"And pray, what drove you to ascertain that fact so decisively?" the admiral inquired, his voice a low rumble of indignation as he scrutinized Jack Pringle with an expression of disdain.
"Why, your clumsy retreat resembled a barrel adrift in a stormy tide," Jack retorted, a defiant glint in his bleary eyes.
"Confound you, you wretched scoundrel!" the admiral seethed, his patience frayed.
"Well then, confound you too," Jack shot back. "I thought I was rendering you a service, only to discover that the true enemy was not here but outside. And yet, it seems the enemy’s presence was as fleeting as your own courage."
"Who, then, was responsible for hurling that bewildering assortment of debris into the room?" the admiral demanded, his frustration palpable.
"Why, I did," Jack admitted with a sheepish grin. "With only one pistol to my name, I was compelled to improvise a barrage with whatever came to hand."
"Was there ever a greater fool?" the admiral groaned, turning his ire towards Dr. Churchill. "Doctor, you spoke of two mistakes, yet neglected to mention a third—bringing this inept seacook into our midst."
"You're no paragon yourself," Jack countered with a slur. "And you know it."
"Enough of this bickering," Mr. Churchill interjected, attempting to restore some semblance of order. "Jack, in his own misguided way, did what he thought was best."
"Next time, perhaps he'll consider doing what he believes is worst," the admiral grumbled.
"Maybe I will," Jack replied, swaying unsteadily, "and then you’ll see what real trouble is. What would you do without me? I’m like a mother to you, you old babby."
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"Admiral," Mr. Churchill said, his voice taking on a practical tone, "let us descend to the garden gate. Dawn approaches, and we may soon encounter some local villagers who could procure us sustenance. As for Jack, he appears sufficiently recovered to visit the Bennetts."
"I can go," Jack declared, "though I must confess, my constitution can't endure what they call temperance without something stronger."
"Go immediately," the admiral commanded. "Inform Mr. Henry Bennett of our presence, but spare him the news before his sister or mother. If you meet anyone en route, send them here with provisions. A hearty breakfast would be most welcome, Doctor."
Mr. Churchill observed the approaching light of dawn as he stepped onto the balcony where the vampyre, Sir Ferdinand Lazarus, had attempted his insidious intrusion.
At that moment, a resounding clang echoed through the darkness—the bell at the garden gate had been yanked with urgency. The figure at the window of the haunted chamber could not discern who sought entry. Jack, despite his state, was dispatched to investigate. He returned shortly with a letter, which he claimed had been flung over the gate by a hasty lad who had then fled into the murk.
The envelope was meticulously sealed, its presentation suggesting an unusual degree of care. It was addressed to "Admiral Bell, Bennett Hall," with the word "Immediate" scrawled in the corner.
The admiral examined the note with growing incredulity, his gaze shifting from the parchment to Mr. Churchill and back again, as though seeking answers in their bewildered faces.
"This is the most audacious business I've ever encountered," Mr. Churchill remarked, his tone reflecting astonishment and disdain.
"I must admit," the admiral said with a begrudging admiration, "there’s something about the fellow’s audacity that I find almost likable. Where's my hat? My stick?"
"What are you planning to do?" Mr. Churchill asked, a note of concern in his voice.
"Accept his invitation, of course," the admiral replied resolutely. "And I expect you to accompany me as well. By fair means or foul, I intend to uncover his motives and his connection to the disappearance of my nephew, Charles Holland. I am convinced that he is at the heart of this dark affair. Where is Walmesley Lodge?"
"Just in the vicinity," Churchill said, though he hesitated.
"Then let us proceed," the admiral urged. "Come, Mr. Churchill, we shall seize the moment."
"But, Admiral," Churchill protested, "are you truly intent on breakfasting with—"
"A vampyre?" the admiral finished for him. "Indeed, I am. Jack, you needn’t go to Mr. Bennett’s yet. Come, my learned friend, let us confront this nightmarish reality before the sun fully rises."