Inferno

Chapter 87

Libau Roads, Duchy of Courland, Latvia

Kydd anchored at a discreet distance on the pretence of taking aboard stores to continue his cruise. Like all good captains, he’d naturally feel the need to go ashore to hear the latest news and trade gossip.

Libau, a prosperous ancient town, had done well out of the many nations that had traded there over the centuries, and the war was still at a comfortable distance. Kydd learned there were agents and factors from a score of countries, and communications from this ice-free port into the interior were excellent. He needed only to locate the palace and the grateful king could be rapidly whisked away to safety.

Back on board he had second thoughts. A Russian official had come out to satisfy himself that the presence of an English frigate had no military significance, a timely reminder that this was a Russian protectorate. Anything of the importance of what Kydd was contemplating would need at the least permission and in all probability a reference to the Tsar. That was out of the question, so the whole thing would have to be clandestine. King Louis would understand once the danger was explained, and some kind of disguise would get him here. Then it was simply a quick boat trip out to Tyger. All could be managed discreetly.

It was left only to locate the palace and proceed … Was it all to be so easy?

There was no question but that he himself should appear to inform the King. Who else should go?

Then there were details. If he went in the full panoply of a knight of the realm, in keeping with attendance at a royal court, not only would he stand out as curiously exotic but it would bring every spy worth his salt on his tail. So he’d go in his best plain clothes, those which he’d had Tysoe stow for discreet occasions – even if they were hardly of the quality to be expected at a French court.

Just how did he go about getting an audience? He could hardly tap on the palace gates and demand to see the King.

It was all rather murky and he longed for Renzi to give him a steer about such matters but, of course, he was now far away.

But there was Dillon. He’d been in Renzi’s employ and must have learned something of the ropes …

‘In course, Sir Thomas, you should send ahead. A letter of introduction, your trusted man to see you shall be received with all due compliments, delicate discussion as to your status – are you to be an official guest, victualled in to the King’s account? There are pecuniary implications, you’ll understand.’

‘Ah, yes. But who-’

‘It were better I started immediately. There’s much to do.’

‘Edward, after what happened I can’t ask you to-’

‘Can you think of one else?’

Kydd gave a small smile. ‘Very well, I accept your kind offer. Now, we don’t even know where this palace of exile is. I’ve a notion it’s not going to be easy to locate.’

‘Leave it to me. I’ve yet to meet a merchant factor of delicacies without he knows his market. Now, sir, I humbly suggest you make travel in the character of, say, a British projector of manufactories seeking opportunities.’

‘Alone?’

‘With a manservant, of course.’

Kydd grinned at the image of Halgren in an exiled Versailles, but Dillon seemed to read his mind. ‘Not your coxswain but Tysoe, whose appearance of colour will be singular and much admired in these parts, testifying to your undoubted standing.’

‘I’d feel safer with Halgren.’

‘Sir, I fancy this will be an occasion of delicacy and diplomacy rather than peril and adventure.’

‘You’re right in course, Edward.’

‘I shall shortly land to make my way there. The harbour-master’s office will hold my note of direction for you to take carriage yourself and details of where we shall meet at Mitau.’

‘I’m obliged to you, dear fellow. Until we meet at the court of King Louis?’