By Jo and Bridgid

What was he like? Was he tall, full of frame like Jack or was he slight built like his mother. Speaking of his mother, Jack had not thought about her in a long time. Remembering when they last parted, she was upset with him that he was going out to sea and he could still see her fiery amber colored hair as it seemed to stand on end when she protested his deployment. Maybe he loved her but he didn't feel she was his soul mate. He wondered if she found her soul mate in the man who became John Phillip's step father. Why didn't the lad take his name? Why was his name still 'Aubrey'? So many questions.

Jack needed advice and who better to turn to except his best friend, Maximus. Deep down, he knew what he should do. Roberts confirmed it but for some reason having a word with Maximus might make things easier.

As Jack arrived at the Meridius property he felt rather lucky that he saw the General out by the barn. The last thing he wanted to do was to involve Joimus at this time. He had a gut feeling she'd manage to slip his secret to Bridgid before he got the nerve to talk to her about it. Women!

"Maximus." Jack raised his arm to get the General's attention. "I was wondering if you had time for me today. I am in need of the shoulder of a close friend."

Maximus finished coiling the rope in his hands, then hung it over a fence post. "I have always a shoulder for you, my friend. Is there something troubling you?"  It was so soon after the wedding, Maximus was hoping it was nothing to do with that. The expression, though, on Jack's face told him this was no slight quibble with a bride.

"As a matter of fact there is. Could we sit someplace. I have something to show you."

The letter in Jacks pocket seemed like it weighed ten pounds right now. He felt the best way to explain this all to Maximus was to let him read it first hand.

Maximus led him to his small office area in the barn, a simple room with a desk, two chairs, a shelf of books on horses and cattle, motioning him to a seat, taking one himself. "This sounds serious, Jack."  Indeed, he'd never seen the Captain's face look quite the way it was right now.

There was something Napoleonic about the way Jack looked when he slipped his hand into his jacket to remove the letter. Perhaps he just felt smaller than he actually was. Handing it over to Maximus, he gave his permission for him to read it.

The letter said ...

Jack sat contemplating for a moment. "I have to tell her, of course but the timing is what is in question. I believe I should wait until after our public reception, General, however this could create a problem if she were to somehow find out prior to the engagement."

Jack sighed. "Maximus, it could drop a proverbial wet blanket on the reception if she were to know prior. I do not believe she will harbor any anger over this, however I believe she may spend some time feeling betrayed until her better judgment kicks in. This occurred long before I knew her."

"From what I know of your wife, Jack, I can understand that it may take her a moment or two to adjust to such news. I also feel you are correct that she will not hold it to your account in the end. So to wait until after the festivities may well be the better route," he smiled, "with fewer bandits waiting, armed, in the hills."  He looked out the small window toward his house. "Joimus might not agree entirely, being female and so more inclined to think Bridgid should know immediately, but what harm can a matter of hours do? John Phillip is not here, but far across the sea. Let Bridgid enjoy the fellowship of her friends and her new husband with an unclouded heart."

"Agreed. I reckon I needed validation. Robert's seems to concur."

Jacks brown knitted. He didn't tell Maximus about the will and figured it's probably best he come clean, or cleaner as the case may be.

"I have done something else, something I will most likely keep under my hat. I have added the lad to my last will and testament, leaving him portion of my naval pension." 

"He is your son. That is understandable.  Surely you do not foresee a problem on that account?"

"I am slightly apprehensive. I have no proof that John Phillip is actually my son other than the word of a woman I bedded twenty years ago, though I do feel that it is feasible. I know nothing of the step father or of provisions he has made for the boy. I guess my haste in doing this was," he paused to lock eyes with the General, "pride and claiming." Jack let out a little growl, wondering if he should have just burned the letter and let well enough alone.

"A son is an important matter, my friend. This is a thing I know.  A need for even a slight amount of claiming is not only a matter of the heart but of the soul. I would wish you might see some photograph at some point that you would have the opportunity to find resemblance."  He smiled at his friend. "I would do the same, Jack, regarding the will, were I you. If that helps at all, I would do the same."

"If you would do the same, then I believe it is the correct choice." Jack seemed to relax instantly. Somehow, someway things would be right as they always were.