Quarterdeck(99)

Liston’s face tightened. ‘Have a care, Lieutenant! Recollect you hold the commission of King George. And in it you have sworn certain loyalties that cannot so easily be cast aside. What I am asking is no more than any officer of honour is bound to do when on foreign territory, whether on parole or any other basis – simply to keep his eyes open.’ The crack of aristocratic authority in his voice remained as he went on, ‘And if I might remark it, you appear surprisingly deficient thereby in your understanding of the bounds of gentlemanly conduct.’

Kydd stiffened, then dropped his eyes.

Liston’s tone softened: ‘We’re not asking you to report back on the number of ships and guns and so forth, if that is your scruple. It is something of far more significance. I desire that you will return to me with an opinion as to whether you believe the United States is determined in this matter, has resolved to establish an armed force of credibility, or is merely embarked on a ploy to deter the French.’ He fixed his gaze on Kydd. ‘And if you conceive that they are in earnest, your professional opinion as to their effectiveness at sea. In short, whether they can fight – should the world take notice.’

Kydd returned the gaze steadily. ‘I will do that, sir.’ It was not an act of spying: it was an opinion.

Liston relaxed a little. ‘Then as we seem to have come to an understanding, would you care to join me for coffee? The American bean is generally accounted superior, and we have the remainder of this hour before your hosts make their appearance.’

Twenty minutes later there was a firm knock on the door. Thornton appeared, with an indistinct figure behind him. ‘Sir, a gentleman for Mr Kydd.’ It was Gindler.

Outside they shook hands gleefully. ‘Well, this must be the strangest coincidence of the age,’ laughed Gindler, but his knowing look gave the game away.

‘So, what has the American Navy in store for poor Lieutenant Kydd?’

‘Ah, the United States Navy is what we call it – you English will have reason to remember the Continental Navy of the revolution; this is now the Federal Navy but some take exception to the term.’

‘Noted.’

‘And you are now talking to L’tenant Gindler, third of the United States Frigate Constellation, Captain Truxtun, now fitting out in Baltimore.’ He smiled wickedly. ‘And I am talking to the mysterious supernumerary on our first voyage . . .’

Kydd laughed but his interest swelled fast. This was not to be a pettifogging political appointment but a real seagoing situation. ‘When—’

‘Not so fast, good sir. I’m instructed that our new secretary of the Navy wishes to make your acquaintance before we hazard the briny deep.’

‘Do excuse this mare’s nest of a room – my wife has not yet arrived in Philadelphia to take charge of my household.’ Stoddert made ineffectual attempts to clear a space at one end of a plain table where a stout chair stood. His manner was distracted but his gaze direct as he greeted Kydd.

‘Secretary Stoddert has only recently arrived in the capital,’ Gindler murmured, standing clear of the welter of papers and furniture.

‘Thank you, Lieutenant. Pray call on me before you leave Philadelphia. I may have something for Captain Truxtun.’ Gindler bowed and left.

‘Now, you are Lieutenant Kydd of the Royal Navy.’

‘Sir.’

‘And you must be wondering why you are here, not to say concerned.’

‘Aye, sir,’ Kydd said, uneasy at yet more attention from on high. Stoddert lowered himself into his chair. ‘Then, first, the wider issue. We are in the process of creating our own navy. We have chosen to follow the example and traditions of the Royal Navy as a starting point for our own. It would be of the utmost value to us were an officer of that illustrious service to signify to us our success in this endeavour. As to why your own good self, Mr Gindler was good enough to render me a full and satisfying account of what transpired in Exbury – in confidence, of course. There can be no question that the United States is implicated in any way.’

‘I understand, sir.’

‘But more to our liking are Mr Gindler’s remarks upon your character. Let me be candid, sir. The Royal Navy is a proud and ancient service, but there are many of its officers whose superior attitude is both lamentable and abhorrent to us as a nation. It is a trait that regrettably seems to appear more prominent with seniority, and this is why we have chosen to request a less senior officer.

‘Mr Gindler tells us that your conduct ashore was circumspect and respectful to the feelings of the people even to the point of joining the merriment in a tavern – in short, sir, you have the common touch, which we as a people do prize so much.’ Stoddert rose, gripping the edge of the table and wincing as he did so. At Kydd’s concern he gave a low chuckle. ‘Ah, this. A souvenir given me by the English at Brandywine Creek.’