Page 13 of A Torn Allegiance
“It is an abomination to the Scottish lands.”
He waited while she battled some inner storm for a few steps.
“The landowners are forcing people from their lands, forcing them to find subsistence elsewhere. The land is dry, the crops are all but shriveling in the earth, and the landowners are losing money. The tenants have rights to the land, and the landowners owe it to them to care for them, but the people are going hungry.”
“And the land?” Hayes urged the words from her. He, of course, was plagued by some of these same troubles. “What have they thought to do?”
“Sheep.”
“Pardon?”
“They are turning to sheep as a replacement for the money they lose with dying crops.”
Sheep. The thought intrigued him. But not in the same manner the Scots had employed. He had no need to send tenants from their lands. Could they not care for the sheep? He would ponder more about such things and ask Bartholomew his thoughts. Surely the man would know the particulars of the situation in the Highlands, or if he didn’t, he might know whom to ask.
“And the tenants,” he said, “where will they go?”
“The ones who have been cleared already are living by the seaside, learning to fish and farm kelp.”
“But they are unhappy?”
“Certainly. Their land is their family.” She gripped his arm. “Many are leaving Scotland altogether or are hording together in camps, homeless and without food.” Her face showed all the weight and concern that so readily flowed out of her mouth. “My brother talks of the Clearance as something he will never do, but the other landowners... there is considerable pressure from all neighboring estates. I am thankful every day that, so far, he listens more to his twin sister.” Her wry smile did not hide her great concern over their Scottish tenants.
Hayes’s own thoughts swirled around in his mind, not the loudest of which was this new idea of sheep. Could the tenants and the sheep not be an inclusive change rather than sacrificing one for the other? Surely the tenants could only help such a plan flourish. He itched to know, but he daren’t talk about sheep as a positive alternative when it was such an abhorrent idea to Lady Elsie.
“Your brother would do well to give heed to your words,” he said. “You speak wisdom, and we all know that if the people on one’s land are unhappy, all is for naught.”
He seemed to rise in estimation in her eyes—at least, the shining admiration that smiled back at him made him believe so.
He found that prospect so pleasing he pondered how he could continue to impress her. “Will you visit Scotland soon, do you think?”
Her sigh came slow and quiet. “Duncan comes here soon, and that means I won’t be traveling north, nor staying there by myself.” She shrugged. “Unless I can convince Mother to allow it. But she wants to stay in London for the Season, naturally.” Her upturned expression gazed on him with hope.
“I will be here for much of the Season. It pleases me that you will too.”
This time, her cheeks did color prettily, and her lashes dropped, resting demurely against her skin. “I admit you are a welcome change to what I expected to be a tiresome few months.”
“Ah yes, perhaps tiresome but enjoyable too, no doubt? The London Season is known all over the world, you know.”
“For its frivolous waste of time and wealth?” Her skirts swooshed about her as she spun to face him.
“No, but now that you mention it...” He laughed. “My brothers find it the most appealing of all social events they’ve encountered in England.”
“Why have all seven not come with you if they enjoy it so? I should be sorry indeed if I were never to meet the rest of the illustrious Wilhelm princes.” Her lower lip pouted for the briefest moment, distracting him completely.
He cleared his throat and tried to focus on her question. “We all have responsibilities at home. The entire Oldenburg council could not up and leave just now. We’ve done so before, but these times are more concerning ones, especially when my country sits at the north of Europe.”
“I see.”
“And as for my brothers who did travel with me, I am certain you shall meet Prince Marc and Prince Kristoff soon. They are most intent on the Season and all its entertainments. I myself find it diverting. I have not found a woman to marry in my country.”
He hoped she would understand him well, but she seemed to lose whatever had previously held him in higher esteem as her face closed off, her body went stiff, and she stepped farther away.
“I can make the introductions, if you’d like,” she said. “There will be ballrooms full of women anxious to make your acquaintance if they hear the crown prince of Oldenburg is here for more than a simple flirtation.”
“Oh, please do not. I spoke too soon. Perhaps it is that we are sharing so much of what is important that I spoke more intimately than I would have otherwise. I am certainly not here on an official visit to find myself a wife.”
She shrugged. “Official or unofficial, I will introduce you and your brothers.” She seemed to take a moment to form her thoughts, then said, “Do you have other matters to attend to while you are here?”
