Allison; Taking Control

Chapter 24

“Well, we’re in plain sight,” Allison said to Caldwell after standing motionless for a time, “and if our presence alone didn’t manage to get someone’s attention, then the salute we fired a few minutes ago certainly should have. I was told there would be a formal reception which we’d be expected to attend sometime after our arrival, but of course I can’t say when. I suppose I’ll call the boat away and go aAllison if we don’t seem to be acknowledged, but the last thing I wish to do is seem presumptuous in front of a royal governor. Simply presenting myself at his door without an invitation might make me appear impertinent. Ah, confound it! What to do?”

Caldwell seemed to sense Allison ’s unease. His lack of familiarity with these social particulars was making him anxious, there was no doubt. Though that could probably be said for most of the officers aboard Philadelphia; young men who until very recently had looked to more experienced figures of authority for guidance and for all the