Violet nodded. “I cannot help but think that I came across him, seemingly by accident. Then Lillian does. Perhaps it was not an accident?”
Chapter 26
During the carriage ride to the Palace of Westminster, Alexander brooded, saying little. He could only see this turn of events as part of an attack upon himself and his crusade. Occasionally, he glanced over at Violet, who sat next to him. She looked out of the carriage window at the passing city, face pensive and hands clutching and un-clutching at her skirts.
She is just as worried. But Godstone is a man of honor. I believe he is because I cannot believe that a man taking a seat in the Parliament of this country could be anything but. However, I cannot help but think of the Deacon whose duty was to care for a destitute child when Master Knox passed away. He turned his back on duty.
“I think you are worrying over nothing,” he said, and not for the first time.
“Then why do you seem as concerned as I?” Violet asked.
Her tone was sharp but Alexander knew it came from worry over her sister.
No, her cousin. Lillian is her cousin and that distinction seems important to Violet. As though, knowing the truth as she now does, she doesnae want to delude herself any mair.
“I cannae deny that I have…misgivings. But they dinnae come from Godstone’s character.”
“Then what?” Violet said.
She still sounded sharp and it grated on Alexander’s nerves. He gritted his teeth, refusing to be baited, though he knew that wasn’t her intention. Violet’s blue-eyed stare was direct and unblinking. Alexander was just as hawkish, his eyes locked upon hers. Finally, she looked down, cheeks coloring.
“I’m sorry. I am so worried. I do not like it when things happen out of the ordinary.”
Alexander barked a laugh. “Is that not the characteristic of every day since we met?”
Violet smiled bleakly. “Perhaps. But, that does not apply to my family. I wish them to be safe and to live free of controversy. This…situation seems to reek of it. It has occurred to me that this is part of a move against you. He knows that you and I are…allied and perhaps seeks to hurt you through someone close to me.”
“I cannae believe he would dae it,” Alexander said. “But if that is wit he’s up tae, he’ll no get away wi’ it.”
Violet’s smile broadened. “I think when this is over, we will make it a rule that, in private, you may always talk as it comes naturally to you. There is a curious music to it. I just worry that the habit will come over you at the wrong moment and spoil the chances of your bill being passed.”
Alexander nodded, closing his eyes briefly. It took an effort of will to regain control of himself, suppressing the anger that had unlocked his natural method of speech.
At least she does not consider it barbaric or primitive as some have said. There are those, even within my own party, that would claim that civilization ends somewhere not far north of London.
As they arrived at Westminster and alighted, a young boy came running from the ruined building, clutching a piece of paper. He almost ran straight past Alexander, but at the last moment, saw him, and came haring towards him. The paper was held out in front of him like a shield.
“Your Grace! An urgent message from His Lordship the Viscount Holmseley!”
Alexander frowned as he took the folded piece of paper. He scanned the words, then crumpled the paper in his fist and took Violet’s hand in his own.
“Come on!” he said urgently. “We must get inside.”
Clerks and civil servants were coming and going from the buildings that still stood, while scaffolding cloaked the parts of the structure most affected by the fire. Men bustled here and there atop the scaffold, bearing bricks or wood. Alexander began to weave a path through them to the door which would lead eventually to the Painted Chamber. Violet pulled on his hand and then dug in her heels, ending up at full stretch, leaning back with all of her weight.
Alexander looked back in desperation. “What is the matter? A debate is taking place in the Painted Chamber and a vote is tabled after that. Godstone has stolen a march on us. I have to get inside!”
“Look at us!” Violet said. “Agitated and hasty. Our clothes are crumpled and stained. If you go haring into the chamber as you are, those that think you are a savage will feel justified. And those who have not decided will side with your opponents. Do not give them more ammunition to use against you.”
Alexander glanced down at himself, then at Violet.
“I’m not surprised your Uncle took a huff at the sight of me. I look like I’ve been through a hedge backward and dragged you in with me.”
At that moment, Sebastian Cadzow appeared in a doorway and hurried towards them. His sleek face was creased in concern.
“Thank God, Godstone has stolen a march on us and I’m frantically trying to solidify our more precarious allies so that we have the votes. He’s proposed a motion to deny the Bill unless it contains provisions to protect the interests of the merchant class. It will rob the Bill of any teeth but he’s putting it to the fence-sitters as a compromise and a few are wavering.”
He talked in a rush with no opportunity for Alexander to speak a word. Then his eyes went wide as he took in the same state of general dishevelment that Violet had already spotted.
