Voyage Home

Callum was shown up to the room after finishing his ale at the table with Dustin. Callum had asked him to return to the Admiralty to have Crawford make arrangements to have Christian carried over on a litter. The girl was showing Callum up to their room. She turned left at the top of the stairs and went toward the end of the rail, Callum could see the door of the room that Thomas and Christian had first shared together as they discovered one another, their last time here. He smiled to himself as she unlocked a door on the right to that room. He looked at her with narrowed eyes.

“This room was not ready when you were here last, sir.” She said. He flashed a brief smile at her.

“Really?” He asked and she opened the door for him. She stepped in and stood by the door as he came in. He looked about at the simply wonderful room. It was bright and cheery and quite large.

“It’s our best, sir.” She said in her soft voice. He smiled to himself, the large soft poster bed that was under a window that was facing onto the street, another window to the other side wall of the room, large and seemed to be angled a bit. He walked in, going by her. There were furnishings here, a low chest of drawers to his right, a small desk in the corner, between the windows with a small chair. Another chair that was large, upholstered, and seemed overstuffed. He looked and saw there was also a fireplace near the chest of drawers, “That has been cleaned and is ready to be used, sir. I can bring wood and coal up for you, if you wish.”

“The nights aren’t that cool as of yet, I don’t think, my miss.”

“No, sir, they are not.” She said and blushed a bit, looking down at her hands. Callum smiled at her and looked in her direction.

“I am wondering, my companions were relating to me that I had a bit of an air about me…” Callum said.

“If you would care for a bath, sir, I can draw one for you. As you know that would be at the end of the hall, at the other end.” She said pointing in the general direction.

“Yes, I think I remember.” Callum said and smiled.

“Is the room to your liking, sir?”

“It goes beyond, my miss. You must tell your father that I am more than pleased with it.” Callum said. She curtsied for him.

“I will, sir, and thank you.” She curtsied again, “The room next to this, here at the end is the other for you that you wished, sir.”

“Excellent.” Callum said, “Would you be so kind as to open it and have it readied? I am certain that my companions will be here shortly, and I also believe I will take up your offer of the bath.”

“I’ll see to it right away, sir.” She said with her soft smile. She curtsied yet again and went to the other door, unlocking it and going into the room. Callum turned and looked around this new room. He went over to the bed and took his sword off his belt, placing it beside the candle stand at the head. He sat on the edge of the bed and felt its softness and depth. He swung his legs up and lay back on it sinking into it, putting his hands behind his head, closing his eyes. He just wanted to rest a minute.

His mind filled with images, foggy and shrouded. He could hear loud echoing sounds, steel clanging and singing, voices could be heard, but not fully understood. It was as if he was in a large room, turning, spinning around as if looking to see what was happening around him but he couldn’t see anything, and those sounds and the voices were still there. He wanted to scream to have them stop but couldn’t and as he spun around more, a face was right in front of him, a face he knew, a face covered in blood and also a hand, partially seen there under that face, with giant fingers. His own eyes were wide with the terror of seeing it right in front of him.

“You let him kill me! Why?!” The bloodied face asked with wide eyes. And there was that sound, that horrible sound, the crunching of bone. The face changed and was still of motion. It drifted away from him, the face and the hand, drifting away together, further and further into the white nothingness that surrounded him, drifting away until it was gone from his sight.

“Sir? Sir?” The soft voice asked and he was touched. He jerked awake and opened his eyes. She was standing over him and jumped back herself seeing him being startled awake, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s quite alright.” Callum said as he sat up on the bed. He swung his legs off, “I was merely dreaming. I had no idea I fell asleep.” His eyes shifted around as he tried to remember where he was, and it slowly came back to him.

“I have your bath ready for you, sir.”

“Uh…thank you, I will be with you in a moment.” He said and put his hands to his face and rubbed his eyes.

“Of course, sir.” She said softly and curtsied. He pulled his hands back from his face and saw she was going out the door, leaving it open. He had no idea how long he had been asleep. He looked around the room and was alone. Where was Dustin? He wondered. He got up off the bed and headed to the door. He came out into the hall and she was at the other end. He walked toward her, going by the staircase railing and continued on passing by other doors of other rooms.

“Your father said that you have been very busy since we were here last, but it seems quiet right now.” Callum said.

“It is the middle of the week, sir. There is but only one other lodger here right at this time. It will fill up again by weeks end I am certain. The tavern will be filled every night however.” She said as she held the door open for him.

“Is that so?” He asked as he went in. He saw the large tub in the middle of the floor, sitting within a large framework that was mounted to the floor to allow the tub to be drained. Callum saw the water was steaming as it rose from the surface. He smiled at the sight of it.

A stand was near the tub. There were large soft looking cloths that were draped over it. A cake of soap was there and two small bottles of something that he didn’t know what they were. She waited at the door.

“You haven’t seen my companion return yet, I take it?” Callum asked as he unbuttoning his vest.

“Mr. Perkins? No, sir, not yet.”

“I wonder what’s keeping him. He should have been back by now I would think. How long was I…?”

“Almost an hour, sir.” She finished for him. He stopped unbuttoning his vest and looked at her, then smiled.

“That long?” He asked and started on the buttons again. He was beginning to wonder if she was going to stand there the entire time while he undressed.

“I’ll be back in a few minutes, sir. I can take your clothes and give them a washing if you like.” She said.

“Very kind of you. They do rather smell of dirt and horses it seems.” Callum said, taking the vest off and dropping it.

“There are worse things, sir.” She smiled and averted her eyes as he pulled his shirt out of his pants. She slowly closed the door and he was smiling in her direction.

He pulled the shirt off and dropped it on his vest. He unwrapped the bandage from around his waist, looking down at the stiches in him. He gently scratched them a bit. He lifted one leg and pulled his boot off, dropping it to the floor, then lifted the other, the one that had been sliced in the fight with Atch. The blood has stuck the boot to his long pants tucked inside. It was difficult and painful to pull it off, but he did with some effort. He grimaced at it and put his foot down, testing the weight again. He sighed, another damned scar he thought to himself. He undid the flap of his long pants and pushed them down, peeling the leg off over the wound slowly, just below the knee to the inside near his calf. It was narrow, about two inches long, probably could have used some stitching, but it was too late now. He got his pants off and then his stockings, dropping them on top of everything else. He rolled his eyes a bit, yes, they needed a good cleaning he thought as he could smell them.

He climbed into the tub, slowly settling into the hot water. He sat down fully and started to relax into the warmth, closing his eyes. He let out a long breath through his nose. He needed to get one of these for the Cross for certain. This was far too elegant and he liked it. He reached behind his head and undid the black ribbon in his hair, taking it and hanging it on the stand next to the tub. He shook his head and his long blonde hair flew wild over his shoulders. He sank into the tub, dunking himself under the water, shaking his head under it. He came back up and raised a hand, dragging it down his face to push the water off. He opened his eyes and she was there, picking up his clothes. He smiled and she was averting her eyes from the tub.

“So, my miss, if you are taking my clothes to give them a good scrubbing, what am I to wear in the meantime?” Callum asked.

“There is a cloth on the stand there, sir, large enough to wrap you entirely.” She said.

“Is there now?” He asked and looked over at the stand. He saw what she was talking about, and then leaned his head over the side, “And what are these two bottles then?” He asked.

“Those are fragrances for the water, if you wish, sir. I was not sure if you wanted them or not. Some of our lodgers use them, others do not care for them.” She said, not looking at him.

“Very thoughtful.” He said and reached out and down for one. He lifted it and pulled the stopper and sniffed at it. It was a bit too much for his liking and put the stopper back. He set it down and took the other and lifted it. He pulled the stopper of that one and sniffed it. It was a bit less in odor and he seemed to like it more.

“That is a lilac, sir.” She said, taking his clothes and holding his boots.

“You don’t say. Is this one more to your liking?”

“It would be your preference, sir, and not for me to say.” She said softly.

“What I mean to say is, do you use it?” He asked.

“Yes, sir, I do.”

“Excellent. Then we shall give it a try.” He said and smiled. He poured a bit in the water and put the stopper back. He set the bottle down next to the other and she went to the door, “Thank you, my miss.”

“Angelica, sir. And you’re welcome.” She said as she opened the door, not looking in his direction.

“Angelica. It suits you.” Callum said with a smile. She curtsied again and closed the door. He shook his head a bit and reached for the soap.

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He saw his boots at the foot of the bed as he came into the room, closing the door behind him. He had the smaller soft cloth wrapped around his waist, the larger draped around his shoulders. Still there was no Dustin to be seen and he wondered what was keeping him and he wondered if he was alright. He went over to the bed and looked out the window that faced the street. Several people were walking about, going about their daily activities, going in and out of what shoppes there were on the street, which were not many. His attention was diverted as there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.” He said aloud. The door opened and she was there. She curtsied as was her custom.

“I beg pardon, sir. There is an officer downstairs to see you.” She said.

“Well, I am hardly in a position to come downstairs, I would think. Did he give his name?” Callum asked. She blushed a little seeing him like he was, wrapped in only the cloths.

“Captain Arvin, sir.” She said. Callum smiled.

“Ask him if he would come up, would you?” Callum asked.

“Of course, sir.” She said.

“Thank you.” Callum said as she closed the door. Callum looked back out the window and was watching the street again when the knock came to the door, “Come in.” He said loudly. He turned as the door opened.

“My heavens, aren’t you a sight for sure.” Arvin said with wide eyes. Callum chuckled as he came toward his friend holding out his hand.

“You can see why I wasn’t able to come downstairs, William.” Callum said. Arvin clasped the hand and gave a firm grip.

“My lord, where are your clothes?” Arvin asked.

“The ones I was wearing are being either washed or burned. And my others are at the boarding house in my trunk.” Callum said with a flash of his eyes.

“Where is Dustin?” Arvin asked as he had let go of Callum’s hand. Callum guided him into the room and was closing the door.

“That is a very good question. Did you see him at the Admiralty?” Callum asked.

“Yes, which is how I knew you were here. He was making arrangements with Crawford for Thomas and Captain Holt but that was some time ago.” Arvin said. Callum guided him over to the big overstuffed chair and had him sit. Arvin took his hat and dropped it to the floor next to him.

“Ah, well at least that’s done.” Callum said, “It’s good to see you, William, but something tells me this isn’t a social call.”

“You’re correct in that. I have been sent by Lord Hood. There’s to be an inquiry, Quintan, and you are asked to be there. Well, I should say, you must be there.” Arvin said.

“An inquiry? About what?” Callum asked.

“Everything that has led up to this point. There has to be an official report made, as you know, and there will also be a panel. All those involved are required to give testimony.” Arvin asked.

“I would think that should come from Lord Eldon. Why is Hood calling for this?” Callum asked.

“Too many loose ends, far too many, Quintan. I must say, you certainly have stirred it up.”

“Me? How…?”

“Think, Quintan. You were the driving force behind all of this. You used the Admiralty in an official capacity to take and hold prisoners. There is also the attempt of the sailing to Norway without official order. The list goes on and on. I’m afraid that they need someone to…” Arvin said.

“Blame?” Callum asked.

“That’s about the size of it.” Arvin said with a flash of his eyes.

“I had no idea that this might be coming.” Callum said.

“Nor did I until this morning. The one saving grace in all this is Phelps, which I think is the root of all this actually.” Arvin said.

“Phelps? What about him?” Callum asked as he sat on the foot of the bed looking at his friend.

“He sailed for the Caribbean with his squadron, and without orders.” Arvin said.

“Yes, I know that. And I also know why.”

“They will want to know why, and you will have to tell them. And this inquiry is going to lead to a general court-martial of Phelps, if and when he returns. Unless they deem him as a renegade during the inquiry in which case they will continue with a court-martial of him.” Arvin said as the door opened. He and Callum looked toward the door. Dustin and the innkeeper were coming into the room, carrying the trunk.

“There you are.” Callum said, “No need to ask where you’ve been.” Dustin looked over his shoulder and flashed a brief smile.

“I have Thomas’ trunk downstairs as well.” Dustin said.

“I see. I had no idea that you were going to fetch those from the boarding house.” Callum said.

“It was Thomas’ idea actually. He said something about shirts without holes in them. I wasn’t sure what he meant by that.” Dustin said as they set the trunk down.

“The carriage ride to London? The Guardsmen?” Callum asked and then Dustin smiled and nodded.

“Now I remember, the musket ball through the trunk.” Dustin said and Callum nodded, “Captain Arvin, I didn’t know you were here, sir.”

“Yes, William has come in an official capacity. Apparently, there is to be an inquiry.” Callum said going to the trunk. Dustin looked stunned and looked at Arvin.

“What?” Dustin asked. Arvin just raised his hands a bit, elbows resting on the arms of the overstuffed chair.

“Yes, we can talk about it later.” Callum said, “What about Thomas and Christian?”

“Uh…I made the arrangements with Dr. Crawford. I asked him to give me some time to fetch the trunks and take care of the boarding house issue.” Dustin said.

“What issue?” Callum asked as he opened the trunk.

“The Haskills?” Dustin asked with raised eyebrows. Callum looked at him and it dawned on him.

“Ah, good thinking.” Callum said.

“So, they should be coming along almost at any time now. We will go down and get the other trunk and bring it up.” Dustin said as he nodded toward Arvin and came next to the innkeeper, who had been waiting. Callum watched them as they walked out the door, closing it behind them. He pulled out clothes and put them on the bed. He took the large cloth off his shoulders and lay it down, picking up the shirt.

“Are those new stitches in you?” Arvin asked. Callum looked down at them and then back at Arvin.

“Yes, well, old now. That reminds me, I need to have Arthur take these out for me.” Callum said.

“Were you…brawling again?” Arvin asked with a smirk.

“Brawling?” Callum asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, that’s how Crawford describes it when we speak about you, you and your escapades in flashing your sword and such.” Arvin said, “Pardon me for saying it, but you look like a bit of a road map with all of that.” Arvin said as he was pointing and moving his finger indicating all of the scars on his chest and stomach.

“Thank you for that.” Callum said with a frown as he put the shirt over his head. He put his arms through the sleeves and let it drop down him.

“I mean no insult by it. I just remember you having such smooth skin once.” Arvin said.

“Yes, it does give me a bit of pause from time to time, I must say.” Callum said and frowned even more.

“Yes, well, better scars than not having a limb at all.” Arvin said and knocked on his wooden leg. It sounded like a muffled knock at the door. Callum only shook his head.

“Still give you trouble?” Callum asked.

“Only if the day becomes very long. I have learned not to make too many trips up and down the stairs at the Admiralty. His Lordship is quite understanding of that. I actually have two assistants now to make those trips for me.” Arvin said.

“Well, it seems to be working out for you.” Callum said.

“Thanks to you. I will always be grateful to you for what you did for me and my family, Quintan.” Arvin said.

“It was nothing, William. You were a valuable officer, and still are obviously. It would have been a waste if you had just stayed at home and not taken the posting.” Callum said as he slipped on a pair of long pants, doing up the flap now.

“Listening to you that day when you visited us at the manor, putting your foot in my butt as it were, and speaking with my wife as you did, it made sense to the both of us, and we have become closer as a result of that. I haven’t thanked you for that.” Arvin said.

“As I said, think nothing of it. You have always been a true friend to me, William, in all that time we served together. You taught me so much, and helped make me who I am today. I am the one that should be thanking you actually.” Callum said.

“Well, I guess we’re both welcome then.” Arvin said and gave a smile. Callum nodded toward him as the door opened. Dustin came in.

“I was going to ask, where are your other clothes?” Dustin asked. Callum sat on the bed to put on his stockings.

“The girl took them when I was taking a bath. She said she would have them washed.” Callum said as he looked at Dustin.

“I see.” Dustin said and looked back at the closed door for a moment and then back to Callum, “We have to do something about all of this.”

“What are you talking about?” Callum asked.

“They are going to drive me crazy if we stay here.” Dustin said and had strained eyes.

“Who?” Callum asked. He was putting his boots on.

“The innkeeper and his family. They…dote, and are…smothering me every time they see me, they…” Dustin said.

“Are grateful.” Callum said slowly as he stood, putting his hands on Dustin’s arms, “You just have to accept it, that’s all.”

“What are they grateful for?” Arvin asked. Callum looked at Dustin and raised his eyebrows.

“You tell it, as you’re so much better at it than I.” Callum said, “I’m going downstairs for a minute. I’ll be back with something for us.” Callum said to Arvin, “He can recount the tale for you while I am gone. It happened while you were at home recuperating.”

“Ah, I see.” Arvin said then looked at Dustin, “I am all yours, my lad.” Arvin said and gave him a brief smile. Dustin sat down on the foot of the bed.

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Callum came down the stairs, turning and walking into the tavern portion of the inn. There were quite a few people sitting at tables, talking, drinking. The girl, Angelica, was serving tankards to one table from a tray she carried. She saw him from where she was and stopped for a moment. Their eyes met, he nodded toward her, and she smiled briefly in reply then went back to serving the table. Callum came to the long counter and smiled at the innkeeper.

“Captain, you are looking better, sir.” The older man said.

“Yes, thanks to your daughter and the bath.” Callum smiled briefly. Two men were to his right at the counter, both were looking in his direction. He felt their gaze and turned his head toward them. He nodded toward them, “Gentlemen.” He said. They both lifted their tankards a bit to him. Callum could tell that they were sailors, the clothes that they wore were a dead giveaway. He looked back at the innkeeper.

“Is there something that I can get you, Captain?” The innkeeper asked.

“Yes. Could I have a bottle of wine and glasses sent up to the room? I have a guest it seems for a bit.”

“Of course, Captain, right away.” The innkeeper said, bowing his head slightly. Callum turned to head back toward the stairs. He saw a Marine coming into view from the front door into the foyer, then another, and another, carrying a litter, then another Marine. Callum knew they carried Christian. He stepped over toward them.

“Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance.” Callum said as he looked down. The litter was held by four Marines, one at each corner.

“I told him I could walk, but he insisted.” Christian said.

“Who, Arthur?” Callum asked as he looked down at Christian.

“Yes.” Christian said with a roll of his eyes.

“Where is Thomas?”

“Right here, Quintan.” Thomas said as he came through the large door. He was supporting his splinted arm with his good hand even though it was slinged. Crawford came in behind him.

“Well, your room is ready.” Callum said, “It is the one that you had before, at the end of the hallway past the stairs, I am right next door to you.”

“Very good.” Thomas said, “I could use a bit of a soft bed right now rather than a hard table.”

“Yes, perhaps I should give you something to help you rest.” Crawford said.

“Not another one of your potions, please.” Thomas said with a roll of his eyes.

“Top of the stairs, to the left and to the end.” Callum said to the Marines. They moved and started toward the stairs carrying Christian. Callum looked back into the tavern. All eyes were looking in their direction. Thomas stepped closer to Callum and was looking himself into the tavern. It was very quiet in there, not a voice could be heard.

“It seems to be a bit busy in there.” Thomas said softly.

“Yes, apparently, we have a bit of a savory reputation that has been growing since we were here last.” Callum said in a low voice. Crawford was beside them both as well now looking into the tavern as well.

“You don’t say.” Thomas said.

“Well, hopefully, it won’t end like it did last time, Quintan.” Crawford said as he was leaning in.

“Speaking of that, I have some stiches that need looking at, when you have time.” Callum said.

“Seriously? Have you been brawling again?” Crawford asked. Callum frowned at him.

“I suppose I could find another doctor to look at them.” Callum said. Crawford smiled.

“No one would put up with you as I do, Quintan, and you know that. Now, let us go upstairs. I’ll have a look.” Crawford said. Callum stepped away from him, going back toward the tavern doorway.

“I think you had better make that two bottles, and more glasses, my good man.” Callum said.

“Of course, Captain, right away, sir.” The innkeeper said as his daughter came up next to him. The conversations started again and attentions were being turned back to what they had been doing as Callum Thomas, and Crawford went to the stairs.

They came to the top of the stairs, Dustin was holding the door for the Marines. Crawford stepped around Callum and Thomas, moving quickly to see how Christian was being placed. He put a hand on Dustin’s shoulder as he stepped through the doorway, Dustin smiling softly at Crawford, following him with his eyes.

“Easy, lads, easy.” Crawford said as the Marines took great care of Christian, moving him gently from the litter to the soft bed, Crawford came to the foot of the bed and watched as Christian settled slowly into the softness, “Feel any pulling?” Crawford asked. Christian grunted in reply and shook his head, “Good. You get yourself comfortable and I will return in just a bit to have another look at you.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Christian said, a bit of strain in his voice. The Marines stood still for a minute, “Thank you, gentlemen, for your assistance.” Christian said in his strained voice. The Marines all snapped in response. The litter was rolled up and one of them took it. They turned and filed out of the room, Dustin letting them go by him, as did Crawford. Thomas came to the door, Crawford looked at him and gave him a stern look with a raised eyebrow.

“I will behave, Doctor.” Thomas said.

“See that you do.” Crawford said and stepped out of the room. Callum was standing in his own doorway, waiting for him. Crawford was shaking his head at him, “Alright, Quintan, let’s have a look at you now.” Callum let him in the doorway, then followed him, “Captain Arvin, I didn’t know you were here.” Crawford said.

“William has come to have a bit of a talk with me.” Callum said.

“I see.” Crawford said, then looked at Callum, “So what are these new stitches that you have?” Crawford asked, Callum pulled his shirt out of his pants and lifted it. Crawford leaned forward and saw them, “They look almost about time.” He said and lifted his eyes only to meet Callum’s.

“There is another set in my shoulder, and also a bit of a new one to my leg.” Callum said in an almost meek voice.

“Dear God, do I have to follow you around, Quintan?” Crawford asked, “I have told you before there is very little left of you to sew up.” Callum sighed, “Were you flashed?”

“Yes.” Callum said flatly, “The set is at the back.” Crawford lifted the shirt and looked closely and hummed once to himself, “William here said I looked like a bit of a road map.” Callum said.

“I agree. So, what is this about your leg?” Crawford asked. The door opened and Dustin came in the room, followed by the girl with a tray, two wine bottles and a half dozen glasses on it.

“Your wine, sir.” She said softly as Crawford was lifting Callum’s shirt higher to see the other set of stitches to Callum’s shoulder a bit better.

“Thank you, my miss.” Callum said, “You can just set it there, if you please.” She set it on the chest of drawers, then looked back and diverted her eyes toward the floor.

“Will there be anything else, sir?”

“No, thank you.” Callum said, Crawford was pulling at one of the stitches gently. Crawford let it go and looked down, he could see the slash cut to Callum’s boot.

“Is that what you’re talking about?” Crawford asked. Callum dropped the shirt, letting it fall over him.

“Yes.” Callum said. Dustin was pouring wine and shaking his head. He took a glass and handed it to Arvin.

“Get your boot off. I can’t see it through all of this, you know.” Crawford said.

“Wine, Doctor?” Dustin asked.

“Yes, certainly, my lad, thank you.” Crawford said as he watched Callum sit on the foot of the bed, pulling the boot off. He pulled up the pant leg and Crawford leaned forward and looked at the new wound. He frowned and Dustin was there to hand him a glass of wine, “Thank you.” He said and took the glass.

“May I take one to Christian, Doctor?” Dustin asked.

“Hmmm?” Crawford asked and looked toward Dustin for a moment, “Yes, but only a small one though. He should probably eat something.” Crawford said, took a sip of the wine then looked back at Callum’s leg, “When the hell did this happen?” Crawford asked.

“Yesterday about this time.”

“Looks like a heavy blade did this.” Crawford said as he straightened, “There’s not much I can do about it now, Quintan. You should have come to me sooner with it.”

“That would have been a little difficult, Arthur. We were up north when it happened, several hours from here.” Callum said.

“I see. Well, I can dress it, that’s about all. It looks clean enough, as do you. You had a bath, did you not?” Crawford asked.

“I did. I feel a world better, I must say.” Callum said.

“You certainly smell it.” Crawford said and raised his wine glass a bit. Callum smirked toward his friend. Crawford downed the wine, “Well, let me check on Captain Holt and I’ll come back tomorrow with my bag to pull those out of you and dress your leg. Let that air for now though. Leave your boot off.” Crawford said, turning and set his glass down on the chest of drawers, “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He said and went to the door, it had been left open by Dustin.

“You certainly have a hub of activity around you at all times, Quintan.” Arvin said, sitting in the overstuffed chair. Callum looked over at him and saw the glass was empty. Callum got up and reached for his glass to refill it. Arvin handed it to him.

“I am looking forward to returning home where it somewhat far quieter than this is.” Callum said as he went to the chest of drawers, picking up the bottle, filling it and going back to his friend. Arvin took the glass from his hand.

“Thank you. Yes, I certainly can understand that. It is quiet at my home as well, well except for the workmen that have been engaged to make repairs on it, not that we can afford them.” Arvin said. Callum had gone back to the chest of drawers and poured wine for himself. He went and sat on the end of the bed.

“Yes, Dustin and I had noticed that it was a bit run down when we visited. I remember us speaking about it briefly when we were there as well.”

“My wife’s idea. She has taken over the overseeing of it all while I am here in London. We write to one another continually over it. I am glad that I am here actually. All that activity would drive me out of my mind, I think.” Arvin said.

“I can understand that. I was in the same position as you probably know, having the addition put on the house and the old stable below reworked. I must say that when the pantry was put in, there was terrible confusion about. My aunt was almost beside herself wanting to clean up behind the workmen as they went along.” Callum said and chuckled with the memory, “She’s a bit fussy.”

“That goes without saying, most women are. My wife is no exception to that. She can be harder on the workmen than any officer at sea with a crew.” Arvin said with a flash of his eyes.

“She did not strike as such when I met her. I found her to be very elegant and somewhat quiet.” Callum said.

“Thank you for saying that, however you only met her once. You don’t have to live with her. She has her ways, believe me, and her own opinions as well and most are not in line with mine.” Arvin said and Callum laughed. Arvin smiled wide.

“What’s so funny?” Dustin asked as he came back into the room with Thomas behind him, both carrying wine glasses.

“We were discussing the opinions of women while doing construction.” Callum said.

“Oh, you were speaking of Martha, were you?” Dustin asked and had a bit of a frightened look on his face. Callum noticed it as did Arvin.

“Yes, and Mrs. Arvin as well.” Callum said, “By the look on your face, you seem to remember it very well.”

“It would be hard to forget. No wonder you went on that mission when the rest of the construction was going on.” Dustin said. Thomas laughed, setting his glass down on the chest of drawers.

“How is Christian?” Callum asked looking at Thomas.

“He seems to be alright, trying to get comfortable in that bed. It is a bit difficult as he has been on that hard table for all this time. Crawford is looking over his knitting now.” Thomas said.

“Ah, good. I’m sure he will settle in.” Callum said, “How are you doing?”

“It is bothersome with this, I must say.” Thomas said, lifting the splint a little with his free hand, “But, I am certainly glad that they didn’t have to take it.”

“Yes, I can’t see you trying to use a sword or a pistol with your left hand. You can barely point with it.” Callum said with a smirk.

“Now see here.” Thomas said and everyone laughed at his blushing.

“Oh, my dear Thomas, you are such an easy mark.” Callum said getting to his feet, coming to him and put a hand on his good shoulder, “Forgive me.”

“I might.” Thomas said, looking a bit wounded and looked over at Arvin, “What brings you here, Captain Arvin? Surely it is not just to see this ruffian tease me.”

“Oh, Thomas, you haven’t learned yet to grow a thicker skin I can see.” Arvin said, “No, I am here to relay Lord Hood’s request to Quintan, but you will be named as well.”

“In what?” Thomas asked.

“A formal inquiry into events that have taken place.” Arvin said. Thomas had a look of shock, looking at Callum and then Arvin.

“What? I have been at the Admiralty this entire time, and they are just now thinking of this? They could have already asked me about everything. How foolish.”

“There is to be a panel, Thomas.” Callum said as he stepped by him, filling the glasses again from the wine bottle. Callum set the bottle down and handed Thomas his glass, then handed one to Dustin, before taking his own.

“A panel?” Thomas asked Callum, then looked at Arvin, “Then it is more than formal, it is a general court-martial…of whom?”

“That would be me, more than likely.” Callum said as he turned and leaned against the chest of drawers.

“They can’t.” Thomas said, “You’re not even in the service any longer.” Thomas said as he looked at Callum, “They have nothing to stand on. You were asked to take this mission, as a favor to them to hunt Battenou down. They know that.”

“Yes, but there is another matter in this.” Callum said.

“Commodore Phelps.” Arvin said. Thomas looked at Arvin and frowned.

“So, they are going to court-martial Phelps with him not even being here?” Thomas asked.

“Apparently so.” Callum said.

“I only heard about this, this morning.” Arvin said to Thomas, “His Lordship gave orders to the Registrars to let him know when Quintan returned. He had left the surgery before I could get to him, to inform him, thankfully. I ran into Dustin, who told me where he was.”

“Thankfully?” Thomas asked Arvin.

“Yes, so it was not given formally as notice to him, which you know what that means.” Arvin said.

“Arrest.” Thomas said, “Ridiculous.”

“No, it’s regulation, and tradition.” Arvin said. Callum stepped toward him as Arvin handed him his glass.

“Another?” Callum asked.

“Thank you, no.” Arvin said, “I must be on my way.”

“Why don’t you take supper with us this evening, William?” Callum asked.

“Ordinarily, I would be delighted,” Arvin said as he slowly worked himself out of the chair, “but I must report back to His Lordship and tell him that I have informed you. It may be a rather long night for me.”

“You didn’t tell me, when is the inquiry?” Callum asked.

“Day after tomorrow.” Arvin said as he retrieved his hat from the floor. He tucked it under his arm, “I forgot to mention, Quintan, His Lordship was wondering if you wished to write another accounting of all this to be submitted with your other reports.”

“No.” Callum said, “There are far too many delicate matters that need to remain unsaid in all of this, things that cannot be revealed and placed in a formal report that could be made public.”

“Are you certain?” Arvin asked.

“Quite certain, William.” Callum said flashing his eyes.

“I thought as much. You are speaking of the boy then?” Arvin asked.

“He is only a part of it. There are so many other details in all of this.” Callum said and shook his head.

“That’s an understatement.” Thomas said. He finished his glass of wine and set it down.

“Well, alright. I will act as counsel in this on your behalf as well as the others that are to speak when called. You will more than likely be called as well, Thomas.”

“I have no problem with that, nor have anything to hide.” Thomas said.

“Good.” Arvin said with a smile, “If I hear of anything else, I will let you know.”

“Thank you for coming, William.” Callum said and reached out a hand. Arvin took it and clasped it with a good grip.

“Think nothing of it.” Arvin said. He took his hand back and went to the door, going out. Callum went over and sat on the foot of the bed.

“Do you think they will arrest you, Quintan?” Dustin asked.

“No, I don’t think so, not this time.” Callum said as he looked at Dustin, “I am afraid they will want something else.”

“They’ll want you to go after Phelps.” Thomas said, “It only makes sense.”

“How does it makes sense?” Dustin asked.

“Quintan knows why he sailed without orders.” Thomas said, “He also knows what is going on with everything that surrounds it, but I think they know as well, wouldn’t you think, Quintan?”

“Yes, I think you’re right, Thomas.” Callum said as he looked at Thomas.

“This is insane. If they know, they can send another squadron after him. Why do they need you?” Dustin asked.

“There still is a war on, Dustin. I have no doubt that they are spread out a little thinly right at this time.” Callum said.

“If that is true, they won’t send out a squadron.” Dustin said and thought about it, his eyes went wide, “They’ll only send one ship.” Dustin’s mouth was held open a bit, Callum nodded slowly.

“My thought as well.” Callum said.

“Don’t even think it.” Dustin said.

“I’m not, believe me.” Callum said.

“The hell you’re not.” Dustin said, taking a step closer toward him, “I can see it in your eye, right now.”

“Uh, I think I’m going to go check on Christian.” Thomas said. He backed toward the door seeing what might happen between the two.

“Believe me when I say this, Dustin, I want no part of it. It would be suicide to after Phelps with only one ship.” Callum said. Dustin stepped another step closer toward him. Thomas reached the door.

“Don’t give me that, Quintan, you took the last mission, a suicide mission as well, hunting down your madman.” Dustin said.

“What was it you said yesterday to me in Sunderland?” Callum asked, not moving on the foot of the bed. Thomas opened the door and quietly slipped out of the room, closing the door quietly.

“Do not throw that back at me, Quintan. You know what I meant about that, and that is not this, not by any stretch.” Dustin said taking another step closer, “How dare you.”

“How dare I what?” Callum asked. He leaned a bit and set his wine glass on the floor, then straightened.

“You saw this coming, didn’t you?” Dustin asked.

“Dustin, believe me when I say, I did not. It came as quite a bit of a surprise when William told me. You know that, you were here just after he said it.” Callum said.

“But you’re thinking it now, aren’t you?” Dustin asked.

“No, my love, I am not.” Callum said and stood. He stepped the last step between them, getting in front of Dustin, “I wish to return home. I am tired of this, all of this intrigue. I want the peace and quiet of what we left there. I want to sleep next to you every night, to spend time with Henry and to see Martha’s shining face. I want it all, Dustin, as we had before.” Callum said as he put his hands on Dustin’s upper arms, “And as soon as Christian is able to travel, we will go home, the four of us.”

“I am sorry, Quintan. Here I go again, doubting.” Dustin said and lowered his eyes.

“No, you are not. You saw the same thing I did and you reasoned it out and came to a conclusion.” Callum said and reached up and put a finger to Dustin’s chin, lifting it gently, “You were thinking that I would go without hesitation.”

“Would you, if they asked?” Dustin asked.

“I will not lie to you, Dustin. If they ask, I might, under certain conditions.” Callum said.

“And what would those conditions be?” Dustin asked.

“It not to be a suicide mission, for one. But, before I make any decision, I think we need to hear what they have to say with this inquiry, don’t you?” Callum asked. Dustin sighed. He stepped forward and put his arms around Callum’s waist, resting his head against his shoulder, hugging him lightly. Callum wrapped his arms around Dustin, “I love you so, you know that.”

“I do. I am sorry for going off like that.” Dustin said softly.

“Never be sorry for speaking your mind, Dustin, never.” Callum said.