There was something about the man that instantly reminded Jack of Stephen. It may have been the obvious medical air about him and the offhanded way in which he dealt with the question so obviously outside of the knowledge of his audience, but it hit Jack with a painful ache.

Jack smiled then and took the man's hand, pleased by his firm steady grip. "Then we carry the same name, sir," he said with a smile. "I was born John Aubrey, although I answer to Jack. Captain Jack Aubrey," he added.