Page 27 of Highland Jewel
Soon, she told herself. She’d see him again soon.
A light knock was followed by the door opening behind her. She turned to look at the tall, slender man who entered. He closed the door and bowed deeply.
Henry Brougham was a man she’d found she could trust, and Caroline smiled at him. He’d made the arrangements for her journey, and as far as she knew, her husband’s spies had yet to discover she was in the country. Henry was a man of many talents, a survivor in the treacherous maelstrom of London politics. He was clever enough to play all sides when he needed to, and to keep his own counsel always.
“Come and warm yourself by the fire, Mr. Brougham.”
The Scottish lawyer crossed the room to the hearth.
“They tell me this castle is haunted, sir.”
“Indeed, I believe every castle in Scotland is haunted, Your Majesty.”
She smiled wryly. “Well, after the king murders me, I’ll look forward to haunting St. James’s Palace, if you’d be so kind as to arrange it. It would give me great joy to interrupt Prinny in the midst of his sordid nocturnal pleasures.”
“Murder?” Brougham’s normally serious face grew grim. “Surely, you exaggerate, ma’am.”
“Do I?”
“Your Majesty, this is 1820. You are forced to go in and out of Britain under cover of darkness, but the Hanovers are not the Borgias. Modern-day London is not fifteenth-century Florence.”
“You don’t know these people as well as I do, Mr. Brougham. You forget, my mother was the sister of the late king. I know exactly what they’re capable of. That so-called madness that incapacitated my father-in-law and put my husband in power as Regent,” she scoffed. “I’ve little doubt that it was brought about through human machinations. The desire for power can bring out the worst in some.”
“But the people love you, Your Majesty.”
Caroline held her hands up to the fire to warm them. “And I’m grateful for their affection. People generally see through the intrigues of the fools who rule them.”
Going to a side table, she poured a glass of wine for each of them.
Brougham was beside her in an instant. “Thank you, ma’am. But I should be servingyou.”
“Youareserving me.” She handed him his wine. “I trust you, Mr. Brougham. I haven’t been able to say that to too many men in my life.”
He bowed. “You honor me, ma’am.”
Caroline gazed at the glass in her hand. “Your reference to the Borgias is an apt one. Prinny is a vain and pompous ass, but he won’t have me killed openly. Still, it will happen.”
“Do you truly fear for your life, ma’am?”
“You’ve said yourself that the people love me. For now, at least, I have their support. I also have the support of many in the army, as well as a great number of leaders abroad. The king hates me and fears my influence.”
“As you well know, his ministers have already approached us to negotiate a divorce settlement. Surely, that will suit him.”
Caroline shook her head. “I’ve decided there will be no divorce. I am Queen of England now, and I will use my influence for the good of the people. He and Lord Sidmouth and the rest of his minions are intent to crush the spirit of freedom in this land. I cannot allow that. I know what it is like to be abused and silenced. I’ll not have it. Not while I have a breath of life left in me.”
“Next month, elections will be held, and there is hope that the reformers will gain seats in Parliament.” Brougham gestured vaguely toward the door. “Here in Scotland especially, the radicals are growing stronger. Protests are going on in spite of the new Six Acts that are intended to stifle them.”
“Exactly. This is the time for action, before Westminster opens the floodgates of violence.” She put down the wine. “That’s why it’s crucial that you arrange a meeting with my son. I must see him. Talk to him.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
“Others have been unsuccessful, Mr. Brougham. For twenty-six years, men I counted on have been unable to make it happen. Twenty-six years.”
“I’ve vowed to you that I’ll do it, ma’am.” The lawyer put his glass down beside hers. “I’ll not fail you. My people say his ship is due back in Scotland soon. I’m already gathering a few men to travel north.”
“That’s not good enough. I want to meet with them before they go. I want them to be ready. I want them to know what is at stake.”
“I’ll arrange it, of course. I’ll send a messenger to Edinburgh today.”
