Chapter Text
23 May, 188█:
Seeing the lights of our port, of that glorious city of Exeter, rise above the horizon in the distance, what can possibly compare to that feeling? Even after sailing this route for many years now, I feel like my heart should burst out of my chest whenever that oh so familiar silhouette appears before our bow. For it is not the thought of a warm fireplace and a made bed that my soul longs for, not the thought of a meal on the fire and a soothing tea — no, not that; the company of those I call mine is what I miss most sorely during those long months with nothing but my men and the seagulls to keep me company. I know that, having sent word ahead from our last port of call, Mabel dearest will have prepared a feast day after day on any day that I might return (for so unpredictable are the seas, that I can promise no more than a span of weeks within which my return may fall!), and just as well, I know that my friends, still led by that one man above all, will have prepared to ambush me upon my return, to abduct me for a feast of their own the day after.
I hold no ill will towards my crew, for they all do their duty admirably, but I must confess, shamefully unbecoming of my position and the trust and faith they place in me as it is, that I find them to compare unfavourably to that band I once used to call myself a member of. For all the enlightening conversations and the wealth of knowledge their teachings have bestowed on me, I must now realise that every other seaman must fall behind when compared to my old friends. Indeed, looking back, the conclusion is inescapable that it is not their craftsmanship that has made them such invaluable comrades, but surely the blame for the fine quality of their comraderie must be laid at their upbringing, for they are all learned men from birth. This advantage, my new crew cannot claim, and so I find their conversations dull and their interests trivial. Yet nevertheless, I shall feel compelled, even within the confines of this diary, to exalt their virtues, for in competence, they lack nothing, and what they miss sorely in cultivation, they more than excel for in discipline.
Still — the harbour lights are almost upon us, and already I can see the pilot approach! By midnight, I shall be at my Mabel's side again, but now, I must put down the pen and do my duty!
4 February,188█:
My dear Frederic!
In the name of all of us, your friends and comrades, it is my duty and pleasure to extend to you this invitation and most humbly request your beloved presence, if you can at all find the time, at ██████ Castle, on the evening of the 29th of February. There is no need to repeat what we all know: like every four years, it is our intention to celebrate your birthday on that day itself, rare though it comes around!
Please respond at once whether this is agreeable.
Faithfully yours
███████████████████
5th Duke of ██████
P.S: Theodore insists that he write my full name and title under any letter I dictate to him. If I read "Your Grace" in your reply, there will be no celebration! I have a name, my boy!
P.P.S: I just hear that Samuel will be returning from overseas within two weeks. Surely you wouldn't miss seeing him again?
P.P.P.S.: And—
1 March, 188█:
Who knew that Imagine my surprise to find out that my beloved Mabel, this shining star of beauty and morality, should find it within herself to stomach more gin whisky it was whisky spirits than either myself or ██████ together? Truly, this woman is a treasure chest of qualities heretofore unknown to me! Now as soon as I canovercome this headache—
31 March, 188█:
The day I have dreamt of, that I am sure my Mabel has dreamt of, has arrived at last! From every pound, pence, and shilling I have put aside from my moderate (but quite adequate, lest I make it appear as though my employers were withholding from me that which I deserve!) salary, I have at last gathered enough to buy for myself a share of this business, which I have until today performed my duties as captain for. Already, The Right Honourable Baron Wormsworth, who oversees the business for his fellow shareholders (a number I can now count myself among!) has endeavoured and succeeded in finding a replacement for my position, that I should not have to sail out every many months. For the freedom to remain at Merriwind Hall and earn my share of whatever the company takes, surely ██ golden sovereigns is a price worth paying. It feels almost as though I had, a month late albeit, given myself the most wondrous of gifts for my own birthday, and in a year in which I could celebrate my birthday proper, no less! Surely, the good Lord above must be smiling upon me to-day.
Tonight I shall break the wonderful news to Mabel dearest!