Napoleon's Guard

by Griff Hosker

  “Yes. He loved her.”

  “As she loved you. I do not find it surprising that you have had so much good fortune and now that Jean has died he will watch over you.” He leaned over and put a blue veined, almost transparent hand over mine. “And when I die, and it will be soon, then I too will watch over you. For Robert Macgregor of Breteuil you have something within you that men such as Bonaparte dream of. I envy you. Were I forty years younger then I would enjoy the adventures you are about to have.” He sank back, seemingly exhausted by his speech. “Go and eat and come back this afternoon. I should have recovered some of my strength but your arrival, young kinsman, has added to my life.”

  I left the room and wondered what to do. Cesar found me and took my arm, “What an effect you have had on my uncle. We have had the priest here every day ready for the last rites but he has spoken more since you arrived than in a month. Thank you kinsman; he is dear to us. He left when I was young and when he returned it was as a gift. We could repay his kindness with some of our own. Come, I will take you to your chambers.”

  After I had deposited my few belongings I toured the castle with my host. I learned that Cesar had a wife and two sons. The estate would have been lost had it not been for Sir John as they had had some disastrous investments coupled with some poor harvests. It was only since his uncle’s return that their fortunes had revived.

  “My uncle came back at the right time.”

  “How did he get money from Malta? I know that Napoleon Bonaparte seized the majority of it.”

  “He was second only to the Grand Master and I think that when he saw the greed and the avarice of your general his honourable intentions were subverted but ask him. I know he thinks much of you. When he first arrived he talked of nothing else but you. I think he wishes that I was more like you.” I began to speak but Cesar held up his hand, “I know I am an indolent man who likes his food too much but I like who I am and my wife likes me this way. I can fully understand how he can admire you. To have achieved your rank at such a young age and those scars on your hands and face bear testament to a martial life. The MacAlpines, in the middle ages, were knights who fought for this land and held it against Saracens and Lombards. It was a tradition. My uncle and my father were the last two of the line. My uncle chose the celibate monastic life of a knight and my father chose to travel and to enjoy life. But we are all the same family.”

  “Well I thank your family for its hospitality.”

  “And my uncle tells me that we may be distantly related although our family left Scotland many years ago.” He shrugged, “It did not interest my father but Uncle Giovanni was fascinated by the history of that land. It is strange that neither of you have set foot in that land and yet its power drew you together.”

  “I am coming to learn that there are some things for which you cannot plan.”

  We ate in the great hall which seemed too big for the five of us. Cesar’s wife, Lucretia, was as genial and happy as he was. She was a jolly woman who laughed a lot and was always concerned that you should enjoy your food and finish it. I could see that their two sons, Giuseppe and Cesar, would grow up just the same as their parents. As young boys they were interested in my stories of battle. I could not tell them the true stories of the horror of cannon and musket. Instead I told them of the parts which were glorious such as the capture of the fleet on the Texel and the battle of the Pyramids. Their eyes lit up.

  Giuseppe asked, “How did you get the scars on your hands and face sir?”

  “Giuseppe!”

  “I do not mind telling him my lady. They happened during my battles and are now part of my story.”

  When I mentioned the maggots they giggled while their mother squirmed. “I am glad that they will not become soldiers!”

  Cesar looked up sharply. “That may not be up to us.”

  I was intrigued too but his wife asked, “What do you mean?”

  “The French have invested the mainland and there are rumours that they may send a garrison here.”

  I shook my head. “I would not fear that sir. There are wars they must fight in the northern part first but they may well try to impose their laws. They did in Egypt and it caused problems there.”

  After the meal I was summoned to Sir John’s chambers. I was surprised to see that he was out of bed seated in a chair with a chess set before him. “Come Robert we will play chess while we talk.”

  Although I had been taught chess I was not very good as Sir John soon found out. After he had beaten me in ten moves he took to teaching me the finer points of the game and after half an hour we were able to have a better game.

  “Tomorrow my nephew will travel to Messina and arrange passage for you to England.”

  “You make it sound easy sir. I would have thought that in times like these, with war all around us that it would have been difficult.”

  “When I returned here I brought many ideas from Malta. Since the revolution many French émigrés moved to England and they cannot get their beloved wine. Here in Sicily we make good wine and we export it to London. It is a very lucrative trade. We also grow the finest lemons in Italy although those around Sorrento and Amalfi might dispute that. The price we get for them here in Sicily and in Italy is laughable but we can charge much more in London where they are seen as exotic. We also sell them dried fruits which the English cannot get enough of. You will travel to London ostensibly as the representative of the Alpini family.”

  “I meant to ask you sir, when I met first you, your name was MacAlpin and yet here you are the Alpini.”

  “When I reached Malta after my travels I discovered the origins of my family. They came here many years ago before the First Crusade and it was not until the fall of Constantinople that they became the Alpini. I like the idea of a heritage going back to Scotland and I researched the family. That is how I knew we were related and also how I recognised the seal when I found it amongst the treasure of the knights.”

  “How do you think it ended up in Malta?”

  “The Scottish knights often travelled to fight the Turk. Black Douglas even brought Robert the Bruce’s heart to the Holy Land although he got no further than Spain. It is quite conceivable that the seal was brought on a Crusade and the knights took it back from the Holy Land. Checkmate! You are getting better. And now I will retire. I have enjoyed our game and our talk. I will see you on the morrow.”

  We talked and played chess for two days. It marked a change in me from the French Chasseur to a Scotsman. Even though Sir John had never visited Scotland he had read and studied so much that it was part of him. Neither of us had any idea who was the current head of the clan but we knew that I had to get to the islands off the west coast of Scotland. It was almost a disappointment when the messenger came from Messina to tell us that there was a berth on a ship and I would be sailing the following day.

  Cesar told me how much his uncle had improved since my arrival. “I believe that you have given him a new lease of life. Thank you. I am in your debt.”

  I spent the last morning in Sir John’s chambers with the knight and his nephew. They made sure that I had all the documents I would need. I was going as the agent of the Alpini family. I had a chest with fine clothes in and a purse of money. Once I reached London I would confirm a contract to supply dried fruit, lemons and wine to a large London company; Fortnum and Masons. Apparently the wars were creating a demand for more exotic foods and they could not get enough.

  “Once you have the contracts signed and you have returned them to the captain then you should make you way to Scotland. I should warn you that we are not certain that our agent is totally honest. Before you travel north we would appreciate someone we can trust speaking with the owner of the shop.”

  I looked at the papers and my face must have displayed my feelings. “What is the matter kinsman?”

  “I will do as you ask but, well Sir John, how do I get to Scotland? Buy a horse and ride?”

  He laughed. “Although it is a small co
untry I would suggest you get a boat. If you sail from London to Edinburgh the journey from there across Scotland to the west is not a long one but the journey from London to Scotland would be harder.”

  “Thank you. That gives me an option at least.” I hesitated. “After I have delivered the seal could I return here?”

  Sir John gave a huge smile, “Of course although I am not sure that by the time you return that I shall still be here.”

  “You will uncle. I am sure of it but you will always be welcome here Robert. I assure you of that.”

  The two boys and Lucretia all wept when I left. I too felt quite tearful. For the first time since my mother had died I felt like I belonged in a home and had a family. Sir John’s rheumy eyes also showed emotion and his frail hand gripped mine as I said goodbye. “Take care of yourself Robert and remember you carry a whole clan in your veins. There is greatness within you.”

  Cesar led me to our horses and I waved goodbye to the little castle which had become a precious oasis for me. If for nothing else I thanked Napoleon Bonaparte for sending me to Malta. It was thanks to him that I had met family. He might have thought that he had looted the greatest treasure but I knew that I had found an even greater one. We rode in silence. There was little we had not said and we were both sad at the parting. I had been a bridge between Sir John and Cesar’s family. I knew that they would miss me.

  We reached Messina and it was a busy port. With Malta still being fought over this was the last port before Africa and, as such, attracted many ships and even more merchants. Cesar pointed out our ship. She was a tubby merchantman and as far removed from the ‘Carillon’ as it was possible to get.

  “She is an English ship, ‘The Witch of Endor’. We have only been able to use her since Admiral Nelson destroyed the French fleet but it works out better as we do not have language problems at the other end. I can speak English better than most Italians.” He shrugged, “It gives me an advantage in business. The captain is a good man, Matthew Dinsdale. He comes from the lands to the south of Scotland and he may be able to help you.”

  We dismounted and tied our horses to a bollard. The two servants we had brought with us carried my chest on board. We followed and Cesar introduced me to Captain Dinsdale. The captain was older than Jean had been. He had a white beard and flecks of white covering a bald pate burned brown by the sun and salt air. He had a twinkle in his eye and, as I was to discover, he had a wicked sense of humour; some might say cruel. I liked him from the moment I met him. He had a firm handshake, “So you are the wandering Scotsman who has never been to Scotland. Sounds like a riddle to me. I am Matthew Dinsdale, master of this ship. Call me Captain.”

  “And I am Robert Macgregor and I too was a captain, but you may call me Robbie. It will avoid confusion!”

  He roared with laughter. “We shall get on.” He turned to Cesar, “Well Count we had better be under way. I will return with the documents this young man provides and then we should be set to make all our fortunes.” He gestured to the holds. “We are packed out this voyage but I fancy I will need a bigger ship next time.”

  “Do not worry. We can supply all the dried fruit, wines and lemons the company can take!” The two servants passed us to leave the ship. “Well Robert, take care and you just need to arrange with Captain Dinsdale for a berth on his ship when you wish to return home.”

  “Thank you for all that you have done for me and let me know how Sir John is. I am quite fond of the old man.”

  “I will.”

  He descended the gangplank and then Captain Dinsdale became the professional mariner and shouted out his orders. I was now a seasoned sailor and I found a quiet place close to the stern where I could watch and be out of the way. I waved to Cesar as the ship edged away from the harbour and into the open sea. I was leaving the world I had known for my whole life and entering a brave new world. It was exciting.

  Chapter 14

  We headed west. I knew from the charts I had studied whilst on board the ‘Carillon’, that there was no land until we passed Gibraltar and then we would be away from the gentle Mediterranean and into the wild Atlantic. I noticed that the merchantman was much slower than the sloop. In fact it seemed to barely move. When the captain relaxed and lit his pipe I went up to him to ask him about his ship. “How long will it take to get to London then Captain?”

  He gave me a shrewd look. “I fancy you have sailed on fast naval vessels before?” I nodded. “Well the ‘Witch’ will get you there when she gets you there. It depends on the winds. She is faster than most merchantmen but the wind here is a little too gentle for her. She likes a wilder wind. Once she gets into the Atlantic then you will see her fly. But she is a snug vessel and she is sound. Come I will give you the tour.”

  We stepped down from the slightly raised aft deck onto the main deck. “See,” he pointed to the armaments, “we have six guns each side. They are six pounders.” He tapped his nose, “We are good at finding them. None of them match but they all work and I have a Second Mate who used to be in the Royal Navy and he reckons they are as good as those you find in any ship that doesn’t fly the Union Jack. You can help fire them.”

  “Will we need to? I thought the Royal Navy would protect British ships.”

  “Oh they do but they can’t be everywhere and until we get into the Bay of Biscay there is always the risk of pirates.”

  My face darkened as I remembered Michael. “I know. We were attacked by three xebecs on our way to Egypt. One of my best friends died at their hands.”

  He looked impressed. “You beat off three xebecs? What ship were you in? A frigate?”

  “No, an eight gun sloop.”

  “Then I look forward to hearing that story one evening while we eat.” He glanced up at the pennant, “The evenings can be a bit quiet so we like a good story. The wind is changing so I will have to finish the tour later on. I would change into something less delicate while we sail if I were you. Those clothes are too fine for salt water. Your cabin is aft and is close to mine. You will see your sea chest.” With that he bounded back to the wheel and began shouting orders. The crew scurried up and down the ratlines and I went to the cabin to do as he had suggested.

  I did have more clothes than I had ever had in my life. Many of them were clothes that Count Alpini had worn but his burgeoning waistline had made them no longer suitable. I could wear a different set of clothes every day for ten days if I chose. That was a luxury. I still had my uniform and my stained cloak. They both seemed like good luck charms to me. I put the papers to the bottom of the chest and then put my pistols and sword on top of my clothes. Who knew when I might need them in a hurry? I kept the stiletto in the top of my boots although the ones I was wearing were not riding boots but made from softer leather and more suitable for walking. I changed and returned to the main deck. The hectic activity had ended and we were moving faster.

  I joined the men at the wheel. “This is Richard Jennings, he is the Second Mate. The Second Mate was a huge man with a scar running down one eye. The eyeball was white and stared blindly from within an angry red socket. It made him look fierce and yet he was a gentle man who carved the most wonderful ivory. He made me a chess set on the voyage and it is one of my most cherished possessions. It just goes to show how appearances can deceive.

  “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Captain Macgregor.”

  “Call me Robbie.” I pointed to the billowing sails. “We are moving faster now.”

  “Aye. The ‘Witch’ is keen to get to deep water.” He gestured with his pipe at the southern horizon. The sooner we are away from that nest of pirates the better.”

  Captain Dinsdale made sure that the Second Mate knew his orders and then he turned to me. “Let us go to my cabin. The First Mate will join us there and we’ll have a bite of something to eat.” As we went below decks he explained, “The first week at sea is always the best for food. It’s all fresh you see.” I didn’t because I had only been at sea for a few days at a time before
now. ”After that it is dried rations and the odd fish that the lads catch so make the most of it.”

  “Don’t you call in at the ports we pass like Gibraltar?”

  He shook his head so violently I thought it would fall off. “No, no, no! They rob you blind with their mooring charges and taxes. We won’t touch land again until we sail up the Thames. But do not worry; we have a good cook and an oven. We have plenty of flour so we have fresh bread every day. We picked up some sardines in oil and they should last us. It is lucky we sailed from an Italian port; we have plenty of sausages and dried pork.”

  We had reached the cabin and Jonas Galbraith was there the First Mate. Where Richard was a man mountain Jonas was small. He reminded me of Nelson. He had sharp eyes and a sharp mind. I discovered that he had been what was called ‘a top man’. They are the nimblest of sailors and are able to cling to the most extreme parts of the masts without falling off. I later learned that he had been the best top man Captain Dinsdale had ever known. He was as good a navigator as the captain and he could rig the ship even better. He was a thoughtful man who said little and listened a lot. That night I listened too as Captain Dinsdale told me of his ship. He was the owner and that, apparently was unusual. I thought it made better business as he had everyone’s interest at heart. He would neither jeopardise the ship nor the profit whilst a hired seaman might not worry about the profits and the owners would never care about the crew or the vessel. I could see why my kinsman had chosen this vessel to be their trading partner.

  “Aye, in another couple of years I shall have enough to buy another boat and then Jonas here will work for me as a captain.”

  I was intrigued. “How much more would you need?”

  He laughed, “Why have you got some gold you want to spend.”

  I ate the piece of cheese I held and nodded, “I might be able to lay my hands on a purse of gold. Would you want a partner?”