The Threat in the Baltic (The Merriman Chronicles Book 5)

by Roger Burnage

  “Annie was my Mother's friend and housekeeper for many years My Lord, you will remember the splendid feast she arranged for the wedding”. “Indeed I do James, I have often thought about it and on our journey home Mr Grahame and I and your French captive Moreau also, discussed it at length. I have been welcomed to many big country houses but as I told your Mother, in none of them was I made more welcome than in this house”.

  Just then there was a knock on the door and Annie came in carrying the little boy. She curtseyed to his Lordship and passed the child over to his Mother. “I'm glad to see you again Annie” said Merriman, “you are well and enjoying looking after your small charge I hope?” “Oh yes Sir, I am, keeps me on my toes Sir. I'm only sorry that your Mother never lived to see the little darling but if she can see him she will love him as we all do”.

  While she was speaking the two men came across the room to Helen to see the new arrival to the family. The child looked up at them curiously and then grinned and waved his arm around clutching a small knitted toy. “A fine strong son you have there James, I wish him well” said His Lordship. “Thank you My Lord” murmured Merriman holding the little boy carefully and looking down into two bright blue eyes. “James be careful, don't hold him too tightly, he won't break but don't drop him” Helen whispered, “it is time for his feed so Annie will see to it”. Merriman was reluctant to let his little son go and cradled him a little longer before passing him over to Annie.

  “Helen, what arrangements have you made for the Christening? Who is coming and who is staying? Have you arranged for His Lordship's accommodation” “No, James, his Lordship told me in his letter that he had would take rooms at the 'White Lion' inn in Chester, but I hope Sir that you will join us for dinner this evening”.

  Over the meal, pronounced excellent by Lord Stevenage, Helen told them what arrangements had been made for the ceremony the day after tomorrow. The vicar had been told that her husband was home and the guests also been told. At last Lord Stevenage departed for Chester and James and Helen made their way slowly up to bed, passing the family portraits on the walls. His Grandfather - old Admiral Elias Merriman and his wife Henrietta, Lord Stevenage's aunt, his uncle Nathaniel who had fought and died with his regiment in the American War. Among the portraits was one of his Mother, a very old lady, and one of his Father as well, both painted after Merriman left for India and before his Mother's death.

  Once alone they fell into each other's arms and were soon in bed, murmuring endearments and caressing one another. Helen had lost none of her enthusiasm for making love and they finally fell asleep as dawn was tentatively showing itself in the sky.

  Chapter 5 - Merriman's patron Lord Stevenage is Godfather

  The next day with the weather being kind to them, James and Helen rode round their estate, looking at the arable farms and those with more livestock. All was well, fields ploughed ready for the next year's crops, the cattle sleek and healthy but muddy and pigs fat and very muddy. The hedges neatly laid and ditches free of growth and rubbish. They met the appropriately named Mr Hedges the estate Bailiff and on seeing them, Hedges dragged off his cap and bowed.

  “Mr Hedges, I am pleased with all I see, you are to be congratulated on your work” said Merriman “but I think some changes have been made since I was last here”. “Yes Sir, there is a new tenant in the lower farm, old farmer Brown was too old and couldn't maintain the buildings as he should so he had to go.” “And where did he go, you didn't just throw him and his wife out did you?” said a concerned Merriman. “Oh no Sir, your lady wife had the rooms above the stables cleaned out and whitewashed for them and they seem to be quite content”.

  “I want to start a new flower garden and grow some vegetables as well James” said Helen, “the old garden had been overgrown with weeds and brambles so much has had to be bought. I thought Mr Brown could help me with that and his wife is helping in the kitchen too”. ”That was a kindly thought My Dear”, remarked Merriman, I know Father always tried to find somewhere comfortable for his old staff to go”.

  He turned in his saddle to look at Hedges, “Mr Hedges, where did you get all your ideas from for the changes and improvements I see?”. “Well Sir, it was Mrs Merriman who helped me, she told me about things she had learnt in India and they have worked. We are getting an increase in the yield from the crops and she found new ways to get jobs done quicker. The estate records are up at the house Sir, your wife checks them regularly and with her inspections of the farms I have to be on my toes, and Ma’am I must tell you that young David Thomas from the west farm is recovering nicely, thanks to you and the good Doctor”.

  “Very well done My Love” said James as they rode home, “I am impressed by how quickly you have learned everything”. “Well I had to James, it wasn't long after I came here before I suspected that your accountant was recording false figures and money from rents which was disappearing into his own pocket, so I promptly discharged him. With nobody else to do it I had to learn quickly. Fortunately my father taught me a lot about his own accounts and book-keeping”.

  “Oh blast it Helen, I'm sorry. I forgot to ask after the good doctor your Father and his sister, your Aunt. How are they?”

  “Father is quite well but my aunt died last winter so I insisted that he sold his house and move into our dower house to be nearer. Of course he has the same couple who looked after us to look after him so he is quite content and he loves to play with his new grandson. I hope you are pleased with what I have done James”. “Of course I am, I'm sure I couldn't have found a better Chatelaine in the whole of the country. I gather from Hedges' remarks that you and your father have been looking after the tenants on the estate”.

  “Yes James we have and all the servants too. Father was getting bored with having no doctoring to do and suggested that we did a regular tour of the estate to see if anybody needed his help, so we have been going round once a week to visit them all”.

  “That is excellent news Helen. Now, let us go home, I am famished and looking forward to a meal and playing with our boy and then I must go and see my parents’ graves”.

  The graves were in Burton churchyard, two simple headstones with names and dates and a brief note about his Father's rank in the navy. I hope you like them James, I didn't think they or you would want anything too elaborate, but I had a plaque made to put on the wall inside the church. That has more about them on it”. Merriman stood in silence with his head bowed for a few minutes before he said “You have done well My Love, it is no more or less than they would have wanted”.

  The following day was the Christening. They had decided to name the child Robert William Edward. William after Lord Stevenage, William D'Ablay, and in the church there were some of the family and friends and many people from the estate. As the proud parents stood at the font they were joined by Lord Stevenage the Godfather, smiling all over his face. The ceremony over, most people went their separate ways except for some family members and the only outsider was his Lordship, who, after a fine meal, stood and proposed a toast to his Godson and his parents. Other toasts followed but eventually the only ones left were James and Helen, her Father, Lord Stevenage and Annie holding little Robert. She only stayed with them for a few moments before taking the child for his supper and up to bed.

  Relaxing before the fire, quietly watching the flickering flames and with the three men each with a large glass of claret, Lord Stevenage coughed and spoke. “ James and Helen, I have come to a decision. I have been made so welcome in this house that I feel almost one of the family. I have no family of my own now with my wife and son both being dead. My daughter disappeared to America with some landless rogue and I haven't heard from her in nearly twenty years. You know James that your Father and I were cousins and you are the nearest to a family that I have, so I will tell you that upon my death all my own estate and great house and a small house in London will pass to you James with a separate arrangement for my Godson. My will has been drawn up and I will not change it”. The o
thers sat there speechless with amazement and his Lordship continued “Of course my title will not pass to you James and without a son of my own it becomes extinct”.

  “S-Sir, I don't know what to say, I certainly didn't expect this, are you absolutely certain there is no other branch of your family to whom the title and estate should go? I owe you a great deal for my advancement in the Navy Sir, for your patronage, but this is overwhelming”.

  Yes, I'm certain, I am getting older and feeling it so I want to be sure it all falls into good hands. Of course you could sell the estate, after all you have a fine estate here, but if you do I hope you will try to ensure it goes into deserving hands. My staff would stay on until you decide but I have made ample provision for them in my will, so there it is James and it is settled. So now if you will call for my carriage I must go back to my rooms at the White Lion ready for an early start for London”. And so he left with their profuse thanks ringing in his ears. Astonished at their good fortune James and Helen lay awake for hours talking about Lord Stevenage's generosity and what it would mean for them.

  The next two weeks passed rapidly, Merriman's family lawyer came with his father's will and they went through all the necessary papers until everything was signed and completed and Merriman was the undoubted owner of the estate. One day a mud-spattered naval courier arrived with Merriman's new orders and to report to Admiral Fitzherbert in Portsmouth. When he told Helen that his all too brief time away from his duties was ending she burst into tears “Oh James, it's too soon, you've only been home for just over two weeks, when will I see you again? Last time you were away for more than two years and you will miss seeing Robert growing up”. “Now, now, My Love, compose yourself” said Merriman, “When we were married you knew that I would be away for months and years at a time. You will be safe here and with no money worries with the revenue from the estate and the prize money I have earned and which you can draw on as needed. Now I must send a message to Chester to reserve a seat on tomorrow's mail-coach”.

  That night their lovemaking was as passionate as ever but he had to go and it was with a heavy heart he left his wife and home behind him, although he knew that when he reached his ship he would be back in his other home.

  Chapter 6 - Back to Portsmouth. New fleet to attack Dunkirk

  Finally the coach arrived at the Portsmouth dockyard and he alighted with his luggage. He found a porter who carried the luggage down to the quayside. Eagerly he looked for his ship, the frigate Lord Stevenage but with the harbour so crowded with shipping he couldn't see her. Two watermen were trying to attract his attention. He picked one and the man eagerly climbed up to pass the luggage down to his mate in the boat. Merriman descended the wet stone steps to the boat and seated himself in the stern.

  “Which ship Sir” asked the man, “A frigate - Lord Stevenage” replied Merriman “but I can't see her”. “She's moored on't far side Sir, behind that big three decker yonder”. As the men pulled strongly across the harbour Merriman breathed deeply of the smells that he had known nearly all his life. The sea of course as well as the multiplicity smells of tar, rope, new canvas, sawn timber and paint. It was almost like coming home he thought, then guiltily remembered his wife was at his real home.

  As the boat neared the side of his ship and at the hail from an officer, he threw back his boat cloak to show one of his epaulettes and at his nod the boatman shouted “Lord Stevenage”. That reply indicated that the captain was coming aboard and he could hear shouts and the clattering of shoes as the sideparty hastily mustered to greet him with all the due ceremony so beloved by the Navy. Climbing aboard he found the officers gathered with his First Lieutenant David Andrews in front. “Welcome aboard Sir, I hope you had a good journey” he said touching his hat in salute. “Thank you David, the journey was tolerable but I'm glad to be back”.

  He took a long look about him but he knew that he would find nothing wrong and the details of the overhaul would be in the dockyard report. Looking again at the group of his officers he noticed one new face, a lieutenant, and two small midshipmen trying to make themselves even smaller and insignificant behind the others. Lieutenant Andrews introduced the Lieutenant as Mr Eric Bristow and the new Midshipmen as Mr John Evans and Mr William Edwards. “Very well gentlemen I will see you all in my cabin in ten minutes, when all my belongings are sorted out”. Indeed as he spoke he could see a party of men and his Cox'n Matthews swaying his boxes aboard with his servant Peters anxiously watching to take them below and unpack them.

  Below, he said “Peters, I want my best uniform out of that case and made ready to wear at once before you unpack anything else. I must go ashore and report my arrival to Admiral Fitzherbert without delay”. “Aye-aye Sir, right away Sir”, replied the man already opening the case and shaking his head at the inevitable creases in the uniform. “Needs some ironing and straightening Sir, but I can put it right in no time” and he disappeared with it into his own quarters.

  Merriman looked around the great cabin, his home for the next months or even years. Everything looked the same, the woodwork had been newly varnished and the furniture well-polished – the furniture, what was different? Then he saw it in the corner, a beautiful mahogany wine cooler, which was new. He crossed the cabin to look closely at the card attached to it, opened it and read “To my dear husband, with all my love and best wishes and hope for a speedy return”. He realised that she must have sent it to the ship whilst he was still at home, how she managed it without him knowing was a mystery. Lost in thought he was brought back to earth by the Marine guard knocking on the door and announcing “First Lieutenant and Officers Sir”.

  “Come in Gentlemen and try and find a seat”. With twelve of them including the Master and the Doctor there were not enough chairs to go round so the midshipmen found space in the corners whilst most of their betters took the chairs and the bench below the stern windows.

  “I am pleased to see you all again and very pleased to see some new faces amongst us. Lieutenant Bristow, how long have you been aboard and do you know everybody?” “Only three days Sir, but I know my way about and the date of my commission means that I am to be your Third Officer”. “Very good Mr Bristow, I look forward to knowing more about you soon. Mr Small, this means that you will continue to be Acting Fourth and still the senior Midshipman.. Mr Green will take care of the signals, but I'm sure your turn will come if you continue your studies. And what about you two, Evans and Edwards, how long have you been aboard?”

  Both of them shuffled their feet and flushed, both of them clearly feeling less than nothing on being addressed by their Captain. Evans recovered first and said ”We came aboard together Sir, only yesterday”. Edwards nodded vigorously in agreement. ”Good, I will speak to you both later, meanwhile I hope Mr Small has found you your place below and that you will be eager to learn your duties. Now both of you may go”. When the boys had left the cabin Merriman said “Gentlemen, I have to go ashore immediately to report to the Admiral and to collect our new orders, so I will tell you all later what those orders are. Is the ship fully stored and ready to leave Mr Andrews? Good. Oh, and have my boat made ready”.

  As soon as they had left the cabin Peters re-appeared with Merriman's best uniform pressed and clean, his hat knocked back into shape and with a clean shirt and necktie, breeches and stockings ready to put on. In moments he changed with Peters fussing round him like an old mother hen. “Damn it, I can manage man, leave me alone, I can fasten my own buttons” Merriman said testily “and where are my other shoes?” “Here sir, I kept them polished and all your clothes clean and pressed while you were away Sir”, said Peters in an aggrieved tone of voice.

  “Of course, I knew you would, I'm sorry I swore at you”. He left his cabin, carefully put his hat on and climbed up the companionway onto the deck. As he emerged into the fresh air he couldn't help automatically looking round again to see if he could find a fault but of course there was none. The side party of marines and the Bos'n and his mates and sideboys
were ready to provide the usual ceremony due to a captain leaving his ship and the First Lieutenant and Lieutenant Bristow and others were standing waiting.

  He climbed down into the boat which was waiting for him, all the men dressed in their special outfits and Matthews his Cox'n at the stern with the tiller. “Glad to see you with both epaulets Sir” he whispered as Merriman sat down. Merriman merely grunted, his mind fully occupied by the coming meeting with the Admiral. He was not kept waiting long and Admiral Fitzherbert welcomed him warmly. “Pleasure to see you again Captain, I hope your time at home was all you hoped for?” Without waiting for a reply he went on “I know your ship is all ready for sea again, the overhaul and repairs completed two days ago and I have seen new stores being swayed aboard. Your Lieutenant Andrews has overseen it all, good man that, what”

  “Yes Sir, he is. I could wish for none better. When the time comes to take command of his own ship I shall be sorry to lose him. He has been with me since he was a midshipman”. “Yes, I've seen his record and he is due for promotion when a ship becomes available. Now then Captain, you asked Admiral Edwards for a new Lieutenant and two new midshipmen. They are aboard and I can only hope they prove better than my nephew was.” He was referring to the time a few years ago when he had asked Merriman to take his nephew as midshipman. The seventeen year old had proved useless, indeed he turned out to be a depraved character and a murderer. Merriman had shot him after he had killed four marines. “Indeed Sir, I have met them and I'll sort them out.”