Caxton by Edward Cline

Author:Edward Cline [Cline, Edward]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781596929456
Publisher: M P Publishing Limited
Published: 2009-10-29T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 12: The Governor

“Lately,” said the gentleman, “I have been so befuddled by the demands of this office that this morning I consulted Dr. Johnson’s definition of Governor. Four of the five meanings he gives may, in ideal circumstances, be applied to my duties. But, in fact, I can neither steer a supreme direction, nor wield much authority, nor exercise my delegated power. I am neither pilot, nor regulator, nor manager.” The gentleman paused and leaned forward. “Dr. Johnson might have added a sixth definition of Governor, sir,” he added. “Something witty, on the order of his definition of oats. Exempli gratia, ‘A Punchinello who presumes to act for his absentee master.’”

“Dr. Johnson’s Dictionary is without peer. Yet, there are in it many definitions that could have benefited from less wit and more precision.”

“I cannot but agree with you, sir. In my quieter moments, I have annotated and enlarged on many of his entries, if not corrected them in part or in whole.” The gentleman shook his head and chuckled. “I am afraid that I have spoiled my copy of his opus! It is cluttered with my own emendatory marginalia!”

“Then it must be some relief to you that he hasn’t the power to hurl acerbic thunderbolts across the ocean in retaliation, your honor. I have it our reigning critic does not brook criticism.”

“Oh, no,” said the gentleman, shaking his head. “I don’t believe he would be so vindictive. I have heard that he is quite generous in regard to his own fallibility. He would very likely welcome correction.” He sighed. “Would that their lordships on the Board of Trade and the Privy Council were less offended and more lenient, in respect to my actions. They are not so friendly to enlightenment.” He paused and noticed his visitor’s empty glass. “Will you have another bumper of Armagnac, sir?”

Hugh Kenrick nodded and volunteered, as his host rose to fill his long-stemmed glass with Armagnac from a crystal decanter, “A Punchinello, your honor? I believe you underestimate the esteem in which many persons here hold you. I have heard little else but praise for your character and conduct.”

* * *

It was inevitable that Francis Fauquier, Esquire, Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, would be informed of the permanent presence in the colony of a member of nobility. His secretary did not pass on to him all the letters addressed to his honor, but among those he did were several on the subject of Hugh Kenrick, Baron of Danvers. The Governor, finding the mental time to be curious about why such a person would refrain from announcing himself, instructed his secretary to compose for his signature an invitation to the newcomer to present himself at the Palace in Williamsburg so that His Majesty’s representative could at least pay his own courtesies. Many of the things said about the young man were profusely complimentary, while other statements made about him were quite disturbing. The Governor wished to judge for himself.

Fauquier, aged fifty-seven, an Anglicized Huguenot, was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a former director of the South Sea Company.

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