The Argonaut Society

Episode Seven: An Infant Monster

The final guest for the evening's impromptu tete-a-tete had already arrived, the Colonel said as he led the Brinkleys to the drawing room.

A Society official, Amelia thought, here to assess me. She imagined disappointing the man enough to overturn the Society's resolution and withdraw the offer of the inheritance. Her own disappointment and shame at the imaginary failure wounded so much she feared them inevitable. She took Alexander's hand.

Before opening the drawing room door, the Colonel took a deep breath. The Brinkleys shared a look. If Colonel Pell found what waited inside to require such resolve and internal fortitude, what dread awaited them?

"I believe you know Mister Gavin Graves," Pell said, leading them in.

Gavin quickly masked his confusion and offered his congratulations to the newlyweds with unusual gallantry that Amelia could once again smell on his breath. "But what business could divert you from your honeymoon floatabout?" Gavin asked. "No, wait...you hope to be Historiographer. I have damnable news for you in that case."

"We might as well come to business, then," the colonel said, severing their conversation, "since we're all gathered."

Gavin settled back in his seat with an air of triumph that set Amelia's nerves on edge."As we are well aware," Pell began, "Captain Merriday left us rather suddenly. This tragedy has forced us to consider the future of the Society and the Argonauts in particular. You see, we are at a juncture. On one hand, the Society's cherished and enduring traditions, our proud history, and our widespread influence on world events. The other hand..." Pell hesitated, seemed to gather his resolve once more. "The other hand, we have the legally binding wishes of our dear departed comrade. Now, we have considered the circumstances from as many angles as possible, only to reach an impasse. Should we proceed from the momentum of our past, we will dishonor Merriday. Should we honor Merriday's wishes, we will likely see the end of the Society as we know it.

"Merriday was always an unconventional man," Pell continued. "That was the cornerstone of his talent. And anyone familiar with the internal environment of the Society would know that he came to resent certain traditions and policies during his tenure." Pell hesitated again.

"He wanted the Society to initiate a woman, didn't he?" Gavin asked. "He mentioned opening membership to women, but I thought Lady Pell would be his first choice. She certainly deserves the honor."

Lady Pell's smile of gratitude missed her eyes.

"I'm afraid that isn't the entirety -" Pell began.

"Or perhaps he recommended Mrs. Brinkley for Historiographer?" Gavin added. "A woman aboard the Argo would certainly cause some consternation, if not open antagonism. Or the men could find it quite pleasurable if not a married woman. Unless..."

"Merriday altered his will on the night of the gala. It names Miss Stodge - Mrs. Brinkley, now – as his heir in entirety," Pell said, clearly weary. "Including his title of Captain of the Argonauts."

Gavin laughed with scorn until he noticed the gravity of the room. His good humor turned sour in an instant. "Impossible," he spat. He leaned forward toward Amelia, resting his forearms on his knees, his usually handsome face demonic with malice. "I've been training and waiting for this opportunity for years. Years. The Councilmen chose me to succeed Merriday," he said to Pell. "I shouldn't need to remind you of this. I don't care what this upstart socialite has convinced you of."

"The Councilmen relied upon the Code to form their decision," the colonel continued, ignoring Gavin's intimation. "We as the Society could not dishonor ourselves or our friend by ignoring his last wishes, no matter how inexplicable."