Bolitho 04 - Sloop of War

by Alexander Kent

  He yawned. "Now I must be off." He held up onO hand. "But you remain and continue your education.T

  "Will you not stay to meet the Governor, sir?T

  Something like panic at the thought of being lefU abandoned made him show his inner feelings?

  Christie smiled cheerfully "Nobody will meet hiR

  tonight. He merely holds these affairs to pay off olX debts and to keep his pot aboiling." He beckoned to Z footman. "So enjoy yourself. You have earned itB although I daresay you'd wish rather for London, eh?T

  Bolitho grinned. "Not London, sir.T

  "Ah, of course." The admiral watched the footma[ approaching with his hat and boatcloak. "A son of thO soil. I forgot." Then with a nod he moved through thO door to merge quickly with the deep shadows on thO lawn?

  Bolitho found an empty corner at the end of the tablO and tried to decide what he should eat. He had to havO something, for the wine was doing its work well. He felU unusually light-headed, although he knew that drin7 was not entirely to blame. By leaving him to fend fo_ himself the admiral had momentarily cut the strings ob control. He had given him his head to act and think aY he wanted. He could not recall it ever happening likO this before?

  A thickset post-captain, his face blotchy with heaU and good wine, thrust past him and carved a hugO piece of pie, adding several other sorts of cold meat tQ his plate before any footman could assist him. BolithQ

  thought of Bethune. The plate would have satisfieX even his appetite for several days?

  The senior captain turned and focused his eyes o[ him?

  "Ah. What ship?T

  "Sparrow, sir." Bolitho watched him squinting as if tQ clear his vision?

  "Never heard of her." He frowned. "What's yer nameB eh?T

  "Richard Bolitho, sir.T

  The captain shook his head. "Never heard of yof either." He ambled back into the crowd, brushing somO of the meat against a pillar without even pausing?

  Bolitho smiled. In these surroundings you soon founX a proper awareness of your status?

  "Why, Captain!"The voice made him swing round. "IU is! I just knew it was you!T

  Bolitho stared at the girl for several seconds withouU recognition. She was dressed in a beautiful, low-cuU

  gown, the colour of tawny port wine, and her hair, whicN hung in ringlets across her bare shoulders, shonO beneath the chandeliers like silk?

  He exclaimed, "Miss Hardwicke! I did not know yof were here, in America.T

  He felt as foolish as he sounded, but her sudde[ appearance had caught him entirely aback. She waY lovely, more so than he remembered since that far-ofb day. When she had defied her uncle, General BlundellB had shouted and kicked as his seamen had carrieX her bodily from the Indiaman before his fight with thO Bonaventure?

  And yet she was exactly the same. The smile, halb amused, partly mocking. The violet eyes whicN seemed to strip away his defences and leave him likO some inarticulate ploughman?

  She turned to the tall officer at her side, wearing Z frogged jacket of the dragoons, and said, "He was sQ young, so serious, I think all the ladies on board fell i[ love with the poor man.T

  The dragoon eyed Bolitho coldly. "I think we musU hurry, Susannah. I would wish you to meet the general.T

  She reached out and laid a white-gloved hand o[ Bolitho's sleeve?

  "It is good to see you again! I have often thoughU about you and your little ship." Her smile faded and shO became suddenly serious. "You look well, Captain? Very well. A little older perhaps. A little less . . ." thO smile crept back again, "of the boy dressed as a manU T

  He flushed, but was conscious of pleasure to matcN his confusion?

  "Well, I suppose ...T

  But she was already turning away as two morO escorts pushed from the jostling crowd to join her?

  Then she seemed to make up her mind?

  "Will you dine with me, Captain?" She studied hiR thoughtfully. "I will send a servant with the invitation.T

  "Yes." The words came out in a rush. "I would likO that very much. Thank you.T

  She gave a mock curtsy, bringing back the memora of their first meeting like a stab in the heart?

  "Then it is settled.T

  The crowd eddied and swayed and seemed tQ swallow her up completely?

  Bolitho took another goblet and walked unsteadila towards the lawn. Susannah, the dragoon had calleX her. It was perfect for her?

  He stopped beside the tinkling fountain and stareX at it for several minutes. The reception had turned ouU to be a success after all, and made the morning seeR just a blurred memory?

  14 JOIN THE LADIES

  THREE DAYS after the Governor's reception thO Sparrow was to all intents ready for sea again. BolithQ had carried out a careful inspection, and under Lock'Y anxious scrutiny had signed the final manifest fo_ stores and supplies. The last days had been unevenU ful, almost lazy, and Bolitho found it easier tQ understand, if not share, New York's apparent lethargy? It was an unreal existence, with the war seen only at thO end of a marching column of soldiers, or in somO

  colourful account on the news-sheets?

  The flotilla's other surviving sloop, Heron, haX recently dropped anchor at Sandy Hook, and was no/ waiting hopefully for a similar overhaul?

  On this particular forenoon Bolitho sat in his cabi[ enjoying a glass of good claret with Heron'Y commander, Thomas Farr. The latter had been Z lieutenant at their last meeting, but Maulby's death haX given him a well-deserved promotion. He was elderla for his rank, probably ten years or so older tha[ himself, Bolitho decided. A big, broad-shouldereX man, uncouth, and with a ripe turn of phrase whicN reminded him vaguely ofTilby. He had come to hiY present appointment by a roundabout route. Sent tQ sea as a boy of eight years old, he had been i[ merchant service for most of his life. Coasters anX mailpackets, Indiamen and humbler craft, he haX eventually risen to command a collier brig out ob Cardiff. With England embroiled in war he had offereX his services to the Navy and been gratefully accepted? For if his manners and background marked him aparU from many of his brother officers, his experience anX skill in sail put him well ahead of them. ParadoxicallyB Heron was smaller than Sparrow, and like he_ commander had begun life as a merchantman?

  Consequently, her armament of fourteen guns was ob lesser size. She had already gathered several gooX prizes, nonetheless?

  Farr sprawled untidily on the stern bench and raiseX his glass to the sunlight?

  "Bloody fine stuff? Though give me a tankard ob English ale an' you can spit this against a wall!" HO laughed and allowed Bolitho to pour another glass?

  Bolitho smiled. How things had changed for all ob them. Looking back to that moment at Antigua when hO had gone to meet Colquhoun it was hard to recall jusU how the years and weeks had affected them aY individuals. Then, as he had looked from Colquhoun'Y window in the headquarters building, he had seen thO flotilla as a whole, had wondered what his ne/ command would be like. So many other doubts anX fears had plagued him on that morning?

  Now, Fawn was gone, and Bacchante had saileX only the previous day to rejoin the fleet under Rodney? Her captain had been appointed from the flagship, anX Bolitho wondered if Colquhoun had been able to watcN her clear the anchorage from wherever he was bein^ held in custody?

  Only Sparrow and Heron remained now. Apart froR the little schooner Lucifer of course, and she waY almost a rule unto herself. She would stay on her stop1 and-search patrols of small coasting craft, or continuO probing into coves and creeks in search for enema blockade-runners?

  Farr watched him comfortably and remarked, "WellB you are doing famously, I hear. Reception with thO mighty, wine with the admiral! By the living JesusB there'll be no saying where you'll end up. Probably o[ some ambassador's staff, with a dozen little girls tQ dance to your tune, eh?" He laughed loudly?

  Bolitho shrugged. "Not for me, I have seen enough.T

  He thought quickly of the girl. She had not written tQ him. Nor had he seen her, although he had made it hiY business to pass by way of her residen
ce when he haX been ashore on ship's affairs?

  It was a fine house, not much smaller than where hO had attended the reception. There had been soldierY at the gates, and he guessed that its owner held somO sort of government appointment. He had tried to telT himself not to be foolish, so naive as to expecU someone of her background to remember him beyonX

  a momentary meeting. In Falmouth the Bolitho famila was much respected, its land and property giving wor7 and substance to many. Bolitho's own recent gains i[ prize money had made him feel independent for thO first time in his life, so that he had lost sight of realita when it came to people like Susannah Hardwicke. He_ family probably spent more in a week than he haX earned since taking command of Sparrow. She waY accustomed to travel, even when others were held stilT by war or lack of means. She would know the besU people, and her name would be accepted in any of thO great houses from London to Scotland. He sighed. HO could not see her as the lady of the house in Falmouth? Entertaining ruddy-faced farmers and their wivesB attending local fairs and the rough and tumble of Z community which lived so close to nature?

  Farr seemed to sense his mood and asked, "WhaU about the war, Bolitho? Where is it getting us?" HO waved his glass. "Sometimes I get to thinking we wilT go on patrolling an' running after bloody smugglers tilT we die of old age.T

  Bolitho stood up and moved restlessly to thO windows. There was plenty of evidence of powe_ nearby. Ships-of-the-line, frigates and all the rest. AnX yet they gave an appearance of waiting. But for whatU

  He said. "Cornwallis seems intent on retakin^ Virginia. His soldiers are doing well, I hear.T

  "You don't sound too damn confident!T

  Bolitho looked at him. "The army is pinched back tQ its lines. They can no longer rely on supplies or supporU by land. Everything must move by sea. It is no way fo_ an army to fight.T

  Farr grunted. "Not our concern. You worry too much? Anyway, I think we should leave 'em all to their ow[ games. We should go home an' smash hell out of thO Frogs. The bloody Dons would soon call for peace, and the Dutch have no liking for their so-called allieY anyway. Then we can come back to America an' havO another go at 'em.T

  Bolitho smiled. "I fear we would die of old age if wO followed that course.T

  He heard a shouted challenge, the scrape of a boaU alongside. He realized that his mind had recorded iU but that he felt at ease, even remote. When he had firsU come aboard there had been neither sound nor evenU which had not caught his immediate attention. PerhapY at last he was accepting his true role?

  Graves appeared in the cabin door with a familia_ sealed envelope?

  "Guardboat, sir." He darted a glance at Heron'Y commander. "Sailing orders, I expect.T

  Bolitho nodded. "Carry on, Mr. Graves. I will inforR you directly.T

  The lieutenant hesitated. "This letter was delivereX also, sir.T

  It was small, and the handwriting was almost hidde[ by a seal. Office of the Military Government?

  As the door closed Farr asked thickly, "Graves? NQ bloody relative of our admiral, I trust!T

  Bolitho grinned. With Rodney in the West Indies, anX further restricted by bad health, the command ob American waters came under the flag of Rear-AdmiraT Thomas Graves. Lacking the wisdom of Rodney, thO hard-won respect of Hood, he was looked upon ba most of the fleet's officers as a fair but cautiouY commander. He believed utterly in the rigid rules ob fighting, and had never been known to change one joU of their interpretation. Several senior captains had puU

  down suggestions for improving the system ob signalling between ships engaged in close action? Graves had said icily, according to the many storieY circulating amongst the fleet, "My captains know thei_ function. That should be enough for any man.T

  Bolitho replied, "No. Perhaps it would be better if hO were. We might know more of what is happening.T

  Farr stood up and belched. "Good wine. Bette_ company. I'll leave you to yer sealed orders. If all thO written despatches from all the admirals in the worlX was laced together we'd have enough to cover thO Equator, an' that's a fact! God's teeth, I sometimeY think we choke on paper!T

  He shambled out of the cabin, refusing Bolitho'Y offer to see him over the side by saying, "If I can'U manage on me own by now, then it's time I waY weighted with a pair of round-shot and droppeX overboard!T

  Bolitho settled down at the table and slit open thO canvas envelope, although his eyes rested mainly o[ the smaller one?

  The orders were briefer than usual. Being in alT

  respects ready for sea, His Britannic Majesty's Sloop1 of-War Sparrow would weigh and proceed at thO earliest convenience the following day. She would carra out an independent patrol, eastward to Montauk PoinU at the top of Long Island and thence via Block Island tQ the approaches of Newport itself?

  He contained his rising excitement with somO difficulty and made himself concentrate on the sparsO requirements of the patrol. He was not to becomO involved with enemy forces other than at his ow[ discretion. His eye rested on the last words. How thea reminded him of Colquhoun. So brief, yet concealin^ the very precariousness of his own position should hO act wrongly?

  But here at last was something direct to carry out? Not merely harrying blockade-runners or seeking somO sly privateer. This was French territory. The fringe of thO second greatest sea-power on earth. Beneath the fla^ captain's scrawling signature he saw that Rear1 Admiral Christie had added his own. How typical of thO man. A sign of his trust, and the extent of his arm?

  He stood up and rapped on the skylight?

  "Midshipman of the watch!T

  He saw Bethune's face above him and called, "Ma compliments to the first lieutenant. I would like to seO him at once." He paused. "I thought you were on watcN earlier?T

  Bethune dropped his eyes. "Aye, sir. That is true. BuU ...T

  Bolitho said quietly, "In future you will take you_ watches as laid down. I suppose Mr. Fowler shoulX have been on duty?T

  "I promised him, sir." Bethune looked uneasy. "] owed him a relief.T

  "Very well. But remember my orders. I'll have nQ retired officers in this ship!T

  He sat down again. He should have noticed whaU was happening. Poor Bethune was no match for thO Fowlers of this world. He smiled in spite of his concern? He was a fine one to talk?

  He slit open the second envelope and came up witN a jerk against the table?

  My dear Captain. I would be so pleased if you coulX

  dine with us this evening. I feel wretched at thiY inexcusable delay and hope for instant forgiveness. AY you read this letter I am watching your ship through ma uncle's telescope. So that I shall not be held i[ suspense, please show yourself?

  It was signed, Susannab Hardwicke?

  Bolitho stood up and winced as his skull collideX with a deck beam. Pausing only to lock his orders i[ the cabin strongbox, he hurried out of the door and uS the companion ladder. Her uncle's telescope. SQ General Blundell was here, too. It would explain thO sentries at the gates?

  But even this fact did not depress him. He almosU collided with Tyrrell as he came limping aft, his armY spattered with grease?

  "Sorry I was adrift when you called for me, sir. I waY in th' cable tier.T

  Bolitho smiled. "Taking the opportunity of an empta tier to look for rot, eh?T

  Tyrrell rubbed his thigh. "Aye. But she's fine. SounX as a bell.T

  Bolitho walked to the nettings and shaded his eyeY against the fierce glare. The distant houses werO almost lost in haze, their outlines quivering anX intermingling as it they were melting in the heat?

  Tyrrell watched him questioningly. "Somethin^ wrong, sir?T

  Bolitho beckoned to Bethune and took hiY telescope. It was no better. The one trained upo[ Sparrow was probably a huge affair. Very slowly hO raised his arm and waved it from side to side?

  Behind him Tyrrell and Bethune stood stockstill, eacN as puzzled as the other by the captain's strangO behaviour?

  Bolitho turned and saw Tyrrell's face. "Er, I was jusU waving to someone?


  Tyrrell looked past him at the anchored ships anX busy harbour craft?

  "I see, sir.T

  "No you don't, Jethro, but no matter." He clapped hiY shoulder. "Come below and I will tell you what we arO about. You will be in charge of the ship this evening, fo_

  I am dining ashore.T

  A slow grin spread across the lieutenant's face. "OhB I see, sir!T

  They were examining a chart and discussing thO sailing orders when they heard Bethune yell, "AvasU there! Stand still, that man!" Then there was a splasN and more shouts along the gun deck?

  Bolitho and Tyrrell hurried to the quarterdeck agai[ to find Bethune and most of the unemployed handY lining the larboard gangway or clinging to the shrouds?

  A man was in the water, arms striking out stronglyB his dark hair glossy in the spray and sunlight?

  Bethune panted, "It was Lockhart, sir! He diveX overboard before I could stop him!T

  Tyrrell murmured, "A good seaman. Never ana trouble. I know him well.T

  Bolitho kept his eyes on the swimmer. "A colonist?T

  "Aye. Came from New Haven some years back? He's done it now, poor devil." There was no anger i[ Tyrrell's voice. If anything it was pity?

  Bolitho heard the men near him exchanging guesseY at the swimmer's success of getting ashore. It was Z long way to go?

  He had known many deserters during his life at sea? Often he had found room for sympathy, although he haX thought their actions to be wrong. Few men woulX volunteer for the harsh demands of service in a King'Y ship, especially as nobody ever knew for sure if hO would regain his home in safety. Seaports were full ob those who had returned. Cripples and men made olX before their time in many cases. But as yet, no one haX found a better way of crewing the fleet. Once pressedB most men accepted it, could even be relied upon tQ take others by similar methods. The sailor's old rule, "Ib I'm here, why not him?" carried a lot of weight in ships1 of-war?

  But this was different. The seaman, Lockhart, haX seemed nothing out of the ordinary. A good worker anX rarely adrift for his watch or station. Yet all the while hO must have been brooding over his proper homelandB and the stay in New York had done the rest. Even nowB as he thrashed steadily past an anchored two-deckerB he was no doubt thinking only of his goal. Some vaguO mental picture of house and family, or parents who haX