Page 189 of To Desire a Devil (Legend of the Four Soldiers 4)

“Why, that’s Lord Phipps,” Beatrice exclaimed in dismay, having finally identified the speaker. “It doesn’t look very good for Mr. Wheaton’s bill.”

For Lord Phipps was the champion of the veteran’s bill in the House of Lords. He was a kindly man but was a bit dry and nondescript and, as it was obvious now, not a particularly good speaker.

“No, it doesn’t,” Lottie said, subdued. “He is so sweet when he comes to the meetings. He sat and told me all about his ginger cat once.”

“He got tears in his eyes when he talked about his late wife,” Beatrice said.

“Such a nice man.”

They both watched as a lord in a full-bottomed wig and black and gold robes at the end of the room vainly shouted for order. Someone threw an orange peel.

“Oh, dear,” Lottie sighed.

There was a commotion by the doors, but since the gallery overhung the room, Beatrice couldn’t at first see who had entered below them. Then Reynaud strode into the room, and her heart gave a sort of painful leap. He was so handsome, so commanding, and he seemed farther away from her than ever. Reynaud headed straight to the man in the chair as heads turned to follow his progress.

“What’s he doing?” Lottie asked. “A peer has to have a writ of summons from the king to join parliament.”

“He must’ve won the title back,” Beatrice said softly. She rejoiced for Reynaud, but she worried about Uncle Reggie. He must be crushed. “Perhaps he got a special dispensation?”

“From the king himself,” a male voice said from the aisle separating the ladies’ section from the rest of the gallery.

“Nate!” Lottie cried.

Mr. Graham nodded at his wife. “Lottie.” He came to stand by the rail near them. “It’s all over Westminster. Reynaud has been given the title and the earldom by King George—he actually came to Westminster to do it.”

“But how could he sit in the House of Lords today?” Lottie asked.

Mr. Graham shrugged. “The king issued his writ of summons at the same time.”

“Goodness,” Beatrice said. “Then he’ll be able to vote on Mr. Wheaton’s bill.” Would his vote be for or against the bill?

The peer in the black and gold robes was calling for order. “The noble Earl of Blanchard will now speak on this matter.”

Beatrice gasped and leaned forward.

Reynaud stood and placed one hand on the table in the middle of the room. He paused a moment as the House quieted and then said, “My lords, this bill has been explained to you at length by the noble Lord Phipps. It is to provide for the well-being of the gallant men who serve this country and His Majesty, King George, with their bravery, their labor, and sometimes their very lives. There are those who value this service lightly, who consider the soldiers of this green and glorious isle to be less than deserving of a decent pension in their old age.”

A lord cried, “Hear him!”

“Perhaps these persons find mealy peasemeal and gruel a banquet. Perhaps these persons think marching for twenty miles through mud in pouring rain a stroll through a pleasure garden.”

“Hear him! Hear him!” The calls were growing more frequent.

“Perhaps these persons find facing cannon fire relaxing. Enjoy meeting the charge of galloping cavalry. Find the screams of dying men music to their ears.”

“Hear him! Hear him!”

“Perhaps,” Reynaud shouted above the chant, “these persons love the agony of a severed limb, the loss of an eye, or the infliction of torture such as this.”

o;Ah. As to that,” Reynaud began, but there was a commotion in the doorway. A tall, ruddy-faced young man with strikingly prominent blue eyes came into the room.

“Your Majesty!” Lord Travers exclaimed. “To what do we owe the honor of your visit?”

“Come to sign a paper, what?” King George replied. “What a dingy little room this is.” He turned and examined Reynaud. “You’re Blanchard?”

“I am.” Reynaud bowed low. “It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”

“Captured by savages, or so we’re told by Sir Alistair Munroe,” the king said. “Bound to be a good tale in that, what? We would be most pleased if you’d come to tea and tell us the story. Bring your lady wife as well.”

---