The Death of the League, Part 1

by sherrythorn

Phileas has had enough of the League of Darkness intruding on his life and others. He makes it a personal crusade to put an end to the organization that leads him to France. While he helps route the League of Darkness out of that country, Matthew and Mark Ridgemont and Jules Verne leave England for safer territory in America... So, they thought.

8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

At Windsor Palace, Queen Victoria was sitting in her private parlor at tea when her footman came into the room with a letter.

It must be a letter of some importance if Barnabas is carrying it to us during tea.

The Queen took the fine stationery off the silver letter tray. She took in the crest on the back and the handwriting on the front. "Most unusual," she said of it. "Sir Phileas Fogg does not send us personal letters often."

"No, your majesty," the footman agreed, keeping his surprise at her calling the gentleman a knight when he wasn't off his face. "As such," Barnabas continued, "and because of your connection to the family, I felt it should come straight to you." He stood by as his sovereign opened the letter and read.

Your Most Gracious Majesty,

I humbly write this letter to apologize for its lateness in being sent to you. I have been most presumptuous in acting without your permission and must beg your pardon.

Last month I requested your Goddaughter Rebecca Fogg's hand in marriage. To my great pleasure, she has accepted. Our engagement has remained secret until now because a vacant position Rebecca espies to, in the offices of the Secret Service, is soon to be filled. She believed her chances for the office would be hindered if her future marriage plans were made known. As that position is now considered out of her reach, I am tendering you my request for your blessing of our union. May you forgive our departure from propriety. Today, we leave for America on your urgent business. I look forward to knowing your will in this matter upon our return.

Phileas Fogg

The letter went on with the normal formalities. Queen Victoria was elated that her God daughter and Sir Phileas were intending marriage, despite their poor judgment in keeping the news from her for so long. The rest of the letter, however, did not sit well with the sovereign monarch. The Queen knew where Rebecca and Phileas were heading and why. Such business was dangerous and the fact that they were both well trained for the work did not lessen the more unpleasant conclusions. Queen Victoria did not like for her subjects to be in harm's way, even when it was a necessity. These two subjects especially had been on her most dangerous business for far too long.

And now they wished to marry?

"Barnabas, bring my writing box and attend to me. I have a letter to compose."