“Yes, Lord Governor. I will ensure those orders are carried out exactly.” Sharpe replied evenly, disguising his simmering distaste for the Governor and his continually declining situation.
“Very well, now that we have that unpleasantness concluded. I’m sure you have kept me from greeting some of my dinner guests. But we will carry on nonetheless.” The Governor stated flatly, almost to himself, pulling his large frame up from his chair. The Governor started toward the door and opened it to reveal a crowd of guests awaiting his arrival in the large atrium. Immediately the Governor’s countenance changed as he was pleasant to each guest he greeted and to Admiral Sharpe as well while all the introductions were made. With each introduction Elliot’s discomfort grew, he would much rather be in an officer’s mess amongst line captains and lieutenants aboard a ship with marginal food.
Dinner was a grand and formal event, obscene in both portion and number of courses. Elliot found himself quite satiated early on and longing for an excuse to exit. He felt out of place being a bachelor among a company of married couples. He did note several lasting stares from a couple of the society type wives and Elliot Sharpe desired no confrontation from a jealous husband. The only other bachelor at the dinner party was a man whom the Governor introduced as Mr. Timothy Sladen, a tobacco farmer and merchant from the former colonies, now United States. The presence and demeanor of Mr. Sladen did not sit well with Elliot. He was obviously American; his accent was distinct when he spoke and his conduct consistent with that of other Americans Elliot had encountered. But a scarred brow and neck in addition to scarred hands belied something other than the gentleman plantation owner the Governor had introduced him as.
At the conclusion of the meal, the men gathered on a large balcony to partake in cigars while the ladies continued their conversation in the dining hall. Elliot chose this as his opportunity to exit, exchanging parting pleasantries with each gentleman in turn and the Governor last. He entered a waiting carriage which would deliver him to a shore boat which would in turn eventually deliver him aboard his flagship. Riding in the carriage Elliot replayed his conversation with the Governor in his mind, the new ships arriving to the fleet and the peculiar orders the Governor seemed so touchy about. In addition, the supposed gentleman tobacco baron from the Carolinas did not sit well with him, his demeanor and unveiled interest in Admiral Sharpe seemed out of place. This, before considering, that tensions between the Crown and the former colonies were again on the rise, Elliot could not quite place why the American would be a welcomed guest at the Lord Governor’s home. Elliot mulled these questions until his escort arrived at the pier, he then gathered himself and proceeded to the longboat waiting to take him out to his flagship the H.M.S Endurance. His mind eased by the improvement, in his opinion, of company and the familiar demands of naval service.
On the balcony, the gentlemen had congregated into several groups each enjoying cigars and rum provided by the Governor’s servants. Nearest the door Mr. Sladen stood solitary, puffing at his cigar and looking intently at the Lord Governor. Alton, noticing Sladen’s focus, excused himself from a discussion with several of his guests regarding a slave revolt currently in progress inland. He made his way over to Sladen, acknowledging several compliments on dinner from his guests along the way and the duo walked to the rail on the side of the balcony.
“I’m not impressed by your Admiral. Is he going to become a problem?” Sladen asked in a very hushed tone.
“No no, I’ve got things completely under control. I assure you, any issues we come against from the Royal Navy will be handled according to the articles of war. No Sir, there will be no problems.” the Governor insisted quietly.
“I could hear you in the study Governor, the Admiral is already questioning his orders. If this turns into an issue now it will make for an inconvenient reception when they return.” Sladen said.
“The Admiral will do his duty. He will follow his orders exactly; you have nothing to worry about.” Alton replied.
“Well, I should hope not. For your sake as well as his, my partners and I have already invested quite an advance to you. It won’t turn out well for anyone if there are any unnecessary...” Sladen paused, “Problems.”
“No, no no. I am certain. Things will progress just as we have agreed. I am expecting minimal problems and nothing we cannot easily overcome. I assure you Sir, your investment is in good hands and will reap you exactly what you are seeking.” the Governor said even more hushed so his guests would not hear him in this position with someone.
“That’s good. You let me know if there’s anything else you need. This endeavor cannot fail.” Sladen said,
