A delicious chapter! A full meal to digest. Much was said and much was suggested. So let me get started.
First, I'm most anxious to find out what Spencer has to say. What new situation is he about to unleash? We know he is involved in the guild because of his treatment of Dr Jackson's situation. But who is the power behind it all? Why do I suspect a Mann, Wilcox or Fox involvement? These issues are usually resolved by following the money. Now, Cavendish mentioned the smuggling but did not mention if they indeed caught them on this end.
When he goes to his tailor he'll need to get a lobster outfit as well won't he? Being a Col of the Marines, won't he? I'm sure there will be moments he will need it. It should really trip Arthur's trigger as he loves a man in uniform and this would be the material that fantasies were created from. His greatest love in a new uniform. And speaking of Arthur, why would having Arthur's support mean anything to the Duke of Clarence? Does that mean he was instrumental in Jardine's banishment?
And no appearance by Mr Fox at the hazard table tonight. So it WAS an exceptional evening. I'm sure that Fitzwilliam can not be happy in the channel fleet. But it's a good place to wait until George has a new ship. Eastwyck, Llewellyn, Fitzwilliam. He's already piecing together his new team.
Something Cavendish mentioned. That the Earle had been favored by the King but little recompense for his service. This statement causes some questions. First, why has he not been honored? Is it because it is well known that Freddie would squander anything bestowed upon the Earle? Did he request any further benefit due to him be directed toward George instead? Basically throwing the Marguesad to happen to the deserving son of honor? Such an act of Nobility would be in line with his father. And such a discussion would be something that the Duke could have with the King. I still think that Freddie and Davina should have a carriage accident. Bertie is now respectable enough to assume the heir position. And that would put the Earle back in the running as the estate would not be in danger of being squandered. Or now that Freddie has a son, would He be in line instead of Bertie? I suspect so. Of course after the carriage accident George would probably have to raise the child that is most likely his anyways.
Finding out who on the privy council sent the package to Captain Sommers should provide some useful information. And there still needs to be a discussion regarding Gatling and Calvert. One can only hope that the exchange happens quickly. Perhaps he can be exchanged and be promised a ship that will not be ready for a few months. That would allow him to be more involved in it's creation, put his crew to work on it and yet leave him time on shore to piss everyone off. We know he does not do well on land for long. That may change as he ages but he is not anywhere near there now.
So did I miss anything?