Intrigued by Bertrice Small

Princess Elizabeth, I understand the necessity to hide his own children. Your people did not care properly for the princess. She died of exposure, for you would not allow her chambers to be properly heated; and she died of hunger, for she was ill fed. Is that a fate you wish for Sabrina, Frederick, and wee William, my lord?”
    “In the care of my wife and myself, loyal citizens, our three grandchildren would be safe,” he told her.
    Jasmine laughed scornfully. “You are truly a fool if you believe that, my lord. The children belong with their father, and that is where they are. Do not make an enemy of my son, sir, for one day, I guarantee you, the king will be restored to his throne, and when that time comes, you will be glad of a friend at court who is the king’s dearly beloved cousin.”
    “The Stuarts will never return to England’s throne,” the Earl of Welk said.
    Again Jasmine laughed. “Oh, but they will, sir. I do not know how long it will take, but they will return to rule England one day. Be certain you are not on their personal list of traitors.”
    “I shall go to the courts!” the earl cried, frustrated.
    “Go then. I’m certain your parliamentary courts will be eager to learn of the unjustified murder of an innocent woman by one of their soldiers, who then attempted to steal from her. Already two of the commandments you hold dear are broken: thou shalt not kill and thou shalt not steal. My daughter is not the only witness to this crime. Sir Simon Bates was captain to the troop that invaded Queen’s Malvern. He, personally, executed the soldier involved. He cannot deny it lest he perjure himself. Your godly officers would not lie, I am certain.”
    “Madame, there is something wicked about you, but to my regret your logic is flawless. If you hear from your son, will you contact me?”
    “Alas, sir, I will not be able to do so. My daughter and I leave for France shortly. I could not remain in Scotland, for my memories overwhelmed me. The dower house here at Cadby is mine, of course, and I thought to end my days here, but again, I am engulfed by my remembrances. My grandmother left me a small home in the French countryside. My daughter and I shall go there to mourn the loss of James Leslie. My son, Henry, however, will, of course, send any word to you that he receives. Do not wait for it, though, sir. I suspect Charlie will not reveal his hidey-hole to any, lest his children be endangered again.” She smiled sweetly at him and held out her hand for him to kiss.
    He was dismissed and he knew it. His gloved hand took her beringed one, and his lips offered the customary salute to her rank. “I thank you, madame, for seeing me,” he said, “and I bid you good day.”
    “Good day, my lord,” Jasmine replied. “My felicitations to your exemplary lady wife.” Then Jasmine turned and departed the Great Hall of Cadby.
    The Earl of Welk turned to the Marquis of Westleigh. “Your mother is a formidable woman, my lord.”
    Henry restrained a smile. “She is, sir,” he replied with the utmost seriousness.
    “You will contact me?”
    “Should I receive any communication from my brother, sir, of course,” the marquis responded immediately. Not that he meant to keep such a promise, but he must appear to be sympathetic and cooperative. His own family had to be considered, but he would never betray any of his siblings. His mother was correct in her estimation of John Lightbody, Earl of Welk. He had neither the power nor the wealth, nor powerful friends who would pursue the issue for him. Still, Henry Lindley considered, there was no use making enemies. With charm and a smile, he bid the Earl of Welk a good day, watching as Lightbody left his home.
    “You are clever,” his sister Autumn said, arising from her chair by the fire, where she had been seated the entire time. “Mama is clever in a haughty way, as her royal heritage dictates, but you, Henry, are clever in a different way. I will wager that