The Glorious Cause - Jeff Shaara [181]
Wentworth took the bait again.
“Absolutely, Doctor! I see we are of the same mind on this matter! What you are so delicately proposing, sir, is that you gentlemen could be disposed to accepting King George’s terms if there was, ah, ample reward.”
“Mr. Wentworth, I have proposed nothing of the sort.”
Wentworth smiled now, said, “Ah! Yes! Well, very good, sir! Your message is received and shall be delivered.”
“You are certainly mistaken, sir. But since you have mentioned the word, what are the terms, exactly, that your government is proposing?”
Wentworth seemed to be enjoying himself now, said, “Very good, indeed, sir. You are a master at diplomacy. Quite simply put, sir, it is a matter of fact that an alliance of England and America creates an empire that is unequaled in the world. There is mutual benefit in matters of defense and in matters of commerce. The marketplace alone that we each bring to our respective merchants and craftsmen is extraordinary! We share the common language, which, to be frank, Doctor, is a decided advantage for you, I’m sure!”
Franklin laughed at the man’s joke, thought, If anyone was unclear if you were a spy or not, you have just provided the evidence. How else would a man of no acquaintance know of the inefficiency of my French?
“Doctor, I must assume that you represent the views of your congress, and carry considerable weight there.”
“I would not say that, sir.”
“Ah, of course. Nonetheless, Doctor, I will speak as though you do. The ministry is prepared to withdraw the demands placed upon the colonies by the various acts put into place since 1763. Since these acts were so odious to you, and seemed to produce such hostility to the crown, the king himself is willing to concede that they were enacted in error.”
Franklin could not hold back, said, “Why did you not consider this to be an option three years ago?”
Wentworth seemed surprised by the question.
“I don’t actually know, Doctor. Certainly could have saved us all a bit of trouble, yes?”
“A bit, yes. What of independence, sir? You have not mentioned the very heart of the matter.”
“Ah, Doctor, because it is not the heart of the matter. It simply cannot be. What King George is proposing is to put aside every issue that produced this conflict in the first place, to admit the errors of his government. There will no longer be any need for independence. All our differences will be settled!”
“That might not be acceptable to the congress.”
“Ah, yes, I see. Just as you three here, your congress is composed of men who have a sensitivity to their place in the empire. A trivial matter, Doctor. The king would surely grant as many titles as required. Your congress could create its own House of Lords, modeled on the very foundations of our own. How very perfect. Marvelous. The king should enjoy the notion.”
Franklin was growing weary of the game, said, “I have made no such offer. I’m not certain that independence can be swept away with such a casual gesture.”
“Doctor, there is nothing casual in the power of His Majesty’s soldiers. I assure you, King George is willing to wage war on your soil for ten years to achieve his aims.”
“Mr. Wentworth, the American people are willing to fight for fifty years to see that he does not.” He had endured all he could of Wentworth’s smugness, leaned forward in his chair, thought, It is time for the second act of this play. He conjured up the anger in his mind, let the words fill the cauldron, then slowly allowed it to spill out. He began with a low growl.
“How dare you, sir! You come into my home and insult me and my country with solicitous bribes? You suggest that under your control, we can become an empire to rule the world, and yet, I have seen Ireland, I have seen what your domination has produced! You do not cooperate, you do not create a marketplace. You take, you plunder, you strip the land of those goods which suit