Herrick watched the acknowledgement dashing aloft.
Gossage, sulking slightly, called, 'Hands aloft, Mr O'Shea! Shake out all reefs!' His tone suggested it was merely to cover Bolitho's confusion.
Herrick raised the telescope and climbed up two more steps.
She had been so proud when she had bought it for him, from one of the best instrument makers in London 's Strand. His heart sank. She had gone there with Belinda.
De Broux shouted suddenly, 'Tybalt to Flag, sir!' For once he seemed unsure of himself. Then he stammered, 'Estimate twelve sail-of-the-line!'
Hernck climbed down to the quarterdeck again. He was uncertain how he felt. Resigned, or stunned by the last signal.
Gossage was staring at him, and made to speak as De Broux called desperately, 'General signal, sir. Prepare for battle!'
Hernck met Gossage's disbelief with something close to complete calm. To feel that way under such circumstances was almost unnerving.
Hernck asked coolly, 'Well, Captain Gossage, how do the odds appeal to you now?'
18. In Danger's Hour
Bolitho held out his arms and tried to contain his impatience as Ozzard nimbly buttoned his white waistcoat. After all the shortages it felt strange to be dressed from head to toe in clean clothing. Over Ozzard's shoulder he watched Keen, who was standing just inside the cabin so that he could still hear the shouted commands and replies from the quarterdeck.
Hyperion had not yet cleared for action; he would leave it to Hernck and the individual captains to do it when they were ready, and in their own time.
Hyperion's company were snatching a last hasty meal, although how the average sailor managed to eat anything before a fight was beyond Bolitho.
Keen said, 'If the Dons continue that approach, Sir Richard, neither of us will hold the wind-gage. It would seem that the enemy is on a converging tack.' His eyes were clouded with concentration as he tried to picture the distant ships. A day later and the enemy would have slipped past them to close with the coast of Spam before a final dash through the Strait.
Bolitho said, 'I must take the wind-gage from them. Otherwise, ship-to-ship they will swamp us.' He could feel Keen watching him as the plan formed itself so that they could both see it. As if it was here and now. 'We shall hold our forces together until the last moment. I intend to alter course to starboard and form two columns. Hernck knows what to do. His will be the shorter line, but no matter. Once battle is joined we may throw the Dons into confusion.' He allowed Ozzard to offer him his coat and hat.
Keen said, 'I must protest, Sir Richard.' He looked at the gold lace, the Nile medal which Bolitho would hang about his neck. 'I know your custom. I have shared this suspense too many times to forget.'
Allday entered by the other door and reached up for the old sword. Over his shoulder he remarked, 'You're wastin' your time, with all respect, Cap'n Keen.'
Keen and Allday looked at one another. Allday recalled better than any how he had seen Bolitho on board the embattled Phalarope at the Samtes. In his best uniform, a ripe target for any sharp-eyed marksman, so that the people should see him. Oh yes, Allday knew it was impossible to talk him out of it.
Bolitho slipped his arms into the coat and waited for Ozzard to stand on tip-toe to adjust the bright epaulettes with the twin silver stars.
This will not be a battle to test each other's mettle, Val. We must not even consider losing it. It is vital; you accept that now.'
Keen smiled sadly. 'I know it.'
There was a muffled hail from the masthead, and a lieutenant came running from the quarterdeck.
He stared at Bolitho and then said, 'The first lieutenant's respects, sir.' He tore his eyes from his vice-admiral and faced Keen. 'The mainmast lookout has just reported the enemy in sight. Steering south-west.'
Keen glanced at Bolitho, who nodded, then said, 'General signal. Enemy in sight.'
As the lieutenant hurried away Keen said, 'Brief and to the point. As you like it, Sir Richard.'
Bolitho smiled, and beckoned to Ozzard. 'You may clear the cabin. The bosun's party is waiting to carry the bits and pieces to the hold.' He rested his hand on Ozzard's bony shoulder. 'Go with them. No heroics today.' He saw his wistful gaze and added, 'I know not what ails you, but I will deal with it. Remember that, eh?'
As Ozzard made to pick up some small items Bolitho called, 'No' Not that1' He took the fan from Ozzard's hand and looked at it. Remembering.
Keen watched as Bolitho slipped the fan into his coat-pocket.
Bolitho reached for his hat. 'A small thing, I know, Val. But it is all I have of hers.'
Allday followed them from the cabin, then he paused, the old sword over one arm as he stared back at the place he knew so well. Why should this time be any different? The odds were bad, but that was nothing new, and the enemy were Dons. Allday felt he wanted to spit. Even the Frogs were better fighters than them. He took a last glance round, then touched his chest where the Spanish blade had thrust into him.
The cabin was deserted. He turned away, angry with the thought. For it looked as if it would remain empty forever.
On deck Bolitho walked to the centre of the quarterdeck rail and took a telescope from the senior midshipman. He looked at htm more closely, then at the other officers and master's mates near the wheel. Everyone appeared to be dressed in his best clothing.
Bolitho smiled at the midshipman. 'That was nicely done, Mr Furmval.'
He raised the glass and found Tybalt's sails almost immediately. He moved it still further and saw the dark flaws on the horizon, like the rippling edge of some distant tidal wave.
Bolitho returned the glass and looked up at the sky. The pendant was still pointing towards the larboard bow. The wind held steady, but not too strong. He recalled something his father had said. A good wind for a fight. But out here that could easily change, if the mood took it.
Keen stood watching him, his fair hair ruffling beneath the brim of his hat, even though it had been cut in the modern fashion. Bolitho gripped the rail with both hands. Like Adam's.
He felt the old wood, hot in the sunshine. So dented and pitted with the years, yet worn smooth by all the hands which had rested here.
He watched Major Adams with his lieutenant, Veales, standing below the quarterdeck. The major was frowning with concentration as he pulled on a fresh pair of white gloves.
Bolitho said, 'It is time.' He saw Keen nod, the lieutenants glance at one another, probably wondering who might still be here when the smoke cleared.
Keen said, 'The wind is firm, Sir Richard. They'll be up to us before noon.'
Penhahgon remarked indifferently, 'Fine day for it anyway.'
Bolitho drew Keen to one side. 'I have to say something, Val. We must clear for action directly; after that we shall be divided by our duties. You have come to mean a great deal to me, and I think you must know it.'
Keen answered quietly, 'I understand what you are trying to say, Sir Richard. But it will not happen.'
Bolitho gripped his arm tightly. 'Val, Val, how can we know? It will be a hard fight, maybe the worst we have endured.' He gestured towards the ships astern. 'All these men following like helpless animals, trusting the Flag to carry them through, no matter what hell awaits them.'
Keen replied earnestly, They will be looking to you.'
Bolitho gave a quick smile. 'It makes it less easy to bear. And you, Val, what must you be thinking as the Dons draw to an embrace? That but for me you would be at home with your lovely Zenona.'
Keen waited while Allday stepped up with the sword.