Honour This Day

heart. His sailors had called him Equality Dick, a nickname taken up by the popular newsheets ashore. But some of those were telling a very different story now. Of the vice-admiral who cared more for a lady than his own reputation.

Godschale had skirted round it very well in his letter.

'I know you are both old friends, but you may find it difficult now to serve under him when you were expecting quite rightly to be relieved.'

By saying nothing, Godschale had said everything. A warning or a threat? You could take it either way.

He heard the marines falling in at the entry port, their officer snapping out commands as he inspected the guard.

Captain Gossage rejoined him and watched the array of anchored ships.

He said, 'They look fine enough, sir.'

Hernck nodded. His own ships needed to be relieved, if only for a quick overhaul and complete restoring. He had only been able to release one vessel at a time for watering or to gather new victuals, and the sudden change of orders to place him under Bolitho's flag had left everyone surprised or resentful.

Gossage was saying, 'I served with Edmund Haven a few years ago, sir.'

'Haven?' Hernck pulled his mind back. 'Bolitho's flag captain.'

Gossage nodded. 'A dull fellow, I thought. Only got Hyperion because she was little more than a hulk.'

Hernck dug his chin into his neckcloth. 'I'd not let Sir Richard hear you say that. It is not a view he would share.'

The officer-of-the-watch called, 'The barge is casting off, sir!'

'Very well. Man the side.'

In her last letter Dulcie had said little about Belinda. They had been in touch, but it seemed likely that any confidences would be kept secret. He smiled sadly. Even from him.

Hernck thought too of the girl Bolitho had once loved and married – Cheney Seton. Hernck had been at the marriage. It had been his terrible mission to carry the news of her tragic death to Bolitho at sea. He had known that Belinda was not another like her. But Bolitho had seemed settled, especially after he had been presented with a daughter. Hernck tried to keep things straight. It had nothing to do with the cruel fact that Dulcie was beyond the age to give him children. Even as he arranged his thoughts he recognised the he. Could almost hear the comparison. Why them and not us?

And now there was Catherine. Rumours were always blown up out of all proportion. Like Nelson's much- vaunted affair. Later, Nelson would regret it. When he laid down his sword for the last time, there would be many old enemies eager to forget his triumphs and his worth. Hernck came of a poor family and knew how hard it was to rise above any superior's dislike, let alone outright hostility. Bolitho had saved him from it, had given him the chance he would otherwise never have had. There was no denying that. And yet -

Gossage straightened his hat. 'Barge approaching, sir!'

A voice yelled, 'Clear the upper deck¹'

It would not look right to have the gundeck and forecastle crowded with idlers when Bolitho came aboard. But they were there all the same, despite some tempting smells from the galley funnel.

Hernck gripped his sword and pressed it to his side. Old friends. None closer. How could it happen like this?

The calls shrilled and the Royal Marine fliers struck into Heart of Oak, while the guard slapped their muskets to the present in a small cloud of pipeclay.

Bolitho stood framed against the sea's silky blue and doffed his hat.

He had not changed, Hernck thought. And as far as he could see, he had no grey hairs, although he was a year older than Hernck himself.

Bolitho nodded to the Royal Marines and said, 'Smart guard, Major.' Then he strode across to Herrick and thrust out his hand.

Herri ck seized it, knowing how important this moment was, perhaps to Bolitho as well.

'Welcome, Sir Richard!'

Bolitho smiled, his teeth white against his sunburned skin.

'It is good to see you, Thomas. Though I fear you must hate this change of plans.'

Together they walked aft to the great cabin while the guard was dismissed, and Allday cast off the barge to idle comfortably within Benbow's tat shadow.

In the cabin it seemed cool after the quarterdeck, and Hernck watched as Bolitho seated himself by the stern windows, saw his eyes moving around while he recalled it as it had once been. His own flagship. There had been other changes too. That last battle had made certain of that.

The servant brought some wine and Bolitho said, 'It seems that Our Nel is still in the Atlantic.'

Herrick swallowed his wine without noticing it. 'So they say. I have heard that he may return to England and haul down his flag, as it looks unlikely that the French will venture out in strength. Not this year anyway.'

'Is that what you think'' Bolitho examined the glass. Herrick was on edge. More than he had expected. 'It is possible, of course, that the enemy may slip through the Strait again and run for Toulon.'

Hernck frowned. 'If so, we shall have 'em. Caught between us and the main fleet.'

'But suppose Villeneuve intends to break out from another direction? By the time their lordships got word to us, he would be beating up the Channel, while we remain kicking our heels in ignorance.'

Hernck stirred uneasily. 'I am keeping up my patrols -'

'I knew you would. I see you are short of a ship?'

Herrick was startled. 'Absolute, yes. I sent her to Gibraltar. She's so rotten, I wonder she remains afloat.' He seemed to stiffen. 'It was my responsibility. I did not know then that you were assuming total command.'

Bolitho smiled. 'Easy, Thomas. It was not meant as a criticism. I might have done the same.'

Herrick looked at the deck. Might. He said, 'I shall be pleased to hear of your intentions.'

'Presently, Thomas. Perhaps we might sup together?'

Hernck looked up and saw the grey eyes watching him. Pleading with him?

He replied, 'I'd relish that.' He faltered. 'You could bring Captain Haven if you wish, although I understand -'

Bolitho stared at him. Of course. He would not have heard yet.

'Haven is under arrest, Thomas. In due course I expect he will stand trial for attempting to murder his first lieutenant.' He almost smiled at Hernck's astonishment. It probably sounded completely insane. He added, 'Haven imagined that the lieutenant was having an affair with his wife. There was a child. He was wrong, as it turned out. But the damage was done.'

Herrick refilled his glass and spilled some wine on the table without heeding it.

'I have to speak out, Sir Richard.'

Bolitho watched him gravely. 'No rank or title 'twixt us, Thomas – unless you need a barricade for your purpose?'

Hernck exclaimed, 'This woman. What can she mean to you except -'

Bolitho said quietly, 'You and I are friends, Thomas. Let us remain as such.' He looked past him and pictured Catherine in the shadows. He said, 'I am in love with her. Is that so hard to understand'' He tried to keep the bitterness from his tone. 'How would you feel, Thomas, if some stranger referred to your Dulcic as this woman, eh?'

Hernck gripped the arms of his chair. 'God damn it, Richard, why do you twist the truth? You know, you must know what everyone is saying, that you are besotted by her, have thrown your wife and child to the winds so that you can lose yourself, and to hell with all who care for you!'

Bolitho thought briefly of the grand house in London. 'I've thrown nobody to the winds. I have found someone I can love. Reason does not come into it.' He stood up and crossed to the windows. 'You must know I do not act lightly in such matters.' He swung round. 'Are you judging me too? Who are you - Christ?'