Entertainment Trivia Question

[dekeguy]

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.
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