Sir Jonathan Chatsworth sat in his office, considering possibilities. Before him sat three files with very strong candidates to become his assistant director. There had been nine to start with. All had been his most senior agents. Background searches had been done and their mission files had been gone through with a fine-toothed comb. Today, he had carved out time to make the final choice. Agent Davenport was a fine agent and had excellent skills, but he would serve better in the field than in an office. He hadn't the temperament for it. Chatsworth would offer him a senior field title. Maybe put him in for a knighthood as well.
Sir Mansfield and Miss Fogg were both far better candidates. They were both politically connected and well suited for the demands of the office. Mansfield would inherit an Earldom one day, which would put him in a better position with the House of Lords to help push the needs of the service through. Rebecca was–well, being the Queen's goddaughter was a very high connection indeed, but it prevented him considering her on grounds of showing favoritism.
No, I can't give Rebecca the position. Despite her qualifications, she is still a woman and my giving a woman the office would bring charges of pandering to the Queen's favor on my head. That I don't want.
The decision made, Chatsworth composed Mansfield's letter of acceptance.
Midway through, his secretary opened the door and ushered in the Queen's footman. Chatsworth's surprise was profound. This man was of a lowly rank but understood to be the Queen's messenger for urgent matters. The Director stood to greet the Queen's servant. "Good day to you, Mr. Hatfield."
"Good day to you, sir," Hatfield said. "I have a letter for you from Her Majesty. I am to await your reply." With that, the man handed over a letter with the Queen's seal on the back and took a relaxed pose before the desk. Chatsworth took it nervously. This could be of great importance. He reverently broke the seal and read its contents.
Sir Jonathan Chatsworth,
We write to you on the joyous occasion of the announcement of our goddaughter's engagement. Rebecca Fogg will announce her impending marriage upon her return from this most important mission in the Americas. We are most satisfied that she wishes to settle into matrimony, but her service to the country is of great value, not to be lost. We cannot lose her. We therefore request you to find her a suitable position to accommodate her new status as a married lady. The position must be compatible with her skills and long loyal service to the country. I would not have it mistaken for a demotion in any way. A home office position we believe will achieve this perfectly. I leave the matter in your capable hands.
Queen Victoria Regina
"Damn."
Sir Jonathan looked up from the Queen's formal request, knowing full well what he had to do to fulfill it.
And just who was Rebecca intending to marry? Am I to be left guessing?
No. I won't. I know full well the only man Rebecca Fogg has spent any appreciable time with of late–Not an unexpected development that.
Mr. Hatfield noted that Chatsworth had finished reading. "How shall I phrase to her majesty your reply?"
Sir Jonathan looked up into the eyes of the Queen's servant. His mouth was dry as sawdust when he said the only thing he could. "There–is a position available that will–suit the Queen's wishes. I am–always–Queen Victoria's most loyal subject. I will–comply with the Queen's bidding."
"Very good, sir."
Later that day, the Queen's footman reentered her presence. "Barnabas, you have Sir Jonathan's reply?"
"Yes, your majesty." He said as he came forward and bowed to her.
"And?"
"Do you wish for his first reply, or the second?"
A smile lit the sovereign's eyes. "The second we think."
"He stated that there was a position available that will suit the Queen's wishes. "I am always Queen Victoria's most loyal subject. I will comply with the Queen's bidding."
"Excellent!" As the servant bowed out of her presence and turned, Queen Victoria called him back to her. "What was Sir Jonathan's first reply?"
The footman turned back to the Queen with a smile that mirrored the one on her face. "Damn."
The sovereign Queen of the British Empire giggled despite herself. "As I suspected. You may attend to your other duties now."