Mine Is the Night_ A Novel - Liz Curtis Higgs [169]
“Very thoughtful,” the governor murmured, his guineas gleaming in the candlelight.
Jack chose the side of the table opposite Dickson, forcing Lord Mark to shift his gaze from one to the other. “If you might kindly review these papers and affix your signature, the gold will be yours, and Tweedsford will no longer remain your concern.”
Lord Mark called for more candles, as well as pen and ink. Two lieutenants scurried about, bringing all that he needed. Jack willed his hands not to shake as he laid two papers, one on top of the other, before the governor. The gold had done its work. Now humility must do its part.
Drawing a candle closer, Lord Mark looked over the lengthy document on top, reading bits aloud as he did, confirming the terms of their agreement.
“Everything in order?” Jack asked, holding out the quill pen and holding his breath as well.
Lord Mark caressed the gold with his gaze once more, then dutifully signed the lease. He could not put the pen down fast enough before he pulled the box closer. “Now then, Admiral Buchanan, have you other business of interest to the king? For you have my full attention, I assure you.”
“There is another matter.” Jack paused long enough to pray. You know my heart, Lord. Yet, thy will be done. “I am weary of the bachelor life and wish to marry.”
“Indeed.” Lord Mark smoothed his fingers across the coins, not bothering to look up. “And what good lady have you chosen for your bride?”
Jack lifted the first document to reveal a second one. A marriage agreement.
“She is a widow without issue from a Highland family with no title and little property.”
Lord Mark snorted. “Well, Admiral, the lady certainly hasn’t much to recommend her.” The others round the table seemed amused as well.
Jack smiled too, though his heart was pounding. “Nevertheless, we are well matched. The king can hardly object to a beautiful woman among the peers.”
“Hear, hear,” one of the officers said, banging the table. His compatriots soon joined in.
Jack steeled himself, knowing what must come next. “There is one impediment to our future happiness, which only the king can remove”
Lord Mark cocked his brow. “Oh?”
“If you might act on his behalf, General, I would be most grateful.” Jack flicked his gaze at the box of gold, a reminder of his generous provision.
The gesture did not go unnoticed. “How may I assist you, Admiral?”
“Last autumn His Majesty extended a general pardon to all who might renounce their support of the Jacobite cause.” Jack paused, wanting to be certain the general recalled the king’s offer of clemency.
The others ceased their murmuring. Lord Mark said evenly, “Go on.”
Jack could delay his bold confession no longer. “My betrothed, Elisabeth Kerr, and your new tenant, my future mother-in-law, are in need of His Majesty’s mercy.”
Lord Mark’s features drew into a fierce scowl. “You mean to say these women are Jacobites?”
“They are no longer so,” Jack quickly amended, “for I have seen for myself their complete devotion to the Crown. In my presence Elisabeth Kerr burned her Jacobite rosettes in demonstration of her fealty to the king.”
Lord Mark eyed his gold at length. “I remember Marjory Kerr now. Her sons foolishly threw away their inheritance to follow the Young Pretender.” His stern tone softened. “She wrote asking for my assistance.”
Jack knew but asked him nonetheless, “Did you help them, milord?”
“Nae, I did not.”
A beat of silence, then two.
Jack slowly knelt before the general, praying for a strength beyond his own. “Then I am asking for a royal pardon on behalf of Marjory and Elisabeth Kerr. Indeed, I am pleading for their very lives.”
Jack bowed his head. Please, Lord. There was nothing else to be said, nothing else to be done.
Finally an answer came. “Very well.”
Jack looked up to find the general dipping his quill in the ink. A miracle, and nothing short of it. Thy mercy endureth for ever. Jack stood, though it was all he could do not to leap to his feet and shout with joy.
Lord Mark signed his name with a flourish,