by David O'Neil
Commodore Nelson was appointed Knight of the Bath, closely followed by promotion to Rear-Admiral for his actions in command of HMS Captain in the defeat of the Spanish fleet. Now blind in one eye from his action at Calvi in Sardinia, and short an arm from his wound from grape shot received in action at Tenerife, he was recovering in London with the nation praying for his swift return to health.
For Captain Bowers there would be a new ship. The orders arrived while they were off Falmouth, seeing the first of the convoy off. Impatient at the delay, the Earl Warwick decided to leave the convoy and make her own way up-channel to her destination port at Southampton.
With a flurry of farewell signals she left the remainder of the convoy and was a distant patch of sail by the time the remaining ships had sorted themselves out.
HMS Arun arrived in Portsmouth in August, with the sun shining and small ceremony.
Lieutenant Powers would be standing by the ship for her refitting, and acting Lieutenant John Reed would join him. Their orders meant that they would remain with Arun under her new captain.
Captain Bowers was ordered to report to the Admiralty, as was Lieutenant John Martin Forest-Bowers. There would be no chance to get home before departing for London, so Charles had sent a note to Jane from Falmouth, to come to London and meet there at the apartments they retained in the new area of Knightsbridge.
As the Captain and Martin arrived ashore they were met by servants from the house with the extra baggage for their stay in London. There was little conversation on the journey as both men were tired, having boarded the post-coach in the early evening, neither bothered to try staying awake. Both accustomed to sleeping through bad weather both were asleep before the coach left the city.
The two men—while not fresh—were at least rested when they pulled into the yard of the Cock Inn. Servants came out to meet the coach and conduct the two men to a room where they could bathe, shave, and change into clean linen. Their dress uniforms had been sponged down by the time they were ready to dress. As they examined their appearance in the pier glass there was a commotion at the door and female voices demanded entry. Jane and Jennifer swept into the room, followed by the innkeeper who had not realized who they were. Martin found himself holding Jennifer in his arms her lips seeking his determinedly. When he came up for breath, he found the Captain and Jane regarding them both with interest.
Jane came over as Jennifer relinquished her hold on Martin. “Welcome home, Martin.” Jane kissed him on both cheeks and hugged him. “You are most welcome indeed. You look very handsome. I am proud of both of my men. How about you, Jennifer?”
Jennifer, who had kissed her father rather more chastely, agreed wholeheartedly.“We have decided to accompany you both to the Admiralty; where we will leave you and go shopping. If you are free to do so you are welcome to join us for luncheon at Simpsons about midday. Otherwise we will meet tonight at the apartments. All is arranged there for you both.”
At the Admiralty they were greeted by a languid-looking man in civilian dress who seemed to find the whole business of dealing with naval officers an incredible bore. In the ante-room a row of chairs were set out, with several officers seated waiting their fate.
Captain Bowers was called as soon as they arrived. Martin was told to wait. As he turned to go through and take a seat, Admiral Nelson walked in. The bored receptionist leapt to his feet to greet him. But Nelson saw Martin and called a greeting. “Martin Forest, you are here already. Well met, young man.” He put his good arm round Martins’ shoulder and said, “You are here to join a party I am helping to organize.” He ushered Martin though a door at the back of the room, leaving the assembly of waiting officers wondering just who this friend of Nelson was.
Nelson continued down the corridor still talking. “I understand you have continued as you set out. Three more prizes and the loot from a treasure ship, I hear?”
“I have been lucky, sir.”
“I agree with the European monster. I understand he was quoted as saying that he would rather have lucky Generals, than experts.”
They stopped outside the door of a room at the rear of the building and Nelson turned the handle. Inside the room there was a long table and several maps on the walls.
Martin recognized Commander Graham, who saw him and nodded, though he did not speak.
Nelson said, “I saw my young friend here waiting in the ante room. I thought it would save time and trouble if I just brought him with me. One of yours, I believe, Graham.”
“Indeed, sir. I have just been so informed. You are welcome, Mr. Forest-Bowers.”
The Admiral standing beside the table spoke. “Now we are all here, shall we proceed?” He paused to allow the others to see what he was indicating on the chart. “Admiral Nelson, you will be returning to Gibraltar in HMS Racer with all despatch. You take over command of HMS Vanguard. You will be joining Admiral Jervis. It seems that things are not going well in the Mediterranean at present. We may yet need to evacuate Elba.”
The civilian who had been seated listening spoke quietly. “I understand HMS Racer will be attached to the Gibraltar command. Since I will need to discuss certain matters with Lieutenant Forest-Bowers, and I believe having just returned from the Indies he had had no chance to see his family, may I suggest that he travel to Gibraltar in the Sloop Rocket in two weeks’ time? This will allow me to brief Mr. Forest adequately and give his family time to see him without seriously impairing the efficiency of his ship, or the operations of the current plans.”
The Admiral looked as if he would like to tell this impudent civilian exactly what to do with his suggestions. But a cough from his aide reminded him who the civilian was.
To Martin the entire incident was baffling.
Nelson broke the spell with a laugh. “He has you there, Canning. We old men forget that life is a little different for the youngsters. After a two-year tour in the West Indies, a man needs to relax a little here in civilization, before departing once more in the service of our King.” He slapped Martin’s shoulder and looked at the seated man. “Tomorrow at ten, at the Foreign office?” At the man’s nod, he said, “Off you go, lad, and kiss her for me. I’ll see you in Gibraltar, no doubt.”
Chapter Nine
HMS Racer
Martin left the room and the Admiralty, and made his way to Simpsons to meet the ladies for lunch.
He had to confess that the morning had been a bewildering procession of events. Though certain things stood out: the feel of Jennifer’s lips against his, the warmth of Jane’s welcome and Admiral Nelsons’ friendly greeting in the Admiralty. The rest of the morning was a succession of events. For the moment, he cast them from his mind to concentrate on being with the two most important women in his life. He felt a twinge of guilt over the events in Jamaica, but he managed to push them to the back of his mind in the company of Jane and Jennifer. What he had not realized was the wide circulation of the Gazette. As the three entered the dining room there was a sudden murmur of interest among the diners, and as soon as they were seated, two of the ladies on the next table started whispering hurriedly to each other.
“What is the interest?” Martin asked of Jane.
“Why? You are, Martin, dear. Did you not know that you are a major topic of conversation in London at present?”
“Why on earth should that be?” I am just a simple Lieutenant in the Navy. I am nobody.”
“Oh, mother. Martin has just arrived in London for the first time. He is not aware of the interest taken in the latest reports in the Gazette.” She turned to Martin and took his hand. “You, my dear brother, are famous, because two years ago you, at barely fifteen years of age, captured two prizes with a fifteen man crew. Because of that you became instantly well off. Then, during this last two years, you have captured prizes, and taken the Dutch ship, Hilde, with Spanish treasure aboard. You are now rich in the eyes of London, and a hero to boot. We will receive invitations here in London from people we do not know, but who wish to know us
because we know you.”
Martin looked at Jane. She nodded in agreement. As they studied the menu there was a flurry of activity at the door, and Captain Bowers appeared accompanied by Admiral Nelson.
At this the clientele started clapping hands, and Nelson graciously waved and bowed before accompanying Captain Bowers to the table where he bowed over Jane and Jennifer’s hands before seating himself alongside Jane.
Charles Bowers was amused at the performance. But he explained that he had been leaving the Admiralty when the Admiral had come out and joined him, waiting for a carriage to be called. He had invited him to share his carriage and join them for lunch, if it would please him.
Nelson said, “I was interested to meet the young lady who exerted so much influence over Martin here, that he defied the Admiral and insisted that he delay his departure for Gibraltar for two weeks.” The twinkle in his eye as he told this blatant lie had them all laughing. The ice thus broken, the party enjoyed their lunch together with lively conversation between the courses.”
In the apartment that evening with the family seated relaxing, Jane commented, “That man is certainly a most entertaining person. I swear the entire room at Simpsons was listening to his every word.”
There was silence for a few moments. The spell of the encounter at lunch had still not quite dissipated.
Charles Bowers broke the silence. “I understand you are due to sail with Commander Graham in Racer based in Gibraltar?”
“Yes, sir. Though, thanks to Nelson, I will join at Gibraltar. I sail in two weeks’ time in the sloop, Rocket,, from Portsmouth, though I believe….”
There was a knock on the door and the manservant came in with an envelope. “For Master Martin, sir.” He handed Martin the envelope and waited while he opened it. It was headed. “The Foreign Office.”
The scribbled note said, ‘Room 41, 10.00 am 12th March 1797’. The signature was illegible.
He handed the note to the Captain. He read it “Typical F.O. nonsense. Everything is a mystery. They have spies everywhere, they would have you believe. In fact, if you needed such a person you would find that they were all busy elsewhere.”
The Captain handed the note to Martin and turning to the manservant said, “Ah, Miller. There will be no answer. Mr. Martin will be there.”
Charles Bowers sat back. “Things never change.” He looked at Jane as he spoke, acknowledging her part in keeping their home and marriage together despite the calls made on them in the cause of duty.
The manservant withdrew.
“This Foreign Office business is a little worrying.” Charles volunteered, “Do you have any idea what they want?”
“I’m afraid not, sir. The first I knew of it was at the Admiralty, when we were with the Admiral. It had something to do with the civilian in the room when the Admiral was explaining things about the Mediterranean. You recall he it was, insisted I had two weeks before I left for the Rock.”
“It was well done, though it is not like the Navy to concern themselves over the private life of a lieutenant. Whatever the job they have in mind, be careful. They employ spies and they have a habit of being caught and executed! So take care of yourself, son.”
Martin felt a surge of affection for the big kind man who had taken him in as the son he never had. It was the first time the Captain had called him ‘son’, and it sounded right to him.
With Jane it was more difficult. She was younger and so very beautiful it was difficult to think of her as mother. Perhaps aunt, though easier, as just a woman.
Jennifer sitting next to him squeezed his hand, pressing it against her thigh, soft through the folds of the summer dress. He felt the excitement, the quickening feeling of arousal. He turned his head and looked at her, almost sixteen and already the softened outlines of the beauty she had promised as a young girl.
He had realized that she was the woman he wanted as his wife. He had sufficient wealth to support a wife with money to spare. He was happy to see that she had not changed her mind since they first met, nearly four years ago.
The following morning the meeting at the Foreign office went off well. His knowledge of French had improved during his service in the Indies. He was now fluent, albeit with a slight accent of the Caribbean. This was an acceptable quirk since the French colonies there produced many young people who came to France to study and earn their fortune.
He would be expected to interpret where needed, and occasionally would be sent ashore to collect information, and pass messages. He would receive an allowance separate from his naval pay of £200.00 per annum, and, where required, he could draw upon expenses if needed. He was ordered to return tomorrow for further instruction. His contact said, “For future reference, you may refer to me as merely Mr. Smith.
He called upon Cox’s, the banker with whom he had deposited his prize money. The bank had been highly recommended by the Captain. Thus far Martin had few complaints. It seemed that they were happy to increase his investment without any apparent risk. With over £20,000 on deposit, he was a valued client.
He and Jennifer met by arrangement. They strolled through the gardens to the tea rooms where Martin suggested, that if they were to wed, they should really find a home to live in. “I suggest we look here in London. I am advised that whilst property is a little more expensive here, it will increase in value.”
Jennifer smiled. “So you have realized that I was not joking when I mentioned that we would marry. That is good and I accept your formal proposal, though I would rather you had spoken in some more private place. What do you suggest we do about this house?”
Martin smiled. “The apartments used by the Captain and Jane are leased, I believe?”
At Jennifer’s nod he continued. “I have enquired, through my bank, of the owners of the building that includes the apartment. My bankers inform me that the owner wishes to sell so that they can purchase other property elsewhere.
“I considered the suitability of converting the building into one dwelling, where we would live. The size of the house would allow ample room for the parents and Giles to stay as and when they wished, without the extra expense for the lease. Since the neighbouring property is already on the market, but recently vacated, I thought to purchase that as an investment and a place to live while the other house is being altered. How does that sound?”
“I think we should survey the property forthwith, since it will require my supervision in your absence.”
Martin smiled, and called for his account.
They walked from the gardens across the street into the avenue beyond, the tall new row of houses formed an elegant parade down to the square beyond. New houses were being built on the other side of the gardens which were already laid out in the centre of the square. The clever use of the formerly wooded area had left mature trees in autumn colors, spaced by the sensitive thinning of the trees between.
The apartments were in the corner house of the row, with windows on two sides. The next house had a sign offering for sale and it was to this house the couple went. Martin had been provided with a key and together they entered the house.
It was clean and obviously well maintained. Much of the furniture was still in place. Martin had been told that if they wished, the furniture of their choice could remain for their use, as all the things still here were to be disposed of.
The upper rooms were divided into bedrooms, with a drawing room, used as a sitting room by the mother of the owner. This was still fully furnished, as was the main bedroom and the guest bedroom. Jennifer was racing from room to room delighted with the house and the things they found there. Martin followed her about and lost her. He finally caught up with her in the guest bedroom. She was looking out of the window. As he entered the room she turned and walked over to meet him. She had removed her coat when they had entered the house. The weather being warm and the house, having been closed was also holding the heat of the day.
She reached him and held out her arms to be embraced and kissed. Unw
atched and undisturbed, the kiss went on and they sat on the bed still close. Martin moved his lips over her face and down to her neck. Jennifer moved beneath him turning to let him kiss the mounds of her breasts. It was going to happen—they both knew it—and as he undid the fastenings of her dress she opened his shirt. Eventually they lay, each looking wonderingly at the other’s body. “Oh, Martin. I have dreamed of this.”
“As have I my love.”
Chapter Ten
The Med
Standing on the deck of HMS Rocket, Lieutenant John Martin Forest-Bowers enjoyed the early morning sun, delighted to feel the rise and fall of a deck beneath his feet once more. The Spanish coast was visible off to port, the sea inshore flecked with the sails of the fishermen working the inshore waters. The sloop was a fine fast craft, well named for her speed, and used accordingly by the fleet as a message carrier and occasionally as a scout.
The cheerful voice of the captain of the sloop Lieutenant Henry Watson interrupted his thoughts. “See! That’s Cape Trafalgar over there.” He pointed at the headland coming abeam of the ship. “We will be in Gibraltar by this evening.”
At the time, he was not aware of the significance the point coming up ahead would have on his future.
HMS Rocket dropped her anchor as promised, albeit delayed a little by the contrary winds within the straits, which required a long tack almost to the African coast to ensure they cleared the entrance to the famous harbor.
Martin was relieved to see the graceful lines of HMS Racer anchored inshore of the sloop. It would mean that he could report aboard immediately rather than be kept hanging about awaiting her return.
Lieutenant Watson appeared by his side. “I will drop you off on my way to the flagship. Your gear is being loaded into the boat now if you are ready.”
“You are most kind, sir. I am at your service now.” He descended the side of the sloop and was seated in the boat when James boarded.