O'hara's Choice - Leon Uris [75]
Thus, the theory went, they would always have a dead-on accurate register of currents in relationship to wind shifts.
Sails and masts would be operating to their maximum limits.
. . . and if calculations proved right, Lochinvar III could pick up a half-knot on upwind legs and in squirrelly currents and rough areas . . . perhaps.
If it worked, the apparatus could be stored so the fucking NYYC rules committee might take a couple of years to discover it.
And if it didn’t work . . . what the hell . . .
• 22 •
THE JERSEY SHORE LINE
Dearest Amanda,
I am sorry I was only able to get that short note to you, but a rapid fire of events overtook me.
I am settling in Newport at the Naval War College. It is a dream assignment and a great privilege to work under Major Boone.
The manner of our parting at Inverness has left me empty. I was able to bear it because I thought I would soon be aboard ship. Life does not seem to work at its fullest without you. Now that you will be in Newport soon and I will be within touch of the golden silk threads of your hair, I am overcome with joy.
I have never thought strongly about miracles, but surely some mysterious force is bringing us together for a resolution of our feelings.
My duty hours are quite flexible. Please let me hear from you. Tell me what your pleasure is.
With most affectionate regards,
Zachary
Two Weeks Later—Inverness to Tobermory
The special train was hitched up for its yearly run to Butcher’s Hill, to the siding in Inverness, where it was loaded for the annual trip to the Kerr family compound of Tobermory in Newport, Rhode Island.
Horace made it back from Dutchman’s Hook the evening before departure after seeing his brothers sailing off on the Lochinvar.
He didn’t know if good news or bad news would be coming back with Amanda from her visit to Constable’s horse farm near Richmond. At breakfast she gave her father a wink and thumbs-up. All smiles, Horace said he’d catch up with her.
The train was nearly loaded, preened for her departure.
The first car carried senior household staff for the “big house” at Tobermory and several executives and their families from Dutchman’s Hook to activate the summer business office in Newport.
The second car was an armored number that hauled some of the valuables of Inverness with Pinkertons to guard it. A Rembrandt and a da Vinci led a collection of paintings to be rehung in the Tobermory salon. A safe held family jewelry, heirlooms, and several cases of contracts and business documents. There was a smattering of ancient vases, Greek statuary, Beauvais tapestries, and the like.
The third car was an opulent affair commissioned by Horace from the Pullman Company, containing his parlor, office, and bedroom. The next, a car of compartments for the family, including Emily’s retinue. There were extra seats for whatever leftover cousins had been swept up.
Next in line, a freight car carried their favorite saddle and carriage horses, in comfy padded stalls, with space for the handlers and tack.
This yearly maneuver took place before the summer’s heat smothered Inverness. The staff made the transition like flawless stagehands changing a set. The second butler and assistant housekeeper had already been dispatched to Newport to make certain that the big house at Tobermory was tuned to perfection.
The shift, this season, was particularly heavy for an extended stay of family. In a weak moment Horace agreed to a full clan gathering for Thanksgiving, with some coming from the old country.
Time dragged as Daisy inspected each car and gave an all clear to the engineer, then plopped in the parlor as Horace checked his pocket watch.
The whistle!
The train pulled out of Inverness, bang on time, cleared the industrial area, and was soon in the Maryland countryside. By late afternoon, it skirted Wilmington and transferred to the Jersey Shore Line Railroad, “the fruit and vegetable express.”
Horace cleared his desk of papers, which were bundled up by his