The Darkening Sea

3. Voice in the Night

It took Bolitho and Catherine all of six days to make the long journey to London. Using their carriage, and with a regular change of horses, they could have done it in less. But the Admiralty had named no particular date for his interview and had merely suggested 'at your earliest convenience'. Flag rank had its privileges after all.

With Matthew the senior coachman up on the box and Allday at his side, they had drawn many stares and quite a few cheers from passers-by and farm workers as they had clattered along the cobbled streets of towns and villages, or churned up the dust of twisting lanes and the King's highway.

When they stopped at inns, either for the night or for some refreshment, it became common for people to crowd around them to wish them well, some timidly, others less so, as if they wanted to be part of the legend,

As expected, Allday had been adamant about not staying in Falmouth. "Suppose you gets ordered to a new command, Sir Richard? What would they think o' that?" Who they were he did not specify. "Vice-Admiral o' the Red, Knight of th' Bath no less, and yet he's without his coxswain! "

Bolitho had pointed out that Ozzard and Yovell would be remaining at Falmouth until the situation was more definite, and Allday had been as scornful as he dared. "A servant an' a quill-pusher! The likes o' them would never be missed! " But Catherine had told him that Allday needed to get away, if only to ponder on his new undertaking.

Sometimes Catherine slept, her head on his lap as trees and churches, fields and farms rolled past. Once she clutched his arm, her eyes suddenly wide but seeing nothing, as she lived through a bad dream or worse.

While she slept, Bolitho considered what might await him. Perhaps there would be no familiar faces this time; no ships the names of which conjured up violent memories, or friends lost now forever.

Perhaps he might be sent to hoist his flag in the Mediterranean and so relieve Vice-Admiral Lord Collingwood, Nelson's dearest friend and his second-in-command at Trafalgar. It was well-known that Collingwood was a sick man, some said already on the threshold of death. He had not spared himself, nor had he been spared by the Admiralty, and he had been at sea almost continuously since the battle when Nelson had fallen, to be mourned by the whole country. Collingwood had even overcome his pride enough to plead to be released from command in the Mediterranean, but Bolitho had heard nothing of their lordships' response.

He thought of Catherine's suggestion concerning duty ashore and was almost surprised that he did not regret his decision to quit the sea, nor that he had shared his determination with her. The sea would always be there, and there would always be wars: the Bolitho family had shown their mettle in enough of them in the past, and there was no reason why greed and the search for power should not continue.

He stroked her hair and her neck until she stirred slightly in her sleep, recalling the love they had shared, even on the endless journey from Cornwall. Beaming landlords, curtsying maids, waving customers: it had all blurred together now. Only the nights were real. Their need for one another, and other nights when they had merely lain close, in silence, or shared the cool of an evening at some window in a sleeping village, or a town where wheels rattled through the night and a church clock kept a count of the hours.

Once, when he had confessed how much he was dreading leaving her, she had faced him in the darkness, her long hair loose about her bare shoulders.

"I love you, Richard, more than life itself, for without you there is no life. But after what we endured in Golden Plover we can always be together. Wherever you are I shall be with you, and when you need me I will hear your voice." She had taken his face in her hands and had said, "You are so many things to me, dearest of men. You are my hand in yours; you are one so unsure sometimes that you cannot see the love others hold for you. You are my lover as I am your mistress, or whatever they choose to call me. And you are also a friend, one I can turn to without fear of rebuff. I would not have you change, nor would I try to change you. But if others attempt to harm you or to force us apart, then…"

He had held her very close and had murmured into her hair, "Then my tiger will show her claws! "

It was dusk when they finally approached the Thames, not far from the tavern where Bolitho had met secretly with Herrick before his court-martial to ask if he might act in his defence. Herrick's refusal had been like a door slammed in his face. Last year, and yet it seemed so long ago. Over the great bridge with the gleam of black water below where ships lay moored like shadows, yards crossed and sails tightly furled, waiting for the next tide perhaps, when they would quit the Pool of London and spread their wings for the open sea and maybe the vast oceans beyond. The lifeblood of commerce and survival, envied and hated by others in equal proportions. The navy was stretched to the limit and could barely maintain the blockade of the enemy's ports and the convoy of vital shipping, but every master down there in those drowsing vessels would expect their protection, and it was right they should have it.

There were a few lights at the water's edge, wherry men plying for hire as they would throughout the night. Young bloods coming and going from their gambling and their women, and across the river to the pleasure gardens where Catherine had taken him to show him part of her London, of which he knew so little.

Eventually the river ran closer to the road and the horses trotted into the tree-lined street called Cheyne Walk.

Bolitho climbed down, stiff from so many miles, glad there were no curious onlookers this time. Her tall, narrow house with its iron balcony and the room which faced the river had become their other haven. Here people minded their own affairs, and showed no surprise at those who owned or rented such property. General or pauper, artist or mistress, there was privacy here for all.

Sophie, Catherine's half-Spanish maid, had been sent on a day ahead, and had prepared the place and the housekeeper for their arrival.

Allday helped Catherine down from the carriage and said quietly, "Don't you fret for me, m'lady. I'm just thinking it all out."

She smiled at him. "I never doubted it." She turned away. "And that's no error either! "

Bolitho touched his arm. "Strike now, old friend, the battle's already lost! "

Later they stood on the small iron balcony and watched night closing over the city. The glass doors were wide open so that the air from the river was quite cool, but the housekeeper had with the best intentions lit fires in every hearth to drive out the damp in the unused rooms. Catherine shivered as he put his arm around her and kissed one bare shoulder. Together they watched two lurching soldiers, probably officers from the barracks, as they made their way unsteadily back to their quarters. A flower girl was going past, a huge empty basket on her shoulder. It was likely she would be up and about to gather her wares long before sun-up.

Catherine said quietly, "I wish we were at home."

She spoke in the same steady voice as on that terrible day when they had abandoned Golden Plover. Don't leave me.

How had she had such faith even then that she had truly believed they would see home again?

"Soon, Kate."

They went inside and undressed before lying down together in the darkening room. Wearied by memories and by the uncertainty of the future, they lay unspeaking. Only once Bolitho seemed to come out of his sleep, and imagined her sitting on the bed beside him, her fingers on his skin. He thought he heard her say very softly, "Don't leave me." But it was only part of a dream.

Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho stepped down from the smart carriage while Allday held the door for him. Like Matthew the coachman, his burly coxswain was turned out in his best coat and breeches, and Bolitho had already noticed that the carriage was clean and shining although it had been pitch-dark when they had reached Chelsea the previous night. His glance lingered on the family crest on the door, and thought of it carved above the great stone fireplace at Falmouth. Only days ago. He could not recall ever missing it so much, so soon.

He said, "I have no way of knowing how long this may take." He saw Matthew squinting down at him, his face like a red apple in the fresh morning sunshine. He was still known on the estate as Young Matthew, a constant reminder of the years he had worked with the horses since he was a young lad. "Return to Chelsea and drive Lady Catherine anywhere she wishes." He looked meaningly at Allday…"I'd take it as a favour if you would stay in company with her."

He thought he saw a small crinkle around the man's eyes, as if he were saying privately, Told you you couldn't manage without me! "

Allday grunted. "I'll be there, Sir Richard, an' that's no…" He did not finish it but grinned, obviously remembering how Catherine had teased him with his favourite expression.

Bolitho glanced up at the austere Admiralty building. How many times had he come to this place? To receive orders; to beg for a ship, any ship; to be employed again when the clouds of war had spread once more across the Channel. Where he had met Herrick and where they had shaken hands as friends, but parted as strangers in this same building. Bolitho had sent word here by messenger, and wondered if Godschale's successor would keep him waiting, or perhaps delay the meeting altogether. It was strange that even in the navy's private world he should know so little of Sir James Hamett-Parker. He had first heard of him in any depth during the great mutinies throughout the fleet at the Nore and Spithead. All England had been shocked and horrified at that sudden display of defiance, which had incited even the staunchest men into open mutiny, leaving England undefended and at the mercy of the French.

The mutineers had formed themselves into councils with delegates to represent their cause, their plea for better conditions at every level, pay, food, and the harsh routine which had reduced some ships to the level of prison hulks, in which any bad captain could make a seaman's life a living hell. Some of the officers who had become notorious for their cruel and heartless treatment had been put forcibly ashore and their authority overturned. One of those had been Hamett-Parker.

Someone in the Admiralty must have decided against displaying any sympathy or weakness at Herrick's court-martial, and it was obvious that a guilty verdict had been taken for granted. But for his flag captain's change of evidence it was certain that Herrick would have faced disgrace, and very possibly death. Hamett-Parker's rigid ideas of discipline and duty must have made him the obvious choice for President of the Court.

Bolitho loosened the sword at his hip, not the fine presentation one given to him by the good people of Falmouth for his services in the Mediterranean and at the Battle of the Nile, but the old family blade. Forged for his great-grandfather Captain David in 1702, it was lighter than some of the more modern blades, and as straight and keen as ever. A show of defiance? Conceit, some would say. He smiled to himself. There was little margin in between.

"Can I 'elp you, sir?" An Admiralty messenger paused in polishing the big pair of brass dolphins from which a ship's bell was suspended and peered at him. In seconds his watery eye had taken in the bright epaulettes, each with its pair of silver stars, the lace on the sleeves, and above all the gold medal of the Nile about his neck.

"Bolitho." He knew he had little to add to that. He asked, "What happened to Pierce?"

The man was still staring. "I'm afraid 'e slipped 'is cable, Sir Richard." He shook his head, wondering how this famous officer, beloved by his sailors and all who served him, could even remember the other old porter.

Bolitho said, "I am sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

The porter shook his head. "Bin ill fer quite a time, Sir Richard. Often spoke of you, 'e did."

Bolitho said quietly, "He taught me many things…" He broke off, angry with himself, and saw a lieutenant with a fixed smile of anticipation waiting by the staircase. His arrival had already been signalled, apparently. As he followed the young officer up the stairs he was reminded suddenly of Jenour, and wondered how he was settling down to his new role of command. That new maturity gained after the

Golden Plover's loss and his own daring efforts to retake that wretched vessel after the mutiny had convinced him that he was ready to offer his hard-won experience to others. As Keen had said after they had been snatched to safety by Tyacke's brig Lame, "None of us will ever be quite the same again."

Perhaps Keen was right. Who would have believed it possible that Bolitho himself would have declared his intention of leaving the navy when the war was finally over? He walked along the passageways, past the blank impersonal doors, the line of chairs where captains could sit and wait to see a superior, to be praised, promoted or disciplined. Bolitho was glad to see they were all empty. Every captain, no matter how junior, was beyond price; the war's harvest had made certain of that. He himself had sat here many times, waiting, hoping, dreading.

They paused at the big double doors behind which God-sc hale had once held court. He had once been a frigate captain like Bolitho, and they had been posted at the same time. There was no other similarity. Godschale loved the good life: receptions and balls, great banquets and state occasions. He had an eye for a pretty face, and a wife so dull he probably considered it a fair distraction.

He had clumsily tried to make Bolitho return to his wife and their daughter Elizabeth, and his other ideas on strategy had, Bolitho thought, often failed to consider the logistics of available ships, supplies, and the great distances of ocean in which the enemy could choose its victims. But despite Godschale's annoying way of brushing obstacles aside, Bolitho knew in some strange way that he would miss him, bombast and all.

He turned, aware that the lieutenant had been speaking to him, probably all the way from the entrance hall.

The lieutenant said, "We were all excitement when we heard of your latest victory over Contre Amiral Baratte. I am honoured to be the one to meet you! "

Bolitho smiled. The young man's French accent was faultless. He would go far.

The doors opened and closed behind him and he saw Admiral Sir James Hamett-Parker facing him across a massive marble-topped table. It was as if he had been seated for some time, staring at the doors, waiting for the first seconds of confrontation. The great wine cabinet, the clock with its cherubs, the model of Godschale's first command had all vanished. Even the air felt different.

Hamett-Parker stood up slowly and shook hands across the vast table.

"Welcome back, Sir Richard." He gestured to a chair. "I thought we should meet without further delay. There are many things I wish to discuss." He had an incisive voice, but spoke unhurriedly as if each word came under scrutiny before being released. "Your nephew made a fast passage, it seems. Where time is concerned I must be a miser. Too much of it has been wasted here."

Bolitho listened carefully. Did he imply that Godschale was the culprit? Or was he testing him for his own past loyalty?

Hamett-Parker walked slowly to a window and flicked a curtain aside. "I observed your entrance, Sir Richard. I see you came alone."

He had been watching. To see if Catherine had been with him, or if she was waiting now in the carriage.

He said, "From Chelsea, Sir James."

"Ah." He said nothing else, and Bolitho saw the finely cut profile, the slightly hooked nose, the young man still clinging behind the mask. His hair was grey, quite white in some places, so that it looked in the hazy sunshine like a wig; he even wore an old-style queue. He would not have seemed out of place in some fading portrait from a century earlier, although Bolitho knew Hamett-Parker was only about ten years his senior.

"There is much speculation as to what the enemy intends if, or rather when Sir Arthur Wellesley brings the war in Spain to a victorious conclusion. The despatches from the Peninsula remain encouraging news is daily expected of some dramatic climax. But the French will not surrender because of Spain. Our forces are fully extended, our yards unable to keep pace with the need for more ships, even if we could find the men to crew them. The enemy is aware of this. With all aggression ended in the Caribbean, we can withdraw certain vessels." He looked away and added crisply, "But not enough! "

Bolitho said, "I believe that the French will intensify their attacks on our supply lines."

"Do you?" He raised an eyebrow. "That is most interesting. The Duke of Portland said as much to me quite recently."

The prime minister. Bolitho felt his lips relax into a smile. He had all but forgotten who it was. Moving from one campaign to another, watching men die and ships torn apart, the final authority beneath His Britannic Majesty too often seemed unimportant.

"It amuses you?"

"I beg your pardon, Sir James. I am out of touch, it seems."

"No matter. I understand he is of a sickly disposition. There will be a new hand on the tiller before too long, I fear."

Bolitho winced as a sharp line of sunlight passed over the admiral's shoulder and made him turn his head to one side.

"The light disturbs you?"

Bolitho tensed. Did he know? How could he?

He shook his head. "It is nothing."

Hamett-Parker returned slowly to the table, his steps, like his words, measured, un wasted

"You are wondering why you were withdrawn from your command?"

"Of course, Sir James." He saw the admiral's eyes for the first time. So pale they were almost colourless.

"Of course? That is strange. However, we need to discuss possible French interference with our shipping routes. One frigate, a privateer even, could tie down men-of-war we could not spare even if we had them. It is widely believed that more attacks are already being planned they will be hastened if,

as we anticipate, Wellesley drubs the French army on the Peninsula. The prime minister will wish to know your thoughts, as will Sir Paul Sillitoe." He saw Bolitho's surprise and said calmly, "Something else you did not know, it would appear. Sillitoe is senior advisor to the prime minister and certain others in high places. Even His Majesty is not unaware of him."

Bolitho looked for some sign of sardonic humour or even sarcasm. There was none. In his mind he could see the man quite clearly: tall and slender with the quick, sure movements of a duel list A dark, interesting face with deceptively hooded eyes. He was as quick and as sharp as steel, and he had been both charming and gracious to Catherine at one of Godschale's ridiculous receptions when she had been deliberately snubbed by the Duke of Portland. A strange, remote man, but not to be underestimated; perhaps not to be trusted. Bolitho had heard that Sillitoe had travelled all the way to Falmouth for the local memorial service after the loss of the Golden Plover and the reported deaths of all those aboard. He did not need to warn Catherine of any other intentions Sillitoe might have.

He thought of her this morning, warm in his arms, holding him, watching him later while Allday shaved him, and sharing a quick breakfast downstairs. In a rough shawl or in gleaming shot-silk like the night they had been reunited at English Harbour, she would never pass unnoticed. No, Catherine would recognise any ploy, subtle or otherwise.

"You were well known for the energy of your performance when you were a frigate captain, Sir Richard." Hamett-Parker continued in the same curt manner. "The line of battle has been my lot in life." He changed tack again. "I seem to recall that you were flag captain to Sir Lucius Broughton in Eury-alusT

"I was flag captain to Rear-Admiral Thelwall until he was relieved due to ill-health. Broughton hoisted his flag in Euryalus after that."

"I deduce from your tone that you disliked him. I always thought him to be an excellent flag officer. Like me, he would never allow sentiment to blur the needs of duty and discipline." He clenched his fist as if he had allowed himself to say too much, and continued, "You were involved in the Great Mutiny?"

It sounded almost like an accusation.

"We were lucky in Euryalus."

"Luck? What has that to do with it? We were at war with a ruthless enemy as we are now. I commanded Cydnus, a two-decker of ninety guns. Well trained, well drilled, she was the envy of the squadron."

Bolitho saw the hand clench into a tight fist again. Hamett-Parker's one weakness: the incident he could never forget.

There are always rotten apples in some casks. The plan for mutiny amongst my people was fed to those simpletons and knot heads like poison. They defied me me, their captain." His pale eyes shone like glass in the reflected light. It was as if he could still not believe it. That ordinary, common seamen could demand their rights even at the risk of death by hanging or a flogging around the fleet, which had been the punishment meted out to more than one delegate.

Bolitho said sharply, "Admiral Broughton was a fool. If he were one of my officers today I would tell him as much! "

They both became calm again, and Hamett-Parker said, "My record is one to be proud of." He glanced meaningly around the room. "I think others must have appreciated that."

Bolitho said, "What is expected of me, Sir James?" He was surprised how calm he sounded. Inwardly he was burning like a fire ship angered by this unreachable man, angry with himself.

"We need a plan, one that can be exercised with simplicity, one that will not antagonise the flags of nations not already drawn into the fight."

"You mean the Americans, Sir James?"

"I did not say that! " He wagged one finger and gave a stiff smile. Then he said, "I am glad we met before we meet the others involved." He pulled some papers towards him. "My flag lieutenant has the address of your lodgings in London, I assume?"

"I imagine so, Sir James." Probably half of London knew it. "May I ask something?"

He tugged out a bright gold watch and glanced at it. "I must not be too long."

Bolitho thought sadly of Godschale. One cannot do everything. "What is intended for my last flag captain, Valentine Keen?"

Hamett-Parker pouted. "For an instant I thought you would ask about someone else." He shrugged, irritated. "He will hoist a broad pendant when all is decided. If he performs adequately I am certain flag rank will be his privilege, as it is ours."

Bolitho stood up and saw the other man's glance fall to the old sword. "May I take my leave, Sir James?" It was over; the rapiers were to be laid in their cases again. For the present.

"Please do." He leaned back in his great chair, his fingertips pressed together like a village parson. Then he said, "Vice-Admiral Sir Lucius Broughton, the fool you so bluntly described, died doing his duty in the penal settlements of New South Wales." His pale eyes did not blink as he added, "His position will, I am certain, be ably filled by your friend, Rear-Admiral Herrick."

Bolitho turned on his heel and flung open the doors, almost colliding with the hovering lieutenant.

Hamett-Parker had got deep under his skin, out of malice or for some other purpose, he did not know or care. What did he want? He had been careful not to mention Catherine, or 'the scandal' as he would no doubt call it.

He hurried down the stairs, his mind reeling with ideas and memories. Just the mention of the Euryalus: Thelwall coughing out his life, Broughton watching the terrible flogging unmoved. But most of all, Catherine. He had commanded Euryalus when he had first met her. She had been aboard the merchantman Navarra; her husband had been killed by Barbary pirates, and she had cursed Bolitho for causing his death.

"Would the nice sea-officer like a ride in comfort?"

He spun round, half-blinded by the sunlight, and saw her watching him from the carriage window. She was smiling, but her fine dark eyes were all concern.

"How did you know?"

She took his wrist as he climbed into the carriage, and replied quietly, "I always know."

Admiral Sir James Hamett-Parker held the curtain aside and looked down as the woman aided Bolitho into the elegant carriage.

"So that is the notorious Lady Catherine."

Sir Paul Sillitoe, who had just entered by another door, smiled at the admiral's back. "Never underestimate that lady, Sir James, and do not make her an enemy." He walked casually to the littered table and added coolly, "Or you will make one of me. Be assured of it, sir! "

Bolitho sat on a bench in the shade of a solitary tree in the neat little garden behind the house. It was peaceful here, and the clatter of iron-shod wheels and the regular passing of horses were muffled, as if far away. Behind the rear wall were the mews for this row of houses, for horses and a limited number of carriages.

He watched Catherine cutting roses and wondered if she were still missing Falmouth and what must seem the unlimited space of the house there, compared to this small town-house. Her gown was low-cut so that she could feel the benefit of the sun directly overhead, and the darker line on her shoulder where she had been so cruelly burned in the open boat was still visible.

It had been three days since his interview with Hamett-Parker and the uncertainty, the waiting, had unsettled him.

She looked at him and her expression was troubled. "Is there no way we can learn what is happening, Richard? I know what you are thinking."

He stood up and crossed to her side. "I am bad company, dear Kate. I want to be with you and have no senseless burden hanging above me! "

A breeze turned over the pages of The Times and blew it on to the grass. There was more news of enemy attacks on shipping heading for home around the Cape of Good Hope. Each vessel had been sailing independently and without escort. It seemed likely that that had been what Hamett-Parker had been hinting at. Suppose he were ordered back to Cape Town, Golden Plover's original destination when mutiny and shipwreck had erupted like a sudden storm? Were the marauding ships which had carried out these attacks French naval vessels or privateers? Whatever they were, they must be based somewhere.

She touched his face. "You are worrying again. You hate this inaction, don't you?" She moved her hand across his mouth. "Do not protest, Richard. I know you so well! "

They heard the street bell jangle through the open door and Sophie's merry laugh as she spoke to someone.

Catherine said, "She is seventeen now, Richard. A good catch for the right man."

"You treat her more like a daughter than a maid. I've watched you often."

"Sometimes she reminds me of myself at her age." She looked away. "I would not want her to endure such a life as that! "

Bolitho waited. Like Adam, she would tell him one day.

Sophie appeared at the top of the steps. "A letter, me lady." She glanced at Bolitho. "For Sir Richard."

He tried to imagine Catherine at sixteen, as Sophie had been when she had been taken into the household. Like Jenour she seemed to have matured suddenly after the open boat and their experiences at the hands of the mutineers.

She gave the square envelope to Bolitho. "Nice young officer it was, me lady. From the Admiralty."

Catherine recognised the card in Bolitho's sunburned hands. It was a beautifully etched invitation, with a crest at the top.

"From Hamett-Parker. A reception to mark his appointment. His Majesty will be in attendance, apparently." He felt the anger mounting inside him, and when she took the card from his hand she understood why. She was not invited.

She knelt down by him. "What do you expect, Richard? Whatever we think or do, others will believe it improper."

"I'll not go. I'll see them all damned! "

She watched his face and saw something of Adam there, and the others in the portraits at Falmouth. "You must go. To refuse would be an insult to the King himself. Have you thought of that?"

He sighed. "I'll lay odds that somebody else has."

She looked at the address on the card. "St. James's Square. A very noble establishment, I believe."

Bolitho barely heard. So it was beginning all over again. A chance to isolate one from the other, or to eagerly condemn them if Bolitho chose to take her with him.

"I wonder if Sillitoe will be there?"

"Probably. He seems to have many irons in the fire."

"But you quite like him."

He thought she was teasing him to take his mind off the invitation; but she was not.

"I am not sure, Kate."

She laid her head on his lap and said softly, Then we shall wait and see. But be sure of one thing, dearest of men. He is no rival nobody could be that."

He kissed her bare shoulder and felt her shiver. "Oh, Kate, what should I be without you?"

"You are a man. My man." She looked up at him, her eyes very bright. "And I am your woman." Her mouth puckered and she exclaimed, "And that's no error! " Then she relented. "Poor Allday, what must he have thought?"

She recovered her roses and added evenly, "They may try to discredit me through you, or the other way round. It is a game I know quite well." She touched her shoulder where he had kissed it and her expression was calm again, faraway. "I shall accept Zenoria's invitation to visit Hampshire." She saw the sudden cloud cross his face. "Only for that day. It will be a wise precaution. Trust me."

They went into the house, where they heard Sophie talking with the cook in the kitchen.

She looked at him, smiling faintly when she said, "I think I strained my back." She saw his understanding and added, "Perhaps you could be the navigator again and explore it?"

Later as she lay in his arms she whispered, "Sometimes, dearest of men, you have to be reminded of what is important…" She arched her back as he touched her again. "And what is not…" The rest was lost in their embrace.