TURN TEN

Tom, lifted himself from the table and nodded at Miss Stocker. Extending an arm towards the door, he then turned and made a slight bow to Captain West and Lady Farthingdale, slight because he was almost doubled over under the low ceiling. After offering his thanks for a good meal and company, he followed Miss Stocker up the companionway. He proffered his arm for her as they walked onto the quarterdeck, and then asked her, "What part of the ship would you like to view first, Miss Stocker?"

Well the quarterdeck seems like a good place to start...

Starting beside the quarterdeck taftrail, and working forward, Bryant explained to Miss Stocker the notable features of the HMS Watcher. One fact he pointed out to her during the tour was, that unlike the Americans, the British carry their main battery on one deck. All the while, his mind was distant, he remembered her proposal about the prisoner excange and he mulled over it the whole time. As they climbed out of the waist and onto the fos'c'le, he told her, "If I have the opportunity, I shall stop the first American vessel I make contact with, and send word into Baltimore of the situation and ask for an exchange, you have my word on that." She continued, "I'm sure my family will pay a considerable rescue fee for my safe return and a British ship was recently taken off Baltimore with officers that could be exchanged for Lieutenant Gardner. If arrangements could be made..." Bryant noted as he showed her around the ship, a keen interest,  her attention to the smallest detail, an occassional well placed question. She was also very polite and friendly to the crew who quickly tried to make themselves inconspicuous.
The midshipman who's glass she borrowed to look at the other ships blushed almost as red as the sunset as she returned it to him. The officer of  deck's reprimand to young lad fizzled as she thanked him for allowing the young officer to assist her.
"Well Commander this has been a most enjoyable evening, but it is getting late, and I shouldn't keep you from your duties. Will I be staying aboard the Watcher or returning to the Janna ?

Bryant hesitiated for a split second, opened his mouth to speak, and nothing came so he closed it abruptly. Janna would be awfully crowded, and he would have to give up his cabin, but of course hardships were the way of the service. Rhetnug would have to be moved of course, but their was an open bunk in the midshipmen's berth. Therefore it could be worked out...now he spoke. "Miss Stocker, I offer you use of my cabin on Janna for your personal use of you would like. Its not near the grandeur someone of your deposition should have, but it can suffice until the exchange can take place. The decision of course to use it, or stay on Watcher is entirely yours."

Miss Stocker let out the smallest hint of a smile and said, "Well then perhaps WE should thank Captain West for a delightful evening and return to the Janna. I do believe Lady Farthingdale will be staying here," she said with a discreet wink.

After saying their farewells to Captain West and Lady Farthingdale, Miss Stocker and Tom boarded the Janna's gig and began the journey back across to the sloop. As soon as they reached it, Bryant followed Miss Stocker onto the deck, and said, "Mister Rhetnug, Miss Stocker will be our guest until she can be exchanged, and she will be staying in my cabin. Therefore, I will be making the vacant Lieutenant's quarters myown for the duration...I hope you don't mind another occupant in the wardroom."

Lt Rhetnug replied, "a small price to pay for such charming company," he paused, waited until Miss Stocker bid everyone good night and went below then said "sir the recently pressed men, four are gunners and two are topmen, one of the ship's boys overheard them talking how they should toe the line until an opportunity presented itself."

He rubbed his chin and then clasped his hands behind his back..."Very well...when we exchange Miss Stocker, I'll arrange for them to exchanged also. Let them know that if they do their duties accordingly, they will be well treated and exchanged at the earliest possible opportunity."

Lt Collins has the morning watch and sends a messenger to report Crab in site of the flotilla and sends a written note advising on his morning inspection tour, the belaying tackles of two the aft carronades have been halfway cut through.

Lt Greg shook his head as gave the necesary orders. Mr Kell commented a little louder than intended, "Well sir it seems the wardroom rumors aren't true after all."Lt Greg looked at the Midshipman and said, "Young sir attend to your duties and quit fretting about the Captain's social life. Lieutenant Gardner (USN) appeared in the companionway touched his hat to the Captain "Permission come on deck sir?" Ian glanced down at Lieutenant Gardner and chewed his lip briefly as he noted the Crab on the horizon, flying her signals. "An engagement?" he thought to himself, "I wonder..." Somewhere in the flow of his thought, he heard Kell's remark, but let it pass. If every captain punished every impertinent midshipman....Ian was young enough to remember he had been one of those
himself, once, and that only eight years ago. "Acknowledge Crab’s signal, and flotilla is to heave to to receive mail," he said to the signalman. Then, returning his attention to his guest, he nodded briefly. "Of course, Lieutenant," he said. "I shan't prevent you from enjoying the day." He moved to the weather side of the quarterdeck "Walk with me, sir," he said to him. "How do you and Miss Stocker find your accommodations? I trust the men do not treat you too poorly?

The Lt replied, "everyone has neen very courteous and respectful, I'm sorry to say that I doubt a British officer would have received similiar treatment; but two years of war make for a lot of hard feelings."