Jemima Darrell

Good sirs, fully two weeks have elapsed since the start of my sojourn in the Caribbean. I arrived with high hopes of a successful conclusion to my quest, namely to establish contact with Captain Jason Williamson. It is become a source of deep disappointment to me that this ambition has not been realised. Indeed, I now believe that it is incumbent on me to abandon all hope of its ever doing so. I shall, therefore, be returning forthwith to England. My sponsor, Mr Thiessen, has secured passage for me on one of his own trade ships, which sets sail at high tide on the morrow. I freely confess that I shall not be sorry to leave, for I find the heat growing ever more unbearable with each passing day. It shall also be evermore a source of regret that my presence occasioned the deaths of two men, Captain Comery and Captain Arvenski. To those of you who have read my poster, I thank you, sirs, for your indulgence. I shall now take my leave, if it please you, and bid you all farewell.

Good sirs, the innkeeper has informed me that my poster, pinned to the wall in the general store, has attracted much inspection. This is most gratifying to me, though unhappily it has yielded no further information as to the whereabouts of Captain Jason Williamson. This is a cause of much frustration to me, for surely some man here must be in possession of the means to locate the gentleman for whom I seek. Once more I beg, therefore. If even just one gallant among you can aid me, please leave your calling card at the post office for my attention. As to the suggestion scrawled on my poster, my answer is no, I shall not. I am not that sort of woman.

<faints>

I thank God that you both still live, sirs. And is honour now restored?

Captain Arenski, whatever impression of me you have or do not have is beyond my power to control. If you would believe that I am a spy then that is certainly your prerogative, and it is clear that my protestations to the contrary would be in vain. I shall, therefore, desist from the attempt. Captain Comery, I harbour no desire for the spilling of blood on my account. I beg you, sir, withdraw your challenge. There will be no loss of honour in the doing of it. If not this, then perhaps some peaceful reconciliation may be reached in time through gentlemanly correspondence. This, as I understand it, is the custom and practice, is it not?

Your little deduction has provided me with much merriment, Captain Arvenski. Whilst I am truly a loyal and devoted subject of His Majesty King George the Third, I do aver that I am in no wise engaged in dealings on his behalf. Why, the very notion is quite fantastic! I am but nineteen years of age, sir, and unversed in the wicked ways of the world. Besides, such acts of wanton deception (I refrain from using the modern word 'espionage') are unsuited to a woman, for it is well known that our brains are too small to cope with the intricacies inherent. No, sir. I rejected your advances for the simple reason that England and France are at war with one another. To consort with a Frenchman would be to betray my king and my country. Furthermore, it would bring down shame and dishonour upon my father and his house, and that is a thing I will not countenance. The nature of my quest to find Captain Williamson is entirely a family matter, and upon that you have my word. Would that it may be resolved quickly, so that I may return to England. I am moved to repeat my plea. Can any man here assist me by conveyng my message to Captain Williamson? I grow more desperate with each passing day.

Good sir, I thank you for these tidings from the bottom of my heart! You give me renewed hope that my quest shall not be in vain. Perhaps, by the grace of God, I am closer to a successful conclusion than I dare imagine. Captain Comery, you see before you a desperate woman. I kneel before you to beg your further help. If you could but discover the man once more, and convey to him my simple message, then I shall be ever indebted to you. If he is indeed Captain Jason Williamson, then he will know the means by which to contact me. I do forgive the question, sir, and will answer readily. It is not a story of love or romance. Captain Williamson is in possession of certain information which I must needs take back to England. I cannot say more, but please believe that it pertains to matters of the gravest importance. With your permission, sir, I will take my leave and await your pleasure.

Oh, sir! This news has left me desolate. My fervent hope and prayer is that you are somehow mistaken, and that Captain Williamson still lives. The alternative is unbearable to contemplate. I care naught for the boots. Your quartermaster may keep them. As for the troupe of troubadours, I have no wish to associate with them. I have no ship, sir, so you must manage your crew as you see fit.

Thank you again for your reply. I've been doing some research on this, and I've learned that the year 1808 gives an exact correlation to today's calendar. 1808 was a leap year, and sits well with most aspects of the game. If NA was ever to adopt an 'official date', perhaps it could be that.

Truly, sir, never was there chance to be lost. I hold myself in readiness until such day as I am a wife. That happiest of days will follow a respectful period of courtship, subject to the approval of my father. Only then will I give myself freely to my own husband. This is the good and proper way of romance. It is quite indelicate of me to speak in such terms of so intimate a subject. I speak plainly now, lest any other man should misinterpret my intention. I urgently desire to make contact with Captain Jason Williamson, nothing more. Is there any man among you who is able to assist me?

Sir, I am certain that you are mindful of the enmity with which our two countries regard each other. For my part, union with a Frenchman would be an unconscionable act, tantamount to treason. I am, however, mollified somewhat to hear you say that you do not consider me to be a common whore. This is a truth which I do not now intend to disprove. My stay in the Caribbean will, I trust, be short. I do not seek for pleasure, sir. My sole reason for being here is to contact Captain Williamson. I pray to God that this happens soon, for I find I am ill-prepared for the heat here.

Sir, I thank you for your kindness. Indeed, I am well disposed towards opera. Last season I attended a performance of Herr Mozart's 'Die Zauberflöte', and found it most amusing.

What?! Do you perceive me to be no more than a common prostitute? A whore, to be poked and prodded by all and sundry? Because, if that is indeed your solemn belief, then I must straightway disabuse you of it. My virtue is intact, sir, and not to be taken by such as you. And kindly do not address me as mademoiselle, for I am not French!

Good day to you, kind sirs. I crave but a few moments of your time, if it please you. My presence here in the Caribbean is necessitated by my quest to find one Captain Jason Williamson. This quest continues apace, but I freely confess that I am in despair for want of success. Truly it is indeed like seeking a needle in a haystack. Would there were some magical means of instantaneous communications across vast distance. Such a wonder is, I fear, naught but a woman's foolish fancy that can find no realisation in this world. Yet I am resolved in my ambition to have my message conveyed to Captain Williamson. I dare not tarry in this endeavour, lest there be the direst of consequences at home in England. Once more I beseech, if any of you worthy gentlemen should have occasion to speak with Captain Williamson, I beg you ask of him to contact me, his Jem. Should he require further proof of my bona fides, pray tell him I am sponsored by Mr Thiessen. I speak in utmost earnest, and await your pleasure.