Entertainment Trivia Question
 

In the movie "Master and Commander" a reference is made to two other fictional characters from another series of novels not connected with this story. It is a sort of "in-joke" as no other reference is made to it and you either catch it or you don't.
When the young Midshipman is injured in the first battle scene and loses his hand the Doctor tells Captain Jack Aubrey that he tried hard for the boy as he knew his parents were old friends of the Captain. The skipper replies that the boy's father will understand as he is well acquainted with hazards. He is concerned as to whether the boy's mother will be as understanding as she is foreign (French) and not likely to realize the dangers of active service in the Royal Navy.
Who are the Midshipman's parents? If you remember the scene and dialog you will know the answer if you think about it and connect the dots.
Surely we have lots of trivia experts here!

I love entertainment trivia and have been wracking my brain, but do not know the answer to this one. You will eventually post the answer, won't you? Please? :)

Geez I really want that trivial pursuit piece (pink, right?), but I have never seen the movie.

my husband was able to quote that part of the movie, but cannot reference the other book and i forgot to ask my son-i will, when he gets back from school today. great question!!

(and glad to see you back!)

The boy's name is "The Hon. Mr. Midshipman Blakeney". Can you think of anyone named Blakeney who has a foreign wife, who lived during the time period in question, plus the other bits and pieces in that conversation? Connect the dots and it will hit you!

Oohhhhhh! Is that the Blakeneys from The Scarlet Pimpernel? That's the only one I know...

Right! You cracked the code! His parents are Sir Percy Blakeney, Bt (later Lord Blakeney) and Marguerite St. Just (Lady Blakeney).
I can't find my copy of the book but I don't remember the reference in it. I think it was included in the film as a cross-over reference just as a "teaser" to see if anyone caught it.
Well done - you are a trivia champion!

Woohoo! You may wire the prize money to my paypal account...

That was fun! Do another one! :)

Sink me! How did I miss this thread until now? I love the Scarlet Pimpernel.

They seek him here, they seek him there,
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in heaven or is he in hell?
That demned elusive Pimpernel!

That's ok, MysticCat, we'll share my prize money to train for the Amazing Race...

Now that's a plan!

There are a number of these cross-over type moments in movies ranging from recent to really early films. I gather that writers and directors like to put in these "cameo" appearances or references just to see if anybody notices. They can be blatant as in George Lazenby as 007 in an aside to the camera where he comments, "that never seemed to happen to the other fellow". Then again they can be just a fleeting comment as in Master and Commander.
Anybody want to step up and stump the trivia fans? Please post your favorite subtle story reference.