Chapter Forty-Two, The Belladona Problem, by Corso

‘Wait!’ 

Ver and Loup stop in mid stride and turn around.  Lucien stands close to his horse, hands on the saddle poised to mount.  He stares, without seeing, across the inn’s rear yard.  What is it that makes him hesitate?  Only a few moments earlier he had been decisive.  A man resembling Radu – a man known to work for Rochefort – had taken Alessandra from Saintonge.  Alive.  Not dead as Catherine had screamed, but alive.  But taken her where?  As far as he knows, Rochefort owns many properties, how would they search for them?  Athos may know more about that, Raoul certainly could or at least could find out.  He is, after all, the King’s spymaster…

Raoul…

He had asked Raoul about the Belladona, the cruising at the Wrecks, a cove he has a proprietary interest in as did Benito de Soto before him.  No one uses the Wrecks, or if they do, they take a big risk not only with an unforgiving coastline, but with Lucien Grimaud as well.  Raoul had not answered him, not even when he raised the problem of Spanish ships sailing in that direction, captained by men who lost family in the Cantabrian due to action with the Aigle. 

Lucien purses his lips.  There is no reason for him to know what games Raoul plays with foreign governments in the name of his King.  Raoul’s business is his own.  But Lucien knows a game when he sees it, and Raoul has one he is playing with the Belladona and her owner, the Ogre.  Perhaps with Spain too, who knows how many kings or would be kings Raoul keeps on the board to achieve Louis’ ambitions.   He mulls over again the conversation with Raoul, the lack of an answer.  Does Raoul played a game with him too?  He and Athos only recently learned they were brothers, their children now nieces and nephews and cousins to each other.  Did Raoul decide that it would be enough for Lucien to have the barest of indications that Raoul thought the Belladona important to leave the ship alone?  No reason would be needed.  Did Raoul play his status as Lucien’s nephew, dearest friend and now cousin to his beloved daughter Layla to his advantage?  

…someone thinks they know you… Jacky had warned him …

‘Do you remember the Erabu?’  Lucien looks at the two men.  Loup and Ver exchange an uneasy look.  Their captain is angry, his face set in hard lines, as he works out some problem in his mind.  They thought he had gotten what he wanted from Ballesdens and had given clear orders. But something has changed. 

‘Of course we do Cap’n, Loup replies, ‘we were hunting Company ships and had a merry chase with the Erabu down the coast of Africa, our resident maniac in the shrouds shrieking at the Erabu’s masked maniacs.’ 

‘I went after that ship because of her captain’s connection to the Zaydani library, coveted by the Moroccan sultan.  I thought I could buy time for a Frenchman he had kidnapped. But it was a ruse to distract me from the fight with the Company of the Orient.’  He makes a rueful expression, ‘it almost worked.’

…someone thinks they know you… Jacky had warned him …

‘The last man I knew as captain on the Belladona was William Wright, operating out of Petit-Goâve on the west side,’ Lucien says.  He turns to his sailors, ‘is he still?’

Loup shakes his head, ‘he did not stay for long Cap’n.  William is a right seaman, prefers keeping his business to himself.  It did not go easily with the Ogre. No longer in that service.’   

‘I knew there was a reason I liked William,’ Lucien says with a touch of irony, ‘then who commands the Belladona?’

‘Last I knew Cap’n, it was that fellow Wijard,’ Loup replies, ‘Remember him?  He was crew on the Burla Negra for a short time. The one Benito called ‘the crazy Frisian’. 

Lucien nods slowly, ‘I do remember, not much of a seaman, but a fearsome fighter.’

‘Aye,’ Ver comments, ‘when we went over the rails, I made sure I was behind him.’  Lucien makes a wry smile, ‘well now that is saying something.’ 

‘Everyone is in the West Indies Cap’n,’ Loup replies, ‘the Ogre has the pick of the litter.  I heard Jacky is in Hispaniola recently.’

‘We have land on the western side,’ Lucien replies, ‘he goes there in the winter.  He will be back.’  He frowns, ‘it could be that fellow Caxon. He got a ship from the Ogre.’

‘The Englishman?’ Ver shakes his head, ‘cannot think it’s him Cap’n.  He may have one of their fleet, but he sails with the French for settlements on the islands and on up to Panama.  Besides, he would not come this far just to cruise the Wrecks.  He knows you.’

‘So, perhaps it is Wijard, seaman or not, working now for the Ogre.’

‘Wijard is a sailmaker and comes from a shipbuilding family, so you know how that goes.  He berths with the officers. You would think a man who made sails would care about how much work they are doing.’ 

‘If he can say a wind is on or offshore, it wouldn’t take long for him to get a ship of his own,’ Ver scoffs.

‘I remember it was said that Wijard worked his ship and his crew hard,’ Lucien says in a pensive tone. 

‘Wijard is a decisive man and knows how to rile up the crew,’ Ver says, ‘if he sights a prize he’s a dog with a bone.  Go that way! he hollers.’   The two seamen laugh sarcastically. They know a man can become captain for skills other than seamanship. 

‘He does not seem to know or care his ship is dragging dead weight, her hull is crusty,’ Loup has a decided sneer.

‘They care when they cannot outrun their enemy, while the cannon shot is chewing up the mast and the rails and the boarders are hacking them with axes…then they care.  Too late!’  Ver makes an evil laugh.

 Loup shrugs, no longer interested in the problems of other quartermasters with their captains, ‘the only ship I worry about is the Aigle and she comes about like a lady turns on the dance floor while the Belladona is thinking about which foot goes first, and you know Cap’n, to tempt a suitor we need to drag at least one anchor, or she just runs away with the wind.’  Loup has a note of smugness about the Aigle, full of proprietary pride. As quartermaster, he has the ship’s hull careened at regular intervals, daily her decks are cleaned, polished, caulked, windlass oiled, ropes spliced and coiled. Weapons and netting are stowed, drills for gunnery.  They were battle ready.  Not like the Belladona, who, to Loup’s experienced eye, dragged half the hull scum there was to find in the Atlantic, and did not look particularly ship shape on deck through the lens of the spy glass.

All three men look up as a horse and rider come clattering into the yard, Loup raises his hands and steps forward to intercept the rider, cloaked, his face partially masked against cold and dust.  Ver looks alert but relaxes when the rider pulls down the cloth covering his face.  ‘You might do that sooner Zigi before I put a dagger between your ribs,’ Ver complains and instructs in the same breath.   The man grins, ‘you will need to grow a little Ver,’ and then sees Lucien and straightens in the saddle.  ‘Pardon Cap’n,’ the man apologizes, ‘the Dog’s Head said this one was urgent.’ 

‘A little late for apologies,’ Loup says sourly and grabs the packet handed to him.  He hands the message to Lucien and examines the rest of the sealed messages.  ‘More from Cadiz Cap’n.’  Loup looks up sharply, ‘the Spanish ships have sailed.  They may already be close to the Wrecks.’

‘The Dog’s Head complains that the lady requires a great deal of hot water and insists on dressing for dinner,’ Lucien reads from the message. ‘He does not understand my admonitions about her, she is as meek as a lamb.’

‘He had better lock up his daggers or that lamb will skewer him,’ Ver comments. 

‘He says his son Amaro takes her for walks and brings books for her.’

‘That is trouble Cap’n,’ Loup declares.  ‘Fetchin’ and carryin’ already for the lady. She’ll be asking for trips to the seamstress in town – mark my words.’

The rider is climbing down from the saddle, giving instructions to the stable boys who lead the horse away.  He unwraps the rest of the neck scarf, removing his hat and running his hand through his hair.  ‘Will there be an answer M?’

It is Loup who answers him, ‘when there is I will tell you.  Now inside is food and drink.’   He wrinkles his nose, ‘go to the room for a wash.’

‘Loup,’ Lucien refolds the letter, ‘take a message to M Smal that I will have a table for us at Bibaud’s in the Vieux Port for dinner.’

Lucien watches his men walk quickly away.  He mounts his horse and rides the short distance through the streets to the inn he favors.  It is within the old city, set back a few streets from the port. The inn is large with a separate dining room and a very good chef.  The second floor rooms are off an open gallery, allowing more air and light.  The proprietress Madame Savigneau greets him in the yard as he rides in.  ‘Madame,’ Lucien dismounts and hands the reins to the stable boy.

‘Your rooms are prepared Your Grace,’ Madame Savigneau waves another young man to take his travel bags, ‘would you like dinner in your room?’  Lucien shakes his head, ‘I am to dine with M Smal tonight.  Can that be managed in one of the alcoves?’

‘Of course it can,’ Madame Savigneau looks sightly offended that there would be a question of her competence to manage any of his requests.  ‘M Tizard is already waiting for you and hot water is on its way.  There is fresh ink, paper and new quills on the desk and a courier waits for you in the hall.’

‘Efficient as ever Madame,’ Lucien lifts her hand for the barest of kisses and follows the young man carrying his travel bag. His rooms are at one end of the upper floor.  In one room is a large desk and chair.  There is a smaller desk and chair for a clerk and more comfortable chairs surround a round table under the front windows.  The second room is a bedchamber, and the third room has a cot for M Tizard, cupboards for clothes and a tub.  Windows on two sides of the rooms allow the sea breeze to pass through.  A man waits in the open doorway and takes the bag handing the boy a few coins.  ‘Your Grace,’ M Tizard makes a short bow as while by nature he must obey the civilities for nobility, he also knows his master does like a show of it. 

‘Good to see you Samuel,’ Lucien says, ‘how is your family?’

‘They are all well Your Grace.  Thank you for asking. There is a courier waiting. Shall I have the water brought up?’

‘Yes, I have a message to send immediately with the courier.’  Lucien goes directly to the desk and drafts a message to Athos.  He intends to send the letter to Glenay, although he does not know if Athos is there or still at the cove.  He writes a short message to his mother and then picks up a fresh sheet of paper for a letter to Sophia.  He pauses, sits back in the chair and moves the page idly with a forefinger. 

‘Just these two,’ he hands the two letters to M Tizard and goes toward the bath.  He sinks into the hot steaming waters, wondering at his indecisiveness.  He had asked Raoul why he should not attack the Belladona and Raoul had not answered.  If Raoul is not bothered by the family ties that now bind them, Lucien is.  He and Athos have traveled some distance towards each other.  Athos is slowly drawing closer to Marie, he went to the cove, which is more than Lucien has done.  His children take delight in their uncle, Layla is happy at the revelation.  Of course she would, she already carries deep feelings for Raoul and Athos.  Lucien does not begrudge her that happiness. But…what is it that clouds his judgement?

It is expected that Raoul’s fealty is to his mother, father and sister, perhaps to Layla too.  But beyond this inner circle?  He would not expect Raoul to have the same for him, why should he?  Raoul is not the young man he was when he came to Royaumont with an injured musketeer.  He is a man inside the King’s inner circle, a man in the same position as Vargas, intelligent, cunning, a game player and able to make difficult tough decisions.  Lucien had learned long ago it is never wise to assume that someone holds the same view and when loyalties disappoint …

…Benito scoffing bitterly … you have forgotten where your loyalties should lie … your crew!  Your captain! … what is he to you ..? 

…he is my friend Benito … you would sell him on the dock in Barbados … you should not have taken Jacky as a slave …

…he is but a minor player in our lives…you would betray me for him …

Why use the Wrecks for whatever purpose Raoul intends?   Two Spanish ships sail toward the Wrecks.  What if he is wrong and the three ships fire their canons on the Aigle?  Has he condemned his men?

Does he wait for Athos?  He cannot proceed further in search of Alessandra without his brother.  Does he wait in La Rochelle or return to Glenay?  He feels himself balk at the notion that Raoul would use him, manipulate him for his own ends. But he is not to ask.  What he does know is that he is tired of these games and there are rules that keep pirate wars at bay.  He does not sail his ships into the Irish coves of Iron Robert Bourne, nor does Bourne sail into the Wrecks.  Benito owned the Wrecks and Etretat and a few other unnavigable places and this bastard Wijard had better learn quickly what is off limits to him and take that lesson back to the Ogre.  He does not want a repeat of the bloody battle that broke out between the Irish and the Sale corsairs in the Celtic Sea.

The dinner with his business agent M Smal is pleasant, the food excellent, the wine plentiful.  M Smal has brought summaries of their ship inventory, ships in the yard under repair and those ready for service. 

‘The VOC has sent their contracts already for ships from Bordeaux.  I assume your office in Marseille has the same.’ M Smal places a document in front of Lucien.  ‘These are the merchants who are contracting from Boston and New York. I also have the insurance documents for you.’

‘It promises to be a prosperous spring,’ Lucien studies the pages carefully.  ‘The VOC will again use the Takhar.’  M Smal nods vigorously, ‘yes indeed.  The Takhar has made a difference in the intrusions of pirates along their convoys. Captain Azoulay wants to purchase a second warship.  He will send his recommendation.’

‘Lucien!’ A voice from across the room interrupts their conversation.  Lucien stands up, ‘Walter, what a pleasant surprise.  Sit, have a glass with us. May I introduce…’

‘I know Captain Smal,’ Walter Kyrle says enthusiastically, ‘pardon me M, it is no longer captain is it or is it forever captain, even when you command from a chair in an office?’

‘Monsieur is good enough for me,’ M Smal says graciously. ‘M Kyrle and I are acquainted from … the old days,’ 

‘As are we all,’ Lucien adds.  ‘Will you have a glass with us?’

‘I am to meet a client,’ Walter Kyrle says as he sits down, ‘but I am a little early.

‘A client?’  Lucien asks with delicate tone, ‘one from England to buy or going to England and selling?  Is it Catholics to France and Huguenots to England?’

‘Huguenots still here, as you know Your Grace.  Not in La Rochelle, but farther south and along the coast.  They are building businesses and homes and more families seek to purchase land as do Catholics who are wearing out their welcome in England.’

‘You have done well for your family,’ Lucien replies, ‘your father would be pleased at your success.’

‘May I inquire if you are in the market to sell land Your Grace?’

‘No,’ Lucien replies shortly.  ‘Ah,’ Walter Kyrle looks disappointed and then sees his client, ‘I thank you for the wine, sorry we do not have more opportunity for discussion.  Another time perhaps.’ 

They watch him walk away.  ‘Interesting business he is in,’ M Smal comments neutrally. 

‘An opportunist, either helping or preying on people who are persecuted in their own countries for their form of worship,’ Lucien says less neutrally, ‘I suppose the difference depends on which side of the problem one is on.’

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Lucien returns to his rooms and finds a letter from Sophia that has arrived.  He breaks the seal, settles into a comfortable chair and pours a glass of wine.

My darling …

Letters arrived from Roberval, including a letter from two of Yusuf’s brothers Eslam and Jafar.  I gather they have had success in finding a supplier.  Yusuf seems happy, which means I have observed two smiles as Ottomans do not display happiness readily. I think there will be a talk about a caravan.  I know that will please you.  They plan to travel with Roberval when he comes to take Samy back with him.

I had a message from Madame Perle.  Unknown to me, Marie arranged for the repair of the destruction caused by Marchal and his men.  It is almost finished, and Madame Perle assures me that the house and furnishings will be in perfect condition.  It is a long, lovely letter about the estate, M Eduin and Atlas are back, as are most of the staff.  I read the letter to Cook, as at times it seems she longs for her own kitchen and her kitchen maids, despite all she complains of it.   

Athos, Bianca and Marie have not yet returned, although we expect them today. The children are well.  How much longer will you be in La Rochelle?  Is there any more news to share?

The nights continue to be chilly … I miss your warmth…

Your loving wife,

Sophia

He writes a short note to Sophia, and leaves his room to meet Loup and Ver.  There are no more messages from Cadiz, nor had Fou sent any via pigeon.  ‘Odysseus has not yet spotted the Spanish,’ Ver concludes.  ‘The Belladona is still there.  No one can positively identify if the captain of the Belladona is our old crew mate Wijard.’

‘Wijard knows you Cap’n.  Why would he be willing to cruise the Wrecks?’  Loup has pondered this question ever since the Belladona arrived.

‘When we get back to the Wrecks, I will ask him,’ Lucien replies firmly.  The two seamen appear surprised, and Loup makes a wolfish grin, ‘aye Cap’n. We will ready the pinnace and leave on the tide.’

Lucien hands Loup the letter for Sophia, ‘see that the courier gets this to Glenay.’

⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️

Dearest wife…

I fear I will be delayed in returning to Glenay.  A few issues have arisen that require my attention.  It will not be long my love.  I should return within a week.

Your loving husband,

Lucien