'If his intentions are honest there is one way, and one way only, in which, he could show it. That is by using the power he has usurped to re-establish his rightful King on the throne of France.'
'Believe me, sir; even had he the wish to do so the French people would not permit it.'
Then there is no point in our prolonging this interview. My Lord Grenville will provide you with passports enabling you to return freely to France.' For the first time the Prime Minister's face lit up with a smile as he added, 'Despite our difference of opinion on this present matter, on others in the past I have found your judgment excellent, and I have a great respect for your capabilities. In due course, therefore, when I receive from you further reports on affairs in France I shall continue to set a high value on them.'
'It was, sir, with the intention of disabusing any expectations that you might entertain on that head that I came here this morning,' Roger said gravely. 'You will receive no more reports from me, for I am not agreeable to serve you any longer.'
Mr. Pitt sat back and remained silent for a moment, then he said, 'I find that most regrettable; but from the outrageous manner in which you behaved towards my Lord Grenville and myself when last you were here, and I informed you of our rejection of Bonaparte's offer, I feared that it might portend a cessation of the good understanding between us that has endured for so long. Since you are determined to take no further part in secret diplomacy I assume you do not intend to return to France, but will at once retire into private life.'
'No, sir. I am under an obligation to report personally to Monsieur de Talleyrand on the failure of my mission.'
'In that I appreciate the delicacy of your feelings. So be it then. But that done I take it you will shortly be back here. Being not unmindful of the great services you have rendered myself and your country I should like to confer upon you some sinecure or provide you with an opening for some new career that you may think attractive. You possess both eloquence and a wide knowledge of foreign affairs, so would be a valuable man in Parliament. Without difficulty I could secure your nomination as Member for a Borough.’
For the past fortnight Roger had spent much time taking stock of his situation. Georgina's refusal to marry him and his father's having let Grove Place for three years had robbed him of his best prospects of living a happy life in which he could see a lot of the children. Apart from Georgina, he had no desire at all to marry again and the thought of living alone at Thatched House Lodge did not appeal to him. Lastly, he had come to realize that he had many more friends in France than he had in England, and that life there could hold much more for him. So he replied:
'I thank you, sir, for your good intentions; but here I am a nobody, whereas in France I have already made a career for myself that holds great promise. As an A.D.C. to General Bonaparte and the intimate friend of his Foreign Minister I am close (o a seat of power that I am personally convinced will dominate France for a long time to come. To watch its growth and to grow with it offers me a far more interesting life than could being Member for a Rotten Borough. So I intend to return to the service of General Bonaparte and remain in it.'
The Prime Minister stared at him with slowly widening eyes. 'Mr. Brook!' he exclaimed. 'Surely 1 cannot have taken your meaning aright? I find it impossible to believe that you intend to become a traitor.'
Roger shrugged, 'Not that, sir. But many men born British subjects have made great careers for themselves in the service of other nations. For example, General Acton, who is Prime Minister in Naples, Admiral Sir Samuel Greig, who commanded Catherine of Russia's Navy, the Scotsman General Macdonald whom General Bonaparte counts one of his most able lieutenants. There are too the hundreds of exiles who still cling to the Stuart cause, such as my own cousin, the Earl of Kildonan, who live abroad. Many of them now earn their livings by the sword in the service of France, Holland, Prussia, Austria and other countries.'
'But your case is very different from theirs,' retorted Mr. Pitt swiftly. 'They are no more than beaux sabreurs who could have no influence on policy or events; whereas you, in the position you occupy in France and with your intimate knowledge of diplomatic relations, should you go over to our enemies could be of immense value to them.'
Again Roger shrugged, 'You need have no fears on that score. At worst I might be called on in a battle to kill an Austrian dragoon, or have him kill me. You may rest assured that I should never give General Bonaparte, or others, any information or counsel that could be damaging to England. And, to be frank, sir, I am not prepared to make any further contribution to your war against France, the sole object of which has now become the restoration of a set of decadent Princes.'
For a further ten minutes the Prime Minister remonstrated with Roger, but in vain. At length he said coldly, 'Very well then. Since you are determined to take this course I will send a message to my Lord Grenville informing him of it. At what hour do you intend to make your official adieux to him?'
‘I had intended to wait on him at the Foreign Office and ask for my passports at about four o'clock this afternoon, sir,' Roger replied.
Mr. Pitt nodded coldly; Roger bowed and withdrew. Out in Whitehall he bought a news sheet in order to consult the column advertising the sailings of ships bound for neutral ports in the next few days; then he walked back to Amesbury House. There, over a bottle of sack, he told Droopy about his decision to remain in France and of his interview with the Prime Minister. When he had done, his friend said:
‘I can well understand his fears that you might prove an asset to the French; but I know you to be clever enough to give them the impression that you are an ardent Anglophobe without disclosing anything that might advantage them in their war against England. When he thinks upon it he'll doubtless realize that to be a game at which long practice has made you proficient. As for your decision. I judge you right. Life as an aide to General Bonaparte can offer you far more than life could here.'
At a little before four o'clock Roger was approaching the
Foreign Office. Drawn up outside it he noticed a coach with its blinds down and standing near it, two officers who, from their uniforms, obviously belonged to the Brigade of Guards. As he was about to enter the building the shorter of the two, a Captain, called to him, 'One moment, sir.'
Halting, he turned towards the officer who saluted him politely and said, 'Mr. Brook, the Prime Minister ordered me to wait for you here and request you to accompany us.' Then he opened the carriage door.
Considerably surprised at being summoned in this fashion, and wondering what new proposition Mr. Pitt intended to make to him, Roger got into the vehicle. Removing his tall bear-skin the Captain followed him, while his companion, an Ensign, marched round to the other side and got in there. As they shut the doors the coachman whipped his horse into a brisk trot and the Captain said with a bow:
'Mr. Brook, it is my unhappy duty to inform you that you are under arrest, and that I have been ordered to escort you to the Tower.'
3
The Prisoner in the Tower
'The Tower! Arrest! What the devil do you mean?' Roger exclaimed angrily.
'Precisely what I said, sir,' replied the Captain calmly.
'Dam'me! There must be some mistake. You've'confused me with some other person of similar name.'
'No, sir. The Prime Minister gave me a very clear description of you.'
'God's blood! You can't do this! Show me your warrant.' 'I have no warrant.'
'Then you are illegally interfering with the liberty of a subject. And the law is still maintained in England. Either you'll let me out or I'll see to it that you answer for this act to a Court Martial.'