Britannic Voyage

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Frederick St. Clair was born on June 8, 1884, in Mayfair. His father, George, was a banker of French Huguenot descent. His mother, Evelyn, was popular in London high society. His sister Cordelia was born seven years later, in 1891. The St. Clairs had once been wealthy, but their fortunes were slipping. Frederick's mother never wanted a son. She was cold to him and made no secret that she preferred Cordelia. His father tried to make up for it with extra affection, but the damage was already done, even after his father divorced and took the children to the country. Frederick grew up craving love and approval, patterns that would follow him into adulthood.

He went to Harrow, where he became friends with Philip Merriweather, man who would prove important to him. At Oxford, he studied Greek and joined the drama society. He and Philip reunited there and fell in love. But in 1904, Philip had a religious crisis and fled to Sandhurst. They didn't see each other again for seven years.

After the breakup, Frederick buried himself in his studies and acting. He earned a first-class degree in Greek studies and literature, and trained at RADA. Years after graduation, he was a successful theater actor in London. By 1911, Frederick was working exhausting hours on stage to support his family. His father was an invalid. Cordelia still lived at home. The St. Clair fortune was nearly gone, and Frederick was desperate to keep up appearances and avoid scandal.

That year, Philip, after much searching and acceptance, found Frederick again. They reconciled and started a private romantic relationship. Philip had wealth, and he took care of the St. Clairs. When Philip's niece and nephew, Frances and Lillian, were orphaned, they raised the children together at Fairhaven. For the first time since childhood, Frederick felt happy. The old wounds began to heal.
Then the war came.

Philip enlisted first as a commanding officer. Frederick enlisted too, but he refused to use his wealth or connections for an easier position. He fought as an infantry soldier in the trenches. At the Somme in 1916, he saw terrible things and lost many friends. He survived by using what he'd learned on stage: reading people, understanding them, knowing when someone was breaking down. His comrades knew him as someone who could help keep up morale.

In late 1916, Frederick received new orders. He was being reassigned to Eastern Mediterranean Command for translation and cultural work. He was to report to Southampton and board the hospital ship Britannic to Salonika. There, his Greek would be useful for translating documents, interpreting between British and Greek officials, and advising on local customs. The assignment was legitimate. It was also arranged by Philip, who would travel with him. Frederick knew immediately what Philip had done. He'd pulled strings using his rank, connections, and favors owed to him to get Frederick's name on the right list. Frederick also knew Philip had chosen the hospital ship because it was the safest way to cross dangerous waters.

He understood why. Philip loved him. He was terrified of losing Frederick to the war. Philip wanted him out of the trenches and away from the danger. But understanding didn't make it easier. Frederick had to board Britannic. These were orders. But he couldn't stop thinking about the men dying in the trenches, men without his connections or privilege. Men he'd fought beside and helped.

He would follow his orders and go to Greece. But once he arrived, he planned to request reassignment back to the front lines. Not because he didn't appreciate what Philip had done. Surely not because he didn't love him. But because it was the right thing to do.

Philip didn't know about Frederick's plan. But Frederick knows that the truth will have to come out