The Admiral's Daughter by Julian Stockwin Page A

himself to one of the wiggs, added a curl of butter and a liberal spread of the conserve, then asked casually, “Tell me, sir, may I know why y’ asked f’r Teazer especially?”
    Standish seemed abashed. “Oh, well, sir . . .” He put down his knife and paused, turning to face Kydd. “Do you mind if I’m frank, sir?”
    â€œDo fill an’ stand on.” The man held himself well and Kydd was warming to his evident willingness.
    â€œYou’ll be aware that you, sir, are not unknown in the service,” he began respectfully. “Your boat action at the Nile has often been remarked and, dare I say it, your courage at Acre has yet to see its reward.”
    â€œThat’s kind in ye to say so.”
    â€œI will be candid, sir. My last post was a ship-o’-the-line, and while a fine enough vessel, she was to join Cornwallis before Brest.” He went on earnestly, “For an officer of aspiration this is, er, a slow route. A frigate berth is too much sought after to be in prospect—then I heard of L’tenant Hodgson’s misfortune.”
    Kydd nodded for him to continue.
    â€œSir, my reason for requesting Teazer— you’ll pardon the direct speaking—is that I believe you to be an active and enterprising captain who will see his chance and seize it. In fine, sir, prospects of a distinguished action for all will be better served in Teazer than another.”
    It was true that the only sure path to glory and promotion was distinction on the field of battle and subsequent recognition above one’s peers. Standish had heard something of Kydd’s history and had made a cool calculation that this captain would not hold back in the event of an engagement, so his chances were better for a bloody victory in Teazer than in a battleship on blockade duty.
    â€œThank ye f’r your frankness, Mr Standish. But it may be that within a short time th’ Channel Fleet will meet the French an’ their invasion fleet. Glory enough f’r all, I would say. Coffee?” The officer looked sincere and was clearly eager to be an active member of Teazer ’s company. “Tell, me, Mr Standish, have ye been fortunate in th’ matter of actions?”
    â€œI was at Copenhagen, sir, third o’ the Monarch, ” he said modestly, “and was fourth in Minotaur when we cut out the Prima galley.”
    This was experience enough. In Nelson’s squadron during the bloody affair against the Danes, and before, in the fine exploit off Genoa that saw the difficult capture of the heavily manned vessel. “Were ye in the boats?”
    â€œI had the honour to command our pinnace on that occasion, yes, sir.”
    This was no stripling learning his trade in a small vessel. Standish was going to be a distinct asset—if his other qualities were as creditable. “Well, I hope Teazer c’n afford ye some entertainment in the future.”
    â€œThank you, sir. May I ask it—do we have our orders yet?”
    â€œNone yet, but Admiral Lockwood assures me we’ll have ’em presently. Do help y’self to more wiggs.”
    â€œIf I might be allowed to make my excuses, sir, I feel I should make an early acquaintance with our watch and station bill.” Kydd noted the “our” with satisfaction. “If there is fault to be found I’m anxious it shall not be mine,” Standish added. He rose to leave, then hesitated. “Did I hear aright, sir, that your friend, our learned gentleman—”
    â€œMr Renzi?”
    â€œâ€”is he not also in the nature of a—a clerk?”
    Kydd allowed his expression to grow stern. “In HMS Teazer he is captain’s clerk, Mr Standish. He is b’ way of being a retired sea officer and brings a deal of experience t’ the post. You will find him of much value when he assists ye, as he will.”
    â€œAye aye, sir,” said Standish uncertainly.
    It