chapter 42

Mission Accomplished

The Duke of Devonshire sat with Viscount Palmerston in the library at Chatsworth. The duke swirled the amber sherry around in his glasses as he listened to the secretary at war.

Viscount Palmerston said, “An envoy from Bolívar arrived with an agreement containing all the terms and conditions we desire. And it looks as if we’re backing the right horse, so to speak. We’ve word of a significant victory: The Viceroyalty of Bogotá has apparently fallen to our ‘Great Liberator.’ We’ve no further word on Captain Gunn, but it certainly appears his mission was successful.” Palmerston lifted his spectacles and rubbed his bloodshot eyes. “Men like William Gunn don’t come along every day, Hart. We’re fortunate. Frankly, I don’t know where you find them.”

The duke nodded his acknowledgment. “We shouldn’t assume Bolívar’s scouts are correct.”

Palmerston said, “The last they heard, your man was wandering in the wild, in enemy territory, without a guide.” The viscount gave the duke a significant look.

“Yes, but the latest reports put him in the company of an American. That’s the oddest bit.” The duke dabbed at an invisible spot on the gleaming table. “A wilderness sort, one of those chaps living on the edge of the forest. He was with Bolívar when our William arrived. Smythe,” the duke called to the butler, “what are they called?”

The butler shimmered in. “Mountain men, I believe, sir.”

The viscount asked, “What in name of the Almighty has ever led them to the Amazon?” After a moment he lifted his glass. “In any event, God help those men . . . if they’re still alive.”

William Cavendish stared into the darkness beyond the large window. “I’d say we’ve heard the last of Captain Gunn.” He reflected, “Sarah may have to be moved somewhere better suited to a young girl.”

“A boarding school, perhaps,” the viscount suggested.

“Perhaps.”

“And what will you do if her father survives?” Palmerston asked.

“Billy Gunn,” the duke scoffed, “in the Amazon? No, we don’t have to worry ourselves on that score.”

Lifting his chin, he said brightly, “I believe you came to discuss that China situation. But first, a toast.” He lifted his glass. “Mission accomplished.”