The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) (20 page)

“Don’t mention it Sir” Jerard said politely in return with a small bow of his head to the assembly. “It seems I was done here after all.”

The American was also eying him keenly he noted, to Jerard’s surprise instead of resuming whatever it was he was discussing with Mr Beardmore the fellow stuck out his hand.

“Always pleased to meet a military man!” he declaimed. “Though I confess I do not recognize your unit uniform.”

Jerard returned the handshake and fingered the gold edged lapel of his uniform. “Ah, Sir you have me at a disadvantage. I am Captain Jerard Phillips of the Soul Of Discretion, Mr. Phineas Starblower’s private Airship. I am no longer with her majesties armed forces.”

William Beardmore Senior, looked a little surprised when Jerard declared himself. Up until then the old man seemed to content to let his guest exercise his curiosity without comment. But now he too extended his hand to the young Captain. “Pleased to meet you captain. You have some large shoes to fill assuming Captain Mather’s position.” Turning to the suddenly silent Fred Randal the Scottish Industrialist eyed the impious man critically. “Making yourself useful today, I see, Mr. Randal?”

“Yes Mr. Beardmore, Sir” Fred nearly stammered.

That was interesting Jerard thought. Beardmore had obviously cowed Fred to some degree at least, but given the elder man’s commanding presence, keen eye and gruff voice it wasn’t so unbelievable either.

“Captain Phillips may I present Mr. John Rockefeller of the United States Standard Oil Company, his assistant Mr. Haworth and this is my associate Mr. Richard Threlfall.” Beardmore said, making a round of formal introductions.

“Well this is an unexpected honor gentlemen.” Phillips stated inclining his head respectfully to the group.

“Best get used to it Sir. If your Phineas' private captain now then you will be often meeting powerful men.” Threlfall observed wryly.

Jerard didn’t doubt it. Haworth was an unknown but even he had heard of Mr Rockefeller’s astute consolidation of the Ohio petroleum refineries in America in the last few years. While Threlfall’s name had come up once or twice to him, as being a wealthy patron of the sciences.

“Speaking of meetings,” Rockefeller began smoothly. “Perhaps Captain you can tell your boss that he’s still welcome to come and see me as I have asked several times now. Tell him I have some ideas for the derivatives of petroleum spirit that might interest him.”

“When I see him Sir, I shall be sure to remind him.” Jerard parried. “I am somewhat new to his employ as Mr. Beardmore stated, and not fully familiar with Mr. Starblower’s business dealings.” Trying to get the conversation away from his novice status, Jerard added, “May I ask what brings you to Great Britain Mr. Rockefeller?”

“Why William’s new bird out there! With my holding expanding so, it would be a darn sight more convenient to fly to some of the new refineries, oil, and gas fields that we are looking over in Kansas and Oklahoma.”

“I can see how that would be most useful to you Sir, yes.”

“So lets be about it John.” William Beardmore interjected obviously keen to get back to the matter at hand. “Mr. Randal I trust you’ll see to Captain Phillips, needs for us?”

Jerard answered for him “Oh Fred and I are old acquaintances Mr. Beardmore, Sir. I was hoping to catch up with him after our business here was concluded. I trust I’m not keeping him from his regular duties.”

“No not at all Captain, please keep him with you as long as you like.”

“Your very kind Sir.” Jerard stepped aside as Haworth opened the door for the group of industrialists. As they left he eyed the still slightly abashed Fred Randal. “What exactly have you been up to you rogue?”

Fred’s sunny smile slowly returned. “How about I distract you with a cup of awful tea and tell you a believable lie about it Captain?”

Jerard felt his stomach rumble slightly as the man spoke. “Its a deal, but it will cost you a biscuit extra now.”

“Fair enough Sir.” Fred laughed as he in turn held the door for his old Captain.

Ignored, an seemingly content to be so. The receptionist resumed typing on the document she had been working on as the door closed behind them.

“There it is Captain,” Randall said pointing off to their right. “Our canteen, such as it is.”

“That huge building? I thought that was an airship hangar.”

Fred burst out laughing. “It is Sir, I was referring to the very small shack-like structure leaning against it’s side.”

Jerard opened his mouth and then closed it again. “Oh” he said faintly.

Fred elbowed him in the ribs. “Always the gentleman, Captain. If ya can’t say anythin’ good don’t say anythin’ at all. Come on then, can’t say you weren’t warned! Forward then! To a lackluster experience.”

Jerard could not resist Fred’s optimism and good humor so he kept step with the red-headed rogue as they tromped across the airfield. He was just hoping that what ever “lackluster experience” he was in for stopped the embarrassing growling of his stomach.

Just as they reached the entrance to the canteen as it were, Jerard realized they were being hailed. He turned to see Miss Smythe-Harris waving and striding purposefully toward them. A rather curious entourage was tagging along behind her.

“Captain Phillips! Oh Captain Phillips! Hold up please!” Tash shouted as she broke into a trot.

“I say! Who’s the lovely filly, old man?” Fred quipped.

Jerard turned a shocked expression on his friend and then cleared his throat. “That
Mr. Randal,
is my employer, or rather my employer’s representative. I trust you will exhibit some respect Sir!

Fred straightened up and executed a smart salute. “Aye Captain!” The whole affect was ruined by the huge grin that spread across his face. “I think Sir, that we should go to meet this fine figure of a lady.”

“Can you ever be serious?” Jerard muttered as he walked briskly towards Tash.

“Oh Captain! I’m so glad I caught you!” Tash said a bit breathlessly. She turned a charming smile and a small curtsy on Fred Randal. “You must be Mr. Randal! I am so very pleased to meet you Sir.

Fred Randal bowed graciously. “The honor this day is all mine madam. Jerard here has just enlightened me as to the fact that you are his boss. Ah, but he failed horribly in not mentioning how lovely you are! What a lucky man our Jerard is!”

Tash raised an eyebrow at the young man, otherwise her face was as unreadable as a stone.

“Put your foot in it again, I see Mr. Randal!” Will Beardmore (the junion) said, wearing a rather uncharacteristic grin as he stepped up beside Tash. It was only moments before his wife Constance and Mr. Pruette completed the party.

“Sir?” Randal inquired politely.

“I think what Mr. Beardmore is trying to convey Sir, is that your comment might be a bit inappropriate in this situation.” Tash said trying very hard not to smile and failing. She was gratified to see the confusion moving across moving across Phillips’ and Randal’s faces. Taking pity she continued. “I would like to offer you a position aboard the Soul of Discretion as her navigator, Mr. Randal.”

Jerard and Fred both blurted out the word “What?” at the same time. Their shocked expressions were just too much for Tash and she burst out laughing. A second later her laughter was joined by Will, Constance and Archibald Pruette.

It was Fredrick Randal who recovered first. He bowed low and then raised dancing brown eyes up to meet Tash’s blue. “Madam, there is nothing I would like better than to join the distinguished crew of the Discretion. However, I am currently employed by Mr. Beardmore here and it would be impolitic as well as impolite to accept your offer with out consulting him first.

“Why Mr. Randal!” Beardmore exclaimed. “You do have manners!”

Fred actually blushed.

“Captain Phillips. I do hope you will forgive me. I do not normally interfere with the crew of the Discretion, I
do
Sir, consider her operation and crew entirely your bailiwick. My offer of a position to Mr. Randal is of course contingent upon your approval. I only interfered on this occasion as time is critical to our mission. As you know Sir, Mr. Pruette has tendered his resignation and it is our good fortune that Mr. Randal is available immediately. Not to mention Sir, that you have worked with Mr. Randal before and have already built a rapport.”

Tash stopped speaking as she realized a nearly pleading note had entered her speech. The truth was this would solve a lot of problems if Phillips accepted but she did honestly feel that in the long run it was Phillips decision to make. She silently cursed herself for getting so excited over her clever solution to so many problems. When would she ever learn a modicum of patience?

Jerard shifted uncomfortably. “Thank you for your consideration Madam,” he began, realizing that Miss Smythe-Harris was truly apologizing for stepping on his toes. “I would be generally agreeable to Mr. Randal joining us, however..” Phillips sought Archibald Pruette’s eye in the group. “But Mr Pruette here recently gave me his pledge of support for the duration of this mission. How does this idea sit with you Mr. Pruette? Your dedication is beyond question are you able to trust Mr. Randal’s handling of the Discretion without your presence? The welfare of the ship and the mission is the important thing here, personal considerations must take a back seat to the business at hand.”

Archibald Pruette stepped forward and to the surprise of everyone clasped Phillips about the shoulders warmly. “That’s just what Daniel used to say Captain. The job needs to be done and done well. If this is your focus, then I think the Discretion is in good hands with you Sir. I trust your judgment.” Pruette stepped back with a final nod.

“Well then, Mr. Pruette, how about we excuse ourselves and get Mr. Randal comfortable with the Discretion?”

“Well there is one more thing Captain Phillips.” Fred said, his tone very serious.

Everyone turned to look at Fredrick Randal.

“I think I should actually accept Miss Smythe-Harris’ kind offer first, yes?

“You already did Mr. Randal, you already did.” Tash smiled. “Now onto our next problem, Constance what ever should we wear to tonight’s soiree? She clasp Constance’s arm and steered her away from the men.

Fred opened his mouth to speak but Jerard shook his head. “Don’t worry about it old chap, you’ll get used to it.”

“Really?” Asked Beardmore. “I haven’t.”

“Really.” Said Phillips and Pruette at the same time.

The gentleman entered the lobby of club and blinked several times trying to adjust his eyes from the bright sunlight of the outdoors to the dim but luxurious interior. He nearly flinched to find the doorman still at his elbow.

“Beg Pardon Sir. An urgent telegram has arrived for you. Where will you take it?”

Succeeding in masking his surprise he answered the man in a bored tone. “The lounge if you would and I require a small brandy.”

“Very good Sir.” The doorman bowed and made haste toward the rear door of the lobby.

The gentleman seated himself and picked up the newspaper he had already read. He was not expecting a communication today and found he was feeling mild excitement. The doorman placed a silver tray containing the envelope and the requested brandy on the small table beside his chair. He ignored it for several minutes before casually picking up the missive and reading.

Marquise.

Jade passed this to me in all haste yesterday. I stand by to relay any reply.

Serpentine.

-----

We are underway already. Bulldogs going after your Fishing trip as expected. Not expected was the courier being asked to actually assist them as far as the Herring Market. If this changes things for you and Garnet please advise where we should meet up?

Jade

PS Met an old friend of yours, the chap you met last March.

Marquise crumpled the note into the wastebasket at his feet, then started to his feet abruptly. A few vaguely curious eyes observed him from over the tops of their newspapers and books at his indecorous disturbing of the reading rooms tranquil atmosphere. Concealing his contempt for the men around him he feigned a yawn and stretch, while he thought furiously.

Confound it! Things were happening faster than he had planned, now he would have to move fast to keep the scheduled rendezvous. What he needed now was a distraction to get back ahead of his opposition. A thought occurred how to do it and he smiled. Looking about at the genteel surroundings he allowed himself a small sigh of regret. It was time to move on from this delightful haven. He had places to be and people to meet it seemed. Jades comment about an old acquaintance was troubling, who on earth could he mean? The shopkeepers presence he had allowed for, though not quite so swiftly, but that was always likely in the end. The Bulldogs tended to be slow but tenacious, a fact he was planning to use to their detriment in the long run.

“Call me a cab at once!” his harsh tone snapped out to the waiting footman. More disapproving looks were sent his way, but he ignored them. It was time to call in a favor or two, and swiftly.

The crisp air carried the tang of salt from the sea to the small group assembled at the fishing villages quayside.

“Sir?” queried one of his aides. “The captain says he is ready to depart, the evening tide is about to turn.”

The gentleman looked up from his hurried notes. So much careful planning and now there was no time! It was infuriating, he was not one to be hurried, other people hurried to his tune not he, but this time he had no choice and it irked him mightily. “Very well” was all he said as he looked down at the last letter to his other traveling companions for a while...

Jade,

I got your note, which old friend did you meet? I realize communications are going to be much harder now with you in your new position and myself and Garnet both out sailing the seas! “Ruby” joined Garnet as planned. He did need some laudanum for his stomach. Some folks dislike the motion of the waves. I shall meet with them and yourself later than planned. I am going to see Gold, perhaps we should all share a drink there.