Then it dawned on her. Her father was probably trying to take credit for his discovery. She’d seen her sire do it to Mr. Johnson, his laboratory assistant, in the past. It was a characteristic of her father’s that she did not like. This tendency to run over people under him so he could take their glory.
She wasn’t going to sit by and allow him to do it to Laurence. Not on a bet.
Laurence entered the office of his supervisor at the War Office and took the proffered seat across the desk from the man, Marcus Jones.
“What brings you here so early this morning?” Mr. Jones leaned forward as if eager to hear what Laurence had to say.
“I’ve had an interesting evening last night as well as morning today and thought it best to report in as soon as I could,” Laurence said.
“That sounds intriguing. What news then?”
“I had dinner at Mr. James Hale’s home last night and he had an fascinating guest list.”
“Truly? Now I really am attentive. We knew he was friendly with Henry Hammond so I presume you met with someone else besides Hammond?”
“The Member of Parliament we’ve been suspicious of. The one we believe has been selling information to the French.”
“William Roundtree dined with Hale?” Laurence’s supervisor’s bushy white eyebrows went up his forehead so high they almost touched his receding hairline. “Do you think the two of them, along with Hammond could all be in on the treasonous act together?”
“I’m almost positive Hammond and Roundtree are our men. I’m not so sure about Hale. He didn’t seem nervous or anxious about anything at the meal. It was all very natural.”
“A master spy never shows his fear and, you forget, they have no idea we’re investigating them so there would be no need to be concerned in his own home. In fact, only a few people know you even have a commission with the War Department.” Jones leaned forward, elbows on the desktop. He reached out and fiddled with a brass paperweight on top of a stack of what appeared to be sheets of vellum that had been folded and unfolded a number of times.
“That’s true, sir, and I hope it remains that way. Being at Oxford and having the right to move anywhere among the students is a good way for me to observe the more radical element on campus. The ones who want the war with France to end no matter what the cost to the country.”
“You’re right, Fortescue, and with you looking younger than your twenty-seven years, you can move around almost as a student yourself when we need you. I say that’s reason enough for Hale not to have been nervous. He looks upon you as someone who loves science experiments as much as he does, but I think he would completely underestimate you,” Mr. Jones said.
“I think so as well. I’ll keep more alert around him now that I know he’s on an amiable basis with the two men we’re trying to stop.”
“Be careful. Don’t do anything that could compromise your safety or the mission.”
“I’ll make sure I stay safe and complete the task.” Laurence stood and held his hand out. “I better get back to Oxford. There’s a late tutorial I agreed to take so one of the professors could take his wife to a birthday celebration for his elderly mother-in-law.”
“You’re a good man, Fortescue. One would never know you were one of the earl’s children.” Jones’s eyebrows moved around again as if in amusement.
“Are you saying my siblings aren’t good?” Laurence laughed, knowing exactly what his superior meant.
“You know none of them would take one moment to do anyone an act of kindness if there wasn’t something in it for them.” Jones held his hands up, palm out. “Not that anyone would ever hear me talk bad about a member of the peerage.”
“Unless they were committing treason?”
“That and if they were my own kin.”
“Same here, sir.” Laurence took his leave from his superior and returned to the carriage he’d hired to take him to London, knowing he needed to send a letter to the leader of the group he’d agreed to assist on behalf of Wellesley. Most of them weren’t working directly for the War Office like he was but he’d agreed, with permission of Mr. Jones, to assist in the inquiries that group was making to aid in the war effort.
On the trip back to Oxford, he thought over what he and Mr. Jones discussed as well as the behavior of the men at dinner the prior night. He didn’t want to believe James Hale was a traitor to his country, but at the moment, it appeared that may be so.
His mind turned to Miss Hale. He hated to think what would become of her if there were a scandal attached to her father’s name. Her mother had always been kind to Laurence and he quite liked the entire family, except the younger Mr. Hale when he was being pompous. The elder Mr. Hale was willing to share his knowledge of science freely with anyone who expressed any interest. Could a man who shared so generously actually be on the side of France?
Much as he hated to think it could be true, Laurence knew he would have to investigate the man as well as his past history. He needed to ascertain if Hale had any ties to France. Or if his family did.
Shaking off that task for the moment, Laurence focused on his new discovery and the paper he wanted to write in order to announce his findings to the world. The best thing about his love of science was it could enrapt him and make him forget any unpleasantness he might have to face.
It was a relatively short drive back to Oxfordshire and it passed quickly as he made notes and a rough outline about the project.
It was almost dusk when he returned to his rooms. The steward hadn’t come by to light his lanterns yet so he had to fumble with them himself.
Once he had one lit, he turned to light his way to the other side of the living area in order to get his robe to wear to cover the tutorial he’d agreed to take.
He stood in shock as he glanced around at the shambles that used to be his home.
Chapter Seven
Hetty couldn’t understand why her father was being so unreasonable. All she wanted to do was return to his laboratory with him the next time he went, but he insisted he wasn’t going to allow it. He’d left her at home again. For some reason, he and Laurence hadn’t had a chance to work on their papers today. She wished she knew what happened to make Laurence leave her father there alone.
Her father was being mysterious about it all. Why couldn’t they collaborate with her there? It wasn’t like she was going to be in the way. She needed to be around Laurence long enough for him to try to test her body temperature as they’d discussed.
She knew if she could only get inside the laboratory for a while, she could find a way to find some answers about the effects of the lightning strike.
The more she thought about it, the more she realized she needed to get her mother on her side. The second Mrs. Hale had a way of making Hetty’s father do what she wanted. All Hetty had to do was make her see the best thing would be to allow Hetty to go to the laboratory.
Maybe she could disguise her purpose by saying she thought her father might need someone to tend to his needs. She would offer herself as the best person for the task since she loved him so much and would be the one most likely to realize he might need something that only a loving daughter could provide.
“I’m not sure, Hester dear. Your father has been adamant that he wants to be left alone at his laboratory.”
“I know, but I’m worried about him. He seemed so agitated about everything, I’m worried he might have an apoplectic fit and need someone there to assist him.”
“It’s more likely he’d have the fit if he saw you there.” Her mother laughed.
“No, I must disagree, madam. I think he needs someone to be nearby at all times. He’s been worrying me for a while now with his laboratory experiments.” Hetty hated to be less than honest with her stepmother, but she needed to get in that laboratory.
“Why is that? Why does he worry you?”
Hetty shrugged. “It’s hard to say. Lately, he seems different somehow. I can’t really explain it, but something has changed. I thin
k it would be a good idea to be on hand to be sure he’s all right.” She grabbed her mother’s hand. “Please promise me you’ll speak to him for me.”
“I will. The urgency of your request leads me to think we should make haste to go now. I don’t want anything to happen to him.”
Hetty didn’t want her mother to think her father was in actual danger, however, she didn’t know what to say to alleviate her concern, but at the same time get Hetty what she wanted. It was a dilemma, but she left it be and allowed the second carriage to be called for.
When they were close to their destination, Hetty’s body shook. What had she done? She’d misled her mother into thinking something bad could happen to her father. All in the name of being able to see a man who’d expressed no interest in her other than as a science experiment. Would her selfish action cause some kind of harm to come to her father because she’d tempted fate?
“You’ve become quiet. It’s not like you to be silent for so long. Do you feel all right?” Hetty’s mother placed her left hand on top of Hetty’s that Hetty was so busy twisting together she didn’t realize she was mangling her lambskin gloves.
“No. No. I’m fine. I was thinking about how Mr. Fortescue might react if we both came into father’s laboratory as if we were some kind of protective angels.”
“You may have a point. Why don’t you wait in the carriage while I go in? I’ll send Mr. Fortescue out and speak privately with your father.”
Hetty couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. To have Mr. Fortescue sent out to the street would be a perfect chance for her to talk to him about their predicament of finding a way to find out about her overheating issue. There would thus be two attempts to have a chance for them to be able to solve Hetty’s problem. One with her parents and one with her and Laurence.
Better than even odds and a bet she would take. If she were allowed to go to the races and actually lay a wager, that was.
Upon their arrival, her mother was handed down from the carriage and went inside the laboratory’s building.
In a few moments, Laurence came out. Hetty called out to the driver to hand her down.
As soon as she was on the ground, she walked over to the tree Laurence stood under.
“Good morning, Mr. Fortescue.”
“I was hoping you would come by today. When I saw your mother, I presumed you weren’t going to be here. She asked me to leave her and Mr. Hale alone for a few minutes.”
“She’s trying to convince him it would be all right for me to come with him to the laboratory every day. To make sure he takes care of himself and doesn’t come to any harm.”
“That’s clever, but don’t you think he’d smart enough to know that’s not necessary and that he could make even more progress without someone else being in the laboratory?”
“She’s not trying to get him to allow me to be some kind of assistant. It’s merely to have him give permission for me to be here.” Hetty dared to place a hand on Laurence’s upper arm. “Can’t you see? If I have permission to be at the laboratory, you can come over and we can monitor my situation without having to concoct plots on how to do so.”
“I understand what you mean, but we’ll still need chaperones unless you want to be compromised.”
She couldn’t tell him how much she’d like to be compromised—but only enough to require her marriage to him—so she nodded with seriousness. “You’re correct. I’ll always have a friend with me or my father. Perhaps my maid Mary will be sufficient.”
“No. She won’t do. Everyone knows a maid will turn her back when necessary.”
Hetty wondered how Laurence was so aware of what was and wasn’t done in the world of proper chaperones, but then decided she was probably better off not knowing. “Not my Mary. She’s diligent in her duties and never lets me wander into trouble. My father trusts her implicitly, as do I.”
“I’m not doubting you. But you have to admit, society will usually trust any other chaperone than a maid.”
It was as if the man were trying to make sure she didn’t compromise him. Not the other way around. She’d never seen a man more afraid of a woman causing him to be involved in some type of scandal.
Had he already had a situation that almost made him have to marry without the choice of bride being his decision? Was that the truth of the matter?
“Regardless of that, don’t you want me to have permission to come to the laboratory? I thought you were as eager as I am to figure out what that lightning strike did to me.”
“I am. I’d really like the chance to make some notes as well as see if you can heat water again. Have you tried it?”
“Not on purpose, but every time I pick up something to drink, it happens.”
“I recall you saying you felt overheated since the strike. Is that still a symptom?”
In response, Hetty pulled off her gray glove then held her hand out. “See for yourself.”
For a few moment, she didn’t think Laurence was going to take it. How could he think he was a scientist if he was afraid to touch the specimen? She didn’t want to be merely an experiment to him, but realized the more she was around him that was exactly what she was. That and no more. It made he want to weep.
Laurence finally reached out and touched her hand with his fingers. “They are warmer than normal. Do you mind if I check further?”
Goodness the man was too polite by half. Why didn’t he merely do as any other man of science and study the subject? “That would be acceptable.”
He then took his palm and placed it on the topside of her right hand. Moving it up to her forearm, he said, “Yes, it’s most unusual.”
“You aren’t telling me anything I don’t know. I still get overwhelmed with it several times in a day. The moments I almost forget about it are the best minutes of my life anymore.”
“I wonder if Mr. Franklin had the same experience? He never wrote anything about such in his papers.”
“No, he didn’t, did he?” Hetty disengaged her arm from Laurence’s hand reluctantly. She had to. It was making her forgetful of herself and she almost confessed her love for him in that second before ending the contact between them. “But he never wrote about that experiment himself.”
“I guess I didn’t realize that. He wrote so much, I wonder that he didn’t record that experience.”
“Maybe he had the same thing happen and decided it wouldn’t be the best idea to share that information with the public.” Hetty liked the thought that perhaps the great man had shared her affliction. It somehow helped make it easier to accept. Why, she didn’t know, but it did.
“I just thought of something.” Laurence reached out for her arm again. “May I check to see your pulse rate? Perhaps it’s elevated as well. That could explain some of how you’re feeling.”
Her glove was still in her left hand so she held her right arm up again.
Striding footsteps behind her startled Hetty. She turned see who was coming upon them so quickly.
Her heart fell to her knees and she almost retched. It was her father, closely followed by her mother. His face expressed rage and horror.
“What the devil is going on here?” Mr. Hale asked. “Why are you standing in the street unchaperoned and with your glove off? Have you been making a public spectacle of yourself?”
He whirled on his wife and berated her, “This is the influence of me allowing her to run wild after her mother died. Is there no way, Madam, that you could exert some of your influence and make a proper lady of the girl?”
Laurence couldn’t bear to hear Mr. Hale chastise his wife and daughter in public this way. He stepped forward in the hope of deflecting some of the man’s anger. “Sir, please, Miss Hale was doing nothing wrong. It was my fault.”
Miss Hale let out a gasp.
Laurence realized then he didn’t know what to say since she hadn’t told her parents about her higher than normal temperatures. Now what would he say was the reason it was him who made her take her glove off?
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“Nonsense, Father. I was taking off my glove to show to Mr. Fortescue. It has a small stain on it and thought he might know of some remedy to get it out.”
“Why would he know such a thing? And why can’t your maid take care of that?” Her father was still blustering.
“Perhaps Miss Hale thought some chemical in the laboratory would help. I confess, I cannot think of one right away, but I’ll give it some thought.” Laurence bowed. “Perhaps you will all excuse me. I have some things I need to attend to.”
Before he made good on his escape, Mrs. Hale said, “We must have you over to dinner again soon.”
This was welcome news. He wanted to get back on their guest list and hoped the two men he was investigating would also be invited again.
“I would be honored to come any time you issue an invitation, Mrs. Hale. Your family’s company is always a welcome diversion.”
“What a lovely compliment.” Mrs. Hale turned to her husband. “Wasn’t that nice of Mr. Fortescue to say, James?”
Her husband let out a sound that seemed very like a snort, but he didn’t contradict his wife.
“Come along, Penelope and Hester. We must return home now.” Mr. Hale stepped over to his carriage.
As soon as he did, the coachman opened the door and assisted the ladies inside.
Laurence stood where he was, torn about saying anything else to Mr. Hale. Perhaps it would be better to stay quiet until the man let some of his anger slip away.
To his surprise, Mr. Hale returned and said, “It seems my daughter has asked her mother to intervene with me and allow her to come to the laboratory when she wants. God help me, I can’t resist my wife. I want your word that if you happen to be around when Hester comes to call that you won’t encourage her in her desire to be involved in science. I blame myself as I let her come around when her mother, my first wife, was so ill and then died. But it’s not seemly for a young girl to be so interested in science.”
Lightning Strikes Twice (The Heart of a Hero Book 4) Page 6
