The Hidden Man: A Phineas Starblower Adventure (Phineas Starblower Adventures) (70 page)

“Regardless,” Carstares said. “we are heroes in the eyes of those that matter. Have you seen the news papers? The French ambassador has insulted the Prussian King Wilhelm.

“I did see that!” Jon Howell exclaimed. “And I tell you I smell a rat here.” He waved his fork in Carstares' direction.

“How so Sir?” Jerard asked.

It was Carstares that replied. “Because there would be no good reason for the French ambassador to insult the King. If anything he would have been trying to carefully persuade Wilhelm for more concessions over the succession to the Spanish throne.”

Jon nodded emphatically and took another bite of egg. After chewing thoughtfully for a few moments he waved his fork again. “I think the rat is Bismark. And I think the rat wants a war and I also further propose the French will give it to him, mark my words.”

Carstares sighed. “Yes our political analysts agree with you and this is precisely why we shall agree to remain the unsung heroes.”

“But, Von Ulric and his officers knew what happened with the fake kidnapping. We told them everything. They went after Gaspe.” Phillips said.

“But they never caught him. The bast...er...um...excuse me Tash. The villain got clean away. No sign of him or his airship. Fortunately Von Ulric had been hauling around the Prussian diplomat and he and Gyldenfeldt got together and smoothed everything over. Or should I say hushed it up? It is quite odd how that worked out. Who would have thought that the Lensbaron Gyldenfeldt of Aalborg, the man who hates Germans, actually worked together with a Prussian diplomat?” Carstares said and looked pointedly at Tash.

Tash shrugged her shoulders and tried to hide her smile. It was just as well no one else was aware of the extra concessions the LensBaron had rung out of her over that little bit of help. And it was just as well the LensBaron was not aware of the deal she had cut with the Prussian diplomat over leather supplies that would eventually make it to the new Danish factory. While Starblower Limited would not be making a great deal of profit over the Danish factory in Aalborg, they would be getting something far more valuable, a foothold into Europe and the ability to create jobs.

“Regardless, if the French and the Prussians go to war the Empire will be well out it, thanks to the work we did.” Carstares continued. “Oh yes and that reminds me....” He 
reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and drew out three white envelopes. He looked at them and smiled before handing the first one to Tash. “That's the new paperwork for a
Mr. Julian Darcey of Guensey
 whom you recently employed madam.” He said with fake gravity.

Tash smiled. “This must contain the official documents making our Mr. D'Arcey a citizen of the British Empire.” Carstares nodded. Tash glanced at the documents and passed them on to her chief engineer.

“Oh well done Carstares, I see your hand in that one!” Jon said.

The Colonel bowed his head and smiled. “I agreed with Captain Phillips, while Mr.
Darcey
(he pronounced it the English way) may have started out on one side he wisely choose to join us and should be rewarded. When Tash told me of her's and Phillips' intention to offer him a permanent position aboard the Discretion I thought it was the least I could do.” All at the table nodded their agreement.  “This is for you Captain Phillips” The colonel declared, passing Jerard a smaller envelope “and this is the main one for you Tash.” Sliding the last packet towards Tash his face broke into a grin

“What's this one then Sir?” Tash asked curiously. The man was hiding something.

“Go on, open them!” Carstares chortled.

Tash turned the envelope over and gasped at what she saw. “Is this...”

“Yes it is, the personal seal of her Majesty Queen Victoria.” Carstares' sense of theater was rewarded by the audible gasps from around the table. He even fancied he heard one from the stoic Gopal who was refreshing his tea cup from the pot at the buffet.

Jerard pushed his plate away and lay his envelope down in its place. It blended completely with the pristine white of the table linens all except for the red seal which looked quite a bit like a splatter of blood. He placed his hands in his lap and stared at the envelope as if it were a snake about to strike. Fear and horror rolled across his features before they settled into a neutral mask. The last missive he received from the crown had been his dishonorable discharge.

Everyone seemed to notice Jerard's reaction except for Tash who was busy prying the seal of her envelope loose with her table knife. “Oh! I am so excited! I have never gotten a letter from the Queen before! Do you know what is says Colonel, Sir?”

“Indeed I do. And Captain Phillips, I know what is in yours as well, please open it.” Carstares replied.

“If it is all the same to you Sir I shall wait until later.”

“And spoil the morning's fun? Pish posh! Open it man!” Carstares insisted.

Jerard picked up the envelope but was forestalled by Tash's exclamation of “Oh...oh. OH!”

It was Jon who finally tore her attention from the sheaf of papers she held. “Well????” He asked impatiently.

“This is...this is most singular! On top here is a personal note from her majesty but these...” Tash waved the papers in the air. “seem to be Patents of Authority and this..!” She flourished a large parchment grandly emblazoned with the great seal of parliament “..this is a Letter of Commission from her majesty, as a special investigatory council. They are backdated to fifteen June, the day Mansfield showed up to my study in London. See... the Colonel, myself and the Captain are inscribed here as commissioners and the rest of the crew as duly sanction aides to the commission.” Tash handed the papers to Jerard and motioned for him to pass them around. Nichols began reading the Queens note of congratulations while Howell scrutinized the charter itself.

Carstares smiled benignly enjoying the shocked but gratified looks on all present. All except one perhaps. Pointing to the man's note propped in front of him he said. “And now Phillips, your turn, open it.”

Jerard sighed and pried loose the seal, uncomfortable with everyone's attention focused on himself. Something small dropped onto the table and quick as a wink Tash reached over and snatched it up. She opened her hand to find a small gold star lapel pin. Jerard had been reading the letter and did not even see her actions. When he had finished he looked at the table and around his plate.

Tash handed it to him. “I believe you are looking for this?” She said eyes sparkling.

“Yes.” Jerard said and sat tall in his chair after pinning it to his lapel.

“It is a pretty thing and quite well made, but what exactly is it?” She asked curiously.

“It appears to be a star.” Jon said ironically looking up from reading the Patents.

Tash threw her napkin at the impudent man. “I can see that!”

“Children...” Nichols said in a mock chiding tone. “Go on Captain tell her what it’s for or she will explode!”

“Since her Majesty cannot acknowledge our...exploits...publicly she has asked that I wear her personal Favour in honor of our and the Soul of Discretion's achievement in rescuing and returning a British citizen. The letter also contains a royal apology for the way I was treated over the affair of the International Competition and...” Jerard hesitated, unsure of how he felt about this next bit of news.

“Go on!” Tash exclaimed.

Jerard sighed. “There is also a commission to re-enter her Majesty's air corps as an Air Commander. To oversee and create training and staffing programs for future air corps.”

The room erupted in a cacophony of sound. Some of the voices raised in congratulations and some of them raised in objection. Tash sat silently, face visibly pale as she covered her mouth with her hand. Oh no! She thought, her mind in a panic. They can't do this to me! They can't have him back! Suddenly she realized just how much Jerard Phillips had come to mean to her personally. It was because of this revelation she had the courage to finally speak up. Getting to her feet she spoke over the others present. “Then Captain Phillips may I be the first to congratulate you. I understand how much your service to Queen and country means to you. I am gratified to know that your brilliance as a person and a commander had finally been recognized.” She held out a trembling hand to Jerard.

Phillips too got to his feet, accepted and bowed over the offered hand. This was absolutely the last thing Phillips had expected of Tash. He rather expected her to remind him of his acceptance of her earlier offer and be...well...be belligerent. Be shouting ranting Tash! Be arrogant and dismissive of this great honor! The truth was he rather hoped this would be her reaction so he could continue on as the Captain of the Soul of Discretion. What the hell was he to do now? Was she rescinding her offer? Jerard realized her hand was trembling and cold. He straightened and looked into Tash's eyes. What he saw there shocked him to his soul. It was love, plain and simple and for once in his life Jerard reacted without thought of decorum. He pulled her to him, grabbed her around the waist and swung her in a circle laughing. “You silly girl!” He exclaimed. “I will never leave you until you put me aside under your own desire.” He set her back on her feet and was abashed at the round of applause. Jerard's face reddened and he stuttered. “I mean...I mean...I shall never leave the service of the Soul of Discretion unless you command it.” He executed a formal bow and stepped back a pace away from the woman who was staring at him with a shocked expression on her face. He was stunned at his own forward behavior and struggling to form appropriate words of apology.

Jon clapped him roughly on the back. “We know what you meant mate!” He laughed. “Welcome to the family!” Jon turned to Carstares. “And you too! I only hope you gents have a clue as to what you are getting into.” Jon turned and winked at Nichols.

“How could they?” He replied with a grin as wicked as the Chief Steward's.

“Now have a
good
look at these papers.” Jon said emphatically. “There's
no
end date to this commission. I have heard of these 'Royal Commissions' but this is the first one I have ever seen and probably the first set ever issued without ending dates.

“I don't understand what you are getting at Jon.” Nichols said and glanced around at the others in the room to see if they registered any further comprehension. He noted the Colonel had found something interesting on the ceiling and seemed to be trying not to smile.

“Well to be blunt what we have here lady and gents is basically Letters of Marque.” Jon grinned.

“But Letters of Marque were banned at the treaty of Versailles some fifteen years ago.” Tash said.

“True but in a nutshell that
is
what this is. We have carte blanche under the permission of her Majesty Queen Victoria. She is the only authority we will ever have to answer to!”

“So we are being recognized as modern day privateers...” Tash trailed off thoughtfully.

“Oh no madam, we are Her Majesty’s
Special Investigatory Commissioners
... It says so right here!” Jon stated impudently, pointing at the Charter. “It also means we won't have to worry anymore about certain equipment aboard the Discretion.”

“Precisely!” Carstares said as he touched his finger to the side of his nose.

The door's bell took that moment to ring merrily. Gopal moved silently from the room to answer its call.

“Oh my!" Carstares exclaimed. “Can it be eleven o'clock already?” He fished the watch out of his pocket and mumbled about cabbies being on time. “I must depart my dear.” He said to the still flushed Tash. “I've a meeting with Mansfield.” He laid a finger against his nose again. “Can you imagine? He has traveled all the way up here to meet with me.”

“Why Colonel Carstares! I believe you have come up in the world! Do give Lord Mansfield my kindest regards!” She replied with a very wicked grin.

“Oh I shall my dear, indeed I shall!” Carstares bowed over her offered hand and gave it a little squeeze. “Shall we do dinner next week?”

“Yes. I shall look forward to it.”

“Good day all!” Carstares intoned into the room, and departed to a chorus of 'good day Colonel.”

After Gopal had seen Carstares to his cab he returned with a packet of letters. “The post has come.” He announced and handed them to Tash. Who absently took them and addressed her officers. “Shall we retire to the drawing room gentlemen?”

Nichols moved to her side and gave her a hug. “Would love to Tash but we need to be getting back to the ship. Most of the lads are arriving back after their holidays and we need to get a bit of work done. Perhaps you will join us?”

“I would love to Lance but I am expecting a letter from Gyldenfeldt and I know it will require some immediate action.” She laughed as she flipped through the letters. “They always do...” She sighed. Suddenly Tash froze. All of the letters except one fluttered noiselessly to the floor as she ripped open the flimsy envelope, nearly tearing the enclosed letter.

Nichols opened his mouth to speak but Gopal held up a finger asking him to silently wait. Moments passed before soft tears began to flow slowly down Tash's face. She looked up at the confused men and simply stated. “Yes, we have work to do. Please have the Discretion ready to depart tomorrow morning. Inform the crew that this will be an extended trip and expect to be gone for more than a month or so.”

“What is it Tash?” Jerard said softly. “Where are we going?”

“India.” Tash said and abruptly fled the room.

“Gopal? What is going on?” Nichols inquired.

“I thought Sir that would be plain. You are to prepare the airship to sail to India, tomorrow.” Gopal knelt down to retrieve the fallen mail. When he stood up he looked at Phillips, Nichols and Howell still standing there. “Well?” He asked, not really expecting an answer.

“But...but….India?  We can’t just go haring off to India...just like that!”  Jerard said, finally finding his voice.

Nichols took his arm and gently guided him towards the door.  “Yes, yes we can.”

Jon Howell moved to take Jerard’s other arm.  “Better get used to it mate…”