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There are no words to express how much I truly loved this chapter.....

WOW, a truly great chapter; I loved the interplay between Granger and St Vincent and then between George and Caroline. The writing was crisp and clean and just flowed. I have to say that Granger just handled the situation with St Vincent just perfectly. He was able to host the Admiral to help him regain some of his strength and then was able to take him back to London so he had a much shorter trip home in the end anyway. You can feel the affection that St Vincent has for Granger. Really enjoyed the time that George had with Caroline and the children; especially nice to see a bit more of William and how he relates to his father even though he is gone for such long periods. I was really impressed that even in a calm sea he was able to climb up at only six but I guess people were a little more advanced earlier back then, at least in some ways... What is the situation between the Major and Caroline? I can't see them ever sleeping together but Caroline was so upfront about Prince William but there is definitely something there. While I would not be suprised about a trip to the Baltic region, I wonder if something else might be up? An urgent request from the Admiralty would suggest more than just joining a fleet or a planed event. Maybe a diplomatic mission or a trip back to the Americas? Can't wait for the next update, great job as always Mark....

A truly wonderful chapter. The writing and pacing was just perfect. The undercurrents in this story are just so well done and subtle but telling. The scene in Boston was sad in some regards. Matt is realizing that Wade just isn't as much of his life as he wanted, the relationship with Brad rendered that more than I think anyone realizes yet. I still hope they end up together but am beginning to see that they would both survive without each other, but how sad... The two of them getting together with Tiffany was funny, what if there were consequences from that encounter on top of Matt being with Mary Ellen? JJ is close to Matt and will really miss him when he is in Boston with Wade and Tiffany. I am not sure that Wade has realized what he risked losing by getting involved with Brad. JP and Will both handled themselves correctly. I was glad that Will has begun to understand how he fits into Zach's relationship with his parents. Just a look or word from JP is enough to steer the conversation into safer waters, or at least bring others into line a bit better. JP is offiering Zach more than just a job. Being able to travel and experience the world, especially at that age has so many benefits; it is a gift beyond measure. Glad to see that Will really wants Matt around, the phone call was just sad. I think Will and Zach will have a great time on their trip with Matt around and JP giving some guidance from near and far...

Well, I think we all knew that Wally and Clara were at least partly behind the push to seperate Will and Zach. I am glad that Zach came over and at least explained in person. Can't say that I see much wiggle room on how they can be together often if the "agent" and others are that paranoid, well I guess having a lot of money might help but... Like Tim, I have to wonder what kind of project Brent is working on that might interest Will that much, especially an automotive project; maybe it's a person not a thing??? So glad that JP showed up, Will really needed someone there to help balance himself out. While I do believe that 9/11 can be taken into the equation about how Brad and Wade ended up so involved; it doesn't excuse or really even explain it. It is just WRONG. Really, you don't have to send the agent that far, the North Pole is closer and it would help feed the polar bears...

A great chapter. You could really feel the wind, waves, and tension as they faced not only a superior Spanish fleet but a coming gale. I would think the gale worried Granger more than the Spanish fleet but.... This would have to be considered a victory. Even though Granger did not capture a ship, he was able to demast one and faced a Spanish fleet of two frigates and two battleships and came out without injury or damage and heading home. The fact the ship has proven how good she handled in both rough weather and heavy waves would seem to indicate a posting to the Channel or North Sea fleets. Granger handled St Vincent with such a deft touch. He is able to placate him and yet keep him involved and engaged. This is one of the reason that he was sent to get him. Can't wait to see what the next adventure is going to be, keep up the great work Mark...

I just felt heavy the whole time I was reading this chapter. I can't explain it but the weight just seem to get more and more as it went on. The pain that Matt was and is feeling was just so tangible during their whole conversation. JP really seemed to understand how Matt felt and where he was coming from. I did love JP's comment about how he had never really been physical because it would not have made much impact. The image that sprang to mind was a small mongoose facing down a cobra... Matt needs time and needs to be away from the situation. Maybe the trip will end up just being him and Will, that could be interesting. For the first time in this story, I came close to caring about Brad. For him to realize that maybe the major reason he slept with Wade was to hurt Matt and by proxy Robbie was a major breakthrough. I don't actually think he and Wade care about each other as much as either of them think they do nor in the way they think. It is so easy after a tragedy like this to form inappropriate relationships that are not really what they seem to be once everyone is back on a more even keel. The fact they had slept together in the past and had a great physical relationship would have made it all that much easier to form a bond that wasn't what it truly seemed. It is so easy to be made at someone like Robbie and the decision that he made; but Brad will have to work through that if he is ever going to really recover and be able to go on with this life, which is what Robbie would have wanted. Sucks to be Will, even though we all knew this was coming; this was just really out of the blue. I am having trouble buying this latest development. If that many people were saying it, then Zach would have already been aware of it. I deal with way to many teenagers to ever believe something like that would not have been used already by someone; thus giving Zach and idea that it was out there. This screams Wally and Clara. Will handled the situation on the plane with just the deftest touch. He helped Brad without giving him absolution but gave him a way to get some of his feelings out in a safe enviroment. Not sure what Will is going to do but if Zach doesn't go on the trip, I hope that he and Matt take it anyway. It will give them an opportunity to f87k, I mean bond... Great work Mark.....

Another great chapter, I have to say that you, Mark Arbour, are truly on your A game with both this story and the new one in the Bridgemont series... I did enjoy the scene with JP, Stef, Matt, and Brad. It is very annoying for a parent to have their own arguments and beliefs turned around on them by their children or other family members. I am not sure that JP was really going to berate them as much as try to find out what happened and how to help but Brad is such a hot-head that he could not just shut up and find out. I did think Stef's reaction was truly priceless. I am on the verge of losing any respect for Brad at all. I have never been a huge fan of his but find his behaviour and how he is handling it to be really beyond the pale. I think if the rest of the family were to find out what occured, their reaction would mirror that of both Will and Matt's. I am having a harder time with Wade. I always sort of viewed Wade as this generations JP and because JP has always been the heart and soul of the story for me it is harder to give up on him or his surrogates. I do think less of Wade, especially for the initial conversation with Matt in this chapter. Wade wanted absolution and permission to carry on and thankfully Matt refused. I am realy not sure who Wade was really lying to, Matt or himself, in regards to his true feelings about Brad. Okay, I am going to really break from some of the others in regards to Will. I think he has shown a great deal of maturity and responsiblity for how he has handled this situation and the aftermath. I also think it shows a growing sense of maturity to have listened to others; yes, Brad was right about Wally and Clara, and decided to face that head on. I personally doubt it will do much good more because they blame him for how they see Zach growing into his own person rather than anything he has done or not done....

A good voyage out and the sailing nice enough for a good shakedown but without as much pressure as normal. I would suspect that with his illness, St Vincent will not be in a good mood on the way back; hope that he isn't too much trouble. The fact that he is fond of Granger and Granger of him should help matters though. Sorry, to lose Mr Hornblower, but we all knew it was coming. I have to wonder if we will see him again. He added a interesting twist to the story in his small way. Admiral Keith was for the most part a very well respected leader. His command of the fleet and the landing of the British troops that retook Egypt was considered truly first rate. I believe he had the displeasure of dealing with the French Emperor after his first surrender and did not find it to his liking. Will have to read up a little more on him since I would suspect we will be dealing with him more and more... Another first class chapter in this wonderful story...

WOW, this was just as good or better than the last chapter... The writing is just first rate and the flow is just perfect. I am feeling this story on so many levels. I honestly think the situation with Brad/Wade is worse than the one with Matt/Tony. I know Will told/asked Matt not to sleep with Tony and he did but the family connection between Brad/Wade/Matt and everyone just makes this one much worse to me. I thought Matt did just what Brad would have done if the situation was reversed and he had been Matt's age. I don't really approve of the violence but find it very understandable. Matt is more upset at Brad than Wade and honestly should be. What Brad did is really inexcusable to me; no matter what kind of turmoil he was going through with the aftermath of 9/11 and losing Robbie and the others. I thought the scene with Matt and Will at the house, when Will came to tell him JP wanted to talk to him was so well done and just felt so real. Matt knows he screwed up which is more than I can really say for some of the others. Not sure how I feel about Matt and Mary Ellen; although I don't think the sex was the right choice for either of them but it was sort of hot... Of course, this gives us the chance to connect Matt and Wade in ways we never even thought of before. I think Matt should go to Boston with Wade and the others. I know he is angry but he would not be this upset if he did not care so much. Keeping a line open no matter how tenuous is important. I can't wait for the conversation with JP; have a feeling that Brad may be glad he is under a physician's care at the moment...

Another triumph of writing and style, this story is just grand. I love all the getting ready to sail and what goes into being ready. I admire that Granger is trying to assist Hornblower with a little influence to help him for all that he has done for him; of course if he really wanted to help, he would get Caroline involved. Bringing Earl St Vincent home would not be an easy task, it is a mark of honor that Granger was choosen to do so. That will be an interesting voyage. Bravo, Bravo, Bravo, I just can't say enough about how much I am enjoying this story...

Okay, first of all well just WOW; what a great chapter.... I completely disagree with just about every person that has left a review so far. I honestly think Will did the responsible thing by getting the skeleton key and opening the door. He knew his father was in there, could hear the clock alarm going off, would have assumed that Brad turned his phone off to take a nap, and had an emergency situation to deal with: anyone with half a brain would have gotten the key and let themselves into the roon under those circumstances. I also think he acted very maturely. If he had not, he would have walked out and alerted JP and Stef as to what was going on and he did not; he held his temper and waited to speak to Brad and Wade before he did anything else. And anyone that compares what Will said to Ben with what he walked into isn't just trying to compare oranges to apples but kiwis to turnips; the situations are just that different. Will admited making a joking comment to Ben because he was concerned about his father and wanted to protect him; Brad is involved in a situation that is exactly like what happened with Sam and Jake all those years ago, that he still drags up on occassion to whine about... For all of those that are going all oh, Brad and Wade make such a cute couple, they would be so good together, well snap the hell out of it... They are twenty years apart in age, a lifetime of experience apart in maturity, and for all intent and purposes Brad is sleeping with his son in law... It would be as if while Brad and Robbie were split up; JP and Robbie had slept together. It is just like Sam sleeping with Jake; which Brad thought was the most heinous thing that had ever happened when it occured. I can honestly say that Brad has never been one of my favorite people but this is a new low for even him; and I have always really like Wade but have to wonder now if Matt isn't better off without him... This is a betrayal by both of them on just so many levels. What Matt did with Tony is nothing compared to this. This truly could rupture the family forever. This could truly drive Matt, Frank, and Isidore completely out of the family. JJ would certainly side with Matt and I am not sure that several other family memebers would not as well. Would even JP stand behind Brad or Wade if this actually tears the family apart to that extent??? There is no theraputic reason behind their behaviour and no actual therapist would ever be able to condone these actions or disregard how destructive the have been not only to the two people involved but all those around them. This could seriously unravel the work that several people have made at recovery. This was a selfish decision made by two people that obviously did not truly care about how those around them would be affected when this came out.... This was a truly great chapter and the writing was just first rate but I don't know if I can ever look at Wade the same way again.

Good Matt Good Wade Bad Will Confused Brad Well, Damn.....

Well, to say that this chapter had a suprise would be understating it significantly; the appearance of another Travers sent shock waves through me in every direction. I don't know why this took me by such suprise; Mark is a wily writer but this just came out of the blue for me. Travers was always one of my favorite people in George's life and to have someone with a connection to him back just really took me off guard. I love how Granger takes time to explain himself even when most in his position would not do so; he is an educator in many ways. He is always willing to share his knowledge and experience. By giving Hornblower an understanding of the water tanks and I am sure the boat davits are next; he make him a more valuable officer down the line. Thrilled that Clifton and Kingsdale are both back; although I can say there is something about Kingsale that draws me to him. Glad to hear that he put his estate to right and got rid of some of the freeloaders that were dragging it and him down. Don't even know where Granger is going but really don't care; this is already shaping up to be a great story, thanks Mark and keep them coming....

While I truly enjoyed this chapter, it left me with mixed feelings. I do feel that much like JP and Stef that Matt and Wade are destined to end up together; I just hope they don't have to wait 30 years to really figure that out... I do think that Wade is hiding and afraid of being hurt again, but I can really understand where he is coming from. I think Matt has finally gotten a handle on his issues, but needs to realize that there is still work to be done on coping with all not only he has been through but the rest of the family. I honestly think they probably need time apart and Matt going off to watch over Will and Zach might be the best move for everyone at this moment. For all that Wade has going for him, he will be poorer without Matt in the end more than Matt will be without him. Because of his past, Wade will always have trouble really connecting with anyone plus, I think he will end up comparing anyone he tries to end up with to Matt; and they will never quite measure up. From a theraputic standpoint, Matt has a much higher probability of entering into another fullfilling relationship rather than Wade. I have to say that I do hope they end up together and each of them realize they are truly better together than apart. They may both have to kiss a few frogs to realize they have already met the prince in their life... I think we will learn alot about Zach over the next month or six weeks. How he reacts to Will's gift and what he does with it will tell alot about him... Oh wow, I just realized; Matt is going to be the responsible adult on this adventure.... Hell......

I really thought this whole chapter was just sweet. It was so nice and just completely enjoyable on so many levels. That may have been one of the nicest things that I ever saw Brad do; if the connection with Ben and Sean is true then Ben must be a top as well, so I guess it might not have worked out with him and Brad anyway... This was just a really nice suprise for a Saturday morning...

Truly enjoyed this chapter a great deal, I do find the new Major very compelling as well. I am glad nothing happened with Hornblower but am glad that Granger is taking him under his wing so to speak. I could see him helping him maybe down the line somewhere. I have to wonder who the young men will be, I do hope that Kingsdale is back and maybe our Welshman can make a re-apperance... Keep up the great work...

I really loved this chapter but no comment I could make is better than this... “If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were.” ― Kahlil Gibran

This was an interesting chapter. I really liked the conversation and other developments between Matt and Wade, plus I was so right about how Wade was going to react on the morning after; but Matt handled the situation just right. I know we don't know much about Ben yet, but I am not seeing him at first glance as someone that would hold Brad's interest at least to the extent that he appears to be going to. There must be a hidden depth to him that we have yet to find and explore. I wonder how long it will take everyone including Matt to realize that Stef probably pulled the strings to get Matt into the MBA program at U. of C... Of course, that does put him much closer to Wade then staying on the west coast. I have to admit I always like the stories in Chicago. It is such an interesting town... Can't wait to see what Mark is up to with Ben and Brad... Keep up the great work...

I so enjoy the early chapters of the Bridgemont stories. I really do find the outfitting and getting ready for sea to be a fascinating process. I think that the early chapters often set the stages for some of the most thrilling action that occurs later. While I was excited to see the progress with the ship; the tour of the house was just first rate. This is going to be something else to make all those Admirals and other Captains just a little more jealous of Granger. Not only can he afford such a house and in that location, but he can keep and eye on the channel fleet as well. Seeing Horatio Hornblower was just a gem of a gift to all your fans. I can't wait to see what you do with his presence on the scene. This is shaping up to be a very interesting story, of course; when is one of Mark's stories not???

As much as I liked where Matt and Wade ended up at the end of this chapter; I am not sure that Matt sleeping with a semi-drunk Wade is a great idea. Sometimes what we think we want when we are inebriated isn't the same as our thought process the next morning. I could easily see Wade backtracking when he comes to in the morning. I really did think the conversation between Matt and Will was letter perfect. Matt was able to get Will to understand how far he has sunk and what some of the consequences were and yet; Matt was still able to be suprised by how Will was still viewing his ongoing living arrangment. Will walking out naked did not really suprise me; but glad to see that Matt understood what the issue was if had done anything more than run his hand down Will's ass. From a therapist standpoint, a great deal of what Matt said is valid. I am glad to see that he is willing to immediately move back to Escorial and out of Tony's to help try and salvage a relationship with Will. In some ways, I could see Matt and Wade as just really close friends that always had each others back and occassionally slept together; but I don't. There has been no one for me since JP and Stef that I truly believed belonged together in the long run more that Matt and Wade. I don't think that either of their lives will ever be truly complete without the other; and because Mark does have a penchant for truly happy endings; irregardless of the last story, I am going to bet on one at some point in the future...

Well, I hate to say that I can tell where a Mark Arbour story is going but I have a feeling that I can with this one. Of course, now that I have said that; Mark will throw a complete monkey wrench in and I will be completely wrong... A very interesting start to what I hope is a restorative story in this saga....

So happy to have a new book start in this saga but so sad at the way it has started....

An excellent start to what I know will be a grand adventure. I am glad that we will have so many of the cast back for this adventure. I was hoping that Kingsdale would be back but I guess that was asking for too much. I don't think it matters what area Granger is sent to, he will find himself in the middle of the action and prove once again how valuable he is to all.

Bravo Brava to you and your team...

As I write this, I just can't stop crying. There has been so much tragedy for this family; not just in this book but as JP's speech reminds us all through the years but as with everything there is also renewal, growth, and hope for the future. This story brought up a lot of painful memories for me of dealing with the trauma of 9/11 when I was in New York after the event. I think I will need a little distance from this story to really decide how I feel about it but after this family dinner, I do have hope for the future. A big thank you to Mark for putting up with all our bitching and second guessing on this story as well as one for all those that help him tell this remarkable tale. Bravo, Brava!!!