Sorry to bother you, sir, but theres an urgent phone call for you at the house. Mr. Butterworth said it was important, its from Boston.
Grant frowned. Butterworth wasnt going to send anyone after him unless it was genuinely important. The estate manager knew full well what he was up to at a slack time like this. He was also wily enough not to come looking himself.
I wonder what young Elphinstone has done to annoy him, Grant thought irreverently.
Wait there, he shouted. Ill be with you in a minute. He deliberately took his time dressing. No damn way was he going to come dashing out of the caravan tucking his shirt into his trousers and give the lad something to tell all the other junior estate managers.
He straightened his tweed riding jacket, smoothed down his muttonchops with his hands, and settled his cap. How do I look?
Masterful, Carmitha said from the bed.
There was no detectable irony. Grant fished around in his pocket and found two silver guineas. He dropped the gratuity into a big china bowl sitting on a shelf beside the door as he went out.
Louise watched her father and William Elphinstone ride up to the front door. Grooms appeared, and took charge of the horses. From the way the animals were sweating it had been a hard ride. Her father hurried into the house.
Poor old Daddy, always busy.
She strolled over to where William was talking to the grooms, both boys younger than her. He saw her coming and dismissed them. Louise stroked the black stallions flank as the big animal was led past her.
Whatever is all the fuss about? she asked.
Some call from Boston. Mr. Butterworth thought it important enough to send me out looking for your father.
Oh. Louise started to move away. Rather annoyingly, William walked in step with her. She wasnt in the mood for company.
Ive been asked to the Newcombes bash on Saturday evening, he said. I thought it might be rather fun. Theyre not quite our people, but they set a decent table. There will be dancing afterwards.
Thats nice. Louise always hated it when William tried to put on graces. Our people indeed! She went to school with Mary Newcombe.
I hoped you would come with me.
She looked at him in surprise. Eagerness and anxiety squabbled over his face. Oh, William, thats jolly nice of you to ask. Thank you. But I really cant. Sorry.
Really cant?
Well, no. The Galfords are coming to dinner on Saturday. I simply must be there.
I thought that perhaps now hes left, you might find more time for my company.
Now whos left? she asked sharply.
Your friend, the gallant starship captain.
William, you really are talking the most appalling tosh. Now Ive said I cant attend the Newcombes party with you. Kindly leave the subject.
He stopped and took hold of her arm. She was too surprised to say anything. People simply did not take such liberties.
You always found plenty of time for him, he said in a flat tone.
William, desist this instant.
Every day, it was. The two of you galloping off to Wardley Wood.
Louise felt the blood rising to her cheeks. What did he know? Remove your hand from me. Now!
You didnt mind his hands.
William!
He gave her a humourless smile and let go. Im not jealous. Dont get me wrong.
There is nothing to be jealous of. Joshua Calvert was a guest and friend of my fathers. That is the end of the matter.
Some fiancs would think otherwise.
Who? she squawked.
Fiancs, my dearest Louise. You must be aware there is some considerable speculation upon whom you are to marry. All Im saying is that there are some Kesteven families of good breeding, and eligible sons, who would take exception to your ... shall we call it, indiscretion.
She slapped him. The sound rang across the lawn as her palm struck his cheek. How dare you!
He dabbed at his cheek with the fingers of his right hand, a look of distaste on his face. The imprint of her palm was clearly etched in pink. What an impetuous creature you are, Louise. I had no idea.
Get out of my sight.
Of course, if thats what you wish. But you might like to consider that should word get out, your currently enviable position may well become less than secure. I dont want to see that happen, Louise, I really dont. You see, I am genuinely very fond of you. Fond enough to make allowances.
She seemed utterly incapable of movement, condemned to stand there in front of him, gaping in astonishment. You ... It came out in a crushed gasp. For a distressing instant she thought she was going to faint.
William knelt in front of her.
No, she thought, oh no no no, this cant be happening. Joshua bloody Calvert, where are you?
Marry me, Louise. I can obtain your fathers approval, have no fear of that. Marry me, and we can have a wonderful future together here at Cricklade. He held his hand out, face soft with expectancy.
She drew herself up into the most regal pose she could manage. And very clearly, very calmly said: I would sooner shovel bullock manure for a living. One of Joshuas better expressions, though admittedly not verbatim.
William paled.
She turned on a heel and walked away. Her back held straight.
This is not the last time we shall pursue this topic, he called after her. Believe me, dearest Louise, I will not be defeated in my suit for you.
Grant Kavanagh sat himself down behind the desk in his study and picked up the phone. His secretary had put a call through to Trevor Clarke, Kestevens lord lieutenant. Grant didnt like the implications of that one jot.
I need you to bring Stokes militia to Boston, Trevor Clarke said as soon as they had exchanged greetings. A full turnout, please, Grant.
That might be difficult, Grant said. This is still a busy time here. The rosegroves need pruning, and theres the second grain crop to drill. We can hardly take able men from the land.
Cant be helped. Im calling in all the county militias.
All of them?
Fraid so, old chap. Weve blacked it from the news, you understand, but the situation in Boston, frankly, doesnt look good.
What situation? Youre not seriously telling me that bloody Union rabble worries you?
Grant ... Trevor Clarkes voice dropped an octave. Listen, this is totally confidential, but there are already five districts in Boston that have been completely taken over by this mob, rendered ungovernable. We have a state of open insurrection here. If we send the police in to re-establish order they dont come out again. The city is under martial law, insofar as we can enforce it. Im worried, Grant.
Dear Christ! The Democratic Land Union has done this?
Were not sure. Whoever these insurrectionists are, they seem to be armed with energy weapons. That means offplanet complicity. But its hard to believe the Union could ever organize something like that. You know what theyre like, hotheads smashing up tractors and ploughs. Energy weapons break every letter in our constitution; they are everything this society was set up to avoid.
An outside force? Grant Kavanagh could hardly believe what he was hearing.
It may be. I have asked the Chancellors office in Norwich to request the Confederation Navy squadron extends its duty tour. Fortunately the personnel are all still here having their shore leave. The squadron commander is recalling them back up to orbit now.
What good is that?
The navy starships can make damn sure nothing else is delivered to the insurrectionists from outsystem. And as a last resort they can provide our ground forces with strike power.