28th June, Officers' Breakfast

Vickery raised an eyebrow at the sight of the notebook. "Yes, a Mister Delacroix, I think the name was - something like that, at any rate. I don't know how he would feel about joining in with amateur theatricals, but I don't mind asking if it would not put you out."

Edward briefly looked at Fraser, then stated:

"I would certainly not mind. It might also be a good opportunity to introduce him to the other officers in the area ..."

The sentence ended with a slightly questioning inflection.

"It might well be. I am more than happy to ask him - I cannot say whether he will accept the offer, however." He was fairly determined that he would not take one of the female roles - he had had quite enough of that as an Ensign.

"Who else should we ask? By my count, we have five captains - six, if both Captains Padstowe and Blackwood are available and willing to join in - and one Lieutenant if Mr Delacroix decides to join our little group."