Chapter 13 #2
“Increasing. Particularly around the Balearic Islands and the waters between Sardinia and the North African coast. The Portuguese captains are avoiding those routes, which is forcing longer passages.” Richard thought of the morning’s most productive conversation.
“I must credit Mrs. Bell with much of this intelligence. Her ability to translate proved invaluable when speaking with the local fishermen. She has made a name for herself here for being friendly but firm. Without her assistance, I would have gathered half of what we now know. Or even less.”
“It is good that she was able to assist you before the Mary Catherine departs.” He looked out of the window toward the Douro River, where the ship’s crew was busy storing the last of their provisions.
Richard nodded slowly. “When Buckworth briefed me in London, he expressed fear that there may be a turncoat placed high enough in the navy to be privy to classified military intelligence.”
“A traitor? In our navy?”
Richard had been as shocked as Darcy was when he was first informed. “Yes. There have been too many ‘incidents’ to be coincidental.”
Darcy shook his head. “Why would the French be so interested in merchant ships?”
“What I am about to tell you is classified.” Richard sipped his tea.
“The demand for military supplies in the Mediterranean has been more than the navy can provide. Consequently, merchant ships manned by savvy crews are sailing with holds filled with munitions and powder. These are being singled out for attack.”
“What?” Darcy’s mouth gaped open. Snapping it shut, he sat up straighter in his chair. “Is the Meridian carrying gunpowder?”
“No.” Richard hesitated. “However, Mrs. Bell confirmed that the Mary Catherine has a secret bottom with military goods buried in its hull.”
“Merciful heavens!” Darcy ran his hands over his face. “Elizabeth!”
“Yes, and her father.”
“Mrs. Bell knew this?”
This time, it was Richard who ran his hands over his face.
“She knows. In fact, Mr. Gardiner is well known by Buckworth and his superiors, as is Mrs. Bell. Her knowledge of ship operations, her language skills, and her friendly personality make her the perfect spy for the British, although she did not refer to herself as such. Instead, she merely stated that she is a loyal citizen willing to do her part to protect those whom she loves.”
“And Mr. Gardiner?” Darcy stood so quickly that his chair toppled over. “What sort of uncle would risk his niece for a little extra profit?”
“I asked the same. Mrs. Bell explained that Captain Morrison has good reason to believe the Mary Catherine will be left undisturbed in these waters. The good captain picked up the crew of Indomptable―the Indomitable―two years ago when it ran against the rocks off the Cantabrian coast. The Frenchmen were delivered safely to Santander at great risk to the Mary Catherine. The only reward the captain requested was safe passage for himself and his crew, and the French authorities agreed.”
Darcy righted the chair and then sank into it. “I…I fear for her. For them.”
“I will also share with you that Mrs. Bell caught the whisper of a name from one of the merchants. He referred to the traitor as L’Ombre.”
“The shadow.”
“Yes. Although it is a risk, it seemed prudent to take Mrs. Bell into my confidence. I will never be able to succeed without the valuable knowledge of the ports and languages she is willing to share.”
“She has proven herself remarkably capable.”
The memory of Mrs. Bell’s patient work with the fishermen, her respectful manner earning their trust and encouraging them to share information they might otherwise have kept private, encouraged Richard.
While her competence was impressive, her genuine interest in their stories and concerns revealed depths of her character that he found compelling.
“The political situation here appears stable, at least for now,” Richard continued, forcing his attention back to his report.
“The Portuguese remain committed to their alliance with Britain, though there are economic pressures that bear watching. With this in mind, I believe we can expect safe passage to Gibraltar, provided we maintain vigilance.”
Darcy nodded with satisfaction. “Excellent information. You and Mrs. Bell have already learned much. Your superiors will certainly be pleased to have this intelligence.”
As Richard closed his notebook, his thoughts drifted again to the unexpected pleasure he found working alongside someone whose intelligence matched her practical skills.
And he also noted how the sun reflected on the golden highlights in her hair and how vibrant her tanned skin appeared.
She was the very definition of loveliness.
The remainder of their journey would provide additional opportunities for collaboration, a prospect that filled him with anticipation he was not prepared to examine too closely.
For now, they needed to speak to Captain Morrison about…well, about something. Perhaps while on the Mary Catherine, he would catch sight of Mrs. Bell.