Chapter Fifty-One

En route to the Duke’s London Townhouse

With little fanfare and an abundance of caution, Raven survived the transport to his townhouse. Winston and Samantha sat in attendance with the surgeon in the coach.

“If all of you continue to look at me as if you expect me to expire at any moment, I shall have to worry. I am weak, but I am somewhat recovered.”

There was a silence in the carriage.

“Aren’t I?” he asked the doctor.

“You do well, Your Grace. We need you to remember you cannot strain yourself as your body heals. Even your marriage ceremony will be a trial for you,” he added with somberness.

“I’m aware of the fact, Sir Clemons.”

The ride to his townhouse seemed longer than usual and the bumps encountered over wet cobblestones were torturous. He came to the final realization he couldn’t keep the appointment with the Prince Regent, despite that it took so long to obtain one.

“Winston,” he said, “I don’t know if I’m able to take the long ride to the palace in this condition, yet I don’t want to cancel my appointment. I wonder if you and I were to take up the specific advantages of the cartel application, that you could make the presentation to his Royal Highness.”

For a moment, Winston’s face blanched. “It’s a fearsome request. Already, I feel the palpitation in my heart. I have so many questions. How…”

“Nonsense,” replied Raven with encouragement. “I read the paper you prepared for me after I was wounded. You have a good knowledge of what we attempt to do for England, for the cartel and us. You are also my protégé on the Agricultural Committee I head. Except for myself, I can think of no one better suited to the task. Don’t be nervous. I am sure you will do quite well. As an aside, you are a role model, a representative of the new young lords to the Regent.”

Samantha smiled at the great honor Raven bestowed on her brother, yet she sensed her brother’s apprehension. She reached for his hand. “What an honor, Brandon. I am so proud of you.”

Raven couldn’t help but notice the admiration in Samantha’s eyes and then thought, Why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It was a trite cliché, but true.

“My lady, would you be amenable to attend the presentation with Winston? We practice this afternoon.”

“You would allow me?” she asked.

Raven saw excitement blaze in her eyes. “Yes, you will attend as the future Duchess of Ravensmere. The Prince has an eye for beautiful women.” He noticed the slight tremor Samantha tried to hide. “My dear, I can read your mind, but you would not be an ornamental decoration. The Regent is fond of women with beauty and intellect. I would wager you have read the portfolio, and have memorized it in detail.”

“Yes, I have, Raven.” She smiled eagerly, and adjusted her gloves.

“Then today we shall divert some time from my busy schedule, and you, Winston and I will practice. It will be a fantastic experiment if we can pull it off.”

“What about our attire? Will it suffice for a meeting with His Highness?” she asked.

“I dare say so. Both of you represent the future of England. The Regent is not one who fusses about day coats and frocks when there is important business to discuss. He doesn’t like sycophants who fawn over him. He’ll be impressed with your deportment as well as your knowledge and information.”

“We will do our best, Raven,” Winston said.

“Ah, we are here at my townhouse. The footman and doctor will assist me to depart the carriage. Give me a few moments, and we’ll arrange to meet in the library. “Samantha, my family is in the drawing room. I am sure they would like to greet you and Winston again. Then I will summon you both, and we shall practice.”

He turned jocular. “Samantha, have you given thought to which subject you would like to address?”

“Oh, yes, and if you approve, I would like to talk about the Minerva pistol. I think I can regale him with the backstory of how my aunt received it. If the Prince Regent is the ladies man he is made out to be, he will find it an amusement.”

“Good thought, leave the profit issues to Winston. The Regent likes to toy with his women but not on profit issues if you get my sense.”

As she alighted from the carriage, Samantha took her brother’s hand in utter excitement at the prospect of not only meeting the Regent but also to speak about important matters. Raven was too good to her. Could it be possible she would be a helpmate to him in his political endeavors? She couldn’t wait to tell her aunt.

****

At Buckingham Palace with the Prince Regent

Samantha and her brother were ushered into the Prince Regent’s private rooms. His secretary was there to take notes and formalize the results. The Regent inquired about the duke’s recovery, “Ah, Raven is special to me. You do assure me he will recover?”

“We have every indication from the doctor, Royal Highness. He’s improved as well as can be expected, and for the moment, he’s busy ordering everyone around.”

The Regent laughed. “So typical of the man. I’ve always admired him his ability to assess a problem and come up with a plausible solution so that each man walks away from the table in the belief they won something.”

Even though their practice time was short, the excitement was contagious. The presentation took about thirty minutes, and the Regent did ask many questions. Fortunately, they had prepared their answers.

“I see no problem here and will authorize approval. Do thank Raven for his honorary appointment of me to your new venture. I wish to see the whole of England lit up one day.” He took another puff of his cigar.

“Lady Winston, I shall hold you to your word that I will receive a Minerva pistol when it is available?”

Oh, he was such a wicked man with that roguish smile. “Yes, Your Majesty. If you like, Raven and I will deliver it to you.”

“We have one more matter to conclude, and that is the fate of Sir Henry Preston. I will not go into details, but he is no longer with us.” He addressed his secretary, “Call in my Deputy Minister.” He turned to Winston. “You will want to mention to Raven that Preston not only was charged with attempted assassination, but also with treason to the Monarchy. Those acts could not go unpunished.”

Her brother answered, “We understand and will convey the message.”

The Deputy Minister entered the room and addressed the Regent. “You’ve sent for me, Majesty?”

“Yes. Introduce yourself to Lord Winston and Lady Winston, soon to be married to the Duke of Ravensmere. They are brother and sister.”

He did so. “The Regent has requested me to conduct a thorough investigation of the assassination and treason charges of Sir Henry Preston. Found guilty with a sentence of death, he had no regrets for his action, save for one. He requested that his black cat suffer his fate since he was a superstitious man, and wished the cat no harm. The Regent refused the request.”

Samantha tried to hide her expression since she loved all creatures.

“However, the Regent could not take the life of a creature because of color and had his servant remove the cat to his kitchens, where we are told, he lives a good life. Other details will be provided to the Duke of Ravensmere when it is completed.” He then wished Samantha and the duke good wishes on their marriage, and left the room.

The Regent placed his cigar in an ashtray, “Please relay to Raven that one of the things I’ve found to be true is that even the most wretched and evil of men have a soft spot for someone or something. Likewise, even the best of men are often tempted to perform a dishonorable deed for a greater good. And such is life.” He nodded to his secretary who rose with the Winstons and walked them to the door.

When they left the chambers, to the men in the lobby awaiting their appointments, the smiles on the faces of Samantha and Winston told a story.

They went to the ducal carriage, entered, and then both spoke at once.

“Brandon, I’ve never been more nervous in all my life.” She exhaled a sigh of relief.

“Same for me, too. You did well in presenting the Minerva pistol. The Regent’s eyes lit up.”

They continued in conversation until they were back at Raven’s townhouse. The footmen lowered the steps for them to depart, and both hurried up the steps where Randall opened the door to allow them entry.

Chattering like magpies, Winston asked, “Is His Grace available to see us now?”

“He’s is in his study alone. Follow me, please.”

He tapped on the door and was told to enter. He announced Samantha and Winston, and Randall left.

Winston was the first to speak; his smile beamed. “Please remain seated, Raven. All went well. In short, we are to present the official documents. He has agreed to sign and seal them. You have done it, by Jove.”

“Well done,” Raven said. “Now sit and tell me all about it.”

Samantha couldn’t help but think his smile was worth its weight in British Sterling.

“Don’t leave out any small detail. I want to savor this moment as if I was there.”

“Raven, before we start, may we have some strong liquid spirits?” Samantha asked.

“Of course, I’ll have Randall pour for you.” He reached for the pull cord.

“I can oblige,” said Winston. “There is so much to tell.”

The next hour or so regaled with repetition of every word, nuance and the Regent’s every expression. When they were through, all were weary, but pleased.

Samantha related the story about the black cat as requested.

“Nothing amazes me anymore,” Raven said. “I now remember he treated that cat like a child of his, or so I was told. In any event, we still need to exercise caution. At least the cat will eat well in the Regent’s kitchens and will be protected. No one would dare hurt the cat.”

Samantha extended her regrets to Raven. “I feel I have traveled three continents by foot. I will pay my respects to your family and depart. By your leave?”

“I understand, Samantha. Winston arranges for the carriage, will you stay a moment?”

Brandon took his leave and smiled.

After the door closed, he stood up and went to her. “My lady, I am so proud of you. We shall do well together.” He kissed her in gentleness on her lips and he lingered a few moments. “I cannot wait for tomorrow to come.”

“You must not become frisky, Raven. You’re a rascal.” She kissed his forehead. “I will never forget how much you trusted us…trusted me. I’m at peace. I love you.”

He placed his hand on her cheek. “Take care, my dearest. You are everything to me.”

“I don’t want to leave you, but it is best. Tomorrow we’ll be married. Imagine that.” She withdrew from Raven and left the room.

Afterward, the duke received a message from the Prince Regent that read:

Ravensmere,

I must leave tomorrow to attend military intelligence with regard to our treaty, and with regret, we will not be able to attend your wedding ceremony. We wish you happiness on this celebratory occasion. When I return, I will visit you and your new Duchess at Ravensmere.

I also commend your representatives who have advised you that the charter has my approval.

Your Grateful Sovereign

Even in the safety of his home, with his personal staff and family in attendance, he moved cautiously and saw shadows everywhere. Of primary concern was his desire to formalize his marriage to Samantha on the morrow, but he feared that another attempt might occur.