Harry decided that he liked neither the people nor the place. Nor could he believe that Paul did, any more than himself. But Paul was of course the better diplomat, the better actor. ‘Smile,’ Franklin had told them. ‘Look handsome, and dashing, and bold, because that is their image of you. Charm them, because it is what they wish from you. And equally, be charmed by them, because that they suppose is their greatest accomplishment. But smile, always.’
Ben Franklin was considerably more shrewd than he appeared on the surface, Harry was coming to realise. Just as he was a totally dedicated man — and at this moment all his dedication was directed to only one objective. Harry had no doubt that he would get down on his knees and lick the dust from Louis’ boots, were he positive that would advance the cause of the United States. And he expected his two proteges to be as dedicated as himself.
So Paul smiled, and suppressed whatever savage emotions he might still be feeling, and accepted the praise of all those around him. And yet, could only be true to himself.
‘You must tell us where next you plan to defeat the British,’ Louis said. ‘I doubt I shall do that again. Your Majesty,’ John Paul said.
Louis frowned, and Harry could hear the irritated click of Franklin’s tongue against his teeth. ‘How so?’
‘I no longer command Ranger, sire,’ John Paul said. ‘I but await a passage home to America.’
‘But that is impossible,’ the King said. ‘We need you here. To twist the lion’s tail some more. The Ranger is not sufficient for you, eh? Well, then … we will find you another ship. Malesherbes. Can this not be done? A bigger ship. A true warship, for the gallant Captain Jones.’
‘As you wish, sire,’ replied the minister, giving a brief and somewhat unhappy bow to the Americans.
‘Your Majesty …’ John Paul began, but Franklin interrupted him.
‘Your Majesty is most generous,’ he said. ‘Be sure that Captain Jones will command a larger ship to even greater triumphs.’
‘And you, Lieutenant McGann,’ said the Queen. ‘You must tell me of your accomplishments.’ She allowed her gaze to drift up and down his body. ‘I am sure they are of a measure to match your size.’
*
‘You are an intriguer, sir,’ John Paul declared, stamping on the floor of the apartment they had been given, in the town of Versailles itself. ‘You knew my intention. By God, you have tried to change my mind often enough. And now …’
‘Now I have seized the opportunity to procure for you what I am sure you most desire,’ Franklin said, pouring himself a glass of wine. ‘I regret your decision no longer to command the Ranger. Yet I accept it. But I am assuming that the decision does not mean you no longer intend to fight for our cause.’
‘Why, sir …’
‘And how can you best do that?’ Franklin went on, ‘save at sea, in command of a fine ship. What will you do in America, sir, save wait for another to be built. That will take time. But here one will be made available for you very rapidly. And a bigger and more powerful vessel in every way than Ranger.’
‘How can you be sure of that?’ Paul demanded.
‘Because in France the King’s word is law.’ Franklin held up his finger. ‘We may not approve of that system, Captain. But in our circumstances, we must take advantage of every system we find. King George had decreed that we shall be crushed, and reduced to slavery. King Louis has resolved that we shall not be crushed. And he offers you a ship beyond your wildest dreams. To refuse such a gift would be tantamount to treason.’
‘You should be a politician,’ John Paul said, and threw himself into a chair.
‘My dear boy, I am a politician,’ Franklin pointed out. ‘Now you, Harry, your future also needs consideration.’
‘I am content to go where John Paul goes,’ Harry said.
‘But what of the Ranger? As First Lieutenant, you are entitled to assume command on the resignation of your captain. Indeed, it is your duty to do so. And were you to sail her home, with so many laurels clustered about your brow, there can be no doubt at all that you would be confirmed in your command.’
A heady prospect. Captain of the Ranger. But … sail her home? Or in any event, abandon John Paul? For a command of his own? But did he really have the ability, the temperament, for such a command?
But it was the thought of deserting John Paul, so brilliant, so headstrong, so unstable, so needing a rock on which to lean, that concerned him more.
‘I will stay with John Paul,’ he repeated.
‘Old friend,’ John Paul said. ‘But you do not have to.’
‘Our triumphs are best accomplished, together.’
Paul reached across the table to shake his hand. ‘Then be sure that they will always be accomplished, together.’
‘Well,’ Franklin said. ‘Such friendship is too rare nowadays for me to criticise it. And I think I have a suggestion that may cover all of our aims. What if you were to command, not one single ship, John, but a squadron? You would be commodore, and Harry could be captain of one of the other vessels.’
‘Ranger, you mean?’
‘No. I have definite orders to send her home. Congress are of course assuming you and Harry will return with her, each to a hero’s welcome. You may leave the explanations with me. But I imagine we may be able to work on the King, here in France, to meet our wishes. Poor fellow, one of his great failings is his desire to meet everyone’s wishes. It is not truly the best characteristic of a prince, from a prince’s point of view. But we are here to utilise every means we possess of aiding the United States of America, not France. Come,’ he called as there was a knock on the door.
One of the women servants he had obtained for them came in, all simpers and curtseys.
‘Well?’ Franklin demanded. ‘What is it?’
For reply she held out an envelope, heavily scented, addressed in a scrawling hand to Captain Jones.
‘Aha,’ Franklin cried. ‘I had not supposed it would be very long before the ladies chased you up.’
‘Chased me up?’ John Paul asked in bewilderment, and slit the envelope. ‘Well, I’ll be damned. It says, ‘It is beautiful in the Mortaigne summer house at midnight, dear friend, especially on Wednesdays. And I also have a friend.E.’ He raised his head. ‘E? And tonight is Wednesday. What the devil … ?’
‘The Mortaigne summerhouse is a well-known place for assignations,’ Franklin explained. ‘And E … let me see … that would almost certainly be the Countess d’ Eperne. Yes, I saw her eyes fixed on you yesterday at the reception. Oh, she is a woman of many accomplishments. Perhaps a little older than you, but that is all to the good. The older the woman, the more likely she is to know what she is about, I believe. As for her friend … hm …’
‘But what does it mean?’ Paul demanded.
‘That the beautiful Countess wishes to get to know you better. And Harry.’
‘Me?’ Harry cried.
‘Of course. Thus the friend. I would say … probably Madame Falloux. Yes, that must be it. The pair are great intimates. Well, I can tell you this, Harry: you could do a lot worse. Madame Falloux is a most exciting little person.’
‘I do not understand a word you are saying, sir,’ Paul said. ‘Do you mean this … this woman has taken it upon herself to propose a … well … an …’
‘A midnight assignation, Captain. Come, come, I am sure you understand what she has in mind?’
‘Well I’m damned,’ John Paul said again. ‘Is such a step not the man’s prerogative?’
‘Not necessarily. You are thinking of frontier communities. Here in Versailles, in this day and age, the boot is on the other foot. Only we are not speaking of boots, to be sure.’
‘Well,’ Harry said, ‘you can count me out of any such shenanigans.’
‘But you are also invited. And if it is Madame Falloux, you will have a most interesting experience, I promise you.’
‘But … Madame Falloux … the Countess d’ Eperne … do not these women have husbands?’<
br />
‘Assuredly.’
‘Thus we are being invited to commit adultery.’
‘It is the national pastime, Harry.’
‘And the husbands?’
‘Will equally have their mistresses. Nor will they resent you, unless you are gauche enough to make a public display of your affections. That is unthinkable in a gentleman, in France. Remember only that rule, and your fortunes are made. And more than just sexually. These women are also rich, and powerful, and eager for new experience.’
Harry frowned deeply. ‘Have you ever … answered such a summons?’
‘But of course. Why do you suppose I am so popular?’
‘By God,’ Harry said. ‘Well, sir, I can tell you that I have never been approached by a woman who to the best of my knowledge I have never seen. There is something unnatural about the concept. So …’
‘There is another aspect of the situation you should consider, Harry,’ Franklin told him. ‘I have said these are powerful women. There is only one road to power, in France, today. These ladies are intimates of Her Majesty.’
‘Then how can we dare consider dallying with them?’
‘How can you dare consider not dallying with them? Do you not suppose that note was sent with the full knowledge, perhaps even on the command, of the Queen? Her Majesty has feelings, as does any other woman. And she obtains little joy from that oaf to whom she is married. His hobby is picking locks, not unlacing corsets. But for her ever to stray herself would be high treason. Thus she must rely upon the adventures of her ladies, faithfully related, to keep her entertained. Offend the Countess d’ Eperne, and Madame Falloux, and you offend Marie Antoinette. And your dreams of a new ship are so much dust.’
‘You describe an utterly debauched society, sir,’ Harry said.
‘True. But that is the society in which you find yourselves.’
‘We will go, Harry,’ John Paul said, his eyes dancing. ‘I am intrigued. Oh, indeed. It will be an adventure, and as Franklin says, when in France, we must behave as Frenchmen. And remember, we fight in harness, now and always.’
Harry had never been so nervous in his life. He had endeavoured to foreswear all women, even thoughts of women, since his last meeting with Elizabeth, and even more since he had learned that she had indeed married Lord Steyne. And now, to be cold bloodedly going to an assignation — it was almost as if they were on their way to a brothel. Save that they were the ones required to please. They were the whores. It was an unnerving and humiliating thought.
At Franklin’s recommendation, and as Versailles was in fact hardly larger than a village in actual size, they had come on foot, and now the summerhouse loomed in front of them, a huge bulk in the starlight — there was no moon.
‘If it is such a popular place for an assignation,’ Harry whispered. ‘Do we not run the risk of encountering others?’
‘I am sure the good ladies have their affairs better organised than that,’ Paul said. For all his apparent coolness, Harry was sure he was as nervous as himself, although he was far more excited.
They parted the hedge which surrounded the garden, crept through, and immediately saw a faint glimmer of light at one of the windows, immediately withdrawn. ‘A signal,’ Paul said.
‘To a murder, perhaps,’ Harry grumbled.
‘You are a confoundedly apprehensive fellow, in affairs of the heart,’ Paul remarked. ‘Come.’ He went up the stairs, boldly, tried the door, and found it unlocked. He opened it, resting one hand on the butt of the pistol in his belt, and stepped inside. Harry followed.
‘Close the door,’ said a soft voice.
Harry obeyed, himself now holding a pistol.
‘You are armed, and aware, gentlemen,’ the voice said. ‘But we are not here to fight with you.’
They blinked into the darkness, and the candle suddenly appeared again, held high now, to illuminate two women, entirely shrouded by their cloaks, which were hooded in the capuchin style, while they also wore domino masks to conceal everything but their noses, mouths and chins. ‘Well, gentlemen?’asked the voice.
Paul licked his lips. ‘You will have to instruct us in this game, ladies,’ he said. ‘We are ignorant seamen.’
The woman laughed, a splendid tinkle of amusement. ‘Not too ignorant, I trust. Although even that would be entertaining. Let us find somewhere to begin our lesson, Captain Jones.’ She walked away from them, still carrying the candle, towards a flight of stairs which became visible as she approached. This was by far the largest summerhouse Harry had ever seen; it made him think more of a hunting lodge or even a country villa.
But he was more concerned by the confidence of the woman. ‘Just like that?’ he muttered.
‘It saves time to be sure,’ Paul agreed. ‘And I will tell you this, Harry, I am as hard as any belaying pin. I wish you fortune.’ He went behind the candle and climbed the stairs. The lower room was plunged into darkness.
‘If you will tell me where to find a candle and some tinder, I will give us some light,’ Harry said.
‘Why?’ This voice was a splendid contralto.
‘Well … do you not wish to see me?’
‘I have already seen you, Lieutenant McGann.’
‘Well, then, it will permit me to see you.’
‘I prefer darkness. And would you not rather feel me, than see me?’
Harry scratched his head, heard the rush of her breath as she smiled, and inhaled her perfume in the same instant. ‘Do not be alarmed,’ she said. ‘I will be your eyes. I will be everything to you. But you will have to bend a little for me.’
Harry obeyed, uncertainly, aware that she was very close, but not sure if he could actually make her out.
‘Now put out your tongue,’ she commanded.
‘Madame?’
‘I shall not bite it,’ she promised him.
He obeyed again, and had it stroked with her own, and was suddenly aware of how badly he wanted. As she ascertained by grasping the front of his breeches.
No woman had done that since Mary the whore in Black Jack O’Hare’s tavern. He stepped backwards. ‘Madame!’
‘Oh, yes,’ she said. ‘But you are a shy fellow. I suspected as much. Hence the darkness. Take down your breeches, Harry McGann.’
‘My …’
‘Would you disappoint an overheated lady?’ He had come to adventure, as Paul had said. And there was nothing he wanted to do more. He took off his belts and his coat, let them fall to the floor, unbuckled his breeches and let them slip down his legs, and felt her hands on his thighs, pulling on his drawers; then her fingers slipped round to hold his buttocks and bring him forward. He put down his own hands, and touched her hair, realised she was kneeling and was taking him into her mouth. He wanted to protest, and thought better of it, because it was the most heavenly feeling he had ever known. He stood absolutely still, while she sucked and licked, and then left him, with her lips, but still held him with her hands, as she rose to her feet. ‘That is the sweetest thing I ever knew,’ she said.
‘Madame …’
‘Have you nothing you would do for me?’ Her fingers released him, took his hands, and guided them. She had shrugged off the cloak, and to his consternation apparently wore nothing underneath. He stroked the softness of her breasts, the soft pout of her belly, the swelling roundness of her buttocks, the curling silkiness of her pubes. He had not touched a woman like this, either, since Mary the whore. Ten years ago. He had possessed his Carib bride, but there had been little body hair and less softness, no perfume, and no understanding of the tenderness that should accompany the act of love.
She drew him forward, into the darkness, and then slipped away from him. ‘I want your lips,’ she said. ‘Your tongue.’
She had lain down on some divan, and when he attempted to join her, she put her hand on his chest. ‘No, no,’ she said. ‘Not yet. Your lips, sweet McGann. Your lips.’
He understood her meaning and knelt on the floor to obey her. She smelt so divine, he
r movements were so fascinating, the feel of her was like nothing he had ever known before … and her reactions were in a similar mould. She suddenly gasped, and twisted, and clamped her thighs on his neck, and drove her fingers into his hair, then pulled, so that he left her, and moved on to the settee beside her, and was gently pushed on to his back. ‘For I shall never bear your weight, Mr McGann,’ she said. ‘But you shall most handsomely bear mine I’m sure, and send me once again through the portals of paradise.’
*
‘Hm,’ Benjamin Franklin said, reading the heavily embossed letter. ‘There is to be a delay. With His Majesty’s ships all being placed on a war footing to oppose the Royal Navy, there is none to spare. Hm. I suspect Monsieur Malesherbes has never truly had his heart in this venture. However, he is prepared to make available an East Indiaman, the Due de Duras, at present lying in Lorient. An East Indiaman! Well, she will be no line of battle ship to be sure, but she should be well found and armed if she was designed to deal with Malayan pirates as well as English privateers. He is also willing to consider my suggestion that one or two French vessels should be attached to your squadron. He points out that such vessels will necessarily have to be those not required by the French Navy, and will thus also need refitting … but things are at least moving, if slowly.’
‘Moving,’ Harry said disgustedly. ‘It means we spend another several months kicking our heels here in Versailles. Life appears to be nothing but delays, when it comes to ships.’
‘I had supposed you were enjoying life here in Versailles,’ Franklin remarked, ‘and that it was hardly your heels receiving the most exercise.’
‘I would rather be at sea, Ben, I will tell you that. I have half a mind to reconsider and take Ranger, bad hats and all.’
‘You have left that decision a little late,’ Franklin told him. ‘Ranger sailed this morning, under the captaincy of Mahon.’
‘Damnation.’
‘Now, Harry,’ John Paul said, stretching out comfortably in his chair, and sipping his wine, gesturing with his half smoked pipe as he did so. ‘What are you working up a sweat about? What is a month here, a month there?’ Harry sighed. ‘Well … I suppose we can least go down to Lorient, and supervise this fitting out for ourselves.’
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