Chapter Twenty – Four

Leaving Will in the care of Emilia and Sebastian, Kitty and William ventured into the London naval base to allow William to give his report on what happened to the Admiral of the Fleet – Martin Gregson. The meeting had been arranged some weeks ago and Kitty was quite excited to be meeting William’s superiors.

William wasn’t as excited. Kitty knew he was nervous about the outcome. The navy was aware of his original plan to ‘fake’ his death, and they knew of his amputation. They knew everything and they were well within their rights to dismiss him and strip of him of his decorations. He hoped that he would be able to retire honourably. Any other way would just have been humiliating for him.

The base was not what Kitty expected. She expected the building to be less impressive. It was quite a rustic looking structure. The columns that supported the upper level were made of beautiful sandstone and the shutters and frames were all a brilliant royal blue. There were two flags being flown – one was the flag of England and the other was the flag of Great Britain.

Kitty took her husband’s hand as they exited the carriage. She gave him a reassuring smile and nodded with encouragement. As they walked through the doors Kitty herself felt a panic consume her. She felt completely underdressed. She was wearing a simple cream coloured dress with a pale green ribbon tied around her waist. There was nothing incredibly special about her dress which made her feel inferior when looking at the luxurious furnishings of the King’s naval base.

William was wearing his naval uniform with all his decorations, in particular his gold hilted sword. His posture was completely rigid and his dark blond hair was neatly combed back.

Two men came out of the double doors to the left of him. She had no idea whether they were of a higher rank to William or not but nevertheless they both saluted her husband and he them.

“Admiral Gregson will see you now, Captain,” the first man said. He looked young, younger than Kitty even so he had to be of a lesser rank.

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” William replied stiffly.

Both men looked at Kitty curiously which made her question her right to be there. Perhaps she was to wait outside. But William took her with him anyway, not giving her the opportunity to remain behind.

The Admiral of the Fleet’s office looked remarkably similar to her own father’s office. The walls were lined with mahogany bookshelves filled with all sort of titles and genres. The centre of the room was dominated with a large oak desk neatly organised. The floor was blood red carpet and felt soft underneath her feet. The most remarkable thing in the room, however, was the man sitting behind the desk.

It was clear that he was in charge. He gave off an air of superiority, one that trumped William’s when she first met him. His green eyes were wise and somewhat calm. His dark hair was greying and he looked to be a little older that her father. His naval uniform was covered in medals and decorations to show off his many accomplishments that led him to the top job.

William saluted his commanding officer formally and Admiral Gregson returned the gesture. Kitty didn’t know what to do. Clearly she shouldn’t salute so instead she curtseyed slightly, feeling like an imbecile.

“Captain, milady, take a seat,” he said, sounding quite docile, as he gestured to the wooden chairs before him.

Kitty tried to hide her nervous jitters as she sat down in the chair before the most important man in the navy. He sat down in the grand chair behind the desk and looked at the both of them.

“I’ve never really liked this office,” he said, somewhat casually. “It’s nothing like the feeling of being at the helm.”

“I know exactly how you feel, sir,” William replied, smiling slightly.

“We’re all men, Captain … bar your lovely wife, of course,” he said, nodding to Kitty. “We’ve all made decisions that we’re not proud of and we all bear scars that burden us. I, myself, do as well.” Admiral Gregson held up his left hand that had been previously concealed at his side. His ring and little fingers were missing, the remains were quite badly burned.

An unorthodox gasp escaped Kitty’s lips. “I beg your pardon,” she asked immediately after.

Admiral Gregson chuckled lightly. “It’s quite alright, milady. It happened twenty years ago when I was just a cadet. I loaded a cannon incorrectly and boom. I was lucky my whole hand wasn’t blown off.” Kitty was amazed that he referred to such a horrendous accident so casually. “But what I’m saying is, and I will have your epaulettes if this ever gets back to my wife, that men often make brash choices when faced with difficult situations.”

“I don’t understand, sir, am I to receive a punishment?” William asked slowly. “I was fully expecting to turn in my epaulettes today.”

Admiral Gregson furrowed his brows. “The navy does not care what you and your wife do, Captain, we care about your actions while you are serving in His Majesty’s name. You did everything right, Captain Aubrey. You were faced with a surprise attack and you handled it correctly. You assembled your crew and loaded the guns. You protected your charge and the cargo was safely delivered without harm. Although three men did lose their lives, it could have been much worse had you not acted as quickly as you did. I’m also told that the amputation of your leg was a result of a heroic act to save Commander George Gates’ life, is that correct?”

William looked uncomfortable as the Admiral of the Fleet praised him.

Kitty decided to interject, whether it was her place or not. “That is true, sir,” she nodded. “The mast had been severed and had William …. Captain Aubrey … not pushed him out of the way he surely would have been killed.”

“Your wife seems very proud of you, Captain,” Admiral Gregson noted.

William’s bright blue eyes shone as he looked to Kitty quickly. “I don’t deserve her,” he replied simply. “I may have lost my leg and my career but I still have her and our son.”

“A child? Oh, many congratulations,” Admiral Gregson beamed. “But you still do not understand why I have called you here, do you, Captain? You are not losing your career. Your epaulettes will be removed and replaced with new ones.”

William frowned questioningly. “New ones, sir?”

At that moment the doors to the office opened abruptly and Admiral Gregson immediately stood. Kitty and William stood as well and turned around to see who the interrupter was.

His hair was white and his clothes were very fine … regally fine in fact. His suit was made from green velvet and his cloak was decorated with what looked like a solid gold chain. Kitty knew exactly who their distinguished intruder was. She, William and Admiral Gregson came out from behind the chairs and the desk.

Kitty curtseyed deeply and both William and Admiral Gregson bowed with respect.

“Your Majesty, you are right on time,” Admiral Gregson smiled at his King.

King William IV nodded in agreement. “Of course, I was not going to be late to meed a patriot.”

William looked shocked. Kitty was just as surprised. She was in the room with the Sovereign. He was the King of the British Empire. She was meeting the King!

“Your Majesty, allow me to introduce Captain William Aubrey, and his wife Lady Catherine Aubrey,” Admiral Gregson said.

Kitty did not want to King to know her more informal and somewhat inappropriate nickname. Even if she did not like her first name, she would not be known as ‘Kitty’ to the King.      

“Absolute pleasure,” King William nodded to both William and Kitty. “I am informed of every endeavour undertaken by our military units and I was humbled to know that there are still men like you in the navy, Captain.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” William managed to choke out. Kitty was still in complete and utter shock.

The King looked at him proudly. “It is men like you that make the navy what it is. You are being given the title of Commodore.”

“Commodore?” William coughed. “Me?”

“You are free to refuse, of course,” the King said casually.

“No, Your Majesty,” William said quickly. “I just had no idea that I would be receiving a promotion when I cam here today.”

“You are a distinguished and decorated officer, Commodore Aubrey. I am surprised at your astonishment,” the King commented.

Kitty could not believe that they were conversing with the King. Her family would never believe it. 

“It is a shame you’re married, Commodore Aubrey,” the King continued. “For I would have liked to introduce you to my niece, Princess Victoria. She’s a lovely young thing. She is fourteen, but in a few years would have been perfect for you.” 

William relaxed a little at the casual comment. “I thank you, Your Majesty. I’m sure Princess Victoria is lovely, but I think we can both agree that there are none that can equal my wife.” He took Kitty’s hand in his and squeezed it tight.

Kitty could not believe he husband had just dismissed a Princess. Was that not an insult? He would have never been able to marry a Princess anyway, he wasn’t royalty.

Instead the King chuckled. “I agree, she is very fair,” he nodded.

Her eyes widened. “Thank you,” she managed quietly. The King had just called her ‘fair’.

“But I fear I cannot take all the credit, Commander George Gates showed more loyalty and courage than any other officer I have ever had the pleasure to sail with. He in the unsung hero of that attack,” William said proudly, as if he was talking of his protégé.

“Yes, I’m aware of him. You may as well pass on your epaulettes to him, Commodore,” Admiral Gregson commented. “He will be given the rank of Captain.”

William smiled proudly. “Thank you, sir,” he said to Admiral Gregson. “He will not disappoint you.”

“I heard you lost your leg as well, Commodore,” the King said, returning the attention back to him.

Both Kitty and William looked down to William’s concealed false leg. “Yes, I did,” he replied, sounding less enthused.

“I am sorry,” the King apologised.

“It is alright.”

“What would you like to do, Commodore? We have seas and land naval positions for you. With a young child … perhaps you would like to reside here in London?” Admiral Gregson suggested.

Kitty nodded without thinking. Both the King and Admiral Gregson laughed.

“Yes, sir,” William replied, squeezing Kitty’s hand again.

“Well then, you will be in charge of all cadet training, Commodore. You will also be in charge of the ships that dock here in London. Does that sound like something you can do, Commodore?” Admiral Gregson proposed.

William smiled widely. “Yes, sir, it does. I will not let you down.”

“You won’t,” the King said surely. “I take an interest in particular military men, Commodore Aubrey, you are one of them. I will take my leave now.”

They all bowed and curtseyed once more as the King departed the room.

“Congratulations, Commodore,” Admiral Gregson commended. “When would you like to commence work?”

“As soon as possible,” William replied.

“Well then, we shall see you at the beginning of next week. The position comes with a house and staff as well as a carriage. You will be quite comfortable there … plenty of room for familial additions,” he hinted.

Kitty felt her cheeks redden at the comment. She wanted plenty of familial additions, but discussing them with the Admiral of the Fleet was a little embarrassing.

“I am really grateful, sir,” William said sincerely. “I had thought for sure I would never serve the navy ever again.”

“An injury, regardless of how serious, does not warrant dismissal, Commodore. Thank me by serving your country for the remainder of your days.” Admiral Gregson saluted William and he reciprocated.

They departed arm in arm and William wore the biggest grin on his face. Kitty could not have been more proud of him. He was the best man she had ever known. She knew he would do anything for her, even giving up his career, but he didn’t have to do that. He could have the best of both worlds and so could she.

Everything was falling into place, and she didn’t feel like it was too good to be true this time.

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The epilogue will be up either tomorrow or Tuesday night :)

I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)

Dedicated to XxMissMia96xX for sending me a lovely message :) Thank you!

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