by Griff Hosker
I was at a disadvantage. I had neither saddle nor stirrups and he had a cavalry mount. He swept his sabre at head height. I leaned back and hacked at his sword. Sparks flew. He reined around and his well trained horse began to push against mine. It was no contest and I felt my beast start to tumble. The Brigadier saw his chance and he hacked down with his blade. I tumbled from the back of the carriage horse and the sabre sliced down through the horse’s head. The dying beast saved me for the Chasseur could not reach me across its dying body. I used it to my advantage and I sprang on to the dying beast and leapt in the air. The Brigadier was not expecting the move and, as I descended, I brought my sword down on to his neck. It sliced through his collar and when I saw the spurting blood I knew that it was a mortal wound. Even as his body fell from the horse I grabbed the reins and straddled the saddle.
“Ride, Sharp!”
It was much easier for me to ride with stirrups and it was a fine horse. I glanced down and saw that the dead Brigadier had had two horse pistols. They would be handy if his comrades caught up with me. The wooden bridge was a more than welcome sight. I turned my head and saw that the Chasseurs were less than half a mile away now.
“Sir, I can see the lady. She is on a barge and waving.”
“Sharp, get on that barge and tell them to set sail. If they don’t the Chasseurs will be all over us and we won’t be able to sail. Give me a loaded pistol. Now go!”
“But sir!”
“Sergeant!”
He handed me a pistol, saluted and headed down to the barge some four hundred yards along the river. I rode to the end of the bridge nearest to the town and I turned. The bridge was about eighty yards from bank to bank and just wide enough for a carriage. I drew one of the Chasseur’s pistols and checked that it was loaded. I had two pistols aimed at the far side of the bridge. I resisted the temptation to see if Sharp had reached the water. The whole wooden structure shook as the thirty men thundered across. They saw me and the leading riders drew their pistols to fire. They might as have well have spat at me for all the good that it would do. The balls didn’t even come close enough to buzz!
I levelled both pistols and when they reached the middle I fired. I didn’t wait to see the effect of my shots. I whipped my horse’s head around and dug my heels in. As I galloped along the stone jetty I looked to my right and saw that I had brought down one horse and rider. The rest were trying to get past them. I had bought moments only. I leaned forward and began to speak to the horse in French. I used the same words I had used when I had ridden Killer and they had the same effect. He surged forward.
Sharp had persuaded the bargemen to leave and I saw a visible gap opening between the shore and the barge. It would be close and it would depend upon the ability of my mount but I intended to leap the gap and land on the moving barge. I yelled, as I approached, “Out of the way!” I would have no control over my landing. The gap was twelve or thirteen feet. I lifted the reins as I dug in my heels and the valiant beast soared. I would either clatter across the barge’s wooden deck or I would end up in the Douro. His front hooves struck the deck and he pulled his hind legs to slither and slide along the deck like an ice skater. We clattered into a barrel. I was winded, as was, I suspected, the horse. But we were safe.
The Chasseurs tried to ride along the road firing as us. The current had begun to take us, and the bargemen, who were being urged by Donna Maria d’Alvarez, were poling for their lives. The musket balls hit the wooden hull. Sharp had his pistols out and he fired back at them. After a few more shots the Chasseurs decided that they would not catch us and they waved their fists in frustration. I stroked the wide eyed horse’s mane. “Bon cheval! Bon Cheval!” I reached into my pocket for the apple I was saving for my original horse. I gave it to the beast which munched it happily.
“I’ll put him with the other two, sir.” He began to lead the horse to the bows. “He’s a fine horse sir.”
The Portuguese lady came down the deck and threw her arms around me. “You are not only a soldier, you are a horseman. My husband would have loved to meet you. What courage! What a magnificent leap!”
There was little to say in reply to that and I merely nodded, “You persuaded them then?”
“It did not take much. I told them that the French were coming and would confiscate their wine. They moved happily enough once they knew that.”
I looked back at the sleepy little town. How would Jose, the inn keeper, cope, I wondered? I knew the French. They could be cruel masters. I had seen that in Italy when they had butchered and raped whole villages. They liked to live off the land and this was not a rich country. As we watched the river banks slide back I asked a question which had been on my mind since we had met Donna Maria d’Alvarez. “Your English is perfect, Donna Maria d’Alvarez. Did you study in England?”
“No, I was brought up at the Royal Court in Lisbon. My mother was a lady in waiting for the old Queen. I learned my English from Rodolpho, my husband. His mother was English; the daughter of a wine exporter. She lived with us after Rodolpho’s father died.” She laughed, “She never mastered Portuguese and it was easier to converse in English.” She smiled, “As soon as I heard you shout to Alan I knew that you were English.”
I hesitated before I asked my next question. “You seem to be taking the death of your husband better than I would have thought.”
She nodded and linked me. She led me towards the front of the barge. “My husband was a cavalry officer when I met him. He was very dashing. When he left he became a wine merchant but he always yearned for a life of action. We had no children, God did not bless us that way, but we were happy. When he was killed he was fighting for his country. He died in my arms and he died well. He was happy. I shall miss him but I would not take away his last moments. We had a good life together and I can dedicate the rest of my life to fighting his killers, the French.”
I felt a shiver down my spine. My father had been guillotined but he had died well. I, too, would not take that away from him. I could understand this gracious lady.
The bargemen had a cabin for Donna Maria d’Alvarez. It seems her husband had been a good customer of the men who plied the river. In addition the couple seemed to have been very popular with the people of the Upper Douro. As she went to go to her crude cabin she said, “We should reach Oporto by morning. I pray that there is a ship to take us to Lisbon and that we are in time.”
Sharp and I took it in turns to watch. While he slept I examined the Brigadier’s horse. From my time in the Chasseurs I knew that any orders, maps and important documents were kept in a small pouch just beneath the holsters. In one I found some coins, which I pocketed, and some maps. In the other were requisitions for fodder for the horses. I recognised the name; it was Colonel Guy Laroche and he was the Quartermaster for Marshal Junot. I vaguely remembered him from Italy. This was important intelligence and I slipped the documents into my jacket. I went back on watch. I trusted the bargemen but I trusted us more. We were now in great danger from the French and I did not want to lose this intelligence because we slept. I was grateful when it was time for Sharp to watch.
He woke me before dawn. He handed me a jug of warmed wine. “Here you are sir. Not what we are used to but, when in Rome.”
It was sweet and it was spicy. More importantly it was warming. “How is her ladyship?”
“She is the one who made this sir. She has made breakfast for the crew. She is different to the other ladies we have met on our travels.” He chuckled, “Certainly not like the English ladies I have met.”
“No, she seems like a unique character.” I stared ahead. I was desperate to see the masts of a Royal Navy ship. As dawn broke behind us and the light flooded the river I saw an empty harbour. There were no ships at all.
Donna Maria joined Sharp and me. “God is not smiling on us today eh?”
“No. It does it look that way.”
“I have a villa by the sea. The three of us need a change of clothes and I must speak with the
Prefeito. Perhaps he can send a message by road to Lisbon but it is many miles hence. I fear he would be too late.”
“Are there any troops in Oporto?”
“Not enough to fight French regulars. I am afraid we have been caught unawares. We are more used to border disputes with Spain. We have some of our best troops in Brazil and that is a voyage of some weeks. We are resigned to being invaded by France.” She gripped my arm a little tighter, “But the French have bitten off more than they can chew. We Portuguese will fight; not in ranks of brown or red but with a knife in the night!”
The indomitable lady was quite happy to ride my horse to her home. “I am anxious to change from these clothes; especially if I am to meet the Prefeito.”
It was almost a palace we reached rather than a home. There were large imposing gates and, whilst there were no armed guards the men who were working in the gardens and who opened the doors looked to be more than capable of handling themselves.
She rattled off some Portuguese and then said, “I have asked Antonio to take you to my husband’s wardrobe and give you some of his clothes. I will have these laundered for you”
“Shouldn’t we hurry? The French may be here soon.”
She put her hand on my arm. “There is no ship to carry a message yet and it will take the French a day of hard riding to reach here; even their much vaunted Chasseurs. We have time to bathe, change and eat some decent food and then we shall worry!”
The house was wonderfully cool and still. Antonio, who looked like he had been a soldier too, led us up the stairs to a pair of enormous rooms. One whole wall had mirrored doors and behind it were fine clothes. Antonio gestured to the ward robe. Sharp and I chose the plainest set of clothes we could. We did not want to stand out and I was worried that we might damage some of the beautiful suits. I made sure I transferred the maps and the documents to my new suit. Other servants appeared with buckets of hot water and Antonio opened another door to reveal a bath. Sharp said, “After you sir!”
When we both descended having bathed, shaved and changed I felt like a new man. Donna Maria looked resplendent in black as she greeted us. “I have sent a message to the Prefeito and he will come here so you need not worry about our message getting through.” She had a twinkle in her eye as she said, “You seem to have a great deal of interest in the military matters of our country; for a businessman that is.”
“War makes for bad business; that is all.”
“An assured and practised answer my English friend. Come, I have had food prepared. One cannot think on an empty stomach.”
The Prefeito arrived during the meal but our hostess asked him to wait. When he was admitted she was gracious yet commanding. This was a woman with power. We understood not a word of the Portuguese but the Prefeito kept nodding and he left after twenty minute bowing his way out.
“He will call out the militia but I fear they will do little. Still it may delay the French however briefly. He is also trying to acquire us a ship.”
“Donna Maria, I am a little concerned by this lack of shipping. When we arrived a few days ago the port was heaving with ships.”
She nodded, “Astute, Roberto; I too have noticed the same thing. I wonder if the captains of the ships had wind of this.” She shrugged, “Not that it matters, we can do little about it any way. I have a man watching the entrance to the harbour for any sign of a sail.” She picked up her glass of port. The wines we had supped had been the finest I had ever enjoyed and that included the Alpini wines. “We shall go on the terrace and watch the sea. Perhaps we can conjure one.”
While we enjoyed our wines she told me more about her husband and his wine trade. I had the impression that she had made up for her lack of children by helping her husband with his business. She had also kept up with European politics and knew all about Napoleon Bonaparte. “It is a pity the army has been allowed to degenerate. We could have stopped the French at the passes. Our country is like a fortress but if you do not defend it then any fortress can be breached.”
Just then Antonio burst in and gabbled away in Portuguese. Donna Maria d’Alvarez’s face lit up in a huge smile. “It seems our prayers are answered. A Royal Navy ship has just entered the harbour. I have asked Antonio to prepare my carriage. Shall we go down and see if we can beg a berth?” Once again there was a knowing twinkle in her eye.
The ship had docked when we reached the harbour. I was not surprised to see it was the ‘Black Prince’. Any pretence I might have maintained about being a businessman was ruined by the waves and greetings from the crew. The bosun looked askance at Donna Maria. “She is with me.”
He knuckled his head, “Captain!”
As she went ahead of me up the gangplank she whispered, “I knew you were a soldier and now I know your rank.”
Jonathan looked perplexed when he saw the lady. “Jonathan, we need to go to your cabin. We have the most important of news.”
He waved a hand and I led Donna Maria to his tiny cabin. He had worked for Colonel Selkirk longer than I had and he was not easily surprised. Once inside Donna Maria took the only chair while I explained to Jonathan about the French invasion. He nodded while I spoke and then glanced at Donna Maria. I saw the question on his face.
“Donna Maria d’Alvarez needs to get to Lisbon. The French are also advancing down the Tagus and the Portuguese Royal Family is in danger.”
Jonathan Teer was a quick thinking and decisive captain. He nodded, “I am afraid the accommodation is restricted to this cabin but I shall endeavour to reach Lisbon as quickly as my little ship can manage it.” He gave a small bow, “And now if you will excuse me I shall go and order us to sea. Your carriage?”
“Will already be heading back to my home. If you could ask one of your sailors to collect my bags from the bottom of the gangplank I will be grateful.”
Sharp grinned, “I will get them.”
I nodded, “And I will come with you Captain Teer and find out what prompted this early rescue.”
When we reached the quarterdeck I waited until he had given his orders and Sharp had disappeared below decks with the bags before I spoke.
“Did you suddenly get the second sight?”
He laughed, “No. We were patrolling south west France as the colonel had ordered us when we saw many ships fleeing Portuguese waters. I was suspicious. We caught a Genoese ship which I am certain was smuggling and the captain told me, after a little persuasion, that there would be trouble in Portugal soon and he wanted to be away from such trouble. He seemed to think it would be the French and he wanted to get his cargo back to a market. Captains are like merchants. They know the market. All of them will make more profit. We headed down here as soon as we could.”
“And thank you for that. It was timely.”
He nodded in the direction of his cabin. “She is a force of nature. She looks like my aunt.”
“Well I doubt that your aunt can load and shoot a pistol as well as ride horseback in a dress. She is formidable but she has connections to the Portuguese royal family so I do not doubt that we are obeying Colonel Selkirk’s orders.” He nodded, “Portugal is lost. They have virtually no army and the French have sent good quality troops. They mean business. I think that this means Napoleon can finally have his Continental Blockade of Britain.”
The First Lieutenant saluted, “All ready, sir.”
“Good then cast off and lay a course for Lisbon.”
“Do we avoid the coast sir?”
“No, Mr Bulley, we get there as fast as we can. Tonight we race the French! Let us see if our little ship can do what her namesake did!”
“Aye aye sir.” The fast little sloop was soon under full canvas and hurtling south.
Chapter 4
The ‘Black Prince’ did, indeed, do us proud. She flew to Lisbon and we saw the Portuguese capital just after dawn. It was with some relief that we saw the masts and cross trees of British battleships. The fleet had arrived.
Donna Maria d’Alvarez was especially p
leased. “The royal family is safe! My country has been saved.”
It had been during the voyage south, for neither of us had slept, that she told me more of the royal family. Her friend, Queen Maria had been ill since 1786 when her husband, the king had died. Her son Prince Regent João, who would soon be named King John VI, was Regent and ruled in her name.
Donna Maria had shown great concern for her friend. I know what it is like to lose a husband but I think the Queen had rarely left the palace. It is easy to see plots and danger in such a place. Perhaps I can help her now.”
I had come to see, in the short time that I had known her, that Donna Maria was not only a clever and powerful woman but a kind one. They were a rare combination anywhere.
Donna Maria thanked Jonathan when we tied up. “Thank you for your help, young man. You and Roberto here give me hope that our two countries can fight this greedy Frenchman.” She turned to me. “Roberto, would you and Alan accompany me to the palace at Queluz? It is the last task I ask of you but it may be safer for me if I am escorted. Who knows what spies and assassins are in our streets? And then you can go about your… er business”
“Of course.” I turned to Jonathan. “Will you report to the Admiral?” We had both seen the flag of an Admiral on the ‘Marlborough’.
“Of course but I dare say he will have questions for you.”
“Then I will answer them when I have returned from the palace. Sharp, bring our pistols, we may need them.”
Donna Maria took my arm as we descended the gangplank. Sharp went ahead of us. He had brought a marlin spike from the ship in case anyone needed persuading to move. It was early and the people who were about were those going to work, business or trade. The robbers and cutpurses would be out later.
We made our way to the palace at Queluz. It was a huge pink palace. It looked as though it was an iced cake in a bakery. The sergeant there looked as us suspiciously. Donna Maria’s arrival with just two servants, and neither horse nor carriage, was not usual. I heard a torrent of Portuguese from Donna Maria and the sergeant quailed. The gates were opened and we were allowed in. As we were taken inside she snorted, “Normally sergeants are the backbone of an army but that one is a fool! Did he think we would arrive to murder the Queen dressed like this?”