Page 35 of A Torn Allegiance
“That does not make things better. Now you have involved her in your scandalous ways. Your reputation can withstand such a thing, but can hers?”
“I’m certain her reputation will withstand the smallest infraction, Father. We were merely walking down St. James’s Street.”
“Were there any other women there?”
“No.”
“And why do you think that is?”
“Because it is commonly understood that women do not promenade on that street, but I can’t imagine what the harm could be. It’s not as though an unsavory man would jump out and accost us in front of the world. What do you suppose would happen to us?”
“Now is not the time to argue over details, but the truth, plain and simple, is you know better.”
“Be that as it may, I wouldn’t have learned what I did had I not been there, and besides, no one saw me. I don’t think. We were adept at hiding.”
Her father rubbed his hand over his face. “I do not want to know any more. I would like you to detail specifically to your mother your actions and listen to what she will tell you was a misguided venture.”
“Yes, yes. Now, may I finally share what I have learned of our traitorous non-friend?”
“Proceed.” Her father sat and looked up, inviting her with a wave of his hand to continue.
As the words left her lips, as she detailed the meeting with Lord Everly that had turned into a meeting with Lamoreaux, she could hardly believe that she was describing the same person she enjoyed laughing with, the same man who was so carefully determined to help his country, the man she wanted only to be closer to, whom she thought of day and night. How could such a nice, noble-seeming man with such pleasant manners be so interconnected with evil men and bad inclinations? She could forgive his manners where Lady Annabeth was concerned... mostly. He needn’t have lingered so long in escorting her to her carriage, but a continued conversation with Lord Everly and Lamoreaux? “And, Father, I heard him discuss an allegiance with France.”
“Thunderation!” He stood again.
“But I am unsure to what the conversation portended. Was he proclaiming a refusal for such a thing? Was he discussing the option of one? Was he agreeing or disagreeing? I had no idea nor manner in which to determine for certain. But I do know it was discussed. And that Lamoreaux reminded him that his nation is surrounded on all sides by France.” Her voice started to shake. “He said Oldenburg was a pinpoint of land, the only country not overtaken. Oh, Father, what will he do?”
The words had slipped out.What will he do?Was she so worried about what he would do? Yes, she was. “He is surrounded on every side. What choice does he have? They could form a land attack, and he would be destroyed.”
Her father sat again and steepled his fingers together. “What did he do next?”
“He turned from them, with no bow, no farewell bidding, and walked briskly into the building.” She huffed. “And, of course, I couldn’t follow him in there.”
Her father and brother exchanged a glance that was so long she thought they might fall asleep in their chairs.
“And?” She looked from one to the other. “What is to be done?”
“We continue as we have,” her father answered. “You will continue to try to get him to confide in you. We will send Duncan to those places he can go.”
Duncan squinted, then shook his head. “Father, the group at White’s stopped talking the minute I arrived. They know I am unsupportive of any plans they might have in Scotland, and they surely know I am no supporter of Napoleon. I don’t know how closely I can get.” He turned to Elsie, and his subtle wink surprised her. “But, Elsie... men say things in front of women they would never say otherwise.”
What was he about?
Father turned to her. “So Elsie is our best strategy to determine his real intentions?”
“I believe she is.” Duncan nodded.
“Very well. Elsie, there is a ball tonight at St. James’s. You will attend with Prince Hayes.”
“And you both? And Mother?”
“Of course. We will send our carriage over to the Sumter town house. The duke and the other Wilhelm brothers will attend as well.”
“Then, might I bring Lady Sophie?”
“Yes, that would be appropriate.”
She wondered what was afoot. “Do you have something specific in mind that I... do? Discuss?”
