the rough edge of my tongue. I see no reason to change, sir!’
If only, thought Banks sadly, Bligh had been able to curb the quickness of that tongue.
‘Captain Bligh,’ he continued, gently. ‘There is scarce need to defend yourself before me. Were I not convinced of your integrity, I would not have shown you my friendship for so long. If there is a crime to be proved against you …’
He held up his hand, warningly, as Bligh looked sharply towards him.
‘… then I think it is too often acting towards people without mind for their feelings …’
Were they Sir Joseph’s views? Or those of people he undoubtedly represented? wondered Bligh. The remark deserved a reply. With difficulty, he held back.
‘Your attitude towards discipline interests me far more,’ continued Sir Joseph.
‘How so, sir?’ encouraged Bligh.
‘I am, as you know, closely involved with the government. And with the King,’ Sir Joseph said.
Bligh nodded.
‘And I have been asked for my counsel on a matter causing the country a great deal of concern,’ he continued. ‘The settlements established around Botany Bay, in New South Wales, have become a disgrace to this country … the lawlessness that exists there is almost unparalleled in our history …’
Bligh was frowning. What had Botany Bay to do with him? He was a sailor. Damned good one, too.
‘The current Governor-General, Philip King, is exhausted by his efforts to handle the matter. He seeks retirement …’ Sir Joseph paused. Bligh’s refusal to shrink from his duty, no matter the personal consequences, made him ideal for the post. Bligh would not beg for relief if affairs went against him. If Bligh were successful in re-establishing order in the colony, it would erase a great deal of the current ill-feeling towards him in the capital. He could even become a hero again, as he had been after the voyage to Timor.
‘… and I am empowered to offer you the appointment,’ Banks completed.
‘Me?’ queried Bligh, incredulously. ‘Governor-General of an Australian province?’
Banks nodded. It would be a difficult job, he thought. Even the King had been unreceptive, after Pitt’s reluctant agreement, initially dismissing Bligh as ‘that troublesome martinet’ before being convinced it was precisely that attitude that was needed to defeat men who seemed to regard themselves as almost the same as the settlers in the American colonies. It was the argument that Australia might go the way of the Americas that had finally convinced the monarch, Banks remembered.
He’d exposed himself with his patronage of Bligh, Banks decided, worriedly.
Bligh was nodding, slowly, trying to assimilate what was being offered him. Betsy wouldn’t accompany him, he guessed, immediately. She hated the sea, so such a long voyage would be impossible for her. Instead she could remain in London, the wife of a Governor-General. They’d come to her parties then, he thought, those snobs still convinced he was out of favour. And he had been shunned, he accepted. Until they realised they needed him. But he wouldn’t agree so readily this time. He had almost bankrupted himself by the breadfruit expeditions. And suffered worse in other ways. Now it was time for them to make amends. It was a great honour, though. Betsy would be very proud.
‘What will the salary be?’ he asked, pointedly.
‘£2,000 a year,’ replied Sir Joseph, immediately. ‘Which is £1,000 more than the present Governor is getting. The position is seen as one of much importance.’
Better than he had expected, thought Bligh. Betsy could become one of the most glittering hostesses in London on an income like that. He might even be able to buy some land as well. He wanted very much the security of property.
‘And I could keep my naval pension? And seniority for promotion?’ he pressed. By his demands he’d make them aware of his annoyance with their treatment of him.
‘Agreed,’ said Banks.
It would be good to get away from England, thought Bligh, where so many unseen forces seemed to be combining against him. People jealous of him. That’s who were behind it, people who knew him, knew the drive and capability that were being recognised by the very offer he had received that day. The appointment would defeat those critics, he decided. It would be pleasant, laughing at them, when the announcement was made. It would mean being received by the King again. Properly this time. And with Betsy by his side. She’d enjoy that. It would wipe away the distress. And she’d no longer be ostracised.
‘Would I have the King’s understanding that it would be an appointment of