Page 111 of A Touch So Wicked

“Wait here while I consult with His Majesty.”

Lord Pelham exited through a door leading to the king’s private bedchamber. He returned a few minutes later with King George in tow.

“What is so important that you must disturb our nap?” the king whined.

Damian explained again why he must leave immediately for Misterly.

King George retreated into a thoughtful silence. After a lengthy pause, he said, “We cannot afford to lose Misterly to rebel forces, but Lord Pelham has informed me that we do not have the manpower to wage another war in Scotland.”

“I don’t need your soldiers,” Damian argued. “What I do need is to leave London now, today.”

“Impossible. Tomorrow is your wedding day.”

“Do you want Gordon to gain control of Misterly and rally other Highlanders to his cause?”

“Nay. We cannot allow that to happen. Misterly is important to us. Can you guarantee success without our help?”

“Have I ever let you down, Sire? I have but one request.”

“You want a boon?”

“Aye, I suppose you could call it that.”

“What is it? More land? A more prestigious title?”

“Nay, nothing like that. All I ask is that you find another husband for Lady Kimbra.”

“Lady Kimbra is an heiress,” Lord Pelham reminded him.

“I know, but she is not the woman I want. I beg of you to reinstate my marriage to Elissa Fraser. ’Tis the only reward I ask for my loyalty.”

“The Fraser woman is a Jacobite sympathizer,” the king said.

“She is a woman whose father and brothers were butchered at Culloden. ’Tis true she doesn’t like Englishmen, but can you blame her? As my wife, she will pose no threat to the Crown. This I promise you.”

A suspenseful silence ensued as the king mulled over Damian’s proposal.

“What say you, Lord Pelham?” the king asked.

“As you well know, Your Majesty, Misterly is important to us. Lord Clarendon is a man we can trust. If he wants the Scottish lass, I say, let him have her.”

“Very well, so it shall be. Have two writs prepared, Lord Pelham—one reinstating the marriage of Lord Clarendon and Elissa Fraser, and another authorizing the release of the lady from the convent. But hear this, Clarendon: if you fail, all is lost to you.” He waved Damian off. “You may return for the documents in one hour.”

“I understand, Your Majesty,” Damian said, barely containing his elation, “and I will send word of my success.”

Damian bowed himself out of the Privy Chamber with undue haste. As luck would have it, he encountered Lady Kimbra in the hallway.

“Damian! How fortunate that I’ve run into you. You’ve been neglecting me.” She tucked her arm beneath his. “Tomorrow can’t come soon enough for me.”

Damian removed her arm and backed away. “We are no longer betrothed, Kimbra. The king validated my marriage to Elissa.”

Kimbra exploded in fury. “What! You’re lying. His Majesty wouldn’t do such a thing to me. Nay, I refuse to believe it.”

“’Tis true. Ask His Majesty if you don’t believe me. Goodbye, Lady Kimbra. I wish you long life and happiness.”

“Damn you, Clarendon! May you rot in hell. How dare you put me in this position! Court gossip will ruin me. I won’t be able to show my face.”

She was still shrieking as Damian walked away.