Betrayal

Chapter 5

St Helena lifted above the horizon, a rumpled grey shape set against deep blue seas with eager white horses as far as the eye could see. A vast azure heaven was populated with gambolling fluffy clouds, the warmth of the sun grateful to the skin. After their time of testing, the ships of the fleet had found one another and now proceeded in proper formation.

However, of the five transports there were now only four. Somewhere out in the howling chaos Ocean had disappeared. It was possible that she would suddenly appear but the frigates quartering far out after the storm to gather in the scattered band had seen no sign of her, and three days had passed. There was the outside chance that she was already at St Helena, the appointed rendezvous, and waiting for them, but Kydd doubted the lumbering merchantman could have overhauled them all.

The probability was that at some time during the night she had not proved equal to the stress of tempest: her shattered wreck had finally yielded and sunk, taking with her to a watery grave not only captain and crew but several hundred officers and soldiers, a significant part of the expedition. Kydd grieved at their fate.

An improbable dot in the immensity of ocean, St Helena was at the near geographic centre of the South Atlantic. North to south, east to west, it could be no further from land, to which the majestic height of the rollers close to the coast attested. As they rounded the last point, the haven of James Bay opened up and telescopes were quickly searching – but Ocean was not there.

Popham was not about to waste time. Even as anchors plunged, a precautionary single flag whipped up Diadem’s mainmast head: the blue square pierced with white, which was the Blue Peter, the signal for ‘prepare to sail within twenty-four hours’. Soon afterwards, ‘all captains’ was hung out: it was the order for them to join Popham in going ashore to meet the governor. But there would be no solemn gun salutes: this governor had been appointed privately by the East India Company to rule over this vital rendezvous for the India convoys and therefore was not entitled to such.

The soaring crags and cloud-wreathed peaks were all of two thousand feet in altitude, and the narrow valley that led up to Plantation House was steep and spectacular, requiring the services of a government calesa. Governor Patton was waiting for them on the front lawn of his residence under the myrtles and mimosa.

‘Welcome, gentlemen, whatever your occasion.’ He had met most of the captains before during the Cape campaign and clearly suspected something was afoot.

White-gloved footmen circulated with wine. In the sun and pleasant oceanic breezes, most of the captains found they had a yarn or two to tell of recent stormy experiences. All too soon the sky greyed, a rain squall threatening, and the group was ushered inside to a reception room.

Popham was in striking form, in the finery of a flag officer attended by his lieutenant and with an air of serene authority. Patton approached him. ‘Tell me, Commodore, would it be altogether too presumptuous of me to ask your mission? I rather thought the French squadrons had been scattered – or is this some new adventure?’

Popham smiled, then confided, ‘As it promises to be the greatest stroke this age, Robert. Not for the ear of the common herd, of course, but this little armada is on its way to set South America ablaze.’

‘Good God!’ said Patton, faintly.

‘Indeed. It seems the natives are ripe for rebellion, and since Trafalgar, the Spanish being powerless to defend their interests, our fleet is able to sail in the character of liberator.’

‘Why, that would mean . . .’

‘Yes. Detach their empire and source of wealth and the Spanish must treat for peace, despite any bluster Bonaparte may put up.’

‘Trade! That’s where the real excitement is. Be damned to their colonial laws – this would open the whole of the continent to us. And that’s to be reckoned in the millions, tens of millions the least of it. Damme, but this is blood-stirring stuff.’

Beresford joined the group, in the red and gold regimentals of a general a splendid match for Popham. Patton asked him, ‘A military challenge of sorts, I’d think it, William. The Dons have all those irregulars and must keep a sizeable garrison in Montevideo.’

‘Our information is that these are not as formidable as rumoured,’ Beresford began cautiously. ‘However, it’s vital we secure a quick and visible victory to encourage the rising or we’re lost, and with few enough men . . .’

Popham came back quickly: ‘And to all involved a capital opportunity for distinction, I’d believe. Especially one that’s set fair to make fortunes.’

‘I do envy you fellows,’ Patton said, with feeling. ‘It’s to be a grand occasion, I’m persuaded – but is the East India Company not to be invited to a change of empires? It’s too bad, really too bad.’

There was good-natured laughter, then Popham rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘Ah, as to that, Robert, it does cross my mind that in the recent storm we somehow mislaid Ocean transport, which leaves us short of artillery and, er, it would not be without precedent for John Company to lend support to His Majesty’s arms when requested. A trifle of field pieces, amounting to, say, a hundred men in all, and there you would have your invitation.’

Patton immediately cooled. ‘You’re seriously asking that I authorise a detaching of our St Helena garrison, with their guns, for service with you?’

‘Only a suggestion, Robert. And simply for the term of the initial showing before the Spanish. Naturally your outgoings would be compensated by the Crown, and other fees I’ll leave with the fiscals, but this would certainly ensure your appearance in the annals of the expedition.’

‘Then, pray, what do your orders say precisely concerning an involvement of the Company?’ Patton challenged.

‘I can most definitely assure you that I have no orders whatsoever forbidding your assistance,’ Popham replied earnestly. ‘And when I last spoke with Mr Pitt on the matter he was most insistent that all local resources be employed.’

‘Mr Pitt?’ Patton said, impressed. ‘You’ve discussed-’

‘This entire expedition is merely the resuming of a venture planned and agreed upon by myself and His Majesty’s government, lately interrupted by Trafalgar.’

‘Oh, well, I can see-’

‘Be that as it may, Robert, most would see it to your advantage to be first to plant a mercantile interest in the new lands, to secure a preferential trading position before the City hears of our coup.’

‘Quite so. Um, it would seem a reasonable request you are making, m’ friend. And considering an early success is much to be desired by us both, then perhaps the artillery detachment might profitably be accompanied by, perhaps, two or three hundred of our infantry. You could make use of them?’

‘That’s handsome in you, dear fellow, and I’m sanguine we’ll be able to exercise ’em for you in the field.’

‘Their transport?’

‘We’ll see they’re well taken care of, Robert, never fear.’

Beaming, the commodore turned to the circle of his officers. ‘Gentlemen! The gods of war are smiling upon us. We sail just as soon as your green stuff and water are complete. You’ll want to return to your ships – no liberty for the hands, of course, and not a moment to be lost.’

In the general stir, he called, ‘Captain Kydd, if you’d kindly wait on me – details of the St Helena reinforcements to be dealt with.’ The other captains, taking the hint, quickly made to leave.

‘I’ll wish you well of your mission, sir,’ Patton said warmly, shaking Popham’s hand, then lifting his arm in salute. ‘As enterprising a piece of work as ever I’ve heard.’

‘Thank you, Robert,’ Popham said, and made for the door, but stopped at a small marble side table where some newspapers were neatly piled.

‘Oh, papers from home, new arrived. Haven’t had time to read ’em – do help yourself, old chap.’

Popham reached for one, then paused. Without looking round he hurriedly stuffed it into his waistcoat. ‘Er, you’ll have my earliest word, of course. Goodbye.’