Page 70 of Lyon of Scotland
“Initially, aye, on my own. The herald painters and the archivist in Lord Lyon’s office worked with me to finalize them.”
“These are good,” he said curtly. “Very fine.”
She let out a breath. “Thank you, sir.”
Sir George continued to examine, now commenting, asking questions directed to Hannah or Dare. He frowned now and then, so that her nervousness did not fully abate. She felt as if she was being examined by a headmaster—two of them, to be sure—the Garter, head of the College of Arms of Britain, and Lord Lyon, King of Arms in Scotland.
“What’s this?” Sir George pointed to a tiny detail in one of the designs.
She leaned forward to look closely. “A tiny variation in the scarlet paint, made when a brush was lifted away. Only an expert would notice it.”
“Huh.” He set the piece down. “When do you plan to see the king?”
“This afternoon, sir,” Dare said. “The whisky is being loaded as we speak, under the supervision of Sir Walter Scott. He will accompany the wagon and meet us at Carlton House for our appointment for the introduction. We will then present the king with Scotland’s gift of Highland whisky.”
“And you wish to present these designs to him today as well?”
“With the approval of the College of Arms,” Dare said.
“The College approves,” Sir George said.
Hannah let out a breath. “Thank you, Sir George.”
“It is appreciated,” Dare said.
“I am the one who appreciates it,” Sir George said. “I was wrong, Lady Strathburn. Your designs are superb.” He shook his head. “When I am wrong, Lord Lyon, I do not hesitate to say so. I am pleased to recommend these new Scottish designs to the kingand the Crown. I will have a letter drawn up for you to take with you to your audience.”
“You are welcome to join us in the meeting,” Dare said.
“I suppose I could,” Naylor said gruffly. “I have met the king before.”
“Excellent. Our appointment is at Carlton House at two o’clock.”
“Go ahead. I will meet you there after I take care of some things here. I wonder if we should wear our ceremonial garb, sir. Did you bring your tabard?”
“I did not. I expect this to be a less formal occasion, suitable for kilt and coat.” Dare gestured toward his black frock coat, black waistcoat, and tartan kilt.
“Perfectly suited to Lord Lyon—and Lord Strathburn. I would like to bring Charles Dove along too, if it is all the same to you. He created the final paintings of the new British designs, which I presented, but Charles was not there to see it. I hope his presence is acceptable to you both. I can understand if some tension remains.”
“Charley is more than welcome,” Hannah said, and Dare nodded.
“He is doing well, by the way,” Naylor said. “Confident in his work and keen to take on more responsibility. I hardly recognize him some days, ever since his father left for the coast of Devon, where he has a modest home. He has retired there, and wrote that he may open a law office sometime in the near future.” He looked quickly at Hannah.
She tilted her head in silent, gracious sympathy. Weeks ago, when the charges were cleared after Dove had spent some time in an Edinburgh jail, Dare sent a letter to him, signed by Hugh Cameron and Sir Walter Scott. They cautioned the man to abandon any attempt to contact them, and wished him continued health.
They had no reply, but heard that Dove had left the employ of the College of Arms swiftly and mysteriously, with no comment from that establishment. Needing someone to fill the position, Sir George offered it to Oliver Huntly, who would learn and grow into a perfect lawyer for the office of heraldry.
Bidding Sir George farewell until later, Hannah and Dare were soon tucked into a hired carriage on their way to Carlton House, with a leather portfolio containing the wrapped paintings, a set created for the king’s approval; other copies were stored in London and Edinburgh. She sighed, folding her hands.
“Happy?” Dare asked.
“Very. But eager to get through the rest of today and go home.”
“Tomorrow, I promise. I know you are anxious to spend more time with your father and sisters now that they are home.” He set an arm about her shoulders as the vehicle bounced over London streets. She drew up the fur-lined blanket draped over their laps, for the air was chilly. Outside, delicate snowflakes kissed every surface.
“It was so good to see them before we left for London, but it will be wonderful to be home again and spend more time with them. They were so surprised to learn about our marriage, but very pleased, and happy to welcome you into our family.”
“And you are eager to see Nell’s baby boy again.” He smiled. “So am I.”
