ricky

They are stuck with bad stores as I recall. That means a port. A well traveled merchant with broad ties could easily post and probably find someone of substance to vouch for the likeness. Especially if the Letters harm John Company's profits as well. It wouldn't have to be a peer, just someone of substance. All that needs to be done is to start the ball rolling. Even if it can not be proven, it will make other's question and investigate the possibilities. LOL, really only one. When push cums to shove, Thou shalt forgive a huge dick!

I think that if the circumstances were explained to the Duke, it might be arranged especially if it is in Arthur's best interest. Remember that Arthur is very influential and with influence comes power. It would be good to keep him stable just because of the problems that might avoid. Once Granger speaks to Arthur and acknowledges that he knows and that he forgives Arthur I think he will have stockpiled a LOT of power in his corner against whatever firestorm is coming with Maidstone, Wilcox, Mann and Fox. The Fat is in the fire already with Maidstone lose with correspondence that could be damning. Really all he has to do is post the letters to someone like Fox or even post copies certified as true to the originals by someone of influence. So catching Maidstone will probably not stop the maelstrom for occurring. What bother's me is that Granger is doing all this with vague information. He is clueless as to the actual contents of what's missing. He ONLY knows that it could be damning to many powerful. And I'll bet there is something in there personal towards him as well. Perhaps a mention that Bertie would handle his brother if this or that happens or something to indicate that he is easily manipulated. George is the crowning figure in the family, knocking him down a peg or two in the King's eyes would be a severe blow to the entire family and their relationship with the King. If I were to speculate where the story appears to be going it would be that Granger is about to become political and shorebound. Probably cited because of his Malaria. Having a seat in the house of lords would let him continue his battles in a venue that Mark has proven his talents in CAP. In Politics. I would love to be wrong here as being at sea is the allure of the entire series. But he and Caroline could weave some mean plots and intrigue. The other option is that something damning would appear from the escaped letters and he is sent to patrol and area of the Mediterranean for an extended period of time until the king cools his jets over what ever it is. Lets just hope he is not miffed enough to put him in with a Wilcox or Mann fleet.

Can you say Troica boys and girls? Granger mentioned that Holmquist might be on the outs too if Arthur spies fresh meat. I would think a partnership between Jardines and Holmquist could keep Arthur quite happy and controlled. And who wouldn't enjoy having their queer card punched with two large holes? They might have to borrow the dungeon from the brotherhood for a while though for special occasions and formal affairs. You know the old saying, once a King always a king but once a knight is never enough.

I just read through the reviews and FitzH1943 brought up a wonderful point Mark. You flesh characters out so well that they do indeed seem real. Real enough to be mourned in loss, exulted when achievements are made and made busy when they get busy What more can a master story teller want? Except for high marks from his Sharonometer.

LOL! Of that I have no doubt. But I think that to do it and to save face he'll have to tell him he accepts that it was emotionally charged but that a man of his means should never lose control so severely. And that he will do what he can to facilitate his return to England, not for HIS sake but for Arthur's. That would allow him to make amends without admitting he may have been wrong or that John Travers was anything less than saintly. (Tongue in cheek with that last bit.)

Uhm, MOST things? What wasn't just perfect in everything I said? I mean, like me, it was perfect, perfect in every way. Wasn't it really?

Be still my heart. 0.0

One of the most emotionally charged and explosive chapters I've read from anyone anywhere. A tribute to your incredible story telling skills. Truly a wonderful chapter that exploits your abilities to weave the fabric of a story so tightly that were it canvas it could easily hold water without losing a drop. It exercised nearly every emotional muscle I have, happiness, fear, anger, rage, forgiveness, pity, sadness and love. Masterful! My predictions are that Granger will forgive him and upon his return, work to get the brotherhood to allow him to return. And we know how he will forgive him, under the sheets. I suspect it will be a double humper and I'm not speaking about camels.

One of the most emotionally charged and explosive chapters I've read from anyone anywhere. A tribute to your incredible story telling skills. Truly a wonderful chapter that exploits your abilities to weave the fabric of a story so tightly that were it canvas it could easily hold water without losing a drop. It exercised nearly every emotional muscle I have, happiness, fear, anger, rage, forgiveness, pity, sadness and love. Masterful!

Welcome! I think you'll find this place wonderful for meeting people and sharing your talents. So kick back and enjoy.

OK, so the updated list: The Duke of Clarence Granger - Sponsor = Arthur Teasdale Cavendish Aurthur Teasdale Sir Phillip Kerry Travers - Deceased Captain/ His Excellency Governor Archibald Sommers Lt Jardines Iggy, Lord Calverton son of the Earl of Bromfield Marquess of Blankford, the son of the Duke of Marlborough I think its going to be interesting when the tidbits of who sponsored some of the newest members. And what wi;; happen when George comes face to face with Maidstone only to find out that he is a member of the Brotherhood?

I think Mr Humphries will be smart enough to seize the papers at the first opportunity. All he has to do is search his things while Maidstone is ashore. Or better yet, leave him in capetown. Accidentally of course. Then he is free to follow his original orders and to do so without the troublesome Maidstone. Of course all his processions would have to be stored in the captain's cabin for safe keeping. Hey, we know the french and privateers use that port, who knows what happened that could have made Humphries feel that he had to make sail that moment or risk the ship. Anyways, I foresee Maidstone stranded and having to catch a ride with Calvert and Jackson. JUST to make the cheese more binding.

Let's not forget the letter to calvert, We've not read that bit yet. I suspect there will be something in there to help Calvert make up his mind. The way Mark likes to tease with a relief of pain and disgust, I suspect it will be an, "I'm probably gonna die. So go on and be happy and know that I loved you second best." (just to give him the nudge to move on.) He is also unaware that Granger has tapped his boyfriend before. That should make things more interesting. I suspect he will be a bit more in favor of women's rights after this trip. But it will allow Jardines to get back into his pants. Granger could be beheaded for disobeying his . . . er, her husband. And if left alone she would be fair game. And with those blue eyes and his . . . er. . . her blonde hair . . . The only fly in the ointment would be the stubble

How's this?

Jimmy! All I said was, "Watch the teeth or take them out!"

Sweet Jesus and Hallelujah! Bring it on!

Welcome to the repair shop, Damaged94. I think you'll find you're not as damaged as you fear. Be Welcome my friend, this is the scratch and dent side of society. But we're bringing in new models that hopefully will be less banged up. Or perhaps banged up in a much more enjoyable fashion. You deserve to be happy. So get on with it! Start here.

I've never done "shots" at all Jim. I'm a sipper. I'm sorry you can't hold your liquor to the point that just talking about it upsets you. I shall further refrain. And I would be delighted to respond to anything you want to talk about regarding the topic. So just go ahead, we're listening.

Welcome Ken!

Do you deliver?

I guess I should add here that for most anything else I'm a cheap date. Two beers and I'm done. Why I can metabolize tequila so well is beyond me. And it's not a matter of being used to it or anything as I don't drink that often. I don't mix it with anything and I NEVER change what I am drinking once I start for an evening. What ever I start with that's what I'll end with and nothing different in between. Perhaps I need to study the issue a bit more.

lol, I drink Tequilla neat and love it. I don't get drunk unless I drink a shitload of it (probably around 18 ounces or so) and my Tequilla hangover is like waking up and doing a line of snow on the nightstand, wired and ready to go. lol.

Well now THAT was an unexpected twist. Jardines will have to sacrifice himself along the way, I'm sure. You have solved one issue for George, someone he can openly vent his pain to.

Oh Damn, has he not heard of Mike's Strawberry Margaritas? Twist a top and you're there! Personally I prefer my Tequilla neat. AND plentiful.

A very good question and one I asked myself. Originally I thought it WAS on the right but Granger made the comment, "You can tell by the brands on our left wrists ..." I figured I pissed enough people off with my bazillion questions that I wasn't going to ask. Besides, I knew you were knit picky enough to do it for me.