Alexander Kent - The Flag Captain

“Ah, Bolitho.” He looked up, his eyes very cold and steady. “I

have been studying the reports and your findings. It makes interesting reading!”

Bolitho heard Herrick breathing heavily beside him and wondered what Beauchamp would say next.

“I knew Sir Charles Thelwall, your previous admiral.” Beau-champ eyed him calmly. “A fine man.” He turned back to the papers again.

Still no mention of Broughton. It was almost unnerving.

The admiral asked, “Do you still believe what you did and that which you discovered was worthwhile?”

Bolitho replied quietly, “Yes, sir.” The question had been casually put, yet he believed it summed up all that had gone before. He added, “The French will keep trying. They must be held. And stopped.”

“Your action at Djafou and handling of what must have appeared a hopeless situation was good. Sir Lucius said as much in his report.” He frowned. “As well he might.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The admiral ignored him. “New tactics and ideas, fresh objectives, all are necessary if we are to survive, let alone win this war. But the knowledge and understanding of the people who have to fight and die for our cause is vital! ” He shrugged wearily. “You have that understanding. Whereas…” He left the rest unsaid, but in Bolitho’s brain the word returned. Oblivion.

Beauchamp peered at a gilt dock. “You will remain in London for a day or so while I arrange your new orders, understood?”

Bolitho nodded, “Yes, sir.”

The admiral walked to a window and studied the passing carriages and townspeople with apparent disdain. “Captain Herrick will leave for Portsmouth immediately!”

Herrick asked thickly, “May I ask the reason, sir?”

Beauchamp faced them again, his mouth set in a thin smile. “ Commodore Bolitho will be hoisting his broad pendant in Euryalus

as soon as he returns to Portsmouth!” He looked hard at Herrick’s amazed face. “I knew he would ask for you as his flag captain, so I thought we would try and waste less time than is customary under this roof!”

He stepped forward, his hand outstretched. Seeing Bolitho’s arm strapped inside his coat he offered the other hand, saying sharply, “Our bodies too often become charts of our misfortunes, eh?” He smiled. “I am giving you a squadron, Bolitho. Just a small one, but enough for you to put your ideas to best advantage.” His grip was firm. “Good luck to you. I hope I’ve not made a mistake.”

Bolitho looked away. “Thank you, sir.” The room seemed to be spinning. “And for giving me Captain Herrick.”

The admiral was back at his desk. “Oh, nonsense!” But as they left the room together he was smiling with quiet enjoyment.

Out on the highway, amidst the hurrying figures and blowing leaves, Bolitho said, “I think maybe I am dreaming, Thomas.”

Herrick was grinning hugely, “I can’t wait to see your nephew’s face when I tell him!” He shook his head. “A broad pendant. God damn them, I thought they would never give you your proper reward!”

Bolitho smiled, his emotions pulling in two directions. Broughton had warned him what it would be like if he ever attained flag rank. A superior being, unreachable and beyond personal touch. It was a challenge, something he had always wanted. And yet, when the watch turned out on deck to shorten sail or to up anchor, how would it feel? Another in command of the same ship, while he remained an onlooker.

He said, “You had best return to the inn, Thomas. If you catch the Portsmouth Flyer you can be aboard Euryalus tomorrow night!”

Herrick watched him, his face suddenly grave. “I’ll tell Allday to prepare things for you, sir.”

“Yes.” He touched his arm. “We have come a long way, Thomas. And I would not have wished for a better companion, or friend.”

He watched Herrick’s sturdy figure until he had vanished into a side street and then turned to stare at the busy scene around him.

He made to cross the road but paused to allow a fine pair of greys drawing an emerald green carriage to pass. But the coachman was reining them back and had his brightly polished boot hard on the brake.

Bolitho waited, still dazed by all that had happened and the speed of life in this great city.

The carriage window opened and a voice said, “I heard you were at the Admiralty, Captain.”

He looked at the elegant woman who was smiling down at him like a conspirator. It was Catherine Pareja.

He stammered, “Kate!” He could find no other words.

She rapped on the roof. “Robert! Help the captain in.” And as Bolitho sank on to the seat beside her she added, “We will dine together.” Her mouth lifted in that familiar smile. “And then…” Her laugh was lost in the rumble of wheels as the carriage moved rapidly into the throng of vehicles and horses.

From his lofty window Admiral Beauchamp watched them go and nodded thoughtfully. He had made a good choice, he decided. Definitely a man to be reckoned with.