HMS Valiant - 33. Chapter 33

December 31, 1799

Constantinople

Granger looked at the city that spanned before them, and let his eyes scan the harbor. It was a beautiful location, and even if the diversity of the buildings were not apparent, the varied types of ships in harbor attested to the fact that Constantinople was one of the world’s major crossroads. “Let go!” he ordered, and Valiant’s anchor descended into the mud of the harbor, while Weston had the crew take in the remaining sails. Granger thanked the pilot, and then saw him over the side.

They’d made a remarkably fast passage, so rapid, in fact, that Granger had not had a chance to talk to Elgin since they left Tenedos. He approached Granger, and the two of them began to pace the quarterdeck, while the others wisely remained out of earshot. “I am sorry I was not able to ascertain whom my wife gave the cypher to,” Elgin said.

“Fortunately, I was able to discover that her intended recipient was Major Jardines,” Granger said.

“Did you determine the contents of the message?” Elgin asked.

Granger did not want to lie, so instead he dodged the issue. “I spoke with Major Jardines, and he agreed that it was the best solution to dispose of the letters, both of them.”

“And he did that?”

“He did,” Granger asserted. All of that was true, but it did not actually answer Elgin’s original question.

“Then we are finished with the affair,” Elgin said with relief.

“I fear you will have to be vigilant, lest your wife involve herself in another scheme,” Granger said ruefully, and sympathetically enough not to annoy Elgin.

“My eyes have been opened on this voyage,” he affirmed. “How long will you stay here?”

“I have no business here, other than to transport you and your party,” Granger said. “I would expect to leave tomorrow unless there is some pressing reason for me to stay.”

“I have sent a note ashore, informing them of my arrival,” Elgin said. “I will wait for a response.”

“I will delay sailing until you receive one,” Granger said with a smile.

“I would be most appreciative,” Elgin joked back. “I know this has not been an easy voyage for you. I do appreciate how you have worked with me and how you have shown amazing forbearance when dealing with my wife.”

“As I told you before, I think that if we would have sailed together without her, we would have had a most enjoyable voyage. If that opportunity presents itself, I would welcome it.”

“As would I,” Elgin said. They spotted a boat heading their way. There was already a British embassy here, in some form, and the boat was sent by the staff to receive their new overlord. There was considerable effort as the Elgins’ baggage was hauled up from below, and considerable whining as his staff was ushered into the crowded boat.

Lady Elgin came up, scowling as always. “I cannot express to Your Lordship what a relief it is to have arrived in Constantinople, and to be able to disembark.”

“I share Your Ladyship’s feelings,” Granger said. She gave him a final dirty look, then climbed into the bosun’s chair and was hoisted over the side.

“Thank you, again, Granger,” Elgin said, and shook his head. “And I will keep my eye open for artifacts which may enhance your collection.” Granger had asked him to buy any classical pieces which would be interesting for his residences, and Elgin had acknowledged enthusiastically, especially when Granger agreed to compensate him for his efforts.

“I will look forward to seeing them,” Granger said. “They will be a reminder of your mission here.” And with that, Elgin was hoisted over the side, and Granger was finally rid of these people who had plagued him.

Granger began to pace his deck again, noting that the mood on the ship was almost ebullient, so happy were they to be rid of their unpleasant passengers. “Mr. Andrews,” Granger called.

“My lord?”

“I would like it if you would prepare a special feast for dinner,” Granger said. “We will celebrate the completion of our mission, of delivering the Elgins to Constantinople, and we will also celebrate the new year.”

“A celebration at being rid of them, my lord?” Treadway teased.

“You may interpret it however you like, Major,” Granger said playfully, “but it will be a celebration nonetheless.”

“Aye aye my lord,” Andrews said. “I am not sure if I should venture ashore for additional stores.” Normally merchants and bumboats would swarm aside Valiant, wanting to sell their wares, but those ships had carefully kept their distance. There was an air of hostility in the harbor.

“Let us wait and see how we are received,” Granger said. He went back to his cabin and busied himself with writing reports, deftly forcing his mind away from the content of the letter he’d decoded. He had time to think about that later, when he was away from this place. He had finished his reports on the voyage, and just dashed off a personal letter to Cavendish, when Genarro entered his cabin.

“Begging your pardon, sir, but Mr. Weston said to inform you there is a boat approaching,” he said. His English was good, but he still didn’t quite have the Navy forms down yet.

“Let us see who is coming to visit,” Granger said cheerfully, and led the young man out of his cabin.

“Boat approaching, my lord,” Weston said unnecessarily. Granger eyed the craft, a very ornate pinnace, but could not discern who was aboard. It was not until the boat was quite close that Granger saw a man in the stern with two epaulettes, and a surplus of gold lace.

“Let us assume that is an admiral boarding us,” Granger said. They turned out the appropriate number of sideboys, and despite the offer of a bosun’s chair, the man hauled himself aboard Valiant. He was clearly a senior admiral. Another man came aboard after him, and approached Granger.

“My lord, His Excellency Küçük Hüseyin Paşa has come to welcome you to Constantinople,” the man said in English. He was clearly the interpreter. “His Excellency is the Grand Admiral of His Imperial Majesty’s fleet.” This man was the Turkish equivalent of the First Lord of the Admiralty. He looked to be in his forties, and wore a turban with jeweled ornaments, but his looks made him seem more Russian than Turkish.

“His Excellency honors us with his presence,” Granger said with a courtly bow. “I must apologize for not offering the correct honors. Had we known of His Excellency’s plan to visit, we would have received him more appropriately.”

The man interpreted Granger’s words, and got a few gruff words in return. “His Excellency appreciates the cordial greeting you have provided, my lord.”

“You must thank His Excellency for his understanding,” Granger said. The admiral spat out some more words in that gibberish language Granger assumed was Turkish.

“His Excellency brings you instructions from His Imperial Majesty the Sultan, my lord,” he said.

“I am pleased to be commanded by His Majesty,” Granger responded.

“My lord, you and your crew are to remain aboard your ship, and to not go ashore without the express command of His Majesty,” the man said. This was the height of rudeness, so Granger said nothing. “His Majesty commands you to attend him this afternoon.”

“I will of course attend His Majesty as he has ordered,” Granger said. “May I offer you gentlemen some refreshments?”

The man answered without referring to the admiral. “Thank you, but there is no time. We are tasked to take Your Lordship ashore as soon as you are ready.”

“Then if you will give me a quarter of an hour to prepare, I will join you gentlemen,” Granger said. The man just nodded, while Granger took Weston and Treadway back to his cabin. “I’ll need my best uniform,” Granger said to Winkler, then turned to his officers. “I will be ashore. If I do not return by sunset, you will attempt to contact Lord Elgin and relay what has happened.”

“Aye aye, my lord,” Weston said.

“I will leave the key to my safe in your care, Mr. Weston. I will trust you to follow my directives as noted on the items in there,” Granger said.

“Of course, my lord,” Weston said.

“In the meantime, avoid contact with anyone in this port. It is my hope that we may sail tomorrow, so be prepared for that.” Weston acknowledged his order, and then they left him in Winkler’s care. Winkler knew better than to chatter to Granger as Granger got ready. He could sense how irritated Granger was.

“You look quite good, my lord,” Winkler said with a smile, guiding Granger to the mirror.

“Let us see if the Sultan agrees with you,” Granger said. He walked out onto the quarterdeck and followed the interpreter into the boat, and was followed by the Grand Admiral. The interpreter made idle conversation as they went, pointing out various sites, but the admiral said nothing. A carriage was waiting for them, and they got in for the brief ride to Topkapi Palace.

The Imperial Gate

They passed through the first gate, the Imperial gate, and into a courtyard, and then arrived at a second gate, where they dismounted.

The Second Gate

It was explained to Granger that only the Sultan was allowed to ride in the second courtyard. The entire place was much different than a European Palace, like Versailles, in that it seemed to be a hodge-podge of buildings assembled in various courtyards.

They took Granger to an anteroom, one with interesting pieces of art. “His Majesty will summon you when he is ready to receive you,” the interpreter said, and then they left Granger alone. Granger glanced at his watch, and then explored the room, looking at the various artworks, and then ultimately made himself comfortable in one of the chairs lining the wall. He was being treated quite rudely, with no offer of refreshments, and it was a full 90 minutes before a court official arrived and muttered in French for Granger to follow him.

The Sultan was seated on a very ornate throne, with dignitaries flanking him on both sides. There were guards along the walls, as if to forestall Granger from assaulting the Sultan, as if such a thing were thinkable. Granger bowed low to this oriental potentate, and acted much as he would if he were at St. James Palace. He wasn’t sure if it was appropriate, but the expressions on the faces of his hosts showed barely restrained hostility, so he wasn’t sure that his form mattered.

“His Majesty is both surprised and offended that you would dare to enter the waters of his capital,” the interpreter said in French.

“I come in peace, bringing Lord Elgin, a representative from His Britannic Majesty, to develop closer ties with His Majesty,” Granger said calmly in French. “I am surprised that such a mission offends His Majesty.”

The Sultan’s eyes flashed with anger as Granger’s words were interpreted for him, and Granger began to wonder if he’d end up in a Turkish torture chamber, but then he put that thought aside. The Ottomans were in no position to start a war with Britain, and if they mistreated him, that is what they would end up with. The Sultan ranted on for a bit, and then the interpreter spoke. “You slaughtered thousands of His Majesty’s vassals in the great Raid on Oran, pillaging His Majesty’s lands, and attacked and slaughtered even more men after that.”

Granger was familiar with these arguments, as he’d had to address them in Egypt. “I did not attack His Majesty’s vassals, they attacked me, and I would point to the fact that my ship was anchored at the time as evidence,” Granger said to the interpreter. “It was my understanding that these men were rebellious subjects of His Majesty, defying His Majesty’s convention of peace with my King. I expected that, rather than be offended, His Majesty would be grateful.”

The Sultan’s eyes bulged even further when this was translated. “Why should we believe your lies?” the interpreter challenged.

“I did not lie, and I would not lie, and to suggest such a thing is to challenge my honor,” Granger said forcefully. “I am quite appalled at being treated so rudely by His Majesty, when I would have thought His Majesty would have considered me a friend.”

“And why would His Majesty consider you to be a friend?” the interpreter asked, after translating Granger’s response to the Sultan.

“Because I was Captain of His Britannic Majesty’s fleet under Admiral Lord Nelson when it destroyed the French fleet at Aboukir Bay, and because it was I who ordered Major Jardines to remain in Egypt and help His Majesty’s forces resist French tyranny, and because as a member of His Britannic Majesty’s government, serving in the House of Lords, I advocated and supported efforts that resulted in the arrival of assistance at the Siege of Acre,” Granger said to the interpreter.

These words were translated to the Sultan, who turned an evil eye onto his advisors. Clearly this was different than the story he’d been told. There was silence for a minute, and then the Sultan spoke. “His Majesty thanks you for your efforts on his behalf, and welcomes you to Constantinople,” the interpreter said.

“I appreciate His Majesty’s welcome,” Granger said, managing not to sound sarcastic. “Sadly, I intend my stay here to be brief. We plan to depart tomorrow.”

Granger waited while this was relayed, and a response was uttered. “His Majesty wishes you a safe voyage home.” With that, Granger bowed, backed out of the room, bowing one more time, and then returned to his ship. He ignored the interpreter who took him back, and noted that the admiral did not accompany him on his return voyage.

January 1, 1800

HMS Valiant

The Dardanelles

“Thank you for your assistance,” Granger said to the pilot. The man nodded and descended into his boat. “Course west-southwest, Mr. Weston.”

“Aye aye, my lord,” Weston said.

“Shake out the reefs in the topsails,” Granger ordered. After that was done, Granger gauged the force of the wind, and decided that topsails were all the sail he could carry on this course.

“Happy New Year, my lord,” Treadway said as he approached his captain. They’d had a raucous celebration last night, and Granger still nursed a headache because of that party.

“And a Happy New Year to you as well, Major,” Granger said.

“It is a relief to be away from that city, my lord,” Treadway said, even as he and Granger began to pace the deck.

“Our welcome was not warm and inviting,” Granger joked. He’d told his officers of his interview with the Sultan at supper last night, and they’d been both amused and insulted.

“I wonder if you would allow me to venture a hypothesis, my lord.” Treadway asked.

“Go on.”

“My lord, I think that your reception, and your response, was the precise reason why you were sent on this mission, or at least one of them,” he said.

Granger pondered his words. “You think that the government is giving me a chance to repair my reputation with the Sultan?” That seemed both ridiculous and incredible, that his interaction with this foreign ruler would be a matter of concern.

“I do, my lord,” Treadway said. “It will undoubtedly make Lord Elgin’s job easier if the Sultan does not hate you, and it will perhaps give him the will to reel in his vassals who would attempt to murder you.”

“If it does that, it is indeed a good thing,” Granger said. “Thank you for your insights. I will ponder them.”

“It is always my pleasure, my lord,” Treadway said, shooting Granger his cute grin.

“Sail ho!” came a cry from the masthead.

“Bloody sails everywhere,” Weston muttered, making Granger chuckle.

“Permission to come down and report?” the lookout asked.

“Come on down,” Granger shouted, then nodded to Weston, who sent up a replacement. The man approached Granger nervously. “What have you found us, Sykes?”

“My lord, there’s a brig ahead, wearing British colors, and flying the dispatch flag,” he said. “As soon as she sighted us, she turned toward us.”

“Very well,” Granger said. “Thank you Sykes.” Granger strode forward, to the forecastle, and saw from the deck what Sykes had spied from the top. It was indeed a brig, but Granger did not recognize her as one of the ships attached to the Mediterranean fleet. He returned to the quarterdeck. “Mr. Llewellyn, look lively with the signals. Mr. Weston, we’ll heave to when she’s a cable’s length from us.”

“Aye aye, my lord,” they chimed.

“My lord, she’s flying a dispatch flag and has ordered us to heave to,” Llewellyn said.

“She’s ordered us to heave to?” Granger asked. That was most unusual.

“Yes, my lord,” Llewellyn said.

“Well, we certainly wouldn’t want to vex her such that she fires her broadside at us,” Granger joked. “Heave to.”

“Aye aye, my lord,” Weston said with a grin, and backed the main topsail, causing Valiant to hover in the same spot. The brig approached them and hove to, then lowered a boat. Granger was surprised to see them lower a couple of trunks into it, and even more surprised to see the man who boarded the boat.

“Isn’t that Lord Daventry, sir?” Clifton asked, as his own glass studied the boat. Granger recognized Daventry, but even more recognizable were the clothes he wore. Daventry’s family colors were black and gold, and he almost uniformly wore black clothing with tasteful gold braiding. The two men with him wore black without the gold, making them appear somewhat sinister.

“It would appear to be,” Granger said.

“I’m surprised to see His Lordship out here in the Aegean Sea, where he is liable to mess up his clothing,” Treadway joked to Weston.

“He’s a fop?” Weston asked Treadway.

“Not a fop, Mr. Weston, a dandy,” Granger corrected.

“What is the difference, sir?” Genarro asked curiously.

“A fop is a man who dresses ornately, and was more common prior to this war,” Granger explained to him. “A fop is not terribly concerned with personal hygiene, and is easily distinguished by the copious amounts of cologne he wears as a result.” That got a chuckle from the assembled officers.

“But a dandy is different, sir?” Genarro asked.

“He is,” Granger continued. “A dandy dresses more conservatively, and is fastidious about his personal cleanliness. A classic example of a dandy is Beau Brummel. The look is understated elegance and cleanliness.”

“Begging your pardon, my lord, but you are often cited as one of the founders of dandyism,” Treadway said, smiling even as Granger frowned.

“I hardly think I’m a dandy,” Granger groused.

“It is rumored that Brummel’s obsession with cleanliness is a direct result of his experience in Your Lordship’s baths,” Treadway said. That briefly summoned up Granger’s memory of that encounter, which was both strange but erotic, and which he quickly pushed aside lest he get an erection on his quarterdeck.

“You know better than to believe rumors, Major,” Granger said. He studied the boat and saw Daventry seated in the thwarts, looking quite aloof. Granger knew him well. Daventry was the same age as Granger, they’d attended school together, and they were cousins a few times removed. It would be accurate to say that Granger had grown up with him, at least until Granger had joined the Navy. Daventry was a Member of Parliament, at first the Commons, and then in 1798, after his father died, he’d become Viscount Daventry and taken his seat in the Lords. He was a moderate Whig, and tended to follow the lead of the Duke of Portland, but he was known as being one of the Prince of Wales’ men. He had recently been appointed one of his gentlemen of the bedchamber, and such as one could have the confidence of the heir to the throne, Daventry had the confidence of the Prince of Wales. That made him a powerful political force. Granger was surprised to see him here, as he had never heard of him travelling beyond the British Isles, much less to the gateway of the Sublime Porte.

The boat approached them, and the coxswain did not signal for a bosun’s chair, so they waited for Daventry to climb through the entry port. That he did so gracefully was not a surprise, nor was his trademark smile when he landed on the deck. The Prince of Wales liked to surround himself with handsome and dashing young men, and Daventry was no exception. He had beautiful chestnut colored hair, and skin that was normally white but had tanned nicely, probably as a result of this voyage. His cheeks were a bit round, making him seem more boyish, as if his mannerisms wouldn’t have done that anyway. He was about the same height as Granger, and fashionably slim, while his black clothes accentuated that. Unless one was going to court, or some formal function, the trend was for men to eschew breeches and stockings in exchange for trousers, and that is what Daventry wore. They made his legs seem longer, and gave him a crisp appearance. “Granger!” he said enthusiastically. “How wonderful to see you!”

He held out his hands to Granger, who took them warmly. “It is wonderful to see you as well, but a surprise to find you out in the middle of the Aegean.”

“I opted to explore the world a bit, and thought it was that much bolder to do so during wartime,” he said in his witty way.

“And quite brave,” Granger said.

“I rather thought so,” Daventry agreed, making Granger chuckle. Before they knew it, the brig tacked on sail and headed toward Constantinople.

“I fear you have lost your ride,” Granger said curiously, even though with Daventry’s baggage on Valiant’s deck, it was clear he planned to seek passage.

“I have found a better one,” Daventry said. “These two men are my associates. I would be obliged if you would find quarters for them. Perhaps with your young gentlemen? They can keep them in line.” Daventry’s men were solid, clean-shaven, and handsome men, but their expressions were somewhat fearsome. He smiled to himself as he saw his midshipman cringe at being saddled with them as shipmates.

“Of course,” Granger said. “Mr. Llewellyn, I would be obliged if you would welcome Lord Daventry’s staff into the gunroom.”

“Aye aye, my lord,” Llewellyn said.

“Mr. Weston, you can put us back on course. Lord Daventry can share my cabin,” Granger announced.

“Aye aye, my lord,” Weston said.

“That is most hospitable of you,” Daventry said.

“Let me show you the way,” Granger said, ushering Daventry into his cabin.

Daventry looked around, and then smiled at Granger. “This is quite posh, and certainly nicer than my cabin on that brig.”

“I should hope so,” Granger said, as he poured them both a glass of wine. He directed Daventry over to his sitting area.

“It is deliciously warm in here!”

“That is due to this stove,” Granger said, gesturing at the device. “It was a gift from Cavendish.”

“Well I shall have to thank him for it as well. I thought I may never be warm again.”

“You should have brought Miss Barton with you,” Granger teased. She was an actress, and a well-known courtesan, one that Daventry had been linked to when he’d last been in London.

“She had grown tired of me and opted for an older, more distinguished escort,” Daventry said, feigning sadness. “And perhaps one more willing to squander riches on her.”

“And Lady Daventry was not able to take her place?” Granger teased. Daventry was in a notoriously unhappy marriage.

“Rather, she is unwilling to even be in the same room with me,” he grumbled.

“One has to credit her good judgment,” Granger teased.

“Indeed,” Daventry responded. “Loneliness drove me to seek new adventures.”

“I have never known you to be lonely, nor have you been known to be much of a traveler, so I suspect that means there is another reason we have found you here,” Granger said.

“I must correct you,” Daventry replied. “It is not you who found me; it is I who found you.”

“You were looking for me?” Granger asked, surprised.

“Who else would be interesting and charming enough to entertain me in this part of the world?” Daventry asked. His mannerisms were reminiscent of Bertie’s, with that playfulness that was so endearing.

“I cannot imagine who would be more interesting and charming than me in any part of the world,” Granger said, making Daventry laugh.

“You make a good point,” Daventry said.

“So are you going to reveal to me why you are here?”

“The art of conversation does not interest you?” Daventry asked.

“Not when my duty demands that I get to the point, and as we are sailing in Ottoman waters, I would submit that it is advisable to get to the point.”

“Why are Ottoman waters different than any other waters?”

“Because, hard at is it to believe, I am unpopular in this part of the world. I have already been ambushed by Barbary pirates once on this voyage, and it is entirely likely they will try again.”

“I did not make allowances for your blood feud with the Bey of Oran,” Daventry teased. “Let’s go see if he has a sapphire as big as that ruby you captured. Maybe if you bring that back, they’ll make you an earl.”

“Then I would have a better seat than you in Parliament, and you would be jealous and testy,” Granger said. “More so than normal.”

“I am only moderately jealous, and I am rarely testy,” Daventry objected. “I will caveat that with a provision that we omit my reaction to Lord Holland’s rants.”

“I suspect most of us would be guilty of that,” Granger said.

“I escape from Fox’s tiresome tirades in the Commons only to endure Holland in the Lords,” he groused.

“And now you know why I am so anxious to get to sea,” Granger said.

“Yes, but based on the storm I endured in the Bay of Biscay, I am questioning whether that is truly a good trade-off.”

“This voyage has clearly made you forget the tedium of your colleagues in Parliament,” Granger joked, making Daventry laugh. “You will find this ship more comfortable in storms.”

“That is good news,” Daventry said, then got more serious. “I need you to make a stop in Tenedos.”

“Indeed?” Granger asked, his curiosity piqued. “And why would I go to Tenedos?”

“Because I asked you to,” Daventry said.

“If this were my ship, I would accommodate you, but as it is the property of His Majesty, I fear I need a more tangible reason,” Granger said.

“I am under the impression that His Majesty is quite fond of me,” he said playfully.

“And clearly your time at sea has made you delusional,” Granger joked. “I was just in Tenedos, and have no need to return there.”

“My simple request is not enough?” he asked, almost pouting.

“It is not,” Granger said firmly. “You have known me for years, and you should realize that candor is your best ally. If you explain what you are about, and what you need, unless it is scandalously evil, I will probably help you.”

“But when it comes to scandal, I am truly the master,” Daventry joked; only Granger didn’t laugh. “It appears that I must confide in you.”

“I am surprised you did not reach that conclusion immediately.” Granger’s firm manner told Daventry he was unwilling to beat around this bush much longer.

He pulled out a letter and handed it to Granger. Granger was surprised to see that it was addressed to him, and even more surprised to see that it was written by the Prince of Wales. He told Granger that Daventry was on a personal mission for the government, and asked Granger to accommodate him to the degree possible. Those were significant bonafides. “So you see, I have brought you some instructions, so you will not have to simply take my word for it,” Daventry said, and sounded offended.

“I have never questioned your word or your honor before, and I was not questioning it now,” Granger said emphatically. “But there is much afoot, and I have learned that it is difficult to ascertain where allegiances lie.”

“You are referring to the Guild,” Daventry said.

“I am,” Granger confirmed. “That group has caused me a considerable amount of inconvenience, and while their machinations seem to have the effect of making me significantly richer, they have also nearly caused my demise.”

Daventry smiled at him. “And this voyage is no exception. The news of your capture of the Spanish Treasure Fleet was sensational. It is stunning that you did not return to England and enjoy the rewards.”

“I had my duty to do, in that I was tasked to conduct Lord Elgin and his party to Constantinople. I am not sure if you have met his wife?”

“I have indeed spent a quarter of an hour with Lady Elgin, and that was enough time for me to slot her nicely into the same category as my own wife. I have labeled that slot ‘reprehensible creatures’.” Granger laughed, which was not unusual when he was with Daventry.

“Then you can understand, perhaps, when I note that if I had turned around and returned to England, I may have had to retrace my steps with Her Ladyship aboard the entire time,” Granger said.

“I think I would forego the adulation of the mob if I were in your situation,” Daventry said.

“You are clearly here in some official capacity,” Granger said. “What is your status?”

“I suppose that I am going to have to explain everything to you,” he said, acting annoyed, when he knew that he would have to do that anyway.

“Despite your excellent letter of reference, it would make things easier,” Granger said. “And you may find that I have discovered information that you would find useful.”

“And what information have you discovered?”

“I would have to know what is useful to you first,” Granger countered.

“Unless you have been able to ascertain what mischief the Guild is plotting, I think you will have a difficult time further enlightening me.”

“Then I would submit that if you will explain your mission, your status, and your purpose here, I may indeed be able to enlighten you,” Granger said.

“You know their plan?” Daventry asked. “How did you find out?”

But Granger wasn’t willing to disseminate that information to anyone until he knew what it would be used for. “You seem to have forgotten the order in which I described the revelation of this information.”

“I am attached on His Majesty's service, and get my instructions from the Home Secretary, his Grace the Duke of Portland, or from the Chancellor, Mr. Pitt,” Daventry said, with just a hint of smugness. That would mean he was involved in 'the secret service', which was the cover for espionage. “They have significant concerns about the activities of the Guild.”

“As do I,” Granger said. “In the past, when I have discovered their malfeasance, it has largely been brushed under the carpet. Forgive me if I am cynical at this seemingly new interest in their activities.”

“You are referring to the plot you uncovered in Rio de Janeiro, and the activities of Sir Tobias Maidstone and the privateer he took with him to Amboyna,” Daventry said. That he knew of those issues did much to earn Granger’s trust, since they were not well-known affairs. “The interest is not new, and the incidents you’re referring to were brushed aside because there was not sufficient proof to justify raising them as a substantial issue.”

“But if there is proof, action will be taken?” Granger asked. “I am reluctant to involve myself in a battle with the Guild, only to find myself left vulnerable and unsupported in the field of combat.”

“And if I pledge to you that will not happen, will that be a sufficient assurance?” Daventry asked.

“It will,” Granger said, because he trusted Daventry’s word, and because he really had no other choice.

“Then let us begin.”