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name came quickly to mind so he gave his name to the admiral. “He, Lieutenant Davy and I have been together a long time; otherwise I don’t have anyone in mind.”
    â€œI know of a couple that will suit you well.”
    Gabe had thought he might.
    â€œNow what about midshipmen?”
    â€œI have two, sir.”
    â€œI have a couple of young gentlemen whom I can recommend,” the admiral replied.
    This is going well , Gabe thought.
    â€œWhat about professional men, the warrants?”
    â€œI would be happy with all of Merlin’s sir, but I do need a surgeon.”
    Nodding, the admiral said, “I’ll look for you a good one.”
    Gabe had watched the admiral’s secretary make notes and was amazed at how fast his quill flew. Seeing Gabe’s gaze, Graham said, “Paper and ink. It’s paper and ink that keeps the Navy going.”
    At that time the aid returned to the room. “It’s time sir.”
    â€œYes, we can’t keep anyone waiting, can we?”
    Gabe knew the interview was ending so he quickly asked, “One more question. Is Peregrine to be part of Lord Anthony’s command?”
    Seeing the admiral’s look Gabe continued, “I was with His Lordship when the Admiralty’s messenger arrived.”
    â€œI see,” Graham responded. “Did Lord Anthony promise you anything?”
    â€œNo sir.”
    â€œGood, I’m glad to hear it. We have been friends a long time, your brother and I. I never figured him or your father to be guilty of nepotism. You got your ship because Dutch Moffett said you were the best young naval officer he’d ever seen and you were the image of Lord James. To answer your question your ship will be assigned to Lord Anthony’s command. Are you staying at your father’s house?”
    â€œAye, sir.”
    â€œVery well, your orders will be sent to you directly. You may stay ashore at night until you receive further orders.”
    â€œThank you, sir,” Gabe stammered.
    â€œNonsense boy, I was a strutting rooster at one time myself.”

Chapter Five

    The Admiralty’s messenger opened the door of one of the larger private anterooms and said in a dry but polite manner, “If you would be so kind as to wait, Lord Anthony?”
    Instead of sitting Anthony looked out the window. Leaves were starting to turn in the few trees visible. It’d not be long before the first frost. Now that Deborah had decided to travel to the West Indies he wouldn’t miss England as much. He certainly wouldn’t miss the cold. Glancing toward the sky, Anthony could see the clouds were clearing. It had rained early that morning but with the sun coming out it promised to be a warm day.
    People were now filling the street and Anthony had to smile as a lady stepped around a puddle, but the two small children with her jumped into the middle and kicked water at each other. Intent upon watching the mother trying to coax the children from the puddle it took Anthony a second to realize the door had opened and he was being spoken to.
    â€œThe First Lord will see you now, My Lord.” This was a different messenger. Old, gray haired, and stooped over, he had thick-rimmed glasses and a poorly fitting white powdered wig.
    Following behind the ancient messenger to the First Lord’s office, Anthony thought, The war will be over before my orders can be signed . He was finally ushered into Lord Sandwich’s office where he found him pouring sherry into two glasses.
    Seeing Anthony, the First Lord smiled, “Ah, Gil, won’t you join us in a glass?”
    The us meant Lord Sandwich and Lord Joseph Ragland. They had been friends since they were schoolboys together. The two had been known in their youth for not excelling in the sciences but in drink, swordplay, and general debauchery. It was said that they compiled a list of wenches they’d bedded during the week. They then presented the top ten