while reminding himself he’d need more than his own strength to see him through. “The LORD strong and mighty,” he said under his breath, “the LORD mighty in battle.”
“Praying, milord?” Dickson asked.
“Always,” Jack replied, then lifted the brass knocker. A moment later they were ushered into the entrance hall where they found enough weaponry mounted on the walls to give any visitor pause.
The lieutenant who greeted them was polite but wary. “Is General Kerr expecting you, sir?”
“He is not,” Jack informed him, “though he’ll know my name. Tell him Admiral Lord Jack Buchanan wishes to meet with him. At once.”
Seventy-Four
Gold loves to make its way
through guards, and breaks
through barriers of stone.
HORACE
eated among the high-backed chairs lining the entrance wall of the governor’s house, Jack crossed his legs and brushed a fleck of dirt from his boots as if he had all the time in the world. Letting his impatience show would not serve him well. General Lord Mark Kerr might leave his visitors cooling their heels for a half hour, but he could not ignore them forever.
Finally the governor strode into the hall, a thick stack of papers tucked under his arm.
Jack was on his feet at once. “General, a moment of your time.”
“I always have time for a peer,” the older man said, though he did not smile, and his tone was cool. “In my office, shall we?”
“I should think a larger room with a table might better serve,” Jack told him. “I am here on business of some importance to His Majesty. Others may be required to serve as witnesses.”
The governor’s slender mustache twitched. “This way, then.”
They traveled through a warren of rooms until they reached one of sufficient size to feature a table with a dozen chairs, empty and waiting. Jack nodded, pleased with the arrangement. “If you might summon ten honorable men of high rank to observe these proceedings?”
“I could summon ten times that number,” the governor said evenly. A threat, however subtle. He turned to the lieutenant hovering behind him and rattled off a list of officers.
Within minutes various gentlemen began striding into the room, each one taking his own measure of Jack. He expected it and did the same. Once all were seated, Lord Mark claimed his place at the head of the table, dropping his papers with studied indifference, while Jack took the opposing end. Dickson sat behind and to his right, a heavy box at his feet, the necessary documents in hand.
As Lord Mark made obligatory introductions round the table, Jack observed how the others responded to the general. Begrudging deference at best but not genuine admiration. That would make things easier.
“Tell me, Admiral Buchanan,” Lord Mark began, “what business might be of such interest to His Majesty that you’ve summoned us from our duties?”
Jack stood, not only as a show of respect to the others, but also to gain a visible advantage. He was the tallest man in the room and of equal rank with the general. Above all, he had the Almighty on his side and so spoke with authority.
“I have come here to discuss a certain property,” he declared. “The king’s property. Though at the moment, General, it is in your possession.” He arched a single brow. “You are referring to …”
“Tweedsford in Selkirkshire.”
Lord Mark waved his hand dismissively. “What of it?”
“I believe you referred to it as ‘a poor prize.’ ”
The others began to murmur, as Jack knew they would. When the king rewarded one of his subjects with a house and lands, the recipient was expected to be, at the very least, grateful.
“In my presence,” Jack continued, “you expressed your intention to leave Tweedsford unoccupied for an indefinite time, stating, ‘Another ten years would hardly matter.’ Is that correct, General?”
“Aye.” Lord Mark glared at him, his color mottled. “I might have said that.”
“Then I have a proposal, sir, which will provide a handsome income for you and a home for a widowed gentlewoman. Should you agree, the king will consider his award duly appreciated, and you’ll no longer be encumbered with a property that does not suit you.”
Jack glanced at the others, gauging their response. As for Lord Mark, he appeared relieved, even interested.
To force his hand, Jack took a different tack. “Or I could inform the king of your dissatisfaction and offer His Majesty the income instead. You know as well as I do how eager King George is to fill his coffers.”
“Nae, nae,” Lord Mark swiftly protested. “I would be pleased to entertain your offer.