‘L’Aurore frigate, thirty-two guns, sir.’
‘As I can see. Her reputation for speed on a bowline is known even here, Captain.’
‘Sir, I’ve news of great importance, a matter that sorely presses, bearing as it does on our situation in the south.’
‘Oh? Do carry on then, sir.’
‘I’m directed by Commodore Popham, my commander, to make my number with you in respect of an urgent operational request he has to make.’
‘I see.’ Cochrane’s manner became unexpectedly mild, almost whimsical, as if restraining a humorous confidence. ‘And you are his emissary. Then do tell what this might be at all.’
‘I’m not sure how much you know, sir, of our descent on Buenos Aires, which—’
‘You’ll take a sherry, Kydd? I favour a light manzanilla in this climate. Will you?’
‘Thank you, sir. We met with some success initially, seizing the city and quantities of silver, but –’
‘Do sit, Captain. I’m sure it’s been something of a trial, your long voyage.’
‘– but he now stands embarrassed for want of reinforcement,’ Kydd went on doggedly.
‘Which he begs I might furnish.’
‘Sir, the matter is pressing, I believe, and—’
‘And I’m therefore grieved to tell you that your mission is in vain.’
Was this a direct refusal before he’d even mentioned the details? ‘Sir, I have a letter for you from the commodore that establishes the strategics at back of his request.’
Cochrane laid it on the desk, unopened. ‘That won’t be necessary.’
Kydd felt a flush rising. ‘Sir, I do feel—’
‘Captain, two weeks ago your reinforcements touched here on their way to the River Plate.’
‘Why, that’s—’
‘Together with your commodore’s replacement. He is under recall to England to answer for his conduct.’
Kydd was thunderstruck.
‘So that disposes of the matter as far as you are concerned, wouldn’t you say?’ the admiral said, toying with his quill.
‘Um, yes, it does seem, sir, that—’
‘Quite. Then I suppose it would appear that you and your valiant frigate are now without purpose.’
Keyed up for a protracted confrontation, Kydd could think of nothing with which to meet this.
Cochrane leaned forward and said, with a frown, ‘I presume you realise how vital – how crucial – these islands are to Great Britain? You do? Then you’ll be as distracted as I am, not to say dismayed, when you learn that this humble fleet is all that is left to me in the great purpose of defending the same. After Trafalgar we were stripped – I say stripped, sir – of ships of force and value. Should the French make a descent with serious intent, I have the gravest reservations whether I’m in any kind of a position to deter them.’
‘Er, I see, sir.’
‘So I have it in mind that, following the stranding of Félicité frigate, I shall be attaching you to my station pending Admiralty approval.’
Kydd caught his breath. As a commander-in-chief, Cochrane was entitled to avail himself of the services of passing vessels, and there was little doubt that the Admiralty would be reluctant to go to the trouble of sending out a replacement when one had so fortuitously presented itself.
‘A light frigate, of little consequence to operations in the south, while here I’m in great want of frigates both for the fleet and to go against French cruisers and privateers. Yes, my dear Kydd, consider yourself as of this moment under my command. Flags will find you a copy of my orders and see you entered into the fleet’s signal card and so forth, and I’ve no doubt you’ll wish to water and store while you can. We’re shortly to sail on fleet manoeuvres, which will serve as a capital introduction to our ways.’
There was nothing for it: Kydd had to accept that he and L’Aurore were now taken up and Popham’s brave little expedition was replaced by a full-scale enterprise from England that didn’t need them. Their being was now to be found in the Caribbean.
Cochrane mused for a moment, then rose and extended his hand. ‘Therefore I do welcome you to the Leeward Islands Squadron, Kydd – you’ll find me strict, but fair.’ He rang a silver handbell.
A wary lieutenant entered. ‘Sir?’
‘Flags, this is Captain Kydd of L’Aurore frigate. He’s to join our little band and I leave him in your capable hands to perform the consequentials. Oh, and the residence will need to know that they’ll be having another guest at the levee.’
‘Aye aye, sir. Er, it does cross the mind that Captain Kydd’s presence might be considered fortunate at this time …?’