeff said pointedly.
"I just had something in my eye. Besides, she hugged me so hard, I thought my eyes were going to pop out." Bogg said as he attempted to sidestep the issue.
"Bogg, c'mon give it up. Spill it!" Jeff exclaimed.
"Ok, kid. You forced my hand on this one." Bogg said as he resigned himself to his partner's inquisition. "She told me to take care of myself. If you must know, she also told me how lucky I am to have you by my side." He quickly turned his head away from Jeff and began to stare off into the distance attempting to hide his emotions.
"Bogg! Look at me, Bogg!" Jeff exclaimed.
Bogg turned back to face his young partner. "Yea, what now?"
"If I have never said it before, let me say it now." Jeff said with feeling and emotion.
"What's that, kid?"
"I'm a lucky kid also to have you as my friend, my partner and my dad." He said softly.
Bogg reached over and hugged Jeff. "Thank you, kid. You don't know how it feels to hear that from you."
Just as Bogg had released his hold on his partner, Jefferson appeared at the door of the carriage. He unlatched the door and handed Bogg a lap desk and a couple of books, along with two fluffy feather pillows for Jeff to sit on. He then climbed inside and took a seat.
"Well, gentlemen, are we ready to go?" He asked excitedly.
"We're ready, sir." Bogg said as he nodded.
"Then let us be off." Jefferson stuck his head out the window of the carriage and motioned for the driver to begin their journey. The driver snapped the reins and they were on their way.