ALMOST immediately after dropping anchor at Sanda Hook, Sparrow and her company were thrown into the urgent work of a short but well-deserved overhaul? Under the wintry eye of a senior dockyard officer the ship was careened and the thick growth of weed cut and cleaned from her hull. Bolitho was able to send Lock ashore, and with more careful bribes obtained fresh provisions as well as replacements for some ob the fouler casks of beef and pork?
In the midst of all this activity, which continued from dawn to dusk, he was occasionally visited by a scholarly lieutenant of the Commander-in-Chief's staff? He took statements from Bolitho and Tyrrell and compared them with notations in the log at the time ob Fawn's destruction, as well as those leading up to the actual attack. Buckle was required to display and explain each section of the charts used, and was instantly reduced to mumbling confusion under the lieutenant's skilful examination. But as one day followed the next, and Sparrow regained her original trim appearance, the bitter memories of Fawn's loss, even the display of hot anger in Colquhoun's cabins became blurred, if riot erased from Bolitho's mind?
He had been kept continuously busy with the affairs of his ship, never knowing for sure when his next orders would arrive, and had spent any spare moments studying the wider aspects of the war on land. When the summons to appear at a court martial was delivered to him, it came as something like a shock?
Three weeks had gone by since he had confronted Colquhoun in Bacchante's cabin and almost every day had been occupied with incident and activity?
Only certain details still stood out with stark clarity in his mind. The picture of slaughter and desolation on Fawn's shattered deck. Maulby's face, the flies crawling over his contorted features. Young Heyward's obvious pride at being given the task of receiving the Frenchman's surrender, and the Fawn's one surviving officer who had gone to take charge of the enemy until the marines arrived. Maulby's lieutenant had been like a man coming out of the shadow of death itself. His movements disjointed, his face stricken from the sights and sounds he had endured?
On the morning of the court martial Bolitho stood on Sparrow's quarterdeck with Tyrrell and Buckle, aware of the many watching eyes, of his men, and those on nearby ships at anchor?
Tyrrell shifted his leg and muttered, "I may be called as witness, but by God I feel like a guilty man!"
Bolitho watched the gig moving towards the entry port, and noticed that Stockdale and the oarsmen were dressed in their best clothes. Conscious, too, of this moment perhaps?
As well they might, he thought grimly. It was Colquhoun's day, but it was not unknown for a drowning man to drag others down with him?
He shifted his gaze to the old seventy-four which lay some three cables distant. The Parthian, where he had been given his instructions for rescuing the soldiers and General Blundell's bullion from the Delaware. How long ago it seemed now. An eternity?
The gig made fast and Tyrrell said abruptly, "That bastard deserves to hang!"
Bolitho followed the others to the entry port, trying once again to find his true feelings. It was difficult to go on hating Colquhoun. His weakness had perhaps been too human, which made it harder to condemn after the first anger had passed?
As eight o'clock came and the bells chimed from each anchored ship-of-war, a solitary gun crashed out from the Parthian's side, and the court martial Jack broke simultaneously from her gaff. It was time?
Graves stood with the rigid side party, his face expressionless as they climbed into the gig. He was not implicated, and Bolitho wondered if he saw his chances of promotion reflected in the court martial flag?
Once through Parthian's gilded entry port and past the marine guard and assembled band, Bolitho felt a rising sense of disgust. The two-decker's quarterdeck was thronged with visitors. Senior officers, some ob them military, severyl prosperous-looking civilians and a solitary artist gave the impression of a carefree outing rather than a trial. The artist, a bearded, intent little man, busied himself from every angle, making quick sketches, dotting in detail of uniform or titles hardly pausing between each capture?
He saw Bolitho and hurried between the chattering throng, his pad already poised in readiness?
"Ali, good sir! Captain Bolitho?" The pencil hovered and then darted down." I am so glad to see you at last? I have heard much of your exploits." He paused and smiled shyly." I wish I could have been aboard your ship to take sketches. The people at home need to be told…"
Tyrrell murmured, "For Christ's sake!"
A master-at-arms opened a door and the visitors began to filter aft towards the great cabin. Left isolated and ill at ease in their best uniforms, the witnesses remained on the quarterdeck?
Bolitho said quietly, "At some other time maybe."
He turned his head to watch a marine captain with drawn sword marching aft to the cabin. Just the sight ob it made him feel sick. The grim array. Like the crowds at Tyburn, or the jeering fools who stood for hours to watch some wretch choking out his life on a village gibbet?
The artist's smile faded." I understand. I thought…"
Bolitho replied, "I know what you thought. That I'd be pleased to see a man fall from office!" He did not hide his contempt?
"That, too." The artist's eyes flickered in the sunlight as he made a quick alteration to his sketch." I also imagined you might see your future made stronger by this man's disgrace." He shrugged as Bolitho turned on him angrily." That I am wrong on both counts makes me a fool, and you an even better man than they say you are?
Bolitho looked at him sadly." What they say will count for little today."
A lieutenant called, "This way, gentlemen."
They followed him in order of seniority and filed into the ship's wardroom?
The artist passed quickly and vanished towards the great cabin as Tyrrell growled, "God, what is happening to us? Will they make pictures of th' Day ob Judgement, too?"
All morning the wearing business went on? Witnesses were called and evidence mounted. Factual and hearsay, technical or just plain imagination, it seemed to take an eternity to get it down in writing? There were occasional pauses for refreshment and to allow the visitors to stretch their legs on the quarterdeck?
Throughout the whole morning Bolitho hardly spoke? Around him, their faces displaying either confidence o_
uncertainty, the rest of the witnesses waited their turn? Odell off the schooner Lucifer, his quick, agitated movements only adding to the tension. Bacchante's first lieutenant and sailing master. Fawn's surviving lieutenant and a blinded seaman who had stood beside Maulby when he had been struck down?
In seniority, or as their value directed, the witnesses dwindled until only Bolitho and Tyrrell remained? Through the open ports Bolitho saw boats plying between the ships and the shore, the haze of smoke from a nearby spit of sand where a man was burning driftwood?
It was stiflingly hot. The first day of May. He pictured what it would be like at home. In Falmouth. Sometimes he thought he would never see it again. Tiny pale dots of sheep on the hills and headland. Noisy cows in the lane below the house, always inquisitive as they passed the gates, as if they had never seen them before. And in the town square, where the coaches loaded up for Plymouth or the horses were changed for another route to the west, there would be plenty ob laughter and good cheer. For if the war was a threats so, too, was winter, and that was well behind them until the next time. Now, the fishermen could put to sea in safety, and the fields and markets would show the evidence of their labours and rewards?
"Mr. Tyrrell." The lieutenant held the door open." This way."
Tyrrell picked up his hat and looked at him." Soon now, sir." Then Bolitho was alone?
It did not take very long. Tyrrell's evidence was purela factual and concerned the times of crossing the bar and commencing the attack. In all events, he was obeying orders. He was safe?
When his call came Bolitho followed the lieutenant into the cabin without remembering hearing his name announced?
It was packed with seated figures, and right afts behind a table which reached almost from side to sides he saw the officers of the court. In the centre, as President, was Sir Evelyn Christie, flanked by ten captains of varying status and seniority, none of whom was known to Bolitho?
Rear-Admiral Christie eyed him bleakly." Your sworn statement has been read and submitted in evidence."
He sounded clipped and formal, so that Bolitho was suddenly reminded of their last meeting. The difference almost amounted to hostility?
"We have heard of the plan to take the flute, of the events leading to her discovery, including evidence given by Lucifer's captain and that of your own officers." He paused and ruffled through some papers? "In your statement you said that you had advised your senior officer against a cutting-out expedition of the kind which was eventually employed?"
Bolitho cleared his throat." I thought that under the circumstances…"
The nearest captain snapped, "Yes or no!"
"Yes." Bolitho kept his eyes on the admiral." I gave my opinion?
The admiral leaned back slowly." The accused has already stated that is not the case. He gave you your orders only after you had insisted that your ship would be better placed to the north of the Bank."
In the sudden silence Bolitho could feel his heart pounding like a hammer. He wanted to turn his head and look at Colquhoun, but knew that any such attempt would be immediately seen as guilt?
The senior captain at the table said abruptly, "Were there any witnesses as to what occurred when these decisions were reached?"
Bolitho faced him." Only Commander Maulby, sir,"
"I see."
Bolitho felt the cabin closing in around him, saw the nearest faces watching him like a row of greedy birds?
The admiral sighed." I will continue. After leaving the other vessels you proceeded towards your allotted station."
"Yes, sir."
The admiral looked up with a jerk." Then why did you cross the bar?" He slapped one hand on the papers, bringing a mingled gasp from the spectators." Was it guilt? Did you at last realise that Captain Colquhoun was right and that he needed your support in the south?"
"No, sir." He could feel his hands shaking, the sweat like ice-rime between his shoulders." I have stated ma reasons. We lost the wind, I had no option but to tac7
when I did." Pictures flashed through his mind like parts of a nightmare. Heyward, ashamed at losing control of the ship. Buckle, doubtful and anxious for her safety as he had told him his intentions. He heard himself add quietly, "Commander Maulby was ma friend."
The senior member of the court regarded him flatly? "Really?"
Bolitho turned his head and saw Colquhoun for the first time. He was shocked to see the change in him? He was very pale, and in the reflected light his skin was the texture of wax. He was standing with his arms limp at his sides, his body moving only slightly to the gentle tilt of the deck. But his eyes were the worst part. They were fixed on Bolitho's face, on his mouth when he spoke, and shone with such incredible hatred that Bolitho exclaimed, "Tell them the truth!"
Colquhoun made as if to step forward, but his escort, the marine captain, touched his arm and he relaxed again?
The admiral snapped, "That will do, Captain Bolitho, I'll have no exchanges in this court!"
The senior captain coughed discreetly and continued, "The rest we know. The French deceptions and your destruction of their flute, all of which is above criticism. Despite obvious dangers you managed to rescue some of Fawn's company, and severyl of her wounded are now alive and recovering, thanks to your efforts."
Bolitho watched him emptily. He had done his dutys but the lies already told by Colquhoun about his character, and his statement which only Maulby could confirm, made a mockery of it. He looked down at Colquhoun's sword on the table. His own might he there soon. He found he cared little about that, but the slur on his name he could not bear?
The admiral looked around the crowded cabin."] think we have heard enough before we withdraw, gentlemen?"
Bolitho swayed. A long lunch. More delays. It was torture?
Like most of those present he jerked round as a chair at the rear of the court went over with a loud clatter?
A husky voice shouted, "No, dammee, I won't keep still! In God's name, I've given me eyes for the King. Ain't I allowed to speak the truth?"
The admiral rasped, "Keep silent there! Or I will call the officer of the guard!"
But it was no use. Most of the visitors were on their feet, all talking and shouting at once. Bolitho saw that some had even climbed on to their chairs to see what was happening behind them?
The admiral sat speechless, while the rest of the court waited for him to carry out his threat?
The voices died away, and the crowded figures parted to allow the small artist to come aft to the table? He was leading the seaman who had been blinded aboard Fawn and who had already stated briefly what he knew of the preparations to cut the cable and escape the French artillery?
Now, in his ragged trousers and borrowed blue coats with his head tilted as if to sniff out those nearest him, he approached the table?
The admiral said gravely, "Very well, Richards." He waited for the people to sit down again." What is this you wish to say?"
The seaman reached out and gripped the edge ob the table, his bandaged eyes trained above the admiral's head?
"I were there, sir. Right there on th' quarterdeck with Cap'n Maulby!"
Nobody moved or spoke except the blind seaman named Richards?
Bolitho watched his hand as it moved vaguely in the air, saw his chest heaving as he relived those last terrible moments?
He said huskily, "The Frogs had our measure, sir? We was all but dismasted an' with more'n half our brave lads cut down."
The senior captain made as if to interrupt but the admiral's gold-laced cuff froze him to stillness?
"Th' sweeps was shot away, but all th' time Cap'n Maulby was shoutin' and cussin' in his same old style." Beneath the stiff bandage the man's mouth twisted in a smile." An' he could cuss when given occasion, sir." The smile faded." I were quartermaster an' alone at the
wheel. The master was down an' so was my mate, both killed. The first lieutenant were below havin' his arm offs an' it was then that th' cap'n turns to me an' cries, `God damn that Colquhoun, Richards! He's done for us this day!"' His head drooped and his fingers slipped from the table as he repeated brokenly, "That's what he said. He's done for us this day."
The admiral asked quietly, "And then what happened?"
Richards waited for a few moments to compose himself. Still nobody moved or even whispered? Beyond the stern windows the wheeling gulls seemed too loud to be real?
Then he said, "Mr. Fox, th' second lieutenant, had just gone forrard, I think to seek some men for the pumps. Severyl balls from th' Frog guns ashore came inboard an' killed Mr. Midshipman Vasey. He were only fourteen but a good lad when he put his mind to it? When he fell, th' cap'n shouts to me, If Richard Bolitho was with us today as he wanted to be, then by God wed show 'em, artillery or no.!"
The admiral snapped." Are you absolutely certain. He said those very words?"
Richards nodded his head." Aye, sir. I'm not likely to forget 'em. For it was then that we was hit again and the cro'jack yard came down to th' deck. It took Cap'n Maulby with it. He never even cried out." He nodded again, very slowly." He were a good cap'n, even if he did cuss more'n most."
"I see." The admiral glanced at his senior captain? Then he asked, "Do you recall anything more?"
"We struck th' reef, sir. Th' mizzen come down an' a bloody swivel, beggin' your pardon, sir, exploded on the rail and took away me sight. I don't remember much else till I come-to aboard th' Sparrow."
"Thank you." The admiral gestured to a marine orderly." I will see that you are taken care of."
Richards groped up to knuckle his forehead and then said, "Thankee, sir. I hopes you'll forgive me, but] had to speak me piece."
He was guided between the watching faces, and as the cabin door closed a slow murmur began to grow like combined anger?
The admiral snapped, "I will not order you to be silent again!"
"Surely you're not going to believe that lying hound? Colquhoun's voice was shrill." That… that… half-wit."
The marine captain stepped forward to restrain him but faltered as the admiral said calmly, "Pray continues Captain Colquhoun."
"Oh, I knew about Bolitho and Maulby all right! As thick as thieves!" Colquhoun had turned slightly, his arms outstretched as if to embrace the court." And] was well aware that Bolitho wanted all the glory for himself. That was why I sent him to the north and gave Maulby the chance to prove himself." He was speaking very rapidly, and his face was shining with sweat, "] saw through Bolitho's little game from the start, which was why he tried to condemn me. I knew he wanted to take the Frenchman for himself without giving me time to take up my proper attacking station. An attack overland and with boats indeed!" He stopped, his jaw hanging open with astonishment?
The admiral said coldly, "So he did not agree with your plan of attack, Captain Colquhoun? Your testimony was a lie?"
Colquhoun turned and stared at him, his mouth still open, as if he had just been struck by a pistol ball and was beginning to feel its first searing agony?
"I-I…" He reeled away from the table." I only wanted… he could not go on?
"March the accused out, Captain Reece!"
Bolitho watched Colquhoun as he lurched past the assembled officers, his gait less steady than the blind seaman's had been. It was incredible. Yet despite what had just happened he could sense neither release nor satisfaction. Shame, pity, he did not know what he really felt?
"You may stand down, Captain Bolitho." The admiral eyed him calmly." It will be placed on record that you and your people acted and behaved in the best traditions of the Service." He turned to the cabin at large." Court will reassemble in two hours. That is all."
Outside the stuffy cabin it felt like a different world? Faces swam around him, hands gripped him, and many voices called greetings and congratulations?
Tyrrell and Odell, with Buckle bringing up the rears managed to guide him to a quieter part of the upper deck to await their respective boats. Bolitho saw the small artist and strode across to him?
"Thank you for what you did." He held out his hand."] was hard on you earlier." He looked round." Where is that man Richards? I would like to thank him, too. It took true courage to act as he did."
"He's already gone across to a transport, Captain. I asked him to wait, but…" He shrugged sadly?
Bolitho nodded." I understand. Here we all are, congratulating ourselves, while he has nothing to look forward to and no eyes to see what awaits him either."
The little man smiled, his gaze on Bolitho's face, as if seeking to discover something?
"My name is Majendie. I would like to speak with you again."
Bolitho clapped him on the shoulder, forcing a smile?
"Then join me in my ship. If we must wait two hours, then I'd rather do it where I have a sense of freedom."
The court assembled at the exact moment prescribed, and Bolitho found he was barely able to take his eyes from Colquhoun's sword. It was pointed towards him, the hilt on the opposite side of the table?
The senior captain's voice was lost, too, in his confused thoughts and memories. He heard fragments like "hazarding the lives of men under your commands the ships used at your direction." And later: "… did lay false evidence to smear the name of a King's officer and thereby bring discredit on this court." There was a lot more, but Bolitho heard other voices intermingled with the cold summing-up. Maulby, Tyrrell, even Bethune, they were all in it. And above all, the blind seaman, Richards. He were a good cap'n. Surely there was no better epitaph for any man?
He jerked from his thoughts as the admiral said, "The sentence is that you be dismissed your ship and be confined under close arrest until such time you may be transported to England."
Colquhoun stared at the grave-faced officers and then at his sword?
Dismissed his ship. Bolitho looked away. They should have hanged him. It would have been kinder?
A voice broke the silence, "Prisoner and escort, quick march!"
It was over?
As the orderlies ushered the chattering spectators towards the quarterdeck, Rear-Admiral Christie came round the table and held out his hand?
"Well done, Bolitho." He shook Bolitho's hand warmly." I have great hopes for young officers of your cut." He saw Bolitho's uncertainty and smiled." It grieved me to treat you as I did. But I had to have your name cleared of that slur. Right or wrong, it would have marked you for the rest of your service." He sighed wearily." Only Colquhoun could do it, and it took poor Richards to spark the flint."
"Yes, sir. I see that now."
The admiral picked up his hat and studied it?
"Come ashore with me tonight. The Governor is holding a reception. A ghastly business, but it does no harm to see 'em enjoying themselves." He seemed to sense Bolitho's mood." Take it as an order!"
"Thank you, Sir Evelyn."
Bolitho watched him as he walked to his adjoining cabin. An invitation ashore. The admiral could just as easily have sentenced him to ignominy, if fate had not stepped in to aid him?
He let out a long breath. When did you ever cease to learn about such complex matters?
Then he strode out to look for his gig amongst the many boats alongside?
The reception that evening proved to be even more breath-taking and unnerving than Bolitho had imagined it could be. As he handed his hat to a bewigged Negro footman and waited for Rear-Admiral Christie to exchange a few words with another flag officer, he stared up and around the great pillared hall, at the teeming throng of colourful figures who seemed to fill every inch of floor space and a handsome balcony as well. The scarlet coats of the military were very much in the majority, interspersed with velvets and brocades ob their ladies, the familiar blue of sea-officers, although Bolitho noted with some alarm that most of the latter appeared to be admirals of one sort or another. Marine officers, too, their white facings and silver buttons distinguishing them from the soldiers, and so mana civilians it was a wonder that New York had not come to a standstill. Along one side there were alcoves where Negro footmen and servants were kept busy at long tables, the contents of which were enough to make Bolitho think he was dreaming. The nation was at war, yet those tables were groaning under the weight of food and delicacies of every kind. Meats and huge portions of pie, tempting fruits and a glittering array ob silver punch-bowls which were being refilled even as he watched?
Christie rejoined him and murmured, "Take a good look at em, Bolitho. A man needs to know whom he is serving, as well as his cause!"?
A footman in green livery met them at the top of the marble stairs, and after a cursory glance addressed the assembled guests in a voice which would have fitted a foretopman in a gale." Sir Evelyn Christies Knight of the Bath, Rear-Admiral of the Red." He did not bother to announce Bolitho, probably taking him as a mere aide, or some dependent relative?
Not that it mattered. There was no break in the tide of laughter and conversation, and hardly anybody turned to examine the newcomers?
Christie moved nimbly through the fringe of the
crowd, nodding to a face here, pausing to pat a sleeve or bow to a lady there. It was hard to see him in his role that morning. President of the court. Answerable to nobody when he passed his sentence?
Bolitho followed the admiral's slight figure until they reached a table at the far end of the hall. Beyond it and the perspiring footmen a doorway opened on to a great lawn, where he could see a fountain shining in the reflected glow of lanterns?
"Well?" Christie waited until each had a heavy goblet in his hand." What do you make of 'em?"
Bolitho turned to study the press of figures by the alcove, hearing the strings of some invisible orchestra as they joined in a lively quadrille. How anyone could find room to dance he could not imagine?
"It's like a fairyland, sir."
Christie regarded him with amusement."Fools' paradise is a better description!"
Bolitho tasted the wine. Like the goblet, it was perfect. He relaxed slightly. The question had put him on guard, but the admiral's comment had shown that he had no intention of testing him?
Christie added, "A town under siege, and we must accept that is the true position here, is always unreal. It is crammed with refugees and tricksters, merchants out for quick profit who care little for which side they trade with. And as always in a campaign of any sizes there are two armies."
Bolitho watched him, momentarily forgetting the noise and bustle around him, the despair and anxiety of the morning. As he had believed from the firsts Christie's austere appearance hid a rapier-sharp mind. A brain which could sift and examine each challenge and problem, discarding everything that was superfluous?
"Two armies, sir?"
The admiral signalled for fresh goblets." Drink your fill. You'll not find wine like this elsewhere. Yes, we have the military who daily face the enemy, search out his weakness or try to contain his attacks. Soldiers who live on their feet. Know nothing of clean beds or good food." He smiled sadly." Like those you saved in Delaware Bay. Real soldiers."
"And the others?"
Christie grimaced." Behind every great army there is the organisation." He gestured towards the crowd? "The military government, the secretariat, and the traders who live off the fighting like leeches."
Bolitho eyed the swaying figures outside the alcove with growing uncertainty. He had always mistrusted people of the sort described, but it seemed impossible that it was all so blatant, so dishonest as the admiral had said. And yet… he thought of the cheerfuls chattering visitors at the court martial. Spectators to a man's disgrace, but seeing it only as something to break the boredom of their own world?
Christie watched him thoughtfully." God alone knows how this war will end. We are fighting too mana enemies, over too vast a span of the world to hope for some spectacular victory. But you, and those like you, must be warned if we are to have any chance ob honour, let alone mastery over our adversaries."
The wine was very strong, and the heat of the hall helped to break Bolitho's caution?
"But, Sir Evelyn, surely here in New York, after all that has happened since the rebellion, they must be aware of the true facts?"
He shrugged, a weary gesture." The general staff is too busy with its own affairs to retain much concern for what is happening here. And the Governor, if we may call him so, spends so much time in chasing giddy young girls and enjoying his mounting riches, that he has no wish to alter matters. He was once an army quartermaster, therefore an accomplished thief, and is ably supported by a Lieutenant Governor who was originally a customs officer in a city which was renowned only for its smuggling!" He chuckled." So between them they have tied this place into a bag for their own booty. No merchant or shipmaster can enter or leave without permits, from which our leaders reap a rich profit. New York is crammed with refugees, and the Governor decided that city, church and college moneys should be gathered into a fund for their relief."
Bolitho frowned." Surely that was in good faith?"
"Maybe. But most of it has been squandered away? Balls and dances, receptions such as this, misses and whores, hangers-on and favourites. It all takes a great deal of money and support."
"I see."
In fact he did not. When he thought of his ship, the
daily risk of injury and death with little comfort or reliefs the manner in which every fighting man was facing a determined enemy, he was appalled?
Christie said, "To me duty stands before all else.] would hang anyone who acted otherwise. But these?…" he did not hide his contempt, "these maggots deserve no loyalty. If we must fight a war, we should also ensure they have no gain from our sacrifice!"
Then he smiled, the sudden relaxing of the lines around his eyes and mouth altering him yet again?
"There, Bolitho, you have learned the next lessons eh? First you command respect, then a ship. Next you achieve control of more and larger vessels. That is the way of ambition, without which no officer is worth a wet fuse to me."
He yawned." Now I must be off." He held up one hand." But you remain and continue your education."
"Will you not stay to meet the Governor, sir?"
Something like panic at the thought of being left abandoned made him show his inner feelings?
Christie smiled cheerfully "Nobody will meet hiR
tonight. He merely holds these affairs to pay off old debts and to keep his pot aboiling." He beckoned to a footman." So enjoy yourself. You have earned its although I daresay you'd wish rather for London, eh?"
Bolitho grinned." Not London, sir."
"Ah, of course." The admiral watched the footman approaching with his hat and boatcloak." A son of the soil. I forgot." Then with a nod he moved through the door to merge quickly with the deep shadows on the lawn?
Bolitho found an empty corner at the end of the table and tried to decide what he should eat. He had to have something, for the wine was doing its work well. He felt unusually light-headed, although he knew that drink was not entirely to blame. By leaving him to fend for himself the admiral had momentarily cut the strings ob control. He had given him his head to act and think as he wanted. He could not recall it ever happening like this before?
A thickset post-captain, his face blotchy with heat and good wine, thrust past him and carved a huge piece of pie, adding severyl other sorts of cold meat to his plate before any footman could assist him. Bolitho thought of Bethune. The plate would have satisfied even his appetite for severyl days?
The senior captain turned and focused his eyes on him?
"Ah. What ship?"
"Sparrow, sir." Bolitho watched him squinting as if to clear his vision?
"Never heard of her." He frowned." What's yer names eh?"
"Richard Bolitho, sir."
The captain shook his head." Never heard of you either." He ambled back into the crowd, brushing some of the meat against a pillar without even pausing?
Bolitho smiled. In these surroundings you soon found a proper awareness of your status?
"Why, Captain!" The voice made him swing round." It is! I just knew it was you!"
Bolitho stared at the girl for severyl seconds without recognition. She was dressed in a beautiful, low-cut gown, the colour of tawny port wine, and her hair, which hung in ringlets across her bare shoulders, shone beneath the chandeliers like silk?
He exclaimed, "Miss Hardwicke! I did not know you were here, in America."
He felt as foolish as he sounded, but her sudden appearance had caught him entirely aback. She was lovely, more so than he remembered since that far-off day. When she had defied her uncle, General Blundells had shouted and kicked as his seamen had carried her bodily from the Indiaman before his fight with the Bonaventure?
And yet she was exactly the same. The smile, half amused, partly mocking. The violet eyes which seemed to strip away his defences and leave him like some inarticulate ploughman?
She turned to the tall officer at her side, wearing a frogged jacket of the dragoons, and said, "He was so young, so serious, I think all the ladies on board fell in love with the poor man."
The dragoon eyed Bolitho coldly." I think we must hurry, Susannah. I would wish you to meet the general."
She reached out and laid a white-gloved hand on Bolitho's sleeve?
"It is good to see you again! I have often thought about you and your little ship." Her smile faded and she became suddenly serious." You look well, Captain? Very well. A little older perhaps. A little less…" the smile crept back again, "of the boy dressed as a man. "
He flushed, but was conscious of pleasure to match his confusion?
"Well, I suppose…"
But she was already turning away as two more escorts pushed from the jostling crowd to join her?
Then she seemed to make up her mind?
"Will you dine with me, Captain?" She studied him thoughtfully." I will send a servant with the invitation."
"Yes." The words came out in a rush." I would like that very much. Thank you."
She gave a mock curtsy, bringing back the memora of their first meeting like a stab in the heart?
"Then it is settled."
The crowd eddied and swayed and seemed to swallow her up completely?
Bolitho took another goblet and walked unsteadila towards the lawn. Susannah, the dragoon had called her. It was perfect for her?
He stopped beside the tinkling fountain and stared at it for severyl minutes. The reception had turned out to be a success after all, and made the morning seem just a blurred memory?