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Ash rolled his eyes at that last statement.
Robert’s lips twitched, but somehow he kept from laughing. William Pitt the Younger was an impressive man. But Robert’s own father’s work had been noble. The old marquess did woo political allies who voted along with him on the laws that were near and dear to his heart. They were the same causes as Robert held dear.
However, the idea of becoming prime minister was Aunt Eleanor’s desire.
Not his. Before he could challenge his aunt, Elizabeth did it for him.
“Aunt Eleanor, my husband’s father was a good man.” She straightened her back and smiled serenely. “He was a decent man who fought for all people to have an equal opportunity to earn a fair wage, to have the right to vote on how the country would continue to grow to meet its citizens' needs, and ensure that the children of our great country, no matter where they were born or who their parents were, had access to a hot meal, warm clothing, and a chance to learn their numbers. Those are all things Lord Overton supports as well. But he doesn’t need to be prime minister to accomplish that.”
“Of course, he needs to be prime minister. But I’m glad you’ve been listening to me when I make passionate speeches. You’ll need to be able to make orations at the drop of a hat in support of Overton.” Eleanor tossed a sickly-sweet smile in Elizabeth’s direction, then took a sip of tea. Unfortunately for all of them, it didn’t hide her satisfied smirk.
Robert pounded the table once. “Enough.”
Everyone grew quiet.
“Make no mistake, Aunt Eleanor… My father was his happiest when he was at Overton Hall. Not here in London. When Parliament goes into recess, I’ll be retiring to the country with my family.”
“We’ll see.” Aunt Eleanor stood gracefully and turned in his direction. “Now, use your own oratory skills for something good besides entertaining your wife and Mr. Hawksworth.” She narrowed her eyes and lowered her voice. “I don’t care what you do under this roof but make no mistake, I expect you to be the next prime minister.” She tilted her chin upward. “And I expect you to keep your promises. Which means you stay in London until your term as prime minister is finished.”
With her words still ringing through the room, his aunt made her departure. She opened the door and practically ran into one of the footmen who stood outside.
“Out of my way,” she barked.
That same footman promptly but silently closed it, leaving the three of them alone.
“Bloody hell,” he swore under his breath. If the woman wasn’t one of his few remaining relatives, he’d have had her escorted from the room at the first insensitive words she’d spoken to Elizabeth.
“Robbie, I don’t mind calling on Lady Tinwood and Lady Donovan.” Elizabeth placed her hand on his forearm and squeezed. “I don’t like to see you upset over your aunt.”
“And I don’t want you to have to capitulate to her demands.” Robert pressed a kiss to her temple, then turned to Ash. “Will you take our darling wife out for a day and keep her entertained? It’ll give her an opportunity to purge Aunt Eleanor from her thoughts.”
“It will be my pleasure.” Ash reached across the table and took Elizabeth’s other hand with his. “When shall we leave?”
“After I have a chance to speak with Winter and Mrs. Clarion.” She turned to Robert. “Will you be late this evening?”
“It’s not planned, but if I am, I’ll send word.” As soon as Elizabeth stood, Robert did as well.
“I’ll leave you, gentlemen, to start my morning.”
Ash stood and gave her a tender smile. As soon as Elizabeth was out of the room, he turned his full attention to Robert and narrowed his eyes. “What in the devil does your aunt hold over you? What she’s asking you to do is to give up your happiness and your family for her gain?”
“You know the story. When she caught us in bed, then made me promise I’d follow in my grandfather’s footsteps.” He shrugged slightly.
“She’s worse than ever,” Ash grumbled.
Robert nodded. “What could I do? She’d just found me in bed with Elizabeth, and I didn’t want you involved.”
“She didn’t know I was there,” Ash argued.
It was time to have the chat that Robert had been dreading. “We must talk.”
Chapter Four
Ash dropped down into his seat and exhaled. “You’re allowing her to direct you and Elizabeth like puppets on a string, so she doesn’t come after me. Is that what is happening?” He rested his elbows on the table and buried his head in his hands. “Why would you do that?”
“Eleanor is growing bolder.” For a long moment, Robert didn’t answer, then slowly took his chair as well. “You heard the woman. I’m doing it because she said, ‘I don’t care what you do in this house.’ What she didn’t say is that you had better do as I say or….”
“Or?” Then it dawned on him. Robert was sacrificing everything for him. “You’re doing this for me?”
