Read Online Darkening Sea by Alexander Kent - Free Book Online Page A

thought of her this morning, warm in his arms, holding him, watching him later while Allday shaved him, and sharing a quick breakfast downstairs. In a rough shawl or in gleaming shot-silk like the night they had been reunited at English Harbour, she would never pass unnoticed. No, Catherine would recognise any ploy, subtle or otherwise.
    â€œYou were well known for the energy of your performance when you were a frigate captain, Sir Richard.” Hamett-Parker continued in the same curt manner. “The line of battle has been my lot in life.” He changed tack again. “I seem to recall that you were flag captain to Sir Lucius Broughton in Euryalus? ”
    â€œI was flag captain to Rear-Admiral Thelwall until he was relieved due to ill-health. Broughton hoisted his flag in Euryalus after that.”
    â€œI deduce from your tone that you disliked him. I always thought him to be an excellent flag officer. Like me, he would never allow sentiment to blur the needs of duty and discipline.” He clenched his fist as if he had allowed himself to say too much, and continued, “You were involved in the Great Mutiny?”
    It sounded almost like an accusation.
    â€œWe were lucky in Euryalus. ”
    â€œLuck? What has that to do with it? We were at war with a ruthless enemy as we are now. I commanded Cydnus, a two-decker of ninety guns. Well trained, well drilled, she was the envy of the squadron.”
    Bolitho saw the hand clench into a tight fist again. Hamett-Parker’s one weakness: the incident he could never forget.
    â€œThere are always rotten apples in some casks. The plan for mutiny amongst my people was fed to those simpletons and knot-heads like poison. They defied me— me, their captain.” His pale eyes shone like glass in the reflected light. It was as if he could still not believe it. That ordinary, common seamen could demand their rights even at the risk of death by hanging or a flogging around the fleet, which had been the punishment meted out to more than one delegate.
    Bolitho said sharply, “Admiral Broughton was a fool. If he were one of my officers today I would tell him as much!”
    They both became calm again, and Hamett-Parker said, “My record is one to be proud of.” He glanced meaningfully around the room. “I think others must have appreciated that.”
    Bolitho said, “What is expected of me, Sir James?” He was surprised how calm he sounded. Inwardly he was burning like a fireship, angered by this unreachable man, angry with himself.
    â€œWe need a plan, one that can be exercised with simplicity, one that will not antagonise the flags of nations not already drawn into the fight.”
    â€œYou mean the Americans, Sir James?”
    â€œI did not say that!” He wagged one finger and gave a stiff smile. Then he said, “I am glad we met before we meet the others involved.” He pulled some papers towards him. “My flag lieutenant has the address of your lodgings in London, I assume?”
    â€œI imagine so, Sir James.” Probably half of London knew it. “May I ask something?”
    He tugged out a bright gold watch and glanced at it. “I must not be too long.”
    Bolitho thought sadly of Godschale. One cannot do everything. “What is intended for my last flag captain, Valentine Keen?”
    Hamett-Parker pouted. “For an instant I thought you would ask about someone else.” He shrugged, irritated. “He will hoist a broad-pendant when all is decided. If he performs adequately I am certain flag rank will be his privilege, as it is ours.”
    Bolitho stood up and saw the other man’s glance fall to the old sword. “May I take my leave, Sir James?” It was over; the rapiers were to be laid in their cases again. For the present.
    â€œPlease do.” He leaned back in his great chair, his fingertips pressed together like a village parson. Then he said, “Vice-Admiral Sir