damienreave: Thank you, I very much appreciate the compliment!
dewirix: Of course! Got to give a taste of the highlights to come! Glad you liked it!
Range: Thanks!
Like you I am always trying to find new ways to make things interesting. Enjoy!
loki100: Thank you.
I love your Ming AAR by the way!
morningSIDEr: Oh yes, poor James is definitely not a reign to miss.
Chapter 1 – A Letter Sent
2/1/1820
John, with letter and book in hand retired to the study to plan his reply. After carefully moving his father’s work aside, he pulled a fresh sheet of paper over and looked down at it. The whole morning had been rather odd.
Still, after a moment he was able to concentrate and write the letter.
Lady Mendenhall 2nd January 1820
My Lady,
Thank you for both your present and your invitation. While I was surprised to receive your letter, I was also pleased. I would be happy to attend upon you on the fourth, and hope that I am able to live up to your expectations of me.
Your obedient servant,
John Adams
Setting down his pen he put sand onto the ink to dry it, then dusted it off into a waste bin. Deep in thought he took an envelope from his father’s store and sealed it with his father’s seal. With that done he rose to his feet, pocketing the letter, and heading for the door.
It was as he was heading back downstairs that Anne appeared. “Pardon, sir, there is a gentleman downstairs to see you. He says his name is Elijah Hill.”
John started, then smiled. “Thank you, Anne, I shall go down at once.”
The maid bowed and stood aside for him as he hurried downstairs. Hurrying across he knocked on the door to his father’s drawing room.
“Come,” Benjamin called.
John entered. “Father, Elijah is at the door. I am going down to the post office to send my reply. Expect me back around midday.”
“Of course, son. Sir William Gains will be here later to discuss business, but you need not be here should you not wish to be.”
“Thank you, father,” John said, relieved that he wouldn’t have to make more small talk with yet another member of parliament. His father seemed to be constantly meeting with such people from all over the Empire.
At the door, John’s friend was waiting. The valet, Perkins, held the door and closed it behind John as he left.
“Elijah!” John exclaimed, taking his friend’s hand and shaking it.
“Happy birthday, old man!” Elijah replied. He was a bit taller, a bit lankier and had a mop of blonde hair which fell over his eyes. “I just got back from America yesterday and wanted to surprise you!”
“You certainly did. I feared you would not be back until the spring. Come, walk with me.”
“I caught one of those new steamboats from Hartford. It took less than two weeks. My father hates ships, so I was sent to make sure that it’s not the demonic engine some people think it is!”
“Was it comfortable? I have never been on one before.”
Elijah waved a hand airily as they walked along the road. “The smoke could get a bit much if the wind was the wrong way, but the ship was fast, and more comfortable than that cutter we went up the Potomac in.”
John shook his head. “Please don’t remind me. I told you that man was half blind!”
They walked on for a little longer. “So, where are we going?” Elijah asked finally. He pulled out a package and handed it over. “Also, happy birthday, old man.”
“I am only three months older than you, you know,” John said, taking it. “I am heading to the post office to send a letter. I have been invited to meet Lady Mendenhall.”
Elijah looked at him in surprise. “You are going up in the world, Johnny. She’s rich as Creosote, they say, a real catch.”
“Not you as well. George was trying to suggest I seduce her. I have not even met her yet!”
“For the first time in history George has said something intelligent. Let angels mark this day well!” Elijah declared. “But seriously, my father said she is unmarried and young. Try and get to know her. I bet she’ll be more of a catch then that student you tried to marry last year. I always said it was a bad idea letting women into college.”
John shrugged. “She got better marks than you, I recall,” he added snidely.
“Yes, yes, but I graduated, that is all the counts. Though not with your record, I admit. Now, are you going to open my present? It’s come all the way from America, and from God knows where else too!”
John opened the present to find an inlaid ivory and silver pendant inside. It was old, John could see that at once. A regal looking woman with a crown was engraved on the front. He examined and translated the Latin writing.
Queen Caroline, by the Grace of God Queen of England and France, Defender of the Faith.
“My God, Elijah, this is almost three hundred years old! How much did it cost?” he asked, amazed.
“Two and six. A bargain, I thought. Found it in an antique store outside the Hartford Stock Exchange. You like it?”
“It’s wonderful, thank you. I have to get you a Christmas present, since you missed that on the boat.”
Elijah waved a hand again. “Think nothing of it, Johnny. Instead, make sure you tell me all the salacious gossip from your meeting with Her Ladyship.”
John gave him a look and shook his head. “Fine, but I doubt you will find it as interesting as you hope!”
John pocketed the little pendant. Another surprise for the day.
They reached the post office and John handed over the letter and the money for the transaction. Outside the building the two friends stood.
“Did you want to come back and have some tea? It’s from father’s operations in Taiwan,” John said.
“I shall have to turn you down,” Elijah said. “I promised I would go and inform uncle that I had arrived. But perhaps we can meet up before your date with destiny!” he joked.
“Certainly. Take care, Elijah,” John said, shaking hands again.