“Your father told you your plans were foolish?”
Again, there’s a shake.
“He told Lennox that.”
“Oh.”
“And he may be sick, but you’re father’s brain is still working.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you worried?”
“Because this is new and I’m out of my depth.” She looks just as she did the first time I saw her in the maze, only now she’s wearing a trouser suit and her hair is styled.
“You’re only out of your depth until you can swim, and you don’t master that without practice.”
She smiles and tips her chin up, her jaw tightening.
Then she opens the door and enters and I’m left without power.
* * *
I find somewhere to sit where I can be easily found if she comes out. This isn’t going to be a long process as Goldsmith is being told that they’re back to square one in terms of negotiating. Then for a period of time, there will be nothing more to say.
“It’s kicked off in there.” One of Goldsmith’s security sat down next to me. Hew was an older man and I’d met him several times, especially in the aftermath of Lennox’s death. He’s been away that day, renewing his vows in France somewhere.
“They didn’t like what she had to say?”
He laughs. I think his name’s Archie. “I think it was unexpected to say the least. They thought she’d sign what Goldsmith had put forward based on the discussions he’d had with the old prince. It’s going to take the old man a few days to come back down.”
Goldsmith’s father was the old man, the ex-leader. The man who had been in charge when my mother died.
“What’s he like when he doesn’t get his own way?”
Archie shakes his head. “Unpleasant. He’ll play hell with the lad now. And the other one, but the other one doesn’t give a shit about him. It’s like a bloody soap opera in there.” He stands up, shrugs. “Your woman’s on her way out.”
I followed him to the door and see Blair walking down the corridor. Her shoulders are back and her head is high. When she sees me, her lips turn upward and she gives the barest hint of a smile.
Her three advisors follow her, none of them looking distressed or surprised but they say nothing, simply heading to the exit and to the melee of London.
“Your coat, your ladyship.” I open her coat for her to put on, not a gesture she’s used to, but she complies.
Heavy footsteps fall down the corridor.
“Blair. We need to talk.”
She freezes at Goldsmith’s word, a long pause almost like she’s taking in that he’s actually had the audacity to come out and speak to her.
Slowly, she turns, her coat now on.
“I would think you need to discuss this with your cabinet. And take some time to reassess where these discussions are going.” She pulls gloves from out of her pockets even though it isn’t that cold outside, but it’s something to do with her hands.
Goldsmith visibly winces and I wonder exactly who has sent him out.
“I had an agreement with your brother.”
Blair looks completely calm. “Lennox had no authority to make agreements with you that would stand, William. I’m sorry. We all wish he was still alive for many reasons. As we explained in there, my father and I wish to begin negotiations again.”
