Chapter 16: The End of the Beginning
Maura disembarked and waited on the lonely dock with an army of sailors screening her from possible well wishers. Jane's ship was slowly finding its way into the harbor while Maura waited nervously for her emotional reunion. Thoughts of her mother invaded her thinking as her anger with the woman had not yet subsided.
Jane stood tall at the bow with her long curly locks blowing in the wind. The tall Texan was anxiously awaiting her return to London. Her mind was calculating ways to punish her girlfriend's mother for the inconvenience she caused her.
When the large sailing ship dropped anchor, the Captain called for his launch to return the angry young woman to his employer. Jane turned to the waiting seamen and called out, "I have not forgotten my promise and you shall receive the bonus I have promised you. Captain, come with me and meet Lady Isles. I am sure she will want to meet you personally."
The Old Sea Captain smiled as he said, "I see yar accent be different. Do ye speak lesser fer sailors than Ladies?"
The wily American winked at the man, "I speak the way I need to speak for those of whom I am speaking."
The veteran sailor laughed heartily as they boarded his launch.
***SE***
The meeting on the dock was chaste and yet very tender. Maura forced herself to calmly walk up to her lover and greet her with a warm and gentle hug as if just fond close friends. Yet tears ran down the normally unemotional cheeks of the young noblewoman.
Jane returned the hug knowing that she must keep up appearances in public or else compromise her young love's position in English society. The tall Texan understood the need, but damned a society that placed propriety over love. The loving American whispered, "I would have charged hell with a bucket to get back to you."
The words increased the flow of tears and deepened the embraced as the two young women separated, the sea captain came to understand the true nature of the relationship between the two young women and sympathy for their plight chilled him. He knew the terrible fate of those who loved incorrectly and acknowledge their wisdom in keeping it secret, for the old salt loved men and not women and had for years felt the loneliness of keeping his own secret from his crew. In his world very few men would follow a captain who was a sodomite.
The Queen was an unforgiving prude when it came to affairs of the heart and less so when it came to affairs of the bedroom. The love that shone in those two young women's eyes was too obvious to be hidden well and if Her Highness didn't know already, someone would soon tell her.
Gossip in the servant quarters must be rampant and for the life of him he couldn't imagine why one of them hadn't blabbed to someone outside the household. One mention of this to an outsider would mean their ruination and Her Majesty the Queen would have the young Texan shipped home in chains and the young noblewoman married to first old Lord that came into her head.
What the old seaman didn't know was that the staff had discussed it among themselves and had taken an oath not to reveal a thing to anyone outside the Manor. The servants were very loyal to the young noblewoman who had taken such wonderful care of them over the years. So now it was their turn to take care of her. Besides Hugh made it clear that should anyone divulge their secret, he would find out who had tattled and would personally deal with the transgressor.
Upon their separation from their very chaste embrace, Jane exclaimed, "Milady Maura, let me introduce to you Captain Elijah Smith. I have made some guarantees to him in order to hasten my return. He was tricked into shanghaiing me by your mother. I have promised him and his crew double bonuses for my swift return. I can return the moneys to you after I wire funds from Texas."
Clandestinely Maura wiped her tears away with her perfumed handkerchief under the guise of smelling it in order to avoid the odors of the dock area. As the young honey blonde sniffed her hanky she replied, "There is no need. I will honor your pledge as I wished for your return and was embarking myself on a ship to retrieve you. The good captain has done me a service for not needing to take such a voyage. Additionally, I will stand for a party for you and your men at the inn of your choosing Captain for a fortnight. Then you may refit and continue your voyage.
Captain Smith would you be so kind as to join us for dinner this evening at my Manor house? My man will give you instructions on how to find your way. I am anxious to hear the tale of my dear friend's exploits."
The overwhelmed seaman stammered his replied, "I thankye kindly. I be honored, Milady and I do have a tale to tell ye bout this lovely lass."
The lovely noblewoman smiled and announced, "Good. Hugh would you be so kind as to call my carriage and then might you have one of your men give the good Captain the information he needs to find the manor."
Hugh signaled for the carriage and nodded to his second in command, who needed no other instruction. The studious bodyguard had overheard the exchange and knew he would have to arrange the party as well as give the Captain his directions.
Maura took the arm of her taller lover and escorted her to the waiting cab so that they could return home and renew their love in privacy. The old seadog watched the couple walk away and a tear ran down his cheek in a quiet salutation to their doomed love.
***SE***
Patrick Doyle was unaware of what was happening on the docks just a few hundred yards away. The former smuggler was busily examined the abandon warehouse where his informants had told him was the last location in which Henri Martine had been seen. Now it was clear that Martine had not left England and had remained to finish the job for which he had paid so handsomely.
Though it was obvious that several people had recently called this damp dank building home, they were no longer using it as such. A burned out fire, some garbage and rubbish and some cold blankets is all that remained of the small encampment. The only creatures left a live were several large tom cats which lived off the small vermin which infested this area.
However, the good Captain Doyle was not interested in such small prey; he had much larger vermin to catch. After several minutes of investigation, the savvy seaman found a clue. Several small pieces of paper with writing on it had been torn into sixteen roughly equally sized squares. The cagy manager of Isles Shipping placed the pieces in his pocket for further examination at a more convenient and secure location.
Except as Mr. Doyle was leaving the building he spotted the heavily cloaked man in the shadows across from his location. It was odd for a man to be so dressed on such a balmy night as tonight. It was as if the man didn't want to be recognized.
Paddy Doyle was not a man to use the front door when trying to clandestinely examine a location. The wily former smuggler had used the skylight to enter the building and though he planned to use the side door to exit, the appearance of the man across the street had forced the older retired sea captain to reconsider his exit strategy.
After a few moments of thought the shifty investigator made his way to a broken window at the doorless rear to the building. The gentleman across the street would be blind to any movement in that direction as the window was concealed by a small shed attached to the building. From that location the clandestine Irishman could conceivably work his way behind the observer and incapacitate him.
Paddy eased himself out the small opening carefully avoiding contact with the shed. Once outside the building the cagy operator scanned the area eager for any moment or unnatural sound. Once satisfied that no one had seen him escape the warehouse, the cautious spymaster moved silently away from the observer and toward his objective.
The wary Irishman made his way behind an adjacent building which he used to conceal his movement to the left of the dark man watching the warehouse. Now at street level with the watcher, Doyle walk casually and with purpose across the street and behind the building adjoining the vacant lot inhabited by the suspicious onlooker.
Carefully and silently the spymaster creep up behind the occupied bystander. At the last moment the transfixed observer became alert at some movement or sound behind and attempted to intercept his opponent. However, the dark man was too late and collapsed as the sap made of leather and double aught buckshot connected with the watcher's head.
Paddy Doyle dragged the man into the shadows and removed his concealing scarf only to be disappointed to find it wasn't Henri Martine. However the ruthless gentleman was confident he could make this man tell him where he could find the elusive French nobleman.
***SE***
Lady Isles received a letter from his Lordship the Prime Minister the next morning. The intelligent noblewoman had anticipated this communication as she had heard that Lord Russell had been outmaneuvered by Lord Palmerton. It was a disappointing development.
Lord Russell's opposition would move to normalize relations with Louis-Napoleon's government and that was in direct conflict with Isles Shipping's interests. Additionally sooner than later the French would have to come in direct conflict with the English Empire if Louis-Napoleon was going to realize his ambition of a unified European continent flying a French flag.
To further her ends France needed raw materials and to this end they had ambitions in Central and South America, particularly Mexico. The French President had made it clear that his aim was to conquer Mexico and then absorb all Mexico's neighbors.
To this end Louis-Napoleon was sending over a representative and as rumor had it a cousin, Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph of the House of Hapsburg. It was no secret as to Maximilian's ambitions in Mexico and Central America. The only thing keeping him and the French out of Mexico was the Monroe Doctrine. The United States made no secret of its policy of no European presence in the Western Hemisphere.
With the American Navy and its formidable army to back its objections, France had no choice to leave Mexico alone at the moment. That could change if the United States should find itself in Civil War by way of objections of the Southern states over policies of its Washington government.
Jane was quite adamant about what would happen if the Southern states felt federal policies should turn against their interests. The funny thing was Lady Maura was quite sure if left to its own devices slavery would die a natural death. According to her Texas girlfriend, it was cheaper to hire hands than keep expensive slaves.
Jane had expressed on numerous occasions slaves were kept more out of a status symbol than economic necessity. That being the case the laws of supply and demand would eventually terminate the practice out of just basic economic momentum.
Lady Isles knew one other thing that kept slavery from being abolished…collateral. Many foreign banks, including English banks gave Southern plantation owners loans based on slaves being included as collateral for such loans. Since abolishing slavery would force the calling in of such loans, the Southern states couldn't afford to allow that to happen at the moment.
In her estimation, Lady Maura felt war would occur by 1859, no later than 1862, which would clear the way for French intrigue in Central and South America, a consequence not in England's best interest.
***SE***
Lord Russell sat behind the desk of the Prime Minister as Lady Isles, Jane Rizzoli and Hugh entered the office. The exiting Prime Minister rose from his seat and bowed to the entering women, as he said, "Welcome Milady Isles and it is so nice to see you again Miss Rizzoli. I had heard you had returned to America."
The tall Texan in her elegant dress responded, "I'm afraid there was a misunderstanding between myself and Lady Constance. It has been resolved."
The elegantly dressed nobleman smiled as he replied, "I am so happy to hear that. We are blessed to have you here with us. In the coming months we are going to need all the friends we can muster to whether the French storm that is coming."
Lady Maura responded, "It is a shame Lord Palmerton outmaneuvered you in Parliament as he will surely make things easier on the French. How long do you think he will be in control?"
Lord Russell answered immediately, "Not long they are going to overextend themselves quickly thinking they have a larger mandate than they do. Too many people remember the former Napoleon to trust this one. I am more worried about them building an empire in the Americas, which is why I ask you here. It seems Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph is coming to London two days from now to discuss trade between Bavaria and England. However, I think it is just to cover a meeting with Palmerton to discuss what to do about Mexico and Central America."
Lady Isles responded, "They won't do a thing while the United States is enforcing the Monroe Doctrine. They cannot risk war with the United States. Their navy is too powerful and they have more men in arms than the French."
Jane shook her head as she said, "You should know that war between the North and South will happen in the next ten years. Eventually an abolitionist is going to be elected President and then the South will succeed from the Union and the North will fight to stop them. It will be a long and bloody war with the North winning."
The former Prime Minister asked, "Are you not a Southern, Miss Rizzoli? You honestly believe that the South cannot win in a conflict with the Northern States?"
The tall Texan answered, "We have no industry in the South. We have cotton, rice, sugar and cattle, but we cannot make weapons or bullets. We'll win a few battles, but we'll lose in the long run."
The thoughtful honey blonde added, "Her assessment is correct. I see no other outcome possible unless the Southern states can overwhelm the Northern states quickly. However either way paves the way for a French adventure in Central America. Which I believe is the reason you wished to see us. You want me to host a party for Maximilian and ferret out his plot."
The dynamic politician was happy at the young noblewoman's assessment. The elegant nobleman replied, "That is exactly what I want you to do for me."
The savvy young heiress nodded for effect as she replied, "I will make the arrangements."
***SE***
Patrick Doyle was covered in blood of the man he had just interrogated for nearly an hour. The deceased bully boy had been employed by Henri Martine to watch the abandoned warehouse and to kill anyone who came out of it. The tortured hireling only knew that he was to be contacted at the White Horse Inn outside of London. The man didn't know who would contact him, but the contact would know him.
It was a disappointing conversation. The experienced spymaster hadn't found out where Henri Martine was hiding or what his future plans entailed. The former smuggler was lost and didn't know where to go next. Looking around the room bloodied by his violent conversation with Martine's bullyboy didn't bring the savvy shipping manager any answers.
Then an inspiration invaded his mind and he knew what to do next. Martine would send the contact the merchant boss didn't know what the man looked like. However Martine's man would be looking for someone he had never met and only knew by description. If Doyle could have a man with similar looks waiting at the inn he could seize the contact before he realized he had the wrong man.
***SE***
Lady Isles considered the guest list and the sitting arrangement while the honey blonde noble calculated the effect of having Ferdinand Maximilian at the same dinner table with the fiery Jane Rizzoli. Jane was lovely, caring and beautiful, but the wild Texan was unpredictable and deadly. Lady Maura had seen firsthand what the skilled hunter could do with a knife and there would be several at her seat while she ate across from a man who threatened her way of life.
The cerebral noblewoman was visualizing the sitting chart and wondering how she was going to approach her older lover with a vital question, 'Can you eat dinner with an enemy without killing him with your eating utensils.'
The young heiress was frightened of the consequences such a question would have on their relationship. The young noblewoman wasn't very experienced with relationships and wasn't quite sure of the protocol in such a situation. Several scenarios in her train of thought had the volatile American storming out the door and back to America.
After what had happened when her mother had had Jane shanghaied Lady Isles knew that she could not survive without her Jane. The young noble had been beside herself in worry and grief in those few days. If Jane were to leave in a huff never to return, the honey blonde teenager knew she would lose a large piece of herself.
Yet too much rode on this dinner party for there to be any possibility of a diplomatic incident. Maura Isles trusted Jane with all she had. Yet Lady Isles had a duty to the Crown, the Queen and England. Therefore the powerful Lady had to be sure of her lover's state of mind. The terrified teenager knew they had to talk, but the young and tender girl was loathed to do it.
***SE***
Jane had spent the afternoon sending cables to Washington, New Orleans and Dallas. Everything the wily American had learned was sent by special courier, but messages needed to be sent to inform those who needed to read those letters to be on the lookout for the letters.
Jane was sitting at a open air table of a small restaurant by Buckingham Palace when she saw an escort of redcoats leading an open carriage. The Queen and her husband were returning to Palace from some unknown destination.
The savvy Texan always aware of her surroundings noticed a thin man wearing a coat far too heavy for the weather they had been having making his way toward the oncoming coach. Warning bells went off in the cagy hunter's head. The experienced frontierswoman knew a hunter stalking his prey when she saw one.
So the tall brunette rose from her seat and tossed a silver coin onto the table before trailing after the suspicious man in the outrageous coat. The soft footed teenager was right behind the man when the dark haired fighter saw the man draw an old flintlock pistol.
The gun rose to take a shot at the Queen, but Jane was quicker. The veteran warrior knocked the gun from the man's grip and punched him in the back of his neck. The loaded pistol fell to the ground and fired. The musket ball sailed along just above the ground and struck an onlooker.
The shot brought quick reaction from the Queen's soldiers as the mounted guardians charged the sound of the gunshot. When the four horsemen arrived they found a long lanky man in a heavy coat laying face down on the ground with a tall well dressed young woman sitting on his back.
The guard Captain recognized the brash American immediately. The Queen's man had met her a few nights ago at the Queen's Ball right after the young lady had knifed an assassin in the corridors of Buckingham Palace.
The experienced officer tipped his hat to the beautiful young woman and asked, "Is this man who fired that shot Miss Rizzoli?"
The lovely brunette chuckled and replied, "Why no Captain, this man did not FIRE the shot. He dropped his pistol and it went off when it hit the ground. A sawbones is working on the guy upfront who got shot. I thought I'd sit on him until y'all got here."
Hugh picked that moment to arrive with two of his men and said, "Miss Rizzoli, your carriage awaits. Lady Maura was specific. You were to be home by six for dinner."
The dapper young officer dismounted and handed the man to his right his reins. The young redcoat bowed politely and said, "I'll take your prisoner though I am sure Her Royal Highness will want a complete report on the matter from you personally."
Jane curtsied as was polite and responded, "Weren't no trouble at all. I was drinking coffee over yonder when I seen that feller walking suspicious like toward the Queen's carriage."
The intelligent Captain had to asked, "What made you suspicious?"
The experienced hunter laughed, "His coat... The only reason to wear a coat like that on a muggy warm day is to conceal something. So I followed him. I seen him draw that pistol. So I decided to act and disarm the man and then subdue him. Now, if you pardon me I don't want to keep my hostess waiting for my return so she can eat dinner."
The gallant Captain took the young woman's hand and kissed it gently with a bow and answered, "I understand. Would you be so kind as to convey my best wishes to the Lady Isles?"
The polite brunette curtsied as she replied, "Why of course Captain. Good day to you."
As the dark American retreated to her coach, the handsome young officer watched her leave intently as he considered the merits of courting such a woman. The dashing young Captain came to one conclusion. He saw no downside whatsoever.
***SE***
Royal Guard Captain Sir Warren Fredrick Wilhelm Sussex was descended through the cadet line from the original Duke of Sussex. A third son of a minor squire, the young man had no chance of inheriting any other than some trinket when his father passed. So the well educated man from a distinguished noble family joined the military.
His family used their influence to get him posted in the Royal Guard. Due to a Eton education the young guardsman was made a junior officer. Then fate intervened for when he uncovered a plot to poison the Queen and her husband the ambitious young man was promoted to Guard Captain.
With only four years in the guard Captain Sussex was the youngest man to ever make Guard Captain. Not only had he been made Guard Captain the fortunate soldier was made a Knight of the Bath. Sir Warren was also a man of honor.
At first the aborted assassination attempt had been created to his quick action. However, the honorable nobleman couldn't in good conscience take credit for the action. Instead Sir Warren told Her Highness about how Jane Rizzoli had intervened and foiled the would-be killer.
Captain Sussex explained how he had heard a shot and rode toward the fire to investigate the gunfire. As he explained it, "When I arrived I found Miss Rizzoli sitting on the would-be assassin. It seems the young lady disarmed the man and knocked him to the ground before I even arrived.
As she told it, she saw the man wearing a coat far too heavy for the weather. Being suspicious she followed the man and saw him draw a pistol. She knocked the pistol from his hand and when it hit the ground it discharged wounding an innocent bystander.
Miss Rizzoli then subdued the assailant and waited for the guard to arrive. Lady Isles's man arrived to escort Miss Rizzoli to her coach, which he did. It is Miss Rizzoli, not I, who captured the assailant."
The Queen sat back in her thrown and announced, "The young woman must be rewarded. For such a service a knighthood is required. We must bestow the honor on her at once"
Victoria's husband and confidant interjected, "She's an American and they are fussy about titles. I don't believe by American law, she can hold her American citizenship and a title. I think we must consult the American ambassador, Mr. Lawrence, to ascertain a way we can knight this brave young woman. Americans are good at finding ways around their pesky laws. I have no doubt from what I have heard from our fine young Captain that Jane Rizzoli saved one or both of us from injury or worse."
Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, proclaimed, "Mr. Lawrence, would you be so kind as to grace us with your wisdom in this matter?"
Minister Lawrence was a tall balding man with a stern demeanor and continence. A Unitarian minister from Massachusetts; Abbott Lawrence was a man of strong convictions and prejudices. As a stark abolitionist, the Whig and former member of the House of Representatives hated Southern and viewed them all as slave owners.
He was in no mood to find a way to make one of them a Lady of the Court of St. James. After all, the angry and narrow preacher hated the very idea of nobility and its trappings. However, the dedicated American was still an ambassador to England and as such had an obligation to address the matter. So he did the obvious; he gave the problem to someone else.
The Ambassador replied as he bowed deeply, "Your Royal Majesty, I am here today to present to you the new Ambassador to your Court. My party as you know lost the last election and as a result I am being replaced. Let me introduce to your Highnesses, Joseph R. Ingersoll of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ingersoll is a lawyer and quite familiar with ways around our laws. If any man can find a way to contravene the law; it is he."
The smiling diplomat ignored the obvious and clumsy insults and bowed just as properly and responded, "I am pleased to present my papers to Your Royal Majesties and represent my great country in your magnificent court. As to you present dilemma I do have a solution."
***SE***
Lady Maura was seated at her finely carved and crafted mahogany desk going over the trade bills from each of her ships. The excellent businesswoman wanted to identify her best sea captains and appoint them to the rank of Commodore to command a trade fleet rather than just one ship. Recent pirate activity had caused the pragmatic noblewoman to consider these merchant fleets to concentrate her ships limited firepower.
Jane had even had the very good suggestion of purchasing obsolete frigates from the Royal Navy to provide escorts for her new fleets. The ever industrious honey blonde had sent Henry Hudson to negotiate the initial purchase of six such frigates with the intention of purchasing as many as twenty-four such ships. The diplomatic young woman was a bit worried about the Queen's reaction of a merchant fleet escorted by a warship, but she was confident Prince Albert would see the merits of the plan.
Lady Isles had identified several excellent candidates and was in the process of writing orders to each of them requiring their appearance for an interview. The dynamic businesswoman was outlining the composition of each of the proposed trade fleets when her butler knocked on the doorframe of her study. The well manicured servant announced, "Milady, an officer is holding a message from the Queen. He is waiting for a reply."
The curious Lady responded, "Have him enter."
The serious gentleman answered, "Yes, milady."
After a few moments an officer dressed in the redcoat uniform of the Queen's Royal Guard entered the room, clicked to attention and bowed. The young Lady only nodded her acknowledgement of the polite bow. The young officer volunteered, "I have a formal invitation from Her Majesty the Queen to attend the Queen's levee with Miss Jane Clementine Rizzoli ten days hence. I can say that Miss Rizzoli's presence is vital."
The calculating honey blonde didn't like this invitation. It was too out of nowhere. For the life of her Lady Isles couldn't figure out what had reciprocated this sudden demand and it was a demand to see her and Jane at court. The Queen never did anything without a reason and it bothered the brilliant noblewoman that she couldn't figure out what that reason was.
The agitated young woman nervously took the presented envelope from the hand of the fashionable young man. Anxiously the honey blonde teenager opened the officially seal envelope. There wasn't a clue as to the purpose of the audience. It was only the standard invitation to levee. Desperately the nervous teen scanned the eyes and demeanor of the young officer as to extract a clue of the purpose behind this invitation, but the officer was too well trained to let such a secret show on his face.
Lady Maura knew that asking him for further information would be useless. If he knew he would never tell because it was the Queen's business and no other's and if he didn't know then she would be betraying her interest. It was never wise to show all your cards particularly to someone as skilled at the game as Queen Victoria.
Lady Maura pulled a blank page from her personal stationery and with her best hand she wrote a letter of acceptance, folded it carefully and placed it in an envelope. With a fresh quill she labeled the envelope with the official name of the Queen and sealed the flap with red wax stamped with the Isles family seal. While handing the letter to the Queen's messenger the young noblewoman announced, "I accept the Queen's invitation on my behalf and that of my guest, Jane Rizzoli. Thank the Queen personally for me and my guest for her kind invitation."
With a wave of her hand and new attention to her desk the young Captain was dismissed. After the good Captain was escorted from her office and out the front door, Lady Isles jumped to her feet losing all composure as she darted to her study door.
The concerned young noblewoman looked out of her study and commanded, "Get me Hugh and Miss Rizzoli… immediately and get me something to calm my nerves."
***SE***
Lady Isles was sitting at her desk reading the invitation for the seventeenth time in hopes of finding some clue as to why they were being summoned to Buckingham Palace. Hugh arrived moments before Jane entered the study with her flowing skirts and beaming smile. That smile almost made the young noblewoman forget the danger that was sitting at her finger tips. However the danger was to that smile and that made the honey blonde teenager ask, "Hugh, did anything special happen today?"
The dark bodyguard looked a little nervous as he answered, "Well, Milady, Miss Rizzoli did have coffee at an open air café and the Queen and her husband rolled by in a large open carriage."
The simple statement made the matter even scarier for the fretful noble. It was no coincidence that within hours of Jane seeing the Queen in her carriage and they get a summons to court. So, the fair Lady needed more information to understand the gravity of the situation. So the honey haired youth asked, "Jane, what happened as the Queen's carriage rolled by? And before you say nothing, I have here in my hand a summons to Buckingham Palace for ten days hence. So, I ask again why has the Queen suddenly taking a notice of you? No matter what it is, I need to know what it is to counter its effects."
The normally outspoken American was shy as she responded, "Y'all see. Thar were this here assassin and I stopped him."
Suddenly everything fell into place and now the invitation made perfect sense. However there had to be more or Jane would not have let here Texas accent slip in. The intelligent Texan only reverted when she was nervous. So Lady Maura pursued the question, "What else Jane?"
The apprehensive brunette rocked from foot to foot for a second before she replied softly, "This redcoat captain found me sitting on the guy and when I knocked down the guy his pistol fell to the ground and it went off into the crowd and somebody got shot."
The summons could be because someone important was injured in the melee and the Queen was holding Jane responsible or it could just be the Queen's way of thanking Jane for intervening on her behalf. To eliminate the first possibility, the frightened Lady asked, "Do you know who was injured Jane?"
The restless American was feeling trapped as shot back, "No, it was just somebody in the crowd. I don't know who it was. Maybe Hugh knows something."
All eyes went to the dark figure trying unsuccessfully to blend in with the wall. The tall protector responded, "Milady, I looked into the matter once Miss Rizzoli was on her back to the Manor. The man who was shot was a butcher from a shop one block from the shooting. He was there to see the Queen and was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Might I add Lady Isles, had not Miss Rizzoli intervened the Queen and her husband could have been killed or wounded. The attack was well planned."
The lovely young noblewoman took a deep breath and sighed with relief. It seemed that Jane had saved the Queen and more likely her husband from harm. So the invitation was to thank Jane formally before the entire court and to reward her in some way.
Normally with an Englishman the reward would be a knighthood and maybe a small plot of land as a squire. However, Jane was an American and was a complication for such a reward. As the intelligent teenager understood American law an American citizen couldn't hold a foreign title. Obviously Her Majesty had some other suitable reward in mind.
No matter what the reward the worried lover was relieved she had been terrified that their true relationship had been uncovered. That would have been a disaster for her lovely girlfriend. Her Royal Highness was such so straight-laced about sexual matters, she would surely banish Jane back from any part of the United Kingdom and ostracize the Lady Isles from court.
The former would be a tragedy to Lady Maura, but the later would be a disaster for the Empire. The fortune of the Empire was intertwined with global trade and Isles Shipping control about twenty percent of that trade. The Queen may not realize how important her trading empire was to the Greater Empire. Additionally her intelligence system in France was all the Kingdom had and it was vital to know what Louis-Napoleon was plotting.
For the first time since the couple had become a couple, Lady Isles was questioning the prudence of her relationship with Jane. Then Lady Maura looked in the chocolate brown eyes of the tall desirable Texan and knew it prudence had nothing to do with it. Love was love and that is all that mattered.
Maura looked into those lush brown eyes and felt a pang of desire. To help ease the sexual tension that had erupted, Lady Maura said, "Well it looks like we are going to have to new dress and trains made and feathers. How I hate feathers. Do you know why we are being summoned to the Palace, my Love?"
Jane shook her head from side to side the sleek brunette was now worried about the consequences of her intervention. Maura smiled at the concern that had crossed her girlfriend's mind and eased immediately by answering her own question, "The Queen had discovered your part in saving her and her husband from harm. Therefore a reward is necessary. Her Majesty cannot appear ungrateful for such actions and will find it necessary to reward you in some way. With an English citizen Her Royal Highness would knight that person and grant them some squiredom somewhere in England or Wales. However you being an American would complicate such a reward."
Jane nodded the correctness of that statement and replied, "I will not give up my American citizenship to become some small time noble and as far as I know you can't hold citizenship and a title."
The lovely honey blonde nodded the correctness of that statement and responded, "I am quite sure Her Royal Highness knows of the situation and devised a proper reward. You will be recognized for heroism at the Queen's Levee in ten days and that by itself is a great honor. You will be famous. The sad part is the press is going to hounding you for your story. I will have to have Henry arrange something where we can control the nature of the questions and setting for which they will take place."
Jane flushed as she queried, "Do I have to? I hate talking about myself."
Maura laughed and answered, "Then you should have let the assassin shot the Queen."
Jane smirked at the joke and responded, "Couldn't do that I likes her and I don't like her children atol. Iffin I'd let that there pilgrim shot her then one of those brats'd been King and I don't cotton to that much atol."
The smiling honey blonde laughed at the enhanced accent and looked to Hugh as she commanded, "Get my dressmaker. We have to talk about this audience. It really could not have come at worse time. We already have the dinner for Lord Maximilian in six days. We may have to hire an extra seamstress. Tell her to bring a pad she will have to take notes."
Jane sighed and slumped into her chair, the tall Texan hated talking dress stuff, but the observant brunette had brought this on herself and couldn't blame anyone else. Maura noticed her girlfriend's discomfort and walked around the table and sat on her lap. They kissed passionately. The wayward Texan was properly distracted while waiting for the Lady's dressmaker.
***SE***
Patrick Doyle had twelve men covering the tavern in which the meeting was to take place. All the men were informed to keep their eyes open for someone looking for someone and not finding them. They were under strict orders not to intervene without a signal from the Irish manager.
They had been at the inn for over an hour when their first suspect entered the bar. The short stocky man was looking around the bar for someone. Paddy was about to give the signal when the man recognized another man in the bar and headed to his table. When the man bought his friend a round of drinks the twelve warriors redoubled their efforts to capture the go-between.
Twenty minutes later another man entered the tavern and began looking around. Disappointment entered the man's face as he started to leave. Doyle signaled his men and they closed in. Two men locked his arms and another tapped him on the head with a sap. The man collapsed immediately and was carried out of the inn by four of his men.
The bully boys dumped the unconscious man in a wagon and waited for Mr. Doyle to accompany them to their safe house where they would question the man intently and no one would hear him scream.
***SE***
Jane was being fitted with the dress for the Maximilian Dinner Party when Lady Maura came into the fitting room with a couple of questions. While the tall Texan was trying desperately to stand still while the dressmaker pinned and cut places around the gown, the honey blonde noble said, "Jane the teal looks so nice on you. I think you need to have a couple of gown made with that color. Sophia, I would like four more gowns for Jane in that color if you could be so kind."
Jane wasn't exactly excited about standing for fitting four more gowns, but the wild American had learned it was unwise to cross her young girlfriend when it came to fashion. Instead, the savvy huntress thanked her kind host, "Milady is more than gracious. Thank you."
Lady Isles laughed and replied, "You are so welcome soon to be Lady Jane."
The class wary American had been teased for two days now by her diminutive lover about the upcoming audience with the Queen. The hard-bitten frontierswoman had told the honey blonde teenager a hundred times she had no interest in any titles. It was stupid to talk about something that would never and could never happen. Jane had no intention in giving up her citizenship for any fancy title that didn't mean squat in the United States.
The look on her dark lover's face was priceless to the wealthy English noblewoman and she cherished each and every look and blush. However it was time to get to the point, "Jane, I need to talk to you about tomorrow night's dinner party. I need you to reassure me you will not…ahhh…you know… ahhh…"
Jane rolled her eyes and intervened, "You to make sure I don't kill the sumbitch."
The mortified Lady coughed as she choked on her older lover's directness. The honey blonde teenager could only nod up and down letting her girlfriend know that is indeed what she wanted to know. The lovely Texan responded to the nod with, "I ain't got no plans on any keelin's, but y'all never knows about a shindig like that. With all the drinkin' and jawin' and all we might'n end up fittin' one of them there duels. Hell I kin fit wit a blade or a ball heel git da chose."
The sarcasm and the home spun language showed how offended her dark girlfriend was over the question. Embarrassed by the crass nature of the question, the Lady Isles apologized, "I am so sorry Jane. I did not mean to offend you. However you know as well as I do Lord Maximilian's views of Central America are very damaging to you home and could cause you, your family and your friends a great deal of trouble."
Jane did understand what a difficult position in which her beautiful honey blonde found herself. However, the Tough Texan was offended by a question which inferred she was not totally civilized. The humble American looked into those hazel eyes with their flecks of floating green and gold and knew she had to say, "I'm sorry, Honey. I…ah… fall off the handle sometimes, but you all but called me a savage and that is offensive. Have I ever given you cause to doubt my manners or my etiquette?"
As the worried noblewoman thought about the question, she realized that Jane was absolutely correct. The rough and tumble American was direct in her opinions, but she had always conducted herself as a lady. So the properly chastised noble replied, "No my love you have not. I am so sorry if I implied otherwise. That being said, tomorrow you will hear many offensive things being said about your people and your country and I have to be absolutely sure you will not cause a scene."
Once the dress was removed, the long legged Texan in her corset and petticoat jumped down from the pedestal and went to her young girlfriend pulled her into her arms and kissed her with a passion only reserved for trusted lovers. That one kiss answered all the younger maiden's questions and reassured her completely.
***SE***
Doyle sat across from the naked man who hung upside down from a meat hook in smoke house in the warehouse district. The hairy man had been left in that position for five full minutes in order to disorient the bullyboy. From past experience the expert inquisitor knew one could not keep a man in this position for too long or he would die before they got all the information the former smuggler needed.
At the end of the allotted time the veteran questioner pulled a wooden box at eye level with the properly disoriented man. Paddy Doyle stated with conviction, "You have two choices. You can answer my questions without being tortured and save yourself a lot of pain. Or you can choose not to answer my questions, be tortured, then answer my questions. Either way you will tell me what I need to know. The only choice you have is pain or no pain. So tell me, is it pain or no pain."
The dizzy man found it hard to concentrate on what he needed to do. Neither man knew that because blood was settling in the man's brain, he was becoming disoriented and confused. The foggy man tried desperately to recall what he needed to say. However, it was getting harder and harder for the confused man to think clearly.
The bewildered bully boy tried to think of a convenient lie, but all that he could reply was, "Let me down. I'm gonna pass out iffin I hang chere much mo."
Using an iron bar, the expert interrogator swung at the man's right kneecap, shattering it. The pain was intense and caused the upside down victim to scream in agony. His body weight pull down on the wounded knee triggering more pain. The clouds in his mind were replaced by blinding lights of torture. The veteran questioner asked softly, "Where is Henri Martine?"
Tears ran down the man's cheek as he cried for relief. Paddy said, "I will let you down and stop the pain if you tell me where I can find Henri Martine."
The expert bully boy had been considered a tough man all his life. The strong hoodlum had beat many men to death with his bare hands, but he had never really had to take much punishment. The agonized would be tough was finding out the hard way tough is not what you dish out, but what you can take. He couldn't take much.
Through the pain and desperately wanting it to stop, the no so tough criminal replied, "The White Swan in lower London."
The former smuggler ordered the man to be lowered down and taken to a clean bed. Paddy sent one of his men to fetch a doctor and another to go to the police and report a murder. The police would come and see who it was and bury the whole thing. There wasn't enough manpower to investigate every killing of street thugs. Patrick left to find out if indeed Henri Martine live at the White Swan or if he was lying to find some relief.
If the bully boy was telling the truth then Paddy would put a bullet in his head. If the thug was lying, then Doyle was going to make the stupid man wish he had told the whole truth.
***SE***
Big Frank didn't like the news from Fort Worth. The army was evacuating the fort and would no longer be a buffer between the Comanche and the Kiowa. Without the presence of the soldiers in Fort Worth, the Kiowa would once again be on the prowl and looking to count coup.
The citizens in the town surrounding the fort had taken possession of it and were using it as a place of safety in case of Indian attack. Citizens in the town in the area were relocating businesses inside the military construct.
However without the regular patrols from the fort, the Kiowa were going to get ambitious. The broad Italian called for his horse and asked Mustang to get all the hands together. They were going to round up all the cattle and horses and bring them in sight of the ranch, so they could better protect the values herds.
The impressive rancher called for the Whitfields to accompany him to see Red Blanket. The old war chief would already know the news, but there was no harm in palavering about what to do. Who they really needed was Jane. Just her reputation alone with the Kiowa would calm them down a bit. They ain't forgotten the last time they tangled with the white she-demon. This was a terrible time for his youngling to go gallivanting off to Europe.
The powerful rancher knew in his heart the trip Jane was on was import to her and therefore it was necessary. The savvy Italian knew his daughter and knew she wouldn't do anything without thinking it through every which way. Hell, Mustang said Janie planned on which way her hair grew, though to hear Angela tell it, the girl's hair was a wild and untamable thing.
After Big Frank talked to Red Blanket, he planned to go to Dallas and send a letter to his daughter telling her about what was going on. The big man wasn't going to ask his child to come home. He would leave that for her to decide. Janie always knew what was right.
***SE***
The first two courses of the magnificent dinner had been served and eaten without incident. The fresh cucumber and onion salad, one of Jane's favorite dishes, was well received by the Prussian noble. The pea soup, one of England's staple dishes, was equally found delicious. Now the broiled salmon was being devoured by the twenty-eight dinner guests and their hostesses.
It was while they were enjoying the fragrant fish the debonair Prussian asked, "Well, Miss Rizzoli, I understand you are from Texas. Is that correct?"
The lovely brunette felt the signals coming from her young lover as she replied, "Right as rain, Milord."
A smile beamed from the honey blonde at the head of the table and directly across from her beautiful Texan as she enjoined, "Jane is from West Texas somewhere west of Dallas. Her family has a cattle ranch and other holdings in the area."
The savvy nobleman continued, "Oh, how big are your holdings?"
The beautiful American answered, "2032"
The German aristocrat replied, "2032 acres is a nice size holding. How man head of cattle do you own?"
The intelligent Texan closed her trap, "That's 2032 square miles that's about 1,300,000 acres. We run about 15,000 head of short horns and about three times as many long horns. We also run about 5,000 head of riding stock and have two trading posts, three sugar mills, five sugar beet plantations and one of the general stores in Dallas. When I left to console my dear friend, Lady Isles on her father's death, we were in the process of acquiring two sugar cane plantations, one in Cuba and one in Louisiana. I expect my pa closed those deals by now."
Lord Russell grabbed his napkin to hide his laughter. He knew that the lovely American was well-to-do, but he had not known the extent of her wealth. Lady Isles was far wealthier than even he; however Jane Rizzoli did rival his wealth. The former Prime minister had to chuckle at the indignation of the snobbish Prussian, who had thought he was dealing with only a country bumpkin, but now he knew he was dealing with a sharp and canny businesswoman, who could set conversational traps as easily as she set her fur traps in West Texas.
Lady Maura beamed with pride at the fine trap her lovely girlfriend had set for the oafish dinner guest. However, the honey blonde noblewoman needed information from the man and had to get the conversation going in the right direction. So she interjected, "I understand you have interests in the region yourself Lord Maximilian."
The stunned Prussian was still calculating the amount of wealth the young Texan's family controlled. Welcoming the out the sweet Lady had offered him, he replied, "Yes, I am interested in establishing an Empire in Mexico and Central American. I will use twenty thousand troops to conquer Mexico City and once I've conquered all of Mexico, conquer the rest of Central America."
Jane smirked and shook her head from side to side as the Prussian noble asked, "Well, Miss Rizzoli, you don't think I will succeed with my plan?"
The wily Texan answered quickly, "Mister, you're gonna die in Mexico if you try what you're talking about."
The arrogant aristocrat sipped his wine and took another bite of his salmon before he answered, "Why would you say that. I will have twenty thousand seasoned troops behind me."
The beautiful brunette laughed, "You might be able to take Mexico City with twenty thousand soldiers, but you'll need a hundred times that to secure the whole country. Do you know what you're facing? Those old Dons are hard men with small armies at their backs. Then you got the banditos and Yaquis to fight. The Yuma are strong mountain fighters and are vicious warriors."
The German nobleman responded, "Then I'll bring fifty thousand men."
Maura laughed and supported her dark lover, "Bring a hundred thousand and it will not be enough and where do plan on getting these men? Louis Napoleon will not give you that many. Your uncles will give you that many. You'll have to hire mercenaries and when you run out of money, you will lose your whole army."
The smile vanished from the ambitious aristocrat's face as he replied, "I will have to think about the army size and where to get them. I know it can be done."
Jane lowered her head and sighed. Maura noted her older lover's reaction and made a mental note to question her about what she was thinking later that night. Meanwhile the wine and fine food was making her guest very talkative and that was vital to finding out about Louis-Napoleon's vision in Central America.
***SE***
Patrick Doyle disguised as a British Naval Commander and entered the White Swan Inn to register. The well concealed man collected his key and went to his room all the time memorizing the layout of the windows and doors. Earlier in the day, two of his men confirmed that a man fitting the description of Henri Martine was indeed staying at the small hostel.
Doyle accessed his room and went about the place showing anyone checking out the room that someone did reside here. After establishing residence, the savvy spymaster removed his commander disguise and donned one of a Spanish gentleman.
Walking down the stairs and out the door as if he owned the establishment, the cagey former smuggler went across the road to a small outdoor café called the Minced Pie. After ordering its namesake the intelligent Spanish gentleman began to monitor who entered and exited the Inn across the way.
The skilled spy slowly ate his meal ordering and reordering cool beverages. The wise spymaster had occupied the table for forty-five minutes, when he decided he had been seen in this spot long enough. The dark Irishman paid his bill and was about to leave when Henri Martine arrived with two bodyguards.
The three men entered the inn while being followed by a well-dressed Spaniard. Paddy took a hard left and circled to the open window behind the innkeeper's appointment desk. The skilled manipulator watched as the two bodyguards stayed on the ground floor watching the inn's two regular entrances.
When examining the building earlier the savvy Irishman had determined that one of tall trees that served to cool down the house overhung the building's roof. On the same reconnoiter the agile older man noticed the tree was in a blind spot and could not be observed from any window without leaning out to look.
Paddy climbed the old tree and shimmied across a branch over the roof. As the dexterous gentleman dropped from the branch onto the roof he had to recover his balance as loose shingles on the thatched roof slipped under the former smuggler's booted feet. The cautious fighter paused and listened for any reaction to his stumble.
When the experienced warrior was satisfied no one was responding to his slight blunder he continued onto the open window. Quietly the nimble Irishman slid through the window and into the hallway. Moving silently down the corridor Doyle approached Martine's room.
The expert killer cautiously scanned each and every door looking for enemies as he drew nearer his opponent's doorway. At the French gambler's door Doyle paused to gather his skills and ready his weaponry. The vigilant combatant had no idea what lay behind that door, but he had no choice but to attack and hope he had surprise on his side.
With a knife in one hand and a double barreled pistol in the other, Paddy kicked the thin pine door off its weak leather hinges. Two stunned bodyguards gapped for a moment before reaching for their weapons. It was all the time the skilled fighter needed as he fired one barrel into each of the large bully boys.
Martine was not so stunned and had time to drop a throwing knife from his sleeve into the palm of his hand. Instantly the experienced killer let the blade fly through the air at the deadly intruder. However Paddy had been prepared for this move. The cagey warrior had investigated his opponent and knew of his penchant for throwing knives.
As the unpredictable fighter fired his second shot he dove forward into the busy room. The lethal dagger sailed over the outstretched body of the tough Irishman. Paddy rolled forward using his momentum to carry his upright and into a crouch with his deadly stiletto ready for action.
Martine did not disappoint Paddy as he charged his with a pair of knives in his experienced hands.
***SE***
After the guests had left the lovely dinner party, Jane and Lady Maura said their farewells to each of them. The tall Texan was all bright smiles and fond wishes, yet her girlfriend knew the volatile American was seething inside. Lord Maximilian was most gracious in his farewells commenting on how original and satisfying the menu was.
Lady Isles responded, "Each and every dish was from Texas. Jane had a heavy hand in planning the menu. She spent several days teaching the chef how to prepare each dish."
The stunned Prussian replied, "I had no idea you were such an accomplished cook. After all the astounding tales of valor I have heard about you I didn't expect you to be such a homebody."
The insults weren't lost on the savvy brunette as she responded, "Well, milord, war I come from y'all has to be good at jest bout everythin. Taint no servants out on the plains."
Lord Russell had lagged behind to talk to the dynamic couple and chuckled at the exchange. The boorish gentleman thought himself the wit, but had met his match in the intelligent American plainswoman. There is no doubt had Jane been born a man in England she would have been knighted by this point.
Without further comment the chastised Prussian snaked out the door. As the door closed Lord Russell asked, "Ladies, can we have a minute to discuss the evening?"
Jane laughed as she answered, "Wall shore we kin, milord."
Maura giggled as she shook her head leading the trio to the study.
***SE***
The two experienced knifemen circled each other, each looking for an opening to kill the other. Martine had two knives weaving a pattern of death before him, while Doyle countered with his one blade and a small sap which he had slipped into his hand.
The deadly Frenchman flashed out his blade in an effort to slice his opponent a bit to get him bleeding. Bleeding would weaken the man and therefore make the nobleman's victory easier. However, the expert knife fighter was too quick and knowledgeable for such a slash.
The cagy Irishman slapped the Frenchman's hand with his sap causing the dark man to yelp in pain and drop his precious weapon. Yet, Doyle was human and humans make mistakes and Paddy made one. As he hit the man's hand with the sap his hand grazed the knife blade as the former gambler was releasing the sharp stiletto. The unexpected cut caused the sap to slip from the former smuggler's grasp.
Now the two men were down to their daggers and only one man was going to survive.
***SE***
Lady Isles ordered tea and cakes to be served. Though the three had eaten dinner, the after dinner conversation had taken three hours and many calories. Talking politics was hungry work. Besides there would be several slices of the strawberry cream cake remaining from dinner, so why not enjoy them while the cake was fresh.
Jane sat gracefully on a love seat next to his lover and asked, "About what do you want to discuss, Milord?"
The wily nobleman had not missed the fact that Jane and not Lady Isles had gotten to the point of their little chat. Obviously the young Texan was shielding the diminutive young noblewoman and was taking the lead in order to block any attacks on the fair blonde. So the older noble answered, "I would like to know what you two though of our guest of honor?"
Jane muttered, "Snake."
While Lady Maura answered, "He is a dandy and a popinjay. However he is dangerous. He is a desperate man and desperate men are dangerous. He fully expects he will march on Mexico City and conquer all of Central America."
Jane nodded her agreement and replied, "Milord, I agree with Lady Isles. He will march on Mexico right after the United States is involved in its own civil conflict. He will find a way to get all the troops he needs. I just wish I knew what he was up to."
Lord Russell also shook his head up and down and said, "I agree. So what do we do next?"
***SE***
Patrick Doyle was trying desperately to staunch the bleeding in his abdomen. Henri Martine, a skilled knifeman had managed to drive his blade into the tough Irishman, but he had thrust the knife too hard and Doyle, a veteran knife fighter in his own right, had trapped the gambler's blade using his body and by grasping his opponent's wrist firmly.
Unable to retrieve his dagger or move away from close proximity of the older man's lethal stiletto Henri Martine saw his life and his plans fade to nothing. The would-be French Baron knew he made a fatal error as the wounded warrior shoved his blade into the former gambler's chest just below his heart.
The stunned Frenchman stared wide eyed with his mouth open as his opponent jerked the blade upward slicing his heart. The dying man's life and blood poured from his body as he nodded in tribute of his enemy's victory.