Brooks strode over to them, their guard standing with his scimitar ready. Still speaking in Arabic, Brooks again demanded loudly to see Mary Brooks, his mother. As he spoke, one of the women removed her head covering, revealing auburn hair streaked with grey, and said in English, “I am Mary Brooks. Are you my son, Robert?”
Brooks, glared at the guard, as if trying to intimidate him, then lowered his cutlass and strode over to his mother and embraced her with his free arm. Mullins waved some seamen over to help control the guard, if necessary.
After emotional minutes passed in the arms of her son, Mary broke free of his embrace and addressed Captain Mullins.
“Sir, I think you are the leader of these men. I thank you for bringing my son. I have not seen him since he was a boy. I am so happy to see you. It has been many years since I have had the opportunity to speak English, so please forgive my awkwardness. Please do not concern yourself with Abdul here. He is a eunuch placed as guard to the women’s quarters. He will not attempt to harm you and has been a devoted friend to me.”
Chapter Sixteen
It took some time to get the people loaded. In additional to Mary Brooks, there was nearly half a hundred other slaves of different ages and nationalities who wished to leave. There was much discussion among these people. Some were frantically insistent upon leaving at once, and some of the others were equally insistent upon taking all their belongings with them. A pair of elders, having lived in slavery most of their adult lives, became fearful as they were about to leave and left the column to go back to their familiar quarters.
Drums could be heard, likely summoning reinforcements to the fortress garrison and Mullins was in some hurry to get these people loaded and away. Not wishing to wait for his boats to make repeated trips to his fleet, some local boats were confiscated and the recovered slaves taken to the ships by that means.
As the boats came alongside the ships that would take them to safety, again there was dissention among the people. Some were fearful of being separated from others they knew and resisted efforts to place them on differing ships.
Mary Brooks became invaluable in this situation. Her son towering beside her, she was able to soothe and pacify her fearful charges. Because of the limited space on Falcon, many of the refugees had to be quartered on the three prizes. All were assured they were going to the same destination and no person would be separated from the others against his or her will.
Since Brooks was a landsman aboard HMS Falcon, his mother was placed aboard the same ship. As before, when carrying a passenger, Mullins had the carpenter erect a temporary partition in his sleeping quarters and build a separate hanging bed for the lady.
Once out to sea, Mullins called a conference with his officers and sailing master. Mister Ibrahim also attended. Miss Brooks sat near the table, listening carefully, as much of the dialog concerned her.
The first question was whether to continue the quest, looking for slaves on the various islands specified. Ibrahim was insistent orders be followed and this be done. His officers were perfectly willing to defer to their captain’s judgement, while Evans thought no more could be gained by continuing the search.
“Sir, we already have fifty or so slaves that we have recovered. Maybe the Moors still think the French are to blame, but if we go around the Med with these people, asking about other slaves, the Moors will soon smell something rotten. I believe the earlier we get these people out of the Mediterranean, the better.”
Mary Brooks wondered where she would be going. Mullins replied, “Since you are from Philadelphia, Miss Brooks, that would seem to be the proper destination for you. I believe once we arrive in Great Britain, I can arrange passage to Philadelphia for you.”
“Sir, what about my son, Robert?”
“Miss Brooks, that would seem to be more complicated, since he is in fact a seaman aboard a British warship. However, since it can be said, that as your son, he is also an American citizen, it should be possible for him to leave the navy and return to America with you.”
Mary thought a bit, then offered, “Captain, I have been a slave for over twenty years and have received little news of my country in that time. However, I remember while still a girl, the injustices Blacks were subject to in Philadelphia. A few people I have discussed this with have told me matters have not changed much in these years. I am very reluctant to take my son where he could be reviled and treated with contempt.”
Thinking quickly, Mullins came up with an idea. “Miss Brooks, if you wish, I could take you into my home as an employee. I can always use an intelligent person to supervise my staff. As for your son, I could rate him my servant right now. The next time we return home, I could take him with me and install him in some position in my household. I must warn you that my wife Doris can be a formidable mistress, and how that can be resolved I have no idea. Should you both agree, we can give it a try. I can assure you that you will both be treated with the proper respect, or I will know the reason why.”
Deciding against continuing the expedition, Mullins ordered the ship on course toward Gibraltar. In fact, all of the extra mouths aboard the four vessels were rapidly consuming the provisions on hand. He justified his return with the excuse that if he replenished in any Mediterranean port, news of the freed slaves might soon reach Moorish ears and damage relations between Britain and its Moorish suppliers,
Supplies became desperately low during the voyage and they reached Gibraltar on half rations. The acting governor was initially happy with the news that over fifty slaves had been returned. He became furious when he learned of the means Mullins had used to gain their freedom. Mullins tried to defuse his ire with the suggestion that the Moors never need learn of the deception.
The acting governor replied there were many different nationalities in the rescued people, among them several French citizens. “These people will talk and soon the news will be all over the Med that British warships attacked a Moorish base and took some of their people.”
Finally, it was decided to deliver all the refugees to England. Hopefully, it would take longer for the news to diffuse from there. Perhaps it would be ‘old news’ when it finally reached ears in the Med.
A dispatch cutter was in Gibraltar, bound for Portsmouth, so Mullins wrote a lengthy letter to Doris with his news. He assured her he was willing to give their marriage another try, if she was also willing. He thought this letter would reach her faster than his own. Strongly believing Doris would react negatively when she learned a strange woman was coming to live in her household, Mullins thought a little warning might be advisable, especially considering the distrust that had risen between them.
Falcon and her prizes set out for home, well re-supplied. A few of the refugees had left in Gibraltar, talking their way into various merchants’ boats that were visiting their ship. Most however, went on to Portsmouth.
Mullins was invited to the flagship upon his entry to the harbor. Once they anchored and Mullins was preparing for the visit with his admiral, he decided to bring Miss Brooks with him. Mary, given a chance to repair the ravages of her recent life, was quite an attractive woman. Her speech, laden with old-fashioned Americanisms, would likely be considered ‘quaint’, but her stately figure would surely demand attention from the older officers likely to be at the dinner. Miss Brooks had escaped her former home with naught but the clothes on her back, but her outer garment was covered with rather gaudy appearing gemstones, probably worthless, Mullins thought. Dressed in the Arab manner as she was, her appearance seemed almost exotic to the officers present. Once introduced to the others, she immediately became the center of attraction in Admiral Montagues’ quarters.
While she was entertained by the others, Mullins was closeted with the admiral in a small alcove usually used by his clerk. He explained to the admiral in detail the reason he had abandoned his search for other slaves and decided to take these that were available. Montague assured him he would send his own report to the Admiralty, telling their Lordships that M
ullins actions had his own approval.
“After all, Captain Mullins, these are all Christian slaves, abducted by Moorish raiders from all over Europe. If it is permissible for these raiders to seize what ships they will, taking such passengers and crew as they wish, it must in turn be permissible for our own ships to recover them when found. I order you Captain, to dismiss any regrets from your head. You have completed an admirable task and have my sincere thanks.”
Doris Mullins’ words upon his return home were not quite so friendly. Not wishing to expose either of the Brooks to Doris’ ire any earlier than necessary, he had taken them to an inn upon arriving in London and went to his town house alone.
She was waiting for him with a stormy expression on her face and immediately launched her attack. “By what right do you have to install your mistress into my own house?”, she stormed. Mullins had already explained in his letter the Brooks’ circumstances and felt no need to explain further.
Doris then went into a vocal diatribe, insisting she would not allow these people to set foot in her own home. They must find somewhere else to live.
Mullins had intended to remain calm, whatever his wife might have to say. This resolution was becoming harder to maintain every minute. Icily, he reminded her of the reasons for his departure from his own home. “Madame, I fail to understand your objections to my offering positions in my household to friends after your own misdeeds. I will remind you this house belongs to my father. If necessary, I can tell him I am leaving to secure other quarters. You, of course are at liberty to find what ever quarters as you might wish for yourself. You will understand that any payment I may make for such quarters will be limited, indeed. As for our son, I can consult council to see about obtaining custody of the lad. I am certain, with your infidelity, there should be no trouble about that.”
The shocked Doris remained silent for a moment. She almost whispered, “You would not evict me from my home!”
“Doris, I would and I will, if you maintain this sullen attitude. We were having a happy life, until you decided to amuse yourself with other men. I will not spend the rest of my life with you raging at me. This would seem to be the point at which we must decide whether we are going to resolve our situation, or abandon our marriage.”
Doris whispered, “It was only because you are always away. I get so lonely with just Alfred and the staff around.”
Mullins answered, “Doris, I told you before that I would give up my commission and retire. You said I could wait until I was ready. At this moment, I am not ready. I have no intention to give up a useful life to become a foil for your anger.”
Sobbing, Doris said, “I am sorry I spoke to you in that manner. Your friend and her son are free to come with us. I will try to be agreeable to them.
Mary Brooks and her son came to the house next morning and were somewhat grudgingly welcomed by Doris. Robert was to take over the stables. The hostler was old and apt to forget certain tasks. Too, in his own absence, Mullins felt better having a healthy male present to defend his wife and son. The tall Robert Brooks was rapidly becoming an imposing man, one which most men would decline to oppose. Mary would perform general work about the home. Her education being interrupted at an early age, Doris decided to become her substitute teacher and mother, tutoring her in the activities she would have otherwise have been taught at home. Having a useful occupation improved Doris’ disposition and the pair became almost friends.
Chapter Seventeen
The administrators at Admiralty worked as slowly as they had ever done, leaving Captain Mullins with no idea of when his services or those of HMS Falcon might be needed. Early on, he was ordered to take Falcon up the coast and sail her up the Thames to the Pool, presumably to better have access to the Admiralty. Given permission to sleep onshore, he spent most days in his ship, going home every evening. Often, he would amuse his son by taking him to work with him. Alfred had a glorious time, running around with a pair of the younger midshipmen. Often, when Landsman Brooks was not occupied with matters onshore, he would accompany his captain and son to the ship and watch over the boy while Mullins pored over the ship’s papers.
At home, Doris had seemed to have recovered from her antipathy toward Mary Brooks and the women gradually become good friends. They frequently took the chaise and went on shopping expeditions together. Mary had brought with her a few items of clothing that were decorated with quantities of gems given her by previous owners. Doris, wondering at such a display, took her to a prominent jeweler to have the items appraised.
Both women were astonished at the value placed upon some of the jewels and a few were sold, bringing the guest a large purse full of the new paper bank notes. Captain Mullins introduced her to his banker who proposed several avenues to invest her funds. Considering the value placed on the remaining gems, it was evident that Mary had sufficient resources to purchase a small house and should be able to live frugally for many years. Doris, now on good relations with her guest, pleaded with her to remain in her home as long as she wished.
Weeks after their return, there had still been no word as to when Falcon’s services might be required. Mullins was reluctant to press the matter. He well knew he was considered too senior now to command a little sixth-rate, but was well satisfied with the present ship and crew. He thought if he protested his inaction too loudly, he might be given a more suitable command and sent off to some destination on the other side of the world.
He was considering the options as he rested from his task of examining his purser’s reports, one that could easily bring on a headache. His mind was jolted back to the present when he heard the master’s mate of the watch hail an approaching boat. The reply, ‘No, no!’ told him there was no officer aboard and probably no reason for him to go on deck. He felt a jar as the boat came against the ship’s hull at the portside entry port. Going back to his work, he forgot about this visitor.
Minutes later, the sentry at his door slammed the butt of his musket against the deck and announced, “Midshipman o’ the watch. Sir!”
Grumbling to himself at the interruption, he looked up at the youngster.
Mister Drew spoke up, “Sir, Mister Dooley is here to see you. He is the same gentleman we had on board before.”
The last time Mullins had seen Dooley was on the Normandy shore, fleeing into the hinterland on a mule. What in the devil was he doing in the fleet anchorage in Portsmouth harbor?
The battered figure appeared in his door, dressed in much the same manner as he had earlier. A worn blue coat that made him appear to be some type of nautical figure. In his hand, he carried a sailcloth packet that Mullins knew well. Often used to carry official papers onto ships, it was not only relatively water resistant but could be weighted to sink easily if dropped overboard.
Rising as the familiar Ron Dooley stepped forward, Mullins held out his hand, at the same time ordering his guest to take a seat. Offering his friend a drink, Dooley said he would be happy to have some seaman’s grog, which Mullins’ servant dashed off to get. When offered a cigar, Dooley accepted it, then used a penknife to carve off some shavings, which he stuffed into the small bowl of a blacked pipe he produced.
Once Dooley had his smoke going and a drink in his hand, the pair spent the next half-hour re-living some of their past exploits. At length, Mullins could no longer wait, and asked, “Ron, the last time I saw you, you were on an old mule, galloping into the brush on the Normandy coast. Since you are still alive, I can guess that everything went well. Are you back home for good, or can we expect more desperate adventures to follow?”
Ron pondered the question. “That depends a bit on you, old friend. After we went our separate ways on our last mission, as you noted, I joined with a group of people fleeing from you bloodthirsty pirates. I explained myself as an itinerate grain dealer caught up accidently in the tumult. Two days later, we happened upon a regiment of infantry that was belatedly coming to drive you off. Their adjutant was questioning me very closely when the sergean
t commanding the few soldiers included in my group of refugees, came before him. Finding someone in his own service to chastise, he abandoned me and I was left to my own recourses.”
“Eventually, I was able to have a letter-of-credit negotiated and could again resume my cover as a grain merchant, capable of supplying Imperial forces. Over the next months, I was able to gain access to information that I thought naval intelligence might value. Since I found the contact I depended upon to pass on this information to ships at sea had disappeared, I elected to deliver it myself.”
“After filling my last contract, I located a contact I had been previously given and this man put me in touch with a forger, who could give me the proper papers to travel freely in France. I took coach to Calais, where I found a fisherman who would take me out into the Channel to meet British fishing boats. One of these boats took me to Dover, where I reported to the nearest military unit I encountered, a squadron of Hussars training nearby.”
“There, I was treated with suspicion and housed in the local gaol, but eventually was delivered to London where I met with my contact in the Admiralty. My information was received with eagerness and I was asked to return to the mainland to perform a certain mission. I am to return to the area near Calais. It will be necessary to take with me some heavy items and it will be most impractical to return by fishing boat. I asked my contacts in Admiralty to determine if you could take me across.”
Mullins thought carefully. “Friend, I would be most happy to take you where you wish to go, but must remind you I am not free to do what I like. The navy tells me where I must go and who I will take. If Admiralty does provide the necessary orders, I will be glad to take you.”
HMS Falcon: A Charles Mullins novel, Sea Command 7 Page 11