“Thank you, Harrel,” the Duke nodded. He kept to himself his opinion of the man, that Harrel was an unspeakable wretch, little better than cockney trash. But he was one of the colony’s wealthiest and most influential citizens, a force in the legislative council. One put up with what one must.
The Duke asked the houseman, “What have you to say for yourself, Plum?”
The n***o closed his eyes as if gathering his thoughts. He held his fisherman’s cap in both hands. He shifted his weight from foot to foot. How like Deering, the Duke thought.
“Well?”
“Sah, Sah Walter ask me last night. Your Highness and Her Highness takes your partings and leaves Tradewinds for Government House and he ask me, can I take him out this morning. Early, ’fo sunrise.”
“Yes. And did he say what the destination was
