Page 103 of Of Fate and Phantoms
"If he asks, yes. But if he does not…I'm not sure. It's hardly a comforting story. I'd like him to see his mother again, though. I'd like him to get to know a member of his family and she is the most…accessible to him."
He inclined his head in a nod, but his lips flattened in disapproval. I held my breath, hoping he'd invite Lincoln to a private dinner, but he simply said, "There may be occasions when we have to meet. I'd like to see the ministry take on a more official role."
"Official? Do you mean for the supernatural to be brought into the open?"
He smiled. "I admire your curiosity, Miss Holloway, but I'm afraid I cannot answer that. Not until I've taken some advice on board."
"Of course. If you need to discuss anything, I'm sure Lincoln would be happy to tell you more about what we do."
He gave no indication if he would consult with Lincoln, and I grew concerned that he would speak with one of the lords on the committee instead. I was about to tell him not to approach anyone else, but he rose and peered down his nose at me.
"My man will return you to Lichfield Towers when you're ready."
It would seem he expected me to be ready now. I rose and performed another curtsy. "Good evening, your highness. I do apologize for my attire, and my attempted escape earlier."
"It's quite all right. I understand why you were apprehensive."
I doubted he truly did but refrained from saying so. He tugged on the bell pull and a moment later a footman collected me. The prince remained behind in the parlor and I returned to the carriage.
"Take me to Rugby Street, Bloomsbury," I said to the coachman before climbing in.
We rolled away through the puddles and picked up speed once we left the gates behind, so that we reached Bloomsbury quickly. The coachman left me at the top of the street and asked if I was sure I wanted to remain.
Gus stepped out of the shadows nearby to see who'd arrived. He saw me and approached.
"Yes, thank you," I told the driver. "My friends are here."
"What're you doing?" Gus asked as the coach drove off.
"I wanted to tell you something before you spoke with King. Has he not come back?"
He shook his head.
"You must all be freezing."
"It ain't no picnic."
"Where's Lincoln?"
He nodded at the tree at the opposite end of Rugby Street. I couldn't see Lincoln. "He won't like that you've come back," Gus said.
"I know."
He melted back into the shadows and I ventured toward the tree. I couldn't make out anyone in the shadows, so when Lincoln called my name softly, I jumped.
"Up here," he said.
I tilted my head back. He sat in the fork of two branches, high up. I climbed and settled on the branch beside him.
"You're still wet," he said, touching my hair.
"I haven't been home yet. The Prince of Wales's coach met me and took me to see him. He wanted an update on our progress and to tell us the imposter paid the queen another visit yesterday. She believed him to be the spirit of her dead husband."
"How did he get into the palace?"
"He slipped past the guards and servants somehow and spent time with her alone. They merely conversed. He didn't harm her. I wanted you to know before you spoke with King. Also, the prince thinks King wants the queen to influence something, perhaps a business or a political matter."
"I'll ask him." He leaned against the tree trunk. "You sent the coach away."
