Hummingbirds Know Where to Fly, page 32
“So Your Grace says,” he jeered.
“It is what I say, and you may let him go now, since he hasn’t offended anybody. You may verify it with the fishmonger also that the fish was paid for,” I said.
“Look eya, lads, it seems milady is quite confident in her assertion. Is she not most charitable?” he joked. Sarcastic sneering chuckles went around his surrounding friends as the boy whined again in pain by his grabbed ear Wells was continuing to hold.
“Let him go. You’re hurting him,” I said, observing the callous way he was holding the boy.
“I cannot do what milady wishes. The matter will be taken by my superior,” he said directly. He impatiently began walking away from me, taking the boy with him.
“Wait! You can’t do that,” I disagreed suddenly. Lieutenant Wells abruptly laughed and stopped short, turning his glaring eyes on me once more.
“Why not?” he questioned jeeringly.
“Aside from the fact that he’s a juvenile, you didn’t witness him stealing it. The fish was paid for. You don’t have probable cause,” I said. He glowered at me with affront.
“’Tis not a matter for you to decide, milady,” he said cynically. He turned from me and started taking the boy away with him again. “By the by,” he abruptly recommenced, momentarily seizing his steps once more and turned his gaze to me, “what does a lady mean when she says the word, ‘dipshit’?” he asked pointedly with blatant disrespect. Gasps suddenly whizzed around among the surrounding appalled onlooking bystanders.
“I imagine she would mean someone like you,” I said calmly in spite of my rising temper.
“Seize her!” he shouted uncouthly. A guard among his companions invisibly grabbed me from the side by my arm.
“Take your grubby hands off me!” I exclaimed as I simultaneously yanked my arm free from the guard, shocked that I was being taken.
“Seize her!” Lieutenant Wells ordered in a volatile voice again. I was abruptly grabbed again and secured with force this time.
“How dare you! You let me go this instant! You haven’t the right!” I protested irately as I tried wiggling from the soldier seizing me with a solid, firm grip.
“Since milady has decided to take interest in the lad, she may accompany him to visit my superior officer about the matter,” Wells ordered discourteously.
I suddenly found myself enclosed by seven troopers along with the boy. Observing that I had no other choice, we were marched all the way across town…
When Fort Hill came into plain sight, and I realized that we were about to enter through its gate, a sinking feeling came over my stomach. Leif wasn’t going to be pleased about this happening to me in the least bit, I thought, as we crossed the gate and entered inside the fort. A sea of redcoats swarmed the grounds. I gathered a new fleet had freshly landed as a stream of fresh faces appearing disoriented and anticipatory were presently entering and checking in after us as we moved through the grounds. We rounded the stockade when I realized the boy and I were being separated.
“Where are you taking him?” I asked the apprehending soldiers, concerned for the boy. But I was duly ignored by the guards and instead marched inside quarters by Lieutenant Wells and one other trooper. We approached a guard posted in front of one of the doors, and Lieutenant Wells knocked on the closed entrance. A muffled voice on the other side beckoned the call. He opened the door, and I was coerced to walk inside the room with him.
When my eyes unexpectedly landed on the high-ranking officer seated behind his desk in the middle of writing a correspondence, my heart skipped a beat with fear and my blood frosted in my veins. I realized to my utmost shock that I had been easily delivered squarely into Lord Loudoun’s hands.
Once he had shortly completed scribing the last word on the parchment before him on his desk, he lifted his gaze and instantly noticed me. He recognized me on the spot as he moved his quill to the inkstand and left it. My heart rate suddenly skyrocketed the moment he met my gaze.
“Well, well, who micht we have haur, lieutenant?” Lord Loudoun inquired knowingly with an ironic tone.
“The Duchess of Monteith, I have reason to believe, Your Lordship,” Lieutenant Wells answered.
“The Duchess of Monteith, have we now?” Lord Loudoun responded particularly as he maintained an unwavering gaze on me. He moved to stand from his chair behind his desk.
“Aye, milord,” Lieutenant Wells said.
“Very weel, lieutenant, ye may take yer leave,” Lord Loudoun instructed. Lieutenant Wells sharply bowed before spinning about face and promptly left the room with the door shutting behind himself. Instant dread came over me as I remained standing alone in Lord Loudoun’s tall, imposing presence. The last place I would have ever picked to be was in the same space with this man again. “Pray,” Lord Loudoun commenced calmly, politely gesturing to the empty chair against the wall near the side of his desk.
I hesitated; I didn’t know how to read him.
He seemed different this time—more docile, or polite—less threatening, maybe, I supposed. I couldn’t put my finger on it. But I could see that he was calculating—that, I knew for certain—given my experience with him the last time we had met each other.
“I fear that I dinnae have a court order for this visit as ye have requested, madam. Therefore, I pray that this visit wulnae land me in a predicament with yer barrister,” he said with a wry grin. The look on his face appeared ironic if not flat out jeering. I remained silently standing before him not knowing how to respond. “Pray, will ye not have a seat? This is a friendly visit, is it not?” he asked graciously.
“Yes—I suppose it might be,” I replied, feeling very uncertain of him. I decided to move across the room to sit in the chair he offered me.
“Thaur now… We are friends, are we not?” he asked easily, appearing quite collected. I didn’t respond again, except simply looked at him quite ill at ease. He bewildered me somewhat, because he was acting as if he had never done anything to ever harm me. I watched him with skepticism as he calmly replaced himself comfortably in his seat behind his desk. He precisely turned his chair to directly face me. “I must say that I am surprised and pleased tae see ye, Your Grace. Is it now? First, I wish tae offer my felicitations tae yer new marriage,” he said politely.
“Thank you,” I replied in the same polite manner, still dubious of him. I quickly wondered how he knew that I had gotten married and was stunned that the news had traveled to him so soon. I hoped Leif hadn’t gotten himself into trouble with this man because of me when I knew that he had particularly risked his life to save and protect me from His Lordship.
“I must also say, that the news of yer wedding came tae me as raither a great astonishment,” he said.
“Did it?” I responded emotionlessly, trying to control my fear of him.
“Indeed,” he said. “I didnae realize that ye had captured His Grace’s attention. But, once more it is not difficult to fathom the reason fur His Grace’s interest in taking ye fur his own. Yer beauty strikes any man who micht have eyes tae see,” Lord Loudoun complimented.
“You flatter me,” I said politely.
“It is quite the truth, madam. Now that His Grace has wed ye, I find myself at a loss,” he said in a regretful tone. But he arched an eyebrow and looked skeptically at me as if he were actually suspicious.
“At a loss?”
“Aye.”
“From what?”
“From ye, of coorse.”
“Oh.”
“Thaur has been a question gnawing upon my mind about yer escape from me. Quite simply—how did you manage it?” he asked bluntly.
I cleared my dry throat a little, trying to assemble my thoughts without implicating Leif. “Well, I—I convinced the guard you had posted at the door to let me get some fresh air outside for a moment. How else would I have been able to escape your quarters?” I replied, hoping he’d believe me. A sardonic smirk twisted his lips.
“Hmm… Aye. Ye charmed my guard, of coorse. A simple recourse fur a lass of any tae flaunt her appeal,” he said. “My men are easily taken by women. Yet, ye are not ordinary. Why, as I confess, even I continue tae be bewitched by ye. Therefore, I cannae quite blame the imbecile fur losing ye, though he was flogged fur his disobedience. I ought tae have supervised ye myself by never letting ye out of my secht. Alas, my business tae oversee with my aid-de-camp at the time forced my releasing ye intae the hands of the incompetent fool.” I didn’t respond to his twisted compliment and instead simply gazed at him, wondering how I was going to escape him this time. “Do ye ken that I had heard many tales of the beauties who reside in these colonies before I had come tae assume my position haur?”
“I’m unaware of it,” I replied mindfully.
“Och, weel—the tales are vast,” he said with a thin smile.
“Oh,” I said simply.
“Yet, I was uncertain of it till I had seen it myself—and, whit I have seen has greatly pleased me,” he disclosed. “However, ye are most unique in appearance, mannerisms, and in intelligence. Truth be told, madam, I meant tae release ye upon the French once I had turned ye toward my friendship, primarily. Ye must understand that my affection fur ye wouldnae have been lacking. Bending ye tae my will would have been a great pleasure of mine as weel as ye would have found tae yer agreement, I assure ye. We micht have worked beautifully in tandem should ye have chosen tae come under my employ. Ye as my spy would have granted me much insight, and would have been a most beneficial situation tae ye accordingly. Ye would have been a great asset tae the Crown, indeed.”
“I see,” I replied dry mouthed.
“As I said, ’tis my loss. Yet nae loss tae ye, fur one can perceive that ye may be content with His Grace instead.”
“I am.”
“Double crossing him may lead ye tae yer ruin, however. Where I could have protected yer duplicity.”
“Why would I ever betray him? I’m not a spy.”
“Hmm… so you say.”
“Because it’s true.”
“Whether ye are, or are not, remains tae be seen,” he said. “However, I do realize that I cannae help my regard fur ye. Ye have charmed me… Indeed, ye are certainly fetching. Therefore, I am quite struck. Permit me to inquire. Ye do claim tae originate from Pennsylvania, is it no so?”
“Yes.” I nodded a little.
“Intriguing. I have also heard the creole lasses in Hispaniola tae be alluring,” he implied as he gazed directly at me with a mining expression.
“I wouldn’t know,” I replied, feeling underscored.
“Would ye not indeed?”
“No.”
“Och, aye, how micht ye be awaur if ye originate from Pennsylvania? ’Tis foolish of me tae believe otherwise. Weel… If any man would know of such lasses, ‘twould be men like the Duke of Monteith. He micht have a notion regarding the lasses of Hispaniola.”
“Why do you say that he would know anything about the women there?” I asked strangely.
“He is familiar with the slave trade, evidently,” Lord Loudoun said casually.
“What do you mean?” I asked very much puzzled as I was clearly in doubt.
“Why, he is, in fact.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Of coorse ye wouldnae understand. Men do not commonly discuss their business affairs with their wives,” he said nonchalantly.
I swallowed hard, feeling very uncomfortable about what he had just told me about Leif before saying, “Actually, my husband and I have a candid relationship. He tells me everything.”
“Does he?” Lord Loudoun inquired in an unusual tone, looking surprised.
“Yes, he does, in fact,” I replied certainly, trying to maintain some semblance of impassiveness.
“How uncommon.” His haughty gaze turned curious.
“Who’s to say what is common and what isn’t as it pertains to people’s personal relationships,” I said thoughtlessly.
“Hmm… I micht find it captivating tae meet a woman with whom I micht speak sensibly—one like yerself, I imagine.” He paused momentarily, and his cool blue eyes noticeably scanned me over. I noticed his gaze narrow a bit on the trousers covering my legs and briefly settle on the boots over my feet. I crossed my ankles feeling somewhat uncomfortable, and the expression on his face changed subtly. A shallow grin crossed his thinking expression, and I wondered what sort of thoughts were passing through his mind. “Ye are much changed, madam,” he resumed curiously. “Bonnie as ever, tae be certain, as I gaze upon ye—even in breeks. Permit me tae say that yer visit tae me comes as a great surprise—particularly, efter nae response tae my invitation tae ye was given, but a mere suggestion of my obtaining a court order so that we may peaceably meet… Be that as it will, thaur are nae hurt feelings amongst us. I shall assure ye. Now, reveal tae me tae whit do I owe the pleasure of yer company?” he said in a businesslike manner as he continued scrutinizing me with his eyes.
“Actually, I was coerced to be here by your Lieutenant Wells involving a situation that had occurred at the marketplace,” I informed him, noticing his light blue eyes that reminded me of hard topaz gems.
“Whit occurrence micht that have been?” he inquired evenly.
“Well, I’m afraid there’s been an unfortunate misunderstanding. A simple one, however.”
“Och?”
“Yes, it occurred at the marketplace with a boy. It was believed that he was pilfering fish from one of the fishmongers—but, you see, it was paid for.”
“I see,” Lord Loudoun replied unemotionally.
“Yes, and he was nevertheless apprehended by your soldiers and brought here. So, I’m here to testify to the fact that the fish was paid for, and I’m requesting that the boy please be released from custody to be sent home to his parents,” I appealed politely, despite my discomfiture as I now stared at this man.
“I see,” he responded coolly with his hands folded over his desk.
“The fishmonger can verify it also,” I added.
“Can he?”
“Yes, he can. I doubt that he will press charges against the boy.”
“Weel…” Lord Loudoun considered as he held his fastened gaze on me. “Ye are correct tae visit me over this matter, as I do have complete authority tae return the lad tae his family. However, ye micht perceive me in a bit of a quandary.”
“A quandary?”
“Aye.”
“What might that be?” I asked.
“It pertains tae the fact that we are currently at war, as ye weel know. And, quite simply, we need men tae fight,” he said plainly.
“I see.”
“Micht ye be awaur of how old the lad tae be?”
“I would guess not more than thirteen.”
“Och, a perfect candidate tae serve the Crown.”
“But he’s just a child,” I rebutted disapprovingly with concern.
“He is a suitable lad,” he said.
“But, what does a child know about war?”
“I imagine he knows nought about it, as do all the lads when they first enlist. Yet, one micht be surprised at how weel a lad in his position might survive in battle when it remains that he fight or be killed,” he said callously as he propped an elbow on the armrest of his chair.
“Still, don’t you think that is unreasonable? To draft him is immoral,” I differed. Lord Loudoun paused momentarily and brought a thinking forefinger above his thin upper lip as he was now staring frigidly at me.
“I reckon I micht applaud yer effort in the lad’s defense. Ye are quite generous tae do so,” he said.
“Thank you—but I think anyone with a conscience would do the same thing,” I replied modestly.
“Mmm…” he responded thinkingly. “I micht consider the lad’s release.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling a modicum of relief.
“If ye waur tae join me fur tea. Only if.”
“Oh… For tea?”
“Aye,” he said.
“But, my niece and maid were left at the marketplace—they don’t know where I am. Besides, my husband will be looking for me soon also,” I said, attempting to change his mind and finding a way to exit his office.
“It wulnae be fur long. I promise yoo’ll not be missed,” he said.
“I don’t know,” I said doubtfully.
“Pray, consider it. The lad will be released intae the bosom of his family should ye grant me my wish.”
“Is that a promise?” I spontaneously asked. I couldn’t believe that I was considering his option when all I wanted was for the boy to have his freedom, and for me to immediately return to the marketplace.
“I shall give ye my word. The lad will have dinner with his family tonecht,” Lord Loudoun guaranteed.
I considered the heartless general for a moment. It was strange, although he was unyielding and calculating, he didn’t seem too threatening right now as I sat across from him at a close distance examining him also. His mannerism and tone were polite, but he was blackmailing me with the boy to keep him company. Seeing that I hadn’t a choice even if I wanted to leave and reject his invitation for tea, I couldn’t abandon the child into his hands knowing he hadn’t a care in the world for him and counted him as just another body to serve in the war against France.
As we gazed at each other for a moment while I was considering his offer for tea, I suddenly noticed the appeal his mistress held for him; he was nice-looking, polished with good manners and intelligence. On the surface, it seemed he wouldn’t harm a fly. But, push him a little and one would quickly discover they were already snared into his trap before anticipating it, and realizing it too late for escape.
“All right,” I consented at length.
“Splendid,” he said charmingly. He reached for the beautiful porcelain teapot on a silver tray over his desk. I watched him in silence as he quietly prepared two cups of tea. When he finished, he kindly passed a cup over to me.
“Thank you,” I said, receiving my tea from him. My fingers accidentally grazed his hand as I took the cup from him, and he grinned.
“Indeed, my pleasure,” he said, appearing distinctly charmed. I placed the rim of the cup to my lips, and carefully sipped the lukewarm tea. When I drew it away, I noticed him watching me. “I am quite pleased tae have this opportunity tae meet with ye again, I shall confess,” he began.
“It is what I say, and you may let him go now, since he hasn’t offended anybody. You may verify it with the fishmonger also that the fish was paid for,” I said.
“Look eya, lads, it seems milady is quite confident in her assertion. Is she not most charitable?” he joked. Sarcastic sneering chuckles went around his surrounding friends as the boy whined again in pain by his grabbed ear Wells was continuing to hold.
“Let him go. You’re hurting him,” I said, observing the callous way he was holding the boy.
“I cannot do what milady wishes. The matter will be taken by my superior,” he said directly. He impatiently began walking away from me, taking the boy with him.
“Wait! You can’t do that,” I disagreed suddenly. Lieutenant Wells abruptly laughed and stopped short, turning his glaring eyes on me once more.
“Why not?” he questioned jeeringly.
“Aside from the fact that he’s a juvenile, you didn’t witness him stealing it. The fish was paid for. You don’t have probable cause,” I said. He glowered at me with affront.
“’Tis not a matter for you to decide, milady,” he said cynically. He turned from me and started taking the boy away with him again. “By the by,” he abruptly recommenced, momentarily seizing his steps once more and turned his gaze to me, “what does a lady mean when she says the word, ‘dipshit’?” he asked pointedly with blatant disrespect. Gasps suddenly whizzed around among the surrounding appalled onlooking bystanders.
“I imagine she would mean someone like you,” I said calmly in spite of my rising temper.
“Seize her!” he shouted uncouthly. A guard among his companions invisibly grabbed me from the side by my arm.
“Take your grubby hands off me!” I exclaimed as I simultaneously yanked my arm free from the guard, shocked that I was being taken.
“Seize her!” Lieutenant Wells ordered in a volatile voice again. I was abruptly grabbed again and secured with force this time.
“How dare you! You let me go this instant! You haven’t the right!” I protested irately as I tried wiggling from the soldier seizing me with a solid, firm grip.
“Since milady has decided to take interest in the lad, she may accompany him to visit my superior officer about the matter,” Wells ordered discourteously.
I suddenly found myself enclosed by seven troopers along with the boy. Observing that I had no other choice, we were marched all the way across town…
When Fort Hill came into plain sight, and I realized that we were about to enter through its gate, a sinking feeling came over my stomach. Leif wasn’t going to be pleased about this happening to me in the least bit, I thought, as we crossed the gate and entered inside the fort. A sea of redcoats swarmed the grounds. I gathered a new fleet had freshly landed as a stream of fresh faces appearing disoriented and anticipatory were presently entering and checking in after us as we moved through the grounds. We rounded the stockade when I realized the boy and I were being separated.
“Where are you taking him?” I asked the apprehending soldiers, concerned for the boy. But I was duly ignored by the guards and instead marched inside quarters by Lieutenant Wells and one other trooper. We approached a guard posted in front of one of the doors, and Lieutenant Wells knocked on the closed entrance. A muffled voice on the other side beckoned the call. He opened the door, and I was coerced to walk inside the room with him.
When my eyes unexpectedly landed on the high-ranking officer seated behind his desk in the middle of writing a correspondence, my heart skipped a beat with fear and my blood frosted in my veins. I realized to my utmost shock that I had been easily delivered squarely into Lord Loudoun’s hands.
Once he had shortly completed scribing the last word on the parchment before him on his desk, he lifted his gaze and instantly noticed me. He recognized me on the spot as he moved his quill to the inkstand and left it. My heart rate suddenly skyrocketed the moment he met my gaze.
“Well, well, who micht we have haur, lieutenant?” Lord Loudoun inquired knowingly with an ironic tone.
“The Duchess of Monteith, I have reason to believe, Your Lordship,” Lieutenant Wells answered.
“The Duchess of Monteith, have we now?” Lord Loudoun responded particularly as he maintained an unwavering gaze on me. He moved to stand from his chair behind his desk.
“Aye, milord,” Lieutenant Wells said.
“Very weel, lieutenant, ye may take yer leave,” Lord Loudoun instructed. Lieutenant Wells sharply bowed before spinning about face and promptly left the room with the door shutting behind himself. Instant dread came over me as I remained standing alone in Lord Loudoun’s tall, imposing presence. The last place I would have ever picked to be was in the same space with this man again. “Pray,” Lord Loudoun commenced calmly, politely gesturing to the empty chair against the wall near the side of his desk.
I hesitated; I didn’t know how to read him.
He seemed different this time—more docile, or polite—less threatening, maybe, I supposed. I couldn’t put my finger on it. But I could see that he was calculating—that, I knew for certain—given my experience with him the last time we had met each other.
“I fear that I dinnae have a court order for this visit as ye have requested, madam. Therefore, I pray that this visit wulnae land me in a predicament with yer barrister,” he said with a wry grin. The look on his face appeared ironic if not flat out jeering. I remained silently standing before him not knowing how to respond. “Pray, will ye not have a seat? This is a friendly visit, is it not?” he asked graciously.
“Yes—I suppose it might be,” I replied, feeling very uncertain of him. I decided to move across the room to sit in the chair he offered me.
“Thaur now… We are friends, are we not?” he asked easily, appearing quite collected. I didn’t respond again, except simply looked at him quite ill at ease. He bewildered me somewhat, because he was acting as if he had never done anything to ever harm me. I watched him with skepticism as he calmly replaced himself comfortably in his seat behind his desk. He precisely turned his chair to directly face me. “I must say that I am surprised and pleased tae see ye, Your Grace. Is it now? First, I wish tae offer my felicitations tae yer new marriage,” he said politely.
“Thank you,” I replied in the same polite manner, still dubious of him. I quickly wondered how he knew that I had gotten married and was stunned that the news had traveled to him so soon. I hoped Leif hadn’t gotten himself into trouble with this man because of me when I knew that he had particularly risked his life to save and protect me from His Lordship.
“I must also say, that the news of yer wedding came tae me as raither a great astonishment,” he said.
“Did it?” I responded emotionlessly, trying to control my fear of him.
“Indeed,” he said. “I didnae realize that ye had captured His Grace’s attention. But, once more it is not difficult to fathom the reason fur His Grace’s interest in taking ye fur his own. Yer beauty strikes any man who micht have eyes tae see,” Lord Loudoun complimented.
“You flatter me,” I said politely.
“It is quite the truth, madam. Now that His Grace has wed ye, I find myself at a loss,” he said in a regretful tone. But he arched an eyebrow and looked skeptically at me as if he were actually suspicious.
“At a loss?”
“Aye.”
“From what?”
“From ye, of coorse.”
“Oh.”
“Thaur has been a question gnawing upon my mind about yer escape from me. Quite simply—how did you manage it?” he asked bluntly.
I cleared my dry throat a little, trying to assemble my thoughts without implicating Leif. “Well, I—I convinced the guard you had posted at the door to let me get some fresh air outside for a moment. How else would I have been able to escape your quarters?” I replied, hoping he’d believe me. A sardonic smirk twisted his lips.
“Hmm… Aye. Ye charmed my guard, of coorse. A simple recourse fur a lass of any tae flaunt her appeal,” he said. “My men are easily taken by women. Yet, ye are not ordinary. Why, as I confess, even I continue tae be bewitched by ye. Therefore, I cannae quite blame the imbecile fur losing ye, though he was flogged fur his disobedience. I ought tae have supervised ye myself by never letting ye out of my secht. Alas, my business tae oversee with my aid-de-camp at the time forced my releasing ye intae the hands of the incompetent fool.” I didn’t respond to his twisted compliment and instead simply gazed at him, wondering how I was going to escape him this time. “Do ye ken that I had heard many tales of the beauties who reside in these colonies before I had come tae assume my position haur?”
“I’m unaware of it,” I replied mindfully.
“Och, weel—the tales are vast,” he said with a thin smile.
“Oh,” I said simply.
“Yet, I was uncertain of it till I had seen it myself—and, whit I have seen has greatly pleased me,” he disclosed. “However, ye are most unique in appearance, mannerisms, and in intelligence. Truth be told, madam, I meant tae release ye upon the French once I had turned ye toward my friendship, primarily. Ye must understand that my affection fur ye wouldnae have been lacking. Bending ye tae my will would have been a great pleasure of mine as weel as ye would have found tae yer agreement, I assure ye. We micht have worked beautifully in tandem should ye have chosen tae come under my employ. Ye as my spy would have granted me much insight, and would have been a most beneficial situation tae ye accordingly. Ye would have been a great asset tae the Crown, indeed.”
“I see,” I replied dry mouthed.
“As I said, ’tis my loss. Yet nae loss tae ye, fur one can perceive that ye may be content with His Grace instead.”
“I am.”
“Double crossing him may lead ye tae yer ruin, however. Where I could have protected yer duplicity.”
“Why would I ever betray him? I’m not a spy.”
“Hmm… so you say.”
“Because it’s true.”
“Whether ye are, or are not, remains tae be seen,” he said. “However, I do realize that I cannae help my regard fur ye. Ye have charmed me… Indeed, ye are certainly fetching. Therefore, I am quite struck. Permit me to inquire. Ye do claim tae originate from Pennsylvania, is it no so?”
“Yes.” I nodded a little.
“Intriguing. I have also heard the creole lasses in Hispaniola tae be alluring,” he implied as he gazed directly at me with a mining expression.
“I wouldn’t know,” I replied, feeling underscored.
“Would ye not indeed?”
“No.”
“Och, aye, how micht ye be awaur if ye originate from Pennsylvania? ’Tis foolish of me tae believe otherwise. Weel… If any man would know of such lasses, ‘twould be men like the Duke of Monteith. He micht have a notion regarding the lasses of Hispaniola.”
“Why do you say that he would know anything about the women there?” I asked strangely.
“He is familiar with the slave trade, evidently,” Lord Loudoun said casually.
“What do you mean?” I asked very much puzzled as I was clearly in doubt.
“Why, he is, in fact.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Of coorse ye wouldnae understand. Men do not commonly discuss their business affairs with their wives,” he said nonchalantly.
I swallowed hard, feeling very uncomfortable about what he had just told me about Leif before saying, “Actually, my husband and I have a candid relationship. He tells me everything.”
“Does he?” Lord Loudoun inquired in an unusual tone, looking surprised.
“Yes, he does, in fact,” I replied certainly, trying to maintain some semblance of impassiveness.
“How uncommon.” His haughty gaze turned curious.
“Who’s to say what is common and what isn’t as it pertains to people’s personal relationships,” I said thoughtlessly.
“Hmm… I micht find it captivating tae meet a woman with whom I micht speak sensibly—one like yerself, I imagine.” He paused momentarily, and his cool blue eyes noticeably scanned me over. I noticed his gaze narrow a bit on the trousers covering my legs and briefly settle on the boots over my feet. I crossed my ankles feeling somewhat uncomfortable, and the expression on his face changed subtly. A shallow grin crossed his thinking expression, and I wondered what sort of thoughts were passing through his mind. “Ye are much changed, madam,” he resumed curiously. “Bonnie as ever, tae be certain, as I gaze upon ye—even in breeks. Permit me tae say that yer visit tae me comes as a great surprise—particularly, efter nae response tae my invitation tae ye was given, but a mere suggestion of my obtaining a court order so that we may peaceably meet… Be that as it will, thaur are nae hurt feelings amongst us. I shall assure ye. Now, reveal tae me tae whit do I owe the pleasure of yer company?” he said in a businesslike manner as he continued scrutinizing me with his eyes.
“Actually, I was coerced to be here by your Lieutenant Wells involving a situation that had occurred at the marketplace,” I informed him, noticing his light blue eyes that reminded me of hard topaz gems.
“Whit occurrence micht that have been?” he inquired evenly.
“Well, I’m afraid there’s been an unfortunate misunderstanding. A simple one, however.”
“Och?”
“Yes, it occurred at the marketplace with a boy. It was believed that he was pilfering fish from one of the fishmongers—but, you see, it was paid for.”
“I see,” Lord Loudoun replied unemotionally.
“Yes, and he was nevertheless apprehended by your soldiers and brought here. So, I’m here to testify to the fact that the fish was paid for, and I’m requesting that the boy please be released from custody to be sent home to his parents,” I appealed politely, despite my discomfiture as I now stared at this man.
“I see,” he responded coolly with his hands folded over his desk.
“The fishmonger can verify it also,” I added.
“Can he?”
“Yes, he can. I doubt that he will press charges against the boy.”
“Weel…” Lord Loudoun considered as he held his fastened gaze on me. “Ye are correct tae visit me over this matter, as I do have complete authority tae return the lad tae his family. However, ye micht perceive me in a bit of a quandary.”
“A quandary?”
“Aye.”
“What might that be?” I asked.
“It pertains tae the fact that we are currently at war, as ye weel know. And, quite simply, we need men tae fight,” he said plainly.
“I see.”
“Micht ye be awaur of how old the lad tae be?”
“I would guess not more than thirteen.”
“Och, a perfect candidate tae serve the Crown.”
“But he’s just a child,” I rebutted disapprovingly with concern.
“He is a suitable lad,” he said.
“But, what does a child know about war?”
“I imagine he knows nought about it, as do all the lads when they first enlist. Yet, one micht be surprised at how weel a lad in his position might survive in battle when it remains that he fight or be killed,” he said callously as he propped an elbow on the armrest of his chair.
“Still, don’t you think that is unreasonable? To draft him is immoral,” I differed. Lord Loudoun paused momentarily and brought a thinking forefinger above his thin upper lip as he was now staring frigidly at me.
“I reckon I micht applaud yer effort in the lad’s defense. Ye are quite generous tae do so,” he said.
“Thank you—but I think anyone with a conscience would do the same thing,” I replied modestly.
“Mmm…” he responded thinkingly. “I micht consider the lad’s release.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling a modicum of relief.
“If ye waur tae join me fur tea. Only if.”
“Oh… For tea?”
“Aye,” he said.
“But, my niece and maid were left at the marketplace—they don’t know where I am. Besides, my husband will be looking for me soon also,” I said, attempting to change his mind and finding a way to exit his office.
“It wulnae be fur long. I promise yoo’ll not be missed,” he said.
“I don’t know,” I said doubtfully.
“Pray, consider it. The lad will be released intae the bosom of his family should ye grant me my wish.”
“Is that a promise?” I spontaneously asked. I couldn’t believe that I was considering his option when all I wanted was for the boy to have his freedom, and for me to immediately return to the marketplace.
“I shall give ye my word. The lad will have dinner with his family tonecht,” Lord Loudoun guaranteed.
I considered the heartless general for a moment. It was strange, although he was unyielding and calculating, he didn’t seem too threatening right now as I sat across from him at a close distance examining him also. His mannerism and tone were polite, but he was blackmailing me with the boy to keep him company. Seeing that I hadn’t a choice even if I wanted to leave and reject his invitation for tea, I couldn’t abandon the child into his hands knowing he hadn’t a care in the world for him and counted him as just another body to serve in the war against France.
As we gazed at each other for a moment while I was considering his offer for tea, I suddenly noticed the appeal his mistress held for him; he was nice-looking, polished with good manners and intelligence. On the surface, it seemed he wouldn’t harm a fly. But, push him a little and one would quickly discover they were already snared into his trap before anticipating it, and realizing it too late for escape.
“All right,” I consented at length.
“Splendid,” he said charmingly. He reached for the beautiful porcelain teapot on a silver tray over his desk. I watched him in silence as he quietly prepared two cups of tea. When he finished, he kindly passed a cup over to me.
“Thank you,” I said, receiving my tea from him. My fingers accidentally grazed his hand as I took the cup from him, and he grinned.
“Indeed, my pleasure,” he said, appearing distinctly charmed. I placed the rim of the cup to my lips, and carefully sipped the lukewarm tea. When I drew it away, I noticed him watching me. “I am quite pleased tae have this opportunity tae meet with ye again, I shall confess,” he began.
