“Permission Sir?” faltered Merriman.
“Certainly, He is paroled to you but will be more use to us there. We will look after his interests you may be sure.”
“You have my permission My Lord, willingly given.”
“Thank you. I’ll take my leave now. Cousin, it has been an honour to be under your roof.” He took Mrs Merriman’s hand, bowed deeply and said “Ma’am, I cannot recall having been made more welcome in any house in the land, thank you for your hospitality.”
“My Lord, you are too kind, it is we who are honoured.” she said in reply.
After he had gone, with his farewells still in their ears, the family sat in awed silence for several minutes before rousing themselves and joining the guests.
In due course the gathering broke up in the early hours of the morning to send the young couples on their way. Emily and Robert disappeared in a carriage in the direction of Chester and a small decorated carriage was waiting outside for James and Helen. He handed her in but before climbing in himself he turned to his parents, hugged and kissed his mother who was looking very tired but trying not to show her discomfort.
“Bless you James, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you and Emily, it was my dearest wish to see you married and Helen will make you a wonderful wife” she whispered in his ear.
Entering the carriage Merriman was startled to see that the horses had been replaced between the shafts by his officers and friends, Andrews, St James, Shrigley and the ship’s doctor McBride, Matthew his brother and even Moreau and some of the servants.
“Sit down Sir” yelled an intoxicated Shrigley “We’re off.”
To a cheer from the remaining guests the men set off at a run to the old dower house. Soon they were puffing and blowing, having eaten and drunk too much, but they carried on gamely and delivered Merriman and Helen safely to the house where the two servants were waiting. Moreau, who had absorbed more than a little good French brandy, leaned forward conspiratorially and said “Go and uphold the honour of the family James, I don’t exsh – exshpect to see you again before tomorrow, oh, it’s tomorrow to day, I mean --- er, what do I mean? Anyway I’m off, off to L-L- London with Mr Grahame so I won’t she- she- see you again for some time”
“Don’t suppose you’ll need any help up there will you Sir,” said St James, slowly swaying on his feet supported by Andrews who was in no better state. Shrigley grinned foolishly as he slid down the carriage wheel to end up sitting on the ground. He peered owlishly up at the rest of them as he struggled to get to his feet, but gave up the attempt and subsided to the ground again, snoring gently.
Merriman and Helen entered the house, Helen still blushing from overhearing the comments and the maid, an elderly woman, quickly showed them to their room made warm by the large fire burning in the grate. She curtseyed and said “Sir, Ma’am, I hope you will be very happy, goodnight.”
Left alone together for the first time that day they stood for a long moment just looking at one another before she came to his arms and they kissed longingly.
“Oh James, how I’ve longed for this moment, I thought it would never come.”
“And I too my love, oh Helen I do love you so.”
“Wait a moment James, wait for me.”
She moved away from him into the shadows by the big four poster bed, there was the rustle of clothing and she stood before him with the lamplight making intriguing shadows and highlights over her naked body. Merriman could do no more than stand transfixed looking at her beauty in the amazing knowledge that she was all his.
She held out her hand “Come James, come to me now,” she whispered, as she slipped into the bed. He needed no further encouragement, his clothes joined hers on the floor and in a moment their bodies were clasped together. She moaned softly as he entered her and they became one.
Chapter 25: An Admiralty dispatch arrives with new orders
The courier pounded up the gravelled carriageway and hauled his sweating, blowing, mud spattered horse on to its haunches. Leaping off, he thumped on the door of the house for attention. When a servant answered he gasped “Urgent despatch for Captain James Merriman, is he here?”
“Well I could say yes, but then again I could say no ------------“
“What is it girl, what’s the problem?” said James’ father coming to the door behind the girl.
“Urgent despatch from London Sir, for Captain James Merriman” repeated the man.
“Very good, I’m his father, also Captain Merriman. He’s not here at the moment but I’ll see he gets it. Now then take that animal round to the stableyard for attention and then find the kitchen. They’ll find you something to eat.”
He retreated into the hall when the servant shut the door and disappeared into the depths of the house, and studied the superscription on the package. He had seen enough of Admiralty despatches to know that it needed immediate action. He sighed, then bellowed for a man to take it down to the dower house where James and Helen were staying.
For ten wonderful days and nights they had hardly left the house, totally engrossed in learning as much about each other as they could and making love, repeatedly, Helen with a wild abandon and enthusiasm which surprised him and caused him to respond equally enthusiastically.
When the maid knocked and passed in the Admiralty despatch Merriman knew immediately that their idyll was over and harsh reality had intervened. Reading the letter, quickly cutting through the wordy preamble he saw that he must return to Portsmouth and his ship without delay. Further orders would await him there. He showed the letter to Helen.
“Oh James, I don’t want you to go. It’s too soon, can’t you stay longer, when will I see you again?” she wailed.
“I don’t know my Darling, weeks, months, years even, like it was last time. I don’t know where they will send me.”
As the tears coursed down her cheeks he held her tightly to him, whispering the things lovers do on parting, before holding her at arm’s length and looking deep into her eyes.
“We knew this moment would come my love. I have to go but the memories of you and these wonderful days will sustain me through whatever happens to me, and the wonderful nights too,” he added as an afterthought.
“Whatever happens to you, nothing will happen to you will it?” she cried, “What will I do without you?”
They clung together for a while before making love again, frenziedly and passionately, knowing it would be the last time for who knew how long.
As he packed his things ready for the journey, he had to admit to himself that he was eager to get back to his ship and the sea again. Helen was wonderful and he loved her dearly, but the sea was his life. At his parent’s house, as he said goodbye to his tearful mother and sad eyed father he wondered if he would see them again. It was most unlikely that his mother would live much longer and he couldn’t imagine his father living for long after she was gone. The whole family had split up, Emily away with her new husband and Matthew, a newly commissioned ensign had joined his regiment. Only Helen was left to comfort them in their old age, but she had her father and aunt to consider too. He sighed, embraced them and Helen for the last time before climbing into the small family coach which would take him to Chester on the first part of his Journey.
Chapter 26: required
Portsmouth was the usual bustling place he remembered and when the coach deposited him with the other passengers at the Eagle and Crown near the dockside he breathed in the smell of the sea overlaid with the aroma of coffee from the inn behind him. There were also the smells of tar and of wet canvas, hemp cordage, and the animal odour from the sweating horses pulling great carts loaded with provisions and supplies which would be taken out on barges and lighters to the ships at anchor.
Immediately he felt at home, then reminded himself that his home was back in Burton and he had a wife waiting there for his eventual return. Then guiltily he realised that he hadn’t given her a thought since the coach approached Portsmouth and he caught s
ight of the tall masts of the warships. He was back where he belonged.
The first thing he must do was to make his presence known to the Port Admiral before going out to his ship. Sir George FitzHerbert was still the stern martinet who had his staff officers jumping at every command, yet as his aide Lieutenant Williams showed Merriman into his office he rose to his feet and greeted him cordially.
“Captain Merriman I’m pleased to see you here again safe and sound. You’ll join me in a glass of something I’m sure. Williams, where are you man? Fetch us some drinks, wine for you Captain?”
“Thank you Sir, that I’ll enjoy.”
In spite of the friendly welcome he had received, Merriman had an uneasy feeling that the Admiral had something more serious on his mind and when the two of them were seated each with a glass of good red wine in hand, he was proved right when Sir George took a deep draught and then contemplated the dregs with a frown on his forehead.
“I’ve some bad news for you Captain Merriman, very bad. It concerns my nephew Midshipman Dorrington. Oh dammit, he’s not a midshipman now but he is still my nephew Arthur.”
He took a deep breath before going on to say, “He escaped from custody three nights ago. He was in leg irons so how he did it I don’t know, but he killed a marine guard and took his uniform. Then he inflicted a severe head wound on another marine.. The irons were found beside the second man, obviously they had been used as a weapon. The second man died yesterday without recovering consciousness so we could learn nothing from him.”
Merriman sat there aghast, his brain working feverishly. “Has he not been seen since Sir?”
“No Captain, not so much as a hair. Search parties have scoured the town but to no avail. He’s completely disappeared and from that we deduce that somebody is giving him shelter. What particularly concerns me is the fact that he was so vindictive towards you. It may be that he is just waiting somewhere for his chance to kill you.”
Merriman said nothing, his mind in a whirl. That Dorrington was dangerous they already knew and now he had three dead men to pay for. Surely he would want to be as far away as he could go, abroad if possible. There would be many captains of trading vessels who would welcome another hand without looking too closely into a man’s reasons for leaving the country.
Merriman voiced these thoughts to the Admiral. “Surely that’s what he would do Sir. If he’s caught he’ll hang this time for certain.”
“I know Captain, I know, but I can’t rid my mind of the thought that he’ll seek revenge against you or even against me. He must be unhinged to do what he did and not thinking clearly.”
“Yes Sir, I wondered why there is an increased number of marines outside.”
“Can’t take chances Captain, and I urge you to be careful. I’ve issued orders for him to be shot on sight if he won’t surrender.”
“I’m sorry to have to say it Sir, but I think it would be better all-round if he were to be shot. If he escaped again God alone knows how many other men he would kill.”
“You’re right of course. All we can do is to be on our guard. Anyway, enough about that. You’ll probably find Mr Grahame aboard when you rejoin your ship and I believe he has orders for you. Lord Stevenage is fully provisioned and you can go when and where he directs. Oh, by the way, your first officer Mr Laing, I’ve promoted him to take command of the English Mermaid and will be leaving soon to join the fleet in the Channel. Still short of a full crew though, the usual problem, the press can’t find men.”
Still deep in thought about Dorrington, Merriman engaged a waterman to row him out to join his ship. The man, a short muscular fellow with arms like tree trunks was assisted by his wife who was scarcely less muscular and they both stared at him when he announced that he should be taken to Lord Stevenage.
“That’s the old Thessaly ‘aint it Sir? I was cap’n of the foretop before I lost me leg Sir.”
Being so lost in thought Merriman hadn’t noticed the man’s wooden leg which he kept braced against a wooden block to support him.
“Yes that’s so, she was.” was all he said in reply.
The man glanced over his shoulder at his wife who merely shrugged her shoulders. They were quite used to uncommunicative officers and after all, to them he was just another such. As the boat neared the ship a hail woke Merriman from his dark mood and he flung open his cloak to reveal his single epaulette. That immediately cause a flurry of activity as preparations were hastily made to welcome the Captain.
He climbed aboard to the usual ceremony of bos’n’s whistles, the marine guard presenting arms and the assembled crew. The officers, all with wide smiles on their faces were waiting to greet him.
“Welcome back Sir, I trust that you and your lady are well.”
“Indeed we are Mr Andrews, indeed we are” he said, “I’m pleased to see that you all got back here safely.”
“Yes Sir, Mr Laing has left us and the ship is in all respects ready for sea. Sir, may I present Lieutenant Merryweather, Henry Merryweather. He is our new third officer. Came aboard not an hour ago.”
“Welcome aboard Mr Merryweather, I hope your name means that we shall have good weather in future.”
Merryweather, a lanky young man, as dark as a moor, grinned embarrassedly at Merriman’s feeble joke which he had heard so often before, whilst the others laughed dutifully.
“Very well Gentlemen, I’ll have you all in my cabin in half an hour. Is Mr Grahame aboard?”
“He was Sir, but he has gone ashore again. Are we to wait for him?”
“We are Mr Andrews, we are” said Merriman as he went below to his cabin to find Peters and Tomkins waiting.
“Welcome back Sir,” they chorused together. Your baggage is aboard, and I’ve started to unpack it “added Peters. “Is there anything I can get you Sir?”
“Not at the moment thank you. Tomkins, is there much paperwork for me?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary Sir, just the usual reports and the ship’s books to see and the master’s log of course and there are the ship’s accounts too Sir.”
“Very well, I’ll attend to those later. The officers will be down shortly and we’ll have some of that French claret if there’s any left. Or have you two rogues drunk it all?”
“Oh no Sir” said a shocked Peters, “we wouldn’t do that.”
“No? Perhaps not.” Since Tomkins had come aboard to be his captain’s clerk the normally reticent Peters had thawed somewhat and the two men were now good friends and as thick as thieves.
“There will be some boxes and things coming aboard soon, they contain some glassware and bottles and a few fripperies from my wife, make sure there is no damage. Now off you go.”
With all the officers except Shrigley who was the officer of the day were assembled, Merriman looked round at the eager faces of the men he had got to know so well over the last four years or more. The elderly Master, Mr Cuthbert, with his lined and weather beaten face, Andrews, Weston, the two marine officers, the two remaining midshipmen Hungerford and little Gideon Small and doctor McBride and the new man Merryweather.
“Gentlemen, before those of you who were at my wedding ask, yes, all went well and my wife wishes me to extend to you all her regards and best wishes for our next venture.”
He held up his hand to quell their noisy appreciation before continuing in a more serious vein. “Are you aware that Dorrington has escaped from custody and killed two men to do it?”
“We have heard rumour and counter rumour Sir. Some say that he must have fled and joined the crew of some trading ship, others that he must be in hiding somewhere, but there is nothing certain. Some of us were ordered to join the search parties because we could recognise him but we found no trace of him.”
“Well Gentlemen, Admiral FitzHerbert is convinced that Dorrington will try to revenge himself on him or more likely on me. He must be quite mad and there is no telling what he might try to do.”
In the shocked silence midshipman Small whispered “I tho
ught we had seen the last of him Sir. Do you think he will try anything here?”
“I cannot say Mr Small. The Admiral has increased the marine guard round himself and his wife and I think we can do no less. Also bear in mind that the Admiral has ordered that Dorrington is to be shot if he is found and won’t surrender.”
“Mr St James, until we sail I want our marine sentries doubled and you Mr Andrews will see to it that extra hands are allocated to guard duties during the night. See to that if you please Gentlemen. Before you go, is there anything else?”
“Yes Sir, if I may ask, who was this Dorrington you spoke about,” asked Merryweather.
“Of course you don’t know. However, I’m sure that one of the other officers will be pleased to tell you the whole sorry story.”
Merriman sat down at his desk and called for his clerk Tomkins to bring all the reports and papers which had accumulated in his absence. Tomkins had prepared most of them ready for his signature but he still had to read them all to bring himself up to date with all that had happened.
He was completely immersed in the task when the sound of cheering, becoming louder and louder brought him out on deck to find almost the entire crew hanging over the side listening to news shouted out from a boat being rowed round the anchored ships. They too burst out into excited cheering, the officers no less than the men.
”What the devil is going on?”
“Something about Sir Edward Pellew Sir, and a great victory for us.”
“We need to know more about this. Mr Weston, take a boat and go ashore and see what you can find out.”
“Aye-aye Sir.” He shouted for a boat’s crew and in no time at all they were pulling lustily for the harbour steps.
Merriman and the rest waited in anticipation for Weston’s return but it was almost two hours before the boat was seen returning.
“Well Mr Weston, what’s the news?” asked Merriman impatiently, the other officers gathering round to hear.
Weston was so excited that he could hardly speak coherently.
Merriman and the French Invasion (The Merriman Chronicles Book 2) Page 21