Under Enemy Colors Read Free Page B

Stephens have little time for fumblers. Did the First Secretary give you some indication that he harboured a dislike of Captain Hart?”
    “I was left with the impression that someone within the Admiralty was no friend to Hart.”
    A small roll of the eyes by Robert. “You’ve not accepted this position, surely?”
    Hayden drew in a breath and released it in exasperation. “And what other choice have I, Robert?” he asked, the edge of his anger making itself known. “Mr Stephens was at pains to point out my French parentage and made it clear that within the walls of the Admiralty building no one but he knew my name.”
    Robert looked positively alarmed at this intelligence. “Is he aware of your…affairs in France, do you think?”
    “If so, he was too discreet to mention them.”
    Robert did not appear to be reassured by this, but also rose and went restively across the room to the window. “You’ve never told anyone what you told me?”
    “No one, though any number of people know I was in France that year, even in Paris. That was never a secret.”
    Robert smiled bitterly. “Then your revolutionary past is likely still buried.”
    Hayden bridled at his friend’s attempted jest. “It was but a few days, caught up in the moment…like everyone there. Once I had witnessed a mob set loose, I was soon back in my right senses. You cannot know, Robert, how much I have come to regret my actions of those days, and I was all but blameless in that place—an innocent.”
    “I have noted that you’ve come no nearer forgiving yourself, even so.”
    Hayden felt the usual distress wash over him when this subject surfaced. “There are times when it is important not to forgive oneself,” he said quietly.
    A look of distress crossed his friend’s face. An awkward moment, and then Robert said, “I don’t suppose Stephens mentioned if Hart had requested some other to be his first lieutenant?”
    “He said nothing of it.” Hayden was happy to turn away from the subject of his sojourn in Paris.
    “Then let us hope Hart did not. Imagine your position if so? I do not like this situation one bit, Charles. I’m not convinced you wouldn’t be better to refuse it.”
    “Then you will not need to return my jacket when dried. I will have no further need of a uniform.”
    Robert leaned back against the sill, his look pained. “Did Stephens promise you anything if you took this position? a ship, advancement?”
    “Nothing. He seemed to suggest that he might be inclined to secure me a better situation in the future…but it was clear that success in the offered commission would first be required.”
    Robert cursed softly. “It is unforgivable that he should offer you a situation—so beneath your gifts—and promise nothing in return.”
    “That is not the worst of it. There is apparently some discontent among Hart’s crew and Mr Stephens seems to believe I will remedy it.”
    “Blast the man to hell! If Hart has an understanding that you are being sent as his nursemaid you will be made most unwelcome.”
    “Let us hope he does not comprehend that.” Hayden shrugged and placed an elbow on the mantle, finding the small puddle he had left earlier. “Such is the state of my career, Robert, that a refusal will see it ended. So I am for the Themis . I see no other course. Perhaps a few successful actions will place me in better circumstances.”
    But Robert did not even make an effort to agree with this.
     
    “She never retires to her chamber, no matter the hour, but wanders about the house with a pack of dogs in train, and sleeps for two hours, now and again, upon a sofa or ottoman; any place it might please her. The consternation of the servants, who come to clean the rooms in the small hours, cannot be hidden. When they find the countess asleep amid her pack, they must tiptoe out and leave the room ashamble.” Miss Henrietta Carthew laughed; a charming tinkling, Hayden thought, like water in a raceway. “I have come