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

by Roger Burnage

  There was silence for a moment before Merriman said “I am sad to see him like this, so different from the tall man with a bloody sword I saved all those years ago when his ship was attacked by corsairs off the west coast of Africa”. Annie had disappeared with the two children and Merriman continued “What did he mean by a big day tomorrow?” Both Helen and Grahame smiled and Helen said “You will find out tomorrow James, now you must be hungry, dinner is being served in the other room so let us eat”. A fine meal it was, the conversation flowed, but for all his subtle questioning Merriman learned nothing about what would happen tomorrow. After the meal, Grahame excused himself saying only I'll leave you two alone now, don't forget the big day tomorrow so try and get a bit of sleep”. He winked at Merriman and said “ Don't want you yawning tomorrow at the wrong time do we”.

  James and Helen were soon into bed and after vigorous lovemaking they fell asleep in the early hours of the morning. A small knock on the door wakened them and at Helen's call a maid entered carrying a tray with their breakfast. “Good morning Sir, Ma'am” she said. Your clothes are being made ready for your big day”. She scuttled out and Merriman said crossly “Even the servants know what is to happen today, but I'm not allowed to know Helen, why is that?” “You will find out soon enough James so don't fret” said Helen sweetly.

  Downstairs they found Mr Grahame and Lord Stevenage waiting for them. Lord Stevenage was beautifully dressed in elegant clothing with several ribbons and orders across his breast including the prestigious Order of the Garter. Mr Grahame was simply dressed in dark clothing and both of them greeted Merriman warmly. Helen made her entrance a few minutes later and all stood speechless for a moment before Lord Stevenage bowed deeply and said “You are looking radiant this morning My Dear, My God James, you are a lucky man to have such a wife”. “Thank you My Lord” she said, curtseying to him. Merriman stood there almost in awe, Helen was dressed in a new gown which he had not seen before with diamonds sparkling on her breast and neck, and with a silk shawl round her shoulders the colour of which matched her eyes.

  “Are we all ready then?” asked his Lordship, “Then we must be off. Perhaps you will give me your arm James”. A footman opened the front door and with Merriman and the footman assisting, Stevenage descended the steps and entered his waiting carriage. When all were seated, another footman folded the step and closed the door before climbing up behind to join another footman at the back of the carriage. “Will nobody tell me where we are going?” asked Merriman, but Grahame winked and said “Patience James, you will know soon enough”.

  The carriage made its slow way through the streets and Merriman, not knowing much about London had to confess that he was lost. “We are nearly there now James” said his Lordship as the carriage turned into a fine pair of gates and up a short driveway to a big house. There were soldiers on guard at the gates and by the door and a pompous liveried footman greeted them. “Follow me My Lord if you will” he said and they all followed him into a modest sized hall with liveried footmen standing at every door. “Where is this Sir?” Merriman whispered to his patron as he helped him inside. “Kew Palace James, you are going to meet the King at a levee”.

  Poor Merriman barely had time to digest the fact before a pair of double doors were opened and they were ushered into a huge room ablaze with the light of hundreds of candles and lamps. A blast of hot air greeted them as they stepped inside and Merriman felt the sweat running down his back. A bewigged official banged the butt of his heavy cane on the floor and bawled “Sir William D'Ablay, Lord Stevenage, Mr Grahame and Captain Merriman and his lady”.

  It took a few minutes for the noise to die down and Merriman was faced by a crowd of people. The blue and gold of naval officers was there, the red coats of the army and many men in elegant clothing, knee breeches and silk stockings, fancy waistcoats and embroidered coats sporting ribbons and medals in profusion. Ladies were there in plenty wearing gorgeous gowns of silk and lace and heavily embroidered fabrics, with very revealing necklines and jewels aplenty, with bold and interesting eyes looking at him over their fans.

  The air was heavy with the scent of perfumes and Merriman's first thought was a longing for fresh air. A passageway appeared before them and Lord Stevenage released Merriman's arm and drew himself up to his full height before leading the way forward and bowing to a man who Merriman realised must be King George. “Ah Sir William, I'm pleased to see you here again” he said “please introduce your friends”.

  “Yes Sire, this is Mr Grahame from the Treasury whom you know and Captain James Merriman and his Lady”. Helen curtseyed deeply as the King said “You are all welcome. So you are the famous Captain Merriman are you, the scourge of Indian pirates and the French? My friend Sir William has told me all about you and your exploits as have some of my Admirals”. In a daze Merriman saw a red carpet being laid out by footmen and Sir William whispered “Kneel James, now”. He did so, desperately trying not to tangle his legs with his sword and then the King tapped him on both shoulders with a sword given to him and said “Rise Sir James and we are well pleased with you and your deeds at sea”. “Thank you Sire, for the honour” he said, rising to his feet and backing away. “I honour you with a great deal of pleasure Sir James, for all that you have done for this country” said the King with a smile.

  The next to kneel was Grahame and he too was tapped on the shoulders with the King's sword. “Rise, Sir Laurence” said the King, “I am well aware of the great service you have done for this country, much of it must perforce remain secret but I know thanks to Lord Stevenage here. Am I not right Sir William?” “Indeed Sire you are, as well as knowing about Sir James' deeds which I told you of”. “Quite right William, I only wish I had more time to hear more about these Gentlemen’s' deeds, but duty awaits”. The King turned to Helen who had been standing there with a bemused expression on her face and took her hand, “You are welcome Lady Helen, you are fortunate to have such a distinguished officer for your husband”. Helen curtsied but before she could speak the King turned away to speak with other men who were trying to catch his eye.

  “Now is the time to leave James”, said Sir William quietly, “back away a few steps then we shall go”. As they neared the entrance hall Merriman felt His Lordship clutch at his arm to steady himself and with Helen supporting him also he managed to walk a little further. Grahame had moved ahead to call for the carriage and when they had all climbed in Sir William fell back on his seat breathing a big sigh. “I'm glad that is over, I don't know how I managed to stand for so long”. “Determination My Lord, of which I know you have in plenty”, replied Grahame. “Thank you Laurence, thank you. Now please see me home before the two of you go to your next important appointment”.

  “Next important appointment?” echoed Merriman, “What could be more important than what has just happened”. His Lordship smiled weakly and waved his hand “You will soon find out James”. On arrival at the town house the three of them clustered round him and with the help of two footmen he was carried up to his bedroom where his valet Phillips met him and chided him, “My Lord, you have being doing too much again, I warned you and the doctor advised against it you know”. He turned to the rest of them, “Please leave now, I can do all that is needed and Perkins will help me” he said indicating the footman standing by the door. He shooed them out and closed the door behind them.

  “A good man that valet” said Grahame as they went downstairs, “been with Sir William since long before I met him. Now, James, we have been offered the use of the carriage for your next appointment and we must be off if we are not to be late”. As the carriage clattered along through the rough streets and smells of the city Merriman asked no more questions, he was too amazed, and he simply sat there clutching Helen's hand, as ready as he could be for what was to happen next. Obviously the coachman had been told where to go because with no instructions from Grahame he eventually turned into Leadenhall Street and drew to a halt in front of the six columned portico of East I
ndia House. One of their footmen assisted them to alight and as they approached the door it was opened by two footmen dressed in sober black who asked their names. “Sir James Merriman and Lady Merriman and I am Sir Laurence Graham, we are expected I believe”. “Yes Sir Laurence indeed you are. Please follow me” said one of them.

  The man led them to a huge mahogany door, knocked on it, opened it and repeated “Sir James and Lady Merriman and Sir Laurence Grahame Gentlemen” before he withdrew and closed the door behind him. There were perhaps twenty well-dressed men in the room, all smiling at them. One man who introduced himself as the Governor of the Court of Directors proceeded to introduce the others present. “I am aware that you won't remember most of our names but we all know that the Company is indebted to you both for your actions in India. Governor Duncan sent a report by one of our fastest Indiamen of all that you both did and we are delighted Sir James, to present you with this as a token of our appreciation”. He turned and picked up a gleaming sword from the table behind him. “You will see that the blade is finely engraved as is the scabbard”.

  Merriman accepted the weapon and managed to stammer out his thanks before the Governor picked up a mahogany box and presented it to Grahame. “For you Sir Laurence, for the same reason. Go on man open it, it won't bite”. Grahame opened the box to reveal a pair of beautifully wrought flintlock pistols with mahogany grips and with engraving along the barrel. “Thank you Gentlemen, this is a surprise. I knew I was bringing Sir James here for you to present him with the sword, but I had no idea that I would be given this gift as well”.

  The men all crowded round to congratulate them, drinks were provided and the conversation became louder but many of the men approached Helen and spoke to her. The conversation continued for quite a long time before Helen touched James on the arm and whispered “If we can leave here James, we should go and see how Lord Stevenage is”. “Of course, you are right My Dear”. He turned to his friend and spoke quietly, “Laurence, can we be excused, we should go and see Sir William?” “Yes of course James, Gentlemen may I have your attention” he called loudly and in the sudden silence he explained why they had to leave so soon.

  “Of course you should go, Sir William is a good friend of mine and I had wondered why he did not come here with you”, said the Governor, “Go, and tell him we all wish him well”. They left with many messages of goodwill ringing in their ears and then back in the carriage they all sat in silence almost overwhelmed by what had happened. At Sir William's town house they were met by a worried Phillips the valet who told them that His Lordship was sleeping. “The doctor has given him something to make him sleep but said he should not be disturbed before morning”.

  They slept fitfully that night and at breakfast at about eight o' clock the valet interrupted them and announced that his Lordship wished to see them. They found him sitting up in bed supported by a mound of pillows. His face seemed more lined than before but as they neared his bed he opened his eyes. To Merriman they seemed to be as bright, stern and commanding as they had been so long ago when first they met. But it was soon evident that he was not the same man as of old, his voice was weak and trembling and his veined hands lying on the coverlet were trembling.

  He beckoned them closer and said “my good friends, I have decided to be taken back to my place in the country and I would like you James and Helen to go with me. Laurence, you must stay in London, you will be busier than ever with that imbecile Addington discharging so many troops and sailors. There will be riots in the streets I'm sure and I can no longer help”. “Don't worry Sir, you have trained me well and I know what I have to do”. “You are a good man Laurence, I'm sorry I am stuck here and I fear that you will not see me again in this world”. Grahame took hold of his mentor's hand, “Oh you will Sir, you will, I'll come here as often as I can”, replied Grahame brokenly. “No Laurence, you won't, I know I haven't got long in this world, but you have much before you that needs a firm hand on the reins. So goodbye my dear friend, leave us now”.

  Grahame gave a deep sob and as he turned away Merriman and Helen saw the tears running down his face. Sir William kept his eyes closed for a moment or two before he held out his hands and said “Cheer up you two, I'm not dead yet, I've a few more days left in me still. As I said I want you to come with me to the country, you and my valet can look after me and I want to see the look on your face when you see your new estate. As for me, I want to see again the home where my wife and I were so happy before we lost our young son”. He appeared to fall asleep before Helen said “We shall be with you Sir, all the way”, when he smiled and feebly said “Thank you My Dear”.

  Chapter 24 – Merriman travels with Lord Stevenage

  The coach they travelled in was not the usual one but a larger, heavier one with extra horses to pull it. It was quite spacious and James and Helen occupied one bench seat with Phillips the valet while Sir William lay opposite to them on the other seat. In spite of the bumps and rumblings of the carriage he seemed to sleep quite well and when they reached an inn on the first night he was able to walk a little with their help. A second smaller carriage carried Annie and the two children with one of Sir William's older maids. Phillips insisted on helping Sir William to bed after a simple meal of hot milk and biscuit, after which he came down to join them in the inn's small dining room. He sat quietly for a short while saying nothing before he slumped forward with a groan and put his face in his hands. Helen and James moved to him and endeavoured to comfort him but he sobbed uncontrollably. Eventually he pulled himself together and spoke “I'm sorry for that pathetic display Sir James and your Ladyship. I have been with Sir William for over thirty years and I can't believe the end is near. If only I could do something”.

  “You have been his valet and more for all that time and I'm sure his friend also, no man could do more”, said Helen. “Yes I was”, he said, “he was my entire life, he raised me from being a miserable stable boy and showed me a new whole world in his house. I think that sometimes he saw me as a replacement for his dead son, but our relationship never went beyond that”. He paused , then said “What will I do now when he is gone?”

  “We know that you are amply provided for under his will but have you no family or relations you could go to?” asked Merriman. Phillips shook his head sadly, “No Sir, nobody now. My sister died some years ago and she was my only close relative and money can't replace him in my life.”. He sat quietly for a while then he roused himself and said “I must go up to him now and see if I can do anything for him Thank you for your kindness”.

  “Poor man, he must feel lost now and will no longer have a focus for his life”, said Helen. “What can we do James?” “I don't know” he replied “but we must discuss it some more”.

  The next day dawned bright and clear and overnight rain had softened some of the mud in the road so that the next two days travelling was more comfortable. Sir William even sat upright frequently and chatted with his companions. He seemed quite cheerful but they knew it was but a brief recovery. Eventually the afternoon arrived when the carriage arrived at the gates into the estate from where a man was sent on a horse to warn the house staff that their Lord was nearly home. The carriage trundled up the driveway which must have been at least a mile long and then on rounding a clump of stately oaks the house came into view beyond a large lake. It was an old Tudor building with a new frontage and extension and looked very grand. A church steeple showed over a large patch of woodland and Sir William pointed to it and said “That church is where all my family are buried and I will follow them soon”.

  Sir William, who had been looking eagerly about him, smiled and pointed to the lake “That is where I used to swim with my father when I was a boy and I even had a boat there. My Grandfather had those trees planted before I was born. On the other side of the lake is an arbour where my dear wife used to sit and watch the deer we have on the estate..................Ah memories, memories, I love this place”.

  The carriage pulled to a halt in fr
ont of the front door where all his staff were grouped on either side of the steps. As Sir William was helped from the carriage and helped up the steps ,by James and Helen, they all either bowed or curtseyed and a man in a magnificently frogged coat came forward and said “Welcome home My Lord, all is well”. “Thank you Mr Gordon and thank you all. My friends are Sir James and Lady Merriman; you will extend to them all the hospitality of this house, their children can be in the old nursery. Now I must rest before I look round the house again”. “Yes My Lord”, we shall look after them all, have no fear about that”.

  The valet Phillips and a footman took over the care of Sir William and carried him upstairs while James and Helen entered the great entrance hall and looked round in amazement. They had thought that their own mansion at Burton was a fine house but it seemed to pale into insignificance when they saw all of the fine pictures on the walls and the statues and carvings placed in alcoves and round the walls. A discrete cough behind them brought them back to reality, it was Mr Gordon, “Excuse me Sir, your luggage has been taken to your rooms and hot water will be brought up to you shortly and you will find a maid and valet waiting up there. Now if you would follow me?” He led them slowly up a magnificent polished oak staircase to the next floor and opened a big door into a huge suite of rooms, a bedroom with a huge four-poster bed, lounge and dressing rooms.