Noble Duty

25. Farewell to New York

When the bell rang, we all moved to settle at tables on the verandas, Gillian and I flanking Charles and Camille on the corner, with a view along both wings.

While staff brought platters and bowls, Charles stood and called for attention, and when he had it, he said, "You have all met our two guests, but many of you are unaware of who they are or why they are here."

He paused to watch the bobbing heads, then continued, "Gillian, or properly, Baroness Cavendish, is Camille's cousin, two generations removed, and we met her a few years past when we sailed to London in Bermondsey. And that splendid ship is one of many in the merchant fleet owned by our other guest, Sir Jarvis Overton, newly betrothed to Gillian."

Loud cheers erupted, and he held up a hand to quiet them. "They suffered a devastating pirate attack off the Bahamas, but through wit and skill, overpowered their guards, severed the hawser, and escaped in the dark. We have just finished repairing the ship, and twelve of our grandchildren will sail with them this afternoon to begin training as ship's officers."

David leapt to his feet. "Me as the captain's cabin boy, just like Grandmama and Grandpa did!"

Camelia raised her hand and said, "And me as assistant to Baroness Cavendish in England."

A loud laugh followed, then someone called out, "To find a man!"

"Hah! I have already found one." She slapped a hand to her mouth and blushed.

"Great news, Cami. And a great relief," Charles chuckled. "And speaking of relief, Gillian's cleverness found a way to have Sir Cedric replaced, and proper duties and taxes have been restored. We will immediately resume trading without the complications and deceit." He looked along the tables, then added, "But our feast has been laid, and we have much to celebrate. Let us begin."

As platters and bowls were passed, I nodded toward the bright green contents of one and said, "This is unfamiliar to me. What is it?"

Camille looked up from serving herself some small new potatoes and said, "Boiled samphire, also called marsh greens or glasswort. They are somewhat like wild asparagus but far more common and easier to find."

We enjoyed lively intercourse through the splendid dinner, and after we had finished the blueberry slump with maple syllabub cream, Charles stood and called for attention. "The tide will turn to ebb in half an hour, and we must end this delightful interlude. Time for farewells, and to have the horses put to the carriages."

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Half an hour later, Gillian, Camelia, David, and I stood t the rail of Atlantica's quarterdeck talking with the remaining family, who lined the wharf, when Evans approached and said, "Sir, Bosun reports that the longboat now has the hawser, and they're ready to tow."

"Thank you, Master. Ring all hands."

"Aye, sir. All hands."

When all had assembled in the waist of the ship below us, I called above the hubbub, "Hoy! Hoy! Hear here, now." Then with their attention, I added, "You will see on the wharf the extended Betheson family. After years as a privateer, a pirate hunter, and a trader, Charles settled here with his wife, Camille, forty years ago and built this wonderful facility. They have restored Atlantica from our attack, and we are again fully capable for the crossing back to London."

When the cheering eased, I said, "And more. We have resolved the tax and duty situation which had caused us to stop trading here. With piracy still disrupting commerce in the south, and the slave trade producing the vast majority of goods in those colonies, our commerce will now concentrate strictly on New York."