Free For My Country's Freedom by Alexander Kent Page B

more, sir.”
    He wagged one finger at her. “His will be an enormous responsibility.”
    She replied calmly, “Cannot that be said of every captain who sails alone, and with only his own skills and courage to sustain him?”
    He nodded, surprised perhaps by her directness. “Ah yes, but an admiral’s responsibility is total! ”
    Bolitho leaned back as white-gloved hands darted around him and plates vanished as if by magic. It gave him time to consider the Prince’s remarks. He had heard that he was eager to increase pressure on the French, finish it once and for all. No wonder the prime minister was absent; Spencer Perceval leaned towards appeasement, if only to avoid war with the United States.
    But the Regent’s powers were severely limited for another twelve months, and no drastic actions might be commenced that could have far-reaching effects to which, after this period, the King might object if recovered from his madness.
    He looked up and found Catherine watching him, thinking no doubt of the dangers inherent in this new appointment. They needed an admiral who would act without hesitation, who would not drag his feet and wait for conflicting instructions from London. That was the official position. They both knew the reality. He had often told her about the loneliness of command when sailing out of company without higher authority. If you were successful, others would take the credit. If you failed, the blame was yours alone.
    He raised his glass to her.
    The Prince was running his eyes over the next course, a highly decorative array of roast rack of lamb, larded capon and braised turkey, ham, tongue and several kinds of vegetables. And, of course, more wine. He said, “I should have seated you at the other end of the table, Sir Richard. You and this lady are akin to conspirators!”
    But he laughed, and Bolitho noted that several guests were nodding and laughing too, although they could not possibly have heard a word. It was just as well that the soldiers and sailors in the field or on the ocean who often paid for their service with their lives could not see those who took them so much for granted. “I am told that you will sail first to Antigua?” He gestured to a footman, who served him a second portion of capon. It gave Bolitho time to look at her, and recognise the shadow of pain at the Prince’s abrupt disclosure. I should have told her when I knew.
    He answered, “I shall assemble my squadron there, and I hope to gain some local knowledge as well.”
    The Prince dabbed his chin and said casually, “I knew your late husband, Lady Catherine. An eager man at the tables.” He gazed at her. “Reckless, to a point of danger.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œBut we all have our weaknesses. Even I . . .” He did not elaborate, but attacked the braised turkey with renewed vigour.
    Then he remarked, “Your choice of captain, Sir Richard.” He snapped his fingers absently in the direction of a footman. “Tyacke, isn’t it? You could have had any captain. Any man would be prepared to kill for such a chance. And yet you chose him without hesitation. Why so?”
    â€œHe is an excellent seaman and an accomplished navigator.”
    â€œBut only the commander of a lowly brig?”
    The Prince stared down with astonishment as Catherine laid one hand on his sleeve.
    She said quietly, “But is it not also true that Nelson chose Hardy for his flag-captain when he in fact commanded a lowly brig?”
    He roared with laughter. “ Touché, Lady Catherine! I am impressed!”
    She started with alarm as a glass fell on the table and the wine spread towards her like blood. Bolitho said, “Forgive me, sir.” But he was speaking to Catherine, and she knew it.
    The light from one of the great chandeliers had dazzled him, and he had missed the wineglass even as he reached for it. No one else seemed to have noticed.
    The