[Faith tilts her head a little to the side. Her tone is... guarded, but there's a note of distaste to it.]
The navy prefers to claim to promote on merit.
[She knew from growing up in the house of a man who signed commissions and who entertained all sorts of captains vying for their favourites to move up in rank just how much of an illusion that really was.
There were captains (who went on to be admirals, some who went on to be Lords of the Admiralty) who truly believed in recognising merit. Gregory Hawke came to mind. Through (to her understanding) many years and much more than a well-born man his age would have had to suffer, he had risen by his own efforts to lieutenant. Beyond that, however, would have remained firmly out of his grasp. Had he not charmed the son of a Lord of the Admiralty. Edward, too, had come into his position as an officer by sheer favouritism of two captains.]
Commissions and promotions are not openly purchased, no, but... [Perhaps, she considered, that made the army a little more honest in what it presented, at least.] But very few poor men or men without friends of influence find themselves called "Captain." At least, as far as I have seen.
[A little bolder than she might otherwise have been, but... Well. Why shouldn't she be a little bold? She used his Christian name and allowed him to use hers. She could speak a little more openly about all she observed, especially on a matter so sensitive to him.]
no subject
The navy prefers to claim to promote on merit.
[She knew from growing up in the house of a man who signed commissions and who entertained all sorts of captains vying for their favourites to move up in rank just how much of an illusion that really was.
There were captains (who went on to be admirals, some who went on to be Lords of the Admiralty) who truly believed in recognising merit. Gregory Hawke came to mind. Through (to her understanding) many years and much more than a well-born man his age would have had to suffer, he had risen by his own efforts to lieutenant. Beyond that, however, would have remained firmly out of his grasp. Had he not charmed the son of a Lord of the Admiralty. Edward, too, had come into his position as an officer by sheer favouritism of two captains.]
Commissions and promotions are not openly purchased, no, but... [Perhaps, she considered, that made the army a little more honest in what it presented, at least.] But very few poor men or men without friends of influence find themselves called "Captain." At least, as far as I have seen.
[A little bolder than she might otherwise have been, but... Well. Why shouldn't she be a little bold? She used his Christian name and allowed him to use hers. She could speak a little more openly about all she observed, especially on a matter so sensitive to him.]