Quarterdeck

by David O'Neil

  “I do agree, Absolom. But my worry is that this British Captain is a terrier. He has the force to make things difficult if he remains in the area.”

  “He is really that good?”

  “One of my men was with him as a Midshipman. You know him. His name is Hayes. He currently stands as Lieutenant in my ship. I do not think much of him as a seaman, but he is useful in boarding parties, and had no conscience that I have ever detected. However his comments about Forest-Bowers are envious and obviously he hates him. My guess is that he is everything that Hayes is not. That makes me think he deserves respect. The fact that he was made Post Captain in his twenties means that he is an exceptional man. According to the Gazette he has gone from strength to strength.”

  Absolom looked at his partner steadily, his brown eyes steady, the golden brown of his face showing no sign of concern. The question that hung between the two men demanded an answer. As far as Absolom was concerned it was an answer for Roger Newton to give. Whatever Newton said, Absolom would accept. Over the term of their partnership, it had been ever thus.

  The decision was made and announced in an even tone, without any particular emphasis. “We let the matter rest, unless or until we discover if the Bahamas ships remain there. In the event they do, and interfere with our current business we will rethink the matter. My guess is that they will return to home waters. We will then only have the American navy to worry about.”

  ***

  In Nassau the decision was made in dealing with Maxwell. Rather than languishing in prison awaiting the noose, he would survive at least, working on one of the plantations that he had once owned, on Jamaica.

  In the Governor’s House the meeting between the captains of Martin’s squadron had been joined by two frigate captains of the West Indies command, who had arrived that same day to check up on rumours of revolution. Captain Brown, HMS Tiger 38, and Captain Mainwaring HMS Phoebe 40, were both known to Martin and their presence was a re-assurance that the islands would be secure when the squadron departed in three days’ time.

  The Governor, Sir Anthony Warren, was preparing for the handover to his successor who was unpacking in Government House as the group met.

  The presence of the Governor at the meeting was a tribute to his popularity with the naval contingent.

  After thanking the Captains assembled, he explained briefly his disposition of the revolutionaries. “It appears that the pirate elements supporting the uprising have returned to Florida area, Thanks to the presence of the Navy, I would not expect their return without considerable reinforcement. My successor will control matters from today. Thank you, gentlemen, officially and personally.”

  Later, when he and Martin were alone, he mentioned his plans.

  “I am returning to England with my daughter, as you know, Martin. I understand we are to travel in company with your ships. I hope we will not lose contact in future.”

  Martin smiled. I understand you will be taking a seat in Parliament which will require your presence in London. My home in London is always open to friends.” He smiled. “I also believe your connection with the Navy is going to be of a permanent nature?”

  “It certainly seems so, and I cannot say how relieved I am that this decision of my daughter comes at this time. It has been a matter troubling me ever since she attained her, er… growth.” He hesitated for a moment. “It is times like these that remind me how much I miss her mother. She always knew what was best for Catherine.”

  “If you’ll permit me, sir, I think recent events have shown clearly that your daughter has benefited from your efforts over the past years. You must be proud of the way she has reacted to the trials of these past days.”

  “Oh, I am. But I will be relieved the day I lead her down the aisle and pass the responsibility over to someone more in tune with her requirements? Does that make me a bad parent?”

  Martin laughed. “I think the reverse. In fact, I myself will undoubtedly be as relieved when my own daughter elects to marry. I am of the opinion that the young, having been brought up as best we can, should be released to live their chosen lives, and create their own families. I ask you, sir, the same question. Does that make me a bad parent?”

  The arrival of the Sao Paulo in Nassau was the signal for the convoy to Britain to gather in some sort of order to prepare to sail.

  One week later the convoy sailed.

  Chapter sixteen

  Transition

  1810

  There was a busy air about the Admiralty as Martin entered the main door. He went directly to the Office of Admiral Bowers where he found a group of others involved in an active discussion with two civilians who were looking appalled at something suggested by one of the officers present.

  At Martin’s appearance the Admiral called the others to order. “For those of you who do not know him, this officer is Captain Sir Martin Forest-Bowers, and yes, he is my son. The important factor is that he is probably the best qualified person here to discuss the problem concerning you two gentlemen.”

  Turning to Martin he said, “These two gentlemen have been ordered to discuss our situation in Sweden with the appointment of Count Bernadotte as heir-presumptive to the Swedish crown. There are embassies in Sweden and Norway which may well become redundant since Bernadotte is French. It is presumed that his sympathies will lie with France, rather than in the non-partisan area of neutrality. The position of Russia in the mix is also creating the thought that we will be occupied with matters which, up to now, we have been able to side-line.

  Martin looked around the assembly of naval officers and civilians. Then turning to his adoptive father he said quietly, “Can we have a private word?”

  Admiral Bowers looked at him searchingly. Martin was very much the son he had acquired by default, but nevertheless a much appreciated and loved member of his family.

  “Gentlemen, there is a small matter I must clarify with the Captain. Please carry on with your deliberations. We will rejoin you shortly.”

  Ignoring the surprised looks and the odd frown at this comment, he led Martin through the door to his private office.

  Closing the door he turned to Martin, eyebrow raised in enquiry.

  Martin looked him directly in the eye. “Why is this discussion taking place without the Comtesse present?”

  The Admiral started to reply, then shook his head. “It did cross my mind to invite her. Then I ran through the other people involved and realised that there would be no point. These people here would crucify her rather than listen to anything she might say. It also occurred to me that, while the Generals at Army Headquarters at Horse Guards might hear what she says, as a woman in male company, any response she proposes would be discarded until all other avenues had been explored. By which time that response would probably be meaningless, this would be pointed out as confirmation of their opinions that her contribution was useless.”

  Martin considered this and nodded slowly. “I should never have doubted, father. While I knew you resented my participation in secret dealings, I should have remembered that you never failed to act on the information provided. I will consult with Alouette and report back to you.”

  The Admiral nodded with a small smile. “It will take time but I will make sure the credit goes where it belongs. But the secret will be kept from all but those who should know.”

  ***

  Taking tea with Alouette later that day, Martin related the events of the meeting. “I would have been happier if you had been present, but I understand now that it would have been pointless, with a group such as that.”

  Alouette chuckled. “Martin, you put things so nicely. What you mean is I would have been ignored completely, though politely. Whilst the men discussed important matters among themselves.”

  She was thinking at the same time. “I am not sure that they understand the situation regarding Bernadotte. The invitation to join the Swedish line of succession came from Sweden. Napoleon had nothing to do with it. In fact I would almost sugge
st Napoleon will be happy to see the back of the Marshal. While he will expect Sweden will continue to follow Russia, my guess is that it will not.

  “Bernadotte is an interesting man who has had conflicts with Napoleon in the past. If he has accepted the mantle of Sweden’s leadership, I would expect him to place Sweden first in all things.”

  Martin looked at her. “Alouette, you never cease to amaze me. Please prepare a paper of your opinion as you have explained it to me. I will see it gets placed where it will do the most good.”

  “As you wish, Martin. Now let us talk about America!”

  ***

  In the house that evening, Martin gave the paper to the Admiral as they stood waiting for the ladies before going in to dinner.

  He watched as Charles Bowers read the document, then read it again. He looked up at Martin. “This is convincing. I have the impression that whoever wrote this knows Bernadotte personally?”

  Martin smiled. “She does!”

  The second letter Martin passed over was on the subject of America. “This, I’m afraid. Is not such happy news. We have an explosion about to occur, and our people are walking about the magazine lighting matches.”

  “We do not need another war at present,” the Admiral mused.

  “A section of our government has still not accepted that America is no longer a colony waiting to pop back under Britain’s wing saying sorry. The aggressive attitude of our ships to American merchantmen is causing more and more resentment among the Americans, and their frigates are clearly going to be a handful for our ships to deal with.”

  The Admiral looked up in surprise, “You really think so?”

  “44 guns 24pounders, a hull built like a ‘74’ crewed by ex-British seamen. Yes, I really think so!”

  They went into dinner, the Admiral deep in thought.

  The party at the weekend was attended by Antonio Ramos and his ward, and Sir Anthony Warren and his daughter, Catherine. The tactful invitation to the officers of HMS Vixen currently lying in the Thames at St Katherine’s dock ensured that both of the young ladies were monopolised within minutes of their arrival.

  Jennifer giggled at the immediate annexation of the two pretty girls, while Martin nudged her gently, pointing out that it was just a few years since she herself had been the similar focus of attention. Martin gazed around the room, now filled with a swirling crowd of people. The orchestra in the conservatory struggling manfully to compete with the chatter of the throng. He saw the Admiral speaking with the Comtesse; Alouette smiling and nodding at something Charles said. Then Antonio joined his wife, his tall figure resplendent in his dress uniform. Their recent wedding had been attended by the families, plus Sir Anthony Watts, who had given the bride away in the absence of her father. Martin had stood as best man. The wedding had been held at the church in Eynsham, and the couple had spent their honeymoon at Walton Hall, Martin’s family home, loaned for the occasion.

  The reason for the quiet wedding was a combination of the delicacy of Alouette’s position and the lack of time available. Since neither had an extensive family to satisfy, it was a matter for their friends to rally around and arrange, and this was what had happened. In addition to the families of Bowers, and Forest-Bowers, Lieutenant Santos, from Sao Paulo. Sir Anthony Warren and Catherine, his daughter, attended as did Lieutenant Cameron, who escorted them and Lieutenant Harman who escorted Maria Diaz, Antonio’s ward.

  The entire staff of the estate prepared the wedding feast which was arranged under the trees on the lawn at the Hall. The centrepiece of the repast was the roast ox, and there were barrels of ale, and tables groaning with food. Musicians from the Oxford theatre attended to play for the dancing.

  ***

  Two weeks later the orders came. Commodore Forest-Bowers and Commodore Antonio Ramos paired once more for a voyage to Canada and a cruise from Canada to the Caribbean.

  There would be a group of staff travelling in convoy with the naval force, and it was anticipated that a diplomat would accompany the cruise.

  It is true that Martin wondered about the point of taking a diplomat travelling with the warships but, since no explanation was forthcoming, he did not pursue the matter. It was only after a discussion with Alouette on the subject that the situation was clarified somewhat.

  Her position at the head of the mysterious department set up by Sir Anthony Watts, known for some time as, plain Mr. Smith, had been reinforced by her report on Count Bernadotte. The subsequent assessments of his place in the political firmament reinforced the suggestions and conclusions reached in the report. Due credence was given to the expertise that had gone into gathering and correlating of the information it contained and the conclusions reached.

  Martin’s conversation with her on the subject of the Canadian voyage had been both revealing and disquieting. Seated at the desk in the anonymous house which was the headquarters of the organisation, Alouette passed on her understanding of the situation.

  “America is still in process of becoming a country in its own right. Canada has, to a large extent, settled for the place she now occupies within the Empire. While there is still trouble from the French, we believe it is containable.

  “The Americans are more of a worry because we cannot divert too much attention from our current enemies in Napoleon’s Europe.

  “I would be much happier if I could guarantee that British warships would not harass American shipping. As things are, we are on a knife’s edge, between going to war and keeping the peace. You will agree that it is a delicate balance to maintain and thus a diplomat with your squadron should be an advantage.

  “Between us, if you can remove the odious renegade, Captain Newton, both American and British authorities would be most grateful. His activities are gaining him a name for ferocity and invulnerability. The location of his base is known to be on the Florida Keys, though which one is still undiscovered. Apparently the local population is very protective of the base and, judging from the lengths they go to in keeping it secret, benefit from keeping it so.”

  Martin considered her comment. “In the circumstances, is there no way the cessation of the systematic harassment of American merchant ships cannot be turned into orders for the ships of the fleet?” Martin asked. “I know my father agrees with you and would support that action.”

  “Well you might ask. As you will be aware it has been asked in the highest circles. Unfortunately, there is still an element in the government who regard the return of the Americas to British rule as an achievable situation. They are insistent on continuing the harassment on the basis that it will induce the Americans to give up their independence and return to the British fold.”

  She looked at Martin, shrugged, and said wickedly, “Do you not miss the past? We had things much easier then. We could just tumble into bed and forget our worries for a while. How about it? Shall we?”

  Martin stood up smiling. Alouette was more beautiful now than ever. “If I thought you really meant that I would be tempted. But we both have others to think of, so I must regretfully decline your generous offer.” A little wistfully, he stepped over to her and kissed her warmly on the lips, quelling the urge to take advantage of the moment. As he left her it was clear to him, that there would always be part of him that belonged to the Alouette who had risked her life and shared danger with him, over the past years.

  ***

  The following days were busy. Making arrangements for the lengthy voyage and extended visit to the Americas was not the easiest of tasks, especially leaving Jennifer after her lengthy illness and dramatic recovery. Parting once more would be a painful process.

  The preparations for the voyage were well advanced and the name of the diplomat announced to a small circle of people. While the entire arrangement had been kept very much to a select few, the matter did become public knowledge.

  The man himself was no help in the matter. Rather than keep matters discreet, he seemed to go out of his way to publicise the matter. The Honourable Dominic Go
rdon, son of an Sussex landowner, he seemed to be well provided with money, and willing to spend it. Martin was invited to meet the man at an evening soiree in the house of Lady Pamela Brown-Oliver.

  Though he had never attended one of her parties, he was aware of them by reputation.. The lady herself was a ‘sixty-year-old harridan,’ in the words of Alouette, who, of necessity, had to deal with the lady on occasion. The combination of getting to know the Honourable Dominic Gordon, and supporting Alouette and Antonio who were required to attend, persuaded Martin and Jennifer to accept the invitation sent at the request of the diplomat.

  The party arrived at the venue together to be greeted by the lady herself, a forbidding-looking woman, nearly six feet tall. Her face resembled a mask created by the make-up she was wearing. Rather than concealing the wrinkles it somehow emphasised their existence. The grimace that accompanied the handshake at the introductions nearly caused Jennifer to laugh aloud. Luckily she managed to contain herself until she reached the cloakroom. There she spluttered and coughed, still unwilling to reveal her amusement and disgust at the macabre image portrayed by her hostess.