Beresford joined the group, in the red and gold regimentals of a general a splendid match for Popham. Patton asked him, ‘A military challenge of sorts, I’d think it, William. The Dons have all those irregulars and must keep a sizeable garrison in Montevideo.’
‘Our information is that these are not as formidable as rumoured,’ Beresford began cautiously. ‘However, it’s vital we secure a quick and visible victory to encourage the rising or we’re lost, and with few enough men . . .’
Popham came back quickly: ‘And to all involved a capital opportunity for distinction, I’d believe. Especially one that’s set fair to make fortunes.’
‘I do envy you fellows,’ Patton said, with feeling. ‘It’s to be a grand occasion, I’m persuaded – but is the East India Company not to be invited to a change of empires? It’s too bad, really too bad.’
There was good-natured laughter, then Popham rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘Ah, as to that, Robert, it does cross my mind that in the recent storm we somehow mislaid Ocean transport, which leaves us short of artillery and, er, it would not be without precedent for John Company to lend support to His Majesty’s arms when requested. A trifle of field pieces, amounting to, say, a hundred men in all, and there you would have your invitation.’
Patton immediately cooled. ‘You’re seriously asking that I authorise a detaching of our St Helena garrison, with their guns, for service with you?’
‘Only a suggestion, Robert. And simply for the term of the initial showing before the Spanish. Naturally your outgoings would be compensated by the Crown, and other fees I’ll leave with the fiscals, but this would certainly ensure your appearance in the annals of the expedition.’
‘Then, pray, what do your orders say precisely concerning an involvement of the Company?’ Patton challenged.
‘I can most definitely assure you that I have no orders whatsoever forbidding your assistance,’ Popham replied earnestly. ‘And when I last spoke with Mr Pitt on the matter he was most insistent that all local resources be employed.’
‘Mr Pitt?’ Patton said, impressed. ‘You’ve discussed-’
‘This entire expedition is merely the resuming of a venture planned and agreed upon by myself and His Majesty’s government, lately interrupted by Trafalgar.’
‘Oh, well, I can see-’
‘Be that as it may, Robert, most would see it to your advantage to be first to plant a mercantile interest in the new lands, to secure a preferential trading position before the City hears of our coup.’
‘Quite so. Um, it would seem a reasonable request you are making, m’ friend. And considering an early success is much to be desired by us both, then perhaps the artillery detachment might profitably be accompanied by, perhaps, two or three hundred of our infantry. You could make use of them?’
‘That’s handsome in you, dear fellow, and I’m sanguine we’ll be able to exercise ’em for you in the field.’
‘Their transport?’
‘We’ll see they’re well taken care of, Robert, never fear.’
Beaming, the commodore turned to the circle of his officers. ‘Gentlemen! The gods of war are smiling upon us. We sail just as soon as your green stuff and water are complete. You’ll want to return to your ships – no liberty for the hands, of course, and not a moment to be lost.’
In the general stir, he called, ‘Captain Kydd, if you’d kindly wait on me – details of the St Helena reinforcements to be dealt with.’ The other captains, taking the hint, quickly made to leave.
‘I’ll wish you well of your mission, sir,’ Patton said warmly, shaking Popham’s hand, then lifting his arm in salute. ‘As enterprising a piece of work as ever I’ve heard.’
‘Thank you, Robert,’ Popham said, and made for the door, but stopped at a small marble side table where some newspapers were neatly piled.
‘Oh, papers from home, new arrived. Haven’t had time to read ’em – do help yourself, old chap.’
Popham reached for one, then paused. Without looking round he hurriedly stuffed it into his waistcoat. ‘Er, you’ll have my earliest word, of course. Goodbye.’
They joined the others in a waiting calesa, which ground off down the steep road. Cheerful conversations started up, but Kydd was disturbed to see Popham’s set face and to note his unusual quiet. At the seafront the captains took boat for their commands but Kydd was ushered into Diadem’s barge, Popham still serious and thoughtful.
Kydd kept his silence until they were alone in the great cabin, then said, ‘A good day’s work, if I might remark it. But Ocean is “mislaid”?’
‘Never mind Ocean, we’ve more pressing concerns, damn it.’
This was not like Popham. Hardly believing his ears, Kydd blurted, ‘Lost at sea, three hundred souls! How can you possibly-’
‘I said forget it. There’s a pretty moil we must deal with right at this time.’
‘Forget it? How, in God’s name, can you-’
‘Ocean’s safe,’ Popham snapped irritably. ‘I told Audley to take her direct to the River Plate. Now let’s-’
‘Safe? You knew all the time?’
‘What better can you think of to prise troops from Patton?’
‘A trick – a ploy!’
Popham sighed. ‘Dear fellow, we’ve secured four hundred more troops in the assault. Nearly a third of our force. Don’t you think it worth the harmless subterfuge? The higher cause is our expedition, and for that I’m prepared to use anything that presents itself as a means. Wouldn’t you?’
Kydd was unable to reply. There was no illegality, no moral issue at stake – but was this the action of a noble commander?
‘I’m sure you would if you’d given it thought. Now, down to more serious business. Much more serious – and I don’t mind confessing that the services of a friend would be of infinite value to me at this time.’
Kydd stiffened awkwardly, still unsure.
‘A friend. As will hear me and test my words,’ Popham pressed, his features tight with worry.
Kydd made up his mind and replied stoutly, ‘As I can help, Dasher.’
Popham hesitated, then brought out the newspaper. ‘Pitt’s dead,’ he said simply.
Kydd reeled. This was the prime minister who’d been at the helm of state since the very first day of the war, when Kydd had still been a perruquier of Guildford. The man who’d scorned the slaughter of the French Revolution while Spain and most of Europe had allied against him. And until now had been locked in a lethal struggle with Napoleon Bonaparte, who stood astride his conquests like a colossus.
‘There’s a new government – Grenville,’ Popham added.
Kydd remembered dimly that he was a statesman of the Whig Party, implying an administration radically different from Pitt’s Tory government. Then he understood. Popham’s expedition was a resumption of a plan agreed with Pitt and his ministers, especially the first lord of the Admiralty, Melville, and then Barham. These now being out of office, he could count on no supporters in high places, and conceivably there would be those who might see it in their political interest to oppose any Pitt-inspired operation.
‘Of all times to choose to leave this world . . .’ Popham said bitterly.
‘We’ll have to turn back, of course.’
Popham looked up sharply. ‘That is not in my thinking.’
‘The Grenville government might act differently about the strategics, Dasher. We must wait for new orders.’
‘I’d have thought you of stronger mettle, Kydd.’ He forced a smile. ‘I didn’t mean it to come out like that, but you must agree that nothing has changed. Not a single iota. The Spanish are occupied in the north, their navy is reeling in defeat after Trafalgar, we still have surprise – and our armada is gathered and ready. If we turn back now, all this is wasted. Any new orders will only confirm the preparations, but we will have lost our moment.’
Kydd was torn. All that Popham had said was true, but where did their higher duty really lie? A change of political alignment to be allowed to destroy a daring initiative that could alter the entire direction of the war, or the prudent awaiting of instructions before proceeding any further?