Distant Gunfire

by David O'Neil

  The Treaty was not dissolved until 1803 but by that time many of the beached officers, on half pay, had been recalled to man the hastily refurbished fleet, though many others disillusioned had turned to the merchant trade to keep their families fed.

  In Plymouth, Robert and HMS Roister had been returned to the control of the Preventive Service to the duty of stopping the smuggling which had become more prevalent since the treaty had been signed. With the completion of Roister’s refurbishment in the dockyard after her circumnavigation of the globe, the frigate had once more become a regular part of the scene along the south coast.

  Lord Mills expected and used the services of Roister and her crew, and the fact that the war had ostensibly ended did not interfere with the gathering of information in any way.

  The visit to Dublin was a case in point. Once more it was required that he arrange the safe conduct of one of Lord Mills most important agents to travel through Ireland, assessing the possible support for a French invasion. While it seemed a ridiculous task to many, underlying it was a very serious suspicion that there were people in Ireland who would willingly replace an English yoke with a French one. There was also the suspicion that a French army could be landed in Ireland as an alternative to England.

  The resultant journey of Alastair Walker and Amelie Parker became part of the history of the Secret Service.

  The choosing of Alastair rather than of young Ogilvie was a matter of pure sense; Amelie and Alastair were a matched couple, much to the disgust of Ogilvie. The first choice would have been Robert, which would also have been a match, but as Lord Mills had to accept, Robert was now a well-known figure, and likely to be recognised wherever he went. It was also known that he was married, the wedding had been a much publicised event, so—to his relief—he was ruled out.

  Thus Alastair Walker was reunited with Amelie, whom he had known first on the voyage to Gibraltar in ’98. Such are the demands of the service that the travelling arrangements were made for them to appear to be a married couple and conduct themselves in public accordingly. This of course did not mean the subterfuge needed to continue in private.

  The couple set off from Dublin in a carriage for the trip to Limerick on the west coast where the river Shannon flowed down to the Atlantic. The journey through Ireland seemed to be an endless succession of small stone-wall fringed fields, often containing one animal or, more often, no animals. The general air of poverty was everywhere. As Alastair remarked it was little wonder that the people here might consider any change better than this.

  They stayed the first night in Johnstown, after an uncomfortable journey from Dublin.

  Both were tired and the fact that they shared a room did not interfere with a good night’s sleep for either of them. At Tullamore the following night they were less tired and they spent time entertaining and being entertained in the bar of the Tullamore Hotel where they lodged for the night.

  Alastair was beginning to enjoy the trade of secret agent, not having realised that it entailed entertainment and being entertained with good food and wine. He had also noticed that being accompanied by a good-looking lady gave the whole business an extra fillip. Amelie was also enjoying herself; she had remembered the rather serious Lieutenant from the voyage to Gibraltar and also remembered liking his polite, rather withdrawn manner.

  Being unaware of the circumstances at the time she took his withdrawn manner for lack of interest and it was nice to discover that she had actually been mistaken in this. During the long journey in the carriage she had teased the story of his career and capture; of his shock discovery of his wife’s remarriage and the loss, in effect of his son.

  The decision to keep away from the boy so that he would not be upset by having two fathers touched her especially, confirming her feeling for the sensitivity of this man.

  That night in the bedroom the atmosphere was spiced with the realisation that they could not just be impersonal as it was clear that they liked each other. In practice they had physically to sleep together, there was only one bed, and it was Alastair that suggested the solution.

  The bolster was laid down the middle of the bed between them, each turned their back while the other undressed and donned their night clothes. For the period of this journey they would settle for being friends, if afterwards they agreed; they could, perhaps should, take things further.

  As the journey through Ireland progressed their friendship blossomed, they found mutual interest in many things and as his knowledge of this talented lady grew, so did his determination to extend their friendship beyond the bounds of Ireland.

  It’s perhaps one of the facts of life that through restraint the two people found a friendship and forged a bond that lasted for life. By the time they reached Cork both were comfortable enough with each other to be honest and admit that they both wished to continue what had begun in Tullamore. With the report on the survey sent to Lord Mills went the resignation of Amelie Parker from the employment that she had enjoyed since the death of her husband in 1789 during the suppression of a street riot in the Potteries.

  The wedding of Lieutenant Walker and Amelie took place at the Naval Chapel in Plymouth in February 1804; the reception in Tamar House was the wedding gift of Robert and Barbara. Lotte was present, as was the ubiquitous Lord Mill,s who provided the use of his townhouse in London for their honeymoon.

  ***

  The rubies from Kutch presented to Robert by the Sultan had been mounted in a magnificent necklace, brooch, and earring set, for Barbara. His return to the Preventive duties allowed a renewal of the social life for Robert, and the adoption of the two Stephens children had been a success they had neither of them anticipated. Jenny and Barbara had the close relationship not always enjoyed by mother and daughter. Peter adored Barbara, who treated him with a happy relaxed manner that made him feel he belonged, and the joyful happy household where laughter prevailed was the result.

  Alan Dawson turned out to be the big brother to them both and, though the youngsters delighted to play tricks on him, it was to Alan they turned when Robert and Barbara were not about. To Alan the entire household was a revelation, his own home when his parents were alive had been fine, but after the death of his stepfather and mother, the grandparents had done their best, but his uncle had far too much to say about what went on and had made life miserable for them all.

  Since arriving here when he came with the Captain to join Roister for the first time, the welcome he had received had begun a relationship that had never failed him. He adored Barbara and admired and regarded Robert like a father. Here he was home.

  To Peter, Robert had become the father that he had never really had and it was not surprising that when the question of Peter’s future began to loom large within the happy group it was to Robert he turned for advice. The tutor who had been retained to complete the education of the twins had been in favour of Peter following his father’s career in the Foreign Office. Not surprisingly, Robert was in favour of a more active career in the Navy or Army.

  Lord Mills had suggested he could assist with Peter’s cause in the Foreign Office, but in the end it was Peter himself who made the decision.

  The acceptance of Peter into the sloop Jaipur as midshipman was a moment of great pride to Robert and Barbara. Captain Keith had become a friend of the family since those years ago when Roister had been in the Mediterranean.

  Jaipur’s home port was Plymouth and John Keith had been a regular and welcome guest at Tamar House whenever he had been in port. The interaction between the two ships on the voyage from India had meant that Peter had made friends on Jaipur as well as Roister, so his welcome was assured on either ship.

  Jenny, whilst remaining very close to her brother, had also taken to the life of the big houses of the area. A regular visitor to Hartwell Hall, her adoptive grandfather took to her and found a ready student to share his love of the countryside and his ideas on the running of the estate. She rode to hounds with courage and skill and was soon at ease with the yo
ung people of the county.

  It was with interest that Barbara noticed that Alan Dawson, who she regarded as a member of the family since his arrival as an embryo midshipman three years ago; seemed to be becoming more than interested in the activities of Jenny. Their friendship was just that, and in the absence of Peter, it was Alan that filled the gap when he was available. It was with some amusement that she noticed that Jenny was comfortable with this, and importantly did not seem unhappy about it. Barbara was aware of the growing interest of the other young men in Jenny and had noticed that Jenny, while aware of the effect she was having, took no real interest in their attention. Being fond of both youngsters Barbara was quite happy to throw the two together whenever the opportunity occurred.

  For Robert the false peace had been irritating and a waste of time. The signs from Europe of the build up of Napoleon’s army and the refurbishment of his fleet merely indicated the transparency of the motives for the temporary truce. His beloved Roister was passed on to Captain Keith, ex the Jaipur. Robert was pleased to see that young Peter Stephens had been taken into Roister to join Alan Dawson in the gunroom.

  The New year of 1803 had been celebrated two months ago when Robert was coming up for appointment in the 38 gun frigate HMS Furious as befitted his acquiring his second epaulette as a Captain on the list to eventual more exalted rank. Rear Admiral at least, according to Barbara.

  His conduct over the past four years had not gone unnoticed by others, though it had been a frustrating period; dissatisfying in many ways to Robert. So it was an uneasy man who attended the Admiralty by appointment.

  The arrival of a Captain at the Admiralty was a much more important affair than that of a humble Lieutenant. The servant who met him not only greeted him by name, but seated him in a comfortable chair, apologised for keeping him waiting and offered him coffee. He refused the coffee and it was as well since he was called a few moments after he had been seated. The room was the same and the secretary was the same. To his surprise, Nelson was present once more, though the other Admiral was Keith, who advanced on him with a broad smile and his hand out in welcome.

  “My dear fellow, how good to see you looking so well; do you know Admiral Nelson?”

  Keith’s effusive welcome was daunting but well meant, and as he went to answer, the clear voice of Admiral Nelson cut in. “We are well met once more, Graham; did I not say we would meet again?” The rather languid slim hand clasped his as Nelson smiled and greeted him.

  With a cough the civilian spoke “If I may, gentlemen?” He did not wait for an answer but carried on with his task. “Captain Graham, I have been instructed by their lordships to inform you of your appointment to the 38 gun frigate Furious, the usual rules apply. She lies at Chatham and is refitting at present. I am informed that collecting a crew will not be a problem. The appointment and your orders will follow within the next few days to your London address. My congratulations, sir! Thank you gentlemen!” and with that, he collected his papers and left the room to the three officers.

  “May I congratulate you on your victory at Copenhagen, my Lord? The Gazette was full of the report when I reached Macao. I fear I have missed out on great events while I have been sailing round the world.”

  Keith smiled “There are few indeed that can claim to have done what you have done. I myself have never sailed beyond the Atlantic on one side and the North Sea on the other. Have you, Horatio?”

  “I admit I have not! Mainly it has been the home waters and the Mediterranean, of course the Baltic also.” He added with a smile. “But do not presume you have missed out on all the action; there will be plenty of opportunities during the next few years, depend on it.

  “For the moment you will be under the flag of Keith here, but we will soon need to finish off the job we started with the French fleet. When the time comes, I promise you will be called to join me. You can take your frustrations out on Boney’s ships, d’ye agree?” He looked at Robert with his good right eye.”

  “I would be proud, Sir!” Robert was overcome and he shook the hand of the little Admiral once more, then Nelson left.

  “Now, Graham, let’s be off to the Cock Inn for a jar, we can have a yarn about plans for the future.”

  As the pair left the Admiralty a messenger ran up to the Admiral. “Admiral Keith, Sir?”

  “Yes, what do you want man?”

  “Message from Lord Mills, sir.” The man thrust the note in the Admiral’s hand and ran off,

  “What the devil? Dratted man, what can he want?” he tore open the note and studied it for a moment, he smiled. ”Not before time,” he muttered, “Come; Robert, isn’t it? Qe must hurry.” Mystified Robert followed. The Admiral called a passing cab and hauled himself in, “Come on, man; we don’t have much time. Buck House, cabby and get a move on; we’re late.”

  The cab sprang off with a jerk that nearly knocked Robert’s hat off. “What is all this about?” he cried.

  “You’ll find out soon enough,” was the enigmatic reply. And the Admiral sat back with a satisfied smile on his face. Nor could Robert get a word out of him for the entire journey to the Palace.

  The quadrangle in front of the Palace was busy with people going back and forth, but Keith walked straight through the crowd and into the Palace itself, with Robert following. There they were met by a harassed little man who unlaced Robert’s cloak and took his hat; a footman dusted Robert]s buckled shoes and straightened his jacket. He lifted each epaulette in turn and straightened the hanging gold cords. Then he stood back. “You’ll do!” he said and then “Follow me.” As he walked he gave instructions to the bemused Robert. “Call him Your Majesty, afterwards remember to bow and walk backwards until you come to where I am, then turn and walk out.”

  They entered a long room with a red carpet. There were three men lined up in front of them. As they joined the line, the first man walked forward to where the King stood. The man bowed and dropped to one knee. The King took the sword from the Aide beside him and tapped the kneeling man on both shoulders with the blade; there was a murmur of voices and the man rose, bowed and retreated down the carpet; stopped turned and walked out of the room. This procedure was followed by the next in line, and the next. It was now Robert’s turn and he set off down the carpet and bowed to his sovereign. As he straightened, the King spoke, “We are informed that you have performed diverse services for us without hesitating, regardless of risk to your life or person. It is our pleasure. Kneel, Captain Graham.” The tap of the blade on each shoulder was followed by the instruction. “Rise, Captain Sir Robert Graham, Baronet.”

  In a daze Robert rose, bowed and retreated down the red carpet until he heard the hissed order, “Stand and turn.”

  Outside the Palace Admiral Keith pounded him on the back. “Well done, young man; you deserve it. Now come and wet the Parchment.”

  For the first time Robert noticed the roll of Parchment carried by the Admiral. “May I?” he reached out and slipped the ribbon from the roll, ‘Captain Robert Graham, Royal Navy, is by order of the King appointed Baronet for services in the protection of the King and his Dominions.’ The signature was of the King and the Royal Seal was appended.

  Countess Dorothy Beaufort-Robinson was at home to the two officers when Robert and Admiral Keith presented themselves.

  The Countess had taken to Robert when they had first met and was always pleased to see him. Introduced to the Admiral, she made him welcome and assured him he was not intruding at all. They sat and she called for tea. Without a word Robert handed over the Parchment. She opened it and a smile lit up her face, “Why did you not tell us?” she cried, “We could have attended the investiture.”

  “I did not know; I was taken there today without notice.” Robert was still dazed at the whole affair.

  “So Barbara doesn’t know?”

  “No one else but we three know and, of course, the King!” The Admiral grinned. “Perhaps we ought to send a message to your wife and bring her here to celebrate; after all
you must be in London to receive your orders.”

  “Of course,” he turned to Dorothy, who was already ringing the bell. When the butler appeared, she told him to get the stable boy to saddle up and prepare to post to Devon with an urgent message immediately.

  Chapter twenty six

  The arrival of Barbara and Jenny from Devon brought sanity to the turbulent life in the London home of the Graham family, after the initial excitement of the investiture. Robert visited the ongoing fitting out of the Furious, ensuring that his new First Lieutenant Alastair Walker, transferred from Roister, was settled in and in control of the fitting out in Chatham.

  Since it was taking longer than expected, Captain Graham’s services were gratefully accepted by Captain Leclerc in the ongoing pursuit of the elusive smugglers.

  In the world of the Free Trade, there is no boundary between greed and need. In the trade between importer and the consumer, supply must keep up with demand, and the demands of the customers were insatiable. It seemed that for every smuggler captured, two more would take their place.

  Between the two men, a system was devised using watchers along the coast. Men stationed at strategic points keeping watch; depending not so much on gathering information, but observation, catching the boats as they approach the coast, then, signalling between positions with lights, passing messages along the coast far more rapidly than a man could gallop or a ship sail. With parties of men on duty, each supplied with a mount, ready to ride in answer to the signal.

  The system was started and the watchers installed, now they had to wait and see what happened.

  Meanwhile the situation between Leclerc and Margaret Yorke had stalled largely because of the need for Leclerc’s attendance to the smuggling problems.