The Masters of Bow Street (75 page)

Richard, aware of the intentness of Peel’s gaze, at last looked up.

‘It is admirable, sir. Admirable.’

‘I am flattered that you say so. I had a variety of sketches submitted and this one by Charles Hebbet is in my opinion by far the best.’

Peel stretched out his hand for the sketch, then to both Richard’s and Katherine’s surprise, he went to the desk and picked up a quill pen. When he returned to his chair he handed the sketch back to Richard. Across one corner were the words:

‘To Richard Marshall, M.P., whose unceasing efforts have made an important contribution to the formation of the New Police.’

‘You make my poor efforts worthwhile, sir.’ Richard’s voice was unsteady.

‘Mr. Marshall,’ Peel responded with obvious sincerity, ‘your efforts have been the reverse of poor. I doubt whether they will ever receive full recognition. I am, of course, aware that on some issues in the House of Commons we shall be on opposite sides of the fence, but never, I am sure, with acrimony. So far as the police are concerned. I have requested the two - ah - commissioners to give you all facilities for visiting and inspecting, and you may be sure each will make you very welcome. They will be having an office in Scotland Yard.’

‘
Where
, sir?’ ejaculated Richard.

‘In Scotland Yard, near Whitehall Place,’ answered Peel. ‘I agree that this is not at the moment the most salubrious of areas and it may well soon be regarded as a substitute for Porridge Island, but there are some substantial buildings and much will be cleared. Does it distress you?’

‘Distress?’ Richard actually laughed before he explained. ‘Before he was made magistrate of Bow Street, Sir John Furnival worked at Scotland Yard; he had an office there after he left the Army. It is an astonishing coincidence!’

Peel leaned back in his chair. ‘A coincidence indeed, and a good omen I hope. And now—’ he smiled at Katherine. ‘You have indeed been patient, ma’am, for which I thank you - we come to the last two matters I wished to mention. Firstly, Mr. Marshall, I should like to recommend to His Majesty that he confer a knighthood upon you, and I have no doubt that he would agree with great alacrity. But for my knowledge of you as an individual I would have no doubt that you would accept - I confess I hope that you will. But - Peel spread his hands, palms downward - ‘while you will in no way affront me if you decline, I do not think it would be wise to refuse once His Majesty has approved. May I leave the matter with you?’

For a moment Richard was unable to speak. Then, as Katherine jumped from her seat and ran towards him, clasping his hand, he stammered, ‘Of - of course, sir. And I am - I am overwhelmed.’

‘You will soon recover from that,’ Peel said dryly, rising also. ‘And now to the third and last matter.’ Once again he slipped his hand down the side of his chair. ‘Mrs. Marshall’ - he bowed to Katherine - ‘I trust you will be able to persuade your husband to accept not only the knighthood but also this truncheon, the very first in existence, as a symbol of my sincere gratitude - of the country’s gratitude - for his help in establishing the New Police.’

He held the truncheon towards Richard, who, stretching an unsteady hand to take it, now saw beneath the Royal coat of arms the words:

Presented to Richard Marshall, Esq., Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Minshall, by the Commissioners of the Metropolitan Police.

September 1829

Katherine, weeping with pride and happiness, was unable to read through her tears, but knew only that at last Richard had triumphed, that his dreams were realised. And Richard, turning in his hands the shaft of polished wood, glowing in the light of the fire, saw before him in the dance of the flames the beginning of a new tradition, rule without despotism, order without cruelty, justice without arbitrary harshness, a thin blue line of men who would, in their own way, with these simple weapons, defend civilisation as surely as had the more martial thin red line at Waterloo, an army whose mission was peace and justice, and whose task was to defend the helpless and to protect the rights of the people - even those who were guilty. He could not know, in that moment, what Scotland Yard was to become, to stand for, but he knew that in this room a revolution was being celebrated, and that his life’s work was done. And turning from the Minister, he took Katherine in his arms and kissed her.

Published or to be published by

House of Stratus

Dates given are those of first publication

‘Gideon of Scotland Yard’ (22 titles)

‘Department ‘Z’’ (28 titles)

‘Dr. Palfrey Novels’ (34 titles)

‘Inspector West’ (43 titles)

‘Sexton Blake’ (5 titles)

‘The Baron’ (47 titles) (writing as Anthony Morton)

‘The Toff’ (59 titles)

(Writing as JJ Marric)

These Titles can be read as a series, or randomly as standalone novels

These Titles can be read as a series, or randomly as standalone novels

These Titles can be read as a series, or randomly as standalone novels