The four companions have spent the last few days on the Queen Mary, enjoying a luxurious trip across the Atlantic. It is now Monday July 14th 1930, and you are disembarking at the bustling port of Southampton. It is around three in the afternoon, the sky is slightly overcast but the air is warm, spiced by a fresh sea breeze.

George enjoyed his voyage across the Atlantic.  This RMS Queen Mary was the Flagship of the Cunard White Star Line,
and holder of the prestigeous Blue Ribband.  She was a magnificent ship, and George used his military status
to request a visit to the bridge to see the largest magnetic ships compass on the seas.



George dressed smartly most of the time, as befits a First Class passenger of his status, in his double brested suit.  He attended Jonathan as and when required, but often made excuses if Father Glenn was present, seeking solice in different company.

The First Class passengers were afforded the most space and luxury. George relaxed in the First Class indoor swimming pool (which spanned over two decks in height), read in the libraries, played on the outdoor paddle tennis courts, and telephoned ahead to London to make arrangements for their arrival.

The largest room was the first class dining room (grand salon), which spanned three stories in height and was anchored by wide columns.  At night, George would enjoy dinner and polite conversation with Jonathan and entourage in the splendid Art Deco Grand Salon.



When the gentlemen retired for their brandy and cigars, George would excuse himself and change into his riding clothes (flight jacket, chino's, and beaten up fedora), and visit the 3rd Class compartments.  George would put on his common soldier act, lose a few dollars at cards, drink some beer and find out what was really going on about ship.

For Jonathan the voyage was a welcome respite, a chance to consider some very weighty matters.

Every morning he and 'Uncle' George repaired to the gym to spar with gloves or sabers to 'clear out the cobwebs,' as George would say.

Before lunch he would walk the decks with Father Alden to discuss philosophy and a man's place in the world. Jonathan would talk about his confusion and uncertainty at suddenly finding that he wasn't just Jonathan Cavendish, but Lord DeVille as well.

After lunch, he and Kit would play shuffleboard or paddleball and swim in the ship's pool, sometimes with Uncle George. Then they'd relax in deck chairs and read until time to dress for dinner.

After the four dined together, he might talk with Father Alden some more or go to the first-class lounge with Kit for a drink and maybe dance with the eligible young ladies, realizing that they wouldn't treat him the same if they knew he was now -- or soon to be -- a peer. Of course, the Mammas already knew he was one of George Cavendish's heirs.

Before bed he would take a solitary turn on deck and worry that his father's madness might surface in him, despite the Cavendish blood.

And so to bed.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Thu 08 Dec 2011.

Kit spent his mornings in the library, enjoying some of the more obscure volumes in the ship's collection while working on his notes for his next project.

His afternoons were largely spent with Jonathan, taking advantage of the ship's leisure facilities.  He let Jonathan take the lead in choosing how to spend their time, only offering suggestions of his own when he thought his cousin's spirits might be flagging.  If you couldn't be a decent friend to a guy at a time like this, what good were you to anyone?

His evenings were dedicated to socialising, whether with his traveling companions or elsewhere.  He'd been born and raised in the First Class lifestyle, but as the trip wore on, Kit found himself feeling an interloper amongst the great and the good.  It was all a little unreal, a little like acting.

He started to grow restless and explore further afield in the evenings, making a beeline for anywhere that could offer alcohol, music, and interesting new people.  He played a lot of cards and made a number of new acquaintances.  He was fairly certain a couple of them were card sharps looking to fleece a rich boy, but he didn't hold it against them; they were entertaining company, and if they thought he was a Cavendish heir then the joke was on them, wasn't it?

After the normal formalities you find yourself in the arrivals hall, reunited with your luggage. You are expecting to be met at the port, and sure enough you notice an anaemic-looking gentleman, with a high forehead and lank black hair, approaching your party.

"Lord Deville, sirs, allow my to welcome you to England. My name is Rupert Everett of Everett, Everett and Hobbes. We took the liberty of arranging a carriage on the 5 o'clock express and with you leave I will accompany you and endeavour to answer questions you may have before the reading tomorrow"

George already had a team of porters eagerly waiting on the promise of a a large tip.  The boys had loaded all their luggage onto barrows,
or were standing bye to carry the lighter bags.

George smiled, stepping forward before the man could reach Jonathan.
"Good day to you Mr Everett.  Captain George Yates, US Army retired."
George offers his hand.

Jonathan extends his hand, "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Everett. Thank you for taking the trouble. Am I actually Lord Deville already? I thought there'd be some sort of formal investiture or presentation to the King or something." He turns to Kit.

"Do you think I should order some new cards and stationery, Kit? Oh, forgive me. Mr. Everett, may I introduce my cousin, Christopher Cavendish. Father Alden should be around someplace."