'Y'had a pleasant journey from London, Soames? Sit down, man, sit down. We don't stand on ceremony here.'
'Thank you, Sir Robert. I am – a little stiff.'
'Stiff? Are you? I wonder how you think I feel, myself, when I have been confined to bed?'
'I hope that you are feeling a little better, Sir Robert.' Pressing his cologne-scented kerchief to his forehead as he sat down.
'Indeed, indeed, much better, thankee. But stiff, by God.' Stretching a leg under his nightshirt. 'Now then, what news?'
'I wonder, Sir Robert, before I begin, if I might prevail upon you to allow me a little refreshment?'
'Eh? Refreshment?' A frown.
'Yes, Sir Robert. I – I have took almost nothing at all since yesterday afternoon.'
Sir Robert gave a sigh of compliance. He rang a table bell, impatiently rang it, and his servant attended.
'Mr Soames will like "refreshment", Fender.'
'Yes, sir.' Turning to Soames. 'What may I bring to you, sir?'
'Eggs. Poached eggs. And toast and butter. And marmalade. And coffee. Nay – chocolate.'
'. . . and chocolate, very good, sir. Anythink else . . . ?' Brightly polite.
When the servant had gone out, Sir Robert, his tone still impatient:
'Well, Soames, well?'
'Their Lordships have instructed me – they have instructed me to say – '
'Well? What?'
'That they are not quite entirely satisfied.'
'In course they are not. In course they are not. I am not satisfied myself, when the – '
'I think that what Their Lordships have in their minds, Sir Robert – '
'Yes?'
'Well, sir . . . that they are not quite satisfied . . . with you.' A half-apologetic little grimace.
'With me?'
'That is so, Sir Robert. It is the matter of the person Aidan Faulk.'
'Aidan Faulk! What d'you know of Aidan Faulk, Soames?' 'Very little, Sir Robert. I am not party to the affair, except as an official of the Admiralty, doing my duty as instructed. And I hope that you will understand that when I convey Their Lordships' displeasure as to – '
'Displeasure! Is that the word they have employed, exact?'
'I fear that it is, Sir Robert. Exact.'
'Where is the letter? Why have not ye given it into my hand?' Holding out that hand.
'Ah. Hm. There is no letter. Their Lordships – '
'No letter! D'y'mean that Their Lordships have entrusted you, a lowly official, with the task of coming here to me, in admonition? Is that what y'mean?'
'I do not think that I am quite so lowly as all that, Sir Robert, with respect.' Stung to asperity.
'Oh? You are not?' A black glare.
'No, sir, I am not. I am the Third Secretary to the Admiralty Board, serving the King. And your opinion nor estimation of me, personal, ain't the question before us.'
'Us?'
'You, and the Royal Navy, Sir Robert.'
'And d'y'include yourself in "us", Soames?'
'I am caught up in the matter, Sir Robert, not by my own choice – but by duty.' Stiffly.
'Ah. Duty.' Another black gaze, that Mr Soames found very disconcerting, in spite of his determination not to allow himself to be bullied. He raised cologne-scented fabric again to his nose, and heard:
'You have not completed your duty in whole, Soames. You have not been specific as to why Their Lordships are not satisfied with me.' With icy precision.
'Very well, Sir Robert. I shall be specific, as instructed.' He paused, drew breath, and turned away a moment, frowning in concentration, then faced Sir Robert and recited from memory.
'Their Lordships require you to produce Aidan Faulk to them, in person, within the passage of one week. They require you to accompany their appointed representative in the matter, Mr Hope. You must also bring with you Lieutenant Hayter RN, that commands HM Hawk cutter, and a full, thorough and comprehensive account of all activities conducted in Their Lordships' name, both at sea and ashore, pertaining to this duty. They are exercised and concerned very particular about the activity of two additional persons – Mr Scott, and Mr Birch – recently brought under their notice.'
'Scott? Birch?' Lifting his head uneasily.
'Those were the names given me, Sir Robert, that I was to bring to your attention.'
'One week?' Shaking his head. 'Do not they apprehend? I have been ill. Laid low.' Gripping the arms of the chair. 'I cannot possibly – '
Fender came into the chamber, backing in with a heavy laden tray on which silver gleamed.
'Take that damned muck out of my bedchamber!' Sir Robert's deep voice tremulous with ire. 'Remove it to the library, where Mr Soames may eat it, if he pleases, before he departs.' He said 'eat it' like a curse.
'Yes, sir.' Obediently backing out again.
'Good morning to you, Soames.' Sir Robert took up a book and irritably riffled pages, not looking at his guest.
'Good day, Sir Robert.' Soames moved to the door, and there fired his carefully aimed parting shot:
'You will not forget, will you, Sir Robert? Seven days. If you please.'
Sir Robert shut the book with a snap, and glared at the wall. Mr Soames made a brief formal bow, and followed the servant downstairs.
'What was you thinking of, sir?' Sir Robert Greer, chalkfaced and thin, but with great intensity of purpose, fixed Rennie with his piercing black gaze, as if to pin him to a board like a specimen insect.
'I was thinking, Sir Robert – and feeling, indeed – that by carrying through this venture with Lieutenant Hayter, I was at last returned to something like naval duty, sea officer's duty, instead of involving myself in dismal, wretched, ignoble intrigue ashore.'
'Ignoble! What d'y'mean by that, sir?'
'I am not a man for such intrigue, Sir Robert, nor spying, nor going about in disguise in the dead of night. I am a man for action, like my friend Lieutenant Hayter. Hard, honest sea action, gun and gun, and seamanship.'
'Yes yes, very honourable, very admirable.' With heavy sarcasm. 'However, in conducting yourself honourable you engaged a French ship at sea, when we are not at war, and failed utterly in your design.'
'With respect, Sir Robert, I did not engage the ship, I was a prisoner in that ship, and Lieutenant Hayter very courageously effected my rescue – '
'Pish pish, Rennie. You was there, you was party to the business. Let us not play with words.' Turning to Lieutenant Hayter. 'What have you to say for yourself, Mr Hayter? Will not you speak up in your own behalf? You are not Rennie's creature, are you?'
'Captain Rennie has spoke for himself, Sir Robert.' Emphasizing 'Captain'. 'I shall do the same for myself, if you will permit it.'
'Well?' The black stare.
'I undertook, at my own origination, a course of action that I believed – '
'You acted wholly outside your instructions!' Vehemently, over him. 'You flouted them, and threw them aside! And then failed in the task ye'd set y'self, failed absolutely to apprehend and bring to us as prisoner the man Aidan Faulk, that has now escaped, further to aid the insurrectionists in France, who may probably very soon become our enemies!'
Sir Robert turned towards the window, and stood very still and quiet a moment. They had assembled in his library at Kingshill House, and as always in that room a fire burned and crackled in the grate. Today it lent no warmth to the room. The sound of flames consuming logs instead was oddly chilling.
James drew breath, and began again to speak: 'Sir Robert, if you will hear me out, I think that I may be able to persuade you that my actions – '
'Do not you grasp what the insurrection in France may lead to in England, Mr Hayter?' Turning to look right at James. 'Have you no conception, sir?'
'In England, Sir Robert?'
'Aye, in England. It may lead to the predominance in the streets of violent, vengeful, ignorant mobs! The triumph of those mobs over the rule of law, and the mutinous overthrowing of all that we hold sacred
!'
'I – I do not think that very likely, Sir Robert, in truth. Surely we have had our revolution in England a century and more since, and long ago settled our pattern of governance –'
'Do not presume to lecture me, Lieutenant! You know nothing of politics, and unrest, and the wickedness of the common people.'
'I know seamen, Sir Robert.' With a hint of defiance. 'They are not wicked men, certainly.'
'Be quiet! You know nothing of life in the lowest streets and dwellings, the filth and hatred and envy that lie there in simmering ferment. You can have no understanding of what may happen should that loathing and viciousness burst forth and prevail, as it has in France.'
'I do not recognize the England you imagine, Sir Robert.'
'Because you are a junior officer, whose business is to manage boats upon the sea, where men obey in daily fear of the lash. Your life ashore has been one of privilege, protected and cosseted behind your father's gates, and now you live in a handsome country house with a silken wife and all the trinkets you desire. You know nothing of the real world!'
'I do not see why you mention my wife, Sir Robert.' Beginning to be more than defiant, now.
'Nay, James . . .' Rennie, whispering beside him.
'You will do well not to upbraid me, sir. You will do very well to listen, and learn hard facts.' With icy menace. The fire crackled behind him, the light of the flames gleaming in the irons. 'If it was not for men like me, pampered young men like you would perish.'
'I do not understand you, Sir Robert.' Curtly.
'Nay . . .' Rennie to James, half under his breath. 'Be careful . . .'
'Do not you? Ahh. Then allow me to inform you. Men like me are the true guardians of this nation, and the King. We understand, better than all of you golden fellows – that have the understanding of mere infants in the dark – how the world is managed. It is managed by sheer ruthlessness of intent, and cold, hard, bright understanding of the nature of mankind. The mass of men are indolent, stupid, feckless and brutish. Was it not for men like me, they would cut your throat, Mr Hayter, as soon as they saw your tailored coat, and the lace of your shirt. Cut your throat, violate your wife, and burn down your fine pretty house.'
'That is the second time you have spoke of my wife.' Bristling.
'Because I wish that you will keep her, and honour her, during a long and contented life. That may not be possible in England, young man, unless you will allow me to know better about politics, and insurrection, and the violent, bloody, brutal consequence if we allow men like Aidan Faulk to betray us, and assist in our downfall. Now d'y'begin to see?'
'I will not argue with you, Sir Robert. However, I cannot believe that men like Riqueti, nor l'Abbé d'Espagnac, are vicious brutes. On the contrary, I have met them, and they are civilized and – '
'Riqueti?'
'Honoré-Gabriel Riqueti, Count Mirabeau, Sir Robert. I have known these men – '
'Mirabeau? He is a garrulous, pock-marked scoundrel. The Oath of the Tennis Court, so called, is an abomination.'
'Very well, Sir Robert, that is your view. Even when it is moderate I may not express my own, it seems.'
'You have allowed Aidan Faulk to escape, Mr Hayter!' Very cold and hard. 'Your views don't matter to me, nor to the nation nor the King! You have failed in your duty! That is what matters!'
James stood silent, biting his tongue, breathing through his nose.
'Wait a moment, though . . .' Sir Robert looked away to the window, then back at James. 'Have you failed? Or was this simply an exercise in deception? Hey? A scheme that allowed you to simulate bold action, and at the same instant permit Aidan Faulk to escape!'
'Permit him to escape . . . ?' James stared at him in astonishment.
'Ah, yes. You simulate surprise with great skill, Mr Hayter, but I see beyond your subterfuge! Yes, yes, now I do see! Aidan Faulk is your friend, is not he? You sympathize with his aims, and motives, do not you? The Oath of the Tennis Court? The nobility of the "cause"? Hm? In little, you think him justified in all his actions!'
'I do not, sir. You misjudge and malign me.' Barely able to keep his voice steady.
'Do I, though? I think not, Mr Hayter. All the time during this commission you have deceived us. You and Rennie both. And now you are discovered and exposed.'
Rennie at last responded, his back straight, his gaze steady.
'I must ask you, Sir Robert, what you mean by that. D'y'mean that I have deceived, or that I have been deceived? Which, if y'please? I am not clear.'
'Do not dissimulate, Rennie. I warn you – both of you – that if – '
'Do you mean to suggest that I have deceived you, Sir Robert?' Rennie, over him.
'In course you have deceived me. You have both of you deceived me and Their Lordships, the nation and the King!'
'In what way?'
'In what . . . ? By God, sir, you dare to ask me that?'
'I do dare, certainly. Further, I say that it is you that has deceived.' Before Sir Robert could reply Rennie raised his voice to fierce, carrying quarterdeck: 'In everything of this affair, from the very beginning, ye've contrived to blackguard me, and all of my endeavour – endeavour honourably undertook!'
'Be quiet, sir!'
'I will not be quiet! You be quiet, damn your blood! Your whole design has been deception, and hoodwink, and commanding others to do your dark deeds, while you skulk behind! Aye, skulk, sir, like a rat in a sewer!'
James stared at Rennie in beginning comprehension, as Sir Robert:
'Rennie, I warn you – '
'Nay, I warn you! Mr Scott! Mr Smuggler Scott! Mr underhand, sticky-fingered, creep-in-the-dark and fill-yourpockets bloody Scott! You wish to malign me and Mr Hayter? You wish to bring charges of treason against us? Hey! Then y'must wait your turn, sir. Y'must wait in line. Because we are there before you. We'll bring a charge against you! Aye, and ram it home double-shotted, too!'
Sir Robert was silent a moment under this onslaught, and Rennie went on:
'Major Braithwaite, of the Board of Customs, will be eager to hear the charge, I think. And Colonel Macklin of the Marines, that is Lieutenant Hayter's intimate and colleague. We will make detailed statements to both of these officers. We will in addition write out despatches to Their Lordships at the Admiralty, and send a fair copy to Sir Garfield Kemp, at the Admiralty Court. We shall call a great many witnesses – '
'To what?' Sir Robert interjected. He was now almost preternaturally calm, and his voice was calm.
'To what! To your conduct, sir! We will smash, burn, and sink you!'
'My conduct, gentlemen, has been exemplary, in the nation's interest.' With quiet, unruffled emphasis.
'We will not send a boat, neither!' Rennie stood squarely, his back straight, but he was beginning to bluster. 'We will let you drown!'
'Ahh. Will you? When all of these charges are false, as you know very well, and your threats empty? Even if you go to Major Braithwaite, or Colonel – Macklin, is that his name? – what can you give to them? What facts have yet got, to put in your guns with your powder and shot? Hey?' He had not raised his voice, but spoke as if making a polite enquiry about Rennie's health.
'You will find out!' Rennie, stoutly.
'Hm. Your counter-attack has failed, Rennie, I think.' Sir Robert calmly took a pinch of snuff. 'But you know . . . gentlemen . . .' He snuffed, and employed his handkerchief. '. . . I think I can help you, after all.'
'Help us?'
'Hm. Hm. Yes, I think so. We are – after all – on the same side in all of this. Are not we?' An enquiring glance, tucking away his handkerchief. 'I am therefore prepared to say nothing of what happened at sea, to put aside all of our differences, and allow you this . . . final opportunity.'
'Final – '
'To find Aidan Faulk and bring him back!'
Not long after, Rennie and James walked away from Kingshill House, and climbed into their waiting gig. As they took their seats, Rennie blew out his cheeks in relief:
<
br /> 'I was obliged to call the fellow's bluff, James – else we'd have been skinned alive.'
'Did not he call yours, sir?' James took up the reins.
'He thought he did, by God. We got what we wanted by allowing him to think so.'
'Yes, he gave us a damned near impossible task, and only a week to achieve it.'
'In least we have saved our skins, James.' Reproachfully.
'I do not think they are saved quite yet, are they?'
'Well well, I don't know about you, James, but I have no intention of losing mine. I am very attached to it.'
'Aye, well said, sir.' A grim little smile. 'Let us crack on, then! There ain't a moment to lose!' He clicked his tongue, slapped the horse's rump with the reins, and sent them clattering towards the gates.
There are mornings in the English summer when heat comes slowly streaming through the trees like a fine haze of dust on the wind, and distance is given added depth by the shimmering air, like a glimpse into the future. It was on just such a morning that Lieutenant Hayter and Captain Rennie drove away from Kingshill towards Portsmouth, with their whole lives dependent on the following seven days. Aidan Faulk must be captured, but was he still alive?
'Still alive, James? In course the fellow is alive. How could Lark have been sailed away, else?'
'She was not dismasted entire, sir. His crew could have jury-rigged her and sailed away, simple enough, even when their master lay dead.'
'Frankly I do not think that probable, James. The cutter is his, and only a man of great determination and strong leadership could have managed to spirit her away so quick, when she was so gravely damaged.'
'You had not considered that she may have sunk?'
'I don't think she foundered. Nay, she limped away to France.'
'Then we can never hope to find him, leave aside take him a prisoner.' Shaking his head.
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