He liked his nephew, and had felt moved to act on his behalf after he had been released from a French prison, only to face a court-martial. A wretched and unnecessary affair, he had thought. But then, he had little time for the navy and its strictures and traditions. His elder brother had been a captain and had been killed in action; it had been that captain who had inspired the young Avery to enter the navy, and it had been that same man who had sponsored him as a midshipman. But Avery's outburst had taken him by surprise, and he did not like surprises unless they were his own.

Avery said, as though to himself, "Then he will still need me after all."

Sillitoe frowned. "I have a deal of influence. I am also a wealthy man, some might say very wealthy. I have business interests in this country, and in Jamaica and the Indies. I need someone of integrity." He smiled briefly. "And, if you like, honour."

Avery put down his empty glass. "Are you offering me an appointment, sir?"

Sillitoe paced to the window and back. "A new life, would be a fairer description."

Avery watched him, suddenly aware of Sillitoe's discomfort. He was ill at ease, and because it was a state unknown to him, he was unable to contain it.

"Why me, sir?"

Sillitoe turned on him angrily. "Because you should have something to show for your sacrifices, and your treatment, which I thought unfair." He shook his head as if to silence some hidden voice. "And because I intend that you should be my heir." He faced him again. "My half-brother is dying of fever and a self- indulgence which would have sickened his father, hard man though he was."

The door opened a few inches.

"The carriage will be in attendance in fifteen minutes, m'lord!"

Sillitoe said, "I must see His Royal Highness. Louis of France is passing through London, en route to claim his throne." He grimaced. "There will be much to do."