Thomas Grey & His Friends

Thomas Grey & His Friends

Peter Argonis

 

© 2021, 2025

All Rights Reserved by the Author

 

Synopsis

With the year 1818 starting, Thomas expects better times for his family and lands. Yet, the year starts with a tragedy, and the following events have him meet boyhood friends but also encounter underhanded enemies. In the end, there are four weddings and a funeral, but there are also new adventures in the offing.

A brand-new Thomas Grey story for your enjoyment!

 

 

Contents

1. A Fatal Mishap

2. A Long Lost Friend

3. Meeting With The Past

4. The False Major

5. Past Sins and a Funeral

6. Catriona

7. The London Season

Acknowledgment

Appendix 1: Sail plan of a full-rigged ship

Appendix 2: Ranks in the Royal Navy

Appendix 3: Administrative Structure of the Royal Navy ca. 1800

Appendix 4: Rated and unrated ships and vessels

Appendix 5: Watches and times

Appendix 6: Nautical terms

 

 

1. A Fatal Mishap

January 1818

The year 1817 had come to an end, too. Though not as catastrophic as 1816 in terms of failed crops and lost livestock, the yields of farming and animal husbandry had not yet returned to normal. Food was scarce and expensive, the families of labourers and peasants were still at the brink of starvation, and even well educated clerks, teachers and the lower tiers of the Army and Navy officers felt the pinch.

Now the new year was starting. Looking over the crowd of his tenants and their families and dependants, Thomas was feeling a bit of pride. By prudent and timely purchases of preserved foods from surplus Navy stores, he and a few of his neighbours had prevented much of the hardship felt elsewhere in the countryside. There had been some rioting in Guildford, when hungry labourers looted the warehouse of a profiteering merchant, but his own land holdings had not been affected by this.

Of course, lowering the rents to help his tenants had affected his own income, but fortunately, his other investments had paid off handsomely enough. The Whitney and Sons shipping line had paid another dividend of £316.16s.5d for 1817, and the powder mill he owned had shown a tidy profit, not the least because of the enormous amounts of gunpowder that were expended during the Battle of Algiers. Firewood, too, had added to the earnings, and even the coal trading had left a surplus. There was no reason for him to worry or complain.

Their family was thriving, too. Mirabel was expecting her second child, and she was vibrantly happy about that. Their daughters, Teresa and Margaret, were growing and healthy, too. They lived peacefully and comfortably in their little corner of Surrey.

If anything, Thomas was a little tired. He and Mirabel had attended Mister Egerton's traditional New Year's Eve soiree. Egerton had asked Thomas for advice whether having a soiree would be in good taste given the high prices for foods and wines and the general scarceness of food, and he had followed Thomas's suggestion to have the soiree with foods prepared mostly from the Navy surplus provisions, but also from freshly caught fish. Thomas's own cook, Lisette, had been sent to Egerton's house to help, and the results of her and the other cooks' efforts had been surprisingly delicious, if unaccustomed. For the most part, the invited guests had not complained.

The only thing marring the evening had been the poor mood of both their hosts. Mister Egerton had married a then seventeen year-old beauty in 1803 when he was 54 himself, a mismatch as everybody agreed. This was compounded by his increasing and — as Thomas believed — mostly unfounded jealousy directed at virtually any man who spoke to her more than a few words, and the poor woman was chafing under this.

They were barely on speaking terms with each other anymore; he being suspicious of her and she being snide in return. It was quite the conundrum for the Greys, with Mister Egerton a longtime supporter of Thomas and Mirabel a good friend of Madeleine Egerton. At breakfast, they had avoided the issue, but it would have to come up over the next days.

For the time being, they made the rounds in the barn where tables had been placed for the tenants and families to celebrate the new year. So far, the autumn and early winter had not been as harsh as the last, and Thomas sensed an upbeat mood about the farmers. Recent events had also fostered a better cooperation between the farms, and the tenants had elected a spokesman for their interest, the former boatswain, Mister Hanson, who together with the curate, Mister Edwin Berwick, sought to inspire the formation of a community. Mister Conway, their caretaker, supported this wholeheartedly, since it reduced possible disputes which he would have to mediate.

The celebrations were already petering out, when a coach was approaching from Guildford Lane. Thomas recognised it as belonging to the Egertons, and he sighed involuntarily, expecting another tirade from his benefactor about his wife. It made him uncomfortable, to say the least.

It was indeed Egerton, who alighted from the coach, but he seemed strangely upbeat when he approached them.

"Sir Thomas, Lady Grey, I must apologise for intruding on you during this celebration, but I have urgent business with you, Sir Thomas. May I speak with you in private?"

"Of course, Mister Egerton! Let us step into the estate office!"

The estate office, barely used by Thomas, was on the ground floor, facing the backyard and estate barn, and having its own entrance. Here, Mister Conway received the tenants and kept the books. It was empty since Conway and his nephew were out amongst the tenants. Once inside, Thomas closed the door and fiddled with the burning oil lamp to increase the flame.

"What may I do for you, Mister Egerton?"

"I need you to act for me, Sir Thomas. I am under challenge from Colonel Whitsby, who will be represented by Major Carson."

Thomas had to swallow. "May I ask what occasioned the challenge?"

"The rascal was accosting my wife, and under my very eyes! Of course, she denies it now; she enjoys the attention of so-called gentlemen altogether too much, but I saw it and put a stop to it. He claims that I insulted him, the rascal, but I'll show him that Bartholomew Egerton is not cuckolded in his own house!"

"You will accept the challenge then?"

"Of course! I must see him punished to discourage others from similar shameless affronts to my honour!"

"Mister Egerton, the Colonel is likely an excellent shot."

"I know. To put him in his place will clarify my stance once and for all! No, I am determined to see this through!"

"As you wish, Mister Egerton. Where does Major Carson reside?"

"He is a guest at the Whitsbys'. They live in a rented cottage on the Loseley Park grounds."

"I shall call on the Major tomorrow. Since you are under challenge, what is your weapon of choice?"

"Given my age, I should prefer pistols, say twenty paces?"

"Very well, Mister Egerton. I shall suggest those terms to the Major. Have you a location in mind?"

"The meadow along the River Wey, upstream of the town, should serve us perfectly."

"I shall suggest that, too. What day will suit you? Will you need some time to practice?"

"No. I want this done as soon as possible. I want my wife to realise that I am no dotty old fool!"

Thomas suppressed the reply that, if anything, Egerton was confirming just that.

"I shall let the Major know that, too. Once the modalities will be settled, I shall call on you."

"Splendid! I let you return to your celebrations now, Sir Thomas. It is good to know that I can rely on you!"

"That is understood, Mister Egerton. You have been my unwavering supporter all these years, after all. Do you wish for some refreshment before you leave?"

"No, my dear Sir Thomas. I shall return home now, knowing that the details of this matter are now in your able hands."

—————

"What is it this time?" Mirabel asked when Thomas joined her again.

"There must have been an altercation after we left. Egerton is under challenge from Colonel Whitsby, and I am to act for him," Thomas said under his breath.

"Oh, no! Why?"

"Apparently, the Colonel spoke to Madeleine Egerton a trifle too long, and Egerton had a jealousy tantrum and insulted Whitsby."

"Poor Madeleine! Doesn't he realise how much his insanity hurts her reputation?"

"He is quite obsessive about showing himself manly."

"It were better if he showed himself manly in their bedroom… I'm sorry, Thomas. I should not have said that. I know that you are grateful for his support."

"I suspected something like that anyway. Don't fret about it, Mirabel. I suppose that women talk about such things?"

"Some do; I don't. Then again, I am not stuck in a marriage with an old man, and I have no reasons to complain. Madeleine and Harriet-Anne were in a bitter mood and vented their feelings. Anyway, you will be meeting this Colonel Whitsby's friend?"

"Yes, a Major Carson. He is lodging with the Whitsbys."

"Do you think you may be able to avert a duel?"

"I'm afraid not. Whitsby will not retract his challenge, and Egerton will bite off his own tongue before apologising."

"Oh, dear, so one of them may die?"

"Hardly. Pistols at twenty paces means that they will both miss most likely. Whitsby may be the best shot in the world, but a smooth-bore pistol is wildly inaccurate over more than ten paces. That is why obsessive duelists insist on settling their matters at sword point."

"You were never involved in anything like that, were you?"

"My father taught me how to avoid duels in the first place by being composed and polite. A difficult lesson, but worthwhile."

—————

When Thomas called upon Major Carson, it was shortly after eleven in the following morning. He was wearing uniform for the call, albeit without the insignia of his chivalrous orders, but with his honour sword at his side. He handed over his visiting card to the young housemaid who answered the door and expressed his wish to see Major Carson. After being led into a small by cozy living room, the maid fairly ran upstairs.

Only a few minutes later, a young man in hussar's uniform welcomed him.

"I am Major John Carson, Sir Thomas. You come on behalf of Mister Egerton, I trust."

"This is so, to my regret. Will your principal stand by his challenge?"

"Colonel Whitsby was insulted by Mister Egerton. Unless Mister Egerton will issue an unqualified apology, my principal insists on clearing his name."

"I see. My principal, too, wishes to pursue the affair. I shall therefore offer Mister Egerton's terms for your consideration. He proposes pistols at twenty paces. He offers his own set of pistols but is agreeable to your principal's weapons if so desired."

"Those are agreeable terms for us, Sir Thomas. My client accepts any pair of matching pistols, provided he can pick his weapon."

"The latter is understood, and I am glad to hear that. As for the location, my principal suggests the meadow on the left bank of the River Wey, upstream of Guildford. I shall also see to it that a surgeon will be present."

"Again, I can find no fault with your proposal, Sir Thomas. When does your principal propose this to happen?"

"My principal wishes for a speedy conclusion of the matter, Major."

"How about the day after tomorrow, an hour after sunrise?"

"My principal will hold himself ready, Major. Are there any additional stipulations from your side?"

"None comes to mind, Sir Thomas. Will you preside over the affair?"

"I'd rather not. This is my first involvement in such an affair."

"Sadly, that is not the case for me. I had to fight three duels in my life. May I suggest that I shall have the principals stand and cock their weapons whilst you will direct them to start?"

"Sharing the burden, eh? I agree. Oh, what happens in case of a misfire?"

"Usually, an affair is deemed closed then."

"Let us agree on that, too, Major. I have to thank you for your time and I bid you a good day!"

"The same to you, Sir Thomas. I do appreciate the generous terms."

—————

An hour later, Thomas had informed his principal of the acceptance of his terms, and of the date and time for the rendezvous. Egerton had been upbeat and eager, but his wife Madeleine, had just shaken her head over what Thomas also regarded as dangerous and damaging folly for all involved. He returned home then, eager to escape the poisoned atmosphere of the Egertons' household.

—————

It was infernally cold during the coach ride from Egerton's house to the chosen site of the duel. Thomas had been freezing for thirty minutes already whilst driving into Guildford, and he, like the other gentlemen involved, were constantly moving on their feet to beat the cold.

Thomas was now carrying the wooden case with the pistols which he had carefully loaded, but not yet primed. The opposing party was also there. Thomas recognised Major Carson and assumed that the small and erect gentleman at his side had to be Colonel Whitsby. He gave both men a measured bow, but as etiquette dictated, he only addressed Carson.

"Major, I have the pistols with me. I loaded them both with utmost care, but I can pull the charges if…"

"Please, Sir Thomas, do not bother. My principal trusts you implicitly, and we are all getting cold."

"Thank you, Major. It remains for you to apply the priming charges, if you will."

All this had to be done strictly according to the rules. Since the pistols were Egerton's, Whitsby had the right to choose, and he took the one lying closer to him in the box. The box was then held to Egerton, who picked it up eagerly.

"Gentlemen, I shall now ask you to stand back to back," Carson announced, and the two combatants complied. Egerton still looked determined and did not waver.

"I wish to appeal to you gentlemen one last time, to settle this dispute peacefully," Carson said gravely, but both men shook their head.

"Gentlemen, you may now cock your weapons!"

Both men pulled back the hammers.

"I shall now count ten steps and ask you to proceed away from your adversary," Thomas announced. "At the count of ten, you may turn around and fire your pistol. One," he started, and both men made their first steps, "two — three — four — five — six — seven — eight — nine — ten!"

Both men turned on their heels, but in his haste, Egerton must have touched the trigger whilst still turning, for his shot rang out, and Major Carson, who was standing to the side, cried out in pain. Colonel Whitsby immediately pointed his pistol to the sky and fired it, whilst Thomas and the surgeon, Mister Marley, rushed to Carson's side. Egerton's pistol ball had hit the Major in the right shoulder, and blood was seeping freely from the wound.

On tottering legs, Egerton approached them and seeing Carson's wound, he sank to his knees, grabbing his chest. The others were too busy looking after the wounded man to pay Egerton much attention, and it was a few minutes before they remembered him. Whitsby noticed him first.

"Good Lord! Mister Egerton! Are you all right?"

Bartholomew Egerton did not hear him or feel anything when the surgeon turned him over. His face was contorted from what had to have been terrible pain, and he was quite dead.

"I fear his heart gave out from the shock," the surgeon announced.

"I should have looked after him," Thomas said ruefully.

"It would not have helped, Sir Thomas," the surgeon said matter-of-factly. "It was a massive heart failure to guess from his painful expression. There is just no help in cases like that."

"I must notify his wife," Thomas said, still shaken over the events. "I believe, this ends this tragic affair?"

"Certainly, Sir Thomas," Whistby hastened to say. "Please assure Missus Egerton of my sympathies. Will you allow Mister Marley to stay with Major Carson?"

"Yes, yes, of course. Please keep me informed of the Major's health and let him know that I very much regret his injury and that I wish him all the best for his recovery!"

"I shall, Sir Thomas. I believe we better leave this unlucky place with the victims," Whitsby agreed, offering his hand to Thomas, who shook it solemnly.

Ten minutes later, the Egerton's coachman had helped to lift his master's body into the coach, and they were heading for the Egerton house in Guildford's outskirts. It was a perfectly horrible mess, Thomas decided.

—————

The burial of Mister Bartholomew Egerton was attended by all the prominent Guildford citizens and landowners. He had represented the borough for over fifteen years, and apart from his insane jealousy of the last years, he had represented them well.

Of course, the Greys attended, too, with Mirabel supporting the widow together with Lady Manning. The gravesite service was rather short, which was owed to the freezing temperatures, but the following burial dinner at the Egertons' house, brought the decision makers together again.

Thomas was apprehensive about that, being seen by many as Egerton's closest ally and natural successor in the by-election that was to come, but he had come to the decision that he did not want to sit in the Commons. Firstly, he deemed himself too young and ill-experienced in the cutthroat environs of parliament, but secondly, he knew that Mirabel's ancestry would sooner or later be used against him, and he did not want to mar their happiness together. Thirdly, whilst he enjoyed their frequent visits to London, he had no desire to spend a large part of the year there.

Therefore, he had spent the two days before the funeral sounding out the important people about another suitable candidate, and he now hoped that his haphazard coalition would prevail. Already during his rather short grave site eulogy of Egerton, Thomas had mentioned their justice of the peace, Mister Cobb, thrice, as a long time ally of the deceased and stalwart dispenser of justice, and when the time came for the assembled gentlemen to put their heads together, he boldly presented Cobb as the best and most respected candidate for Egerton's succession. Even more importantly, Mirabel had spoken to Madeleine Egerton, and the widow spoke up to endorse Cobb as well.

There was a drawback for Thomas, for Cobb insisted that Thomas would stand for election as justice of the peace. Having acted in a very similar capacity as captain of his ships for years, he thought, however, that he would be able to handle that task.

When the funeral dinner ended, the questions of succession were satisfyingly settled, and Thomas was tasked with notifying the Lord Lieutenant of their preference.

Thus, three days later, Thomas took their coach to Godalming, and from there, to Peper Harrow, the seat of the Viscount Midleton, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey since 1814. His Lordship, having been warned of his intended visit by mail letter, received him without delay and with obvious pleasure.

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Sir Thomas! The occasion is a sad one, but I have been anxious to meet one of our most decorated naval heroes."

"Your Lordship is too kind," Thomas answered. "It is a sad occasion, indeed, but I feel honoured to make your Lordship's acquaintance."

"You've come about the necessary by-election, no doubt?"

"Yes, milord. As you know, Mister Onslow holds the second seat since the 1812 election, but Mister Egerton's now vacant seat should be filled, seeing how the next general election might be a year from now."

"Quite, Sir Thomas. Have you gentlemen picked a candidate yet?"

"Yes, milord. Mister Oliver Cobb has served us a justice for many years, and we feel that he is the best man to succeed Mister Egerton."

"You will not stand for election, Sir Thomas?"

"No, milord. I feel that I am too young yet, and not acquainted enough with local issues."

"The late Mister Egerton expressed the hope that you would be his successor."

"Yes, milord, I know. Much as I owe him for his longtime support, sitting in Parliament for Guildford is not what I aspire. My family situation and my anti-slavery stance lend themselves to more trouble than I am willing to endure."

Midleton sighed and nodded. "You would become a focal point of the anti-slavery faction and the target for the most vicious attacks from the planters. I can understand your reluctance. A pity. Will March be early enough for the by-election?"

"I believe this would be ample time for the candidates to come forward, milord."

"Well then, I shall task my secretary with the necessary documents. May I entice you to dine with us, Sir Thomas?"

"With the greatest pleasure, milord," was the only possible answer, and he spent the next two hours with Midleton's wife Maria, their five daughters aged eight to eighteen, and their son George, eleven, at the dining table. Lady Midleton and her elder daughters had apparently read his book on white slavery, and he was peppered with questions about the subject.

Three hours after his arrival, with the Lord Lieutenant's orders in his coat pocket, he settled for the cold ride back to Guildford, arriving at dusk, thoroughly frozen.

Over the next two weeks, Mirabel and Harriet-Anne took turns spending their days keeping Madeleine Egerton company until the widow expressed her wish to visit the wounded Major Carson, the second victim of — as she saw it — her late husband's folly. Mirabel accompanied her.

They found the young officer slowly recuperating from the pistol shot wound inflicted on him by Egerton's clumsy handling of the pistol. He was dismayed over his wound and the time it would take to recuperate, having hoped for a commission in the Surrey militia with Colonel Whitsby's help and afraid of being dismissed as a possible invalid.

After discussing the matter with Whitsby, Mirabel drafted a letter, to be sent to the Lord Lieutenant, who commanded the militia, informing His Lordship of the full recovery the Major could expect, and asking him to view Carson's application favourably. The letter was signed by the Widow Egerton, by Colonel Whitsby, and lastly, by Thomas, who also posted the signed letter in Guildford.

Feeling quite responsible for Carson's wellbeing, Madeleine Egerton then offered him the rent-free use of a cottage on the Egerton lands. This, together with the half-pay due to his rank in the regular Army, would see him through.According to Mirabel, the poor man was quite flustered over the attention paid to him by the widow, but Madeleine Egerton brooked no resistance.

Sadly, the attention that the freshly widowed woman paid to the wounded officer, incited the gossipers, and quickly, the stories made the rounds that Madeleine Egerton and Major Carson had been in cahoots with each other, to lure Mister Egerton into a duel, no doubt hoping that his weak heart would not sustain him through the excitement. This was a ridiculous and malicious idea to which nobody of consequence put any credence, but the whispering continued.

Of course, the widow was the last to be made aware of those rumours, and Thomas had to admire her steadfastness when she continued visiting the Major regularly, always accompanied by at least one other woman. The poor Major Carson also heard of the rumours and he protested them vehemently — and to little avail. He was beside himself over the hurt he caused to his benefactress and implored her not to visit him anymore, but he was met with the stubborn determination of the widow to fulfil her obligation.

After listening to the whisper campaign for two weeks, Thomas sat down at his desk and wrote a letter to the editor of the Surrey Herald, to be published in the next weekly edition, and a few days later, the readers of that periodical read the following notice:

To the Citizens of Guildford and the Surrounding Surrey Lands,

Having enjoyed the friendship and support of the late Mister Bartholomew Egerton for over ten years, I am deeply saddened over his passing on the 4th instant. It was a lamentable affair in which our late Member of Parliament suffered death, but the recent malicious and unfounded rumours purporting that a scheme by his poor widow and by an upright officer of impeccable reputation were behind his death, is far more disturbing to me, who considers himself his good and loyal friend. I ask therefore to take note that I shall henceforth defend the innocent rigorously against idle gossipers and malignant slanderers and take decisive action against any of those contemptible malcontents as they shall come to my notice.

Sir Thomas Grey, CB, KML, CLH, Captain in HM Royal Navy

 

He had not told Mirabel about this, and she read the notice with wide eyes. Then, when understanding came, those eyes became smoky, and she sat on her husband's lap giving him a deep kiss.

"That is so brave, Thomas, and I'm proud of you!"

"Let us hope that this will bring an end to this unsavoury gossip."

—————*

The gossip was not entirely stopped, but it diminished, and a week later, Colonel James Whitsby published a similarly worded declaration. Things moved on from there. A few days later, a number of landowners had a declaration announced at Sunday service, threatening that anybody caught spreading slander would lose their tenancy or work on their lands. Soon after that, the whispers petered out.

Around that time, Major Carson was well enough to travel again, too, and he took the stagecoach to London, ostensibly to collect his half-pay and to settle affairs. After that, the rumours stopped entirely.

Madeleine Egerton visited the Greys a week later and following Mirabel's invitation, but once arrived, she asked Thomas for a word in private. In his study, she took off her veil.

"I came to thank you, Sir Thomas."

"There is no need for thanks. We have known each other for a long time, and I always held you in a high regard, even more so since you have always been a good friend for Mirabel."

"You do know that I cannot really mourn my husband, don't you?"

"I know, and I know the reasons. I owed your husband quite a lot for his support, but I could also see that you and he were not well matched."

"You should really accept a diplomatic posting, Sir Thomas," the widow said with a small smile that quickly died. "For over ten years, I was a mere ornament for him, to be shown off to others but guarded jealously. I was not allowed to speak my mind, I was not to speak to other men, unless they were even older than Bart. I was to be the perfect wife at his side, but I was never shown love or even affection, only disapproval."

"I was partly aware of that, and a few times, I tried to reason with him if he expressed his suspicions."

"I know, but it never helped. When I cared for Major Carson, I did it to help him, but also for the chance to voice my thoughts to a man of my own age. Nothing untoward happened between us."

"Of that I was always convinced, Madam."

"Your note in the Herald warmed my heart, Sir Thomas. I always thought, forgive me, that you shared my husband's views."

"Many of his political beliefs, yes, but I could never see a valid reason to suspect you of anything."

"Mirabel is a lucky woman."

"She is also goodness incarnate," Thomas answered. "I believe that I am the lucky one in our marriage."

"Be that as it may, I thank you. I have a small request, too."

"Yes?"

"I would ask you to act for me and instruct me in dealing with my inherited landholdings. Obviously, I was not allowed to perform any responsible tasks. I am rather confident in Mister Tompkins, our caretaker, but I fear that he will not take me seriously."

"I can of course help you there, Madam, but you may also want to ask Lady Manning for advice. She is her own mistress and a widow like you."

"Yes, of course, but Harriet-Anne is so much more self-confident than I am. I also don't want to sound overbearing. Good caretakers are hard to replace."

"That should be no problem. Whichever way I can help you, I shall put my best effort to it."

"Thank you, Sir Thomas. There is one last thing, though?"

"What is it?"

"We… I own the city house in London. It's rather small, but it's in Mayfair. It is a good address, but older than the surrounding mansions. You may remember it?"

"Only vaguely, Madam. Remember, I was just a young lieutenant and quite in over my head. To me, it seemed large."

"Understandable. The question is, should I sell it? The upkeep is more than I want to pay, and I never felt… accepted as the mistress by the staff. Any requests I made were first cleared with my husband, and I resent the butler, Jerome, and the housekeeper, Boskins. Should I sell it or rather keep it and rent it out?"

"Is it debt-free?"

"Yes, to my knowledge."

"Then why not give notice to the staff and then offer it to Mister Justice Cobb? I am fairly certain that he will win the by-election, and he'll be in need of a house when serving in the Commons."

"You seem to have a ready solution for everything, Sir Thomas."

"Should I bring up the idea with the Justice?"

"That would be extremely helpful, Sir Thomas."

Thomas had an idea then. "We have known each other for so long, and my dear wife always refers to you by your first name. Would it be audacious of me to suggest that you address me as Thomas?"

Madeleine Egerton blushed. "I should love that very much, Thomas. I am called Madeleine."

"Should I offer the Justice to keep the staff, Madeleine?"

She shook her head then, her mouth thinning. "No. I want them all out of my life, even indirectly. I shall task our… my London solicitor to give them notice and a severance. There are a few items from my own dowry, that he can forward to me here, but the furnishings can all stay for Mister Cobb if he is interested."

"I can find that out soon. Oh, and Madeleine, if living alone in your house gets too lonesome, you will always be a welcome guest at Grey Manor. Mirabel thinks the world of you, and getting to know you now without having to look worriedly over my shoulder, I share her sentiment."

Her smile, tentative at first, turned into a soft giggle.

"Likewise, Thomas. I am in desperate need of friends."

2. A Long Lost Friend

April 1818

The stagecoach, under Admiralty contract, was the quickest way to reach London for an officer traveling with a single manservant. There was even room inside for Broderick. A junior captain whose mumbled introduction Thomas did not understand, two lieutenants on half-pay and a cadet officer, a young man being educated in the Royal Naval College, which had emerged from the Royal Naval Academy, completed the group of travellers. He questioned the young man for a few minutes, trying to find out which of the masters were still teaching, and found out that Mister Bayly had retired, and Professor Inman was now in charge of the College with an all new curriculum, in keeping with its new status. Four pairs of eyes opened wide when Thomas dropped the information that he himself had graduated from the old Academy in the Spring of 1805 and made captain only seven years later. That he also held three knighthoods he kept to himself at first, but when Broderick addressed him as Sir Thomas, as was his custom, that piece of information came out, too, and the cadet's eyes fairly bugged out with excitement.

As usual when alone in London, he lodged in his club, the St. Croix, where he had a nicely appointed room on the first storey. The club also offered comfortable quarters for the accompanying servants, and Broderick quite enjoyed the visits to London. After sending billets to his friends, the Bennings and the Ansons, advising them of his presence in London, he found the study room where he enjoyed a late tea and the newest London papers.

He was not the only Navy officer there. He counted no fewer than seven flag officers and amongst them was Admiral Lord Lambert, GCB, Captain Carter's father-in-law. Lambert had been awarded a peerage during the last honours. Rising from his upholstered chair, he walked over to offer his greetings.

"Sir Thomas! That is a nice surprise. Have you business in London?"

"Yes, milord! I am here to study a few facts in the King's Library."

"Is there another book in the offing?" Lambert asked him with a twinkle in his eyes. "My daughter quite enjoyed your work."

That, Thomas already knew, for she had written a very warm letter of felicitation.

"I am only collecting facts and information at the moment, milord."

"Why don't you sit with us, my dear Sir Thomas? Gentlemen, this is Sir Thomas Grey, of Guildford, Surrey, and late of the Clyde frigate. To my left is Captain Hosier, late of Superb, this is Captain Bryce…"

"Robert?" Thomas exclaimed, unable to stop himself. "Robert Bryce! Where have you been? Oh, I am ever so sorry, milord!"

"You know each other?"

"Aye, Thomas and I were best friends in the old Academy. You've come a long way!"

"I guess, but again, where have you been?"

"Why don't you two take a separate table for now? We can still dine together," Lambert suggested with a fatherly smile.

That was a sound idea and the two former friends found a small table to the side. Thomas ordered a bottle of Ancien St. Croix brandy and they sat.

"You just dropped off the face of the earth," he told Bryce.

"That is how it felt. I was sent to the Far East and never made it back home until the infernal year '16. I should not complain; I was confirmed as post-captain three months before Boney's abdication, not that we ever received any current news. Of course, I read a few mouldy Gazette articles about your exploits, always about a year after the events. How are you? Still living with your parents?"

"My parents both died in '12, in an accident whilst driving home in a thunderstorm, and I inherited the lands. I have been married since '13. My wife's name is Mirabel. She is a very distant relative of my mother and was raised by my parents when I went to sea in early '06. We have two daughters and expect a third child."

"Well, you have me beaten here. Did you hear of my brother? Poor Jonathan drowned in '07 during a ferry crossing in thick fog. My parents are still alive, but I'm the Younger Laird now. Doing duty in the Far East was not conducive to meeting prospective brides, and so far, my mother has come up empty trying to find a suitable bride for me."

"Good things come to those who wait," Thomas answered, but then he grinned. "Not that I have any reason to complain. You must meet Mirabel! What are your current plans?"

"I just paid off my ship, the Nymphe frigate. I'll probably find transport to Kilmarnock next."

"Then you must visit with us! I'll stay in London for four or five days before I return. By the way, how do you know Lord Lambert?"

"I gave him transport from Gibraltar. He was there with some commission and didn't want to wait for the packet to return. I offered and he accepted. He's quite the old sea dog, a bit crusty, but I would've liked to sail under him."

"I met him through his son-in-law, Captain Carter. I was captain in the Clyde frigate, and Carter organised a dinner with all her captains to that date, and his father-in-law attended."

"Dear God! There is so much to tell! Listen, I accept your invitation. I must see the woman who caught your heart! She must be extraordinary!"

"How are your sisters?"

"Heather married a Glasgow barrister. She has two children, girls. Catriona married too, but she was widowed. Her husband fell at the Quatre Bas."

That had been the battle immediately preceding the Battle of Waterloo by two days, where the Duke of Wellington had made a successful stand against Marshal Ney's corps.

"That must have been rough for her."

"It was, still is. She's only slowly coming out of mourning. Oh, look, Lambert's signalling. We'd best acknowledge and heed the summons!"

The dinner with Admiral Lord Lambert and the other Navy officers was a pleasant enough affair, and it lasted until after half past ten before the Admiral excused himself. Thomas being a club member, he hosted the rest of the party until close to midnight, and he was decidedly drunk when he stumbled up to his room, not before making plans with Robert Bryce for the next day.

After a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast — in spite of the Marquis's French birth, the St. Croix served an ample breakfast — Thomas briefly visited the Admiralty and the paymaster's office, to look up the current captains' list for his ranking and to pick up his back pay, respectively. That done, he quickly made all the purchases for Mirabel and Teresa, tasked Broderick with delivering all to his room at the St. Croix, and then hastened to meet Robert Bryce at the appointed time.

They had made the appointment to meet at Rule's, a fine eatery located to the South of Covent Garden, and when Thomas arrived there, he was met by a smiling Robert.

"How is your head?" he asked Thomas.

"Just as brilliant as ever. I already had a grand idea today. Have you any plans in London?"

"No, before I met you, I contemplated a visit to the seedier parts of the city. You married men have no idea of the deprivations we seagoing men suffer."

Thomas laughed. "I shan't stand in your way, but don't expect me to accompany you. The last time I paid such a visit here in London, two of my mates almost got their heads bashed in."

"And when was that, if I may ask?"

"In '06; not that it's any of your business. Besides, the women here won't accept lumps of peat as payment."

"Oh dear, we're back to being immature boys, aren't we?"

"Yes, but it feels good," Thomas laughed. "I was thinking of returning to Guildford tomorrow. To hell with historical research! Besides, do you know who is a very rich widow now?"

Robert Bryce actually blushed. "The lovely Miss Harriet-Anne?"

"The very same. She is Lady Manning now and our neighbour and good friend. Need I say more to entice you?"

"How long ago was she widowed?"

"Over four years ago. It was not a happy marriage. Her husband was quite older and not very social. She was bored stiff. She is quite happy to be a widow of means."

"Probably waiting for me to return from the shadows of a happier past," Robert mused and grinned. "Is she still as lovely?"

"To my mind, even more attractive, for she is a very competent and well educated lady now. Not that she ever was dumb. That was me being young and stupid."

"Know thyself! Presented like this, your invitation is very tempting, my friend. Are you travelling by stagecoach?"

"Yes. That way, Mirabel has the use of our coachman and the coach, of course. She frequently visits another of her friends, who was only recently widowed, the wife of my late benefactor, Mister Egerton."

"I remember him from that New Year's soiree at this other gentleman's home, Whittle or something?"

"Whipplethwaite. He died years ago. His nephew owns the estate now."

"Yes, he was rather old and dotty, if I remember. What about that old fool, that curate?"

"When I returned from the Mediterranean in '14, he was gone, replaced by a rather nice man, a former ship's chaplain. One thorn less in my side."

"Well, you convinced me. When does that stagecoach leave London?"

"Every morning save for Sunday, at eight. I shall go and make a reservation for us."

"Why don't we both go after dining here. I hear their pies are very good."

"Excellent. Let's order then!"

—————

Time passed so much quicker on the return journey to Guildford, with Thomas and his friend Robert still catching up to each other's lives. Thomas learned a little bit about the political and naval situation in the Indian Ocean and the South Sea. Whilst the coasts of India were patrolled by the Bombay Marine, a naval force under control of the East India Company, the Royal Navy had a small presence there, too, but also patrolled the sea routes to New South Wales. Ceylon, too, was now under British rule, after the central Kingdom of Kandy was occupied by the British Army, and a Governor ruled the island now. Robert's ship, the 22-gun Volage sixth-rate, had been part of the effort, and her captain and crew shared in the massive war bounty. Robert Bryce was a rather wealthy man in his own right, even without counting the family possessions.

Robert, on the other hand, had to be the only British captain who did not hear or read of Dido's capture of a bullion ship in 1812, and the almost £100,000 prize money.

"I'd say, for two graduates of the much-maligned Academy, we did not fare too poorly," Robert summed up smugly, and since they had opened a bottle of fine Bordeaux wine, he followed up with a toast. "To the old Academy and her masters!"

"And to the Sea Rover club, where we learned even more important lessons," Thomas toasted back with a grin.

"Is that place still operating?"

"No. Conway and his Mabel are alive and well, I heard, but when too many of the girls quit, they closed the Sea Rover down and sold the house. It's a private home now."

"A shame that," Robert exclaimed. "To the lovely Mistress Maybelle and her wonderful girls!"

—————

Of course, nobody expected Thomas to return from London so early, but they arrived early enough to find transport to Grey Manor. When their rented trap drove up to the manor house, Thomas saw Harriet-Anne's coach in front of the steps.

"You're getting your wish fulfilled early," he told his friend. "That's Lady Manning's coach."

Robert laughed. "Really?"

"She is probably visiting Mirabel. Let's find out!"

Thomas paid the coachman after the man carried their valises to the front steps.

"Thank'ee, Sir Thomas," the man smiled toothlessly and touched his grimy cap.

The men took their luggage, climbed the front steps and entered.

"It's just like I remember it," Robert remarked.

Mary, the housemaid, came running already.

"Sir Thomas, you're back already! Let me get your valise!"

"Mary, this is Captain Bryce, my former classmate at the Academy. He'll be visiting for a while. Be so good and ready a guest room, will you!"

"Of course, Sir Thomas! Welcome to Grey Manor, Captain! I'll see to everything."

"Thank you, Mary. Is my wife in?"

"Yes, Sir Thomas. She has Lady Manning and the Widow Egerton visiting in the garden room."

"Come, Robert, let's see them!"

Thomas led the way to the back of the house where the garden room was brightly lit by the afternoon sun. As soon as they entered, Mirabel looked up.

"Thomas! You are back! Oh, who is our visitor?"

"Mirabel, my dearest, you surely remember me telling you of my Academy classmate Robert Bryce? This is he, only he's not a scholar anymore, but a post-captain. Robert, this is my dear wife Mirabel!"

Robert bowed politely and then kissed Mirabel's hand.

"It is a true pleasure to meet you, milady. Thomas cannot seem to stop talking about you."

"The pleasure is all mine, Captain! Welcome to our home!"

"Robert, you remember the former Harriet-Anne Paddington? She is now the Lady Manning. Our other good friend is Missus Madeleine Egerton. As you can see, she was recently widowed."

Robert bowed to the ladies. "Missus Egerton, my heartfelt condolences! Milady Manning, you are as beautiful as ever!"

For her part, Harriet-Anne looked a little flustered, but she rallied. "I certainly remember you, Captain Bryce. You were the only male in this house who showed me any appreciation," she laughed. "It is good to see that you came through the wars healthy and hale. Madeleine, Captain Bryce is the second son of the Laird of Kilmarnock!" She ended triumphantly, "I still remember!"

At their first meeting, she had made a hash of his name and hometown.

"I am thoroughly flattered, milady. Sadly, I am now the Younger Laird of Kilmarnock. My poor brother was lost when a ferry boat capsized."

"Oh, I am so sorry! But please, call me Harriet-Anne! As a hereditary Laird, you certainly outrank my late husband."

"With pleasure, Harriet-Anne! I am of course Robert for you ladies."

"How did you two meet, Thomas?" Mirabel wanted to know.

"You remember Sir Richard Lambert? He is Lord Lambert now, and he was dining at the St. Croix, and Robert was dining with him. I will admit that we were rather drunk when we went to bed that night."

"You never met in all those years?"

"I served in Far East waters, the Indian Ocean and the South Sea, milady. What newspapers we saw were close to a year old," Robert explained. "I did not even learn of my brother's death for over a year."

"That must have been horrible, to be cut off from your family and friends," Harriet-Anne commiserated. "Are you back for good?"

"For certain! Chances are that the Nymphe was my last ship. I am not yet ready to settle down as Younger Laird, but at one point, I shall inherit title and land. Of course, my mother may already have a list of potential brides for me, so I plan to stay south of the border for the time being," Robert laughed easily.

"We are remiss in our duties, Thomas! May we offer you tea or coffee, Captain… oh, will you agree to dispense with the 'milady' and call me Mirabel?"

"With pleasure, Mirabel."

"Good. Now, how about tea or coffee, Robert?"

"I am partial to coffee."

Mirabel rang a bell, and Jane, the maid, showed. "Be a dear, Jane, and have some coffee brewed for the captain and Sir Thomas!"

"Very well, milady," Jane answered formally, but with a smile, and retreated.

Thomas and Robert sat down at the coffee table, and Thomas looked at their other guest.

"How are you faring, my dear Madeleine?"

"Not bad at all. Justice Cobb signed the lease for the city house and the staff was given notice. He can move in at any time. Mirabel had Mister Conway look over my caretaker's reporting, and everything looks good. I can breathe easier now. So, for the next months, I shall be the proper widow. Major Carson also wrote that he is fully recovered, so that is one worry less."

"I am glad to hear that everything has turned out well for you. Remember that I shall always be ready to help you."

"I know, Thomas," she answered with a warm smile. "I also have Mirabel and Harriet-Anne to support me, and I am learning to take care of things myself."

"The first year is the worst, wearing those ghastly black dresses, my dear," Harriet-Anne stated. "Just remember that you will be the mistress of your own fate. You will be able to do as you please, travel where you want, meet whom you want."

"Yes, I know, but it is frightening, too."

"Yet, succeeding will be a very rewarding experience, Missus Egerton," Robert put in. "Don't think that men suddenly in responsibility are not scared, too. I know I was when I was given my first command."

"A Navy officer admitting to fears?" Harriet-Anne asked with her eyebrows raised.

"Courage is not the lack of fear — which is rather a sign of stupidity — but another word for conquering your fears."

"Interesting. Is that how you think, too, Thomas?"

"There are old captains and bold captains, but very few old, bold captains. That is from my grandfather, who was an old captain, so I chose to believe him."

"Yes, I remember him saying that," Robert nodded.

"So you are saying that getting over my fears of failing, I may succeed?" Madeleine asked.

"You may still fail, but giving in to your fears, you will fail for certain;" Robert nodded.

"Oh, dear, a Philosophy session! I did not expect that when we came over to exchange gossip," Harriet-Anne laughed. "How long will you stay here in Surrey, Robert?"

"I have no plans at the moment. It will largely depend on when the Greys will get sick of me."

"Won't you have to return to your estates?"

"They are my father's estates, and he is healthy enough to hold on to them for many years to come. I was never my father's favourite either. He doted on my late brother, the eldest, and he still dotes on my sister Catriona, the youngest. Since she is widowed and living at home, as I read, there won't be much for him and me to talk about."

"That is sad? What did you do to alienate him?"

"Who said that I did something? Very well, my father gave me extra funds during my third year at the Academy, to get tutoring in good conduct. I spent those monies on a form of tutoring that did not meet with his approval."

That sent the three women into fits of laughter.

"Oh, dear, what did he expect?" Mirabel laughed. "Unmarried men will always be like that."

"Did you at least learn something?" Harriet-Anne managed to ask between fits.

"Those lessons were rather comprehensive," Thomas explained. Mirabel knew of those Sunday afternoons spent in the Sea Rover, the same as she knew about his affair with the lovely Florence Soubeyran.

"You, too, were a diligent student of good conduct?" Harriet-Anne asked with her eyebrows again raised in mock disapproval. She was good at that.

"My grandfather wanted me to have a well-rounded education."

The banter continued for a while. Poor Madeleine Egerton's face was bearing a permanent blush, but she listened intently anyway. Soon, it was time for the two ladies to get on their way before it turned dark, but Harriet-Anne made it a point to invite them to tea at her house for the next afternoon.

—————

Over the coming weeks, the presence of the outgoing and personable Robert Bryce helped Mirabel compensate for the lack of social activities due to her impending motherhood. Thomas often caught his friend casting adoring glances at Mirabel, but he knew that Robert was at a stage in his life where he yearned to settle down and have his own family. Mirabel noticed it, too, and enjoyed the adulation.

The household was also preparing for the upcoming birth. Blankets and sheets were washed and ironed, and their coachman, Patterson, drank only small ale in the evenings, to be ready for taking the trap into Guildford to pick up the midwife.

When Mirabel finally gave birth, there was no drama at all. She woke Thomas around seven-thirty in the morning and calmly told him that her time was there. Patterson was ready, the horses were in the stable, and less than an hour after the alert, the midwife, who was also a herbal healer, arrived, wide awake and sober. From then on, the two men were barred from the upper floor and sat in their living room, nervously sipping coffee, and fretting not a little over the outcome. They heard very little from upstairs, and that unnerved Thomas even more. Then, after less than four hours, the first cry of an infant was heard, and moments later, Teresa burst into the living room.

"The baby is here, Thomas!" They had settled on her calling him and Mirabel by their given names. "It's a little boy!"

Thomas felt a little lightheaded for a moment.

"A little Theodore?" he asked his adopted daughter. "Is Mirabel doing well?"

She nodded exuberantly, and a second later, they heard her stomp upstairs again.

"My felicitations, Thomas!" Robert smiled widely. "Come, my man, this calls for a brandy, and a good one! I'll get it."

He poured two glasses of the amber liquid and then proposed the first toast.

"To the future Captain Grey and to the health of your lovely wife!"

The brandy burned in his throat, but it gave Thomas his balance back.

"A good toast, Robert. I can breathe easier now. When Maggie was born, I was patrolling the French Atlantic coast and far away. Being here and not able to help was nerve-wrecking."

"Believe me, I was worried all the time, too. You found a real gem in Mirabel."