‘Lord Stanhope would not be denied and we left England immediately for Gibraltar, for he had instructions to establish in the Mediterranean as soon as it was practical. It wasn’t long before we heard that Minorca was taken – and so here we are!’
‘And right welcome y’ are, Cec – ain’t that so, Nicholas?’
His friend sat back, but his eyes were fixed on Cecilia’s as he murmured an elegant politeness. She smiled sweetly and continued gaily, ‘Thomas, really, it was quite incredible – in every village we passed they had an ox roast and such quantities of people supping ale and dancing on the green. In the towns they had special illuminations like a big “HN” or an anchor in lights and several times we were stopped until we’d sung “Rule Britannia” twice!’
It was strangely moving to hear of the effect of their victory in his far-distant home country. ‘So, Jack Tar is well esteemed now, sis,’ Kydd said lightly.
Cecilia looked at him proudly. ‘You’re our heroes now,’ she said. ‘Our heroes of the Nile! You’re famous – all of you! They’re rising and singing in your honour in all the theatres. There’s poetry, ballads, broadsheets, prints – there’s talk that Admiral Nelson will be made a duke and that every man will get a medal. There’s been nothing like it this age, I swear.’
Kydd hurried into their drawing room. ‘Nicholas! We’ve been noticed, m’ friend. This card is fr’m the Lord Stanhope, expressin’ his earnest desire t’ hear of the famous victory at th’ first hand – that’s us, I believe – at afternoon tea at the Residency on Friday.’
‘So, if this is a species of invitation, dear chap, then it follows that it should contain details of our expected attire, the—’
‘An’ here’s a note from Cecilia. She says Lady Stanhope will be much gratified should we attend in full dress uniform…’
It was odd, on the appointed day, to leave their front door and simply by crossing the road and walking to the end of the street to be able to present themselves at the door of Lord Stanhope’s discreet mansion, such was the consequence of the English propensity to stay together.
‘Lieutenants Kydd and Renzi,’ Kydd told the footman. It seemed that the noble lord could afford English domestic staff – but then he remembered that Stanhope was in the diplomatic line and probably needed to ensure discretion in his affairs.
They entered a wide hallway where another servant took their cocked hats. Kydd was awed by the gold filigree on the furniture, the huge vases, the rich hangings – all spoke of an ease with wealth that seemed so natural to the high-born. He glanced at Renzi, who came of these orders, but saw that his friend had a withdrawn, preoccupied look.
They moved on down the passage. ‘My dear sea-heroes both!’ Cecilia was in an ivory dress, in the new high-waisted fashion – which gave startling prominence to her bosom, Kydd saw with alarm.
They entered a drawing room and Kydd met, for the first time since very different circumstances in the Caribbean, the Lord Stanhope and his wife. He made a leg as elegantly as he could, aware of Renzi beside him.
‘Dear Mr Kydd, how enchanting to meet you again.’ The last time Lady Stanhope had seen him was in the Caribbean – as a young seaman in charge of a ship’s boat in a desperate bid to get vital intelligence to the British government. Seaflower cutter, in which the Stanhopes had been travelling, was beached ashore after a storm. Lord Stanhope, although injured, could not wait for rescue and Kydd had volunteered to take to sea in the tiny vessel.
‘Your servant,’ Kydd said, with growing confidence, matching his bow to the occasion.
‘And Mr Renzi. Pray do take some tea. Cecilia?’
The formalities complete, they sat down. Kydd manoeuvred his delicate porcelain cup manfully, privately reflecting on the tyranny of politeness that was obliging him to drink from a receptacle of such ridiculous size.
‘Now, you must know we are beside ourselves with anticipation to hear of Nelson and his glorious triumph. Do please tell us – did you meet Sir Horatio himself?’
Suddenly shy, Kydd looked to Renzi, but his friend gave no sign of wishing to lead the conversation. He remained reserved and watchful.
‘Aye, I did – twice! He spoke t’ us of our duty and…’ It was easy to go from there to the storm, the long-drawn-out chase, the final sighting and the great battle itself. At that point he saw Cecilia’s intense interest and felt awkward, but again Renzi seemed oddly introspective and offered no help. He therefore sketched the main events of the contest and concluded his account with the awesome sight that had met their eyes on the dawn, and their rapturous welcome at Naples.