As the Sparks Fly Upward by Gilbert Morris

Author:Gilbert Morris
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Howard Books

As Colin entered the large room that was often used for dances and entertainments, many greeted him. His reputation had spread. He smiled and spoke to some, but to others he gave only cool greetings. These were the members of the Royal College of Physicians; they only feigned respect for him. The queen came in, and Elizabeth had never looked better. Her fine dress, studded with pearls and diamonds, glittered as she walked. As she entered, she turned and met Colin’s eyes and gave him a warm smile, and Colin bowed deeply.

As soon as Elizabeth was seated, she lifted her hand, and the double doors opened. The Seahawks began to march in. At the head was Sir Francis Drake, the scourge of the Spanish Main. Immediately behind him, Colin saw his brother, Adam, dressed like royalty and smiling broadly. Behind them were men bearing chests of the treasures Drake brought back from his voyage. They put them down before the queen, and Drake said with a wide smile, “Here is your treasure, Your Majesty, straight from the pockets of the King of Spain!”

“I’m very grateful to you and the Seahawks, Sir Francis.”

“We must hit them hard, Your Majesty! The easier we are on them, the harder they will make it on us.”

Elizabeth did not respond, for she still wanted no wars. She had made it plain that if Drake were successful, that was one thing, but if he only made Spain angry enough to war, he would suffer for it.

After the presentations were made, Colin was watching as the queen spoke to Drake and to Adam. Someone called his name, and he turned and found Lady Heather Benton standing before him. She was dressed in a rich burgundy gown, her hair swept up and glittering with jewels. Shock ran through him, and all the wild emotions she had once stirred in him came rushing back. He could not speak for a moment, but she smiled quickly and said, “You’re looking so well, Colin. And I hear such marvelous things about you.”

“Thank you,” Colin managed to say. “You—you look wonderful.” Indeed, Heather was more beautiful than ever. Like the queen, she was dazzling. She spoke easily, praising his accomplishments. He finally said, “It’s good to see you, Heather. I’ve missed you.”

“Have you? I’ve missed you too.”

This was encouragement enough to Colin, and his hope began to come back. “I would like to see you again sometime. Do you mind if I call on you?”

“Why, I think that would be fine.” She turned to look at Adam, who stood with the other Seahawks. “The Seahawks have done well. They presented such bounty to the queen.”

“We’re all very proud of them, and my brother, Adam.”

As they talked, Colin’s hope continued to grow. Finally, Adam walked over to them. He looked tall and bronzed and extremely handsome. He spoke to Colin, but his eyes were on Lady Heather Benton. “Well, here you are, Brother. You’re always working your wiles on the most beautiful women in the room!” he teased.

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