Tyger

by Julian Stockwin

  “A snort o’ something?” Bazely called to his guest, from the bedroom, as he completed his attire. “Jus’ touch the bell.”

  Kydd nonetheless politely waited until he emerged. “You’ve done well at prize-money then, dear fellow.”

  Bazely grinned. “Pewterising is the solemn duty of any in a blue coat, m’ friend.” He looked at Kydd shrewdly. “Last I saw ye, you’d run afoul o’ Admiral Lockwood, somethin’ about his daughter, wasn’t it? Now I sees before me a cove who’s made post, got his name in The Times, shipped a star, an’ who everyone says is today’s hero. I honour ye for it, Kydd. And thank ’ee for noticing an old frien’ like this.”

  “Damn your eyes, Bazely—I came of a purpose, man.”

  “Oh?”

  “I’m to get a frigate—but not yet. She hasn’t completed, I have to wait it out. Months. And I’ve a yen to make the most of it, take m’ fill of what London can offer a weary mariner, if you see my meaning.”

  “Ha! Jack Tar on the ran-tan in the Great Smoke?”

  “Just so.”

  “Fenella’s in for small repair, I think I c’n see m’ way clear to a mort o’ frolicking. Cards? High table? Theatre? Ladies—or all four on ’em?”

  After an agreeable discussion on which to do first, Bazely reflected lazily, “Weren’t ye in that Buenos Aires moil at all?”

  “Yes, I was. Why do you ask?”

  “As it might put a crimp in your little spree—the court-martial. I take it y’r not bein’ charged?”

  “No, but I’m to witness.”

  It had been a relief to hear that only one man was to face the court: the instigator of the failed expedition, Commodore Popham. Kydd had received the formal notification only very recently that he was being summoned as witness, with the instruction to hold himself in readiness for the date of convening, to be announced.

  “Should be interestin’, I’m persuaded.” Bazely chuckled.

  “Maybe, but I think it a miserable thing, and to be honest with you, m’ friend, I don’t particularly want to dig it up again.”

  “No? Then you’ve been out o’ Town too long—every codshead scribbler tryin’ either to roast the man or cry up the hero. Here y’ have the Admiralty, righteous an’ frowning, saying as how he left his station to go a-venturing without leave. An’ over there you’ve got Johnny Public—he adores a scrapper who sees th’ enemy an’ goes for him.

  “And it’s gone political. Popham was a Pitt’s man, an’ when he was gone, he lost his friends. He’s a cunning old fox, but where can y’ stand with a closet Whig like Portland? Not t’ say the Tories at each other’s throats and ready to see their allies go hang. It’s a right shambles an’ the whole world has an opinion. I’d say ye’d better have your story tight an’ pretty, Kydd. You’re in the centre o’ the storm.”

  It cast a pall, but not for long.

  Bazely beamed. “So we’re for the tiles. Now, m’ knightly friend, if I’m to introduce ye to ladies o’ my acquaintance then I’m not t’ be shamed in the article o’ dress. Here in Town we has t’ be taut-rigged an’ in fashion or we don’t stand a chance against y’r strut-noddies prancing about as calls ’emselves the ton. I know a tailor t’ be trusted in Old Bond Street. Shall we …?”

  Kydd had been overseas for so long that he hadn’t appreciated just how much things had changed. Gone were the colourful and ornamented waistcoats and breeches of the eighteenth century and in their place was a mode laid down by the upcoming society dictator Beau Brummell, avidly followed by the Prince of Wales—a plain, studied elegance that owed everything to cut and quality.

  “Sir has a fine figure,” the tailor declared, holding Kydd at arm’s length. “We can make much of this. Buckskin pantaloons, perhaps?”

  In the next few days Kydd was transformed.

  He stood in front of a mirror in admiration. Over a cream waistcoat he wore a double-breasted dark green tailcoat, relieved by two discreet lines of brass buttons. Its high collar felt awkward but it served its purpose in confining a gushing white cravat, starched and finished with the looser but fashionable mailcoach knot. The tight-fitting pantaloons were tucked into gleaming hessian boots, sporting tassels and ending with beautifully shaped pointed toes.

  In his hand was his latest purchase, a narrow-brimmed hat, flat on the crown and all of twelve inches high but with a wicked curve to the edge. It felt so impractical compared to his service bicorne, which could be folded flat in an instant and tucked under the arm in confined spaces ’tween-decks. He hesitated to put it on, especially as he’d paid a barber an extortionate sum to style his hair in the latest mode, the Titus, shorn everywhere but the front where his dark curls were swept forward in imitation of classical statues of a Roman emperor.

  “Bang up t’ the mark,” Bazely enthused from behind. “As will f’r a surety have the ladies all of a tizz, you devil!”

  A visit to the glover followed. Kydd blinked at the mounting cost but, then, if he was to be taken for a gentleman about town, why hold back?

  It was a gratifying experience to promenade in Hyde Park in the bright summer sunshine, swinging his cane, noticed with a tip of the hat by gentlemen of consequence—he raised his own to passing ladies to their barely concealed delight.

  A parade of soldiers, regimental band thumping away, marched past; Kydd and Bazely respectfully stood still with doffed hats as they passed and were awarded a smart salute from the young subaltern in command.

  Spotting Kydd, a curious Curzon and his lady hurried over to pay their respects. Too well-bred to remark his astonishment at the vision, he made much of introducing his companion to the famous frigate captain and, in return, Kydd was gracious and fulsome. Finding his old lieutenant still without a ship, he extended an invitation for the pair to accompany himself and Bazely to the theatre the following evening.

  Kydd had mentioned that he’d heard the legendary Sarah Siddons had expressed a desire to leave the stage: he would be mortified, he’d said, to miss her performing. The obliging Bazely had made the necessary arrangements, even down to the provision of a pair of pretty sisters, awed to be seen out in such company. And he’d managed to secure extra tickets for Kydd’s guests.

  The great actress did not disappoint. Covent Garden was packed for her Isabella, or, The Fatal Marriage and from their box Kydd delightedly took in the sweeping grandeur of her gestures, the agony of her portrayal of the torn woman—and lustily joined in the storm of applause that followed.

  At the supper afterwards he was at a loss to remember when he had been last so contented with life.

  At breakfast Tysoe appeared with a silver tray. “For you, Sir Thomas.”

  It was a personal card with a folded sheet of paper. He recognised the name instantly: Essington, rear admiral, his former second lieutenant’s uncle. Many years before he had put Kydd forward as acting lieutenant, starting him on the journey that had led to where he was today.

  The note was short and to the point.

  My dear Kydd, or should I say, Sir Thomas.

  On seeing you at the theatre last night I conceived it my duty and pleasure to invite you to an evening with my friends in retirement, some of whom I’m sure are old acquaintances of yours. Should you feel able to attend, then shall we say tomorrow eve at seven at my club, Brooks’s?

  Kydd was delighted. If Essington thought it proper to esteem him as a guest at the distinguished Brooks’s Club, he was most definitely on the rise in society. Not only had it been many years since they had met but Kydd had a soft spot for Bowden, Essington’s nephew, a clear-thinking and resolute young man. With a twinge he reflected that, now unemployed as a lieutenant, Bowden was at that moment probably at the Admiralty begging for a ship. But that was the way of the navy.

  He took especial care with his dress, Tysoe fussing with the fall of his cravat, the lie of the satin knee breeches against white stockings and the correct ribbon ties on his silver-buckled black shoes.

  Later, with a surge of nervousness, Ky
dd stepped out of the carriage and looked up at the frowning Palladian façade of the club in St James’s Street. An expressionless doorman took his hat and cane and led him through to the Small Drawing Room.

  Half a dozen gentlemen sat comfortably, some alone with newspapers, others together in conversation, and he saw that almost to a man they were in blue, the coats cut severely, with plainly wound neckcloths and close-cut hair. However, the man who rose to greet him wore a white cravat, his hair tied back with a ribbon in the old way.

  It was Essington. “So pleased you could come, old fellow,” he said, with a warm smile. “You’ll take a glass of something?”

  One or two looked up curiously.

  “Kind in you to invite me, sir,” Kydd said politely. “After so long out of hail.”

  “Ah—that’s because you’ve been away at your adventures. You’re much talked of, Kydd, you know.”

  “I’ve been lucky, sir, this I’ll admit right readily.”

  “And you’ll oblige us at supper with an account of each and every one.”

  He raised his glass to Kydd, then turned to one of those sitting.

  “Reginald, you’d like to meet Captain Kydd of Curaçao, at all?”

  The man nodded pleasantly.

  “This is Admiral Gardner from the San Nicholas Mole affair, old chap.”

  Kydd shook hands, aware of a keen look of appraisal. He recalled hearing of the engagement as a young quartermaster.

  Then it was Wilkinstone, lamed at the Glorious First of June but who had gone on to command a frigate in a bruising fight in Quiberon Bay, and others, some of whom he remembered from his days as a common sailor when he had seen them as god-like figures on their quarterdecks. To be among their number as a guest now gave him a rush of pleasure.

  One stood up to ask him about the taking of Cape Town and soon more came over to listen until Kydd found himself in the middle of an animated throng. He kept his accounts guarded and modest—for all that this was a social occasion, there were at least two serving admirals present.

  They were interrupted by the call to supper and sat down with other club members for the informal repast.

  Kydd introduced himself to one opposite, a gentleman of years with a shock of white hair, who turned out to be a banker from the City, interested in his observations on trade prospects with South America. On his right, a younger man with a world-weary look was the Member of Parliament for Weymouth; he slumped back cynically as Kydd finished his story of a naval engagement up an East African river among lions and crocodiles.

  Past Essington on his left, at the head of the table, there was an empty chair which no one seemed inclined to inhabit. Shortly, the conversations died away as a stooped, elderly man with fierce eyes shuffled painfully in to assume the seat.

  With a shock Kydd recognised him: John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent—and first lord of the Admiralty at a crucial time for both Kydd and England. In command of a man-o’-war since the long-ago victory at Québec, a queller of mutinies, the unflinching enemy of corruption and legendary commander-in-chief of the Channel Fleet, he had only recently retired.

  Just in time Kydd stopped himself scrambling to his feet as the great man was merely greeted affably and offered the claret. He grunted a pleasantry to one side, then addressed himself to the crumbed veal cutlets.

  “My lord, we have a guest tonight,” Essington said smoothly, “whom I’ve no doubt you’ve heard about in recent times. May I present—”

  “No, let me guess,” Jervis interrupted gruffly, staring steadily at Kydd as he ate.

  Nervously, Kydd wondered whether he should prompt the aged sailor.

  “Ah, yes. Kydd with a y amidships, a Nelson élève before Trafalgar, if my memory serves.”

  “Why, yes, sir—”

  “And a damned odd way of demanding a ship!”

  Kydd reddened at the recollection of the muddle that had allowed him, as a post captain, to beseech the command of a lowly sloop. At the same time he glowed: the illustrious admiral remembered him! “I have to thank your lordship for your kindness.”

  It seemed to mollify.

  “You’ve seen service since, Kydd.”

  “I’ve been fortunate, my lord.”

  “You have. Curaçao was a well-done thing, but where does it leave us? Another Caribbean liability for not much revenue.” Jervis reached out and poured more currant sauce dismissively.

  Essington politely interjected: “Captain Kydd had a significant role in the conquest of Cape Colony, my lord.”

  “Did he?” He looked at Kydd coldly. “Then he must have followed that damned popinjay Popham on his hare-brained and insubordinate adventure against Buenos Aires!”

  “Yes, sir, I did.”

  “For which the coxcomb must explain himself before a court-martial, hey?”

  “My lord, do you not think there might have been circumstances that—”

  “Sir, there is no conceivable state of affairs in creation that allows a junior commander to take it upon himself to leave his lawful station to go adventuring,” Jervis said acidly.

  Kydd knew he should not press the matter with so fabled a figure but couldn’t help murmuring, “All the same, it does seem a hard thing to me that a man be punished for being active, when the safer is to do nothing.”

  Jervis slammed down his fork and glared at him. “Are you trying to excuse the man’s actions? If so, you fall far short in my estimation, Mr Kydd!”

  Kydd burned. “Commodore Popham thought to do his duty to the larger interests of Britain, which he saw—”

  “How dare you lecture me, sir?” Jervis barked. “Are you to be counted in that poltroon’s camp? Then you’re sadly misguided! The Admiralty can brook no insolence from mercenary venturers such as he and they’ll show him no mercy when the verdict’s given.”

  He leaned forward and, with a look of deadly intensity, went on quietly, “So have a care, Mr Kydd. If you shackle yourself to that mountebank I will not answer for your future. You understand me, sir?”

  Afterwards Essington took Kydd aside. “That was not a wise thing in the circumstances, my dear fellow. He may now be retired but his word counts for much in the high councils.”

  Kydd smiled ruefully. “I honour the old man with all my heart, but I’m persuaded there’s two sides to the business, and this being a social affair I thought I could—”

  “St Vincent cares deeply for the staunch, true ways and will be merciless to those he sees failing to conform. You’re sailing close to the wind, my friend.”

  The next day Kydd had other concerns, chief of which was the rendezvous to go riding with the winsome younger sister he had accompanied to the theatre, Miss Sophy.

  He and Bazely had rented hacks, passable high-steppers, and Kydd was conscious of the fine figure he made as they cantered out to the broad perimeter roadway around Hyde Park, known as Rotten Row.

  They were far from alone: there were carriages of every degree of opulence, tooling along with ladies twirling parasols as their beaus held the reins, weaving in and out of knots of dandies “on the strut” and promenading couples. Others passed by, their riders eyeing them to see if they were to be ignored or deferred to.

  The sisters were waiting for them, sitting demurely side-saddle on matching brown mounts. The four set out together at a sedate walk, conversations light and gay. It was a perfect day and Kydd’s blood rose at the sight of the girl beside him in her fetching blue habit and prim chapeau.

  “I do declare,” she said, with a pout, “it’s so perfectly unfair that you men do hold to yourselves all the excitement!”

  “Why, what must you mean, Miss Sophy?” Kydd chuckled.

  “You’re soon enough going back to the sea, to a great big ship searching for prey to fall upon, and after a huge battle you’ll take it, then come back to land with hatfuls of guineas in prize—and all the time your intended must wait alone for your return …”

  “Ah,” Kydd said, aware of the prettiness of
her downcast eyes. “The sea service does not always yield such, I’m persuaded. Have you not heard of storms and tempests? And what if the foe is bigger—what then?”

  She looked up winningly. “The brave captain I see will not be dismayed by great odds!”

  Bazely leaned over and said with a piratical chuckle, “Aye, this is true ’nuff. I’ve seen Tom Cutlass here stand with bloodied sword on his quarterdeck when all around—”

  “Do stow it, Bazely, there’s a good fellow. I’ve a mind to enjoy myself. Where shall we victual, do you think?”

  They finished the day with a promise of a visit to the races. If this was what he had to put up with while he waited for his new command, there were worse fates, Kydd mused.

  But returning to the White Hart he found the post had brought a complication. The court-martial of Commodore Popham was to be held at HMS Gladiator in Portsmouth in three days’ time and his attendance as a witness was thereby required.

  CHAPTER 5

  KYDD PENNED A QUICK NOTE to Bazely, then he and Tysoe took the next coach for Portsmouth. No doubt the business would be concluded in a few days and he could be back in Town. Unlike the protracted deliberations of a civil case, court-martial proceedings consisted of naval officers trying their peers. There would be no need for lengthy explanations and all would be judged in the stark light of the Articles of War. It was incontrovertible that Popham had left his station without orders. That alone was sufficient to condemn the man, whatever mitigating circumstances were brought before the court.

  Kydd knew the road well and gazed through the window at the garden-like countryside passing by, idly considering possible future entertainments with Miss Sophy when his life of leisure resumed.

  The prospect of the old naval port loomed and the coach clattered over Portsea Bridge and into the busy town. In the matter of accommodation the Star and Garter was for lieutenants, the Blue Posts for midshipmen, so Kydd would be lodging at the George, Nelson’s favourite.

  It seemed unusually crowded and it was some minutes before he was attended to.

  “Staying for the trial, sir?” the innkeeper asked, summoning a porter. Kydd was in plain brown dress but he’d clearly recognised the bearing of a naval officer. Without waiting for an answer, the man added, “Then you’ll be interested in the newspapers, sir. We have them all in the parlour for your convenience.”