Inferno

Chapter 34

Yarmouth Roads, Norfolk

It was a bare day’s sail to Yarmouth, through blue seas and a quartering breeze. In accordance with her resumed commission, Tyger was to rejoin the North Sea squadron directly after making her number with the naval base.

To Kydd’s surprise, not only the squadron but Admiral Russell’s flagship and a surprising number of battleships and other vessels were crowded into Yarmouth Roads. Coming to a smart moor in the wreathing smoke of their salute, Kydd wasted no time in reporting his ship to the admiral.

‘Do sit, m’ boy. So glad t’ see you. Sherry?’

Russell was brief and to the point. The squadron was recalled from station off the Dutch coast for a particular service of grave importance, which would be revealed in due course. They would be part of a larger force to be sent on a mission into the Baltic under the command of a senior admiral. Beyond that he was not at liberty to say.

‘Baltic? Surely they don’t think to-’

‘Don’t tease the brain so, Kydd. It’ll out in the end, and then I promise it will confound everyone. Be so good as to victual and store for a month or two, and we sail to join the main fleet in a few days.’

‘Main fleet! Then this-’

‘All will be made clear when we rendezvous at Gothenburg. I beg you will leave me to my work – I’m sore over-pressed you must believe.’

That afternoon Dillon arrived on board. He was met by a buzz of excitement and speculation; every member of Tyger’s crew had an opinion on what the future held.

Whatever was in the offing was of great moment: ships were joining by the hour, both great and small, summoned for an event that promised to be noticed by the world.

Kydd welcomed him warmly. ‘Good to see you, Edward.’ He motioned him to a seat. ‘You had a fair liberty, I trust?’

‘Well enough, Sir Thomas,’ he said, taking the other comfortable chair in Kydd’s cabin. ‘I had a mind to look up a friend, take refuge in his books. Can’t understand the fellow, not to be abroad and hoisting in life at the first hand.’

Kydd grinned. ‘Some will have it that way, I’ve no idea why.’

‘Sir, there’s quantities of rumours afloat as to our destiny. I don’t suppose …’

‘We’re at three days’ notice for sea, and now you know as much as I, your captain.’