Ramage & the Guillotine

Ramage & the Guillotine Read Online Free PDF

Book: Ramage & the Guillotine Read Online Free PDF
Author: Dudley Pope
let’s find some privacy in the Duke’s library.”
    With that he turned abruptly and with Lord Nelson walked towards a corridor leading from the ballroom. A puzzled Ramage was just going to rejoin Gianna when he saw St Vincent glance round and beckon him impatiently. “I’m sure His Majesty would be grateful if he knew you could spare his First Lord of the Admiralty a few minutes of your valuable time, Ramage,” he growled, “and I’m equally sure that the Marchesa will be flattered that a couple o’ hundred fellow guests saw you leave the ballroom in the company of one of the King’s ministers and one of his most famous fighting admirals.”
    â€œQuite so, sir; I—er … didn’t …”
    â€œStep lively and don’t talk so much.”
    The library was a book-lined cavern, and Lord St Vincent went straight to a table and sat down, gesturing to Lord Nelson and Ramage to be seated opposite.
    Lord Nelson looked across at Lord St Vincent. “There’s no doubt about this report, sir?”
    â€œNone. Wish there was.”
    â€œBut I don’t trust these French agents,” Nelson said querulously. “No patriotism; they’re doing it for money.”
    Ramage wished he had heard the earlier part of the conversation, and was just reflecting that the question of allegiance depended upon whom you regarded as your leader, when the First Lord said: “This man is Scots born. Lived most of his life in France. Our best agent, I’m told.”
    â€œApparently the Secretary of State has heard nothing,” Nelson said doubtfully. “I’d have expected—”
    â€œLord Hawkesbury will have received the report half an hour ago,” the First Lord said impatiently. “This man’s an Admiralty agent: reports directly to us, and we send copies across to the Secretary of State.”
    â€œThat can’t make him popular in Downing Street,” Nelson commented. “The Secretary of State’s office like to deal with all intelligence activities.”
    â€œQuite so,” St Vincent said acidly, “but they didn’t have any choice with this fellow: he’s highly placed in Bonaparte’s circle, so his life hangs by a thread.” He looked up and saw Nelson’s puzzled expression. “He’s the son of a former naval officer, and his reports reach England by—well, unusual seafaring routes. More convenient if the Admiralty handles them.”
    Nelson reached out his hand. “Perhaps I could read the report again?”
    At that moment there was a double knock on the door and a man Ramage recognized as Lord Hawkesbury walked in.
    â€œAh! There you are,” he said, sitting down at the table. He glanced at Ramage, gave him a perfunctory nod and then said pointedly to the First Lord: “I want to discuss this report we have just received.”
    â€œIt’s all right. Ramage here knows nothing about it yet, but he is likely to be involved. You know him, I see.”
    The Secretary of State nodded absent-mindedly. “I guessed I’d find you here and came at once. What do you think about it?”
    â€œI believe it,” St Vincent said firmly. “I’ve been expecting something like this. That’s why his Lordship,” he gestured toward Nelson, “has been given this ‘Squadron upon a Particular Service.’”
    â€œQuite so,” Lord Hawkesbury said. “But the agent makes a very bald statement!”
    St Vincent shrugged his shoulders. “He could have used a thousand words to say the same thing, but mercifully he didn’t.”
    â€œBut he gives no proof,” Lord Hawkesbury complained.
    â€œHe never does. He is a member of Bonaparte’s staff, and he knows we are aware of that. But if you’ll look at the report again—” he motioned to Nelson to pass the sheet of paper, “you’ll see it’s so worded
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