Henry eyed him warily. “Yes. These are certainly troublesome times.”
“Indeed, they are. I have witnessed quite a lot during my travels.” Broderick took his attention off his uncle and focused on the trail ahead. “So many people are angry, and… forgive me if I speak out of turn, but I can see why they act out in such a way.” He paused. “I’m sure you have heard about the lord chancellor?”
Henry’s jaw hardened. “I have.”
“Many men want revenge.”
“They do.” Henry still watched Broderick through hooded eyes.
Broderick sighed. “I can see now why Lady Sarah’s father sent her here to hide.”
“Indeed, however, I fear she is still in danger.”
“I share that same feeling.” So far everything was in Broderick’s favor. Yet what his uncle had said really didn’t tell him what he wanted to know. “Uncle, I heard a rumor not too long ago that has me greatly confused.”
“What is it?”
“I heard that you are related to that fearsome pirate, Captain Hawk, who sails theAvenger.”
“What is this?” Henry’s eyes widened. “Out of all the rumors circling about that pirate, I’m surprised my name was mixed up in it.”
“I’m assuming the rumor is false, then?”
“Indeed, it is! I don’t know who started that rumor, but obviously, it is someone who wants to ruin my reputation.”
“The pirate is known for finding corrupt men and bringing them to justice.”
“Exactly. However, I don’t agree with the pirate’s way of justice.”
“Forgive me for saying this, Uncle, but at times I would gladly join the pirate’s crew just to rid Britain of these types of men.”
Uncle Henry pulled his horse to a stop, and Broderick followed his example. Worried eyes stared at Broderick as he held his breath, still praying he hadn’t said the wrong thing.
“My boy, this conversation must be kept between you, me, and none other.”
Broderick nodded. “It shall.”
“As I’m certain you are aware, there are still spies amongst us. I don’t know who to trust.”
“I feel the same, Uncle. But rest assured, you can trust me, and I hope I can rely on your secrecy as well.” Deep in Broderick’s heart, he knew confessing his secrets to his uncle would be a good thing to do right now. Taking a deep breath, he prepared his next words. “Uncle, I feel I must tell you something.” Henry’s unreadable gaze remained on Broderick. “For several years now, I haven’t been the man my family believes me to be. In fact, before I came to stay with you for a spell, I was on the high seas, trying my best to find the lord chancellor’s corrupt men.”
“What are you saying, my boy?” Henry arched a thick eyebrow.
“I’m saying that the things I’ve been doing these past few years have been in secret.”
Henry gasped so loud that it startled the horse. He stroked the animal’s mane. “I beg you to explain more.”
“I’ve been capturing enemy ships and obtaining secrets that will help us put a stop to lord chancellor’s corruption.”
Slowly, Henry’s wide-eyed expression relaxed, and a hint of a smile touched his face. “How very interesting.”
“I pray this doesn’t ruin our relationship.”
“On the contrary, my boy.” He chuckled. “I think more highly of you now than I did before. I had imagined you to be a carefree man who skipped on responsibility. Now I can see I was mistaken.”
“Indeed, you were, Uncle.”
“No wonder you argued with me about accepting your position as a newly appointed marquess.”
