54

Wednesday, July 7

Aboard the HMS Hampton

When we boarded, the porters were amused that neither Elizabeth nor myself would entrust our hatboxes to them. I’m sure they assumed each contained some frilly woman’s bonnet. They would have been surprised to know that both enclosed a man’s black derby— Elizabeth’s old but well-tended, save for a recently acquired bullet hole, a reminder of times past, and mine which was recently purchased, a reminder of what could have been.

We were pleased to learn we would share our table for eight with six members of a touring company of actors and musicians who were performing comic operas by Gilbert and Sullivan. Four of our table companions were bit players and understudies, and the other two the pianist and second violin.

“The director, conductor, and principal actors travel first-class,” explained Mister Woolsey, the second violinist and music librarian, “as well as our young violin prodigy, Albert. The majority of our musicians we hire from the local area to reduce our traveling expenses. Employing local musicians also ensures that several of their friends and family will attend, so we usually make a profit from their hire.”

He shrugged. “But a stodgy old war horse like me can’t complain when I get to break bread with charming ladies like yourselves.”

I looked up from my soup and put my spoon down. “Tell me, Mister Woolsey, will you be performing during our journey?”

“Of course, Madam. We must practice, and there’s no better rehearsal than before an audience. Is there a particular piece you’d like to hear?”

I looked across the table at Margaret chatting with a young actor and recalled my words to her that one’s enemies could be your best teachers. Mine had taught me the value of friendship. I returned my gaze to the musician.

“Schubert’s Serenade has recently become one of my favorites.”

I could tell the old musician approved. “A beautiful piece, and a challenging one. I could speak with Albert to arrange a performance for you if you’d like.”

I shook my head. “I’d much prefer you play it for me if you would. I was told by someone dear to me that only a mature artist like yourself can properly shape the silence.”