Page 58 of A Torn Allegiance
“Last night was unpleasant. I wish to meet with you three in Bartholomew’s study tonight or tomorrow morning. I fear our stay in England might become less a matter of leisure and more one of urgent diplomacy and perhaps even some spy work.”
Bartholomew nodded.
Hayes’s brothers went still and turned to him. “Brother?” Kristoff held up a finger to the footman who waited at the door for them, indicating they would be a moment.
“Let’s discuss it later, but from this moment on, keep an eye and ear glued to Lamoreaux, Everly, or anyone at all who speaks of France, or even Scotland, for that matter.”
They nodded, and Kristoff stepped out the door. A double line of military men and cheering crowds welcomed them as each of their party stepped out and they made their way toward the palace entrance.
“Were you in danger, Brother?” Marc murmured close to his ear. “Were you abducted? Perhaps we shouldn’t be here tonight.”
“No, it was my own foolhardiness, chasing after Lamoreaux and Everly in a hired carriage late at night. The driver didn’t wait for me when I followed them in.”
“You cannot do such things. Send Kristoff or me if it must be a Wilhelm, or employ a man to tail them.” Marc spoke good sense, and Hayes knew his brother kept his irritation in check because of their audience, but only barely.
“Do we have men in place here already?” Hayes kept his voice low so they were not overheard.
“We do not, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t hire some.” Marc shook his head. “Consider, Brother. You would not do the same in our city of Krennilen.”
“I didn’t plan to be stuck in a London slum for the night,” Hayes said defensively.
“Smile, Brothers.” Kristoff waved to Prince George, who had exited the palace to welcome them personally.
“Ah yes.” Their group of four bowed together and grinned in response to Prince George’s welcome.
“Perhaps I shall speak to England’s regent about the potential faction in his country.” Hayes raised a hand to those watching his approach.
Prince George swayed on the spot, a glass of some form of brandy in his hand.
“Or perhaps a conversation with the regent would do neither of us much good today,” he muttered.
Their host gestured that they should enter with him. “We are expecting only my closest friends for our promenade. Come. We are gathering for our feast.” He motioned them to continue on to the receiving room, where they’d had luncheon before. “I shall join you shortly.” With that, the prince regent left them just outside the doorway, likely so he could greet other guests as they arrived.
The room was once again lined with tables that seemed to be overflowing with food. Fruits. Meats. Breads. Cheeses.
“The man knows how to entertain; I’ll give him that.” Marc remained closer to Hayes than usual, as if determined to keep him safe.
“Can you imagine if Mother provided such abundance?” After a swift gaze about the room, Hayes determined Lamoreaux was not, as yet, in attendance.
“Perhaps it would be a poor example to our people.” Kristoff gestured to the length of the tables.
“Perhaps, yes. This very type of thing is what caused the revolution in France, which led to a prime opportunity for Napoleon to take over.”
They shared no love for Napoleon and, on that unpleasant note, fully entered the room together.
Hayes noticed no other known Napoleon supporters.
“I don’t see them,” Marc said as if reading his thoughts. His responsibility as security and protection for the Oldenburg Crown had him on high alert.
Kristoff smiled at a group of ladies. “If they come, it will be in the park. I doubt Prince George would include them in the promenade.”
“True.” Marc frowned. “The park will be a security nightmare.”
“I am sorry to have involved you, Brother, for now you won’t be able to relax.” Hayes rested a hand on Marc’s shoulder. “I will not be abducted. We are not at risk. What we need most of all now is information about Lamoreaux and Everly and their group. We need to know who all is involved and how we can we find them, especially any from Oldenburg.” He strained against his cravat. “I’d give anything to know how they function within our own country.”
Both brothers frowned just as Lady Elsie, her family, and Lady Sophie joined them.
“By the looks of things, I suspect we have happened upon a funeral procession.” Lady Elsie’s eyes held questions.
