Beneath Southern Stars by Louise Roberts

Author:Louise Roberts [Roberts, Louise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Epic Romance
Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
Published: 2021-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

PIRATES’ POINT

“Well, Captain Lawrence, it would seem you could be justified with your analysis of the situation out here,” Major Clark told him.

“I appreciate your vote of confidence, sir,” he replied somewhat bewildered, “but can I ask you what has swayed your opinion?”

Major Clark produced John’s maps and drawings and spread them out onto the table. Captain Bellamy moved in closer for a better look, picking up the accompanying report and reading the first paragraph with utter bemusement.

“Good God!” he declared aloud placing the report down on the table and glancing over at the sketches. “This is absolutely preposterous! What on earth does the governor think he is playing at?”

The others in the room looked up at him. Major Clark indicated that he should continue.

“What possessed him to send us up here? Has he ever been here himself?”

“Not to my knowledge,” Captain Lawrence replied slightly uncertainly, “although he may have passed this way when he was sent to set up the penal settlement on Norfolk Island.”

“Do you have any suggestions, Major, on how we should tackle the problem we are faced with?” Captain Williams interrupted trying to bring the discussion back to the original topic of their conference.

“I think we should pack up and return to England,” Captain Bellamy scoffed. “I have seen some dreadful places in my time, but to create a settlement in what can only be described as a giant sewer must be an all-time first.”

“It’s not as bad as all that,” Captain Lawrence replied slightly annoyed at the thought that the naval officer was suggesting he and his men had been living in squalor for the past few years.

“Captain Bellamy!” Major Clark interrupted. “This squabbling isn't going to get us anywhere,” he said whilst glancing at his pocket watch. “There are over two hundred convicts with us who I am sure would welcome an opportunity to place their feet on dry land.”

“But the land is not dry, is it?” Captain Bellamy argued. “If we are to use the convicts to drain the swamps to make the land habitable, I am assuming there is nowhere for them to sleep at night and you expect them to be secured aboard the Osprey and Lady Eleanor when they are not at work?”

“That is precisely my intention, Captain,” Major Clark replied. “At least until we can establish a small foothold.”

“I am not prepared to stay in these waters indefinitely, sir. My orders are to deliver the convicts to New South Wales and return to England.”

“If I recall correctly, those orders were changed by Governor King.”

“Modified, sir!” Captain Bellamy replied indignantly, “Modified, and not changed.”

“Whatever,” the major said with a sweep of his hand as though dismissing the comment.

For several minutes the room fell uncomfortably silent. The major strolled to the window and gazed blankly at the view. Whilst Captain Bellamy pulled up a chair and sat down heavily picking up John’s report once more and continued reading it. Captains Lawrence and Williams looked at each other, the latter shaking his head in disbelief that grown men could behave so childishly.

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