'GANS AT SEA cont'd...

by Lucille D'ecoupage

The evening had arrived at the point which Sir Richard dreaded most. The speech. While he knew it was necessary to acknowledge the support and commitment of these people; people without whom he would merely be a dreamer, he found it next to impossible to face them. It was the most difficult aspect of his career, perhaps more difficult than leaving his dedicated and beautiful wife behind...

He felt her relaxed grip on his upper arm, the subtle urging in her grasp. The crowd had turned to face him. Decorum knew no substtute. He drew in a breath and squeeled, "My-Lord-Ladies-and-Gentlemen," before he could gain control of his larynx. With a clearing of the throat and another deep breath, he continued without blinking. "Especially those of you who have deigned to uh, accompany me... Three years ago I returned from an expedition to the north of the Americas indeed it was in search of a channel which would allow His Majesty's ships to the east..." He became aware that he was merely paraphrasing the Lord Admiral and as he looked around the room he could see that the crowd had wanted more. Their faces all seemed to be constricted into polite grins and he blurted out, "It was unsuccessful."

There was some uncomfortable shifting of feet and clearing of throats before he could muster the strength to continue, "Yes of course I know more than any of you that we charted nine-hundred and eighty miles of previously unknown shore we collected biological and geological specimens previously unseen we contacted peoples with whom no man had traded and that we quite unfortunatelt lost some of the greatest officers and men that I have ever had the pleasur of serving with..." Sir Richard paused long enough to draw another breath and then continued as quickly as he could, "To my wife and the many other people gathered here tonight that I shall not see for a great many month I wish you patience and happiness for as we will be out of communication subject to harsh cold and deprivation bitter realities yet to be experienced and underneath it all a longing for loved ones which pains me most of all..." He suddenly slowed as he caught the reassuring eye of his wife, "I think that on this occasion, with this memory, we are more prepared and more confident and more able to penetrate this fearsome land and with the grace of God and the co-operation of hie elements we shall nail our colours to the mast and we will break upon the western reaches of the passage and be the first to return to England by way of Cape Horn!"

There was a slight pause as the dignitaries seemed unsure as to wether or not he was finished.

"Indeed you will Sir!" bellowed Lord Terrence of Gate, who then led a round of applause and came over to shake the sweating Sir Richard and clap a hand on his back, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that I invite you to share a cup of cheer in the grand hall to send our brave men forward. Let the revelry begin!"