Franklin Sails For France
Captain Peanut Butter • Chapter 33
New to Baron Britpop Blastfurnace? You can read Books 1 & 2 starting here:
In the previous chapter, Britpop and Andelbert were taken aboard The Bersheba II and placed in irons by the pirate Captain Jennings. In this chapter, we return to Philadelphia.
Ben Franklin will tell this portion of the tale.
“Do you have everything packed?” Deborah asked me. “The carriage will be here soon.
“Of course, Dear. Don’t you recall? You packed it.” I replied.
“And you didn’t check it?”
“Why would I? You are as efficient and industrious as any woman on the Continent.”
“Charmer. And you are equally content to do as little as possible.”
“You know me well. It is precisely my charm and powers of persuasion that earned me this dreadful task.”
“Oh, yes. Living in the spotlight in Paris will be such a burden.”
“Thankfully, I have Temple to earn the burden.”
“Try not to corrupt him fully.”
“I promise nothing. I will do my best.”
“Your best to corrupt him, no doubt.”
“I jest, but the task at hand is a heavy one. The fate of the country hangs in the balance. Without France’s help, the British will surely defeat us.”
“I am aware. I fear I shall never see you again.”
“Fear not. I shall return as soon as humanly possible. This is my home. You are my heart.”
“Remember that when the painted ladies or France come calling.”
“I shall be too mired in diplomacy for any social activity.”
“I pray that is true.”
“Let us not spend our last moments together discussing unpleasantness. Make me a sandwich.”
“Come on, you old fool.”
I didn’t have a chance to eat my sandwich before the carriage arrived. I took the sandwich with me—no point in wasting food. My grandson Temple and I said our goodbyes and rode off for the harbor, where we boarded the sloop-of-war Reprisal for the crossing to France.
Ana will continue telling the Philadelphia story.
After Mr. Franklin and his grandson left, Deborah and I sat in the parlor.
“I know how difficult it is to see the one you love sail away for an unknown time. How much harder it must be to see two go.” I said.
“It is hard. I honestly don’t expect to see Ben again. He is seventy years old. I fear he may not survive the voyage.”
“He seems hearty to me. I would not despair. And he has Temple to look after him.”
“I pray he will. Temple is my grandson in the loosest terms. He is the illegitimate son of Ben’s illegitimate son. His father is loyal to The Crown, but Temple claims to be for independence despite his father’s convictions. Ben’s relationship with his son is strained at best. He considers him a traitor and wants nothing to do with him. Temple must be torn in his relationships toward both.”
“Oh my. I had no idea.” I replied.
“But Temple seems genuinely fond of Ben and is fluent in French. Which is good, as Ben’s French is abysmal.”
We sat in silence for a moment.
“Well, we have each other now,” I said.
“Indeed we do. And what a blessing you are, my Dear.”
“It is you who is the blessing to me. I would be lost in a foreign land without your hospitality.”
“It is my genuine pleasure.”
“I think that is enough thankfulness for now. Shall we go for a walk?”
“Yes. I could use some fresh air. And perhaps a couple of biscuits.”
“Agreed,” I said and smiled.
Next Chapter:
I welcome your thoughts, questions, suggestions, corrections, etc. Thank you.
Mark
“I think that is enough thankfulness for now. Shall we go for a walk?” ha ha ha
Fresh air and biscuits. Right on!
Great stuff, Mark!
Most of what I know of Franklin was gleaned from many readings of the Robert Lawson classic, 'Ben and Me.'
This all rings true and promises much more to the story.