paraded. He then recalled Lady Deborah's words, "look, don't ogle." Well he'd have to pass the word to Buck who was definitely ogling. I wonder if she's the one who Buck's been keeping company with?
Feeling a hand on his shoulder Anthony turned to be greeted by Colonel Browne. Seeing where Anthony's gaze had been, Browne said, "With all these beautiful ladies it makes you wonder why a man would leave his home and bed to go fight a war."
"Aye," Anthony replied. He couldn't disagree.
Anthony waited until Provost had made his way toward a servant to get a glass of wine then approached Howe, "My Lord."
"Ah… Lord Anthony. My flag captain tells me a celebration is in order. I understand you've sank the privateers who's been reeking havoc on our convoys and got a nice little prize to boot."
"Aye, my lord," Anthony replied. "Good fortune was with us."
"Good," Lord Howe said. "We will talk later, on the morrow after I've read your reports. Now Governor Tonyn tells me it's time to dine."
Taking their places at the huge table Anthony saw no expense had been spared for Lord Howe's reception.
He could almost imagine the tables groaning under the weight of so much food. Footmen and servants were everywhere, pouring wine; removing dishes as delicacies of every kind were being served; various tempting fruits and pies, meats, potatoes, carrots and breads. How could so much food be consumed in one evening? Anthony wondered.
There was enough here to feed his squadron for a week.
There were silver punch bowls filled with Tonyn's favorite wine, Sangria, and even that had slices of oranges floating on top along with small remnants of ice used to cool the wine. Recalling Bart's words that he'd taken on a portly appearance, Anthony vowed he'd eat
lightly. And he did until the desserts were served. Seeing the orange sherbet, fruit pastries, apple tarts and various puddings the vow was forgotten.
The shrill of pipes were barely out of Anthony's ears when Lord Howe's flag lieutenant greeted him. I'll bet the flag captain is still abed with some obliging woman, Anthony thought. He then introduced his flag lieutenant to Lord Howe's.
Anthony and Hazard were escorted to Lord Howe's waiting area and the flag lieutenant took Anthony's reports to the admiral. Feeling the after effects of last evening's reception, conversation was minimal. Hazard was thinking of the privileges that had come with being Anthony's flag lieutenant. Experiences he'd not encountered before nor would he again unless by some miracle he made admiral.
He was also grateful at the trust that had been given to him to pilot Merlin through the channel at Cayo Hueso. He'd attempted to voice his appreciation but was cut short by Howe's flag lieutenant telling Anthony that his lordship was ready for him.
"Take a seat, Gil," Lord Howe said, creating an informal environment. This meant his lordship was pleased. "Governor Tonyn has spoken very highly of you," Howe started, "You've greatly improved the Navy's reputation after the blunders of your predecessor."
Anthony noticed Howe disdained even to speak Sir Percival's name."
"How is Sir Raymond?" Howe asked.
"He visited the flagship this morning, my lord. He appears to be progressing well. I'm sure he'll be fit for duty soon. He's to be married soon. His visit this morning was to extend invitations to the wedding."
"Speaking of weddings, how is Lady Deborah?" Howe asked.
"She is fine and we now have a daughter."
"Well congratulations," Howe said.
He and Anthony had been sipping on lime juice so he raised his glass, "To mothers and daughters." After the toast, Lord Howe picked up a paper he'd been taking notes on, "Gil, since you came out from England in 1775 you've patrolled the West Indies, the American coast from the Keys to Maine and you've also patrolled the waters of Nova Scotia. You've prevented an invasion, and you've taken some twenty-seven prizes including the sloop you've just brought in. I lost count of the enemy ships you've sank and prisoners you've taken.
Because you've been so successful I've approved Gabe's captaincy as a testament of gratitude for your ceaseless service and success."
"Some will be jealous of the boy making captain, be prepared. He's earned it and I know you would not have recommended him if he'd not the experience to support it. However, some will see it as nepotism. Now do you have a deserving officer for this sloop you've just taken?" Anthony thought of Hazard but said, "Captain Buck's first lieutenant, Mr. Herrod, is who I'd appoint, sir."
"Very well, I'll draw up the papers. Defiant," Howe said. "Is she seaworthy?"
"Aye, my lord. She is as fine a ship as we could hope for."
"And Captain Earl?" Howe continued his question.
"Is he ready to hold permanent command of a forty gun ship?"
Once again, Anthony answered positively, "He has been with me almost as long as Buck has. I have the utmost of faith and trust in him."Very well," Howe replied. "I will confirm his appointment and I've already agreed to purchase Defiant.
Now Lord Anthony, as to yourself. It grieves me to tell you this but you are being sent back to England."
"The entire squadron, sir?" Anthony asked.
"Yes… no, not Defiant. She will remain here at Saint Augustine with the sloop and the little island schooner.
After your success I doubt we'll have to worry much about privateers. Now go home. Your tour has made you a rich man. Spend it on Lady Deborah and the little one. I've no doubt you'll be hoisting your flag again soon so enjoy your time."
Then Lord Howe exhaled deeply, "I wish it were me going home."
All of Lord Anthony's officers including Sir Raymond were gathered in his dining area aboard Warrior.
"Gentlemen," Anthony spoke. "I've important information from our commander in chief. Defiant and the sloop, Ram, are to be purchased. Captain Earl, you have been confirmed to command Defiant and you will receive orders directly. Lieutenant Herrod, you upon Captain Buck's recommendations have been given command of the sloop, Ram, and are promoted to the rank of Master and Commander."
A chorus of cheers broke out.
"Commander Herrod, you will receive your orders along with Captain Earl. Gabe… Captain Anthony, Lord Howe has approved your promotion and command of Merlin."
"Now gentlemen, with the exception of Captain Earl's Defiant and Herrod's Ram the squadron is to return to England."
As the cheers quieted down Buck asked, "When do we sail?"
"Lord Howe has given me a bit of latitude here," Anthony replied, "but I think by the end of the month at the latest."
After the meeting broke up Anthony spoke to Gabe as he was leaving, "Dine with me tonight and bring Caleb, Dagan and Lum."
Later that night after a filling but simple meal, Anthony, Gabe, Hazard, Bart, Dagan and Caleb sat back smoking their pipes and cigars as Lum played tunes on the lotz and then the fiddle.
As Lum played Dagan announced, "Caleb and I are going to visit Virginia."
"Aye, I've been thinking the wind blew that way," Anthony said with a smile on his face. Then turning to Gabe he continued, "I'd not take it amiss if you were to slip into Savannah and pick up a passenger for the trip to England either."
Now Gabe was all smiles. Overhead the ship's bell rang.
"I 'ears bells a ringin'," Bart said, "And soon hit'll be wedding bells I'm a thinkin'."
Appendix
Historical Note
In 1763, the Seven Years' War, or as it was called in America, the French and Indian War came to an end.
Great Britain and her American colonies had won against the combined forces of France and Spain. The armies of Great Britain had conquered Canada and several French-held islands in the Caribbean. They had also stormed and occupied Havana, Cuba, Spain 's principal seaport and administrative headquarters for much of Spanish America. In 1763 a treaty of peace was signed that left Canada to the English, returned several Caribbean islands to the French, and provided for Havana to become Spanish again in exchange for the province of Florida. Great Britain now controlled all of North America east of the Mississippi River.