Page 57 of Highland Jewel
“My apologies, Your Majesty. What I meant to say was that I’m filled with pride to see him now. A braw man he’s become, to be sure. More impressive than any other I’ve met in my lifetime. A born leader, he is. His exploits and his courage are legendary.”
Caroline waved a hand, indicating his apology was accepted. “Are you aware of what you are expected to do?”
“Indeed, ma’am. Searc and Lachlan Mackintosh, the laird of Dalmigavie, know you’re sending an emissary. My responsibility is to attest that these two men accompanying me are truly your men. Too many spies of the king abroad these days, Your Majesty.”
Niall stared at Lewis Rainey’s weathered face and sorted all the pieces of information that had been missing from the day Burney forced him to take this assignment. Sir Rupert, acting on orders from Lord Sidmouth, wanted to have the son of Scotland assassinated. Niall now knew that the Mackintosh clan was deeply involved. It certainly sounded like a revolt was in the works, but he still had no name for the so-called son of Scotland.
She turned to Owen Woelk next. “I don’t need to tell you how much this meeting means to me. For years, we’ve been hoping for this moment. You know what I’mafter. You’re well aware of my plans. Once you reach Dalmigavie, you will explain, negotiate, make deals, and do whatever must be done.”
Niall wanted to know what those plans were. But he couldn’t ask. He couldn’t risk drawing their attention.
Lewis Rainey stepped in and posed the question for him. “When and where do you wish to meet him, Your Majesty?”
The queen looked at Brougham before she answered. “You gentlemen will arrange a meeting for early autumn.”
Henry Brougham explained further, his gaze resting on each man in turn. “Her Majesty will be officially residing in London, so getting her away will be done under a blanket of secrecy. Nonetheless, we’ll decide on a location along the coast. You must have the son of Scotland ready to attend.”
“When?” Rainey asked the lawyer. “We need something more specific.”
“We’ll get a message to you when it’s time. That’s all you need to know for now.”
“I am placing my trust in you, gentlemen.” The queen’s face softened. “Reunite me with my son.”
Her son. An invisible blade cut Niall to the quick. Sir Rupert had lied to him. For years, there had been rumors that she’d had a child before her marriage. Now he knew the truth.Her son.
Queen Caroline wanted to meet with her son.
Unto His Majesty the King
From the hand of The Right Honorable, The Viscount Sidmouth
Sir,
The group assembled by the former Princess of Wales has finally begun to journey north. A system for conveying messages from the delegation to Sir Rupert Burney and the Home Office has been established. At this moment, we have no clear indication that her son is as yet in the country. We continue to observe the ports of entry.
We are operating with the understanding that it is of paramount importance that this meeting with the “son of Scotland” not take place. All is proceeding according to plan. The value of this potential rebel leader is not being underestimated. He will be eliminated prior to the arrival of the former Princess of Wales. Our sources indicate that she intends to meet with him at an undisclosed location along the eastern coast of Scotland. We have notified the Admiralty that the fleet is to be reinforced in that area.
Any further developments will be communicated without delay.
I remain, Sir,
Your Most Obedient Servant
“Wha for Scotland’s king and law
Freedom’s sword will strongly draw,
Freeman stand or freeman fa’,
Let him follow me!”
—Robert Burns,“Bannockburn”
CHAPTER21
Dalmigavie Castle, the Highlands
August 1820
