Debt of Dishonour Book I: The Admiral's Request

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At left is a portrait of William Stansford (1760-1844) of Brookhill Abbey, Wiltshire aged in his 40s
 
 

Part III

That evening, Commodore Sir Edward Pellew's misgivings were confirmed as he, and his officers, discovered that they were the only guests of Admiral Briggs, bar one.

As Edward was introduced to the other guest, a Mr William Stansford, Esq., for a moment he wondered why the name seemed somehow familiar. However, he had no time to consider it as the Admiral was speaking to him.

Though he knew full well that they already knew the Admiral, he was forced to introduce his officers.

"Admiral, allow me to present two of my most distinguished officers, Lieutenant Hornblower and Lieutenant Kennedy."

"Mr Hornblower and Mr Kennedy! Of course! Do come in, gentlemen! Do come in!"

Much to Edward's surprise, Mr Stansford greeted his officers in overly-familiar fashion as if he, too, already knew them. Out of the corner of his eye he observed as the man smiled openly at them, taking their hands in greeting and holding them for more than a moment too long. In turn, they smiled at him and said how surprised they were to see him once more. He realised that this must be the guest that they had mentioned meeting on their previous visit, though they had assumed he would already have left. He could not help but wonder what, if anything, had passed between his officers and this man.

Edward Pellew found himself studying William Stansford. The man was quick in his ways, of slender build and most fit with a voice somewhat higher than most men's. His light auburn hair was thick and wavy, glowing in the lamplight. His eyes were large and a deep grey, his jaw somewhat sharp, his nose very straight if a trifle long. As for his mouth... He decided that Stansford's mouth was one of the most sensual he had ever seen. Gentle, softly curved, full lips of an exquisite deep rose hue that turned up delightfully at the corners whenever he smiled - which was often - only served to enhance his beauty. Against his will, Edward found himself wondering what it would be like to kiss that most attractive mouth.

Throughout the excellent four-course meal Edward noticed that Admiral Briggs seemed to take a keen interest in his officers, testing their knowledge of battle tactics and seamanship. As always, they both acquitted themselves in most excellent manner and he was justifiably proud of them. However, he also noticed that Mr Stansford never seemed to take his eyes off them either and, as the meal wore on, inwardly he became increasingly discomfited.

Although it was not that unusual to have a civilian present at a naval gathering, especially if in some way he was associated with the navy, Mr Stansford, as far as Edward could tell, had no association with it what so ever, though he apparently knew Admiral Briggs quite well. There was also the manner in which he was dressed, for he was clearly a gentleman of quality outfitted in dark green velvet with cream silk and lace trim. Indeed his exquisite manners and elegance clearly marked him as a gentleman born and bred. He appeared to be very well-educated, possessed of a rather dry wit and there was little he did not know in the field of art, about which he seemed to have an opinion on everything. He informed them that he was leaving the following day, or as soon as the new axle arrived for his coach, to return to a Gothic style manor house which he insisted on referring to as an abbey. He also informed them that he was also having a small gathering to celebrate the opening in three days time and invited them all to attend. Horatio and Archie appeared most interested; Edward demurred due to the refitting of 'Indefatigable' which he wished to keep an eye on. He was puzzled when Admiral Briggs openly encouraged him to go, saying that he could surely spare a few days and that he, himself, would be attending. Edward reluctantly promised to consider it.

As Edward listened to Stansford, he found that, rather against his will, he really quite liked the man. It was also apparent that his two officers were more than taken with him.

At the conclusion of the meal, Admiral Briggs begged the others to excuse them as he led Edward off into a drawing room. As he left the room, out of the corner of his eye Edward noticed Mr Stansford leading his two officers off into another room. By now, he was beginning to feel thoroughly uncomfortable and wished only for a speedy conclusion to the evening.

Over port and cigars the two senior officers discussed the current situation with the war as well as the deployment of ships under Edward's command.

"'Arethusa' leaves tomorrow to join the Mediterranean fleet," Edward informed him, as they pored over maps of the coast of Spain.

"That is excellent news, Sir Edward. Excellent! She'll be fine support for the fleet. We'll beat the Dons, eh? They'll get short shrift from us!"

They made themselves comfortable in two large armchairs on either side of the fireplace.

"Sir Edward, you are no doubt curious as to why I invited you tonight."

Edward, on his guard, was conscious of every word Briggs uttered and every nuance of the man's speech.

"I... confess to a certain curiosity, sir, though, whatever your reasons, the evening has been most pleasant."

"Oh, but I could not agree more, Sir Edward, for indeed it has. And you no doubt harbour considerable curiosity as to the reason I invited your two most loyal and excellent officers."

There was that phrase again, 'loyal and excellent officers', and it made Edward even less certain of the outcome of the evening that he had been previously. A knot he had not realised was there tightened in his stomach.

He gave the smallest of smiles. "No doubt that I do, sir."

"Bright lads, your young lieutenants," Briggs mused. "Very bright indeed. Good tacticians."

"Indeed they are, sir, and they will both make fine captains one day."

"Oh, no doubt, Sir Edward. No doubt they will," he concurred, gazing into Edward's eyes as though assessing him carefully. "And no doubt you've trained them very well."

Edward felt the hair stand up on the back of his neck as he tried to relax back into his chair. He took another mouthful of port.

"I have endeavoured to, sir. I believe they have proven themselves most capable in battle. Indeed I consider them to be a most valuable asset to 'Indefatigable'. If you would allow, sir, may I offer my sincere gratitude for your most timely intervention in rescinding Admiral Somerville's somewhat rash order."

"Oh, not at all, Sir Edward. Not at all. Poor Somerville's ailing. You know he's retiring soon?"

"No, I was not aware of that, sir."

"Gout, you know. Suffers something chronic with it. Doesn't improve his temper either."

"I see. I regret to hear of the man's ill health. Perhaps retirement may allow him to recover."

"Aye, no doubt that it will. But, as I was saying, I believe Somerville was desperate to find officers for 'Renown' and at short notice. Under normal circumstances, as you are well aware, you would have been notified and your concurrence sought."

"Indeed, sir. And, if I may speak frankly, I must admit to having rather less than charitable thoughts with regard to the good gentleman for removing my two best officers without consultation."

Briggs chuckled, but Edward felt only more uncomfortable as he smiled in return.

"And as valuable as they are to your ship, Sir Edward, are they not also as valuable to you personally?"

Edward's lips quirked in a semblance of a smile - a smile he was far from feeling - and he fiddled with his cigar.

"Indeed, sir, as I have no children of my own, they are almost as sons to me."

"Sons, you say?"

Edward could not quite decide if the man was just genuinely curious about his relationship with his two young officers, or if the man had ulterior motives for
enquiring.

"Indeed they regard me as somewhat of a father figure."

"And did you also train them, sir, to be such good sports?"

Decidedly uncomfortable now, Edward shifted slightly. "I believe we English are all good sports, sir, are we not?"

Admiral Briggs smiled. "Well of course we are, Sir Edward, of course! However, you are aware of the fact that your officers are... shall we say, most enthusiastic lads? Most enthusiastic indeed."

"I believe, sir, you will find that my officers are most grateful for your assistance."

"That is well, Sir Edward. That is very well for you see I find that I require a small service of them."

Edward felt an icy grip around his heart.

"Then perhaps we should ask them to join us?"

Briggs shook his head. "Not yet, Sir Edward. You see the favour I require of them is of a... shall we say, somewhat personal nature."

"How personal would that be, sir, if I may ask?" He took a puff of his cigar.

"Sir Edward, let us be frank. You are aware of the bargain I struck with your officers only yesterday morning?"

Edward realised that there was little use in denying his own knowledge of events that took place in this very building the previous day for he had the feeling that, if he denied it, Briggs would only inform him of it anyway.

"I have heard... something of the kind," he demurred.

"And you... disapprove?"

Again, Edward smiled slightly. "Whether I approve or disapprove, sir, is hardly relevant as I was not consulted in the matter. Had I been consulted, I would have strongly counselled against such a course of action. Let us say that I understand a certain satisfaction was achieved on both sides and the matter is now firmly in the past. Indeed, sir, you may rest assured that I consider the matter henceforth forgotten, as do my officers," he added, hoping against hope to conclude this uncomfortable topic of conversation. His hopes, however, were to be dashed.

"That is most commendable of you, Sir Edward. Most commendable." Briggs sat further back in his chair and folded his somewhat short legs. "However, you would agree that your officer's memories of events that took place only yesterday morning would be fresh?"

Edward gave the slightest of nods. "No doubt that they would."

"That is well. That is very well indeed, Sir Edward, and I am glad that we agree on that point for I do indeed require your officers to perform a similar... service, shall we say, in three days time."

In the act of bringing his cigar to his lips, Edward's arm stilled. Belatedly, he realised it and completed the gesture. Taking a puff, he observed the acrid smoke rising into the air, the smoke far less poisonous than the bile rising within him. With Briggs watching him like a hawk he took a deep breath.

"Sir, are you saying that you require my officers to perform for you a service of... somewhat intimate nature?"

Briggs smiled openly at Edward's discomfiture.

"Indeed, I am, sir. What's more I believe you'll find they'll be glad to do it."

Edward took a deep breath, prepared to go to battle to defend the honour of his young officers.

"Sir, I must protest in the strongest terms. You cannot seriously expect my officers - lieutenants in His Majesty's navy - to... to... perform acts which are not only against the Articles but contrary to their very nature."

Briggs chuckled aloud. "'Contrary to their nature'?" he scoffed. "My dear sir, surely you jest! Why only yesterday your young officers acquitted themselves in so splendid a manner that I find it hard to believe they're not well experienced in these matters. Experience they gained at the hands of their... 'father'?" He smirked knowingly.

The bile rose. "Sir, that is an outrageous accusation! I will not stand to have anyone - anyone! - accuse either myself, or my own officers of conduct against the Articles."

"Sit down, sir!"

Edward glanced at the thick rug on the floor, astonished to find himself standing. He had not even been aware of jumping from his chair. Taking a deep breath in an endeavour to calm himself, he resumed his seat.

"That's better, Commodore! I think we both understand each other now, don't you?"

Edward tilted his head once in assent, remaining silent.

"On Friday morning your officers will undertake the journey to Mr Stansford's stately Gothic pile in Wiltshire."

"I believe he refers to it as an abbey," Edward muttered.

"Do not interrupt. As I was saying, they will journey to Wiltshire and arrive in time for Mr Stansford's little house warming. On arrival, they will provide any service - and I do mean any service - that is required of them by their host and myself. You see, since yesterday morning, I believe Mr Stansford is quite smitten with your young officers - not that I blame him, of course. Handsome young men they are. Handsome indeed!"

"Mr Stansford? What in God's name has Mr Stansford got to do with my officers?"

Briggs chuckled again in that annoying way of his. "Sir Edward, it would appear that your young officers have been less than candid with you. You mean to say they didn't tell you?"

Edward's expression was like thunder as he viciously stabbed the last of his cigar into the ashtray. "Tell me what pray?"

"Why about what a good sport Mr Stansford also is."

Edward closed his eyes for a moment as he digested the information. Archie had indeed mentioned Mr Stansford. So it seemed that Mr. Stansford, as well as the Admiral, now had intimate knowledge of his officers. Knowing that both his officers had assumed that the man would no longer be a guest of the Admiral, and they, themselves, would therefore never see him again, they had assumed that he would never find out - all of which did not help in the circumstances. Briefly, he wondered what was going on in the other room, but he had no time to concern himself with it now.

"Why should my officers perform such a service for Mr Stansford, or anyone else?" he asked mildly, surprised that he managed to keep his voice so calm.

"They will do it, sir, because they are beholden to Mr Stansford, and they know it."

"I see." Indeed he did see, though he felt obliged to ask even if he did not like where it might lead. "And how is that, sir, if I may ask?"

"Why it was Mr Stansford who persuaded me to see your impudent young officers in the first place. If it'd been me I'd have given 'em short shrift and charged 'em with desertion, I can tell you!"

"Correct me if I err, sir, but are you telling me that you allowed Mr Stansford to take physical advantage of my officers whilst they were under your protection?"

Briggs guffawed in his superior way. "Why I can assure you, Sir Edward, your young scoundrels were more than willing. What a pretty pair of catamites!"

Edward's dark eyes blazed at the insult.

"Sir, I will *not* have you call my officers catamites! They are excellent and competent officers! If they performed a service for Mr Stansford, then I have no doubt that it was at your behest."

Briggs grinned widely showing yellowing teeth.

"Oh, indeed it was! And I trust you realise, Sir Edward, that you owe a debt of gratitude to Mr Stansford."

"For taking advantage of my officers when they were under your roof and under your orders?" Edward spluttered.

"Aye, otherwise they'd be on 'Renown' this very minute. Now I ask you, Sir Edward, as a reasonable man, which would you prefer? I can have them transferred, you know," he remarked with a smirk.

Caught like a fish dangling on a line, Edward Pellew knew that he was trapped. If he said that he would have preferred his officers to be aboard 'Renown', Briggs would have no hesitation in transferring them to another ship post haste. If, on the other hand, he agreed, then it might still leave him some room to manoeuvre.

"You know my answer to that, sir."

Briggs smiled again. "You're a man who does not accept defeat easily, Sir Edward. I admire that in a man. It's what makes our navy the best in the world." Rising to his feet, he continued. "And I'm very glad the evening has come to such an agreeable conclusion."

Edward also rose but strode to the window, turning his back on Briggs. This was a complete breach of etiquette, and he did not care in the least. He could not and would not accept defeat this easily. Turning suddenly, he rounded on Briggs.

"It has not, sir! Indeed this evening has not come to any conclusion what so ever! Your proposal, sir, is contemptible. To think that you, an Admiral in His Majesty's fleet, would seek to dishonour the reputations of two fine young men who have done nothing to warrant it beggars belief and..."

"'Done nothing to warrant it' he says!" Briggs scoffed. "What on earth do you think they did here yesterday morning, sir? Played whist?"

"No doubt their actions were... of a foolish and impetuous nature. On their behalf I offer my sincere apologies. However, we must take their youthful natures into account and that is no reason..."

"'Foolish'?" Briggs interrupted. "Sir Edward, those young scoundrels knew exactly what they wanted, and exactly what they needed to do to get it. Why I merely..." he shrugged, "...granted them their wish. I did them a big favour, it's now time for them to return it."

Edward Pellew would not be deterred.

"Sir, for an Admiral in His Majesty's fleet your behaviour is both insulting and unconscionable."

"No doubt it is. I trust you won't be demanding satisfaction? I hear that's not your style anyway."

"And if I object to your compromising the honour of my officers?"

Briggs smirked, and Edward desperately wanted to wipe the grin off his face.

"You said yourself 'Arethusa' departs tomorrow. I hear she's short her full complement of mids."

Edward's mouth opened for a moment before setting in a grim line. "I take your meaning, sir, and you would not dare for, if you do, you can be sure that I shall take this matter to Lord Hood himself," he challenged.

"Will you, Sir Edward? I think not for, if you do, I would have to explain how your officers forced an Admiral in His Majesty's navy into countermanding their legitimate assignments by forcing him to sign new transfer papers at the point of a gun."

"Sir, that is a patent falsehood and you know it! They would never, ever contemplate such an act and no one would believe it."

Briggs smiled in that oily way of his. "You know that. I know that. Never the less, mud, as they say, sticks. And they did visit me. And they were transferred back to your tender care, weren't they? Of course there would be an inquiry, but my reputation is beyond reproach. Their youthful careers, however, would suffer irreparable damage. So, shall I have them transferred as mids?"

Edward was implacable. "You will not!" he warned through clenched teeth.

"Sir Edward, I have taken the liberty of having the papers drawn up." As he spoke Briggs leaned over to remove several sheets of paper from the drawer of a nearby desk and handed them to Edward to examine. "As you can see, all that's missing is the signature. Shall I sign them now?"

"I believe we should consult my officers, don't you? I think it only fair that they be given a choice in the matter."

"Belay that." Briggs positively grinned. "You will choose for them. Do I sign their transfer papers right now, or do they go to Wiltshire and just be the good sports they really are? The choice is entirely up to you, Sir Edward."

Edward admired Briggs; not many men could stand up to him, yet Briggs did it with aplomb. He also remembered his lovers' words to him of that very morning, that he must agree to whatever the Admiral wanted.

Since bluff and bluster were getting him nowhere he opted to try being reasonable.

"Sir, why are you so insistent on my officers... entertaining Mr Stansford?"

"Let us just say that I am beholden to Mr Stansford, and your handsome young officers are my way of repaying him. Oh, and by the by," he added. "Not a word to Mr Stansford about our little arrangement. I don't want him upset. I trust I can count on you to explain that to your officers when you explain their duties for
the weekend."

"Sir, how much incentive would be required for you to forget the whole thing?" Edward suggested, hoping against hope that Briggs would take him up on his offer.

Briggs appeared interested. "That depends. How much incentive are you offering, Sir Edward?"

"Five thousand pounds, sir, on the condition that this whole business will never again be mentioned between us, my officers, Mr Stansford, or any other parties."

Briggs appeared to consider the offer. "It's tempting, sir. It's very tempting, but I think not."

Edward was determined. "Make it ten thousand."

"Ten thousand? My, my, sir, but you do value that pair of rogues!" he scoffed. "No, sir, my own income is assured and you may not realise it but Mr Stansford is the richest man in the land, though God knows what the fool's spent on that damned Gothic folly of his!"

Edward had never had a more awkward, or humiliating, conversation in his life. It seemed that no matter which way he turned his officers would suffer the consequences. He ground his teeth. "Sir, I will not have my officers humiliated. Surely there is some other way in which you could repay the man."

"Not at present, and not with his expensive tastes, that is until your young men literally fell into my lap, if you'll pardon the expression. By the by, that's why you're going with them; they'll obey you. Just you make sure they do indeed fall into Mr Stansford's lap, if you get my meaning," he warned ominously. "He's quite taken with them, you know. Quite taken with them."

"And if they don't?"

"I transfer them as mids to the next ship leaving port. What's more I'll make damn sure that their ship and yours are never in the same port at the same time. So it will be a long time before you set eyes on either one of 'em again."

Edward stood still, knowing that he had fought a battle - and lost. He felt quite unwell, the excellent meal he had eaten now giving him serious indigestion.

"Sir, I beg of you, do not do this to Mr Hornblower and Mr Kennedy. They are courageous and upstanding young men and you would make of them... no more than catamites!"

Briggs laughed once more. "Aye, they are catamites, and very fine ones too," his expression changed from jovial to calculating, his pale blue eyes boring into Edward's dark ones, "and there's no doubt in my mind where they got their experience." He gave a knowing smirk and winked at Edward. "No doubt at all! So remember, Sir Edward, Saturday night I'll see your young officers again - all of 'em - and so will Mr Stansford. Jolly good sports they are! Jolly good!"

Briggs continued to laugh as he strode over to the door to reveal Horatio, Archie and Mr Stansford emerging from the other room. Edward remained where he was standing as Briggs went to speak to Stansford and his officers came toward him, each bearing an invitation in his hand. As they showed him their invitations in gold and black with a beautiful engraving of the abbey on stiff red paper, Edward literally felt ill.

Invitations? What a charade, he thought, knowing that the two handsome young officers in his charge really had no choice but to go whether they liked it or not, no matter that they were unaware of it as yet.

For Horatio and Archie, the unhappiness in their commanding officer's eyes, his stance, his whole manner, spoke volumes. Within moments their expressions changed to ones of concern. However, in the present company they were unable to query him as to the cause of his unhappiness, and he unable to explain.

Mr Stansford entered the room and Edward turned to him.

"Sir Edward, I am still hoping that you will reconsider my invitation. At any rate, I can assure you your officers will be returned to you come Monday little the worse for wear."

To Stansford, the Commodore's sudden and malevolent glance seemed almost threatening, and he wondered what on earth he had said to warrant it, for he had merely meant it as a jest. Unused to being ordered about by anyone, he none the less flinched from Edward's gaze.

Edward now gazed steadily at Stansford. "Mr Stansford, I am sure that my officers will enjoy themselves at your abbey and will *most certainly* be none the worse for wear as a result."

Stansford was puzzled. The Commodore seemed to be under the impression that his two fine young officers would somehow come to harm as his guests.

"Sir Edward, you may rest assured that your officers will be treated with all due honour and courtesy, as will all my guests."

Edward forced a smile to his features that he was far from feeling and willed his jaw to unclench.

"Mr Stansford, I have to confess that you have aroused my curiosity about your grand abbey," he remarked seemingly casually.

"Oh, Sir Edward, dare I hope this means that you've changed your mind?" Stansford inquired hopefully.

Edward forced another smile. "Indeed, sir, I find myself most desirous of seeing it. I am much interested in matters of art."

The smile on Stansford's face was genuine, Edward observed, as the man beamed like a little boy with a new set of toy soldiers.

Stansford decided that he must have been wrong about the expression on the Commodore's face.

"But that is wonderful, Sir Edward! I'm sure you will find much to interest you. A moment if you will." However, before he could disappear out the door, Edward grasped his upper arm, leaned close and whispered in his ear.

Stansford's large eyes widened and he hesitated a moment before nodding. As he strode out of the room, they heard him calling out to someone named Richardson.

As the three officers donned their outer garments Stansford returned with an engraved invitation and, with a flourish, placed it in Edward's hand, smiling warmly at him.

"For you, Sir Edward, and may I say that I would be *most* honoured to have you as my guest."

Edward smiled, if only very briefly, but the smile did not quite reach his eyes as he shook hands with Stansford, thanking him for his invitation, and shook hands with Admiral Briggs who had returned from his brief absence and was all joviality. Inwardly, he wondered how Stansford could appear so entirely genuine and yet be a party to coercion, subterfuge and even downright blackmail.

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