Free Success to the Brave by Alexander Kent

allowed himself to be led away without a word.
    Chase chuckled. “Look good together, eh?”
    Then he glanced around at his chattering guests.
    â€œI think we can go to my study now. They’ve forgotten we exist.”
    The great study was panelled and like a part of America’s young history. Chase had collected many relics of the sea and ships, symbols perhaps of his own stormy beginnings.
    Whales’ teeth and a harpoon were just a small part. “To remind me of the old days here.” Paintings of battles, with a British ship on fire in the process of surrendering.
    Chase said cheerfully, “You didn’t win all the fights at sea, y’know, Admiral.” He became suddenly serious. “Samuel Fane, the President’s emissary, is a hard bargainer. I like him well enough, for a government man that is, but he hates the British.” He grinned hugely. “Thought you should know, though from all I’ve read and heard about you, you’re more than able to take care of yourself.”
    Bolitho smiled. “I appreciate your frankness.”
    Chase slopped some brandy into two enormous glasses.
    â€œThink nothing of it. I fought against King George and I was good at the trade. But peace, like war, makes strange bedfellows. You accept that or capsize in the world we live in.”
    In the gardens at the rear of the big house the trees and shrubs were already deep in purple shadow. Adam walked arm in arm with the girl, barely daring to speak in case he said something clumsy and spoiled the moment forever. She was without doubt the most beautiful being he had ever laid eyes on.
    She stopped and, seizing his hands in hers, swung him round to face her.
    â€œNow, come along, Lieutenant, I have done too much talking. They say I chatter so. I want to know all about you. Your name is Adam and you are the admiral’s aide. Tell me more.”
    Surprisingly, Adam found it easy to speak with her. As they strolled through the shadows he told her of his life as a sea officer, of his home in Cornwall, and all the while he was very conscious of her hand through his arm.
    She said suddenly, “You are the admiral’s nephew, Adam?”
    Even the way she spoke his name was like pure music.
    â€œYes.”
    She said, “I do not live in Boston. My family is in Newburyport, some thirty miles north from here. It’s strange, I hadn’t thought of it before. My father sometimes speaks of a man who used to live in our town. His name was Bolitho too.”
    Adam tried to think clearly. “In Newburyport?”
    â€œYes.” She squeezed his arm. “You sound as if you have remembered something.”
    He looked at her and wanted to hold her.
    â€œI think it must have been my father.”
    She was about to laugh when she realized the seriousness of his tone, the importance of this discovery.
    â€œMy uncle says that your ship will be in Boston for weeks. You shall come to Newburyport and meet my family.” She reached up and touched his cheek with her gloved fingers. “Do not be sad, Adam. If you have a secret, I can share it with you. But tell me only when you want to.”
    â€œI want to.” He found that he meant it with all his heart.
    From the study window Bolitho saw them cross the terrace and was moved.
    It was time Adam found some enjoyment, even for a fleeting moment. He had known nothing but war and the hard life in King’s ships since he had walked all the way from Penzance to find his place in the Bolitho family. Bolitho could picture him exactly. A thin, frightened boy, and yet with the defiant restlessness of a young colt. He thought he heard the girl named Robina laugh. Yes, he was glad for Adam’s sake.
    A footman opened the double doors of the library and a tall figure in a bottle-green coat and white stockings strode into the study.
    Chase said quickly, “This here is Mr Samuel Fane from the capital.”
    Fane had a narrower