The Thief's Daughter

by Victoria Cornwall

  He climbed the narrow stairs to the room on the first floor and paid his admission fee. Grinding his teeth in frustration at the sounds of a political debate greeting him, he took off his hat and entered the poorly ventilated room.

  The young man commanding the attention of the crowd was no more than twenty years of age. Jack could not help but be impressed by his fine words if not their political content.

  Enoch’s tall, lean frame broke away from the crowd and walked over to greet him. ‘He is a fine orator, is he not?’

  ‘He holds their attention,’ Jack conceded.

  ‘I was once an advisor to his father. He is staying with me for a few days and expressed a wish to come here. He sneaks into Parliament to listen to the members in order to hone his speaking skills.’

  Jack raised an eyebrow. ‘Parliament?’

  ‘This man was practically born in the building. His father was the First Earl of Chatham. He died last year. Ah, he has finished and is coming over to us. Do not be put off by his aloofness, he is a kindly fellow but he does not mix easily.’

  The serious young man was almost upon them, weaving his way through the gentlemen coffee drinkers as yet another loud debate broke out about him. Jack understood what Enoch meant, for despite his confidence only moments before, he now spoke or acknowledged none of his listeners as he approached them. He had a large nose, an ill-defined chin and neat fine lips, yet despite the absence of strength in his features, he had a presence that many men failed to achieve.

  ‘This is William Pitt. William, this is the man I have told you about – Jack Penhale.’

  The men shook hands.

  ‘William Pitt,’ Jack repeated. ‘The same name as a past prime minister.’

  ‘He was my father,’ the man replied in a curt tone.

  Enoch interrupted to explain further. ‘Unfortunately, last year he collapsed suddenly in the House of Lords and died shortly afterwards.’

  Perhaps the man’s impolite tone was due to his grief, thought Jack. He tried again to make conversation. ‘It must have been a shock when you heard.’

  ‘I did not have to wait to hear, I was there at the time.’

  Enoch laughed nervously and patted the young man on the shoulder. ‘William, here, will follow in his father’s footsteps one day. I have no doubt about it. I’m sure your father hoped it to be so. It is for this reason I wanted the two of you to meet.’

  ‘And do you?’ asked Jack. He would remain polite even if the man’s tone was not.

  ‘Do I what?’

  ‘Wish to follow your father into politics?’

  ‘At the moment I study law, but politics is in my blood and I take every opportunity to take part.’

  The two men had little in common. Once again Enoch interrupted to smooth the waters.

  ‘William believes that until the country’s purse is sorted we cannot grow as a country.’

  Surprisingly, Jack found himself agreeing. ‘It makes sense.’

  ‘Which is why I wanted to introduce the two of you. You both also have an interest in reducing the smuggling trade. Jack, you often tell me, “What is the use of debate if nothing changes?” I say that if you talk to someone who will one day be in power, there is a possibility that something may change.’

  Jack looked sceptically at the young man in front of him. If this youth ever came into a position of power, it would not be for a long time yet. Nevertheless, Jack had time to kill before the run tonight. Talking to this man would at least maintain a distance between himself and the woman who waited for him at home. Seeing Jack nod in agreement, Enoch placed his hands behind both their shoulders and guided them away from the debate.

  ‘Let us discuss the matter somewhere quieter. There is a table behind this wall that will suffice.’ They sat down and almost immediately three drinks were served.

  Enoch took a sip. ‘What a foul liquid,’ he complained, examining his dark coffee. ‘I much prefer tea.’

  ‘You would say that,’ Jack said, looking at his own drink. ‘You are in the pocket of the Indian Tea Company.’

  ‘True, they have asked me to reduce the smuggling, which is why I employ you. And a very good job you do of it.’

  Jack lifted his cup and drank a mouthful. ‘You expect too much of me and I am not worthy of such praise.’

  ‘You are too modest.’ Enoch turned to William, who remained silent. ‘This man has spent the last eight years travelling the south coast and putting smuggling gangs behind bars. Unfortunately, the people in this area are more stubborn and unwilling to expose the perpetrators. We are also having difficulties keeping them under lock and key when they are found.’

  ‘Why?’ asked William.

  Jack put his cup down and pushed it away. ‘Last year, before I came to the area, four members of the Blake brothers’ gang were captured. It was deemed that there was not enough evidence to convict, so the judge brought a halt to the case. I will not be outdone, but I fear the task is ultimately a hopeless one.’

  ‘Why?’ asked William again, allowing his guard to drop and his interest to show. Perhaps, thought Jack, he just required time to relax.

  ‘We are approaching the problem the wrong way. As soon as one gang is caught, another comes to fill its place. There is deprivation everywhere and great need breeds desperate men who will take desperate measures.’

  ‘Do you have an alternative?’ William asked, pushing his cup aside too. Only Enoch continued to drink. ‘The country needs the tax on imports. We have a national debt which continues to grow, thanks to the revolution in America.’

  ‘I have several suggestions that will help. On the matter of America,’ Jack replied, ‘I think we should stop fighting and allow them to have their independence.’

  There was a short silence. ‘You think it is an unjust war?’ asked William.

  ‘Indeed I do. I also think that it is a war we cannot win.’

  Enoch laughed. ‘You see William, I told you Jack has some novel ideas.’

  ‘They are not so novel,’ replied Jack.

  ‘I would be interested to hear how you might tackle the smuggling, Mr Penhale.’

  ‘Smuggling is rife. It has become a normal part of people’s lives, but it has a dark underbelly, which involves torture and murder. It can only be tackled effectively from the top down.’

  William frowned. ‘Go on.’

  Enoch answered for Jack. ‘Jack thinks that taxes should be cut so the profit made by smuggling is slashed. I am not so sure. What do you say, William?’

  ‘It is an interesting idea. I hoped by visiting the county where the trade is so prevalent I would learn more about it. I did not expect to hear advice from a thief-taker on how to run the country.’

  ‘Not all thief-takers are corrupt. I know that my chosen profession has a bad reputation, but there are many thief-takers who are honourable, honest men. Like me, they dislike the villains who roam our towns and want to sweep the streets clean.’

  William nodded in agreement. ‘I seem to have met a kindred spirit. I also have a desire to sweep our world clean of corruption and dishonesty, only I hope to do it in the halls of Parliament.’ Jack raised an eyebrow. For the first time the young man smiled. ‘A corrupt man can just as easily be found wearing a cravat of finest silk and silver braid upon his waistcoat.’

  Jack was beginning to like the man after all. ‘How do you plan to rid Parliament of such unsavoury characters?’

  ‘By example. One day I hope to become prime minister by being honest and truthful with the electorate. The people are tired of dishonest politicians. When the time comes they will vote for someone they feel they can trust.’

  Enoch laughed. ‘You see, Jack, coffeehouses are not so bad. The coffee may not be palatable, but its medicinal elements are many and the conversation is stimulating.’

  ‘Stimulating, but not useful – unless something comes from it.’

  Smiling at Jack’s honesty, William said, ‘I agree to a certain extent. However, I do fi
nd that places like these allow me to practice my public speaking.’

  ‘What use is speaking at people if no change is made?’ Jack challenged.

  ‘It has a valuable use. When a man can raise the passion of many with a fine speech, or show commitment to their concerns with some well-chosen words, he will obtain their support and ultimately the power to lead his country. When that happens, it is possible to change things.’ William finished his coffee and stood. ‘I must leave, gentlemen. I have had a tiring day and my physician suggests a daily glass of port to ward off my troubles. With your permission, sir, I will return to your home for a rest and a drink, as I’m sure you gentlemen have matters to discuss. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr Penhale,’ he said, bowing his head. ‘Your ideas warrant further investigation and I will not forget them.’

  Enoch and Jack watched the younger man walk away. There was a slight limp to his gait that Jack had not noticed before.

  ‘He is a nice enough fellow,’ Enoch said, scratching his head underneath his powdered wig. ‘Although rather serious and driven. He takes no interest in finding a wife, preferring the company of men to stimulate his mind. I believe he will be called to the bar next year, but I think politics will remain his only mistress and pull him more strongly. Mark my words; he will not remain in law for long.’ Enoch turned to Jack. ‘How are things with you? Do you have any more news?’

  Jack did a cursory look about them. Content no one could hear him, he said, ‘I know how the smugglers communicate.’

  Enoch frowned. ‘That is good news. You have done well. We must inform Captain Henley immediately so they can capture the rogues in action.’

  Jack shook his head. ‘No. There are informants everywhere and I trust no one but you. If it is discovered that their code has been broken, they will only change the method and we will lose our advantage. I told you before, the only way to stop the trade is to get the people at the top who supply the money.’

  ‘So what do you propose to do?’

  ‘I am going to become a smuggler.’

  At first Enoch laughed, but when Jack did not join him he realised he was serious. Enoch sat back in his chair. For a moment he was rendered speechless.

  ‘A smuggler. You have gone quite mad,’ he said finally, bewildered at what he had just heard.

  ‘If I can follow the trail of money it will lead me to the man at the top. The first step is finding out who pays the men on the beach.’

  It was Enoch’s turn to look around for unwelcome ears before leaning forward with hunched shoulders.

  Lowering his voice, he said, ‘Jack, you run too big a risk. If you are found out, they will not take kindly to having a stranger in their midst. Should it be discovered you are a thief-taker and a spy, they will show you no leniency. I do not want to learn that your body is lying broken at the bottom of a cliff, or has been dragged behind a horse.’

  ‘You need not warn me of this. I know from experience what such men are capable of doing.’

  ‘Forgive me. I spoke out of turn. Even so, dear friend, this is risky. What has possessed you to do this?’

  ‘When I learnt how they paid the men, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.’

  ‘Is there nothing I can say to persuade you differently?’

  Jack shook his head.

  Enoch sighed in exacerbation. ‘When is the next run?’ he asked miserably.

  ‘I will not say.’

  Enoch raised his eyebrows. ‘Dear Lord! I thought you said you trusted me, but it seems that there are limits to your trust.’

  ‘I have to be careful. I hope you understand.’

  ‘I am paying you to end the free trading here. I have given you no cause not to trust me fully.’

  ‘I want as few people knowing as possible.’

  ‘You think I will tell Henley when the next run is taking place?’

  ‘Do not persist, Enoch, or I will think I have a just cause to be careful.’

  Enoch appeared visibly shaken. ‘We are in a dark place if friends become distrustful of one another.’

  ‘We are indeed.’

  ‘Yet you are prepared to have a Cartwright under your roof.’

  Jack frowned. ‘I did not tell you Jenna was a Cartwright.’

  ‘No, but I felt it was my duty to investigate the woman.’

  ‘And what did you discover?’

  ‘That her kith and kin are thieves and rascals.’

  ‘And what of Jenna? Has she ever been brought before the magistrates?’

  ‘No, she has not.’

  Jack let out the breath he was holding.

  ‘Then let us not tar her with the same brush as her family.’ Jack noticed the light from the window was fading fast. It was time that he left. ‘Let us not part on bad terms, Enoch. When I have more information, I will let you know.’

  Their chairs noisily scraped along the wooden floor as both men stood. Jack could see Enoch remained unhappy.

  ‘I do not like what you are doing,’ his friend said, ‘and I am affronted that you do not trust me. I understand the reasons behind your decisions, however, I cannot help feeling concerned for you and that you will not allow me to supply you with some support.’

  ‘By only involving myself, the blame lies with me if anything goes wrong. Only I will be subjected to their punishment.’

  ‘That is what concerns me, Jack. I see great potential in you and I don’t wish it to be destroyed by their barbaric revenge.’

  ‘Potential?’

  ‘Politics needs someone like you who can look at things differently for the good of the country.’

  Jack smiled. ‘Then you do not know me well at all, Enoch. I have no desire to enter politics.’

  ‘Then what is your desire when this is all over?’

  ‘When I am ready to settle, I would like to live the same life as my father did, before the smugglers came and destroyed it.’

  An argument broke out between two gentlemen nearby, diverting their attention. It inflamed the emotions of others around them and quickly spread to involve all at the table. One irate gentleman stood and began to gesticulate rudely at another, which developed into ineffective pushing and calls for a duel.

  ‘I have seen people behave better in the Tolbridge Inn,’ muttered Jack.

  ‘It will soon die down. I am used to such behaviour. I have seen far worse in the corridors of Parliament.’

  Enoch and Jack weaved their way through the remaining rowdy customers and just as Enoch predicted, by the time they were descending the stairs the angry argument began to subside.

  A man entered the passageway and began to head towards them. Enoch stopped abruptly.

  ‘What is wrong?’ asked Jack.

  ‘You see the man approaching us?’

  Jack looked up. ‘He is hard to miss.’

  ‘His name is Charles Buller or perhaps I should say The Honourable Mr Justice Buller. Since discovering I was a parliamentary advisor to the former prime minister he has courted me as if I were a duchess with money. I believe he has political ambitions. I have no interest to enquire, but he is beginning to feel like a leech that I cannot shake off.’

  ‘Why have you wasted your time trying to persuade me into politics when you have this man wishing to engage with you?’

  ‘There are some men one likes and others one does not. He is one I have an intense dislike for. Perhaps it is because he reminds me of a black rook waiting for a rotten corpse to pick over or maybe it’s the fact he has overly long fingernails. Both these features repel me and it is hard to trust someone who stirs such a vivid emotion inside me.’

  ‘Strong words, Enoch.’

  ‘Strong indeed.’

  Charles Buller was fast approaching them. Dressed in black, he appeared to Jack like a man of two halves, as his broad shoulders and large, hard belly were in stark contrast to his spindle-thin calves and unusually narrow feet. His small, wide-set eyes and long straight nose also did him no favours and, put together, Jack had to
agree with his friend’s comparison to the devious, black-feathered bird.

  ‘Sir Enoch! What a pleasant surprise!’ he bellowed.

  ‘A surprise for me, but perhaps not for you,’ replied Enoch solemnly.

  Buller smiled. ‘You are an astute fellow. It is one of many qualities I admire in you. It is true, I heard that the former prime minister’s son was speaking here and had a mind to come. I am told he is staying with you.’

  ‘Your messengers are efficient today.’

  ‘It does a man well to keep abreast of things.’

  ‘On that we are agreed.’

  Buller turned to Jack. ‘How are you finding these parts?’

  Jack frowned at the strange question. ‘I find them the same as others. People do not change so much, all have similar struggles to contend with.’

  ‘Indeed they do, sir. Indeed they do.’

  ‘I’m sorry we cannot stay to talk,’ interrupted Enoch. ‘My friend has other commitments, as do I.’

  Buller’s smile left his lips. ‘You are always a busy man, Enoch, which is why I would like to invite you to dinner one evening.’ To Jack’s surprise he turned to him again adding, ‘I would like to invite you also.’

  Enoch answered for the both of them. ‘That is very kind of you. We will await the invitation.’ He made a show at looking at his pocket watch. ‘We must be going. Time does not wait for us. Good day to you, sir.’

  Buller smiled broadly, satisfied that he had achieved what he set out to do. ‘I will look forward to your acceptance. It will be an enjoyable evening, eh?’

  The men bowed their heads and went their separate ways. One with a self-satisfied swagger, the others walking briskly for the front door.

  ‘You are going?’ asked Jack, amused at Enoch’s discomfort.

  ‘He has only invited me to further his own ambitions. I find his deceit rather repugnant as we will never be friends. However, I think I would find it rather amusing if we did accept his invitation.’

  ‘Why do you say that?’ asked Jack. ‘Do you think I would embarrass myself in such austere company?’

  ‘I have every faith you would carry yourself well in such company,’ Enoch replied as they entered into the street and put on their hats. ‘However, I believe he thinks you are William Pitt, son of William Pitt, the former Prime Minister of England and it would be amusing to be present when he finds out he is mistaken. In fact, I would consider paying to see his face fall when he discovers he has a lowly farmer’s son and thief-taker in his expensive home, eating at his laden table and conversing with his idle friends. Eh?’