It was to be a grand affair, the likes of which neither Bart, Silas or any other of Lord Anthony's staff could ever remember.
"It's time for a feast," Lord Anthony had shouted out to Silas as he entered his stateroom. Then while reading the letters that had been laid on his desk he gave a whoop and declared, "Well, damme." Bart had entered the cabin at that time and knew something was in the wind. He'd never seen his Lordship take on so.
Seeing his cox'n, Anthony ordered, "See the flag captain, Bart, and have him signal for all captains to repair on board with their first lieutenants to dine with the admiral this evening. Soon as that's done hurry on back and we'll share a wet."
Hum, thought Bart, something was definitely up. More 'n one something likely and he bet he knew what half of it had to be, seeing as he put the thick letter from Lady Deborah on the admiral's desk. A smile crept across Bart's face. With his lordship carrying on so he'd forgotten to mention SeaWolf was just entering the harbour. Now Gabe would be on hand to enjoy the celebration. Bart quickened his pace; maybe he could put a word in the flag captain's ear to keep quiet about SeaWolf for a spell.
With the help of Moffett's chef and servant, Silas had put on a feast to remember. It was a harassed flag lieutenant who had gotten back aboard just in time with a rump of beef that was to be the centerpiece of the table. Last minute shopping was not his idea of a flag lieutenant's duties but he was willing to do his best for his admiral on such a grand occasion. The rump had been boiled and the brisket had been roasted. The tongue and tripe was minced and baked into pies. A young kid goat was dressed in its own blood and thyme with a pudding in its belly. After that came a shoulder of mutton with a side of goat both covered with a rasher of bacon. As though that wasn't enough for all the captains and their first lieutenants to gorge themselves senseless, there was pickled oysters, bowls of potatoes and vegetables. Finally, Silas served a dish of his famous berry pastries and apple tarts.
With the desserts finished, glasses of sherry were poured as clay pipes and cigars were passed. Once the pipes were billowing and cigars were lighted, Lord Anthony stood and raised his glass for a toast. As he stood he glanced Gabe's way. Gabe, seeing Lord Anthony's gaze, smiled and nodded ever so slightly. He had been made privy to her ladyship's news and had already congratulated his brother.
"Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to inform each of you that my wife, Lady Deborah, has presented your admiral with a child, a baby girl. She has been named Macayla Rose.
A cry went up, "Here, here, to Lady Deborah and Lord Anthony." As the officers settled down Anthony had the glasses recharged and again stood.
"Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to present to you the Royal Navies newest admiral. Admiral Dutch Moffett."
Again the cheers from the officers. When it had quieted down Anthony stood again.
"A toast to the new flag captain. Captain Buck." Another round of cheers that took a time to settle down. When Anthony had everyone's attention, "A toast to Captain Stephen Earl, HMS Merlin." This time the cheers took longer as Earl was not only made captain but was given Merlin. After the group had finished congratulating Earl, Lord Anthony stood again.
"Gentlemen, this night should prove a night like no other. We are here to say farewell to Captain Pope who is returning to England with Drakkar for a much needed refitting." This time instead of cheers, good-natured boos. Once the noise quieted down, Anthony continued,
"He will have the honor of carrying with him our new admiral, Admiral Moffett. However, as one shipmate departs we welcome a new one. Gentlemen, I present Master and Commander, Sir Raymond Knight, Captain of the Navy's latest prize, HMS LeFrelon." Once more the cheers and toast. Meanwhile, Bart and Dagan had ambled aft, and were leaning on the taffrail having a wet, smoking their pipes, and having a quiet conversation. The aroma of burnt tobacco filled the air causing Johns, the fifth lieutenant who had the watch to look aft. Seeing the old seadogs he was touched.
It was men like these that took care of men like those below in the admiral's quarters that really made the Navy what it was.
Another cheer from below. Hearing it, Johns felt a pang of jealously and wished he could join the party. Not the one below, but the one at the taffrail.