Rebel Magisters (Rebel Mechanics #2)(51)

I saw my chance at the end of the service when the governor’s party was allowed to leave first while everyone else had to wait. I was on the end of a pew, so I waited until the baron came along as the church emptied from the front and made eye contact with him as he passed.

Much to my relief, he recognized and remembered me. “Why, it’s my friend from the ball,” he said, holding his hand out to me. I took it and walked out with him. “Did you ever learn anything about that event?” he asked as we walked.

“I’m afraid not.” Dropping my voice, I added, “But between you and me, I have a feeling I know who was responsible, and I think they were still in high spirits after their activities earlier in the week.” I made sure to keep my tone light enough that he could tell I didn’t disapprove.

“Do I take that to mean that you’d decline an invitation to tea?” he asked, a twinkle in his eye.

“I suppose that would depend on how and where it is served, though I must say, I had my fill of it this week.”

He grinned. “What an astonishing young woman you seem to be, and just as I was giving up hope in the next generation.”

Neither of us could speak openly when surrounded by people who very likely wouldn’t sympathize, but I was now fairly certain we’d sounded each other out on our political views and found agreement. “I have some friends I’d love for you to meet,” I said. “I believe you’d find them invigorating. Do you ever get to New York?”

“Not too often, but if I do, I’ll have to pay you a visit. Though I don’t suppose that calling upon the governess would be welcome at the governor’s home.”

“But I don’t work for the governor. I work for Lord Henry Lyndon, who is guardian of the governor’s grandchildren, and I can assure you that you would be welcome in that home.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

As if on cue, Henry nearly ran into us when we came out the front doors of the church. “Oh dear, terribly sorry, Miss Newton,” he said. “It seems Olive left her favorite handkerchief in the church. I told the governor to go on ahead with the children in the first carriage while I go back to look for it, and then I can come home with you.”

I waited until he finished his explanation before introducing him to the baron, who immediately said, “Allow me to help you search.”

The church was now nearly empty, so we could talk somewhat more freely as we searched the pews, but we kept our voices low. “I get the impression from Miss Newton that we might be kindred spirits, Lord Henry,” the baron said.

“You’re hoping to make a change in the way the colonies are governed?” Henry asked.

“I’m looking to shed the mantle of colony and become a nation,” the baron replied.

“Then I wish we had time to talk. I suppose you could say I’m active in a movement, and Miss Newton is associated with the Rebel Mechanics. We have multiple groups who could work together to accomplish something, but what we’re missing is leadership, someone who could actually help create a nation.”

“There are more of us than you’d expect. I can give you names throughout the American colonies. May I have a note sent by courier?”

“It will have to be soon. We leave tomorrow.”

“I will send it this afternoon, and I will notify my friends that they may hear from you.”

Henry enthusiastically shook his hand. “I am very glad to make your acquaintance, sir.”

“You can thank your governess for looking so pretty at the ball. I couldn’t allow such a lovely young lady to be left so utterly alone.”

“Miss Newton has a knack for meeting people and adding them to her legions,” Henry said. “She’ll end up in charge of this nation, you can bet. She’s already got all the forces in place.”

“I merely move in a variety of circles,” I demurred, even as I felt a flush rise up my neck to my cheeks.

The baron’s manner abruptly changed. “I should warn you not to expect an enthusiastic response, even from those sympathetic to the cause,” he said, his eyes grim and his mouth tight. “They are reluctant to commit themselves to action or to take risks. They may be unhappy with the present situation, but don’t expect it to change. They’re willing to wait and see what happens while grumbling to themselves.”

“Perhaps they’ll be inspired by the younger generation and what we’ve accomplished,” Henry suggested.

“We may have to wait until your generation is in power before anything happens.”

“I don’t think that’s likely. Things are brewing even now,” Henry said. “The displays here recently are merely a sign of more serious events that are afoot.”

“I pray that may be the case,” the baron replied, but his expression showed no sign of optimism.

There was a long, uncomfortable silence, and then Henry sighed. “We’ve lingered about as long as would be believed for a search for a handkerchief.” With a wry grin, he pulled an embroidered handkerchief out of his pocket. “Oh, there it is! Imagine that!”

The baron and I laughed, and the gloomy mood was broken. We said farewell to the baron, who walked away rather than taking a carriage. Henry and I boarded the waiting carriage, and he sat beside me. “You’ve done it again, Verity,” he said, taking my hand. “I don’t know where we’d be without you. This may be just what we need.”