Chapter 7: Full Circle

April 1821

“Sir William will see you in a few minutes, Sir Thomas. Please, be seated.”

Thomas sat down in a well appointed anteroom, a leather valise with his reports on his knees. The room was the same as over two years ago, but behind the door sat Sir William Johnstone Hope, who had replaced Admiral Moore as First Naval Lord. Thomas did not know the man yet, but Sir Henry Hotham was still on the board as Naval Lord, and they had dined together the evening before. Hotham had advised him to ignore anything Hope would say. The man had retired from active duty 17 years earlier and had served at the Admiralty in manyfold positions and without measurable impact. He owed his lofty position to patronage and was tacitly left out of any decision making. Any decisions were made by Sir George Cockburn, another Naval Lord, with whom Thomas would confer later.

“Sir William will see you now, Sir Thomas,” the clerk announced ceremoniously, and Thomas rose from the chair, following the man into the inner office.

Hope was a pleasant-faced elder gentleman with thinning grey hair and bushy side whiskers.

“Please, have a seat, Sir Thomas. Such a pleasure to meet you!”

“Thank you, Sir William. The pleasure is of course mine,” Thomas answered insincerely but convincingly.

“I have been hearing good things about your service on the Antigua Station.”

Thomas deliberated briefly before he corrected the man.

“Begging your pardon, Sir William, it was Bermuda.”

“Oh, yes, right! We have too many Navy Stations, hah-hah!”

Thomas dutifully made himself chuckle.

“Yes, well, where was I ... Oh, yes! Hotham tells me that you’ll replace Sir John Cart ... no, Sir Anthony Carter — where’s my head today? — at the Academy in Portsmouth?”

Thomas decided against correcting the man again. He might not be on top of things, but if annoyed, even a feebly minded superior might do irreparable harm to Thomas’s career.

“Yes, Sir William. I am slated to serve as the Lieutenant Governor of the ... Academy. I graduated there in ‘05.”

“Is that so? What a coincidence! Well, let me wish you good success in your new position, my dear Sir Ant ... Sir Thomas!”

“Thank you, Sir William! You are very kind!” Thomas answered, pasting a polite smile on his lips.

Thankfully, that was it, and he was ushered out of the office by the clerk. Outside, he was taken over by another clerk and led to another anteroom, leading to Sir George Cockburn’s office. Here was an officer whom Thomas could respect, having played significant roles in naval and amphibian operations, amongst them the Walcheren landings in which Thomas had participated as third lieutenant in the Sultan third-rate.

Cockburn must have studied Thomas’s career, too, for he received him with a wide smile.

“Finally, we meet, Sir Thomas. Old Strachan was full of praise for you when you cut out that post-ship from the Scheldt river.”

“Thank you, Sir George. It was an ill-fated affair, but not for lack of our efforts.”

“Precisely. Your recent service at Bermuda also deserves credit. Our brothers in the Army have been singing your praise, too. I read that poor Melrose was injured en route to Bermuda? Or should we say wounded, it was a musket after all! I am quoting Melrose, great sense of humour in the man. You stayed on until he healed?”

“It was a good opportunity to brief Commodore Melrose on all the relevant facts, and we also enjoyed reminiscing about our time under Sir Edward in the Mediterranean. We are good friends from that time, Sir George.”

“Splendid! Always good when captains can form friendships. Captain Bryce stayed in place?”

“Yes, Commodore Melrose’s flag captain had a riding accident, it seems, and was unable to travel.”

“Yes, a sorry business that, but a good thing for Captain Bryce. Melrose wants to keep him, and that’s that. Well, are you ready to follow Sir Anthony as Lieutenant Governor at the Naval College?”

“With pleasure, Sir George. I graduated from the old Academy in ‘05, and have good memories of the institution. Sir Anthony also invited me to the tenth anniversary of the College in ‘18, and I know most of the staff.”

“Yes, I recall that you received your schooling there. To be honest, there are voices claiming that the college serves no purpose; that young gentlemen are better served as seagoing volunteers.”

Thomas made himself shrug. “I would hazard that not one in ten of those critics have an understanding of the curriculum and the excellent schooling at the Academy and now at the college. Surely, a noted astronomer is much better suited to teach navigation than most sailing masters. The best part is that all scholars learn to the same standards, whilst the schooling of gentleman volunteers is largely dependent on the knowledge and motivation of captains and sailing masters. I served as volunteer before I joined the Academy, and I can say that without a doubt, academic schooling is more efficient. Then again, a volunteer serving only in a muster roll and attending a good public school, will have the same benefits.”

“I must have touched a nerve, Sir Thomas, but what you say has merit. It is a fact though, that far fewer of the midshipmen by order make it to command rank.”

Thomas nodded, but he had an argument for that. “One of the reasons for that may be that young officers with interest at court and in Parliament always choose the volunteer path and gain promotions due to favouritism. They find themselves on the quarterdecks of first- and second-rates, whilst most midshipmen ordinary in my class, myself included, found themselves in brig-sloops, often under not very good commanders.”

“Well, it is good to hear that you will be a champion for the Naval College. Sir Anthony is, too, although he joined the Navy coming from the merchant marine.”

“I admire Sir Anthony very much, and I am proud to follow in his footsteps.”

Cockburn nodded. “There are some who find him impertinent, but there are very few who can match his record of successful engagements. Well, I believe that you will be singularly qualified for your new posting. You will of course retain the commodore rank whilst serving as Lieutenant Governor.”

“Are there any accommodations in Portsmouth for the Lieutenant Governor?”

“I understand that there is a suite of rooms on the top storey of the Academy building; an office, too. It should serve you, at least at first. Best ask Mister Inman.”

“Yes, Sir George. When may I expect the appointment?”

“Where are you lodging here in London?”

“At the St. Croix Club, Sir George. Once Captain Benning returns from Gibraltar, I may also stay at his house on Stanhope Gate.”

“We shall write it up today and put it before Lord Melville. May take a day or three to get his signature. Can you wait that long?”

“Certainly. I must visit my tailor and also visit a few acquaintances,”

“Splendid. If you have more questions, do not hesitate to send me a note. I’m afraid that I have to end this illuminating discussion. I am already a little late for an appointment in the Commons.”

“Thank you for your time, Sir George! I’d best look at matters in Portsmouth and see which answers I can find myself. I wish you a good day, Sir!”

Once escaped from Cockburn’s office, Thomas found Sir Henry Hotham. Thomas had promised him a dinner at the St. Croix, and together, they walked there, enjoying the sunny weather.

“How’d it go with Hope?”

“Who?” Thomas asked jokingly. “Well he was friendly, but he kept mixing me up with other people. If I made an impression on him, it is likely gone already.”

Hotham sighed. “He treats his office as a sinecure, knowing his friends will get him re-appointed regardless.”

“His chief of staff must despair.”

“Oh, Grimsby? He’s cut from the same cloth. Hardly ever shows before noon and just signs whatever the clerks lay before him.”

“Remind me to never apply for a posting here.”

“It’s not so bad. Melville holds tight reins. The Civil Lords could not navigate across a rain puddle, and fortunately, they know it, leaving the decisions to us. Every now and then they want to exercise patronage on behalf of a neighbour’s son, but we usually block them.”

“Do you get any work done?”

“Yes, a little. With Boney tucked away safely and the Americans busy rebuilding their capital, we can afford those gentlemen. Which reminds me: that Lansing fellow, what do you make of him?”

“Polite fellow, giving some aid to stranded American sailors, bailing out the smugglers and helping them to skip the bail, and taking note of everything in St. George. He is doing it well, and everybody in St. George liked him. Nothing underhanded and no quarrels. Oh, and he’s part of the embassy staff here in London and hopes to marry Captain Bryce’s younger sister, Missus Douglas. Quite befriended my oldest daughter, but again, everything above board. A charming rogue who enjoys being sent abroad, mostly.”

“You don’t consider him a friend though?”

“We had him over a few times, seeing how he is wooing Missus Douglas, but I kept all confidential papers locked away on those occasions.”

They arrived at the St. Croix, and the doorman recognised Thomas and ushered them in. Thomas led his guest straight into the dining hall where he had reserved a table by one of the windows. The Marquis greeted them in person, showing himself delighted over Hotham’s visit.

They had spring lamb, the first Thomas had tasted in years, and it was superb. Hotham concurred with that, and after they finished, they eschewed a dessert, but rather enjoyed a balloon glass of French Brandy from the Armagnac, a heavenly treat as they agreed.

“This is a culinary experience, my dear Grey! How come that you worship at this temple of delights.”

“Captain Benning took me here after I returned from the Malta station. I liked it and bought a membership. I liked it so well that I hired the chef’s daughter as cook for our Surrey home.”

“The neighbours must beat a path to your door.”

“Our dinners are popular.”

“I can imagine. Well, things will quiet down for you now, and you can enjoy your home life. I should think that a few days per month at the College will suffice. Inman needs little oversight.”

“That is good to hear. We may still visit Portsmouth frequently. We have good friends there.”

“I shall leave that to your fancy. Still, may we call on you if a need arises?”

“I don’t plan to retire, Sir John. If needed, I shall be ready. If not, I shall be content.”

“Good to know. Does it bother you that you will likely never command a third-rate or higher?”

“If that means that we’ll have peace, no,” Thomas smiled. “I much prefer peace to killing my fellow men.”

Hotham raised his glass. “To peace then!”

Thomas spent six more days in London, including a delightful evening with the Ansons. He also called on the Leeds’ Mansion and had tea with Owen Leeds and a very pregnant Melinda Leeds. According to them, Daisy Leeds was traveling in France with Alice Harrison. Thomas sensed that the friendship of their daughter with Alice Harrison was a sore point for the elder Leeds, but Owen Leeds was surprisingly accepting, and his wife just loved Daisy and Alice regardless, opining that her sister-in-law deserved happiness, not censure, and Thomas agreed wholeheartedly. Neither could give Thomas information whether Alice Harrison would be willing to let Thomas lease the Portsmouth house she owned.

On Monday of the next week, after a Sunday spent in leisure, Thomas received his orders and appointment and, later that day, his new coats at Wilson’s fashion, where he met the owner for the first time, a pleasant woman in her late thirties, blonde and with a hint of freckles around her nose. She had a trim figure and the way she wore her dress was a convincing advertisement for her establishment. She explained that Missus Little was on leave, being close to her next birth.

“She and her husband are taking the commandments in the Genesis literally,” she explained in a light tone.

“I cannot blame her husband,” Thomas answered in the same vein.

“Some would, but knowing the Lady Grey, I can see that you wouldn’t. Now, you came to pick up your new uniforms, so let us see how they fit.”

As he was by now accustomed, the coats fit admirably. The two rear admiral’s coats and a new everyday captain’s coat were set aside for packing and would be delivered to the St. Croix that afternoon. There were also a few accessories which Mirabel had specified, and they would be added. After settling the bill, Thomas left Wilson’s Fashion House and found a cab that conveyed him to his publisher, where he received a rather large bank draft for the last two years’ earnings — over £120, for which he would have to find a worthy charity, something he would of course discuss with Mirabel.

On the way back to the St. Croix, he called at the house of Sir Anthony and Lady Harriet Carter and left his calling card after being informed by a caretaker that the Carters had moved to their Berkshire possessions. He would meet Sir Anthony in Portsmouth where he would take over the Lieutenant Governorship from him.

At the St. Croix, the concierge informed him that a seat on the stagecoach was reserved for him in the next morning, and he enjoyed his last evening at the club with a superb dinner and a fine glass of brandy afterwards. Broderick already had most of his clothing cleaned, pressed and packed — a service provided by the St. Croix — and after a night’s rest and a good breakfast, they boarded the stagecoach for Portsmouth, to alight in Guildford. It was telling that no other Navy personnel was travelling with him on this day. It was peace after all, and the Royal Navy was for the most part laid up in ordinary and her officers on half-pay. That he himself would move to his next posting almost without interruption was unusual, but it obviously helped to be on good terms with one of the Lords Commissioners.

It was only a little after 2 o’clock when the stagecoach stopped at the relay station in the centre of Guildford. Wearing a captain’s coat, Thomas did not attract much attention, and a little while later, a hired coach was carrying them eastward, to Grey Manor, arriving just in time for the afternoon tea.

Mirabel obviously had been expecting him and greeted him with a long hug and a kiss.

“It’s good to have you back, darling,” she smiled. Did everything work out the way you want?”

“Yes, mostly. I have a lot to relay to you, and we probably should do that inside.”

“Oh yes, do come in. We’ll have tea, and then we can exchange news.”

Whilst Broderick paid the coachman and saw to their dunnage, Mirabel led him to the garden parlour where the table was already set for tea, with a plate of the eclairs with which Lisette, their cook, liked to delight them at tea. Moments later, Mary served them tea and at the same time, Teresa joined them and gave Thomas a hug and a kiss.

“I feel like a king, getting hugs and kisses from two beautiful ladies,” Thomas said, only half in jest.

“Don’t get a swelled head, Father,” Teresa admonished him with a laugh.

“You seem to be in an excellent mood, Teresa?”

“But I am. You may regard the second published writer in this family!”

“Really? When, where?”

“The Surrey Herald published my account of the Yellow Fever epidemic in Bermuda.”

“Your account? You slept through it!” Thomas needled her.

“I started to collect the facts and also the numbers of men and women who fell ill, and the outcomes, whilst we were in St. George. Catriona helped me and so did Major Clemson, who gave me the recorded numbers from the infirmary. I made certain to name him and to ignore the jackass who preceded him. You can read it. Mum thinks it is well written.”

“She’s seventeen and already a published writer?”

“Lady Anson gave me some advice before we left for Bermuda. I sent her a copy of the Herald.”

“Oh, dear. We better prepare for some angry letters then. You’ll probably anger every nincompoop quack in a forty-mile radius.”

“It was all facts, Father!” Teresa protested.

“Yes, but written by a seventeen-year-old girl. It’ll not be about what you wrote but who you are. Well, writing scathing replies will hone your writing skills further,” Thomas grinned.

“Shouldn’t I have done it?”

“No. If this is what you want to do, do it! Remember the mail I received after the Comparative History? I lived through it, and I have a large bank draft for the last two years to donate. What will be your next project?”

Teresa giggled. “A farce. Remember the dinner with your captains? The silly cockfight between Saunders and Carrick? That will be my own Tea At Sunderland Hall. I shall send my draft to Lady Anson. She promised to guide me.”