Chapter two
The sound of music filled the air and the
hall was lit with the light of a thousand candles for tonight was the first of
the assembles to be held in Notheringay. Sir Thomas found himself seated next
to an old acquiesce Mr. Charles Parker
who had served under Sir George Rodney in the early days of there service to
King and country “Charles do you remember how crisp the night was?” asked Sir
Thomas “Indeed I do sir replied Mr. Parker taking a pull at his pipe. “Indeed I
do,” he said releasing a vast cloud of smoke from his mouth much to the
annoyance of Sir Thomas. It was not that Sir Thomas was against the habit of
smoking he felt every one was free to live there lives as best suited them but
what he did object to was the fact that the smoke had been expelled in his
direction.
“Ah yes I remember well how we fought that
battle under the moon light a singular even if I might say so Sir Thomas” said
Mr. Parker “and our ship our faithful Montague is already and old war horse
now. I would not be surprised that when next we hear of her she will have been
broken up or a sheer hulk” said Sir Thomas “I fancy the lower deck crews would
not look back at her with such an air of nostalgia,” said Mr. Parker. “Indeed I
fancy Don de Lángara will
also look back at that battle with an air of discontent,” replied Sir Thomas
I have an
occasion to be in London
next week on a matter of some small busyness I trust that you and your good
lady will find an occasion to call on Lady Ann.
For I fancy there might be some what of a disruption while I am away in
town,” said Sir Thomas. “I am sure my Emily would be delighted to spend an
afternoon in the company of your good lady,” replied Mr. Parker.
“Pray tell how
are those bright young sons of yours?” asked Sir Thomas who had it mind to
arrange a marriage between the elder son and his daughter Lydia. “George has recently
returned from Oxford
and is taking the business of my rents in hand quite nicely it relieves me to
have some time upon my hands to be at leisure,” replied Mr Parker. “Indeed a
bright young man” said Sir Thomas as the object of there discourse weaved his
way down the line of dancers his hand firmly on that of Lydia. “And
what of Peter?” Asked Sir Thomas “Peter is bound for the service this coming
fortnight Monday” replied Mr Parker; I have managed to buy him a commission in
the 52 foot. “Indeed a strange choose replied Sir Thomas raising an eyebrow. It
was I am afraid the best that can be got at present, he is no horseman
unfortunately I would have liked to get him a commission in the guards but he
refused to hear of it preferring to be among the men as he put it” continued Mr
Parker.
Just then Lady
Ann returned to her seat she had been dancing with your Lord Kilgrew “Dear
husband remind me later to impart to you a certain knowledge that has of resent
been rewarded me” she said “Indeed it must be of some importance that you would
not speak before our dear and old friend Mr. Parker”. “No sir it is some what
of a private nature and is fit only for the ear of a husband “she replied sharply. Just then Mrs. Parker joined there company having spent the
last round on the arm of an officer of the rifles. “Hot work but most
invigorating said” she
The music begun again and the two couples
sat watching the young people of there respective houses dance a new dance
which had recently been introduced to the country some thing called a waltz. I
perceive that this new fad of a dance does not hold much in it “said Lady Ann
with a frown on her broad face for she was watching with some manner of
displeasure the figure of her daughter Lydia and young Peter Parker, who
to her mind seemed a little to closely embraced in each others arms.
“Ann let them be we were once young don’t
you recall? Said Sir Thomas
Later that night Sir Thomas before retiring
for the night spent a few moment s writing in his great day journal, this had
long been his practice for he was a fastidious man who would not allow a day to
pass lest he make a few pre-functionary notes on the events of the day.
Of late, the mood
of his eldest son had been somewhat of a concern to him as Tom was showing more
and more signs of becoming more caught up in a world of his own with little
sense of the realities of life. Sir Thomas considered buying him a commission
in the Kings own regiment of guards for surely the life of a guards captain
would be one which would fully occupy the full four and twenty hours of the
day. Thus leaving little time for Tom to occupy himself with less fruitful
pursuits. Further, more Thomas with the right training could rise in the world
and the thought of this delighted Sir Thomas.
As sir, Thomas
said his prayers and snuffed out the candle the thought of his son in a uniform
of the guards made his lot content and he was at peace with the world.
In the distance
an owl hooted but by the time the sound was recognized by the sleepy Sir Thomas
he was beginning to slip into the arms of Morphus
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