A few words from the admiral to his particular crew partially cleared out the room. He smiled at the good-natured groans from the more high-spirited among them, shaking his head when the Marines thought to move everyone along faster. ‘Let them take their time,’ he said. ‘It was a glorious fight.’ He slapped Captain Beattie on the back. ‘There’s a commendation coming your way, and I have a plan, if you and your pretty wife are amenable.’
‘Sir?’
‘I like the idea of theSwallowestablishing a permanent base here at Port Mahon, perhaps with another ship as well—maybe the one I borrowed—to continue keeping an eye on things.’ He nodded to Captain Tyler. ‘I don’t think your country and ours are quite ready to become allies, but you’re welcome to drop in now and then.’
‘Thank you, sir, but no,’ Tyler said. ‘All the same, I greatly enjoyed the privilege of working with Captain Beattie.’
‘It was my privilege, too, Captain Tyler. We’re both anchoring here tonight, Admiral. Captain Tyler sails for Tripoli tomorrow.’
‘Oh?’
‘Yes, Admiral. I have orders to rejoin the American fleet. The USSConstitutionis sailing home, now that there is a treaty in place with the Tripolitan pirates. We are part of that escort.’ His expression turned rueful. ‘I will miss our particular war, Captain Beattie.’
‘As will I,’ John said. ‘Thank you. That matter we spoke of?’
‘I understand you,’ Captain Tyler replied, then gave a nod to Anna. ‘Take good care of him.’
‘I will,’ she said, resting her cheek against her husband’s hand on her shoulder.
Captain Tyler didn’t bow to Admiral Collingwood. Anna didn’t expect him to. ‘Admiral, I know our countries have had their differences. Things may change in the future.’
‘Very well,’ Collingwood said. ‘We will leave it at that. You Americans are a bloodthirsty lot, born in battle. I saw that with my own eyes in Boston at Bunker Hill. Thank you for your service today.’
‘It was an honour, Admiral.’ As he left, Captain Tyler couldn’t seem to resist. ‘I’ll give a good report of the Royal Navy to Tommy Jefferson!’
‘Scoundrel!’
TheHartfordand some of theSwallowcrews climbed in the wagons to return to the port and their ships, safe now from flaming torches with signals. Admiral Collingwood lingered longer with his own crew, nodding his approval when his Royal Marines knocked down the barrier in the kitchen and dragged out the Durands.
‘Clap ’em in irons when we’re aboard theQueen,’ Collingwood ordered. He whispered to John, ‘I might just throw them overboard.’
‘Not yet, sir, if you please,’ her husband said. He took a battered letter from his uniform jacket. ‘I will give this to you to forward to the Admiralty. Please read it, sir.’
As he read, Anna watched Collingwood’s eyes widen, then narrow, making her suddenly grateful she never had to stare at him across an enemy deck in battle or at a court martial. He tapped the letter, cleared his throat and waved it in front of the Durands. ‘Spies! To think that I hired you to take care of my house. I trusted you.’
She glanced at her husband to see him watching her, his eyes filled with that look of desperation she had hoped to never see again.Betrayal of trust. I wish I could cover your eyes, she thought,and yours, Admiral Collingwood, and mine, and maybe everyone who is at war.
Another glance at her husband proved that he knew precisely what she was thinking. He put his hand to his lips and to his heart. She did the same. It was enough for now in this public place, and it gave her the courage to ask, ‘Admiral, who is the note from? Is it secret, or may I know?’
‘My dear, it is signed with the initial N, from Napoleon himself.’ He stared again at Madame Durand. ‘It’s brief, ordering you Durands to spy on us—I include your son andLa Guerre—and cripple us here in Port Mahon, to give yourmaster Bonaparte time to fortify Mallorca and control the Mediterranean. Damn you all.’
No one spoke. Somehow, it did not surprise Anna that Private Bartleby filled the awful silence by stepping forward and saluting. He had nothing to lose. ‘Admiral, if I may speak to the Durands?’
‘Why not? You here suffered more than most. Victory makes me inclined to let anyone say anything, especially to duplicitous scoundrels. Say on, Private.’
‘Monsieurandmadame, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that your son met a fitting end when I nabbed him as he was about to get into that sailing dinghy.’
Madame Durand shrieked in fury. Anna swallowed. Her anger subsided, but not entirely. She was not a lady to make a scene or call attention to herself. Still… She took a step towards the woman, this spy, who with her husband and son had caused so much death and commotion.
‘I trusted you, Madame Durand,’ was all she said.
‘You fool!’ came Madame’s vicious reply. She stared at Anna, who did not flinch. ‘Vive la France,’ Hermione Durand said, her voice menacing, then rising. ‘Vive l’Empereur!’
‘He will not win, Madame Durand,’ Anna said firmly. ‘He will never possess these islands.’
‘Get them out of our sight,’ Captain Beattie commanded. ‘Now.’
The Marines led the Durands away. Admiral Collingwood gestured to the door and John and Anna walked with him.
