Noble Duty

22. Of Trading Plans

Thursday, 16th June, 1718

With the eleven new midshipmen settled into the forecastle mess and taken in hand by the mates to begin their training, Gillian and I sat to examine the cargo papers in Father's desk. Partway through totalling the commitments, a knock sounded on the door, and I called, "Enter."

David opened it and said, "Captain, Sir. My grandfather is at the door, requesting to see you."

"Thank you, Boy. Show him in."

"Aye, sir. Into here? Or just into the great cabin?"

"What do you think appropriate, Boy?"

He paused, appearing to ponder. "Here, sir. It is busy and noisy out there with the repairs."

"Exactly! You have clear thinking."

"Thank you, sir. I shall show him in."

After replacing the papers in the folder and putting them back in the drawer, we stood and headed toward the door to welcome Charles. As we greeted, Gillian asked, "Would you care for tea?"

"Please. We have much to discuss."

Nodding, I turned to David. "Do you remember where the cookery is, Boy?"

"Yes, sir. Down the hatch larboard the forecastle."

"Fine. Tell Cookery Mate I wish tea for three."

"Aye, sir. Tea for the Captain, the Baroness and my gran ... and a distinguished guest."

After the lad had clicked the door closed behind him, Charles chuckled. "Such an eager one, young David."

"And fast to learn." I motioned to chairs at the round table. "Please, shall we sit?"

As Charles settled, he said, "The Governor told me that last evening, he presented a signed and sealed document to Sir Cedric, informing him he has been recalled to London for a new position."

Gillian's eyes widened as she listened. "Oh, my! A new position – what a clever way to have worded this. Were you told of his reaction?"

Charles smiled at her, nodding. "He was relieved to finally escape this God-forsaken place, as he called it. What followed was easy."

"Excellent. A willing passenger is far better than the situation Jarvis and I had envisaged."

"Indeed. This morning, he was told to have his trunks and chattel aboard by noon on the morrow, and with that done, he is to board before the end of the afternoon."

I nodded. "Will this allow us sufficient time to trade here on the wharf? Will he want to collect duty?"

"You can discharge the mahogany as work aloft allows, and he will not interfere. The Governor and I met with him this morning to review the records and to receive the keys to Customs House."

"Ooh! So quickly replaced."

"Yes, once the Governor saw a clear path, he was decisive and swift. We will trade based on the taxes and duties in 1713 – before Major Bromley began increasing them."

I tilted my head. "Major Bromley? Who is he?"

"The so-called Sir Cedric was a Major in Queen Anne's Army. After his ignominious performance against the French in Acadia, he was relieved of his commission and posted here as Comptroller of Customs. He is the son of an earl, a junior one with no title other than a purchased Major, but upon arrival, he announced himself as General Sir Cedric Bromley."

Gillian nodded. "To enhance his image – a sign that his descent into dementia had already begun."

"Indeed! Later, when he was questioned about the rank, he dropped it and began styling himself as Sir Cedric."