Page 64 of A Torn Allegiance
Prince Hayes eyed her with part amusement and part curiosity as he pushed his way through the opening. Or, at least, that’s what his expression seemed to indicate. “Might I be of assistance?” One eyebrow rose to great heights on his face.
Before Elsie could say anything, Lord Tenney stepped up to her side. “Lady Elsie has lost a bracelet, valuable and dear to her. I happened upon her as she was searching around this opening in the hedge. We are all involved in the hunt now.” He indicated those in the park who were obviously looking, and Elsie wished to hide her face in her hands.
“This very hedge? Singular.” Prince Hayes shook his head. “I’ve just come from here, as you see.”
Lord Tenney peered closer at the hedge. “Can you tell us if it allows space for one to enter without snagging a dress or jacket?”
“It was quite passable.”
Lady Elsie couldn’t look into the prince’s face. How ridiculous this was all becoming.
“Tell me about the bracelet,” Prince Hayes said. “I don’t remember seeing one glitter in the sun from the ground... or your wrist.”
Her gaze snapped back up to his, the challenge in his face obvious.
“Oh, well, some people are more observant than others,” she said.
“Yes, some are quite observant indeed.” He studied her face, then looked between her and Lord Tenney and stepped back. “But I see I have interrupted a great hunt. I wish you the best in your search.” He bowed and then walked in the direction of St. James’s.
Elsie watched him for a moment. A bit farther on, Everly and some of the Scottish lords were deep in conversation, and they stood in the path of Prince Hayes. Her feet took a half step in their direction before Lord Tenney stepped toward the opening in the hedge. “Well, if he can fit through here, we certainly can. Shall we?”
She hid her inner groan. “Yes, let’s give it a go.”
The words of Sir Walter Scott came to mind:“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, / When first we practise to deceive!”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Once Marc became involved inthe search for a group attempting insurrection on Napoleon’s behalf, serious measures began to take place. Hayes had known his brother was very capable and an excellent man of security for Oldenburg, but watching him in action told him that his country was in better hands than he had previously thought. He would even guess that while they had been gone, measures had been taken to locate and interrogate those dissenters in the south. Who knew but they were already known?
The last of the Bow Street Runners Marc had hired had left Bartholo-mew’s town house just moments ago. Marc, Kristoff, Bartholomew, and Hayes now sat together in the duke’s study.
“They will track every move this committee of traitors makes, and all the Scots.” Marc swirled the brandy in his cup.
“Why are the Scots involved?” Hayes still had not figured out Everly’s involvement, his motivations.
Marc shook his head. “We are moving forward with the assumption that some are part of the group supporting Napoleon. It might be as simple and terrible as that.”
“Is this how Napoleon does it? Infiltrates countries, preys on the citizens’ dissatisfaction, and then takes over?” Hayes shook his head.
“It looks like it.” Kristoff stood, pacing out what looked like nervous energy. “Anyone feeling hurt and betrayed by our own?”
“I am, a bit.” Hayes sighed, the weight of everything suddenly pressing on his chest with a painful tightness. He pressed his fist near his heart. “I think perhaps some of the southerners don’t feel like they have any other recourse. We are relying on our landholders to care for them, but I wonder if our trust has been misplaced.”
Kristoff sat again. “What are you saying? That we haven’t done good by them?”
“I know we meant to. But I’ve been thinking about new ways of doing things. Perhaps a tenant structure isn’t the best way to ensure the happiness and well-being of our citizens.” Hayes hadn’t yet thought through all the ramifications of such a broad change, but he was inclined to give it serious thought and bring it up to the royal council.
“Bold thoughts, Brother.” Marc nodded. “Worth discussing.”
Hayes turned to Kristoff. “That’s the draw to America, isn’t it? That everyone can own land?”
“I don’t know that we need to be as bold as that. We need some order.” Marc frowned.
“But is freedom really without order? Could we not have freedom for our people within reason?” Hayes shook his head. “I don’t know, but something needs to change. If a dictatorial regime can tempt our people away from their heritage, from their centuries-old identities as citizens of Oldenburg, then perhaps we need to listen more closely to what they need.” Hayes knew Napoleon’s factions were listening to the people. And making false promises. He also knew he could listen better and make real promises of change.
Once the brothers and Bartholomew were finished talking through everything, Hayes headed to make another visit to Admiral Hollings, after which he planned to grab some horses from Duncan and ride out across the park with Lady Elsie. He shook his head. She was... odd at times. He laughed to himself. But he craved her company. Just the thought of her laugh, her bright smile, her engaging conversation, made all his troubles seem less dire.
Admiral Hollings gave him the great news that the war committee seemed determined to maintain their safe port in Oldenburg and that they would send ground support if needed. Hayes felt somewhat comforted but was nervous about the delay; he was eager to get things moving from England.
