The bastard!
Isolde had heard the expression ‘to see red,’ but she had never actually experienced it.
How odd.
Hadley’s study very much appeared bathed in a scarlet hue. She rather hoped it would be the color of an arrogant duke’s blood.
Kendall would pay for his ungentlemanly behavior and unwarranted attacks on her family.
Isolde would see to it personally.
4
Mr. Stephen Jarvis, son of Lord Jarvis, has been gaoled on charges of embezzlement and fraud with regard to his railway venture between Penrith and Glasgow. Moreover, a growing faction within Parliament—led by the Duke of Kendall—is demanding Lord Hadley explain his involvement in this affair . . .
—article inThe London Times
As a duke of the realm, Kendall’s days were regimentally organized—meetings with solicitors, estate managers, members of Parliament, Ministers of State, and even occasionally, Queen Victoria herself.
Thankfully, he had four men-of-business and five secretaries—not to mention a team of clerks and stewards—to assist him in managing the lot.
Currently, the secretary who oversaw his daily diary, Mr. Adam Ledger, wasseated before Kendall’s ponderous oak desk, outlining the duke’s engagements for the day.
The study in Gilbert House, the London residence of the Duke of Kendall, was not quite as opulent or large as the one in Hawthorn, the family seat in Wiltshire. But Kendall appreciated the efficiency of the room—a desk with a large window behind for light, two chairs for secretaries in front of said desk, a large cabinet clock for the time, and a hearth for warmth. Practical. Efficient.
“After your luncheon with The Chancellor of the Exchequer at noon,” Ledger was saying, “Your Grace will have drinks at White’s with Lord John Russell. He will await you at three o’clock in the library after his audience with Her Majesty.” The secretary made a neat pencil mark in the book he held, pushing his spectacles up his nose.
“Excellent.” Kendall tapped his fingers on the desktop. For the past year, he had been courting favor from Lord John. The older statesman had proved an excellent tutor in governance and methods for consolidating power.
“Mr. Cartwright”—another secretary—“has drafted a list of potential questions for Lord John.” Ledger slid a sheet of foolscap across the desk.
“Good.” Kendall pulled the paper toward him, noting Cartwright’s points—proposed enclosure act, militia ballot suspension, the ongoing potato famine in Ireland . . .
Morning sun streamed from the window at Kendall’s back, bathing the room in cheery light. He pulled out his watch, noting the time and comparing it with the wall clock opposite his desk.
Every Monday, his butler sent a footman to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich with a chronometer to ensure all the clocks in Gilbert House were precisely in line with official London Time.
Ledger adjusted his spectacles again. “After the meeting with Lord John Russell, I have arranged—”
A peal of feminine laughter echoed down the hallway outside the study door.
Kendall’s finger-tapping increased.
“Continue.” He motioned toward his secretary.
Ledger swallowed. “I have arranged another brief meeting with Mr. Grierson and Mr. Fletcher. They will attend Your Grace here at Gilbert House.”
“Regarding the impeachment motion against Lord Hadley in the House of Commons?” Kendall perked up.
“Yes, Your Grace. I understand they wish to discuss methods for moving forward.”
“That is good.”
More than good. Due to a quirk in British law, impeachment articles against a member of the House of Lords could only be brought by the House of Commons. The House had to vote in favor of impeachment and then deliver their verdict to the House of Lords. From there, Lords would appoint prosecutors, call witnesses, and act as jury in evaluating the actions of their fellow Peer.
Once Kendall’s investigations had uncovered the depth of Hadley’s involvement with Jarvis, he had begun rallying support in Commons for an impeachment vote. Grierson and Fletcher were his staunchest allies in this pursuit.
Kendallwouldsee Hadley prosecuted. Legal papers and personal testimony indicated that the earl had committed wrongdoing.
