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His mind was already working on a plan, even though he didn’t know what it was yet. A few Lords he hadn’t expected had been on his side. The surprise came from the majority he expected to side with him that didn’t. Some of his friends, as well as his father’s friends.
Worthy of note, though, was the Earl of Somerholm. His main political rival had stayed silent while the rest of the House raved and descended into chaos.
What was that about?
He remembered every encounter he’d had with Lord Somerholm at the House. The man had always been quick to counter him at every turn. Today, however, was different.
Maybe he didn’t see the need to, seeing as most of the House was already doing his job for him.
His mind was dragged back to the present once more as Lord Calbrook screamed again in frustration after losing this particular round. The person who had dragged him to the club to raise his spirits was in danger of having his own spirit dampened.
The irony.
As his mind drifted again, it found another focal point just as he turned to look at the door and saw the Earl of Somerholm walk through it.
Lady Rose.
She had encouraged him in no small measure in the days leading up to the bill. Even though he hadn’t seen her since they met at the garden, their correspondence had continued, even increasing in intensity.
Her last letter had said that she was wishing him luck and looking forward to celebrating with him on a successful reading of the bill in parliament.
That celebration is going to have to be put on hold as there was still a long journey ahead.
Somehow, thinking of her had given him the strength he was in dire need of. He took a sip of his drink and paused. He was going to retreat to lick his wounds, plot, and bring the bill back to parliament. So many people were counting on him.
He turned again and noticed that the Earl had seen him and was making his way toward their little company.
“What a day you’ve had, Lord Walsrock,” Lord Somerholm remarked, as he reached Kenneth.
“Are you here to gloat, My Lord?” Kenneth remarked rather harshly in response.
“On the contrary. I’m here because whether you believe it or not, Lord Walsrock, I am still interested in the contents of your bill,” the Earl said in response, completely catching Kenneth off guard.
He turned to look at the Earl in a bid to gauge his seriousness.
“You are interested in my bill?” Kenneth asked warily.
“In its contents? Yes. And I know you might not like to hear this, Lord Walsrock, but your father was right. In order for that bill to have made it today, you should have listened to him and changed some clauses.”
“And tamper with the overall essence of the bill.”
“Some changes can only be effected incrementally, Lord Walsrock. I expect someone of your pedigree to know this already. And that is the message your father was trying to make you understand.” The Earl heaved his chest.
“So you talked with my father?”
“Of course I did. He is my friend. And even though you both don’t see eye to eye, he was really worried about you today.”
“Is that why you stayed quiet in parliament today?” Kenneth asked.
“So you noticed?” the Earl laughed. “I stayed quiet because I really wanted to hear the details of the bill. I didn’t see any need to lend my voice to the arguments, seeing as it was obvious they weren’t going to let you continue.”
Kenneth simply sighed.
“In any manner, I came here to ask if you could indulge me with a copy of the bill,” the Earl remarked.
Just then, another Lord walked in and joined their little company, one who had supported Kenneth in the House, to his surprise.
“There you are, Lord Rockgonie. How is my future son-in-law doing?” the Earl announced heartily.
Future son-in-law?
Kenneth gasped.
