that the new tax will be a terrible burden on the poorest of the Scots people. Therein lies my problem. What does one do when both sides have an equal claim on justice? When both sides to an argument are in and of themselves justified? Right is not always an absolute. Do we allow the man to choose which laws he obeys, leading to chaos? Or do we enforce his loyalty at the expense of his blood?”
Askey put down his glass. “Judas on the one hand and Pilate on the other.”
“Precisely,” Earlington responded, his forehead creasing in despair. “And I don’t mind confessing that I just don’t know what to do.”
“Father?” Serena put her hand on top of her father’s.
Earlington gripped her hand. “I know I am in a position of leadership, but that doesn’t mean I have all the answers. I know where I would go, but not how to get there.”
Malcolm regarded Ambassador Marsh thoughtfully. The older man may not have had all the answers, but he had extreme clarity in the midst of so much uncertainty, and that was something he knew the people would want.
“I can see ye’ve a desire to bring peace to this country. Yer vision is a noble one, sir, and as a Scotsman, I would follow it to the death.”
“Thank you, Mr. Slayter. It only remains for me to convince the man who accosted Serena. His vision is the only one the nobles are following.”
Serena swallowed hard. “You know who he was, Father?”
“Yes. The one you heard called Brandubh … his name is Brandubh McCullough.”
Malcolm felt a surge of ire course through his blood. “So that was Brandubh McCullough. I know the name well. McCullough stands in line to inherit the chiefdom of one of the wealthiest clans in Scotland. His father, the current chief, is on his deathbed, and most think that Brandubh will succeed him.”
“That’s right,” concurred Earlington. “You might say he’s the Scottish equivalent of the Prince Regent. He’s convinced of the Council of Scotland’s ability to self-govern, and is vociferously recommending that no one pay any more taxes or duties to the Crown.”
“Let me guess,” said Malcolm. “He’s telling the chiefs to bring the revenue into his treasury instead.”
“Why, yes. That is what our intelligence is telling us. That he is using the money to secretly acquire arms from foreign governments. How did you know?”
“Yer man McCullough is not just a rebel, sir. Given half a chance, he’ll become a tyrant.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know this man McCullough. I’ve heard he’s a glutton for power and money. I think he’s after more than just rebellion. I think he wants to rule the country.”
“How do you know all this?”
Malcolm thought back to what Will Dundas had told him at the Thorn & Thistle. By their third glass of whiskey, Will had whispered to Malcolm that it was in his favor to join the revolt. Anyone who fought for the revolution and helped name Brandubh McCullough the leader of the new republic would be rewarded with land and animals. “Word gets around.”
The wrinkles in Earlington’s face deepened, making him look haggard. “Then I fear now more than ever for the Scottish people. For when such a villain is elevated …”
“Father,” admonished Serena, “what have you always told me about fear? You are forever on about not fearing imagined dangers. Please don’t trouble yourself now with the uncertainties the future holds.”
Earlington smiled wanly at her. “You’re right, of course. As was I in saying it,” he chuckled. “However, it is my duty now to see that my imagined fears don’t become real ones.” He turned to Malcolm. “Mr. Slayter, I ask you to be exceedingly vigilant. I am concerned that McCullough’s tactics may become increasingly violent. He will hire scoundrels, ruffians, men with no code. If my daughter were to fall into their clutches, they know that I would say anything, do anything, to get her back. But the Crown will not be coerced by rebels. Do you take my meaning?”
Malcolm did, loud and clear. McCullough believed he could bend the will of Parliament if he kidnapped Serena. But Ambassador Marsh was telling him that if Serena were ever to be captured, she would be considered the first of many losses to come.
Malcolm glanced at Serena.
A man didn’t exist who could take her away from him.
TWENTY-ONE
Though it was nigh on nine o’clock, the gloaming was not yet over. The sky was swathed in a hundred shades of blue and purple, as