The winter frost had left room for an unseasonable warmth. Saint Martin’s summer, they called it. The ice had melted on the Serpentine, and the gentle breeze caused the water to quiver. He fiddled with his teaspoon but perked up when Ernest mentioned the unrest in the streets due to new protest marches. Even Maddie stopped chatting with Verity and turned towards Ernest.
“The reasons for the protests are always the same. The labourers demand better wages, better work conditions, and more hours of rest,” Ernest said. “If we don’t do something, we’re going to face a revolution, mark my words.”
“If we yield to their absurd requests, they’ll demand more privileges until they want to be paid without doing any work,” Quentin said. “Then we’d face a more disturbing revolution.”
Annabelle nodded seriously as if Quentin had said something wise.
“The parliament repeatedly failed to keep its promise to the Irish,” Ernest said in a hard tone. “The majority of workers in our factories are Irish. Conceding to their demands wouldn’t be a sign of weakness, but of wisdom and human compassion. A massive riot is brewing, and the whole kingdom will plunge into a financial depression if we don’t intervene.”
“A riot is always brewing when the Irish are involved.” Quentin sounded harsh. “Lazy and whiny. That’s what they are.”
“Honest people who know the meaning of hard work and an empty stomach,” Ernest said, baring his teeth.
The others fell silent, turning their heads right and left between Quentin and Ernest like at a tennis match.
“The empire will go to the dogs with your compassionate philosophy.” Quentin shook his head. “We should preserve the establishment of the British Empire because it guarantees order.”
Ernest thumped a fist against the table. “This isn’t order, but slavery.”
Quentin propped his elbow on the table. “You’re just like the other Irish.”
“Quentin!” Hector said at the same time that Maddie said, “Tosh.”
Ernest opened his mouth but was cut off by Annabelle.
“Enough talking about politics.” She waved a hand. “This beautiful weather will not last. Soon the cold will return, and I have no intention of wasting time discussing boring subjects with you. I want to take a boat across the Serpentine. What do you think, Verity?”
“Yes.” Verity shoved up to her feet so quickly her napkin dropped to the ground, avoiding Annabelle’s gaze. “It’s a wonderful idea. Shall we go?”
“A boat trip?” Ernest wrinkled his nose.
“Why not, darling?” Verity took his hand.
“Not for me.” Mrs. Landon opened her parasol. “I’m afraid I don’t have the age for these antics.”
The gentlemen rose as well. Hector was a moment late. Sailing? He wasn’t sure he wanted to. He’d had his share of sailing, thank you.
It took a matter of minutes for Ernest to organise the tour, urged by Verity’s impatience. Too quickly for Hector’s liking, but the ladies were excited about the idea of sailing across the Serpentine.
Maddie beamed, her cheeks glowing, and watched the sunlight glinting off the calm water. “What a wonderful idea.”
He hated being a spoilsport. He scrubbed the back of his neck as an itch started there. Perhaps he should stay with Mrs. Landon. No, she’d probably murder him.
“I’ve never been on a boat on the Serpentine.” Maddie clung to his arm. “It should be fun.”
Not really. He conjured up a smile for her sake only because he didn’t share her enthusiasm.
Amidst laughter and squeals of delight from the others, he sat on the boat with Maddie, Ernest, and Verity while Quentin and Annabelle took another boat. He suppressed a groan as the boat rocked right and left after Ernest dropped himself onto the bench. Maddie and Verity laughed, and Ernest made the boat roll again on purpose. Hector’s chest tightened. He almost lost his grip on the oars.
“Lord Quentin’s boat is going faster than ours.” Maddie pointed at the other boat sailing smoothly along the Serpentine.
“His boat is lighter.” Verity shrugged. “But I don’t care. I want to enjoy the view. Isn’t it lovely, Mr. Wentworth?”
Hector gave a curt nod, too focused on the water’s movements to speak. The rhythmic sound of the oars dipping in and out of the water triggered a buzz in his ears. There had been a time when he’d found the patter or slosh of the water soothing. Not anymore. Snow was great, but anything water related sent goosebumps down his back.
For a moment, the dark water of the Serpentine turned into the blue sea around the island. The vision disappeared as soon as he blinked.
“Is something the matter?” Maddie touched his arm. Not even her touch could calm the odd pricking on the back of his neck.
