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“Good morning, Simon,” Elizabeth answered as Ash helped her into the vehicle.
“Good morning,” Ash said as he took the rear-facing seat.
“It’s a perfect day for a ride.” Elizabeth took a gander at the sky. “Not a cloud in sight.”
“A perfect day for a perfect ride with a perfect lady,” Ash murmured.
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Elizabeth answered with a laugh. “Where are we off to?”
“I wanted to go see Robert.” He removed his gloves and laid them on the seat beside him.
“Why?” Elizabeth grinned at the thought that they’d surprise Robert. But there was a gleam of something else in Ash’s gaze. “Is everything all right?”
A slow smile played upon his lips. “I want to see how Robert is faring with Southart. He needs allies. Besides, he needs a visit from his wife and his best friend.” He winked and then turned to Simon. “Shall we?”
With a cluck of his tongue, Simon coaxed the horses to start their journey. The ride to Parliament would normally take a quarter of an hour, but it was early enough that the majority of society was still asleep after their late nights. Thus, the traffic shouldn’t be too difficult.
Ash leaned against the squab with his head tilted back. He drew the brim of this top hat a little lower to keep the sun from his eyes and regarded her. “He and I had an interesting conversation this morning. Do you remember the articles that The Midnight Cryer printed about us?”
“Do I remember? It’s imprinted on my heart.” Elizabeth closed her eyes as a familiar pain gouged her chest. She’d never forgotten the ugly words that had been written about Robert and Ash. Robert had just announced his engagement to her when that horrible gossip rag printed those insinuating lies that Robert and Ash were having an illicit affair behind her back.
“Seems that Richmond is now working for Southart. Did you know that?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Do you remember Amelia? She volunteers at the same foundling home that I do. She was my friend growing up?”
Ash nodded.
“She’s married to that fiend, and they’ve reconciled their marriage.” Her cheeks heated at her outburst. “I’m happy for her as that is what she wanted. They took in one of the foundlings and are raising her as their daughter.”
“I do recall that. I never had the occasion to meet Richmond. Which was probably a good thing, or I would have knocked his teeth out for causing you or Robbie any worry.” He leaned forward. The carriage was so small that his long legs bracketed hers. “But Southart? I want to see the duke in action. You can tell a lot about a man in the way he deals with others.” He sighed dramatically. “And I suppose Richmond as well. See where both gentlemen stand on matters. Besides, I’d like to see our Robbie at work. I bet he’s irresistible when he’s ordering men to do his business.”
“Whoa,” Simon called out as he slowed the barouche to a halt.
They had arrived at the impressive building where Robert had let several offices, one for him and one for his secretary. Across the street was Parliament. No women were allowed in the galleries when speeches or votes were held.
“Men,” she muttered disdainfully.
“What?” Ash asked with a grin. “Should I be worried you’re including Robbie and me in such a strong dismissal?”
“Of course not. But not everyone is allowed in Parliament to hear debates. It is beyond annoying, in my opinion. Only men have absolute control over the laws in the land, and those laws impact all of us. Every person in the British Isles has an interest in what occurs within those hallowed halls.” She hmphed. “Robert agrees with me. That was why he has his offices across the street, so I can visit anytime I want to.” She turned her gaze to his. “I’ve taken advantage of the open invitation. It helps me keep abreast of the current issues so that when I see other wives to the members of Parliament, I can participate in their discussions. There are rumors that the Prince Regent might try to divorce his wife, Princess Caroline.”
“Even they have to deal with rumors.” Ash winked, then quickly exited the carriage. He held out his hand for Elizabeth and helped her down. “I agree with everything you’re saying. No one can be truly free if others are oppressed.” He turned to the coachman. “Simon, I’m not certain how long we’ll be.”
“It’s quite all right, Mr. Hawksworth. It’s a beautiful day, and I can watch all the blokes who think they’re important walk by.” Simon smiled. “I have my sketch pad and pencil. I can be content here all day.
“Excellent,” Ash said as he held out his arm for Elizabeth.
She graciously took it, and they crossed the street to Robert’s offices. She stole a glance back at Parliament. “You know, I think the men in charge of this country could use a bit of wisdom coming from all of their constituents.” She turned to see Ash’s empathetic gaze upon her. “It’s unfair.”
He placed his hand over hers and squeezed as his eyes caressed her face. “There are so many things unfair in this world. Though I wish otherwise, it’s probably fortuitous that Robert is in the House of Lords.” He straightened his shoulders and looked ahead. “Perhaps he can change some things around here.”
When they entered the building, no one was in the hallway. Unimpeded they made their way to Robert’s office. Ash knocked twice on the door. As soon as it opened his eyes widened slightly. Before them stood the Duke of Southart.
“Good morning, Lady Overton.” The handsome duke bowed deeply.
Overcoming her surprise, Elizabeth curtseyed. “Good morning, Your Grace.”
The duke turned to Ash. “Mr. Hawksworth, it’s a pleasure to see you. How long has it been? Two years?”
