accommodation congenial.'
With a growing sense of unreality Kydd boarded a high-wheeled carriage and the debonair Thornton pointed out the sights as they made Walnut Street at a fast clip. 'Minister Liston keeps unfashionable hours, I fear. Can you find it in you, dear fellow, to appear at nine tomorrow morning? It seems he's anxious to see you.'
'Of course.'
'Should you like theatre, I have tickets for this evening.'
'Thank you,' Kydd murmured, his head spinning with the pace of events.
'Mr Liston,' Thornton said softly, ushering Kydd into a small drawing room and closing the door noiselessly as he left.
'Ah, Mr Kydd,' said Liston, finishing a letter. 'Pray be seated, I won't be long.'
While Liston sanded and sealed the missive, Kydd had the feeling that he was under discreet observation.
'Very well. To business. You will be aware by now that this country has seen fit to begin the creation of a navy, arising from the grievous nature of the depredations of the French on their trade. For details of that you will no doubt have your professional sources.' He paused significantly. 'There are many elements of delicacy in this situation, and in a way I would wish that you were of a more elevated, senior character, but in this I am constrained by their very firm petition for your own good self to undertake this service. Therefore I will be plain. The United States has done us the signal honour of embarking on a characterisation of their navy that is in the greatest measure our own. This is gratifying to us, of course, as it presupposes an alignment of purpose consequent upon a convergence of practices. This, naturally, has put the French out of countenance, for the Americans have turned their back on their traditional ally in this.'
Liston paused, considering Kydd. 'And in this, as in all things, you will consult your honour as to how on foreign soil you will best conduct yourself in furtherance of your country's interests.'
Something in the smooth flow of words alerted Kydd and he listened warily. 'I will, sir, be assured.'
'Then if this is your prime motivation I can rely on your loyalty to the Crown?'
'Sir.'
'Then let me lay out the issues before you. You are in a unique position to allay the fears of your government on certain matters concerning the effectiveness of this armament . . .'
'Sir!' Kydd said tightly. 'You're askin' me to spy on th' Americans?' The warmth of a flush spread, but he did not care. Spies and betrayal, this was not how he saw his duty.
Liston's face tightened. 'Have a care, Lieutenant! Recollect you hold the commission of King George. And in it you have sworn certain loyalties that cannot so easily be cast aside. What I am asking is no more than any officer of honour is bound to do when on foreign territory, whether on parole or any other basis— simply to keep his eyes open.' The crack of aristocratic authority in his voice remained as he went on, 'And if I might remark it, you appear surprisingly deficient thereby in your understanding of the bounds of gentlemanly conduct.'
Kydd stiffened, then dropped his eyes.
Liston's tone softened: 'We're not asking you to report back on the number of ships and guns and so forth, if that is your scruple. It is something of far more significance. I desire that you will return to me with an opinion as to whether you believe the United States is determined in this matter, has resolved to establish an armed force of credibility, or is merely embarked on a ploy to deter the French.' He fixed his gaze on Kydd. 'And if you conceive that they are in earnest, your professional opinion as to their effectiveness at sea. In short, whether they can fight— should the world take notice.'
Kydd returned the gaze steadily. 'I will do that, sir.' It was not an act of spying: it was an opinion.
Liston relaxed a little. 'Then as we seem to have come to an understanding, would you care to join me for coffee? The American bean is generally accounted superior, and we have the remainder of this hour before your hosts make their appearance.'
Twenty minutes later there was a firm knock on the door. Thornton appeared, with an indistinct figure behind him. 'Sir, a gentleman for Mr Kydd.' It was Gindler.
Outside they shook hands gleefully. 'Well, this must be the strangest coincidence of the age,' laughed Gindler, but his knowing look gave the game away.
'So, what has the American Navy in store for poor Lieutenant Kydd?'
'Ah, the United States Navy is what we call it—you English will have reason to remember the Continental Navy of the revolution; this is now the Federal Navy but some take exception to the term.'
'Noted.'
'And you are now talking to L'tenant Gindler, third of the United States Frigate
Kydd laughed but his interest swelled fast. This was not to be a pettifogging political appointment but a real seagoing situation. 'When-'
'Not so fast, good sir. I'm instructed that our new secretary of the Navy wishes to make your acquaintance before we hazard the briny deep.'
'Do excuse this mare's nest of a room—my wife has not yet arrived in Philadelphia to take charge of my household.' Stoddert made ineffectual attempts to clear a space at one end of a plain table where a stout chair stood. His manner was distracted but his gaze direct as he greeted Kydd.
'Secretary Stoddert has only recently arrived in the capital,' Gindler murmured, standing clear of the welter of papers and furniture.
'Thank you, Lieutenant. Pray call on me before you leave Philadelphia. I may have something for Captain Truxtun.' Gindler bowed and left.
'Now, you are Lieutenant Kydd of the Royal Navy.'
