The Admiral's Daughter

This was something for Renzi. He knew all the finer points, the way through the social quicksands and the subtleties of conversational byplay, the rules for bowing and scraping. Kydd's grasp of the fundamentals of politeness was adequate for the usual run of social events but if at this level he were to bring disgrace on Teazer with an unfortunate gaucherie . . .

Kydd stood up and was on the very point of passing the word for Mr Renzi when he stopped. How in the name of friendship could he summon Renzi to appear before him simply when it suited? It would risk alienating him and fundamentally affect their delicate arrangement; it was important for the future that Kydd find a way to achieve the same object in a manner that did not offend sensibilities.

Of course! In Renzi's very words—the rules of politeness, the value of invitation: 'Tysoe, do inform Mr Renzi that I request th' pleasure of his company when he is at liberty to do so . . .' As it was done in the best circles.

'M' friend, I'd take it kindly if ye'd give me a course t' steer in this matter.' Kydd handed over the invitation.

Annoyingly, Renzi did not display any particular admiration or surprise. He merely looked up and asked calmly, 'An invitation to a ball—is there an exceptional service you therefore wish of me?'

'I'm concerned t' put on a brave face f'r Teazer's sake—that is, not t' appear th' drumble as it were. Y' understand, Nicholas?' Kydd said warily.

'I think I do,' Renzi said evenly. 'This ball. It is given by our admiral and to it will come all the officers under his command in order that he might make their social acquaintance and allow the same to discover each other's wit and shining parts.'

'Aye—this is what vexes me. Shall I be found wantin' in polite company? I've not attended a regular-goin' society ball in England. What is y'r advice, Nicholas? What c'n ye tell me of how to conduct m'self? What have I t' learn?'

'Dear fellow! You have the graces—polite conduct is the same in Nova Scotia, Malta and Plymouth. If you acquit yourself creditably there, then a mere ball . . . And be assured that as the captain of a ship you will not lack for admirers among the ladies and will command respect and attention from the gentlemen. I would not fear an ordeal.'

'That's kind in ye to say so, m' friend. So they'll take me f'r who I am?'

'You may be quite certain they will not,' Renzi said immediately. 'This is England and they will take you as they see you—an uncultured boor or salty son of Neptune. Your character will be fixed only as they perceive it.'

'But—'

'I will be clear. If the prescripts are not observed then, quite rightly, they will conclude that you are not of their ilk, their social persuasion, and would therefore not be comfortable in their company. In fine you would in mercy be excluded from their inner circle.'

Kydd remained stubbornly silent, but listened as Renzi continued, 'You would no doubt wish to exhibit the accomplishments of a gentleman in order not to frighten the ladies. Among these that you lack at the moment I might list dancing, cards and gallantry.'

'I'm said t' be light on m' feet and—'

Renzi looked at him kindly. 'On the matter of dancing, I dare say that you may well have been considered of the first rank, but I have to confide to you that those wretches the dancing masters, to secure their continued employment, are always inventing quantities of new dances. These you must surely hoist aboard, as unaccountably your female of the species sets inordinate store on their confident display. I would suggest some lessons without delay.'

'Cards? Ye know I'm no friend t' gamblin'.'

'Cards. Do you propose to spend the entire evening stepping it out with the ladies? This would surely be remarked upon. It would be much more the thing from time to time to sit at a table with your brother officers being amiable to the ladies at loo, vingt-et-un or some such. To hazard a shilling a hand would not be noticed.'

'Then m' gallantry . . .'

'Ah—gallantry. This is not so easily won and may be said to have as its main objective the reluctance of the lady to quit your enchanting company. The science you will find in the worthy tomes such as your Baldwin, and the art—the art you must discover for yourself at the first hand.'

'Baldwin?'

'My constant companion in youth, The Polite Academy, or, School of Behaviour for Gentlemen, which will repay you well in the studying. Now, if there is nothing else you desire of me I should return to my new acquaintance the Abbe Morelly, whose views on the origin of social ills is quite startling and—and interesting.'

'Please do, Nicholas!' Kydd said warmly, then caught himself and added, 'I find that ye're not t' be invited, m' friend. You should know this is not as I'd wish it . . .' He trailed off, embarrassed.

'No matter, brother,' Renzi said quietly. 'You have earned your right to enter in upon society—I seek quite another felicity.'

There was a warm softness on the evening air, a delightful early-summer exhilaration that added to Kydd's heightened senses. He tried to maintain a sombre countenance before Standish, who sat next to him in the hired diligence as they clipped along Durnford Street, but it was difficult; this was the night when he would discover if he had it within him to claim a place in high society.

They passed the last elegant houses and across an open space to approach the curiously solitary single edifice of the Long Room: it was ablaze with light in every window, and the sight brought on in Kydd a fresh surge of excitement. They drew up before the stately entrance—flights of steps ascending each side of what was plainly the ballroom.

Handed down by a blank-faced driver, Kydd clapped on his hat and fumbled hastily for silver, aware of the gawping crowd standing about to see who was arriving in their finery. He turned and saw a young lieutenant in full-dress ceremonials approaching. 'Good evening, sir, and welcome to the ball. Might I . . . ?'

'Kydd. Commander Thomas Kydd, captain of Teazer sloop-o'-war.' He would not yet be known by sight, of course.