Page 38 of A Torn Allegiance
“It is of great comfort knowing England holds such a strong interest in protecting their position in the sea and their relationship with Oldenburg.”
“Yes, but I will not feel at ease until I have the ground presence to ensure our safety from every quarter. I am at once shocked and relieved and concerned and restless.”
“That I can well understand.”
“And Everly. What the devil does Lord Everly want with France?”
“I cannot fathom.”
“The admiral did not seem surprised, but perhaps he never seems surprised,” Hayes mused.“Perhaps it is more of the same thing we are hearing from our people—that Napoleon’s supporters are entering countries and trying to drum up war from the inside.”
“Perhaps. Do you feel the French are as widespread as that? Or is it perhaps just talk from the tenants and landholders?”
“I am certain of nothing but suspect their reach is farther than we think.”
Bartholomew nodded. “I stand with you, Hayes. Whatever you need, I will endeavor to assist, even if it means I am to participate in some covert activity.” He waggled his eyebrows in a ridiculous fashion, which made Hayes laugh.
“Thank you. You have been a friend indeed.”
“As have you.”
A servant knocked on the study door.
“Enter.” Bartholomew suddenly seemed every bit the duke. Hayes was proud to know him.
“A card from the Duke of Shelby.”
Bartholomew took it. “The duke has invited our whole party to attend the ball at St. James’s with their family.” He took a sheet of paper from a drawer in his desk, scribbled a response, and handed it to the servant, who immediately exited the room to have it delivered. “I credit you with this great honor.”
Hayes studied the card from the Duke of Shelby. He tapped it on his leg for a moment, shook his head, and stood. “I cannot account for it.”
“For what?”
“For the singular and pointed attention from this one family.”
“Can you not?” Bartholomew raised his eyebrows, his lips twitching.
“Not at all.”
“Lady Elsie is a woman not every man could be strong enough to have as his wife.”
“Too true. She would intimidate many a person, let alone a husband. But she is accomplished and intelligent. Any man would be a better one with her at his side.” Hayes considered his words. “A better king.”
“Perhaps these particular attentions happen for all the right reasons,” Bartholomew reasoned.
Hayes shook his head. “Something tells me more is afoot. Consider Duncan showing up at White’s during the very meeting I had mentioned to Lady Elsie.”
“We know she has a high interest in Scotland and detests Lord Everly.”
“True. But do you think she sent her brother to spy on us?”
Bartholomew considered him. “No, I do not. I cannot account for it, but whatever the reasons, their attentions are serving a good purpose. You are coming to know a woman of high merit.”
“Which will make my coming to England all the more worthwhile. I was not overtly looking, but I told myself not to miss an opportunity if a woman I could admire and respect were to cross my path.”
“And here you are.”
“And what about you?” Hayes retook his seat and studied Bartholomew with interest. “Her friend Lady Sophie seems to smile a little brighter when you are near.”
