Chapter 41
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Owen waited in front of Government House, Charlottetown, at the appointed time and place. Owen and Leslie had attended several receptions at Government House. He even spoke at a literary function held there, back in the heady days of The Life-Book of Captain Jim's early success. If anyone at Government House recognized him, no big deal. He would simply state the truth: that he was meeting a colleague to discuss business.
The Georgian mansion, which locals called "Fanning Bank," featured a two-story gabled portico. Verandas flanked the portico on both sides. Wood shingles painted white covered the building. It housed many of the island's government offices. The island's lieutenant governor resided there. The Crown owned the building, so if members of the Royal Family visited the island, they "officially" stayed here at Government House.
(Owen noted that when Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Louise, visited Charlottetown, she stayed as a guest of the Peake family at their estate, Beaconsfield. Such a shame, Owen reflected, that James Peake lost everything in business failures a short time after the princess's visit.)
On this day, no British royals visited Charlottetown, or anyplace else in Canada. Owen stood next to the base of the portico's steps and watched men and women on government business exit and leave.
In 1864, the same year that Hugh Girty Ford assisted supporters of the American South in raiding United States assets and taking shelter in Canada, Canada's Founding Fathers met here at Government House for the Charlottetown Conference. Owen grew up in Toronto with the son of a man who attended the Conference. That family hung a photograph of the father, and the other Fathers of Canadian Confederation, in their parlor. Owen envied that son. Hugh Ford, upon learning of his son's reverence for the neighbor who attended the Conference, explained to young Owen that Charlottetown hosted a circus at the exact same time that it hosted the Charlottetown Conference.
"My son, we Fords didn't miss out on anything by not attending that conference. The circus was more enriching to the soul. And a good metaphor for our government."
Owen had a different photograph in his own possession. This photo featured Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, now King Edward VII, dressed in his military uniform. The Prince wore a hat with feathers. The Prince posed in front of Government House with several men similarly dressed. The photo bore the inscription "October 1860", but Owen knew this date to be incorrect.
Alice Selwyn Ford's diary recounted that in the summer of 1860, recently married and now pregnant with Owen, she visited her own parents on P.E.I. In August 1860, the Prince visited Charlottetown. Alice and her family travelled to Government House to see the Prince. The diary noted that Government House hosted a levee in the morning and a reception in the evening.
In October of that year, a bookstore sold souvenir copies of this photo documenting the Prince's visit. Either Alice purchased one of these souvenirs, or someone in the family purchased it for her. Owen was born in November 1860. The photo of the Prince standing in front of Government House was left behind in Alice's personal effects for Owen.
"Why, Ford. Didn't expect to see you here."
Owen broke his daydreaming to focus on the man who addressed him. Buster Wallace, a longtime acquaintance, held out his hand.'
"Wallace, hello there! I'm just meeting a colleague to discuss a business matter," Owen said truthfully.
After the two chatted, Buster Wallace proceeded on his way.
A few moments later, Owen spotted the man whom he came to meet. Chaps McKinley strolled up to him, cigar in hand.
"Ford."
Owen titled his head. "Chaps."
Owen and Chaps worked together years ago at the paper in Toronto. Then Chaps wrote a review for a musical performance that he didn't attend. Chaps got busted. One thing led to another, and Chaps' long-running charade of forging articles and quotes and making up details came to light. The scandal ended Chaps' employment with the Toronto paper. Owen shivered. The whole thing was a nasty affair. Chaps threatened the physical safety of every one of his now former colleagues before a constable escorted him from the building. Chaps ended up back at his family home on the island, with a bottom-rung job at the Charlottetown Guardian. Now Chaps was editor of the Guardian. The business in Toronto seemed to be a distant memory. Water under the bridge. Chaps even hired Owen out for freelance work whenever Owen and Leslie stayed at the House of Dreams. Chaps was the one who hired Owen to go undercover at the hospital.
"So, I take it that you've still agreed to do this, Ford. Am I correct?"
Owen nodded. "I'm doing it, Chaps. I'm taking the assignment."
Chaps put his hand on Owen's shoulder. "Let's go for a little walk. A few details about the assignment have changed since we last spoke."