by Ron Pearse
"I should like to do something for that brother of hers. He hath been mightily ill-used. His grace, the captain-general, has issued advice that no supplies, no men, no horses are to be made available to Brigadier Hill. It is not right."
Harley echoed her words: "Truly, ma'am, his grace doth appear to exceed his authority. Are you not commander-in-chief?"
She eyed him with serious mien, saying with a sigh: "It be really about money, Mr Harley. I have no authority over ye Bank of England, or indeed over ye Treasury. My lord Godolphin hitherto has seen to that." She leaned forward on her day-bed: "Would you believe it! Ye bank refused a loan yesterday against a treasury note for £120,000."
Harley's face lost its smile. He said: "That might weaken ye treasury p-position." Anne sighed: "Would that it were so. Later in the day it approved the loan. What does it mean?"
Harley answered: "The B-bank is showing it has claws." He thought a moment then said: "I'm sure it's a Whig game intended at b-bottom."
Anne said gloomily: "I am putting ye treasury into commission now that ye lord high treasurer has broken his white staff of office."
Harley's face showed incredulity and Anne understood for so many times in the past years Lord Godolphin's resignation had been threatened and the queen had given way, acceded to his suggestion or advice, and, at times, she longed for him to go but he had hung on, as Harley could testify, his 1708 wound still raw. Anne had been serious but her face took on radiance as she said with a laugh:
"How many times has this white stick invaded my dreams. Ye lord Godolphin's eyes became something I feared to face although his manner of late was impossible." She stopped and then added: "Ye solution was so simple but escaped me. It was your cousin who provided me with ye solution when she said to me that white sticks can be bought for a shilling a bundle. Write and tell ye lord Godolphin to break it, and that be what I have done."
She stopped again, looking at Harley in some triumph over the simplicity of the solution and Harley was obliged to smile and did not forbear chuckling which the queen joined until a thought struck her:
"I pray Heaven Mrs Masham be safe delivered. What should I do without her?"
Harley smiled his agreement and retorted: "We should never have cool cordial again, for one thing." His comment provoked them both to renewed laughter. As he relaxed in her company he looked about him his eyes taken by a picture that he had not seen before. The queen followed his gaze and explained:
"It be a picture of Iroquois Indians, who came to visit me from ye New World, Mr Harley. Ye Secretary of State introduced them."
Harley looked again at the picture: "It's those scarlet robes ma'am that intrigue me."
She explained that the Indian chiefs were conducted over the House of Lords and they much admired the ermine robes of members and when the queen was notified she commanded the Duke of Norfolk to have copies made of the ceremonial robes and presented them to the chiefs at a special ceremony. It seems they chose to drape them over their native costume and the artist painted what he saw. The picture hanging from a hook on the wall of the queen's sitting room was a copy of that picture, the original being retained for a special art gallery and museum which was to be established in London.
Harley asked after the purpose of their visit and the queen explained they needed help. He commiserated expressing the opinion that as her majesty was fully occupied in Europe, such needs of the New World had to be held in abeyance though to his surprise the queen remonstrated:
"It will not do, Mr Harley. It will not do. Chief Ho Nee, their spokesman, knelt and made his companions also kneel. He made a low obeisance and through ye translator, I understood that ye Five Nations of which they were representatives, had been placed on a war footing against ye French."
The queen leaned forward and said earnestly:
"They asked me for warships and other transport to take them across the Hudson River for ye purpose of attacking and capturing Quebec. What think you of that, Mr Harley!"
Harley sat straight in his high backed chair and said:
"It would b-be an extra stick with which to b-beat our friend, Louis."
The queen nodded approvingly and leaning forward told him:
"Our English allies in New England have captured Port Royal in Acadia and their success was entirely down to the provision of warships and transports by our Royal Navy."
"Truly, ma,am, I am amazed." What Harley did not say was the thought that the places she had mentioned were scarcely current in his own department. He wondered if his one-time predecessor, Sir Charles Hedges, had had any better knowledge and concluded negative. She seemed uncannily to have read his thoughts for she said:
"Sir Charles knew nothing of this. He had to go. Colonel Nicholson, who led ye Colonists has renamed ye capital, Annapolis Royal. Should it remain English a century from now, I shall be remembered for one place in ye world."
"Very fitting, ma'am. B-but pray your majesty." Harley hesitated and Anne screwed her eyes quizzically saying: "Speak your mind Mr Harley. Something concerns you?"
"You mentioned warships ma'am earlier. Could these not b-be engaged to help out the Indians, under the command of the Navy, of course."
She looked at him without replying, then said: "Ye lord high admiral is George Churchill, younger brother of ye captain-general. I am reluctant to beg for favours from this quarter."
Harley nodded but said nothing and the queen continued: "I have a notion to send Brigadier Hill with a thousand soldiers to join forces with ye New Englanders and our Indian friends, but how to get them there."
Harley's conscience pricked him as his knowledge of the brigadier's military skill was decidedly negative though he said: "Leave it with me, ma'am. I will look into it and see if we can find some ships for this expedition."
The queen visibly brightened at Harley's words and said: "Some good news on that front would cheer Masham enormously, I warrant."
She looked down at her feet and Harley knew from previous conversations with the queen there was something else on her mind. At last she said: "Do you have anything further to report on the peace negotiations, Mr Harley. As ye days pass very little seems to change."
"The negotiations are proceding well your majesty. England will have b-bases in the Mediteranean after the War." He was trying to be sanguine but she blurted out: "That be all very well, Mr Harley but they seem to be at ye expense of my subjects in ye Channel. They are suffering greviously from ye French privateers who operate out of Dunkirk."
"I assure you, ma'am, that is one of the p-provisions which Mr Prior has insisted upon to the French, the dismantling of the fortifications at Dunkirk, though I have to tell you ma'am, that the Dutch are experiencing horrendous losses to their merchant fleet."
Harley was a cynical man and knew that although the queen would not display her feelings, his last remark did not displease her for she blamed the Dutch for their endless procrastinations, and there had been occasions when their hesitation had robbed the allies of a decisive victory. He said one more thing to brighten her day:
"There may well b-be an opportunity for B-brigadier Hill to be given the command to dismantle the fortifications."
But Anne was not as naive as Harley's last remark seemed to indicate. She said bluntly: "I do believe Mr Harley ye are trying to butter my good opinion."
At her candour he smiled and thought it pertinent to raise a sensitive topic as he explained: "The peace negotiations may well founder ma'am unless we can give the French a categorical assurance that 'le Malbrouk', their name for the captain-general, is dismissed. Another campaign they fear will b-bring him to the outskirts of P-paris. I need hardly tell you of the danger that p-presents not only for the French, but also for the succession."
Anne looked horrified as Harley went on: "Many of my colleagues in p-parliament ma'am b-believe he could not resist if he was hailed as King John."
"Is there really such a peril, Mr Harley?"
"I fear so, ma'am. It may not b
-be his choice."
"So what is to be done?"
"The day the p-peace has been signed, your majesty, will be safe to dismiss him."
Anne was pained as despite all the negative rumours about the duke, she remained convinced of his essential integrity and hesitated to take that ultimate step. He had always treated her correctly and moreover they had become friends, aside from her feelings towards the duchess. Over the years when the bitterness against the duchess had brought about the final break and she had dismissed her from all her palace offices, the queen had maintained a close relationship with the duke.
Harley watched his queen in the throes of her struggle with her conscience. He knew she wanted peace desperately; that England, in her trust, also wanted peace. Yet Anne had still a high regard for the man that could possibly thwart her plans for peace. Her breast heaved as she took very deep breaths until she faced him and simply said: "Very well. I shall dismiss him. Let me know when the time is right."
Harley said almost to comfort her: "My colleague, Henry St John is investigating b-business dealings of the captain-general. It is p-possible he can b-be impeached."
He had said the wrong thing for angrily she argued: "Why man, ye duke is a paragon of honesty. Many a captain-general has enriched himself from his office, but not ye duke. You need have no fear to spare my feelings. When ye time comes, I shall do my duty, never fear."
"I fear I have upset your majesty." said Harley humbly but the queen flashed him a smile and he returned one nervously. She struck her forehead saying: "But, Mr Harley, I nearly forgot. Your new appointment! Will you accept ye post of ye Chancellor of the Exchequer."
"I am deeply honoured ma'am."
"Now you can visit me using ye front entrance instead of ye back stairs."
He laughed and the queen joined in. The servants heard it and would recite the news of the laughter to the duke of Somerset and enjoy watching his reaction and then have a good laugh themselves at his expense.
Chapter 20
"Is this the first time you have been to the House of Commons, Mr Hill?"
The speaker was Henry St. John who had invited Jack Hill, Abigail Masham's brother, on account of a request made to him by Robert Harley. Both men stood just outside the main building whither they had walked after meeting Hill off the ferry atop the Parliament Stairs which was the official alighting pier for members of both houses of parliament using the Thames as a thoroughfare.
The usually garrulous Hill sulked unnoticed by St John who pointed out notable buildings and sights on their walk to the House and who now halted prior to leaving the open air. St John was anxious to move indoors as there was a fresh breeze blowing across the water picking up moisture on the way as nothing offered an impediment to it blowing straight into their faces, and feeling that the breeze may have carried away his words, St. John repeated the question.
The sulking Hill looked pained as he reminded St John of his new military rank and St John stared somewhat taken off-balance for the briefest moment before saying: "I might appreciate your concern Mr Hill had you paid for your new title as every other brigadier has done to date, or, had you earned it on the field of battle. Let me hear no more of your complaint."
Hill in turn spoke sharply and might have indeed showed his rough edge had not people passed in front and behind them, among them some very attractive women as Whitehall was not far away and so Hill tempered anger with discretion as he retorted:
"It looks as though I shall not see your House after all, Mister. I shall have my army rank which is my right." He moved as if to leave yet hesitated keen to hear St John's response. It came accompanied by a large black-haired hand placed on his shoulder by St John who spun him round, but not roughly, but as if he was dealing with a recalcitrant child. He said:
"Mr Hill, I have been asked by my friend and colleague, as a personal favour, to inquire into the feasibility of your proposed expedition to Quebec." This was not quite true but he reasoned Hill would not know that and went on to say: "Should you leave me now I can assure you your project is doomed. Still, you are entitled to know the reason. I ask you to wait around to hear it."
It was Hill's turn to be taken aback yet St John's tone was conciliatory although he had not been spoken in that tone since Sarah Churchill had told him off about his drinking habits. He eyed the speaker coolly and said in a resigned tone: "Well, out with it. What is the reason?"
St John looked intently at the younger man, at his deeply tanned complexion indicating a love for the open air and replied: "Come inside, out of this breeze awhile. Follow me!" And turning around made for the door looking back to say: "They serve an excellent draught here." He waved at the doorman as he entered and introduced his guest:
"Smithers, this is Mr Hill." Whereupon the doorman offered a book for St John to sign. He turned to Hill: "You can write I take it."
Hill smiled sardonically and wondered where St John had learned about him though complied as asked following him as invited into a large room where there were a great number of people sitting in armchairs or at table in high backed chairs. There was a hum of serious talk and occasional bouts of laughter as St John threaded his way through to find what he was looking for, a quiet corner. He asked him to take a seat and a pipe if he was that way inclined.
He sat down himself, selected a pipe and drew out a pouch offering it to Hill: "I hope you like Barnacle Rub which is my latest favourite."
For a while nobody spoke as each man busied himself with the pipe, St John being ready first but politely waiting for Hill to be satisfied before offering him a candle and as both men puffed away, St John leaned forward saying: "It is like this Mr Hill. The captain-general has issued advice, and you will know the C-G's advice is tantamount to an order, that no supplies of any kind are to be provided or soldiers to be commanded without his, or the Lord Godolphin's, express permission. That means written permission."
St John puffed away in silence as Hill stared back at him saying nothing and St John wondered whether the news was a surprise or if he had some earlier inkling of the situation, so lacking a response, he carried on:
"So you see Mr Hill the War Office and the Admiralty is closed to you."
Hill now did speak: "I have been given to understand that provided the expedition reaches Nova Scotia by a date in August, there will be a thousand militiamen available, from New England, I believe. I also understand that money will not be a problem so I should be able to get shipping for the job."
St John nodded impressed: "That sounds a reasonable proposition although you will agree the whole expedition hinges upon the soundness of the ships to transport your soldiers across the Atlantic Ocean, which" St John stopped and pointedly examined the long stem of his pipe before thrusting it back between his lips and adding:
"The best ships have already been commandeered by the Admiralty under George Churchill who is no friend to the Hill family."
Hill's face did take on an expression now of disappointment. It was news that he had half expected though put bluntly as St John had done, it threw his hopes into disarray. St John looked with sympathy upon the disconsolate man who took his pipe from his mouth and placed it on the receptacle as though he had no further interest in tobacco. St John made a gesture across the room, leaned across the table and asked Hill as an usher appeared:
"What would you like to drown your sorrows? It is on the house."
Immediately Hill had perked up and looked at St John appreciatively as he gave his order to the usher who promised to be back with their drinks in a jiffy. Hill sank back in his chair and glancing to his companion, commented:
"Not much bloody use being a brigadier," eyeing the epaulettes askance, "not much bloody good at all." He looked across to St John with a final reproach: "No wonder it was so bloody easy to get." Then he blushed as the usher arrived with their drinks, but once alone again, he added the chaser to his tankard calling to St John:
"Down to the French!" And he took a long draught of t
he foam covered ale before wiping his mouth and looking at St John. His mouth had a slight smile and he said cryptically: "But you did not ask me here to confirm what I already suspected." St John also drank the toast and sipped the chaser peering over the rim at Hill.
"We have a mutual acquaintance, I believe."
Hill stared at St John wondering. His eyes narrowed. At first he thought St John was talking of his sister and then rejected that notion. There was a conspiratorial look about the man opposite that made him think that perhaps St John was a man like himself. He said:
"Man or woman, or, perhaps you have a boy in mind?" Hill's comment was aimed to wound though St John brushed it away with a wave of his hand saying: "If you believe Belle is a boy then I've no quarrel with you."
Hill was not a natural at verbal sparring and said: "It would seem we do, though mind you," he stopped and examined his fingernails, which St John suspected, though could not see because of the gloom, were black but was jarred by Hill's next words, "She will do as long as I am visiting the palace."
St John puffed at his pipe reflectively watching Hill and wondering whether the lackadaisical attitude was feigned or real. Hill picked up the pipe once more as St John tried to make up his mind watching Hill place the stem once more between his lips and try to puff and as he succeeded, St John said: "I might have a proposition for you."
Hill looked up in earnest at the big man noticing for the first time his enormous periwig which suited his expansive features and said warily:
"What sort of proposition? What devious project is hatching in the mind of the Secretary of State for War. That is your official title, I take it?"