Farquhar eyed him coldly. 'I have written my despatch for the admiral. Harebell will be making sail as soon as she has taken on water. '
Herrick faced him, his eyes filling with astonishment. 'But you will not release the sloop without sending her first to Malta?'
'You are wrong.'
'But-but-'
Farquhar snapped, 'When you were flag captain you had your opportunity to put your ideals into operation. It is too late now for misgivings. So do not blame me, Captain Herrick. If anyone failed the commodore, it was you!'
Herrick stared at the deck and at the bulkhead, seeing neither. It was true what Farquhar had said. Ail of it.
Farquhar added quietly, 'The squadron will remain here until we receive new orders. I have persuaded Mr. Manning that further 'repairs' are vital to our survival.'
Herrick heard the words but their meaning did not reach him for several long seconds.
He exclaimed, 'But, you mustn't ignore all that the commodore has discovered. The prizes we’ve taken, the information we’ve gathered. It all points to Corfu.' He heard his voice pleading, but no longer cared. 'You can't just stay here and do nothing!'
Farquhar shrugged. 'Rumours. I cannot afford to squander the squadron to the points of the compass. When the first supporting ships arrive I intend-'
Herrick stared at him, disgusted. 'You will be ready to meet them. To visit Nelson in person, is that it?'
Farquhar frowned. 'Do not press me too far! I only came to you because I intend to give you back Lysander.'
Herrick looked around the beautiful cabin. Far more soiled to a flagship than Lysander could ever be.
'Farquhar. added, 'Harebell brought other, less rousing news. My father, Sir Edward, died two days after I left England.' Herrick could only stare at him, his mind clearing and sharpening the pain. Farquhar had everything now. There was no remorse on his face, no sense of loss.
He had the title at last, and all the land and property which went with it. And when Nelson came to the Mediterranean he would appoint a new commodore for this squadron. Sir Charles Farquhar.
He asked huskily, 'Have you told Captain Probyn yet?'
'All in good time.' Farquhar was far away, his eyes reaching beyond Sicily and beyond again. 'Probyn behaves as if stupidity was a virtue. You should know that.' He walked to the stern windows. 'I have ordered my servant to bring my things across before dusk. You may transfer back to Lysander as soon as you receive my written appointment. That pleases you, surely?'
'I’ve small room for pleasure at present, Sir Charles.' He watched for some reaction, but Farquhar had already accepted and grown into the title within hours of hearing the news. He looked away in case Farquhar should see his sudden anxiety. 'I have a favour to ask. And I don’tfind it an easy task.'
'Well?'
'I believe that the commodore was right. '
'Perhaps. We shall see, one day.'
Herrick persisted, 'You could detach a ship. If you are remaining here under Sicilian protection, one ship less would aid the deception.'
'Continue.' Farquhar watched him calmly. 'And where would this one ship be heading, might I ask?'
'You know that, too, Sir Charles. Corfu. To discover what the French are doing there.'
'I see.'
Farquhar walked a few paces to the table and looked with distaste at Herrick's chart and the mass of scribbled calculations.
'Please.' Herrick watched him desperately. 'I’ve never asked you for anything before.' He hesitated. 'I’m asking now.'
'Very well. Your orders would be such that you would act on your own initiative.'
'Thank you. '
Farquhar's eyebrows lifted. 'You thank me? It is your own ruin you are demanding. Corfu is of no consequence. The big fight will be outside Toulon, or on the shores of Egypt.' He shook his head sadly. 'When I was a midshipman in the Phalarope, and you her first lieutenant, eventually, I used to listen to the men talking about you. How you would always speak up for them.' He turned away. 'I hope there will be someone to speak up for you when the time comes. But I doubt it.'
He became 'impatient and banged sharply on the door. 'sentry! Pass the word for the first lieutenant!'
Then he looked at Herrick again. 'Return to your precious Lysander now. Before I change my mind. I’ll send you your orders at once. '
Herrick nodded. 'And if you get the chance, sir… '
'Yes. I’ll try to discover what happened to the commodore, although-' He did not finish it.
Outhwaite appeared in the door. 'sir?'
'Captain Herrick is returning to his own ship.'
