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

by Roger Burnage

  “We don’t know James,” replied Matthew, “They won’t tell us, either of us. She has been ill for nearly two years and in some discomfort. I even asked the doctor but he wouldn’t say.”

  “Well, I’ll find out before I go back to my ship. Matthew, have you decided what you want to do with your life?”

  “Indeed yes, Father bought me an ensign’s commission in the Cheshire Regiment and Robert has promised to keep an eye on me.”

  “Good for you brother, we all seem to be well settled in our future plans. And now I think we should all retire. We have a busy time ahead of us.”

  As he climbed the stairs he paused for a moment and raised his candle higher to better see the portraits lining the walls. Yes, there was his uncle Nathaniel, who had been killed with so many others of his regiment in the Americas. So, Matthew was to follow in his footsteps. Merriman noticed a new one of his mother but as yet there wasn’t one of his father. He shook his head sadly and headed for his room.

  Chapter 24: Merriman marries but learns some sombre news

  The following morning Merriman awoke to a bitterly cold, wet January day with the wind howling round the house, rain lashing at the windows and black clouds racing overhead. He was the first of the family down and as he watched the servants bustling round, lighting fires and preparing for breakfast he wondered again about his mother’s illness. He had little knowledge of medical affairs, but if Dr. Simpson his future father in law thought it serious then it must be. “I must have a serious talk with the good doctor” he mused, staring into the flames of a newly lit fire.

  Suddenly he shivered, the room was not yet warm but it was more than that, he felt a sudden apprehension that something would go wrong over the next few days to interrupt the wedding. He shook off the mood as his Father came into the room.

  “Morning James, a cold one again,” said the older man, rubbing his hands together and stretching them out to the blaze in the hearth.

  “Good morning Father, it’s certainly cold and with this wind it’ll be a bad one at sea.”

  “That’s true, but it’s no worse than many another gale we’ve seen eh?”

  “I suppose not, but please tell me what is the matter with mother. Neither Matthew nor Emily know and I think you should tell us.”

  His Father passed a shaking hand over his face and stared ahead of himself with a sombre look on his face. “You’re right of course, you should know, but let it wait until after breakfast when I’ll tell the three of you together.

  Silence fell, each of them busy with his own thoughts until a noisy Matthew burst into the room closely followed by his sister.

  “I was hoping to go riding with you again big brother, like we did last time you were home, I know I can beat you now if we have a race.”

  “Very likely Matthew, very likely,” laughed Merriman, “I’ve hardly sat a horse since then but I expect you have. Anyway the weather’s too bad today.”

  At that moment a servant announced that breakfast was prepared and so the four of them went into the dining room and seated themselves, eying the various dishes on the side table, some steaming some not, but a mouth-watering aroma filling the room. As they helped themselves to the food, Merriman realised that his mother wasn’t with them and asked where she was.

  “She has a light breakfast in her room nowadays, Annie takes it to her and helps her with it,” said Emily. “She doesn’t get up every day and never before midday.”

  Merriman looked at their Father but the older man avoided his eye and said nothing, picking at his food without enthusiasm. Matthew noticed nothing, being totally absorbed in his meal, but Emily did notice the strained atmosphere and looked from one to the other and was about to ask what was the matter, but Merriman gave a little shake of his head and she remained silent.

  When they had all finished their meal, the old man, and with surprise Merriman realised that their Father really was an old man, asked them to gather in another room, where, with the door shut behind them he motioned to them to sit down. He stood with his back to them for a few moments before speaking and when he turned to face them there was such misery on his face that Emily impulsively jumped up and flung her arms round him.

  “It’s time I told you what is wrong with your mother, I know you Matthew and you Emily have asked many times but now that James is home I can tell you all together.”

  He cleared his suddenly hoarse throat and continued, “As you know, she had a severe fall last winter. Hoskins was driving her in the light carriage over to see Helen and her aunt when something startled the horse, a wheel dropped into the ditch and the carriage overturned, throwing her out and knocking her unconscious. He tried to revive her and when he couldn’t he ran off to get assistance. It was pouring with rain and mother was soaked through before he got back with help. She was brought home and put to bed and the doctor called for.”

  He paused before continuing. “Unfortunately he had been called away to another patient and it was many hours before he came here. Your mother was never very strong and she caught a chill that day which very quickly turned to pneumonia. The doctor hardly left her side and I don’t think she would be alive now but for him. The poor man was completely exhausted but he pulled her through although the worst was yet to come.”

  The three siblings waited in silence except for Merriman who leapt to his feet and in his agitation paced back and forth exclaiming “That’s not the worst you say, what could be worse?”

  “Sit down James and I’ll tell you. It seems that mother’s heart was weakened and she has never been the same since.” He closed his eyes, swallowed and cleared his throat again. “Your mother is dying and Doctor Simpson gives her no more than two or three weeks to live. Several times we thought she had gone but she has an iron will and I think it’s been the determination to see you all married and settled that has kept her going.”

  Silence enveloped them. Emily was weeping silently and Matthew, white faced, was shaking his head slowly from side to side. James went to his father and put his arm round the older man’s shoulders.

  “Thank you for telling us Father. It must have been dreadful for you keeping it all to yourself and now that we do know, you have all the love and support we can give you.”

  The four of them stood for a while in a group embrace before their father, never one to show his emotions openly, said “Right that’s enough of that. I know it will be difficult to proceed as if everything is normal but we must put on a brave face in front of your mother and make sure that the festivities continue as planned. Come now Emily, stop blubbing, time for that later. You’re being married tomorrow, you don’t want to show a swollen blotchy face to your new husband do you?”

  Merriman, trying to help break the sombre mood, asked about the arrangements that Helen had told him she was not supposed to know of.

  “Well James, we all gather at the church at eleven in the morning and after the ceremonies are over everyone’s coming back here for the wedding breakfast. The Simpsons have agreed to this as their place is just not big enough to find room for all the people coming.”

  “How many are coming then?”

  At the last count the number was forty five, including your aunts, uncles and cousins on your mother’s side and my side of the family, the officers you brought with you, Moreau, Robert and his father, Lord Stevenage and Mr Grahame though why His Lordship wants to come I can’t imagine. The rest are friends of ours from the district.”

  “Ye gods, so many.”

  “Yes, and the arrangements for after the wedding are all in hand. Robert is to take Emily back to Chester where his father rented a house for them and you and Helen have the old dower house down by the river.”

  “That old place? I can’t take Helen there, it’s dirty, damp and totally unsuitable.”

  “You’re wrong there James,” laughed Emily, “Father has had the entire place rebuilt and extended. We’ve all had the most fun finding carpets and furniture for you. Even Matthew was h
elping the men to clean up the grounds.”

  “That’s right James, I have. It was your mother’s idea and it’s our wedding gift to you both. Annie has even engaged servants for you. The woman will be your housekeeper and Helen’s maid and the husband will look after the place for you. How does that sound?”

  “Wonderful, I can’t thank you enough for all you have done, all of you. I must go up and thank mother as well.”

  “Not yet James, leave it to the afternoon.”

  The rest of the day was spent in last minute preparations for the big day. Merriman’s uniform was sponged, washed and pressed, his shoes polished until they shone like glass and Matthew insisted on being the one to clean and polish his sword. Members of the family turned up and the place was alive with aunts, uncles and cousins, most of whom Merriman couldn’t remember. Annie stood guard over his mother’s room and allowed in only a few people at a time to ensure that her charge was not overtired.

  The great day dawned at last, cold and overcast but the rain and wind had ceased. Lying in bed staring at the ceiling before getting up Merriman admitted to himself that he was nervous but once he was downstairs and surrounded by all the activity going on he soon forgot his nervousness.

  The family gathered in the hall ready to go to the church and Mrs Merriman appeared in a wheeled chair pushed by a footman. She looked bright and cheerful and Merriman could only guess at the effort it must have been to appear so.

  As they arrived at the church in Burton village they were amazed at the number of carriages assembled there amongst which Merriman could see the elegant travelling coach used by Lord Stevenage, easily identifiable by the coat of arms painted on the doors. They made their way inside; Merriman’s mother disdained the use of the wheeled chair and leaning heavily on Matthew’s arm walked slowly to the front of the church with James following. Captain Merriman would follow with his daughter Emily. All Merriman could see was a sea of faces, but one or two stood out from the rest. There were his officers in a group by the door and halfway up the aisle he saw Lord Stevenage and Mr Grahame. Robert and his father were already seated waiting and James and Matthew joined them. The army officer sitting next to Robert was evidently his groomsman.

  They had not long to wait before the sound of carriage wheels outside caused everyone to turn round for the first sight of the brides to be. Steps sounded at the entrance and all rose to their feet in anticipation. The first to appear was Doctor Simpson with a radiant Helen on his arm. They were closely followed by Captain Merriman and Emily.

  Merriman had eyes for nobody but Helen and beside him Robert murmured “By Heaven, James, we are a fortunate pair. Sink me if we’re not.”

  Both girls looked absolutely gorgeous and beautiful dressed in the height of fashion, each bearing a small posy of evergreen foliage. Merriman found a great lump in his throat at the sight. As they all took their places in front of the congregation his heart was thumping fit to burst and then a strange calm came over him and he was able to think and see clearly again as the parson began the ceremony. Their responses were clear and unhesitating with no trace of shyness or nerves from either Helen or Emily. After signing the register the two couples emerged from the vestry to face the smiling, laughing crowd.

  It was so cold outside that nobody lingered outside the church and it wasn’t long before they were all in the grateful warmth of the Merriman family home, lining up with the parents to welcome the guests. Lord Stevenage made no effort to claim any privileges of his rank, introduced himself only by the name of William D’Ablay and lined up and took his turn with the rest. When Merriman introduced him to Helen who gave him a deep curtsey, he said only that he wished them well and would speak later. When Mr Grahame appeared he winked at Merriman, leaned forward with a twinkle in his eye and whispered “Congratulations James, remember that you have me to blame for the situation you are in now.”

  He was referring to the fact that four years ago it was he who had encouraged Merriman to ask Helen to marry him.

  Servants circulated with glasses of wine and sherry and soon the noise of chatter rose as people got to know one another and renewed old acquaintances. They all wanted to shake the men by the hand and to kiss the brides, an opportunity taken enthusiastically by Merriman’s officers who had all met Helen and Emily before.

  A magnificent feast followed. Annie, Mrs Merriman’s housekeeper and friend had made a supreme effort and although she had been given a place at the table with the other guests, nevertheless she managed to keep an eagle eye on the servants, many of whom had been hired for the occasion.

  The time flew by and when Captain Merriman rose to his feet to speak, several of the guests, both male and female had been so overcome by the warmth, the wine and a surfeit of food that they were fast asleep, a not unusual occurrence in that age of gluttony. He spoke of how happy they were to welcome Helen and Robert into the family, and Doctor Simpson replied in a like manner. Some other guests made sometimes clear and sometimes unintelligible speeches and proposed toasts to the happy couple leading to more hilarity and uproar, but eventually Captain Merriman rose to his feet again, pounded on the table and called for silence.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a very distinguished guest in our midst who has asked that he may speak. May I introduce to you Lord Stevenage. My Lord.”

  There was an immediate buzz of comment, a Lord no less, which was quickly stilled when His Lordship stood and looked around.

  “Captain Merriman, I wish to thank you and your delightful wife for inviting me to this occasion and for the overwhelming hospitality I and everyone here have received. I know that there must have been intense speculation in your family as to why I wished to be invited to James’ and Helen’s marriage. I first met James when he and his ship were instrumental in saving my life and others aboard an East Indiaman attacked by Algerian corsairs. The name Merriman attracted my attention and I made discreet enquiries into your family and background. I must tell you Ladies and Gentlemen that James Merriman is one of the most able of His Majesty’s officers in the service today, with, I am sure, a brilliant career ahead of him and I see no reason why could not attain Flag rank in due course. And now he has made another brilliant move, he has married the lovely Helen. I tell you James, if I were a younger man I would have been in competition with you for the lady’s hand.”

  The guests clapped and cheered, those that were still awake and able that is. Merriman grinned, somewhat bemusedly and Helen clutched his hand and somehow contrived to curtsey whilst seated in response to the compliment.

  His Lordship continued, “I simply wish to add my own congratulations to those already expressed. To you James and Helen, and also to you Emily and Robert may I wish success and happiness in your lives together. Ladies and Gentlemen, another toast to the happy couples.”

  When the guests were noisily seating themselves again, he leaned towards Captain Merriman and whispered “I would very much like to speak to you and all your family in private Captain, if I may, after the celebrations are over of course”

  “Certainly My Lord. I don’t think we shall be missed if we slip away into another room now. James, will you push your mother in her wheeled chair while the rest of us follow. Helen, take my arm my dear, Emily and Robert you must come as well. Matthew, you too.”

  And so, settled comfortably in another room, the family waited to hear what Lord Stevenage wanted to say. He smiled as he looked round at their faces.

  “I know you are all wondering why I asked to speak with you. I wanted to be here at James’ wedding of course but there is another reason why I wished to be here. As I am sure you know Captain Merriman, your father, the late Admiral Josiah Merriman, married a lady whose family wished to have nothing further to do with her for marrying against their wishes.”

  He paused for a moment before making a startling announcement. “That lady was my favourite aunt Henrietta, of whom I have only fond memories.”

  There was a stunned silence before he went on,
“Of course Captain Merriman, you will have realised that that simple fact makes us cousins and James is also related.”

  At last it became clear to Merriman why Lord Stevenage had taken such an interest in him and done so much to further his career in the navy.

  James looked across at his father. The older man was sitting there with a dazed look on his face, staring at his new found relative in astonishment, almost at a loss for words.

  “I had no idea Sir, I mean, that is ….. my father never told us who my mother was, only that she had married him against her parents’ wishes. We had speculated of course but it never occurred to us that she was from such an illustrious and noble house.”

  “Well Cousin, she was. I knew that she married a naval officer named Merriman, but as a boy I was forbidden to talk about her. I always thought how brave she was to defy the family in that way. After I encountered James the first time, the name Merriman interested me and I had enquiries made. After all it is not a very common name and I wondered if it was possible that I could contact my aunt again. Sadly I learned that she had passed away some years ago.”

  “Yes, that’s right, but neither she nor my father who died soon after would tell us anything about her family, although I had the impression that she thought they had treated her badly.”

  “They did,” said Lord Stevenage bluntly. “I had hoped to be able to make amends for what my grandparents did, but I was too late, too late “ he repeated sadly.

  “We must talk further Sir, but I am sure that you appreciate that James and Helen want to be back with their friends and then be away as soon as they can, and I must play the host to our guests.”

  “Of course, and we will meet again in time but I must return to London as soon as I can in the morning.” He turned to Merriman. “James, with your permission, Mr Grahame and I will take your M’sieur Moreau back to London with us tomorrow.”