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Buck to go ahead and start with the meeting. Buck shuffled some papers around, then stepped forward.
    “With Commodore Gardner and Captain Harvey’s help, I’ve been able to round up forty-odd hands. With the likelihood that Sir Lawrence will haul down his flag soon, we might pick up a few more sailors who have married and put down roots here. The two schooners are so alike I take them to be sister ships built by the same shipyard. Mr. Earl, you will have command of LeFoxxe . Mr. Anthony will be your second. Mr. Pitts, you will take over the second lieutenant’s duties here on Drakkar .
    Pitts couldn’t hide his disappointment. He’d been hoping to get command of one of the schooners. He did manage a “thank you, sir.’’
    “The schooner, LeCroix , will be given to Lieutenant Mainard. Sir Lawrence is sending him to us. He was the first lieutenant on one of the brigs that ran around chasing pirates. It was the Admiral’s way of saying that no blame should be directed to the young lieutenant for the brig loss. The captain was killed when the damned pirates came about and poured a broadside into the brig even after she had ran up on the reef. “No mercy, no quarter.” Buck turned to Mr. Markham. “You, young sir, will be Lieutenant Mainard’s second. Each ship will have reliable, seasoned hands from Drakkar dispersed among its crew. Now the schooners have been through the prize court, so they’re waiting on you to go aboard and take charge. However, it’s important that you remember these may only be temporary commands. The admiralty still has to confirm your appointments, but with Commodore Anthony and Sir Lawrence’s recommendations I see no reason the commands will not be confirmed. However, more than one has gone arse hole over tea kettle and lost his command.”
    This drew smiles and Earl volunteered, “We won’t embarrass our new commodore or Drakkar , sir. We’re very proud of the trust you’ve placed in us.”
    “Here, here,” said the group in unison.
    “Now sirs,” Buck started up again, “You have a week to make your ships ready to sail.” Buck noticed a hand go up. “Yes, Mr. Davy?”
    “Sir, can I hoist the broad pennant, sir?”
    Everyone laughed.
    Anthony then spoke up. “Of course you can, Mr. Davy, of course you can.” He then turned his attentions to the rest of the gathered group. “Well that about sums it up, gentlemen. Ours is a difficult task, but I know each of you will do his duty.”
    As the group made its way out of Anthony’s quarters, Bart entered. Most spoke a word or two with the wiry cox’n. When Bart had Anthony’s eye, he said, “Gig’s ready, sir. Time for your meeting with Commodore Gardner.”
    Anthony nodded to Bart, and then beckoned to Buck.
    “I may not he back on board tonight. If I’m delayed as I expect, I’ll send Bart back with instructions as to where I can be reached.”
    As Anthony departed, Buck stared at his back, his mouth agape. “Better close your trap before you choke on flies,” the master said jokingly. Buck closed his mouth and swallowed. “What do you think has got into our ‘ere commodore?”
    “Well, sir, I ain’t sure. But were I a betting man, I’d lay odds our commodore has been smitten by that new widow woman.”
    “Lady Deborah McKean?” Buck asked.
    “Aye, sir. That’s the one.”
    ***
    Anthony was fidgety all during his lunch with the commodore. Anticipating his meeting with Lady Deborah, he kept glancing at his watch. Though time seemed to drag on forever, lunch only lasted one hour. Commodore Gardner had proved a jovial host. However, from the start of their meal it was obvious he was starved for news from England. The commodore quizzed Anthony not only about news from the Admiralty, but he also wanted to hear the latest gossip, rumors and politics. The meeting did get interesting when the subject of the colonies was brought up. He even appeared to sympathize with the colonies and their cause. When Anthony