Page 4 of Masquerading with the Duke
‘And of course you just happen to know that I still have a number of the pieces that Crista made,’ Amos remarked, ‘which I haven’t decided whether or not to sell. To say nothing of my running Zach’s stud and having a dozen decent horses for sale at any one time.’
‘Well, it does seem like a coincidence, doesn’t it,’ Clarence said mildly, causing Amos to snort with laughter. Zach was glad of his reaction. Clarence’s ulterior motives would have produced anger and resentment a few short months ago.
‘I still don’t understand what you expect us to do,’ Zach said.
‘If Braden isn’t disloyal to the crown, something makes me think that he knows who is.’
Ah, Zach thought,finally we have reached the crux of the matter.
‘Why doesn’t he tell you whom he suspects?’ Amos asked.
‘I have absolutely no idea,’ Clarence admitted, permitting a rare flash of frustration to show in his expression. ‘He just came back from Paris, said he’d had enough and was resigning. Nothing I said or did would persuade him to elucidate. But I got the impression that something had happened to force his hand.’
‘As a matter of interest, what terrible secrets of state have been leaked to the French?’ Amos asked.
Clarence fell into momentary contemplation and at first Zach thought he wouldn’t answer the question. He seldom volunteered sensitive information, but if he didn’t do so on this occasion then he could forget all about receiving cooperation from Zach and Amos. Or could he? If Braden was to be their neighbour, Zach would be uncomfortable if he didn’t have absolute faith in the man’s loyalty to the crown. Once again, Crista’s fate loomed large in the forefront of his mind. There were always people who resented Zach, bore grudges for the most obscure reasons, or simply wanted to do away with him to make a point. He couldn’t afford to relax his guard. Perhaps that was why Clarence had told him about Braden in such a roundabout fashion, aware that before their discussion was over Zach would have become as determined as Clarence to verify the man’s loyalties.
‘Canning is gradually becoming less cooperative with the European powers,’ Clarence eventually said, referring to the foreign secretary. ‘He prefers to throw England’s support behind the United States, unofficially and secretly, of course. His aim is to preserve the newly independent Latin American states and prevent French influence there, giving British merchants the edge with access to the emerging markets and lucrative trading deals. Non-intervention, every nation for itself and God for us all is what he bangs on about in private.’ Clarence threw back his head and sighed. ‘He’s been known to shout about England not Europe when in his cups. It becomes tedious.’
‘And details of these underhand tactics have reached French ears,’ Zach said thoughtfully, realising now just how potentially serious the situation actually was. Both countries were recovering from the social and economic ravages of war, feelings were still running high and a diplomatic spat was the last thing that either side wanted. ‘I can see that they might be a tad miffed about it.’
Clarence chortled. ‘Ever so slightly.’
‘Braden knew about Canning’s plan?’ Amos asked.
‘He didn’t know the particulars, but he had a broad idea.’
Zach sighed. ‘If Braden leaves his card, I will receive him and judge him for myself, Clarence,’ he said. ‘That’s the best I can offer for now.’
‘Thank you.’ Clarence nodded to both men. ‘You especially, Amos. I know this cannot be easy for you, having the past dragged up and put to use in such a fashion. You have every right to be less than gracious.’
Amos shrugged. ‘Life goes on, I’m told,’ he said, a faraway look in his eye.
‘Will you stay the night, Clarence?’ Zach asked.
‘Thank you, but no. I detoured here on the way to Romsey. We have a social engagement this evening that’s very important to Anna. She will no doubt emasculate me if I don’t keep my promise and attend it with her.’
Amos shuddered. ‘Then don’t let us keep you. We can’t risk you receiving the sharp side of our sister’s tongue, to say nothing of losing your manhood.’
‘Heaven forbid,’ Zach said, levering himself to his feet and shaking Clarence’s hand. ‘We’ll be in touch if we have any news for you.’
‘I’ll take my leave of Frankie and be on my way,’ Clarence said, raising a hand in farewell.
‘What did you make of that?’ Zach asked as they watched the door close behind their brother-in-law.
‘Hard so say,’ Amos replied. ‘It’s difficult for me to be objective, given the problems that Braden senior caused for Crista’s father.’
‘But he never crossed Crista’s path?’
‘Not to my knowledge.’
‘Braden must have selected this district for a reason. I wonder what it can possibly be, given that he had the entire country to choose from and has no connections that we are aware of in Winchester.’
Amos shrugged. ‘Might be worth having Adler ask a few questions.’
‘I shall.’ Zach rubbed the back of his neck. ‘Damned heat. When will this weather break? Anyway, I have a feeling that befriending Braden will fall more naturally to your lot than to mine, given that his interests lie in horses and jewels. Are you comfortable with that?’
‘I have already agreed to help him,’ Amos replied, an edge to his voice. ‘Despite the fact that we give Clarence a hard time, I admire his dedication to the country’s interests and will help him if I can. It can’t be easy for him always having to be suspicious of everyone he meets, looking for hidden meanings and what have you.’
