The Admiralty summons arrived three days after the memorial mass.
It did not come by courier or messenger on horseback. It came by ship.
A small naval cutter moored at the Shropshire river dock just after dawn, bearing the blue ensign and a sealed order for Lord Phillip Wellington. When Henry found Phillip in the foundry yard—supervising another set of coils being wound—he looked slightly pale.
"They want you in London," Henry said. "Immediately."
Phillip wiped metal dust from his hands. "Admiralty or Parliament?"
"Admiralty," Henry replied. "Signed by the First Sea Lord."
Phillip didn't speak further. He removed his apron, took his coat, and left instructions for the telegraph crews before boarding the carriage waiting by the gate.
The Duke of Wellington joined him halfway down the road.
"I received the same summons," the Duke said. "They're moving faster than expected."
Phillip glanced at him. "Is this about the crash?"
