Hennessey has some affairs at the Hamilton manor. He hates the wretched old man that rules the place, but he’s under the Navy’s orders. He can’t refuse a call of that magnitude.
His recent pupil, James, is cleaning the bayonets. It’s way below his ranks, but the lad seems to have some discipline. Hennessey summons him, and James stands up straightening his uniform. “At ease, James.” The young man’s body tension leaves him for a moment. “I want you to keep me company while I go to clear some old favours.” He smiles nervously.
“I have to clean—” Hennessey rolls his eyes and sighs. “It’s not my obligation, but I am used to this task.”
“James, you need to see yourself as what you’re now: a Midshipman.” He bit his lower lip, he worried about the young lad. “You’ll learn a few things… now that I remember, Thomas is a bit older than you, but you’ll get along with him well.”
James pouted at that. Usually, he was a better company to old men. He was a bit of a know-it-all and book lover, not quite the company of those his own age.
Meg's Mumbles 