Jack took a more circumspect sip of his rum. It was not good quality. “We could be crushed.”
“With the English fighting the French and Lord knows whom else? Their forces are spread too thin. I plan on assuring Mr.Clay thatnowis the hour to strike.”
“Look around you, Lawrence. The very world is represented in this inn. People are here from every continent, merchants from all corners, visitors anxious to trade with the mighty. Don’t believe for one second that Britain doesn’t have the power to defend her holdings. Especially at sea.”
“So you are not up for the fight? Or perhaps seeing your family has changed your allegiances?”
Jack could have grabbed Lawrence by his bagwig and pounded his face on the table.
He didn’t. He’d given up those sorts of actions once he’d decided to become a gentleman. That didn’t mean he didn’t have the thoughts.
“I’ve touched a nerve,” Lawrence observed, reading Jack’s expression accurately.
“You have questioned my loyalty. We may have a difference of opinion but we both want what is best for our country.”
“Ourcountry? The papers are stating you were welcomed home with open arms.”
“You can’t believe the scribblers here any more than you can at home. I know my own mind and I know what happened last night.” Jack leaned forward. “The only reason I presented myself to my brother is because we were not making headway. Our reception should be different today.”
“My, the Duke of Baynton is powerful indeed if that is the case,” Lawrence said mockingly.
“He has more than power, he is respected,” Jack returned.
Lawrence laughed his response. “Very well, tell me what you wish of me. However, let me assure you that Madison and his war hawks have decided upon war. A delegation comprised of something other than a newly minted lawyer, a rum-soaked scholar, and our wenching friend Matthew will not deter their decision.”
There was truth in that statement.
“My advice,” Lawrence continued, picking up his paper, “which I am certain you won’t heed, is that we enjoy ourselves while we are here in London and keep our expectations low. For all we know, war may already have been declared.”
Jack refused to accept this. There were good men willing to do all that they must to avoid such a happening. “I’m not one to avoid a challenge—”
“You are in the minority, my friend.”
“At least we know where each other stands.” Jack stood.
“Returning to the family?” Lawrence’s manner was so offhand and mild, they could have been speaking of the weather instead of the future of a nation that Jack had come to value.
“I was sent to do what I could. I shall carry on.”
“Let me know how your request for the Canadian provinces is received.”
Jack could have taken the man’s head off. “You may mock me, Lawrence, but you will not deter me. Warn Matthew of the clap. His future wife, Ruth, would not be pleased with such a surprise. And as for yourself, stay the bloody hell out of my way.”
With those words, he turned away, and that was when he noticed the seemingly nondescript man sitting on a bench by the door. His hat was pulled low over his eyes as if he was taking a snooze. Here was the perfect target for the Jack’s frustration with his American compatriots.
Leaning over the table, supposedly for the purpose of pouring the contents of his almost full mug into Lawrence’s now empty one, Jack said, “Do you see that man on the bench with his hat low over his head?”
“I do.”
“When you have the chance, mark his face. Tell me or send a message immediately if you see him or anyone like him following you or Matthew.”
“Who is he?”
Jack smiled grimly and did not answer. Instead, he walked over to the man and kicked his boots before sitting on the bench beside him. The man sat up and Jack had a good look at his face.
He did not know him, although he knew his hunch about the man was correct. “My father, the old duke, used to have a gent who dogged my every step when I was a lad. He was not successful, as you know. I still managed to elude him many a time, and I can do the same with you.”
To his credit, the man did not disavow Jack’s suspicions. He stretched and sat up, tilting his hat on his head. “I am merely doing what is asked, Lord Jack.” He had even features but bland ones. Brown eyes, brown hair; he could stand in front of someone and, if he was surrounded by a crowd, they would not see him.
