Catherine, before you read about the rest of my day you must understand my feelings now. I am scared to my wit's end and I'm sure that whatever has happened will change my life forever. There can be no way that this was not anticipated nor intended, so I must smile and bear it and say that it is the good Lord's will. Now for the news. I will not see mother. I will not see England. I am now on my way to the Americas - no not the colonies - but the Caribbean if I understand correctly.
This morning I woke in the small area set aside as the doctor's ward. My hammock was comfortable, despite the fact it's terribly improper for a lady of my age to use one. Above me I could hear shouting and feet running to and fro, but I thought nothing of it. While I dressed, the Doctor called to me from his own quarters. As soon as I was presentable I let him know and he came in with some strange news. Napoleon's fleet is now on the hunt for us, and the HMS Surprise has been called to destroy the threat of invasion. Stephen, the doctor, kindly explained to me that I would have to travel with them, as there was no way to dock without losing too much time. My mind was flustered and I wasn't sure why this had happened. The doctor kindly asked if he could mix up something to help ease the tension and I agreed.I felt calmer afterwards, but still I needed to hear the news from someone I knew better.
Already, traveling a week or so on the ship seemed to stretch my idea of a comfortable voyage, and they tell me these orders could take months to fulfill. I found my way to the quarter deck, still thinking about the possibility of my voyage, where the captain was giving orders. I looked around for Peter, but he wasn't in sight. Everyone seemed to be making a fuss and all the sails had been unfurled - marking the start of an urgent cruise. Just then Jack seemed to notice me.
"Ah, Miss Calamy - I trust Stephen has given you the latest news?" He asked me in a kind manner.
"Good Morning Captain," I replied to him " Yes, am I truely to stay aboard?"
"My dear, I'm sorry but I have no other choice. I spoke with your brother, he seemed quite sure you would be able to handle a trip of this sort," After a pause he smiled at me, "You'll find Peter below, I believe he hasn't had any sessions yet today"
I smiled and gave my thanks before going below deck. How could my brother do such a thing? I had a short time to ponder this before I found an officer to point me in the right direction. He was very kind and quite handsome, and upon my asking he introduced himself as Mr. Hollum. He had a kind of sadness about him that made me wonder his story, but of course I kept my tongue and asked only for my brother's whereabouts. He took my arm as a gentleman would and showed me to the Midshipman's Quarters. I thanked him kindly, very kindly, and proceeded to question my brother. In the end I got nowhere - unless you count a voyage to the caribbean as somewhere. Or unless you count meeting a man like Mr. Hollum.
Your Most Loyal Friend,
Alexandria Calamy