Read Online Success to the Brave by Alexander Kent - Free Book Online

But it was there. Like a bond, something unbreakable.
    In the evenings, as the ship had continued on her passage to Boston, Adam had made a point of visiting him in his quarters when Bolitho had known that the conviviality of the wardroom would have been far more in keeping for any young officer. But as day followed day Bolitho had thought of Belinda, had wondered how she was faring as her time approached. Adam had sensed his anxiety and had wanted to share it or, better still, dispel it altogether.
    Bolitho knew that had he been in Keen’s position the work and demands of the ship would have kept him from his private worries, but alone for long periods of time, or with only Allday or his clerk to talk to, he had too much leisure to brood on his concern for Belinda.
    Now, with the ship at anchor, her work done for the present, it was at last his turn to act, to repay the confidence Sheaffe had allowed him.
    Lieutenant Mountsteven, who was the officer-of-the-watch, touched his hat and said, “Boat approaching, sir.”
    Keen nodded and looked at Bolitho. “Visitors, sir.”
    Bolitho knew it was his polite way of asking him to leave.
    â€œI’ll be in my cabin if you require me.”
    Bolitho turned aft and heard the marines hurrying to the entry port, the bark of commands as Achates prepared to receive a greeting from the land.
    Ozzard was tidying up the great cabin, although it always appeared perfect to Bolitho. He glanced at the tethered shape of one of the eighteen-pounders and was glad he had ordered its replacement. It would act as a reminder. The task he had been given was not going to be easy. He tried to stifle the bitterness. If it was a routine task, a more important officer would have been sent in his place. But if anything went wrong, they would, as always, require a scapegoat in the halls of admiralty.
    He heard the calls trilling at the entry port and pictured the visitors being received with customary formality.
    He walked to the open stern windows and saw a boat idling beneath Achates ’ great shadow, the passengers pointing and peering at the ship’s gilded stern and counter.
    It was unnerving to realize his brother had once sailed from here, had walked the streets among people like these. He had known nothing of Adam’s existence then. Now Adam was here in his place. He felt a twinge of uneasiness. Perhaps he had been wrong after all to bring him, career or not.
    The door opened and Adam stood watching him, a heavily sealed envelope in his hand.
    He said, “We are invited to a reception this evening, Uncle.” He held out the envelope. “I have just been told that the President of the United States has sent one of his own senior advisers to meet you.”
    Bolitho smiled wryly. “In that case the whole world will know what we are about, Adam. If they were expecting us it was hardly surprising we suffered that encounter just eight days out from England.”
    Adam nodded. “We seemed to have caused quite a stir.” His face broke into a grin. “Perhaps they want to pay their taxes to King George after all!”
    Bolitho shook his head. “If you talk like that ashore, Adam, we are far more likely to start another war!”
    Later, as he lay back in a chair and Allday shaved him with extra care, he tried to measure the extent of his responsibility.
    The frigate Sparrowhawk would be on her way here shortly. Captain Duncan was less of a diplomat than he was. He would make his report to San Felipe’s governor before continuing his way to Boston for orders, but would leave little doubt as to what the eventual outcome would be.
    It seemed inhuman and senseless to hand the island back to the French, no matter what Sheaffe had said. It was not a question of strategy or diplomacy, it was a matter of people. The island had defended itself more than once against enemy assaults, and had sent its own vessels to seek out prizes and harass ships and