Oh lookit! Some old stuff!!
Title: The Trouble with Time Travel...
Genre: Mystery, Adventure and Romance (I can't help myself)
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own nothing, all rightfully belongs to Patrick O'Brian's estate. I'm only doing this for fun and to improve my English.
Summary:...is that it never goes as planned. Carry no proof of it, don't stay long in the same place and avoid talking too much about yourself. Those are simple rules that should prevent any traveler from meeting an horrible fate. Of course, it's easier said than done....Yet another mysterious woman is rescued by Captain Lucky Jack Aubrey and his crew, and of course canon goes by the board!
Author's notes: It is not clear in the novels when Stephen began his career as a secret agent. The reader learns the fact with Jack, at the beginning of HMS Surprise. If there are some hints before that made by Patrick O'Brian, I did not see them. For this fiction, I shall assume that Stephen had been a secret agent from the beginning.
Chapter 4 : Rivers of the Past
In which geography, birds, families and work opportunities are discussed
Days flew by, and always the weather was exquisite. The Sophie was peacefully sailing through azure waters, without meeting another ship. The intense heats of the Mediterranean summer weren’t far away, but for now a fresh breeze was freshening up the air exquisitely. Those were blessed days, only troubled by gunnery exercises, which Captain Aubrey insisted on having, despite his crew being at their finest.
And every single day, Stephen enjoined his patient to go for a long walk on deck, which Aileen did gratefully, too happy to escape the fetid air of below. Her stomach finally used to the rich food of this era, her life was less miserable, and she could now eat with appetite.
The capture of a small polacre and a snow did much to improve the already excellent moral of all, and it wasn’t rare to see celebrations on the forecastle during the evenings. Of the departure of the prize-crew resulted a significant increase in the available space, and Aileen now has exiguous canvas-walled cabin, which gave her as much intimacy as one could have aboard a small sloop o’war.
Jack and Stephen thereby could move back in the cabin they previously shared, to Aileen’s relief, who felt less like she was upsetting everything aboard. But, most importantly, this meant both friends could now resume their musical duos, to Killick’s displeasure, but to their new passenger’s great delight, who knew not such distinguished music could be heard about a man o’war.
Affected by the surrounding gaiety, Aileen was also in a joyful mood. Her lessons with Mr Babbington and Mr Mowett carried on, with the approval of the Captain. The latter believed it was an excellent occasion for Mr Babbington to revise what he knew, since he still had a lot of work to do become a competent lieutenant. Jack Aubrey also believe it might be the only to motivate William Babbington to advert attentively to his lessons, but this he did not say out loud, for fear of insulting Miss O’Reilly. The revision was perhaps less needed for Mr Mowett, but the later had jumped at the chance of being in charming company, and of practicing again certain notion for his examination, which he already had failed once, and terrified him.
And so the young woman was subjected to many speeches on many arcane nautical points. She didn’t understand half of what was said, never having had the hump of mathematics, but if this was the price to pay to hear more about their travels and some anecdotes about life aboard, then she was ready to listen to them rambling about cosines for hours. Because not only did she enjoy their company, but those lessons were her only distraction.
Indeed, Aileen had nothing else to do to occupy herself; of course it was out of the question for her to take any part in the running of the ship. In any case, except maybe cleaning the deck, and still, she did not quite see what else she could do without causing a disaster. Therefore, she was bored to death most of the times.
“May I join you on this fine evening?” a voice besides her suddenly said.
“Eh?”, answered Aileen, who, lost in her thoughts, was brought back to reality.
“ I said: may I join you on this fine evening? Which is, if I am not mistaken, a polite way of asking to a person if one may engage conversation”, explained Stephen, smiling gently. He was feeling rather content, the day had been prolific: he had identified two new species of birds, and he was now about to enjoy his evening cigar.
“Er, yes….er, no…er, yes, I know what that means and yes, you may join me, the weather is so fine it’d be a pity not to make the most of it.
Stephen raised one eyebrow, determined not to let the weather become a excuse to divert his attention from her state of mind: “You seem preoccupied, my dear, and, without intended offence, it affect your coherence!” His gaze softened: “May I inquire about what is troubling you? I can heal your body, but if your mind is filled with worries, my efforts cannot succeed…
- Let me reassure you, I am not troubled. I, my mind tends to wander on its own…But you….isn’t time for your musical meeting with the Captain?
The young woman lied, and was once more trying to divert the subject, but Stephen said nothing and let it pass.
“ No, not tonight, Captain Aubrey is too busy. According to the barometer, and his left elbow, which apparently creak to prevent him, a storm will hit us during the night, and there are many things to verify, ready, and so on. I think Mr Dillon and him will have much to do during the evening. But let us leave those gentlemen to their business, which they will accomplish wonderfully I have no doubt! Tell me, I noticed that you were always on deck when the Captain and I are playing, I always see you when I leave the cabin. Would you happen to be a music lover?
- Yes, I am! I love music!
- Do you any instrument, by chance?
- No. Well, yes, when I was younger I played the flute at school, but it’s been a while and I’m afraid I wasn’t very good. But that doesn’t prevent me from loving music! My brother is a very talented violinist, a real virtuoso, so I have often the chance to hear some. Hearing you playing with Mr Aubrey sure brings back a lot of memories.
- Is that what makes you so morose tonight?
- No”, she answered, finally admitting something was on her mind, “I miss my family, of course, but I am often away, and they are used, as I am, to our long partings.
- They are not worried about you, when you leave?
- Yes, probably, but I am not defenceless, and I believe my father has renounced long ago to try to shut me up in an ivory tower. After all, he is the one who raised me, so it’s normal that I should be a little bit like him, a wanderer.” Noticing the inquiring gaze Stephen gave her, Aileen added: “He was a sailor.
- What is his name? You should mention it to the Captain, perhaps they know each other.
- I doubt it: he was part of the merchant navy, and he retired many years ago. After the sea, his other passion, apart from my mother of course, were the horses, and he decided to raise some. He does it wonderfully. We are living of the profits he makes when selling them and what we grow on the farm.
- Indeed, our captain and you father should be acquainted to each other”, said Maturin, “ for I am sure they would get along as thick as thieves!
- Probably, yes! In any case if you ever go to Montmagny you’ll be assured to receive a most heartfelt welcome; no doubt my father will be very grateful for having saved his only daughter from the trouble she once more brought upon herself!” laughed Aileen, “I may boast that I can protect myself with any help, but Fate seems to enjoy proving me otherwise!”
Silence fell between them for a while, as Aileen remembered the Crusader’s last moments. Stephen, noticing the young woman’s mood darkening, discreetly changed the subject:
“Pray tell, where this Montmagny can be found? Seeing the vehemence of your earlier reaction, I would guess it is not located in France, I do not perceive you as a buonapartist, without offence. Despite that, I could not say of what part of the world you are from…
- It indeed isn’t in France, and I must confess I have seldom love of the Corsican dwarf. But Montmagny used to be French, that is, before you had the kindness to conquer us. Since 1759, we are loyal British subjects!
- Ah, so it is Canada, in the Lower Canada to be more precise”, said Stephen, pretending to ignore the sarcasm in her voice when speaking about Canada’s loyalty to the British crown. “This would explain your command of the French language, despite a father who is indubitably Irish.
Aileen nodded, but said no more about her family :
“You would love my hometown, Doctor, it truly is a beautiful place! Our house is near the St-Lawrence river, nested against the mountain, and we have an amazing view. And every spring brings thousands of migratory birds, the riversides are covered with them, ducks and geese, thousands of them! There are so many that, when the snow geese take flight, the sky becomes white, and they never stop gibbering, it’s deafening I swear. I do not think I ever saw such a gathering, except perhaps on the Nile’s riverside where…
You beheld the Nile ?!? » interrupted Stephen, full of hope. Recently, the Sophie had cruised offshore of Egypt and Maturin, eager to gaze at all the wonders of the Land of the Pharaohs, had begged to be landed ashore. But, sadly, despite all his pleas and promises of making all haste had failed to make Jack Aubrey yield, for who every moment lost on dry land meant less chances of caching a prize, and Stephen never set foot in Egypt. He was still sorely disappointed, and had been very low in spirits for many days.
Their enlivened discussion was interrupted by the appearance of Jack, emerging from the bowels of the sloop with his first lieutenant and the carpenter.
“ Why Stephen, here you are!” Jack cried. “Mr Dillon graciously offered to finish the few preparations left, so I have a little moment to spare. We shan’t be able to play music, however”, said he whilst looking at the darkening sky, “But we do have plenty of time to eat a small bit and have a glass of wine. What say you?
- I should be most happy to but…
- Perhaps you would do us the pleasure to be joining us, Miss O’Reilly?” interrupted Jack, as if suddenly remembering the young woman’s existence. He continued, never seeing the Doctor’s indignant look at being rudely interrupted. “I am afraid I have been a poor host since you have arrived: I was always so busy…commandeering a ship, you know…”
The truth was Jack feared to tell his passenger that she would not see the land soon, and he dreaded her reaction. Between the indifference of his mistress and the coldness of his first lieutenant, who believed him to be a coward - a coward - , Jack really didn’t need nor wanted to suffer the probable dissatisfaction of Miss O’Reilly, who like most landlubbers probably thought that the Royal Navy was at their service.
“ I would be delighted, dear sir, all the more so that I must speak to you”, answered Aileen.
“ This is it”, thought Jack, “She wishes to know when we will go back to Port Mahon.”
Once in the great cabin, Jack called loudly for his manservant, asking for a bottle of wine and the leftovers of Mercedes’ cake.
“So”, said he once food and wine were brought to them, “Let us begin with the bad news: Miss O’Reilly, I am afraid our return to Port Mahon shall have to be delayed. I am heartily sorry, but my duty is to wage war on England’s enemies, and I must not let this opportunity to wreck Spain’s commerce pass.” Upon hearing those words, Stephen sniffed, but was ignored. Jack paused, awaiting Miss O’Reilly’s objections. But she said nothing, blue eyes looking at him calmly, waiting for him to continue.
“However”, carried on Jack, “I also have good news. The fishermen we met this morning told us they had sighted the Cacafuego two days ago. They did not speak about her French consort, and so it is likely she went back to refit at Toulon, after the beating she received from Wallace. If the Spaniard is indeed alone, then I think we might avenge the poor Crusader. I have an idea, and I believe the Cacafuego may well be ours, if all goes as planned”, said he, discreetly touching wood.
Upon hearing those words, Stephen and Aileen exchanged surprised looks. Stephen wondered if the recklessness of Jack Aubrey did not have something to do with his desire to redeem himself in the eyes of Mr Dillon, but he did not voice the observation out loud. Aileen, for her part, could not stop herself from expressing her worries:
“ Far from me to underestimate your capacities, Captain, but isn’t the Cacafuego a too though opponent for the Sophie? She is far bigger and heavily armed than your sloop, no?
- Yes, the Spaniard is indeed a tough nut to crack”, answered the Captain, “but I honestly believe that with a little cunning of our part, we might get close enough without raising their suspicion. If I succeed”, again he touched wood, “ I am confident that our guns will make a difference and reduce their number enough. Furthermore, her hull is fragile, and it’ll be easy to smash her. And I do not consider the lack of discipline aboard, which I was able to witness, and that will work in our favour. Yes”, he repeated, “I think that it can be done.”
After quite a few technical explanations surrounding the possible capture of the Cacafuego, to which the Doctor understood nothing and Aileen too little, the conversation drifted on more trivial subjects. Jack now regarded Miss O’Reilly favourably, since it was now clear that she wouldn’t be a bother. The snow geese, previously cast aside in favor of the Nil’s splendors, were now back in the conversation. Aileen soon was blitzed under questions, to which she did not always have the answers. Captain Aubrey, for his part, did not have much interest in geese, but was eager to learn more about the St-Lawrence River, never having sailed it. And so, Aileen explained to him what she knew about it thanks to her father, trying to add all the useful details she could remember.
As the evening wore on, the bottle of wine now empty, the conversation was flowing freely. Judging that the moment was now opportune, Aileen finally risked herself to make her request:
“ Captain, I owe you much, I am in your debt, and I would like to know how I could repay it. I do not have a lot of money, but…
- No, no,” cried Jack, “ There is really no need for that! I merely did my duty, I could not in all decency do otherwise. I would never ask anything of you”.
The young woman looked at Jack Aubrey and smiled to him. He was not like she first believed him to be. The few encounters she had with him had led her to believe Aubrey was a cold and austere man, very authoritarian. But she realized that this was Jack Aubrey the Captain, responsible before God and the King for his ship and her crew. When she first saw him chase his preys with the utmost enthusiasm, she believed him to be only obsessed by money. But the more she spoke with him, the more she realized she had misjudged Jack Aubrey. Yes, he had what the Doctor called “his piratical side”, but despite this he was a good man, a gentleman, and a jovial being most of the time, and she had enjoyed her evening with him very much.
“All right”, she said, “But I would like to be of some use. There is nothing I hate more than remain idle for too long. I do not mind waiting a little while before setting foot on dry land again, because I am well aware you have other things to do, but I must do something of myself, otherwise I’ll die of boredom!”, she finished, laughing.
“Very well”, said Jack, wondering if Miss O’Reilly knew exactly what she was asking for. “Very well. You will understand that although we are short of hands because of the many prize-crews, I cannot in all decency send you before the mast, it would not do. I could affect you to the sick-berth, under the Doctor’s care, but I believe he already has good mates, don’t you Doctor?
- Indeed, I currently have all the help I need.
- In this instance, well, you could help Killick and his mates, who are in charge of the officers’ meals. What say you?
- I’d love to”, Aileen answered, “I now how to cook, I should be fine.
- Then it is settled”, concluded Jack, “ I shall speak with the concerned hands. Now, if you will excuse me”, he went on as distant thunder could be heard, “ I must return on deck. Doctor, Miss, I both bid you good evening.”
*******************
I still do not know what to think of her, wrote Stephen in his journal, later that evening. I do not think she lies to me, else I would have known immediately with the few tricks I possess. In any case, she does not seem to be able to completely conceal her emotions, and I can read her like an open book. If she indeed is an agent, then she is rather clumsy. And yet, if she does not lie to me, she does not tell the whole truth. A. O’R. remains evasive when it comes to her personal life, and that cannot be blamed on shyness: I perceive some kind of unease, of disquiet. Her demeanour completely changes when she gets into subjects which enthral her, and she becomes much more voluble. Perhaps I mistrust her too much, after all, and perhaps my poor wits are going astray. I shall pursue my discussions with her, and with some luck uncover the mystery, if there is one. How I long to return to Port Mahon, where I shall be able to gain more information about this mess!
For now, I should worry more about JA, whose recklessness could kill us all.
Genre: Mystery, Adventure and Romance (I can't help myself)
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own nothing, all rightfully belongs to Patrick O'Brian's estate. I'm only doing this for fun and to improve my English.
Summary:...is that it never goes as planned. Carry no proof of it, don't stay long in the same place and avoid talking too much about yourself. Those are simple rules that should prevent any traveler from meeting an horrible fate. Of course, it's easier said than done....Yet another mysterious woman is rescued by Captain Lucky Jack Aubrey and his crew, and of course canon goes by the board!
Author's notes: It is not clear in the novels when Stephen began his career as a secret agent. The reader learns the fact with Jack, at the beginning of HMS Surprise. If there are some hints before that made by Patrick O'Brian, I did not see them. For this fiction, I shall assume that Stephen had been a secret agent from the beginning.
Chapter 4 : Rivers of the Past
In which geography, birds, families and work opportunities are discussed
Days flew by, and always the weather was exquisite. The Sophie was peacefully sailing through azure waters, without meeting another ship. The intense heats of the Mediterranean summer weren’t far away, but for now a fresh breeze was freshening up the air exquisitely. Those were blessed days, only troubled by gunnery exercises, which Captain Aubrey insisted on having, despite his crew being at their finest.
And every single day, Stephen enjoined his patient to go for a long walk on deck, which Aileen did gratefully, too happy to escape the fetid air of below. Her stomach finally used to the rich food of this era, her life was less miserable, and she could now eat with appetite.
The capture of a small polacre and a snow did much to improve the already excellent moral of all, and it wasn’t rare to see celebrations on the forecastle during the evenings. Of the departure of the prize-crew resulted a significant increase in the available space, and Aileen now has exiguous canvas-walled cabin, which gave her as much intimacy as one could have aboard a small sloop o’war.
Jack and Stephen thereby could move back in the cabin they previously shared, to Aileen’s relief, who felt less like she was upsetting everything aboard. But, most importantly, this meant both friends could now resume their musical duos, to Killick’s displeasure, but to their new passenger’s great delight, who knew not such distinguished music could be heard about a man o’war.
Affected by the surrounding gaiety, Aileen was also in a joyful mood. Her lessons with Mr Babbington and Mr Mowett carried on, with the approval of the Captain. The latter believed it was an excellent occasion for Mr Babbington to revise what he knew, since he still had a lot of work to do become a competent lieutenant. Jack Aubrey also believe it might be the only to motivate William Babbington to advert attentively to his lessons, but this he did not say out loud, for fear of insulting Miss O’Reilly. The revision was perhaps less needed for Mr Mowett, but the later had jumped at the chance of being in charming company, and of practicing again certain notion for his examination, which he already had failed once, and terrified him.
And so the young woman was subjected to many speeches on many arcane nautical points. She didn’t understand half of what was said, never having had the hump of mathematics, but if this was the price to pay to hear more about their travels and some anecdotes about life aboard, then she was ready to listen to them rambling about cosines for hours. Because not only did she enjoy their company, but those lessons were her only distraction.
Indeed, Aileen had nothing else to do to occupy herself; of course it was out of the question for her to take any part in the running of the ship. In any case, except maybe cleaning the deck, and still, she did not quite see what else she could do without causing a disaster. Therefore, she was bored to death most of the times.
“May I join you on this fine evening?” a voice besides her suddenly said.
“Eh?”, answered Aileen, who, lost in her thoughts, was brought back to reality.
“ I said: may I join you on this fine evening? Which is, if I am not mistaken, a polite way of asking to a person if one may engage conversation”, explained Stephen, smiling gently. He was feeling rather content, the day had been prolific: he had identified two new species of birds, and he was now about to enjoy his evening cigar.
“Er, yes….er, no…er, yes, I know what that means and yes, you may join me, the weather is so fine it’d be a pity not to make the most of it.
Stephen raised one eyebrow, determined not to let the weather become a excuse to divert his attention from her state of mind: “You seem preoccupied, my dear, and, without intended offence, it affect your coherence!” His gaze softened: “May I inquire about what is troubling you? I can heal your body, but if your mind is filled with worries, my efforts cannot succeed…
- Let me reassure you, I am not troubled. I, my mind tends to wander on its own…But you….isn’t time for your musical meeting with the Captain?
The young woman lied, and was once more trying to divert the subject, but Stephen said nothing and let it pass.
“ No, not tonight, Captain Aubrey is too busy. According to the barometer, and his left elbow, which apparently creak to prevent him, a storm will hit us during the night, and there are many things to verify, ready, and so on. I think Mr Dillon and him will have much to do during the evening. But let us leave those gentlemen to their business, which they will accomplish wonderfully I have no doubt! Tell me, I noticed that you were always on deck when the Captain and I are playing, I always see you when I leave the cabin. Would you happen to be a music lover?
- Yes, I am! I love music!
- Do you any instrument, by chance?
- No. Well, yes, when I was younger I played the flute at school, but it’s been a while and I’m afraid I wasn’t very good. But that doesn’t prevent me from loving music! My brother is a very talented violinist, a real virtuoso, so I have often the chance to hear some. Hearing you playing with Mr Aubrey sure brings back a lot of memories.
- Is that what makes you so morose tonight?
- No”, she answered, finally admitting something was on her mind, “I miss my family, of course, but I am often away, and they are used, as I am, to our long partings.
- They are not worried about you, when you leave?
- Yes, probably, but I am not defenceless, and I believe my father has renounced long ago to try to shut me up in an ivory tower. After all, he is the one who raised me, so it’s normal that I should be a little bit like him, a wanderer.” Noticing the inquiring gaze Stephen gave her, Aileen added: “He was a sailor.
- What is his name? You should mention it to the Captain, perhaps they know each other.
- I doubt it: he was part of the merchant navy, and he retired many years ago. After the sea, his other passion, apart from my mother of course, were the horses, and he decided to raise some. He does it wonderfully. We are living of the profits he makes when selling them and what we grow on the farm.
- Indeed, our captain and you father should be acquainted to each other”, said Maturin, “ for I am sure they would get along as thick as thieves!
- Probably, yes! In any case if you ever go to Montmagny you’ll be assured to receive a most heartfelt welcome; no doubt my father will be very grateful for having saved his only daughter from the trouble she once more brought upon herself!” laughed Aileen, “I may boast that I can protect myself with any help, but Fate seems to enjoy proving me otherwise!”
Silence fell between them for a while, as Aileen remembered the Crusader’s last moments. Stephen, noticing the young woman’s mood darkening, discreetly changed the subject:
“Pray tell, where this Montmagny can be found? Seeing the vehemence of your earlier reaction, I would guess it is not located in France, I do not perceive you as a buonapartist, without offence. Despite that, I could not say of what part of the world you are from…
- It indeed isn’t in France, and I must confess I have seldom love of the Corsican dwarf. But Montmagny used to be French, that is, before you had the kindness to conquer us. Since 1759, we are loyal British subjects!
- Ah, so it is Canada, in the Lower Canada to be more precise”, said Stephen, pretending to ignore the sarcasm in her voice when speaking about Canada’s loyalty to the British crown. “This would explain your command of the French language, despite a father who is indubitably Irish.
Aileen nodded, but said no more about her family :
“You would love my hometown, Doctor, it truly is a beautiful place! Our house is near the St-Lawrence river, nested against the mountain, and we have an amazing view. And every spring brings thousands of migratory birds, the riversides are covered with them, ducks and geese, thousands of them! There are so many that, when the snow geese take flight, the sky becomes white, and they never stop gibbering, it’s deafening I swear. I do not think I ever saw such a gathering, except perhaps on the Nile’s riverside where…
You beheld the Nile ?!? » interrupted Stephen, full of hope. Recently, the Sophie had cruised offshore of Egypt and Maturin, eager to gaze at all the wonders of the Land of the Pharaohs, had begged to be landed ashore. But, sadly, despite all his pleas and promises of making all haste had failed to make Jack Aubrey yield, for who every moment lost on dry land meant less chances of caching a prize, and Stephen never set foot in Egypt. He was still sorely disappointed, and had been very low in spirits for many days.
Their enlivened discussion was interrupted by the appearance of Jack, emerging from the bowels of the sloop with his first lieutenant and the carpenter.
“ Why Stephen, here you are!” Jack cried. “Mr Dillon graciously offered to finish the few preparations left, so I have a little moment to spare. We shan’t be able to play music, however”, said he whilst looking at the darkening sky, “But we do have plenty of time to eat a small bit and have a glass of wine. What say you?
- I should be most happy to but…
- Perhaps you would do us the pleasure to be joining us, Miss O’Reilly?” interrupted Jack, as if suddenly remembering the young woman’s existence. He continued, never seeing the Doctor’s indignant look at being rudely interrupted. “I am afraid I have been a poor host since you have arrived: I was always so busy…commandeering a ship, you know…”
The truth was Jack feared to tell his passenger that she would not see the land soon, and he dreaded her reaction. Between the indifference of his mistress and the coldness of his first lieutenant, who believed him to be a coward - a coward - , Jack really didn’t need nor wanted to suffer the probable dissatisfaction of Miss O’Reilly, who like most landlubbers probably thought that the Royal Navy was at their service.
“ I would be delighted, dear sir, all the more so that I must speak to you”, answered Aileen.
“ This is it”, thought Jack, “She wishes to know when we will go back to Port Mahon.”
Once in the great cabin, Jack called loudly for his manservant, asking for a bottle of wine and the leftovers of Mercedes’ cake.
“So”, said he once food and wine were brought to them, “Let us begin with the bad news: Miss O’Reilly, I am afraid our return to Port Mahon shall have to be delayed. I am heartily sorry, but my duty is to wage war on England’s enemies, and I must not let this opportunity to wreck Spain’s commerce pass.” Upon hearing those words, Stephen sniffed, but was ignored. Jack paused, awaiting Miss O’Reilly’s objections. But she said nothing, blue eyes looking at him calmly, waiting for him to continue.
“However”, carried on Jack, “I also have good news. The fishermen we met this morning told us they had sighted the Cacafuego two days ago. They did not speak about her French consort, and so it is likely she went back to refit at Toulon, after the beating she received from Wallace. If the Spaniard is indeed alone, then I think we might avenge the poor Crusader. I have an idea, and I believe the Cacafuego may well be ours, if all goes as planned”, said he, discreetly touching wood.
Upon hearing those words, Stephen and Aileen exchanged surprised looks. Stephen wondered if the recklessness of Jack Aubrey did not have something to do with his desire to redeem himself in the eyes of Mr Dillon, but he did not voice the observation out loud. Aileen, for her part, could not stop herself from expressing her worries:
“ Far from me to underestimate your capacities, Captain, but isn’t the Cacafuego a too though opponent for the Sophie? She is far bigger and heavily armed than your sloop, no?
- Yes, the Spaniard is indeed a tough nut to crack”, answered the Captain, “but I honestly believe that with a little cunning of our part, we might get close enough without raising their suspicion. If I succeed”, again he touched wood, “ I am confident that our guns will make a difference and reduce their number enough. Furthermore, her hull is fragile, and it’ll be easy to smash her. And I do not consider the lack of discipline aboard, which I was able to witness, and that will work in our favour. Yes”, he repeated, “I think that it can be done.”
After quite a few technical explanations surrounding the possible capture of the Cacafuego, to which the Doctor understood nothing and Aileen too little, the conversation drifted on more trivial subjects. Jack now regarded Miss O’Reilly favourably, since it was now clear that she wouldn’t be a bother. The snow geese, previously cast aside in favor of the Nil’s splendors, were now back in the conversation. Aileen soon was blitzed under questions, to which she did not always have the answers. Captain Aubrey, for his part, did not have much interest in geese, but was eager to learn more about the St-Lawrence River, never having sailed it. And so, Aileen explained to him what she knew about it thanks to her father, trying to add all the useful details she could remember.
As the evening wore on, the bottle of wine now empty, the conversation was flowing freely. Judging that the moment was now opportune, Aileen finally risked herself to make her request:
“ Captain, I owe you much, I am in your debt, and I would like to know how I could repay it. I do not have a lot of money, but…
- No, no,” cried Jack, “ There is really no need for that! I merely did my duty, I could not in all decency do otherwise. I would never ask anything of you”.
The young woman looked at Jack Aubrey and smiled to him. He was not like she first believed him to be. The few encounters she had with him had led her to believe Aubrey was a cold and austere man, very authoritarian. But she realized that this was Jack Aubrey the Captain, responsible before God and the King for his ship and her crew. When she first saw him chase his preys with the utmost enthusiasm, she believed him to be only obsessed by money. But the more she spoke with him, the more she realized she had misjudged Jack Aubrey. Yes, he had what the Doctor called “his piratical side”, but despite this he was a good man, a gentleman, and a jovial being most of the time, and she had enjoyed her evening with him very much.
“All right”, she said, “But I would like to be of some use. There is nothing I hate more than remain idle for too long. I do not mind waiting a little while before setting foot on dry land again, because I am well aware you have other things to do, but I must do something of myself, otherwise I’ll die of boredom!”, she finished, laughing.
“Very well”, said Jack, wondering if Miss O’Reilly knew exactly what she was asking for. “Very well. You will understand that although we are short of hands because of the many prize-crews, I cannot in all decency send you before the mast, it would not do. I could affect you to the sick-berth, under the Doctor’s care, but I believe he already has good mates, don’t you Doctor?
- Indeed, I currently have all the help I need.
- In this instance, well, you could help Killick and his mates, who are in charge of the officers’ meals. What say you?
- I’d love to”, Aileen answered, “I now how to cook, I should be fine.
- Then it is settled”, concluded Jack, “ I shall speak with the concerned hands. Now, if you will excuse me”, he went on as distant thunder could be heard, “ I must return on deck. Doctor, Miss, I both bid you good evening.”
*******************
I still do not know what to think of her, wrote Stephen in his journal, later that evening. I do not think she lies to me, else I would have known immediately with the few tricks I possess. In any case, she does not seem to be able to completely conceal her emotions, and I can read her like an open book. If she indeed is an agent, then she is rather clumsy. And yet, if she does not lie to me, she does not tell the whole truth. A. O’R. remains evasive when it comes to her personal life, and that cannot be blamed on shyness: I perceive some kind of unease, of disquiet. Her demeanour completely changes when she gets into subjects which enthral her, and she becomes much more voluble. Perhaps I mistrust her too much, after all, and perhaps my poor wits are going astray. I shall pursue my discussions with her, and with some luck uncover the mystery, if there is one. How I long to return to Port Mahon, where I shall be able to gain more information about this mess!
For now, I should worry more about JA, whose recklessness could kill us all.