‘I am probably in fault for the whole thing, but it’s nothing to speak of, David. Simply said, Mr Pitt commissioned a scheme by me for laying the Spanish by the tail in their own colonies, which was interrupted by Trafalgar. Now, as it happens, it seems conditions are unusually opportune to resume the enterprise, and officers of spirit in my command are clamouring to be let loose on it.’
Popham outlined his dealings with Miranda, the development of plans to provoke an uprising against the Spanish, with its consequences for the wider war and, quite incidentally, the probable fame of any who would be concerned in the shattering of centuries of empire.
‘And now this fellow Waine sails in direct from Buenos Aires with the news that the viceroyalty is clear – quite clear – of any defending warships, leaving it wide open to any descent of ours. Captain Kydd here is of the opinion that, with the retirement of all the French marauding squadrons, there is a shining opportunity to execute the plan – if only we move instantly.’
Baird looked at Kydd keenly. ‘And where do you hope an army of invasion might be found at this instant, young feller?’
Popham came in smoothly, ‘It needs but a comparable force to that which we employed to reduce Cape Town, David, for its purpose is only to hold a strong point, such as Montevideo, until reinforcements and garrison troops arrive.’
‘Then if that’s so why isn’t this plan being put in train?’ demanded Baird, loudly. ‘Be damned, when the stakes are so high, why not, man?’
Popham shook his head ruefully. ‘It not being the province of a sailorman, I’m reluctant to judge, but the situation as I see it is that without orders we are at a loss. London has hardly had time to receive the glad news of Blaauwberg, let alone conjure plans for wider gains. And they’re hardly in a position to know the strategics of what is happening on the other side of the world, so they’ll not be in haste to complete our orders.’
Baird threw him a piercing glance, then began pacing about the room. ‘What you’re telling me is that, if you received orders to do so, you’d sail against the Spanish.’
‘With pleasure.’
‘To resume what was planned and prepared by Whitehall before?’
‘Just so.’
Baird’s pace accelerated and furrows of concentration deepened on his brow. Suddenly he stopped, wheeled around and confronted Popham. ‘I’m governor and ruling panjandrum in these parts. If I get together a picked army, a few guns and a supply train, would you then sail?’
‘I could be held culpable of quitting my station,’ Popham replied carefully, ‘as not having Admiralty orders.’
‘This is something you’ll have to square with them later,’ Baird retorted. ‘I’ve no authority in that line, as well you know. And I’ve my own worries. Detaching forces when so pinched, and justifying all the expenditures, well . . .’
‘I’d do my part, David.’
‘Yes, of course you will. Dasher, we’d be in this together, dear fellow, but think what a noise about the world we’d make! I’m sanguine their lordships will overlook the details when this great stroke be known. After all, we’re but anticipating orders, is all.’
‘So you think-’
‘Give me your plans. We’ll work something out together and be damned to the rules!’
‘Seize the hour!’ Popham murmured.
‘Time and tide!’
Chapter 4
Renzi tucked into the lamb silently. Kydd was getting used to it, the faraway look, the air of distraction, the sudden scribbling in a pocket notebook; it was not the Renzi he knew. Gone was the languid observer, the courteous gentleman, in his place a man oblivious to the world.
‘Nicholas,’ Kydd began carefully, ‘the master-at-arms is complaining that he sees light in your cabin in the silent hours contrary to ship’s standing orders and must beg you put it out time and again.’
‘Oh, er, yes. Pray understand, dear fellow, that the muse is not to be commanded by mere mortals. There are times when-’
‘You put him in a hard situation, he not being of a mind to make a charge against you, but he has his duty by me and the other officers. If-’
‘Yes, yes – very well, I’ll try to remember.’ He bolted some bread and made to rise.
‘Do stay, Nicholas, and tell me how it’s all going, this writing o’ yours.’
With a sigh Renzi took his seat again. ‘There’s not much to say. I’ve reached the point where Il Giramondo has left home for he’s fatally taken by Jenny, a pretty milkmaid.’
‘Il Giramondo?’
‘My hero, if you’ll remember,’ Renzi said acidly. ‘I rather think I should be getting back to work. This talking is to no end.’ He stood abruptly.
Outside the voices of passing seamen at their work came to them. ‘I bin t’ Monty-wi’-dayo, cuffin. Rare time there, be good t’ see them Spanish biddies again.’
Renzi froze.
‘Aye, but we’s having t’ fight afore we gets t’ see ’em this time.’
The voices faded.
Renzi turned on Kydd: ‘You’re making that attempt at South America! And it needs a common sailor to tell me!’
‘Well, I was going to brief the officers later,’ he said weakly, ‘but Jack Tar already seems to have it from somewhere.’
Renzi sat down slowly. ‘Do you mean that at this very moment there’s an expedition afoot to raid the Spanish Americas?’
‘To make a landing in the River Plate, yes.’
‘And am I right in thinking that the projector is Commodore Popham?’
‘As being the only one of spirit and dash who puts attacking the enemy before all else.’
Renzi bit his lip. ‘What does Baird think of this?’ His voice was steel-edged.
‘In course he’s persuaded that the conditions are right for the assault and is providing troops and supplies for the expedition.’
‘Good God,’ Renzi said slowly. ‘He’s going to do it!’
Kydd frowned. ‘Nicholas. I don’t want to say it, but this is really none of your business. You go back to your writing – I’m sanguine we’ll be sailing within a week. There’s nothing more to discuss.’
‘Yes, there is,’ Renzi said intensely. ‘Depend upon it!’
‘This is a military expedition, my friend, and in case you’ve overlooked it, you have no part in it and therefore have no cause to fret,’ Kydd said irritably.
‘You can’t see it, but the man’s a popinjay, a slippery toad and a damned cunning fellow.’
‘Hold your tongue, sir!’ Kydd barked. ‘This is our commander you’re referring to. Anyone else, they’d be in bilboes this instant for those words.’
‘They are not only my words,’ Renzi came back. ‘I could add others, but I will not.’
‘You’ll keep your opinions to yourself or I’ll swear I’ll have you removed from this vessel.’
‘As is your prerogative, but I’ll not keep silent at this mountebank’s contumacious-’
‘Sentry!’ Kydd roared.
The marine posted at his outer door entered quickly. ‘Sir?’
Renzi, his face pale and set, looked at Kydd. ‘I think it better for us both should you allow me a little time to explain myself,’ he said quietly.
‘Wait outside,’ Kydd snapped at the sentry.
He turned to Renzi. ‘Ten minutes, and damme, you’d better find good reasons, or . . .’
