Merriman and the French Invasion (The Merriman Chronicles Book 2)

by Roger Burnage

  Moreau looked him up and down. “It is true our countries are at war, but I do not lie. I am a gentleman Sir, Charles Henri Moreau, formerly Count of Treville and Beaupreau, paroled to Captain Merriman. I witnessed the cowardly attempt on Captain Merriman’s life and there is no question that I saw that man there, M’sieur Dorrington, shoot the English seaman.”

  To be fair to Lieutenant Williams, he did his best, but the evidence against his client was overwhelming and so damning that he stood little chance of affecting the result of the court’s findings.

  The members of the court retired to another room to consider their verdict but there was really only one verdict they could bring in. They filed back in after only a very few minutes and took their places. Then Dorrington was brought in and told to stand facing them. It was immediately obvious to him what the verdict would be as his midshipman’s dirk was placed on the table with the point towards him. He stood there trembling as the President of the court spoke.

  “Mr Dorrington, you have been found guilty of all the charges placed against you. Have you anything to say before I pronounce sentence?”

  Dorrington stood looking at his feet and shook his head.

  “There is only one punishment this court should award. You are an evil, depraved man found guilty of serious charges, each of which calls for death by hanging. However, with regard to your parentage, and the distinguished career of your late father, this court does not wish to add further to the dishonour you have brought to the family name and so you will not be hanged as a common criminal. The court has decided therefore that you will be deported in chains to the new penal colony, Botany Bay in Australia, there to stay for the rest of your natural life. Take him away.”

  Two marines moved forward and took his arms, whereupon he roused himself and looked round at his accusers. “Damn you to Hell, Merriman, you bastard, I should have slit your throat when I had the chance. I hope a French cannon ball tears you apart, I hope you -------“. His cries and shrieks faded as a marine clamped his hand firmly over Dorrington’s mouth and he was forced, still struggling and kicking, out of the room.

  Merriman and his party, a sombre group, returned to the ship, each busy with his own thoughts. The only one to say anything was Midshipman Small who whispered to Merriman, “I hated him for what he did to me Sir, and wished him dead, but deportation is terrible. He’ll never see England and his home again and I helped to send him away.”

  “Don’t dwell on this too deeply Mr Small. Mr Dorrington had his chances to reform, but instead he chose to commit murder. His own actions brought him to this. You did your duty and I am proud of you, You’ll make fine officer one day I’m certain,” said Merriman with his hand on the boy’s shoulder.

  “Now gentlemen, we must be about our duties, but first I would like you and all the other officers to join me in my cabin.”

  When they were assembled, some seated and some standing, and each with a glass of wine in his hand, Merriman dismissed Peters and Tomkins. The buzz of conversation died and all the officers looked expectantly at him.

  “Gentlemen, this sorry affair has affected us all deeply and I hope that we can put it all behind us. I want to hear no more about it. And now I have something more pleasing to tell you. We are to lose Mr Laing. Congratulations Colin, you have been selected to command the corvette which is to be renamed the English Mermaid.” There was a chorus of congratulations and everyone wanted to shake Laing by the hand.

  “Thank you, thank you, Gentlemen, Sir, this is rather sudden, did you have a hand in giving me this command?”

  “Well, the Admiral asked if I had a recommendation and I could think of no-one better. Mind you, it won’t be easy. She will be in the dockyard for some time yet and you will take command of her when she is repaired. Of course you will have to find a crew. David, you will be First officer when Colin leaves.”

  “Again thank you for giving me this chance Sir, ‘though I’ll be sorry to leave this company,” said Laing.

  “Peters,” shouted Merriman, “We need some more wine. Gentlemen, I know you’ll join me in a toast to the new captain of the English Mermaid.”

  When the hubbub and backslapping had died down, Merriman said as gravely as he could, “There is one other very, very serious matter Gentlemen,” said Merriman. The officers looked apprehensive but broke into spontaneous laughter when Merriman announced, “I am to be married.” There was immediate uproar with all of them wanting to offer him their congratulations.

  When peace and quiet were restored, Lieutenant Laing said “Sir, if Peters will fill our glasses once again with your excellent claret, may I propose a toast?” The glasses were hastily filled by Peters and Tomkins.

  “Gentlemen, please join with me in wishing Captain Merriman and his lady, health and every happiness in their union.” The glasses were drained at a gulp.

  “Sir, am I to understand that your bride is the lovely lady I met at your house all those years ago, Miss Simpson?” asked Andrews.

  “Correct, she did me the honour of accepting my proposal before we left for the West Indies. I shall be going home in a day or two, once I’m certain that the work on our ship is progressing well, and I propose to take you Mr Andrews, Mr Shrigley, Mr St James and the doctor with me. All know the lady and I am sure she will be pleased to see you again. I’m sorry I can’t take you all but somebody must remain aboard to oversee the final repairs. That will be you Colin. Also I have requested that M’sieur Moreau go with us. He is paroled to me and I should keep an eye on him.”

  Finally the time arrived for Merriman and his party to leave for Chester, near to where the Merriman family home was situated in the village of Burton.

  St James and Andrews and Midshipman Shrigley, Mr McBride the doctor and Moreau climbed down into the cutter to wait for him. Merriman turned to his first Lieutenant, “I leave the ship in your hands Mr Laing, the others will be back as soon as possible but I’ll be a few days longer.”

  Laing grinned, “Aye-aye Sir, I won’t let the deck fall overboard. Enjoy your wedding Sir.” Merriman descended to the boat to the usual ceremonial and had hardly settled himself and his sword before the boat pushed off. Part of the way to the harbour wall his new cox’n, Matthews called “Avast rowing” and swung the tiller over to point the boat back to the ship.

  “What the devil ------” Merriman started to say when he saw that his whole ship’s company was clinging to every conceivable vantage point and cheering lustily. Merriman raised his hat in acknowledgement. The officers were smiling and the boat’s crew were all grinning like Cheshire cats.

  “Did you know about this Mr Andrews?”

  “Yes Sir, we all did. Mr Laing’s idea it was. Even the men knew about your wedding.”

  “I’m gratified Gentlemen, ‘pon my word I am. Now Matthews, put the boat about and we’ll be on our way. When you return to the ship I want you to thank Mr Laing for me and tell him he is to issue a double tot to every one of the men and be damned to what the Purser says.”

  “Aye-aye Sir” responded Matthews enthusiastically, “and be damned to what the Purser says.”

  Chapter 23: A long awaited return home

  As the day of the wedding drew near, Helen Simpson found herself becoming more and more apprehensive and agitated. As usual with brides-to-be she was afflicted with various doubts and emotions. The letters sent by James from London had indicated that he would be home in time for the ceremony to take place no later than a week from the date on the letters. That was nearly a week ago, five days to be exact and he could be home tomorrow, even today if the weather permitted and the roads were passable.

  The four years since she last saw him on the day of their betrothal had seemed like a lifetime and now after all the waiting he was coming home. After four years, would he have changed, would he still really want to marry her? After all, she was now twenty five years old which he may think was too old for a wife. But he was older still, although she hadn’t considered that fact before.
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  A call from her father downstairs brought her out of her thoughts.

  “Helen my dear, are you coming? Your Aunt and I are waiting.”

  It had been arranged that she and her father, together with his widowed sister Jane Prentice, should stay at the Merriman residence until James arrived. They would then return home to prepare her for the wedding. Her Aunt and Mrs Merriman had become great friends and arranged everything beforehand and everybody knew what to do. Annie, Mrs Merriman’s friend and housekeeper was in her element, preparing for a great feast for the wedding breakfast.

  The family sat before a huge fire. Of course the main topic of conversation was the wedding, with Mrs Merriman worrying as all mothers do about last minute arrangements. “Joseph, are you certain that the church is ready and the reverend knows it will be tomorrow or the next day and have sufficient rooms been prepared for the officers James is bringing with him?”

  “My dear Elizabeth, do stop fussing and relax. There is nothing more to be done until James gets here. You and Emily, with the help of Mrs Prentice and Annie have dealt with everything, you’ve been over the arrangements time and time again and yes, accommodation is arranged at the inn in Neston for James’ officers.” said Captain Merriman, James’ father.

  “I can’t help it Joseph. It’s the first wedding we’ve had in the family and don’t forget that Lord Stevenage is coming as well. Nothing must go wrong, nothing.”

  At that moment a servant announced that Doctor Simpson, his sister and daughter had arrived.

  “Bring them in girl, bring them in, don’t leave them to freeze outside.”

  The new arrivals were soon settled by the fire and all the ladies chattering away like magpies, going over details again and again. The men,that is Merriman’s father, James’ younger brother Matthew and Doctor Simpson kept themselves to a separate group talking quietly.

  Merriman and his companions arrived at the Merriman residence in the pale sunlight of the fine February afternoon. The stage had brought them as far as Chester and Merriman had hired a carriage to take them to the house.

  There was instant pandemonium, the family came to the door to greet them, dogs came rushing round from the back of the house with servants trying to catch hold of them without getting in everybody’s way while other servants unloaded the travellers’ baggage from the back of the carriage.

  Merriman’s father roared for quiet. “James my boy, I’m glad to see you and your companions again, you are all most welcome. ‘Pon my soul Mr Shrigley, you’ve grown since we last met. Still eating well I trust? Now then, come in out of the cold, all of you. James, where is your man Owen, I expected to see him with you.

  “He’s dead Father, murdered by one of my midshipmen. It’s a long story which can wait ‘til later. He paused, “Father Where is my old dog Jack?”

  “He died James, last year. He was a very, very old dog you know. He must have tried to be near you at the end because we found him beside your bed. Knowing how much he meant to you we buried him in the orchard. There’s a stone with his name carved on it.”

  Merriman was upset, no doubt about it. Jack had been his constant companion from his youth and to realise that the poor old dog had gone affected him deeply.

  “Come James, there is someone here you must be dying to see.”

  Helen had not come out to the step when the family rushed out. Instead she had remained in the warm room with her father and aunt, waiting for James to come in. She was desperately trying to remain calm but the butterflies in her stomach and the thumping of her heart threatened to overwhelm her. She greeted the officers she had met before, and then suddenly he was there in front of her.

  Some women would rather die than let outsiders know or see their innermost thoughts and emotions and Helen was just such a one. Coolly and calmly she extended her hand, “Welcome home James,” was all she said, but the look in her eyes and the trembling grip of her hand said so very much more.

  “Helen, you are just as I remember you, except that you look even lovelier than I remember.”

  She blushed, “Oh James that cannot be true, I’m years older, but it is obvious to anyone that you have been under a tropical sun, you’re as brown as a nut.”

  Both were trying to appear composed in front of the others when all either wanted was to be in each other’s arms. Servants dispensed drinks and refreshments and the noise level rose with all of them talking volubly. As most of those present had met before, few introductions were needed and only Moreau needed to be introduced and he very quickly charmed the ladies with his courtly manner.

  Only old Captain Merriman was somewhat reserved and a bit put out at having a Frenchman under his roof, but when his son had briefly related why Moreau was there he became more affable and welcomed him. His son handed over to him the sword surrendered by Moreau on his parole.

  “One more for your collection Father, although I promised him it would be returned to him after the war, if we survive that is.”

  “It’s a fine weapon Monsieur, well used and cared for I see.”

  “Yes Captain Merriman. It was carried with honour by my father before me and as he is now murdered by the revolution it is now mine.”

  Emily was surrounded by the young officers and St James was relating a story causing loud laughter from the group, but James and Helen were oblivious to the turmoil around them.

  Merriman finally released Helen’s hand to be able to speak to the family. His mother was sitting in an upright chair near the fireplace with Captain Merriman’s hand resting on her shoulder. Now that he had the chance to pay more attention to them, He was dismayed to see how much they had aged over the last four years. His mother was now completely grey haired and even his normally bluff, energetic father looked somehow smaller than Merriman remembered him.

  Merriman bent over and took his mother’s hand and kissed her on the cheek. “Mother, how are you? Still keeping Father in his place I hope?”

  “Well enough James, well enough. I have been living for this day, to see you married, I didn’t think I ------“

  “James, you should know that your mother has been quite poorly for some time,” interrupted her husband. “In fact I am certain that if we had not had your future father-in-law to look after her she would not be with us now. She has been abed for some time but insisted on being down with us when you came home.”

  “What is the matter with you mo------“

  “I don’t want to talk about it now James, seeing you and Helen together has done me good and did you know that Emily is to marry your friend Robert? They insisted on waiting until you were home, so we have arranged a double ceremony.”

  “That’s wonderful Mother, but where is Robert?”

  “He will be here any moment now, he has been with Emily and us every day for the past week.”

  As if on cue, a servant came in and announced “Major Saville!”

  Merriman stepped forward to shake the newcomer’s hand. “My dear Robert, it’s good to see you again after so long. I know that you are to marry Emily, so may I offer my congratulations, and I hear that there is to be a double wedding. Congratulations again. Mind you take good care of my little sister, she is very dear to me.”

  “Oh, I will James, I will. Be in no doubt about it. As soon as we met we knew we were made for each other. And may I congratulate you James, on your promotion to Post Captain.”

  “Thank you. Congratulations are flying round like bees round a honey pot, I hear that you also have also moved up, to Major I see.”

  “Yes, a lot of men died to give me the chance. Indeed, I myself was so ill with fever that it was touch and go if I would survive. Excuse me James.”

  Robert turned to Emily who was watching him with shining eyes. It was so obvious that she was happy, that Merriman couldn’t resist hugging her and giving her a big kiss, before turning back to Helen and his parents.

  “Have you heard from Lord Stevenage yet Father?”

  “Yes indeed, his ma
n came with a message from him to say that he and your friend Mr Grahame have secured rooms at the White Lion in Chester, and will wait there until told that you are home and when and where the wedding will be. I’ll send a note to him right away. Hoskins can take it.”

  “What exactly are the arrangements?”

  “Of course, you don’t know. Well, Helen, you tell him.”

  “My father, my aunt and myself will go back home now, and the wedding is set for eleven o’clock the day after tomorrow. Robert’s father has come up for his son’s wedding and they are both staying in Chester in a rented property. Robert’s father came here yesterday to meet the family, especially Emily.”

  She laughed, “Emily had him eating out of her hand in no time. Anyway, we will all meet in the morning at the church in Burton. Matthew has asked to be your groomsman which I hope is agreeable to you. Other arrangements have been made which I am not supposed to know about”

  Conversation then became general until Annie, Mrs Merriman’s housekeeper and friend announced that a meal was prepared. Afterwards, Helen, her father and aunt left for home. Merriman’s officers, Moreau with them, left for their respective lodgings and Robert left for Chester, leaving the five members of the family alone and quiet with their thoughts.

  Well-fed and replete, Merriman stretched his legs out towards the fire with a satisfied grunt and a feeling of relief. At last the time had come. For four years he had dreamed of it and now it was here.

  “You and Emily are very quiet James. Having second thoughts either of you?”

  “No Father, I’m not. Just thinking how lucky I am.”

  “The same for me,” said Emily, “I once thought Robert was dead and now, here I am, ready to marry him the day after tomorrow.”

  “Your Father and I are very pleased and proud of you both,” said their mother, “And now I must go to bed and rest. Come with me Joseph and help me.”

  When they had said their goodnights and gone upstairs, Merriman turned to his siblings and asked, “What’s wrong with mother? Father told me that he hadn’t believed she would be still alive now and only Doctor Simpson saved her.”