-1. “Reuben. You sent no word about this. We only found out when Lady Grant sent up a newssheet. Why didn’t you tell us?”
-1. “Navy business, Emily. Navy business, nothing to concern you overly. You’ve had enough worries, I didn’t want to add any more.”
-1. She pulled at his lapel.
-1. “Nothing to concern us! A Court Martial! Of you!”
-1. Argent held up his hand.
-1. “Be at peace. This will all work out. Now, where are you both staying, or do you intend to go back to Falmouth?”
-1. The question of practicalities seemed to calm her, and confuse her not a little. Enid stood by, listening.
-1. “We thought it would all be done in one day. We don’t know.”
-1. She chewed her lower lip and looked anxiously at her sister, but Argent placed a hand on the shoulder of each and tried to look re-assuring.
-1. “Lady Grant has a property here. I’m sure, if we took you there, they would give you both a bed for the night. If not, we’re staying at an Inn. If they have no room, you can have mine and I’ll bunk with Fentiman.”
-1. At the sound of his name, Fentiman came forward. Argent made the introductions.
-1. “Henry Fentiman, may I present my sisters, Enid Trethewey and Emily Argent?”
-1. Fentiman came to the attention, smiled and bowed, whilst Enid and Emily curtsied. “A great pleasure, Mrs. Trethewey, Miss Argent. I trust I find you both well?”
-1. It was Enid who answered.
-1. “Quite well, Lieutenant Fentiman. I thank you.”
-1. Argent intervened, but he noted that Emily, who had said nothing, was staring intently at Fentiman. However, he needed to hurry on and spoke to his First Lieutenant.
-1. “We must find a place for Enid and Emily, or, more accurately, I must. For us four, I anticipated this and I have booked rooms at The Benbow, for us all. At my expense. Please take Reece and McArdle there and await my return. I hope not to be long.”
-1. Reece and McArdle, both stood at a respectful distance, came to the attention and saluted as Argent passed, then both removed their hats at the passing of their Captain’s sisters. Outside, Captain Baker was overseeing all, including the slow dispersal of the “Anti Slavers”. He quickly signaled up a small carriage and Argent, Enid and Emily set off along The Hoe. It was still light outside, but raining, the heavy early winter droplets drumming on the roof. Enid’s mood matched the weather.
-1. “What will happen if they find you guilty?”
-1. He looked at her in the half-light.
-1. “You are not to worry. The worse that can happen is that I’ll be reduced in rank. Not considered fit for command; something like that.”
-1. He tried to sound cheerful and speak with humour.
-1. “I’ll not be shot, nor anything like. It’s a technical point that may go against me. I’ll be alright, I promise.”
-1. She gave a half smile and took his hand. She looked at him for some seconds.
-1. “We’re all very proud of you!”
-1. Emily joined in.
-1. “Yes!”
-1. He chuckled softly.
-1. “Well, if it helps, I’m quite content with myself.”
-1. Enid squeezed his hand and they sat in silence until they reached the modest, but somehow imposing frontage of the Willoughby town house in Plymouth. The rain beat upon them as they alighted the carriage and Argent sheltered his sisters as best he could under his boatcloak as they hurried to the front door. Argent immediately applied the doorknocker to its stud and the door opened almost as quickly. Just behind the servant was Grant himself and it was he that spoke before the servant could.
-1. “In! Come in. Out of the rain!”
-1. The door closed behind them and both stood in the hallway, wider than expected and all within it and around very elegantly furnished, nothing lavish nor ostentatious, but all in the best of taste. Argent began immediately
-1. “Sir, I don’t know if you’ve met my sisters Enid and Emily, but ……”
-1. Grant interrupted.
-1. “I have and it is a great pleasure to meet you again, Mrs. Trethewey, I hope that you and your family are quite well, especially that bonny son of yours.”
-1. He took her hand and bowed over it, as Enid curtsied and made her reply. Grant then turned to Emily.
-1. “Miss Argent, my same to you.”
-1. Emily replied, then Argent continued.
-1. “Sir. I was hoping to impose upon you to gain a room for my sisters this night. They came for the Court Martial, but were under the impression that it would be over in one day. If that is not possible, then I’m sure that ……”
-1. Grant held up his hand.
-1. “No more, Argent. No more! Enid and Emily are most thoroughly welcome under my roof and it is our honour to be of their service.”
-1. He turned to the Housekeeper, hovering in the background.
-1. “Mrs. Ringwood. Please conduct Captain Argent’s sisters to the sitting room. Tell cook to prepare extra and Johnson to set two extra places. Then prepare rooms.”
-1. As Mrs. Ringwood hurried off, Grant motioned for Enid and Emily to follow her. Argent bade his farewells.
-1. “I’ll see you both tomorrow, when it’s all over.”
-1. Enid smiled and Emily gave a little wave, then both were gone, into the glom of the passage. Argent turned to Grant.
-1. “Sir, I cannot thank you enough for this service. I, we, my family will be eternally grateful.”
-1. Grant laughed and threw back his head.
-1. “Eternity’s a long time, Captain, but dismiss the thought. Lady Grant would have keelhauled me had I done anything different.”
-1. Now it was Argent’s turn to laugh, then silence fell between them. Grant broke it.
-1. “You know I cannot discuss the case with you.”
-1. “I know, Sir.”
-1. “I cannot even wish you luck.”
-1. “No, but I can.”
-1. The unmistakable voice of Charlotte came down the hallway and she quickly followed it.
-1. “I wish him every good fortune.”
-1. Even fresh from a day in a Courtroom holding a placard, then a wet journey home, Charlotte Willoughby looked absolutely radiant as she smiled up at him. Argent could only bow and mumble his thanks.
-1. “My thanks, but I’m afraid I must quickly take my leave of you. I left my men back at The Benbow and I think it right that I re-join them soonest. So…..”
-1. He replaced his hat and adjusted his boatcloak.
-1. “….. I must bid you good night and thank you once more for your kind hospitality to my family.”
-1. Whilst Charlotte stood smiling, it was Grant who opened and held the door.
-1. “It’s nothing. Let’s hear no more. I’ll see you out.”
-1. Argent was surprised that Grant followed him out, holding the door slightly ajar, but remaining within the cover of the overhanging ornate porch roof. Argent turned and waited.
-1. “Argent. Now we’re out of the hearing of the servants. Broke, Cheveley, and Cinch are planning something. I don’t know what, but in the morning of today’s session I saw the three gathered in cabal, and, when they saw me, they shut up and moved off. Be on your guard, something’s coming and it could be a sinker. Double your lookouts, even after what’s been a good day for your side.”
-1. Argent thanked him, they shook hands, then the door closed heavily behind him and Argent ran to the coach. The driver soon turned the coach and the horse needed no urging to return to their stable. Argent was dropped off at the Inn and he soon found his room and those of the others. For their evening meal, he insisted that Reece and McArdle join himself and Fentiman, but he did not consult his First Lieutenant over the niceties of such as Reece joining themselves, them being Officers, at table. Argent was too tired and could not bring himself to banish McArdle and Reece to their own table, as they also had distinct
distances of both society and rank between them. He motioned all to a table of four and sat himself the last. The atmosphere between them was cool and awkward, but all took a drink, even McArdle, of good ale and, as the plain but wholesome food was consumed, the bond of shipmates asserted itself. Soon, through the conversation, the sea going lives of both Reece and McArdle began to come out and the evening was spent with both regaling the fascinated Argent and Fentiman of voyages and sea fights, storms and shipwreck. The four broke up in an easier atmosphere than when they had first sat and together they left the bar to disperse to their rooms.
-1. Argent gratefully took off his heavy dress coat and sat on the bed, chin in his hand, thinking. The day had gone well. Sampson was certainly worth his fee and the memory of his rough handling of Cheveley brought a open smile to his face, which did not disappear as he thought of how Reece and McArdle had both conducted themselves, but soon he came to dwell on Grant’s warning. “Planning something!” Tomorrow the Court would hear his decision not to sail on past the slaver. That was his Achilles Heel, but what more could be made of that? The prosecution could not go beyond the journey being merely delayed, and then decry the fact of rescuing Christian women and children. That was the salient fact! He sat pondering further, but then he heard voices in the corridor outside and, as they passed his door, he heard distinctly “He’s a fool if he doesn’t.” The voice was definitely Broke’s. He opened his door and looked down the corridor to the end that led downstairs. Just reaching the end were the unmistakable figures of Broke, Cinch and Cheveley. When they disappeared he stepped out of his own door and thought, the only room beyond his to the opposite end was Fentiman’s, they must have been calling on him! He went to Fentiman’s door and knocked. No answer. He tried the door. It was locked.
-1.
-1. oOo
The Court was filling up with but minutes to go until the due time of 10.00am. The “Anti-Slavers” were in their place and there were additional placards this time, these carried by a not insignificant delegation from Ruanporth, mostly crude and simple, mostly saying that Argent was innocent, he had done his duty, and such. Sampson was at his desk, looking as though he were about to have a highly enjoyable morning; Reece and McArdle were there, but there was an empty place where Fentiman had sat the previous day. He had not appeared at breakfast, either. Sat in his place, Argent faced the front, hands folded before his mouth, elbows on the table, thinking and analysing. What was the significance of Fentiman’s absence? He would almost certainly be called today; Argent was surprised that he had not been called yesterday. Was Fentiman involved with Broke et al in some way? A deal? Or a threat? Was waiting to call him today part of their scheme? Fentiman scheming against him! He found it almost impossible to hold the thought in his head. He looked around and this time saw Fentiman taking his seat, so he turned fully and caught his attention.
“Henry. Are you alright? We missed you at breakfast.”
Fentiman looked thoroughly ill at ease, but he did answer.
“No, Sir. I went for a walk, early.”
Argent’s reply was killed in his throat.
“All rise.”
Makeworthy had appeared before the bench table and the Court was now filing in. Argent saw that his sword had appeared on the table that had been bare before, presumably brought in by Makeworthy. The six were in the same order as the previous day and, as they reached their table, Argent couldn’t fail to notice that Cinch’s uniform had a bright new button, but others, both above and below, were under mortal strain. Stood in their places, both Manners-Sutton and Holdsworth looked stonily at the assembly before them, then they sat, but the gravelike silence remained. Manners-Sutton looked at Holdsworth, nodded, and the latter began.
“This session is to examine Captain Argent’s decision to abandon his mission to deliver the official despatch with all possible haste. Namely, to instead, stop and engage the pirate slaver.”
Holdsworth, looked directly at Argent.
“Captain, would you care to make a beginning for us by giving us your statement? Please remember that you are still on oath.”
The word “abandon” had hit Argent like a hammerblow. The Court, it seemed, was trying him on what was tantamount to rank disobedience of orders and nothing could be much more serious. If it were in the face of the enemy he would be shot! His pulse rate increased as he stood, but he cleared his throat and began, his voice not as steady as he would have wished.
“On the 14th October the wind backed to South East and so I lay a course for Finisterre. The following day we sighted the slaver and I decided to engage him. However, I broke off the attack when they threw a child overboard.”
Argent had to pause as the gasps came from the assembly behind.
“It was clear, that if we pressed home our attack, they would kill all the prisoners. So, we tracked her through that night, got over the horizon before dawn, darkened the ship next day, and attacked her the following night, surprising her. We took her and freed all the prisoners, unharmed.”
Cheering broke out from the Ruanporths and the anti-Salveries. Argent lowered his head to hide his smile, but Manners-Sutton was on his feet.
“Silence! Silence there. Any repeat of this outrage and I will clear the Court.”
He retained his feet as silence did, quickly fall. Whilst lowering himself onto his seat, Sutton-Manners looked at Holdsworth, who then looked at Sampson.
“Mr. Sampson.”
He had realised that Argent’s statement had been cut off by the cheering and he spoke to Argent.
“Have you anything further to add, Captain?”
“Yes. We reached Figuiera da Foz on 18th October and that evening I placed the letter into the hands of General Hill, Lord Wellington’s Second in Command and he gave me a receipt. We had been ten days out.”
“Ten days! That’s a good passage as I understand it.”
“That’s my understanding also.”
Sampson returned to his table.
“I have here a letter from General Hill, and, may it please the Court, I would wish this to be added to the evidence. May I please read certain extracts?”
Holdsworth nodded and Sampson cleared his throat.
“This is from General Hill, and he says, “I wish to make it perfectly clear that the delay in Ariadne’s passage to capture the slave galley and release the prisoners made not the smallest difference to the plans of His Majesty’s Forces in Portugal. In fact there were no plans in any stage of either development nor implementation.”
Sampson paused and turned the page of the letter.
“Further General Hill gives his own opinion of Captain Argent’s actions. I quote, “Had Captain Argent taken the decision to not engage the slave galley and leave the captives to their most abhorrent fate, it is my opinion that such a failure would have been a dereliction of duty far greater than the slight deviation from his course which delayed the delivery of the despatch in his charge, albeit contrary to his strict orders.”
Sampson laid the paper on the desk before Holdsworth, who immediately slid it over to Blackwood on his left. Sampson moved to stand close to Argent, but to one side.
“Now, Captain. We reach the question. Exactly why did you halt the passage of your ship to instead engage the slave galley?”
Argent decided that this momentous question was best answered standing. He rose, leant on the table and then stood at his full height.
“Slavery is against the law in this country. If you count yourself as English or even merely stood on English soil, whatever your nationality, you are free! Under my lee I had a galley filled, for all I knew, with English women and children being taken into slavery. I have never had any cause to doubt that the overarching role of the Royal Navy is the protection of His Majesty’s subjects from harm or capture by foreign powers, small or large. I was the Captain on the spot, the decision rested with myself. I elected to uphold the law of our country and act for the protection of her citizens. In that way I just
ified to myself the deviation from my orders.”
A cheer began from the Anti-Slavery Society, but it died in their throats at the sudden raising of Manners-Sutton’s head and then the viciously fierce look directed to the back of the hall. Sampson continued.
“So, if we may make this clear. You looked upon yourself as the Officer at the scene and, unable to communicate with superiors, you therefore took it upon yourself and, even though aware of the risk to your own career…..”
He allowed the words to hang.
“……. you decided it right to rescue the innocent and helpless women and children that had been taken from these shores and others. And you justified this to yourself as being within the prime function of the Royal Navy in which you serve?”
“Yes. It seemed wholly wrong to me that a fighting ship such as mine should pass by and do nothing.”
“And there were French women and children also held within the galley.”
Sampson had returned to his desk.
“May it please the Court, but this morning I received a letter, believe it or not, from France, more precisely, from the Prefecteur of Brittany. This was the part of France that suffered all raids from the slaver and this Official has somehow heard of this Court Martial and taken the trouble to write, to us here, sitting in judgement on Captain Argent’s actions. I would like to make a full translation, but I can only make out the gist of the sentiment, for my French is not fully up to the task, but …….”
A female voice came from the back.
“Mine is!”
Manners-Sutton glowered anew at the source, but was mollified on realising that no further disturbance was immediately forthcoming.
“Who spoke?”
“Me. I did. I’ll translate it.”
It was Charlotte, standing with her hand half held up, smiling incandescently towards the front of the Court. The Adjutant General’s expression changed immediately at the sight of Charlotte and, on top, came the realisation that someone of her evident quality presented no threat to the dignity of the Court. He conversed quickly with Holdsworth and the short conversation ended with the latter giving a curt nod.
A Question of Duty Page 66