Page 66 of The Rules of Matrimony
“Your committee carries a misconception that it is the elite ruling the Bloody Code.” Paul leaned over the long table that fit snugly in the narrow room, his voice even and sensible.
Ian frowned. “The elite thrive off tradition. Of course,wemust change before anyone else can.”
Paul dug his hand into his dark, russet-colored hair, a noticeable sign that he was growing impatient. “Ian, you must not overlook that the people have been groomed for nearly a century and a half to believe death is the only way. They want consequences to control the madness.”
Ian leaned over the table as well, frustrated that his friend was being so blasted logical. He didn’t want to hear about tradition again. “Then, we must inform the people. Change their mindsets.”
Paul sank back in his seat. “Such an endeavor could take years. And what of the judges? They are the ones who mete out the rulings. They will not change their ways so easily.”
Ian hated how much sense Paul made, but it did not change Ian’s optimism for progress. He was too stubborn for that. “God-fearing men will see that justice cannot be served without mercy. Consequences are a natural part of life, but they should beappropriate for the crime. We don’t live in the time of Moses, where we pluck out eyes and cut off hands. We have prisons for lesser sentences.”
“Prisons in dire need of reform,” Paul continued. “Do you remember the workhouses? These are far worse.”
Ian rubbed his chin with an irritated hand. “Are you on my side, or aren’t you?”
“I will always be on your side, Ian. Not just me but all the Rebels too. Tom arranged for a man at Oxford to hold a few lectures to discreetly rally public support. Miles sent letters to his associates in the church. Even Bentley has reached out to his connections. But I must caution you to lower your expectations. I’m not certain I see a clear path to the change you seek. This could take a lifetime to fight.”
Ian’s frustration waned. He couldn’t ask for better friends. “I thank you for your sincerity. I know you mean well, but it’s already been decided. We’re going to put it to vote next week.”
“Next week!” Paul shook his head. “Tell me you’re joking. Do you even have a convincing plan?”
“The committee has been working night and day for much longer than I have been involved,” Ian said. “Though even I have exhausted my strength these last weeks both at home and here in London.” He did not add that he’d needed every minute of distraction this week to keep him from thinking of home—of Amie. Even London had not been far enough to rid his mind of her. “I’ve put a little weight on key people, and it’ll be close, but we have to strike before either side has time to talk themselves out of it.”
“It’s rash, Ian.”
He nodded and tapped a set of folders in front of him. “There’s enough stories of cruelty here to make your skin crawl. A few family members came and shared their painful stories with us. It’s a fight I cannot walk away from. Just yesterday, a boy not older than thirteen was killed. Thirteen!”
“I heard. He pleaded self-defense but did not have the witnesses to support his case.”
“This could propel changes in the prisons too.” A cause he knew Paul was passionate about.
“You don’t have to convince me,” Paul said. “You have to convince Parliament.”
“We will.” Ian rubbed his eyes, trying to fight off the worry nagging in the back of his mind.
Paul sighed. “How can I help?”
“Pray.”
Paul raised his brow but said nothing. Ian wasn’t the most religious man, but some matters were too big for men to fix. If ever he needed faith, it was now.
Paul gave a succinct nod and released a sigh. “Enough of this heavy talk. How is Lady Reynolds?”
“Amie?” Ian reflexively tensed.
“Yes, yourwife?”
Ian straightened the folders in front of him, suddenly needing to do something with his hands. “She is entertaining her mother at Oak End.”
“Will she come to London afterward?”
Ian shook his head. “She has no plans to come here at present. She is content to remain in the country.”
Paul eyed him strangely. “I see.”
Annoyed, Ian furrowed his brow. “What do you mean, ‘I see’?”
“I see you are still fooling yourself.”
