CHAPTER SIX

Gabe had just settled down to lunch. A sandwich of salted beef, cheese and a sauce made of horseradish. Lord Sandwich, the First Lord of the Admiralty, was reportedly the first person to come up with the ingenious idea of putting meat between two slices of bread. It was said he was such a busy man that he rarely had time for food, and so instead of dining as usual, he’d have the food brought to his desk. Busy, Gabe thought, the man was busy but it was reported he would spend a day at a time at the card table in one of his clubs. Gil also told of some rowdy times when they were both young men. That was before he became First Lord of the Admiralty. He was just Lord Sandwich. A very wealthy, carousing, gambling Lord Sandwich.

Gabe’s mother sat across from him, playing with her food. She ate like a bird, to his way of thinking, but today she had eaten less. Gabe knew what was troubling her. This was his last night ashore. Tomorrow, weather permitting, they would set sail.

He had mixed emotions and felt a pang of guilt because of it. He was ready to be free of the land, and to see if Trident was the sailor Stephen Earl had made her out to be. But he was also saddened by the thought that he didn’t know when he’d see his mother again. He had no way of knowing when, or even if, he’d be back to England.

Glancing across the table, he saw a packet of papers that were to be delivered to his solicitor. He’d met with his agent, banker, and solicitor. All were friends of his brother-in-law, Hugh. It seemed strange to think of Hugh as a relative. They had become very close since Gabe’s return. Hugh had been very helpful in directing Gabe on how to set things up so his mother would be taken care of financially.

“It’s better to deal with men of good standing in such affairs,” Hugh had said. “Never trust a man who offers you a bargain. Usually he’s the only one receiving it.”

Finishing his meal, Gabe could feel something between his teeth. He went into the kitchen and pulled a straw from a broom he’d spied. Picking his teeth made him remember he’d ordered a full dozen of the new toothbrushes made from boar bristles. William Addis was said to have invented the new brush while he was in jail for causing a riot.

Admiral Buck swore by the things. By making a paste with water and salt and then dipping the brush into the paste, the teeth could be scrubbed very comfortably. “You can do it every day,” Buck had exclaimed. Having a toothache at sea was not something that Gabe wanted. He’d seen men with bad teeth in tremendous pain, their jaws swollen as big as lemons. The ship’s surgeon had instruments to pull teeth, but that was just as painful. It took a lot of brandy or grog to put a man out so that he could have a tooth pulled. Even with the spirits, a leather strap was usually in order.

A knock was heard at the front door. Gabe’s mother rose up out of her chair to go answer it but settled back down, recalling they had a servant to do that now. It was nice, and Gabe said with the prize money that he’d made these new luxuries were nothing. Dagan had whispered privately that both he and Gabe had put up a “right smart,” as he termed it, so she shouldn’t be worrying about cost. Dagan had also visited Hugh’s banker and solicitor. Should he fall, Maria would inherit his wealth.

Gabe had just drained the last of the tea in his cup when the new servant, Molly, entered the room.

“There’s a messenger here, Sir Gabe. Says he’s from the port admiral.”

This did surprise Gabe. He went to greet the young lieutenant.

“Admiral Webster’s compliments, sir, and could you attend him at your earliest convenience?”

“Of course,” Gabe replied. Earliest convenience meant now. “Let me change and I will be right there.”

“Very well, sir. I shall tell the admiral you are on your way.”

Gabe headed up the stairs to change. Seeing his mother, he volunteered, “I don’t know what it is.” Bounding up the steps he stopped. “Mother, is Jake still out back?”

“I think so, son.”

“Would you send Molly to get him, please? I have some errands that need to be done and I’m not sure how long this will take.” Seeing the look of concern on his mother’s face, Gabe added, “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, Mother. Otherwise, we’d have heard from Admiral Buck.” Unless it’s about Admiral Buck, Gabe thought but didn’t say. That would be something to worry about.

***

Hex had the coachman ready when Gabe walked outside. He had forgotten his cloak and thought of going back for it as he heard the rumble of distant thunder. The coachman had his own cloak on already. Not enough time, Gabe decided. As he stepped into the coach, he saw the first drops of rain.

“To the port admiral?” the coachman said.

His mind still on his cloak, it took a moment for Gabe to respond, “Yes, the port admiral.” Dagan stepped out of the house. Seeing him Gabe shouted, “I’m off to the port admiral.”

Dagan nodded that he’d heard then shouted back, “Good news.”

The coach gave a lurch as the horses strained against the harnesses. Gabe automatically put up the window to keep the rain out, but his thoughts were on Dagan’s words, “good news.”

After a short ride, Gabe jumped from the door of the coach even before it came to a complete stop in front of the port admiral’s building, his boots splashing in a puddle of water and spotting up his white breeches. The door was opened by a servant, who took his cocked hat. Obviously, he had a place for it so that it wouldn’t drip on the highly polished wooden floors.

Taking a moment for his eyes to adjust to the light, Gabe looked about the room. He realized a number of naval officers sat in chairs or stood in small groups. A couple of the captains he recognized. Most were probably here trying to get the port admiral to agree to something or provide some item or another for their ship.

Another servant had made his way up to Gabe without being seen. He coughed, and once he had Gabe’s attention said politely, “This way, sir. The admiral is waiting for you in his office.”

“Thank you,” Gabe replied, and then grimaced when he took a step and his wet boot squeaked. He flushed as he realized the entire room full of officers was looking his way upon hearing the squishing noise. Damme, he thought, not a good beginning.

Maybe the scrutiny had more to do with his being allowed to go straight back. Some of the officers had probably been waiting hours.

A small fire was going in the fireplace to take out the dampness and chill brought on by the afternoon rain. Admiral Webster was staring out the rain-splattered window looking toward the anchorage. Admiral Buck, to Gabe’s surprise, sat in an upholstered chair with a glass in his hand. Well, it can’t be all bad, he thought, otherwise Buck wouldn’t be having a wet.

“The mail packet came in this morning, Sir Gabe, with a letter from your brother,” Admiral Webster volunteered as he turned to Gabe.

Damn, Gabe thought, no greeting, no have a glass, just straight to the point.

“He entrusted it to the packet’s captain, to be brought directly to me upon his arrival.”

A sinking feeling came over Gabe. What was it? Oh God, hopefully Faith was all right. Seeing the emotion come over Gabe, Webster said, “Give the boy the letter, Rupert, and pour him a brandy before he has apoplexy.”

Taking the letter, Gabe read it then reread it. Without being asked, he sat down in one of the admiral’s chairs. He downed the brandy Buck handed him and coughed as the fiery liquid went down, bringing tears to his eyes.

“I’m a father,” he managed after he quit coughing. “A boy! We have a boy.”

“Did you name him?” Admiral Webster asked.

“Yes sir, before I left. If it had been a girl it would have been named after Faith’s mother and grandmother. A boy was to be named after my father and Gil. His name is James Gilbert Anthony.”

“Hear, hear,” Webster said. “Rupert, pour us another round. I suggest, Sir Gabe, you drink this one a little more slowly.”

“Aye, sir. Slowly.” Only Gabe’s mind was racing. He had so much to do, and so many people he should tell. He needed to buy something for Faith and for the baby. What do you buy a newborn? Mother would know, he thought.

“Gabe…Gabe.”

“Yes sir.” Buck had been calling his name, but he was so caught up in the news he’d not heard. Damme, Gabe thought again. “I’m sorry, sir, my mind is adrift,” he said, apologizing.

“Yes. Well, I think Lieutenant Campbell can handle the ship another day while you get your affairs in order.”

“Thank you…both of you,” Gabe replied. “I will get right to it.” He was in the coach and headed home when he thought, I wonder what the officers thought in the admiral’s waiting area rushing out as I did. Well, it didn’t matter. What did matter was the coach taking its time getting home when he had important news for his mother. The thought that wet cobblestones might be dangerous never crossed his mind.