The Other Side - J. D. Robb [59]
“What good timing on the countess’s part, Harry. She has arrived to hear the best speaker of the day.” Nick Bright nodded toward the other side of the floor where William Wilberforce stood.
The earl’s good fortune was brought home to her even more strongly as she listened with unfeigned interest to the amazing Wilberforce, who had worked so long and tirelessly to end the slave trade.
Today he was speaking on the need to abolish slavery completely, and it was clear that support was awakening. She looked up at Harry, who nodded, smiling at the words ringing in the air and the enthusiasm on both sides of the chamber.
Then Lord Osterman stood up. “I cannot criticize Mr. Wilberforce’s dedication to the issues he thinks are the most important. How could I when he has proved that perseverance will eventually wear down opposition?”
Oh, that was so annoying. As if the supporters of the slave trade had given up because Wilberforce nagged them to death. They had given up because they had been convinced of the error of their ways. Bettina was sure of that.
Osterman droned on, but when Bettina felt Nick’s elbow in the ribs, she made herself listen again.
“I ask you,” Osterman went on, “do you not think his concern is misplaced? Why waste our valuable time on concern for African slaves when we are in the midst of a war that should command all of our attention?”
There were some murmurs of interest, if not agreement.
“If we do not give all of our effort to the needs of the army, we may well find out what slavery is like under the French flag.”
Bettina stood up, so incensed by Osterman’s inflammatory rhetoric and the nods and grunts of agreement that she responded so without thinking about what Harry’s stand would be. “Lord Osterman, your effort to strike fear in our hearts will fail. Englishmen are made of sterner stuff. We can defeat Napoleon and care for those in need. One does not exclude the other any more than a mother can only care for a sick child and neglect her other children.”
No one moved to speak. No one moved at all. Bettina realized that she must have done something awful and sat down with a graceless thump.
A recess was called, and Bettina was not sure if it was a blessing or a curse, since it left her words as the last heard.
Nick Bright shook his head. “Lord help you, Harry, what are you thinking? You and Osterman are supporting the same bill for monies for the army. You sound as though you are having second thoughts. Stupidity like that will cost you votes.”
It wasn’t stupid, she wanted to shout, but at least had the presence of mind to eat the words, to acknowledge her anger had to be controlled.
Lord Osterman stopped by on his way out as well. “Fellsborough, have you gone mad? I will call you out if you persist.”
Control seemed to be something that Osterman had not learned at all. Faced with his bluster, Bettina felt more calm. “If we duel, then there will be one less vote for the army funding.”
Before Osterman could reply, a page came to them. “My lord, the countess is asking to see you. She says it is an emergency.”
With alacrity she was sure most men never felt, Bettina raced out of the chamber and looked for Harry in the public hall. It took a few minutes to find him as men milled about, talking in clusters, some moving along as they conversed, most unaware of the fact they were blocking progress. Finally she found him. He was wearing an awful puce cloak, one she had pushed to the back of her armoire months ago. It must be Freeba’s half day off. Bettina urged him to the side of the hall, where they could have a little privacy.
“Oh, Harry, I’m so relieved you are here. Why were you so late? Is Cameron all right? I did not think they would seat you after the session had begun.”
“No, no, all is well.” He spoke as though she were overreacting and it was his job to remain levelheaded. “Why will you not trust me to put our son’s welfare as high as you would?” He looked away from her for a moment, and she was almost sure his feelings were hurt by her lack of confidence in him.