Darkening Sea by Alexander Kent

wait to see how the boy develops, eh? I’d like to think his name might follow mine in the City, or in the profession of law. I don’t want to see him on the roll of killed or missing!”
    The cause of his anger was Keen’s gift to his tiny son: a beautifully fashioned midshipman’s dirk “to wear one day with pride.” When Keen had shown it to them Bolitho had seen the shaft of despair on Zenoria’s features, had seen her quick glance at Catherine, perhaps her only true friend.
    His disturbing thoughts continued. He recalled when he had found Adam drinking heavily in the cabin when they had been homeward bound. Was that only two months ago? I should have known, challenged him myself.
    Another incident, perhaps to be expected. A woman had approached Bolitho and after a defiant glance at Catherine announced loudly, “I took tea with your wife some days ago in London, Sir Richard. Such an enjoyable occasion!”
    Two bright patches of colour had burned on her cheeks as Bolitho had answered quietly, “For you, I daresay it would be.”
    He had seen the expressions and sensed the nudges among the guests, but others from the villages had shown genuine pleasure at meeting them together for the first time.
    â€œDon’t you let him go back, my dear! Let some of the others do their dirty work instead!”
    An anonymous voice had called from the rear, “Huzza for our Dick an’ ’is lovely lady!”
    Obviously a sailor, probably one who had served with Bolitho at some time. It was like a ghost calling out for all the others who would never see his face again.
    In the carriage again with Allday sitting opposite, fast asleep and smelling strongly of rum, Catherine asked softly, “Shall we know soon?”
    Bolitho squeezed her arm. She did not have to explain. It was always there like a threat, while they made each hour of every day their own.
    He said, “I think so. Sir Paul Sillitoe has spoken of a new flag lieutenant, so I suspect he knows more than he is prepared to tell.”
    â€œWill you take his nephew?”
    â€œI’m not sure. Sometimes it is better not to know people too well, to care for them in a way which can hurt, even harm.” He hesitated. “We have discussed the Indian Ocean too much for coincidence. A quick campaign to cut out further attacks on our shipping.”
    â€œThat will mean returning to Cape Town?”
    They both fell silent, each reliving the nightmare of the shipwreck.
    He said, “It will be in a King’s ship this time. We shall stand well clear of the Hundred-Mile Reef!”
    She pressed closer and said, “I wish I could be there, wherever they send you.”
    He watched the houses passing in the red glow of sunset and wondered how many sailors and would-be admirals had rolled along this very road.
    â€œA friend at the Admiralty told me that Adam’s ship will sail under orders very soon. He thinks it will be to Gibraltar.”
    He thought of Adam’s face when he had remarked, “On my birthday last year I was kissed by a lady.” He ought to have realised what he had meant, when in response to his question Adam had said that he did not think anyone really knew the lady. It had been tearing him apart even then. How much worse it would become if he could not learn to control his feelings.
    He added, “I will speak with him, Kate. Whenever I think it prudent.”
    But she had fallen asleep against his shoulder.
    Three days after the christening Bolitho received his expected summons to the Admiralty.
    Catherine had insisted that she should accompany him, and he was surprised that he had made no protest. If they were to be parted in the name of duty, he wanted—needed—every possible moment with her.
    The day was fine and warm with some of those who walked and loitered in the tree-lined squares wilting in the dusty sunshine.
    Bolitho watched as she descended the staircase with